On Monday, Dec. 30, the Suwannee High School Bulldogs competed against multiple teams in the Class 1A District 2 Duals competition, ending the competition with a resounding victory, and defeating five other…
Suwannee hosts Ninth Annual Steve Claffey Memorial Game
Christian Peterson reporter.riverbendnews@gmail.com On Friday, Dec. 27 and Saturday, Dec. 28, the community joined together to honor the memory of Suwannee Middle School Coach Steve Claffey. Sadly, Claffey passed away in 2013…
Winter local sports update
Suwannee High School Suwannee: Boys Basketball Record Overall: 4-9 3A District 2: 0-0 Last Game: Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025 — SHS defeated Lafayette in Mayo by a score of 74-51. Next Game:…
Introducing Branford’s newest basketball coach, Marcel Thomas
Christian Peterson reporter.riverbendnews@gmail.com The Branford High School Buccaneers boys basketball team is sporting a new face on its sidelines. Marcel Thomas is the new coach for the team, and he is fully…
Officers sworn in at SCSO and LOPD
Jason Futch reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com The Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) and the Live Oak Police Department (LOPD) recently welcomed new officers to their respective agencies. The LOPD welcomed two officers who recently graduated…
Branford resident celebrates 98th birthday
Danny Federico reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com Flora Mae Kelley Jackson celebrated her 98th birthday on Sunday, Dec. 22, surrounded by family and friends who have been supporters throughout her extraordinary life. Born on Dec. 23,…
Author Spotlight: Pat Hines
Jason Futch reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com When you delve into Suwannee County’s past, you’ll discover a wealth of fascinating information. A former Governor of Florida called Suwannee County home, a songwriter from Kentucky penned a…
“Walk off the Holidays” with DOH-Lafayette
DOH-Lafayette Contributor The Florida Department of Health in Lafayette County (DOH-Lafayette) invites residents to attend its annual “Walking off the Holidays! Diabetes Awareness Event.” The event will take place from 5 p.m….
God’s Hidden Angels help over 400 families during the holidays
Jason Futch r eporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com On a chilly Saturday morning in Live Oak, families from across Suwannee County queued up to receive a Christmas miracle: gifts for their children, so they can have…
Suwannee County MLK, Jr. Committee seeking vendors for upcoming festival
Jason Futch reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com The Suwannee County Martin Luther King (MLK), Jr. Committee is hosting the MLK Day 2025 Festival at Paul Langford Stadium’s parking field on Monday, Jan. 20. The day’s events…
Apostolic Lighthouse Church blesses future home
Jason Futch reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com Apostolic Lighthouse Church congregants recently came together to bless and pray over the land that will eventually become the site of a bigger church on U.S. Highway 129 South…
Lafayette FFA claims state titles
Chad Lyons Contributor Lafayette FFA middle and high school forestry teams earn State Champions The 2024 Florida Future Farmers of America (FFA) State Finals Forestry Career Development Event (CDE) was held Tuesday,…
Housing scholarship opportunities available for students
Jason Futch reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com Housing scholarship opportunities are now available for high school students in the local area through the Southern Scholarship Foundation (SSF). Students who are planning to attend Florida A&M University,…
American Legion displays wreaths at Live Oak Cemetery
Jason Futch reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com Christmas wreaths were laid out at the Armed Forces section of the Live Oak Cemetery to remember local Veterans who have passed away, but remain in the hearts of…
“Y’all don’t care about us!” Pecan Ridge residents outraged after Board of Adjustments approves repair shop
Jason Futch reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com Hostility between Suwannee County residents in the Pecan Ridge neighborhood and business owners opening a repair shop on residential property on State Road 51 brewed into a fever pitch…
Jasper City Council buys two new pumps at end of year meeting
Christian Peterson reporter.riverbendnews@gmail.com On Thursday, Dec. 19, the Jasper City Council met for its regularly scheduled meeting. The meeting began with the approval of the agenda. The council then called for public…