Heather Ainsley editor@riverbendnews.org While Florida is not exactly known for it’s snowstorms and blizzards, for those who are built for our temperate winters and searing-hot summers, winters in Florida can feel quite…
Category: Community News
Lighting for every room in the home
Metro Contributor Lighting in a home is easily overlooked. But power outages serve as a stark reminder of the importance of lighting, which adds to the safety, functionality and aesthetic appeal of…
LCSO to support students through Lonny Hempstead Memorial Scholarship Fund
Jason Futch reporter2@riverbendnews.org The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) recently announced that the Lonny Hempstead Memorial Scholarship Fund will be able to support two more students from Lafayette High School (LHS) who…
Branford High School Beta Club walks away with multiple awards
Jason Futch reporter2@riverbendnews.org The Branford High School Senior Beta Club earned high marks at the state convention, which was held at the Signia by Hilton at Bonnett Creek in Orlando. The convention…
Miss Olustee Scholarship Pageant coming to Lake City
Jason Futch reporter2@riverbendnews.org For more than 40 years, the Miss Olustee Scholarship Pageant has supported young women from the surrounding counties by providing scholarship opportunities, developing interview skills, building self- esteem, and…
2025-26 All-Riverbend Football Team
Offense Quarterback Tywan “T.K.” Williamson (#9) Senior, Lafayette High School Completed 95 of 172 passes for 1,906 yards and 30 touchdowns, averaging 173.3 yards per game and posting a 112.1 quarterback rating,…
Branford football program to join Sunshine State Athletic Association in 2026
Christian Peterson reporter@riverbendnews.org Athletic associations play an integral role in high school sports across the country. In Florida, the largest and most well-known is the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA). However,…
African Missionary Baptist Church to celebrate 158th anniversary
Christian Peterson reporter@riverbendnews.org Live Oak is a city with a lot of history, from its early days of settlement to its explosive growth as the center of railroad transit. Although the area…
Mayo community hosts barbecue dinner fundraiser for local family
Christian Peterson reporter@riverbendnews.org On Tuesday, Nov. 18, Mayo suffered a loss when 20-year-old native Caleb Reed passed away suddenly. While his family attempts to make their way through the loss, the community…
Woman’s Club of Jasper holds annual Chili/Soup Cook-off
Delores Howell Contributor On Saturday, Jan. 10, the Woman’s Club of Jasper held its annual Chili/Soup Cook-off with 12 entries participating. For the Chili competition, Philip Cowart won first place with his…
Suwannee 4-H Livestock Judging Team earns high honors during Georgia contest
Jason Futch reporter2@riverbendnews.org The Suwannee County 4-H Livestock Judging Team participated in the Southeastern 3 Livestock Judging Contest at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry, Ga., from Thursday, Dec. 11, to Friday,…
Spring Fling Car Show & Backyard BBQ Cook-off coming to White Springs
Jason Futch reporter2@riverbendnews.org The Spring Fling Car Show & Backyard BBQ Cook-off is coming to White Springs on Saturday, March 28, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Suwannee Hardware & Feed,…
Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office unveils the Vial of Life
During public events, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has been passing out orange medicine bottles emblazoned with the agency’s logo. Inside the bottle are three items: a green sticker, a form…
Jail Report
Lafayette County Jan. 12 Timothy Eplin, operate motorcycle without license, attach registration license plate not assigned, flee/elude LEO with lights siren active Jan. 14 Benito Domingo-Gaspar, operate motor vehicle without valid license…
UF/IFAS to host Walk Off the Holidays Food Drive
Jason Futch reporter2@riverbendnews.org The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Suwannee County Extension Office, in partnership with the Florida Department of Health, will host the Walk Off the…
Lafayette deputy wins FSRMF Safe Driver Challenge
Jason Futch reporter2@riverbendnews.org Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) Deputy Garris Edwards was announced as the winner of the Florida Sheriff’s Risk Management Fund (FSRMF) Safe Driver Challenge on Thursday, Dec. 18. According…
North Florida PAWS: Stopping the suffering before it starts
Hailey Waldo editor@riverbendnews.org In rural North Florida, pet overpopulation is not a future concern; it’s a daily reality. Unplanned litters, outdoor animals and limited access to affordable veterinary care have created a…