Jason Futch Reporter2@riverbendnews.org A Branford resident is facing multiple sexual assault charges following an investigation into allegations involving a minor. According to the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) report, 39-year-old Justin Bradley…
Category: Counties
McAlpin man charged with child abuse following cell phone dispute
Jason Futch Reporter2@riverbendnews.org A McAlpin man is facing third-degree child abuse charges following an argument that led to 43-year-old Michael Travis Nettles allegedly attacking a 12-year-old female. According to the Suwannee County…
Inappropriate conversations land Wellborn man in jail
Jason Futch Reporter2@riverbendnews.org Inappropriate conversations between a minor and a 44-year-old Wellborn man last year recently came to light, leading to felony charges against Stephen Dwight Sanders. According to a probable cause…
Bullock sentenced to 14 years in prison
Jason Futch Reporter2@riverbendnews.org “It would have been better to fail with some honor than try to make it work and succeed by fraud.” Those were the words Circuit Judge Kathryn Land…
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,…
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…
Town of White Springs honor Beautiful Dreamers during MLK event
Jason Futch reporter2@riverbendnews.org The Town of White Springs honored local businesses and community contributors during its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration on Monday, Jan. 19, at the Tourism Center. The…
HamCo Hometown Heroes: A community comes together through Pallets for Patriotism
Jennifer Gisonni Contributor What began as a creative idea – transforming reclaimed pallets into hand- painted expressions of patriotism – became a powerful reminder of what is possible when a community comes…
Jail Report Jan. 26 – Feb. 2
Lafayette County Jan. 26 Anastasia De La Poer Beresford, failure to appear Jan. 27 Domingo Lopez-Cruz, operate motor vehicle without valid license Martin Ramirez Cruz, resist officer Jan. 29 Justin Peek, sexual…
The Arc North Florida welcomes Lilly Williams as new executive director
Jason Futch reporter2@riverbendnews.org The Arc North Florida welcomed Suwannee County educator Lilly Williams as its new executive director, and she is ready to help the program grow. “I am excited to be…
Lafayette Commission extends multiple grant projects
Christian Peterson reporter@riverbendnews.org On Tuesday, Jan. 27, the Lafayette County Board of County Commissioners met for its regularly scheduled meeting. Uniquely this time, due to repairs in the courthouse, the meeting was…
The US-129 and I-10 Interchange improvement projects have begun
Christian Peterson reporter@riverbendnews.org The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has begun an almost year-long project in Suwannee County this January, with the aim of providing a tremendous number of improvements the roads…