Regional

Brannan’s son files to replace him in House

MACCLENNY — Chase Brannan has filed to run for his dad’s seat in the Florida House of Representatives next year. Brannan filed to run for the District 10 seat, which represents Columbia, Baker, Bradford and Union counties along with the northern portion of Alachua County, in the 2026 election.

Live Oak council renews Sessions’ contract

LIVE OAK — Live Oak’s city manager is back for a second year. During its meeting Tuesday, the Live Oak City Council unanimously approved retaining Larry Sessions as city manager for a second one-year term.

Bradley files bill targeting school start time requirements

TALLAHASSEE — With Florida school districts facing a 2026 deadline, a Senate Republican on Friday filed a proposal that would repeal requirements aimed at later start times for many high schools.

Moody appointed to U.S. Senate seat

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday named Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody to succeed outgoing U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, who was picked by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as secretary of state. Moody was elected attorney general in 2018 and re-elected in 2022.

Cyclist hit, killed on U.S. 90

LIVE OAK — A cyclist was killed early Thursday morning after turning in front of a pickup on the west side of Live Oak.

Knapp named next Youth Ranches president

LIVE OAK — One of Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches’ own is taking the reins over for the organization. Maria Knapp was named the next president of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches.

Hurricane aid sought for farmers

TALLAHASSEE — Without a long-awaited update of the federal farm bill, relief won’t be available to all Florida farmers and ranchers faced with nearly $1 billion in damage from three hurricanes that hit the state last year, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson said Tuesday.

New recreational pot proposal emerges

TALLAHASSEE — Two months after a similar measure failed to garner enough voter support to pass, a political committee bankrolled by the state’s largest medical-marijuana company has launched a new effort to allow recreational pot in Florida.

DeSantis defends special session, says ‘action’ needed

TALLAHASSEE — Saying “a sense of urgency” exists, Gov. Ron DeSantis pushed back Wednesday against legislative leaders who called his decision to hold a special session on immigration enforcement and other issues “premature.”

Hall speaking at Suwannee event

LIVE OAK — Constitutional attorney KrisAnne Hall, the founder of the Liberty First Society, will be speaking Saturday at the Suwannee County Coliseum.