Regional

Storms likely a major issue for lawmakers

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
TALLAHASSEE — With parts of Florida’s Gulf Coast still reeling from Hurricane Helene and much of the state girding for Hurricane Milton’s midweek landfall, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo said Tuesday that storm-related issues likely “will dominate” the next legislative session.

Pharmacy robber convicted on federal firearm offense

NEWS STAFF
Friday, October 4, 2024
GAINESVILLE – The former state trooper who robbed North Florida pharmacies three years ago now faces a federal prison sentence. Jesse Rance Moore, a 47-year-old Bell man, was found guilty of possessing short-barreled rifles that weren’t registered to him by a federal jury.
Three linemen from North Carolina were injured when their bucket truck overturned as part of a four-vehicle crash northwest of Jasper on Wednesday afternoon. A Jasper man was killed in the crash. (COURTESY)

Three linemen from North Carolina were injured when their bucket truck overturned as part of a four-vehicle crash northwest of Jasper on Wednesday afternoon. A Jasper man was killed in the crash. (COURTESY)

Jasper man killed in crash involving utility crew

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
JASPER — A Jasper man was killed Wednesday afternoon after starting a four-vehicle crash that included a North Carolina utility crew helping restore power following Hurricane Helene.
Veterans Memorial Park in Mayo, which hosts Pioneer Day, sustained a lot of tree damage from Hurricane Helene. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

Veterans Memorial Park in Mayo, which hosts Pioneer Day, sustained a lot of tree damage from Hurricane Helene. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

Helene causes Pioneer Day cancellation

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
MAYO — Add the cancellation of Pioneer Day to Hurricane Helene’s impacts. The Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce decided Monday to cancel the 44th annual festival, which had been set for Oct. 12 at Veterans Memorial Park in Mayo.
The canopy over the gas pumps at the Mayo Food Mart on W. Main Street was toppled by the winds during Hurricane Helene. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

The canopy over the gas pumps at the Mayo Food Mart on W. Main Street was toppled by the winds during Hurricane Helene. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

Lafayette recovering from Helene

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
MAYO — Another storm and another batch of widespread damage in Lafayette County.
The roof on the 1903 Atlantic Coast Line Freight Station, which houses the Suwannee County Historical Museum, was peeled off during Hurricane Helene. Crews have already done a temporary fix on the roof to protect the artifacts and displays inside the museum. (COURTESY ERIC MUSGROVE)

The roof on the 1903 Atlantic Coast Line Freight Station, which houses the Suwannee County Historical Museum, was peeled off during Hurricane Helene. Crews have already done a temporary fix on the roof to protect the artifacts and displays inside the museum. (COURTESY ERIC MUSGROVE)

Suwannee accepts historic museum building

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
LIVE OAK — A historical Live Oak building is now Suwannee County property. During its meeting Tuesday night, the Suwannee County Commission unanimously approved accepting a deed to the Atlantic Coast Line Freight Station building from the Suwannee County Historical Commission.
A member of the Florida National Guard helps direct vehicles at a POD (Points of Distribution) site at RIVEROAK Technical College in Live Oak on Saturday. That location has now been moved to the Live Oak Mall at 841 Pinewood Drive SW. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

A member of the Florida National Guard helps direct vehicles at a POD (Points of Distribution) site at RIVEROAK Technical College in Live Oak on Saturday. That location has now been moved to the Live Oak Mall at 841 Pinewood Drive SW. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

PODs remaining open in Suwannee County

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
LIVE OAK — Supplies and resources will continue to be provided around Suwannee County to those impacted by Hurricane Helene possibly into the start of next week.
The awning over the drive-through drop-off entrance to Westwood Baptist Church in Live Oak collapsed during Hurricane Helene. (ROB WOLFE/Lake City Reporter)

The awning over the drive-through drop-off entrance to Westwood Baptist Church in Live Oak collapsed during Hurricane Helene. (ROB WOLFE/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee County response to storm 'best it's been'

JAMIE WACHTER
Monday, September 30, 2024
LIVE OAK — The silver lining for Suwannee County in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene is they’ve been here and done that.