Jason Futch reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com The Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranch (FSYR) will soon be opening its doors to the public for its annual open house event in February. The public is invited to…
Category: Community News
Paw-some pets: Shiloh
Jason Futch reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com Shiloh loves people, and people love Shiloh! Now, he is ready to go home to a loving family that is willing to take care of this friendly, energetic…
Keeping Jennings safe: Riding along with JPD Officer Shawn Raggins
Jason Futch reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com It was a foggy New Year’s Eve when Riverbend News was invited to do a ride-along with Jennings Police Department (JPD) Officer Shawn Raggins, a veteran law enforcement…
Mental health support available for first responders
LSF Health Systems Contributor Law Enforcement Appreciation Day on Thursday, Jan. 9, is a time to recognize the brave men and women who support us during our worst days. This recognition comes…
Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
Jason Futch reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com Every year, law enforcement agencies across the United States come together to celebrate Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Throughout the communities, businesses offer food, drinks and fellowship to thank…
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….
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…
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…
2024 Year in Review
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,…
Hamilton County celebrates Christmas with Sweets-N-the-Streets
Jason Futch r eporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com Hamilton County celebrated the Christmas holiday on Saturday, Dec. 14, with the annual Sweets-N-the-Streets event, which is part of the yearly festivities hosted by the Hamilton County Chamber…
Sheriff-elect Brian Creech graduates sheriff’s academy
Jason Futch reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com Sheriff-elect Brian Creech of Hamilton County recently attended the Florida Sheriffs Association’s (FSA) Sheriff’s Academy, which is a required one-week training seminar for incoming sheriffs of Florida. Creech, who…
Studio B dancers shine on Times Square
Cheryl Byrd Contributor On Wednesday, Dec. 4, dancers from Studio B Dance & Twirl flew to New York City for a trip they will never forget. Dancers performed on the Broadway stage…
Florida knows how to beat the heat, but how do we beat the cold?
Christian Peterson reporter.riverbendnews@gmail.com There is a simultaneous blessing and curse that comes with living in Florida. It is one of the states with the most drastic weather changes. Florida has risks of…
Branford FFA brings Christmas joy to southern Suwannee
Danny Federico reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com The Branford High School chapter of Future Farmers of America (FFA) brought holiday cheer to southern Suwanee County on Saturday, Dec. 14, as it hosted this year’s “The Joy…