Jason Futch reporter2@riverbendnews.org Riverbend News appreciates the men and women who serve and protect the communities we cover. Law Enforcement Appreciation Day is recognized nationally on Friday, Jan. 9, to honor those…
African American Development Council to hold Black History Celebration
Ady Hammock editor@riverbendnews.org On Saturday, Feb. 7, the African-American Development Council will hold its annual Black History Celebration at 6 p.m. at Ebenezer A.M.E. Church in Live Oak. The theme for this…
Jail Report
Lafayette County Dec. 30 John Shaffer, violation of probation, drug possession Dec. 31 Erwin Rodriguez, operate motor vehicle without valid license Jan. 3 Floyd Elmore, failure to appear, out-of-county warrant Hamilton County…
Florida continues taking shots at vaccine mandates
Lazaro Aleman editor@riverbendnews.org Florida continues its efforts to end all state vaccine mandates, including for schools, a major shift announced by Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo in September of 2025. The goal is…
Cagle Grams: The matter that matters
James H. Cagle Guest Columnist “I said, I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion. For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me. Behold,…
Today Can Be Different: From my mom’s typewriter to my first children’s book
Sheryl Boldt Guest Column I’ve loved writing ever since I watched my mother – an aspiring author – peck away on her Royal manual typewriter. Her example sparked my own passion for…
Living God’s Way: The full assurance of understanding
Carlton McPeak Guest Columnist Can you imagine the struggle Paul had when he considered the people in Colossae, Laodicea and other places, and his desire for them to have an understanding of…
The Front Porch is on the way
Emerald Greene editor@riverbendnews.org It is with great pleasure that we announce the arrival of the Jan/Feb 2026 edition of The Front Porch magazine. The new issue has been mailed and subscribers should…
State tries to clear confusion over new license plate law
Lazaro Aleman editor@riverbendnews.org Confusion continues to exist over a new state law that makes it a criminal offense to cover any part of a vehicle’s license plate, whether the obstruction is intentional…
White Springs block party ends in fatal shooting
Jason Futch reporter2@riverbendnews.org A Lake City man was killed during a sanctioned block party in White Springs early Saturday, Jan. 3. The shooting happened at approximately 12:53 a.m. in the area of…
Girls’ Weightlifting
SHS VARSITY GIRLS’ WEIGHTLIFTING ROSTER Delaina Brantley (Sophomore), Layla Burcker (Sophomore), McKenna Burnett (Junior), Emalea Chancey (Sophomore), CaLinn Daniel (Junior), Evie Gongora (Sophomore), Kenna Greenberg (Sophomore), Alin Hilaro (Senior), Khloe King (Sophomore),…
Suwannee and Branford lifters shine at Power of Christmas meet
Danny Federico editor@riverbendnews.org Suwannee and Branford High School girls’ weightlifting teams competed in the Power of Christmas Invitational on Saturday, Dec. 20, facing over 20 schools from across Florida and Georgia. At…
Riverlyn Odiorne receives early gift from Jesus
Mickey Starling editor@riverbendnews.org Five years ago, Adam and Haley Odiorne were doubly blessed as Haley gave birth to two vibrant twins, Baylor and Riverlyn. The joy of their arrival came with complications…
Angel: A new faith-based streaming platform with a mission
Bri Rodriguez editor@riverbendnews.org Angel is a streaming service from Angel Studios offering a curated library of movies, television shows, and documentaries, with family-friendly, faith-based content. The platform is part of a growing…
Remembering Suwannee: Thurber Talmadge Scott, Part 2
Eric Musgrove County Historian Last week, we began discussing T. T. Scott. We continue this week. Scott’s civic affairs spread to the state level. He was appointed to the Board of Control…
Achievement takes center stage at NFC’s Fall 2025 Commencement
NFC Office of Communications Contributor North Florida College (NFC) honored its Fall 2025 graduates during its commencement ceremony held on Thursday, Dec. 11, at Van H. Priest Auditorium. Family, friends, faculty, staff…
Marching band students to receive P.E. credit
Mickey Starling editor@riverbendnews.org Ask any student about their experience in the marching band, and they will be happy to share stories of how rigorous the activity is. Carrying their instruments, especially the…