On Tuesday, Feb. 24, the Lafayette County Board of County Commissioners met for its regularly scheduled meeting. The meeting began with the board approving the minutes from the previous meeting before calling…
Category: Front Page
Lane closures expected this week
Danny Federico editor@riverbendnews.org The Florida Department of Transportation advises drivers of the following road work impacts for the week of Saturday, Feb. 28, through Friday, March 6: Hamilton County: Daytime lane closures…
More details revealed regarding 2025 cyberattack on City of Live Oak, $60,000 payment
Jason Futch Reporter2@riverbendnews.org Details surrounding a cyberattack on the City of Live Oak last year emerged after a year of questions. During its regular meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 10, the Live Oak…
Beloved Hamilton County teacher remembered for strength and inspiration
Jason Futch Reporter2@riverbendnews.org Students, teachers and community members alike are mourning the loss of beloved Hamilton County High School (HCHS) teacher Raven Merine, who passed away following a battle with breast cancer….
Apex victims will not receive restitution any time soon, says State Attorney’s Office
Jason Futch Reporter2@riverbendnews.org Shortly after Jason Andrew Bullock was transferred into the custody of the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC), victims who had anticipated receiving a substantial restitution payment were dealt another…
Madison County man in critical condition following self-inflicted gunshot
Jason Futch Reporter2@riverbendnews.org A Madison County man wanted in Suwannee County for child sex crimes is in critical condition following a standoff that led to the suspect firing a self-inflicted gunshot wound…
Live Oak man charged with multiple sex crimes, including video voyeurism
Jason Futch Reporter2@Riverbendnews.org A Live Oak man was charged with multiple sex crimes following a report of a local girl who told her friends that 38-year-old Jonathan Richard Browne had sexually assaulted…
Lake City woman refuses traffic stop
Jason Futch Reporter2@riverbendnews.org A Lake City woman was arrested following an attempted traffic stop that led to a chase involving multiple agencies. According to the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office arrest report, on…
Florida producers urged to report agricultural losses from winter 2026 freeze events
Hailey Waldo editor@riverbendnews.org Florida agricultural producers impacted by the winter 2026 freeze events are being asked to participate in a rapid damage assessment survey, led by the University of Florida’s Institute of…
Mayo resident Helen Haigh turns 100
Jason Futch reporter2@riverbendnews.org Mayo has a new centenarian within its ranks! Helen Haigh celebrated her 100th birthday at Lafayette Nursing & Rehabilitation Center on Monday, Feb. 9, a milestone that brought generations…
Local communities to receive help
Rick Patrick editor@riverbendnews.org Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently announced that an additional $167.5 million will be awarded to several Florida communities affected by recent hurricanes. A total of 34 small, rural communities…
Co-founder of the Madison County Carrier Mary Ellen Greene passes away
Mary Ellen (Selman) Greene, 86, passed away on Monday, Feb. 16, at 11:25 p.m., in the Madison County Memorial Hospital in the presence of family, after an extended illness. Mary Ellen was…
Taylor County collision kills Branford woman, injures two others
Jason Futch Reporter2@riverbendnews.org A crash in Taylor County on Friday, Feb. 13, resulted in the death of a Branford woman, while a Branford man and a Perry man were taken to…
Fleming appointed to serve as District 2 Suwannee County Commissioner
Jason Futch Reporter2@riverbendnews.org On Friday, Feb. 13, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Clyde Fleming to serve on the Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners, representing District 2. The appointment follows…
Water First North Florida brings hope and concerns to drought-stricken Suwannee River Basin
Jason Futch Reporter2@riverbendnews.org Water First North Florida is an upcoming project aimed at bringing relief to the drought-stricken Suwannee River Basin by pumping water from the St. Johns River. The project is…
Branford man charged with sex crimes
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…
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…