January
On Tuesday, Jan. 2, Lenora Hawkins retired from the Live Oak Police Department after 24 years of administrative contributions. Her love for her job stemmed from the ones she worked with, but she looked forward to spending more time with her grandkids following her retirement.
The Suwannee High School (SHS) wrestling team claimed the District Championship Title for the second year in a row. Standout performances by athletes such as Eli Jolicoeur and Austin McKinney showcased their exceptional skills, both emerging undefeated. The Bulldogs went on to compete at the State competition.
Jessica McManaway Tuttle became the new Dean of Students for Suwannee Springcrest Elementary after teaching in the Suwannee school systems since 2018. Tuttle’s overarching goal is to create a safe and nurturing environment at Springcrest and promote the school’s “Leader in Me” core models.
On Thursday, Jan. 18, the Friends of Heritage Park and Gardens hosted a Suwannee County Chamber of Commerce mix and mingle to celebrate the grand opening of the Don Allen Cultural Center.
February
The Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners gathered together alongside residents and project donors to officially reopen the 180th Street bridge over Little Creek River in McAlpin.
The Florida School Boards Insurance Trust (FSBIT) awarded the Lafayette County School District with the Best of the Best Award for superior risk management at FSBIT’s annual winter meeting.
The Suwannee High School (SHS) girls weightlifting team claimed their fourth consecutive State Championship, while the boys’ wrestling team claimed the District Championship title. Around the same time, the Suwannee Middle School Future Farmers of America (FFA) team secured the coveted title of State Livestock Judging Champions at the Florida State Fair in Tampa.
March
Caleb Curry, a student at Hamilton County High School, was selected as one of the 17 delegates from the State of Florida to attend the prestigious American Legion Boys State, a revered educational program that offers high school students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the intricacies of local, county and state government operations.
Several fundraisers and communal drives were held in support of various children, including Lainey Holtzclaw, Jade Cato and Ella Reaves. Large amounts of money, clothes and toys were donated by the community during their time of need.
Delaney Deadwyler with Lafayette Future Farmers of America (FFA) took home the title of Grand Champion in the Steer Show at the Suwannee Valley Youth Livestock Show and Sale (SVYLSS). Jayda Hendrick was named Supreme Overall in the Sheep Show and Peyton Ditter won the title of Grand Champion in the Swine Show.
April
In a crescendo of talent and dedication, the Dancing Dolls teams from Suwannee Middle and High Schools dazzled audiences and judges alike at the Diamond Cheer and Dance Championships. Both teams clinched a resounding first place in their respective divisions, securing coveted bids to Nationals.
On Friday, April 5, law enforcement and individuals across Suwannee County joined together for the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Florida.
Rebecca Thomas from Dixie Grill in Live Oak was deemed a finalist in the General Mills Foodservice Biskies Recipe Contest with her Strawberry Cream Biscuit Bites.
Hamilton County High School (HCHS) head football coach, Chris Cook, and Randy McCoy met with senator Corey Simon to advocate for the Trojans football program.
May
Eddie Hand, the Suwannee County Fire and Rescue Chief, retired after 25 years of service.
Delegates were appointed in preparation for the Republican National Convention. Representatives of Congressional District 3, pictured, from left to right, are: Bridgitte Smith, Marion County; Javonté Teague, Dixie County; Hunter Peeler, Columbia County; Jennifer Friend, Alachua County; and Tom Moffses, Hamilton County. Not pictured is Dr. Ben Norris, Hamilton County.
On Wednesday, May 1, Trey Galbraith, standout Lafayette High School (LHS) golfer, signed to continue his athletic and academic career at LeGrange College in LeGrange, Ga. Just days prior, Kennedy Walker signed to continue her volleyball career at Florida State College in Jacksonville (FSCJ) at Branford High School.
Governor Ron DeSantis signed a measure that will ease decades-old regulations on the hours that 16 and 17-year-old Floridians can work. HB 49 gives parents control over the hours worked by teens, allowing parents, guardians and superintendents the option of waiving the 30-hour work week limit. This bill went into effect on Monday, July 1.
June
The White Springs Town Council elected a new mayor from among themselves. Jacqueline Williams, a three-year member of the White Springs Town Council, was honored with the position.
Kevin Knighton, Alice Childress, Ken Saunders and Jay Hatch were elected as part of the Branford Town Council and held their first meeting on Tuesday, June 18.
Twelve-year-old Scott Koehn was safely located on Saturday, June 22, after an intensive two-day search by the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) and surrounding law enforcement agencies.
Marjorie Zuidema Hoffman celebrated her 108th birthday at Advent Christian Village (ACV), marking her the oldest living resident at ACV.
July
Ricky and Louisa Lyons, Lafayette County residents, were inducted into the Florida Future Farmers of America (FFA) Hall of Fame.
The Suwannee River Water Management District received the 2024 Outreach Award from the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) for its work on the Santa Fe Flood Risk review.
On Tuesday, July 2, Hamilton County was honored with the title of being a “Purple Heart” county for veterans by the Florida Youth Charitable organization. Areas receive this title by going above and beyond for their local veterans.
The Lafayette County School District received three electric buses to be used in the 2024-25 school year. Members of the Lafayette County School Board closed out their July meeting by taking a ride in one of the buses.
August
Lighthouse Christian Academy added a new building to their school site in preparation for the 2024-25 school year.
Suwannee County was thrilled to announce the selection of Dan Miller as the next Fire Chief for the Suwannee County Fire Rescue Department. He was sworn in on Tuesday, Aug. 6, during the Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners meeting.
Hamilton County High School (HCHS) senior, Burke Foster, was appointed as Sergeant-at-Arms on the Florida 4-H Executive Board. Foster has been involved in 4-H since he was in fourth grade.
September
Seth Adams and his family was presented the 2024 Hamilton County Farm Family of the Year award on Thursday, Sept. 5, during the Hamilton County Farm Bureau’s annual dinner.
On Tuesday, Sept. 17, Branford high school volleyball coach, Mendy Sikes, reached a career milestone, collecting her 200th win in a 3-0 district match against the Dixie County Bears.
October
On Friday, Oct. 4, the Branford Junior Varsity (JV) Buccaneers were recognized during halftime of the varsity game for their undefeated season. The JV Buccaneers finished with a 6-0 record.
Jamie Hunter Carrasquilla, Hamilton County native, earned the 2023 and 2024 Best of Florida Award for her Vino Ghvino 21 wine business, while also making history as the only woman without other partners to be allowed by the government of the Republic of Georgia to make and export wine to the United States.
The Suwannee High School (SHS), Suwannee Middle School (SMS) and Branford High School (BHS) volleyball teams each secured district/conference titles.
November
Felix and Tammy Menjivar launched a successful re-opening of their coffee shop, .50 Cal Coffee & Desserts, after devastating damage from Hurricanes Debby and Helene caused them to close.
Susan Wiles, Lake City native and daughter of football legend, Pat Summerall, was chosen by President-Elect Donald Trump to serve as his Chief of Staff for the next four years.
Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), a local organization, donated $1,000 towards the repairs and restoration of the Suwannee County Courthouse clock and dome that was damaged by Hurricane Helene.
December
Bill Frye, Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranch (FSYR) President, announced his retirement after 40 years of contribution.
Nature River Trading Co., entered the Lafayette County business scene, offering a plethora of products for everyone to enjoy.