Christian Peterson [email protected] On Tuesday, July 14, 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…
Category: Front Page
Jhelicia Hawkins elected chair of North Central Florida Regional Planning Council
NCFRPC Contributor City of Jasper Mayor Jhelecia Hawkins has been elected chair of the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council (NCFRPC). Following her election, Mayor Hawkins said, “It is an honor to…
Live Oak man charged with attempted homicide after alleged stabbing, knife attack
Danny Federico [email protected] A Live Oak man was arrested on Friday, July 17, after allegedly stabbing a woman in the chin, attempting to cut her throat with a knife and threatening to…
Two new state laws restrict local officials’ taxing ability
Lazaro Aleman Riverbend News Two property tax bills that legislators passed in the last special session and that Gov. Ron DeSantis recently signed into law will significantly impact local governments’ ability to…
Retirement dream becomes fight for independence after life-changing stroke
Danny Federico [email protected] When Chip and Tonya Balduf left the mountains of North Carolina for rural North Florida, they weren’t chasing luxury. They were chasing simplicity. The couple purchased property in late…
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What would our Hamilton, Lafayette and Suwannee Counties be like without local news? Local newspapers serve a critical role in communities, providing trustworthy information, serving as government watchdogs, holding officials accountable and…
NEW FLORIDA EMERGENCY ALERT: Spectrum
Mickey Starling Riverbend News Though the Florida Spectrum Alert was established in 2025, it didn’t go into effect until Wednesday, July 1. The new alert is intended to enhance the safety and…
Miami man killed in I-75 crash in Hamilton County
Danny Federico [email protected] A 34-year-old Miami man was killed early Sunday morning, July 5, after his pickup truck struck the rear of a parked tractor-trailer along Interstate 75 in Hamilton County. According…
Mayo man injured in Taylor County crash
Danny Federico [email protected] A 55-year-old Mayo man was left in serious condition after his sport utility vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree in Taylor County. According to the Florida Highway…
Dump truck strikes I-10 overpass in Suwannee County
Danny Federico [email protected] A dump truck struck the County Road 795 overpass on Interstate 10 Monday morning after its raised bed collided with the bridge, temporarily closing all eastbound traffic while emergency…
Drought conditions reveal new springs along the Suwannee River
SRWMD Contributor While ongoing drought conditions have reduced river flows across the region, unusually low water levels have also provided a unique opportunity for Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) staff to…
School grades announced: Lafayette remains among Florida’s best; Suwannee holds steady, Hamilton sees major improvement
Danny Federico [email protected] Florida’s annual school grades showed a mixed picture along the Suwannee River, with Lafayette County once again ranking among the state’s elite districts, Suwannee County maintaining its “B” district…
Suwannee Commissioners detail issue regarding stopping construction of data centers
Christian Peterson [email protected] On Tuesday, July 7, the Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners met for its regularly scheduled meeting. The meeting began with the board approving the minutes from the Tuesday,…
The Weeks family’s miracle and need for help on the road to recovery
Christian Peterson [email protected] Teisha Weeks is a waitress at Ken’s, but more importantly, she is a mother. Recently, her 11-year-old son, Jaxson, was involved in a serious accident. The family is now…
DOH-Suwannee Issues Rabies Alert
DOH-Suwannee Contributor The Florida Department of Health in Suwannee County (DOH-Suwannee) is issuing a rabies alert in Suwannee County in response to a confirmed case of rabies in a raccoon exposed in…
Beloved community member passes away in boating accident
Christian Peterson [email protected] On Wednesday, July 1, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was notified at approximately 8 p.m. of a missing boater in Gilchrist County. According to reports, a 17-foot…
Josh Daniel sentenced to four years for role in White Springs homicide
Christian Peterson [email protected] On Tuesday, June 30, Josh Daniel, 19, appeared in court for sentencing in the homicide case involving William “Junior” Powell Jr. Daniel previously pleaded guilty to accessory after the…



