Regional

FWC warns of no-wake zones on Santa Fe, Suwannee rivers

With high water levels, those looking to enjoy the water in North Florida will need to be aware of no-wake zones. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission issued a reminder to boaters Wednesday of idle speed, no-wake zones on both the Santa Fe and Suwannee rivers.

Supreme Court rejects challenges to 6-person juries

TALLAHASSEE — The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected constitutional challenges to Florida’s use of six-member juries in most felony trials, with Florida one of only a handful of states not requiring 12-member juries in criminal cases.

DeSantis signs rural hospitals bill

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday signed a bill that will create a new category of “rural emergency hospitals.” Supporters have said the bill (SB 644), which passed unanimously during this year’s legislative session, is designed to help ensure health-care access in rural areas.

Four killed in three crashes over weekend

JASPER — A motorcyclist was killed early Monday morning when she didn’t stop at an intersection and crashed through two road signs. A 50-year-old Live Oak woman was headed north on County Road 25A in southern Hamilton County around 6:15 a.m.

Education voucher program increases

TALLAHASSEE — A state voucher program that began in the 2023-2024 school year is on pace to double in size — at least — as applications roll in from families who educate children at home and are seeking funds to make a range of purchases.

I-10, 129 improvements backed by community

LIVE OAK — A project set to improve traffic access at the Interstate 10-U.S. Highway 129 interchange was presented to the public Thursday afternoon. The Florida Department of Transportation hosted a hybrid public meeting at Live Oak city hall to inform residents of the planned construction.

SCSO: Man killed father over will

LIVE OAK — Authorities say a Live Oak man killed his father Thursday after a dispute over his inheritance. Suwannee County deputies responded to a residence on 89th Road in northern Suwannee County late Thursday morning and found 85-year-old Norman Ellis dead from blunt force trauma to his head.

‘Ingredients are there’ for busy storm season

TALLAHASSEE — With insurers, utilities and emergency-management officials bracing for the coming months, experts continue to predict a highly active hurricane season for Florida and other areas of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts.

St. Augustine man killed in Beachville crash

BEACHVILLE — A St. Augustine man was killed Wednesday morning when he crashed into a semi’s trailer in southeastern Suwannee County.

Fletcher will speak at Memorial Day ceremony

LIVE OAK — A director at the Florida Sheriff’s Boys Ranch who previously provided security for a four-star general will be the featured speaker at Monday’s Memorial Day ceremony in Live Oak.