BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] The Florida Highway Patrol said a 25-year-old Starke woman was killed in a traffic crash near Hampton on Friday, December 5. Troopers said the driver hit a pipe on Southeast 109th Street just before midnight. After the collision, the vehicle went airborne and hit a tree and a fence. The driver … Read more
Nearly 70 Bradford High School students earned certifications in two technology areas this fall: computer device configuration and management, and visual design using Adobe Photoshop. The school, in a news release, said these classes, part of Bradford High’s career and technical education programs, have enabled students to earn highly recognized industry certifications that showcase both … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] Lake Butler Hospital has earned a 5-star quality rating from the National Rural Rating System. The designation is the highest possible score under the performance metric. The hospital had maintained a four-star rating for about eight months before reaching the top tier, according to Cynthia Coulter, chief clinical services officer. “It’s … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] A director for the St. Johns River Water Management District said the district is now pumping water into Alligator Creek from the Black Creek Water Resource Development Project. Dale Jenkins, the district’s director of infrastructure and land resources, said during the district’s December 9 meeting that rain over the weekend of … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] Florida Trend magazine noted Santa Fe College’s future Starke nursing school in the periodical’s December issue. The statewide publication highlighted the workforce development efforts of 21 of Florida’s 28 state colleges. “In early 2026, the College will cut the ribbon on a nurse training facility in Bradford County, in partnership with … Read more
BY CELINA ROHMAN President, Santa Fe Audubon Society Each year, Audubon Florida celebrates its 44 Chapters for their efforts to connect people to nature while protecting birds and the places they need. These awards remind us that conservation is not just about the birds; it’s about people coming together to make a difference, one project, … Read more
BY JENN SAMSEL [email protected] Lake Region Kiwanis donated an additional $5,000 during the Keystone Heights High School Marching Band Concert on Friday, December 5th, to help fund new uniforms for the band. This year, Kiwanis dedicated its fundraising efforts to support the KHHS marching band in acquiring new uniforms, which are urgently needed. The total … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] A Santa Fe Lake resident has been named Florida’s 2026 Superintendent of the Year. Lake County School District Superintendent Diane Kornegay was selected as Florida’s 2026 Superintendent of the Year by the Florida Association of District School Superintendents. Kornegay was formally recognized on Wednesday, December 3, in Tampa during the Florida … Read more
BY JENN SAMSEL [email protected] Keystone Heights High School hosted its 7th Annual Career and College Fair, helping students prepare for college and pursue careers after graduation. This year’s event, occurring on Wednesday, December 3, featured approximately 40 different businesses, colleges, and military branches. Students in grades 9 through 12 had the opportunity to speak with … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] The Clay County School Board will tackle a comprehensive review of its student code of conduct starting in February, beginning with bullying policies, officials said during a recent workshop. Board member Michele Hanson proposed dividing the district’s lengthy student handbook into separate elementary and secondary versions, similar to what other Florida … Read more
