Lazaro Aleman: reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com Florida has become the second state to ban fluoride in the drinking water, joining Utah, whose ban took effect on Wednesday, May 7. On Tuesday, April 29, the House…
Category: Front Page
Get ready for a berry good time at the Blackberry Festival!
Danny Federico: reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com The sweetest weekend of the year is right around the corner as the Blackberry Festival returns to downtown Jasper on Saturday, June 21! This annual celebration, hosted by Riverbend…
Retired judge remembers “mean and evil” Wainwright
Jason Futch: reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com Judge Elmer Vernon Douglas presided over many heinous crimes in the decades he served as a circuit court judge, but nothing prepared him for the brutality of the crimes…
Duke Energy cuts ribbon at new battery plant
Christian Peterson: reporter.riverbendnews@gmail.com Duke Energy and Suwannee County have been working together for over 70 years. In fact, Duke first established its energy plant in 1953. This is why Tuesday, May 20,…
Riverbend News to Host Blood Drive with LifeSouth
Amber Moore: reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com Riverbend News is partnering with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers to host a community blood drive on Tuesday, June 4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — and we’re inviting…
Suwannee Fire Rescue, Air Methods announce new air medical base partnership
Danny Federico: reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com On Tuesday, May 20, it was announced that Suwannee County Fire Rescue is partnering with Air Methods, a national air medical service provider, to expand emergency medical services across…
Residents spark outrage over plans to redevelop 11th Avenue
Jason Futch reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com A controversial plan to develop a piece of property on 11th Avenue in Live Oak has infuriated residents, sparking outrage and a petition to urge the city to rethink…
Single-vehicle accident ends in fatality
Christian Peterson reporter.riverbendnews@gmail.com On Thursday, May 1, the Florida Highway Patrol responded to the area of 96th Street and 209th Place, in Dowling Park in response to a single-vehicle accident. According to…
North Florida Transportation Planning Summit sees record breaking attendance in Live Oak
Jason Futch reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com City leaders from across North Florida, along with agencies within the region and local citizens, attended the Florida Department of Transportation’s 2025 North Florida Transportation Planning Summit, held at…
Wildflower Festival coming to Live Oak Saturday
Jason Futch reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com Suwannee Festivals is gearing up for its second annual Wildflower Festival and Plant Sale, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, at…
Bucs claim district championship behind Arnold’s 10-strikeout performance
Danny Federico reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com Behind a dominant outing from pitcher Laila Arnold, the Branford High School varsity softball team defeated the Fort White Indians, 3-1, on Thursday night, May 1, effectively claiming the…
HCSO, FDLE joint homicide investigation leads to swift arrests
FDLE Contributor The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, has arrested Cameron Lee Fine and Josh Tobias Daniel, both 18, in connection to a homicide…
Live Oak City Council hears public comments on CDBG grant
Jason Futch reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com The Live Oak City Council convened for its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, April 8, following a ceremony honoring law enforcement agencies, including the Live Oak Police Department, for…
Two Branford men arrested for alleged lewd material possession
Christian Peterson reporter.riverbendnews@gmail.com Two Branford men were arrested recently for possession of child sex abuse material, according to a press release from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). “The arrests are…
Convicted felon charged for alleged narcotics, ammo possession
Jason Futch reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com A known convicted felon was arrested on Thursday, April 17, after being seen in front of Holy Cross Christian Academy acting suspiciously. Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) deputies arrested…
License Plate Reader catches Marion County man with warrant
Jason Futch reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com Showing the power of modern police technology, Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) deputies apprehended a Marion County man with outstanding warrants in Bradford County on Tuesday, April 15. SCSO…
LOFD receives 50 smoke detectors
Jason Futch reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com On Tuesday, April 15, the Live Oak Fire Department (LOFD) received 50 BRK Brand smoke alarms from O’Brien-based Security Safe, Inc. and Rob Cathcart State Farm. The donation was…