Ady Hammock editor@riverbendnews.org The Branford Rotary Club’s annual 4th of July Duck Race is approaching, and tickets are on sale. All proceeds from this event directly benefit programs at Branford Elementary and…
Category: Community News
Paw-sitive Adoption Spotlight: Gator
Danny Federico editor@riverbendnews.org Gator, a Catahoula puppy mix, “is still learning that the world isn’t such a scary place.” Although a little shy at the moment, he is slowly coming out of…
Wildflower Festival & Plant Sale returns May 2 with full day of family fun
Danny Federico editor@riverbendnews.org Spring is in full bloom, and with it comes one of Suwannee County’s most anticipated outdoor events. The Wildflower Festival & Plant Sale will return Saturday, May 2, from…
First hurricane season forecast released
Lazaro Aleman editor@riverbendnews.org With the Atlantic hurricane season set to begin on June 1, meteorologists have begun making their seasonal predictions, with AccuWeather releasing the very first forecast. In its outlook, which…
Suwannee schools locked down after alleged swatting call
Christian Peterson reporter@riverbendnews.org On the morning of Friday, April 24, Live Oak schools were put under lockdown. Teachers, students and parents were concerned about why the lockdowns had been enforced. Shortly after…
New bill signed by governor further erodes home rule
Lazaro Aleman editor@riverbendnews.org Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law on March 27 House Bill 399, one of several bills in the recently concluded legislative session that aimed to further weaken home rule…
Longtime Hamilton County Sheriff J. Harrell Reid passes at 77
Christian Peterson reporter@riverbendnews.org Hamilton County Sheriff J. Harrell Reid, was one of the most influential law enforcement leaders in Florida history and the state’s longest serving sheriff passed away peacefully on Thursday,…
Healing through helping: Branford High junior promotes emotional support through nonprofit
Danny Federico editor@riverbendnews.org At just 17 years old, Branford High School junior Ashlee Combee is already using her own experiences with grief to help others navigate some of life’s most challenging moments….
Suwannee Commissioners welcome new Grant Project Administrator and Emergency Management Director
Christian Peterson reporter@riverbendnews.org On Tuesday, April 21, the Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners met for its regularly scheduled meeting. Following the approval of the minutes, the board turned to its time-…
Department of Education clarifies religious policies in schools
Ady Hammock editor@riverbendnews.org The Florida Department of Education’s (FDOE) Commissioner of Education, Anastasios Kamoutsas, sent out a letter on Tuesday, March 17, to parents of students regarding religion and prayer in public…
Tree appreciation today for a better tomorrow
Riverbend News Staff editor@riverbendnews.org “A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit.” – Greek Proverb April 25 is National Arbor Day. Arbor Day is…
April is National Lawn Care Month
Hailey Heseltine editor@riverbendnews.org Did you know that April is National Lawn Care Month? In North Florida, spring has sprung, and that means it’s time to start thinking about your yard for the…
Fuzzy but dangerous: The tussock moth caterpillar
Ady Hammock editor@riverbendnews.org Anyone who has been around oak trees lately has probably noticed several hairy caterpillars. Chances are it was a tussock moth caterpillar. These insects eventually develop into tussock moths,…
“We Will, When Others Won’t”: NFC Correctional Officer graduates answer the call to serve
NFC Contributor North Florida College (NFC) proudly celebrated the graduation of Correctional Officer Basic Recruit Academy Class 45-2025-3016-1 on Thursday, Feb. 26, at the North Florida College Public Safety Academy. The ceremony…
Catfish Festival hooks crowd in Branford
Danny Federico editor@riverbendnews.org The Branford community gathered once again on Saturday, April 11, to celebrate the annual Catfish Festival. Hosted by American Legion Post 59 in Branford, the annual festival raises funds…
American Legion Post 107 to host annual Spring Yard Sale
Danny Federico editor@riverbendnews.org American Legion Post 107 will host its annual Spring Yard Sale on Friday, April 24, and Saturday, April 25. The event will take place from 7 a.m. to 4…
How can you sponsor your local 4-H clubs?
Cheltsie Holbrook editor@riverbendnews.org Looking for a way to support the kids of Suwannee County and Lafayette County 4-H? Then be sure to break out your wallets on these local upcoming fundraisers. Suwannee…