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Reid, ‘Dean of Sheriffs,’ recalled as mentor

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, April 24, 2026
JASPER — The longest serving sheriff in Florida history, Harrell Reid mentored younger sheriffs, providing guidance and advice.Reid, the ‘Dean of Sheriffs,” passed away Thursday at the age of 79.
Franklin White, a Suwannee County commissioner who serves on the North Florida Water Utilities Authority board, said the two counties are either ‘either all in or we ain’t’ when it comes to supporting the Authority. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Franklin White, a Suwannee County commissioner who serves on the North Florida Water Utilities Authority board, said the two counties are either ‘either all in or we ain’t’ when it comes to supporting the Authority. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

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NFWUA board: Are we ‘all in’ on utilities?

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Columbia County’s decision to sell a sewer plant has members of the North Florida Water Utilities Authority questioning its direction.
North Florida Water Utilities Authority Executive Director Shannon Roberts said some of the firms put on continuining services contracts may have specific areas of expertise that will make them the right choice for certain projects moving forward. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

North Florida Water Utilities Authority Executive Director Shannon Roberts said some of the firms put on continuining services contracts may have specific areas of expertise that will make them the right choice for certain projects moving forward. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

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NFWUA puts engineers on continuing deals

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
The North Florida Water Utilities Authority has a handful of engineering firms locked down for assistance moving forward.The NFWUA board directed Executive Director Shannon Roberts to also negotiate with a pair of vendors to help respond to emergency situations involving its utility assets.
The Suwannee River is among the 10 most endangered rivers in the United States, according to a recent ranking released by American Rivers. (Photo courtesy KELLY BAHR)

The Suwannee River is among the 10 most endangered rivers in the United States, according to a recent ranking released by American Rivers. (Photo courtesy KELLY BAHR)

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Conservation group claims Suwannee River among country’s 10 most at-risk waterways

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
The Suwannee River is among the country’s most endangered rivers, according to an environmental group. American Rivers released its annual list Tuesday and ranks the Suwannee River as the 10th most endangered river in the United States for 2026.

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SRWMD modifies water shortage order

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
LIVE OAK — As drought conditions persist across North Florida, the Suwannee River Water Management District Governing Board on Tuesday announced enhanced water shortage conservation measures.
David Chandler told the Live Oak City Council that there is ‘no right time to do the wrong thing’ in reference to granting annexation for a property that is planned to hold a mixed-use development, including a hotel and apartment complex. The council did not approve annexing the property on 11th Street SW. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

David Chandler told the Live Oak City Council that there is ‘no right time to do the wrong thing’ in reference to granting annexation for a property that is planned to hold a mixed-use development, including a hotel and apartment complex. The council did not approve annexing the property on 11th Street SW. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

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LO Council denies mixed-use development annexation

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
The land intended for a mixed-use development near the Suwannee County Coliseum won’t be fully in the City of Live Oak. The annexation request on 13.74 acres along 11th Street SW in Live Oak failed for the lack of a second during Tuesday’s Live Oak City Council meeting.
Adam Collins, who is seeking office on the Live Oak Council, wants to look in to innovative ways to improve infrastructure. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Adam Collins, who is seeking office on the Live Oak Council, wants to look in to innovative ways to improve infrastructure. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

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Growth, improving streets and utilities top goals for LO candidates

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Infrastructure improvements and economic growth are key priorities for the candidates seeking office on the Live Oak City Council. The two incumbents — Matt Campbell and Tommie Jefferson — and three challengers — Bobby Brady Jr.
CloZee is set to perform two nights at Resonate Suwannee, the three-day festival that kicks off tody at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. (COURTESY)

CloZee is set to perform two nights at Resonate Suwannee, the three-day festival that kicks off tody at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. (COURTESY)

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Resonate Suwannee begins Thursday at SOSMP

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Spring has sprung, the birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and it’s time for some great music this weekend when Resonate Suwannee takes place on the banks of the Suwannee River. The three-day Resonate festival begins today and runs through Saturday.
Live Oak City Manager Larry Sessions was approved to get a pay raise to $115,000 by the Live Oak City Council during its meeting Tuesday. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Live Oak City Manager Larry Sessions was approved to get a pay raise to $115,000 by the Live Oak City Council during its meeting Tuesday. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

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Live Oak Council approves raise for Sessions

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Live Oak’s city manager is getting a raise after two-plus years on the job on a full-time basis. The Live Oak City Council approved raising Larry Sessions’ salary from $102,000 to $115,000 by a 3-2 vote during Tuesday’s nearly three-hour long meeting.