Danny Federico editor@riverbendnews.org During their weekly meeting, members of the Rotary Club of Branford welcomed two Branford High School (BHS) students on Wednesday, Oct. 22, as they introduced their student-led chapter of…
Post 107 Legion Riders host First Poker Run
Jason Futch reporter2@riverbendnews.org The American Legion Post 107’s Legion Riders hosted a Poker Run on Saturday, Oct. 25. The event, which started at the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranches in the early morning,…
Mayo Masonic Lodge assumes responsibility for Veteran crosses
Jason Futch reporter2@riverbendnews.org The Mayo Masonic Lodge recently assumed the responsibility of 88 Veteran crosses, spotlighting local Veterans who served in the military through various conflicts and times of peace. Marvin Buchanan,…
UF/IFAS to host “Building a Food Business Outside the Home” workshop Nov. 6
Danny Federico editor@riverbendnews.org Entrepreneurs looking to turn their culinary skills into a business beyond their home kitchen will have an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the process. The University…
Downtown Live Oak Chili Crawl a blast
Christian Peterson reporter@riverbendnews.org Live Oak saw a unique event pop up on Saturday, Oct. 18., as the Down Town Cafe hosted its first-ever chili crawl. Attendees stopped by Derrick’s BBQ first to…
Suwannee County School Board honors Branford students for perfect scores
Danny Federico editor@riverbendnews.org The Suwannee County School Board met for its biannual Branford meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 28, in Branford High School’s auditorium. The evening kicked off with a public hearing to…
Branford Town Council hears request for zoning map amendment
Danny Federico editor@riverbendnews.org The Branford Town Council met on Tuesday, Oct. 14, for its regularly scheduled meeting. Once the council approved the minutes from the three September meetings and payment of the…
Hamilton County Board of County Commissioners hear presentations
Jason Futch reporter2@riverbendnews.org During its regular meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 21, the Hamilton County Board of County Commissioners had the opportunity to hear two presentations on county maintenance and youth mentorship through…
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…
The Cost of Illegal Immigration to the United States
“At the federal, state, and local levels, taxpayers shell out approximately $182 billion to cover the costs incurred from the presence of more than 15.5 million illegal aliens, and about 5.4 million…
How to take the money out of politics
In order to create a more perfect union we need to take the money out of politics and get rid of the political parties. We need to stop using elections to choose…
The challenge of getting young people to read versus stare at a screen
When I was young I was neither encouraged or made to read. Being from a broken home with a mom and dad going in opposite directions, I was left to choose for…
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…
Farm Share to hold final food distribution of the year on Nov. 6
Danny Federico editor@riverbendnews.org Suwannee County residents will be able to receive free food assistance on Thursday, Nov. 6, during Farm Share’s final drive-through distribution of 2025. Five locations will be available throughout…