Lazaro Aleman editor@riverbendnews.org From the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) show that cases of whooping cough – also known as pertussis – have climbed to a record high for the first nine…
Category: Front Page
New state law removes commission from subdivision decisions
Lazaro Aleman editor@riverbendnews.org The legislature’s assault on home rule continues, with the latest salvo a new state law that requires local governments to review and approve plats and replats administratively, largely removing…
“There are better days ahead”: White Springs Town Council provides reassurances during delegation meeting
Jason Futch reporter2@riverbendnews.org Nine months ago, the atmosphere inside the Hamilton County Courthouse was significantly different when District 3 Senator Corey Simon and District 7 Representative Jason Shoaf visited Hamilton County. At…
Hornet Emma Soride signs to Chowan University
On Friday, Nov. 7, Emma Soride, a Lafayette High School volleyball player, signed to attend Chowan University after graduation. Soride was recruited as a libero, and plans to major in criminal justice…
Buccaneer Mylie Fernandez commits to Warner University
Christian Peterson reporter@riverbendnews.org Recently, Mylie Fernandez, a Buccaneer volleyball player and volleyball state champion, committed to attending Warner University after graduating from Branford High School. “Coming off a state championship has me…
Three-vehicle accident on Interstate 75 claims life of Myakka City man
Jason Futch reporter2@riverbendnews.org On Sunday, Nov. 9, traffic was severely congested following a three-vehicle accident on Interstate 75 in Hamilton County, claiming the life of a 59-year-old Southwest Florida man. According to…
Florida prepares for 16th execution of the year as debate over death penalty intensifies
Jason Futch reporter2@riverbendnews.org On Tuesday, Oct. 28, Norman Merle Grim, who was sentenced to death for the 1998 murder of Cynthia Campbell in Santa Rosa County, met his date with the executioner….
Bulldogs break school record at regional championship
Christian Peterson reporter@riverbendnews.org Swim is a taxing sport known for requiring the use of every muscle in your body. Suwannee High School is the only local school in Riverbend News’ coverage area…
Community mourns loss of 19-year-old Branford graduate
Danny Federico editor@riverbendnews.org Residents of Branford and Suwannee County as a whole are mourning the loss of 19-year-old Cloey Criggall, an O’Brien resident and Branford High School graduate who died in a…
Buccaneers return home as State Volleyball Champions
The Branford High School Buccaneers defeated the Chipley Tigers 3-2 on Wednesday, Nov. 5, earning the title of FHSAA Rural State Champions. This was the Buccaneers’ third consecutive bid for state and…
Quick-thinking resident foils scam attempt; suspect arrested
Jason Futch Reporter2@RiverbendNews.org The daughter of an elderly Live Oak resident acted fast when she suspected her mother was being taken advantage of in the amount of $20,000. As a result,…
New bill aims to lower age for buying guns
Lazaro Aleman editor@riverbendnews.org A bill has been introduced in the Florida Legislature for the 2026 session that seeks to lower the minimum age for the purchase of firearms in the state. House…
LOPD officer involved in accident
Jason Futch reporter2@riverbendnews.org On Thursday, Oct. 30, after his final night of police academy at North Florida College, Live Oak Police Department (LOPD) Officer Christopher Davis was traveling home on US Highway…
Busy Bee redevelopment project expands in Hamilton County
Hamilton County Development Authority Contributor On Wednesday, Oct. 22, the Hamilton County Development Authority (HCDA) announced that construction of the second phase of the Busy Bee redevelopment and expansion project is now…
Two killed in early-morning crash in Hamilton County
Danny Federico editor@riverbendnews.org Two people were killed early Friday morning, Oct. 31, following a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 75 in Hamilton County. According to the Florida Highway Patrol report, the crash occurred…
Live Oak man allegedly kills father, injures mother
Jason Futch Reporter2@riverbendnews.org A Live Oak man was charged with allegedly killing his father and critically injuring his mother on Wednesday, Oct. 29. Gene Roger Desmartin, 47, faces charges of homicide, attempted…
Correction
In the Wednesday, Oct. 22, edition of the Riverbend News, we ran an article about the No Kings Protest that occurred on Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Suwannee County Courthouse. The article…



