Katherine Allen Contributor Economic development and downtown revitalization are not new concepts to our community. Just ask Lee Harvard or Brantley Helvenston. They were part of the Pride in Action group that,…
Category: Community News
February is Heart Health Month
Kim Griffin Contributor February is American Heart Health Month, a time to raise awareness about heart disease and encourage habits that protect our hearts. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death…
Community shines during inaugural Best of Riverbend Gala
Danny Federico editor@riverbendnews.org Riverbend News was honored to formally recognize the people, businesses and organizations that make Suwannee, Hamilton and Lafayette Counties some of the best areas in North Central Florida on…
Water First North Florida brings hope and concerns to drought-stricken Suwannee River Basin
Jason Futch Reporter2@riverbendnews.org Water First North Florida is an upcoming project aimed at bringing relief to the drought-stricken Suwannee River Basin by pumping water from the St. Johns River. The project is…
Fundraiser being held for teen battling lymphoma
Jason Futch Reporter2@riverbendnews.org Briar Cribbs, a 16-year-old senior from Jasper, is currently undergoing treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Before Thanksgiving last year, Cribbs noticed a lump on his neck and brought it to…
Hamilton County School District announces Spelling Bee winners
Jason Futch Reporter2@riverbendnews.org The Hamilton County School District announced the winners of the 2025–26 School District Spelling Bee on Friday, Jan. 23. Participants included Timothy Fason, Jonas Houston, Angelica Martinez-Lopez, Matthew Trimble…
Hamilton County commissioners conduct business of the county
Jason Futch Reporter2@riverbendnews.org The Hamilton County Board of County Commissioners held its regular meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 3, at the county courthouse in Jasper. During the meeting, commissioners touched on several topics…
Counties come together to celebrate Rural Counties Day
Jason Futch Reporter2@riverbendnews.org Rural counties throughout Florida had the opportunity to take part in Rural Counties Day at the Florida State Capitol. From spotlighting Hamilton County’s growth to the Lafayette County Chamber…
A Valentine’s Day to remember: Celebrating 70 years of love with the Alcorns
Jason Futch Reporter2@riverbendnews.org Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate enduring love and companionship built through years of shared challenges, perseverance and unwavering commitment. It goes beyond candy and flowers, focusing more…
Florida Run for the Fallen will pass through Suwannee County on Feb. 7
Laura Young editor@riverbendnews.org On Friday, Feb. 6, a team of more than 20 marathon-trained athletes will embark on a 176-mile, three-day journey from Tallahassee to Jacksonville to honor every service member with…
Suwannee Education Foundation hosts Teacher/School-Related Employee of the Year Banquet
Jason Futch reporter2@riverbendnews.org Suwannee County School District teachers, employees and community leaders came together to honor both the 2025-26 Teachers of the Year (TOY) and School- Related Employees of the Year (SREOY)…
Branford High School student’s artwork displayed at State Capitol
Jason Futch reporter2@riverbendnews.org Branford High School seventh-grade student Avery Finch was scrolling through her photos in search of inspiration for a drawing when she came across a photo of herself. Using that…
A legacy of care and dignity: Charles T. Hall
Jason Futch reporter2@riverbendnews.org Charles Theodore Hall was a man whose name was synonymous with care and dignity in Suwannee County. He was one of the earliest Black funeral directors in Suwannee County,…
Pond-er this: Rustic Oaks Ranch makes saying “I do” easy without extra charges
Christian Peterson reporter@riverbendnews.org There are many special moments throughout the life of the average person. However, there are a few moments that rise above the rest. Marriages are probably at the top…
Reformation Faith OPC introduces new Presbyterian church to Suwannee
Christian Peterson reporter@riverbendnews.org In a quiet corner of North Central Florida, a new congregation is joining the chorus of faithful worship. Reformation Faith OPC, a congregation of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC),…
Bulldogs dominate at girls weightlifting districts
Christian Peterson reporter@riverbendnews.org Suwannee High School (SHS) has dominated the girls weightlifting scene for years, and with the new season underway, the Bulldogs are once again proving their strength. On Friday, Jan….
Branford Soccer secures double district championship win
Christian Peterson reporter@riverbendnews.org Branford High School soccer program has been growing at a rapid pace. Though the program is only four years old, both the girls’ and boys’ teams are already seeing…