Hailey Heseltine Riverbend News For those who like to keep eyes on the skies, September has some exciting celestial events in store, including some of the year’s best views of Neptune and…
Category: Lafayette County
News pertaining to the Lafayette County area.
Bright colors, growing concerns: Food dyes under scrutiny
Autumn Raulerson Riverbend News Defining dyes: What are color additives? According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a color additive is any dye, pigment or any other substance that can…
Accessibility in emergencies: Florida’s Silent 911 Lifelines
Autumn Raulerson Riverbend News Since 1991, Florida has been working to provide accessible and affordable telecommunication for those citizens who may be deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired, as well as accessibility…
Sept. 5 is license-free saltwater fishing day
Hailey Heseltine Riverbend News If you’ve been thinking about hopping on the boat and heading out to sea for some fishing, Saturday, Sept. 5, is your chance. The Florida Fish and Wildlife…
Recreational gag grouper season opened Sept. 1 in Gulf state waters
FWC Contributor At its August meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) issued an executive order to modify the 2026 recreational season for gag grouper in state waters of the…
Childcare ratios vs. quality care
Teneshia Hendeson Contributor Daycare centers love to say they are in ratio, as if that automatically means everything is fine. But being in ratio doesn’t mean a classroom isn’t overcrowded, overwhelming or…
Low turnout marks local primary elections across Suwannee Valley area
Danny Federico [email protected] Voters across Suwannee, Hamilton and Lafayette counties decided a slate of local races Tuesday, Aug. 18, while also helping choose nominees for governor, U.S. Senate and other state and…
Shadow and Sturgeon: Catch August’s partial lunar eclipse
Autumn Raulerson Riverbend News Step outside this Thursday night, Aug. 27, and look up at the night sky to see two awe-inspiring celestial events at the same time. The Full Sturgeon Moon…
Lafayette schools remain with Florida Blue at no increase
Danny Federico [email protected] Lafayette County School District employees will not see any increase in health insurance rates for the 2026-27 school year after the school board voted on Tuesday, Aug. 18, during…
Local springs get a lift with Lafayette County conservation easement
ACT Contributor The Alachua Conservation Trust (ACT) announced on Tuesday, Aug. 11, that it has conserved 183 acres in Lafayette County through a conservation easement that limits groundwater withdrawals and nitrogen impacts…
Nominations are now open for the Second Annual Best of Riverbend awards
Ady Kinsley Riverbend News As the end of the year approaches, it’s time once again to celebrate the people, places and businesses that shine across Suwannee, Lafayette and Hamilton counties. Nominations for…
Gospel music rally and concert coming to Mayo
Danny Federico [email protected] Spradlen Ministries will present a Florida Gospel Music Association rally and concert on Saturday, Aug. 22, at 6 p.m. at Lighthouse Christian Center. The concert will feature performances by…
Lafayette County Pioneer Day to feature art show and vendors
Hailey Waldo Riverbend News Lafayette County’s annual Pioneer Day celebration is set for Saturday, Oct. 10, bringing local artists, crafters, vendors and community members together for a day celebrating the county’s history…
Primary Election Day is Aug. 18
Danny Federico [email protected] Voters in Hamilton, Lafayette and Suwannee counties will head to the polls on Tuesday, Aug. 18, for Florida’s 2026 Primary Election. Polls at all voting locations will be open…
Lane closures expected this week
The Florida Department of Transportation advises drivers of the following road work impacts for the week of Saturday, Aug. 8, through Friday, Aug. 14: Hamilton County: Nighttime lane closures on Interstate 75…
From pews to providers
Danny Federico [email protected] In rural communities, people struggling with mental health or substance misuse may not always turn to a doctor or counselor first. Sometimes, they go to their pastor. That connection…
Early voting begins Aug. 8 for 2026 Primary Election
Danny Federico [email protected] Early voting for the 2026 Primary Election will begin on Saturday, Aug. 8, for residents of Hamilton, Lafayette and Suwannee counties. Voters will have through Saturday, Aug. 15, to…