BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] The Keystone Heights Planning and Zoning Board adjusted its comprehensive plan update timeline after learning it had received a $60,000 planning grant from Florida Commerce, officials said during their November 24 meeting. The grant will offset city staff costs for the comprehensive plan revision, required by state statute every seven years. … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] Members of the Keystone Heights Heritage Commission discussed plans for their upcoming Christmas wreath project and their effort to catalog historic artifacts during their November 18 meeting. Chair Deirdre Murphy led the discussion about the commission’s annual wreath project, in which the city advisory panel loans Christmas wreaths to downtown businesses. … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] Union County Commissioners, during a December 1 town hall meeting in Lake Butler, discussed copying Bradford County’s trash decal program, which requires a sticker placed in the windshield for vehicles dropping off trash at county solid waste collection sites. Commissioners floated the idea after Eric Williams of Williams LP Gas said … Read more
During the November 18 school board meeting, Union County School District officials recognized W.W. Gay Mechanical Contractor, Inc. for its support of the students of Union County. Superintendent Mike Ripplinger presented W.W. Gay’s Trey Carr a plaque of appreciation and expressed his gratitude to the Jacksonville-based firm for its support of Union County students. “That … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] Lake Butler city commissioners tabled a proposed dangerous building ordinance on November 18 after concerns were raised about its language and enforcement approach. Code Enforcement Officer Rick Ward presented updates on his recent work, including progress on revising city ordinances and implementing a new online violation tracking system. Ward said he’s … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] Clay County’s only dual-certified domestic violence and sexual abuse shelter said survivors of domestic violence spent nearly 9,500 nights in its facility this year. Quigley House Interim CEO Jackie Krug said its staff answered over 4,200 phone calls in 2025, marking a 20% increase over last year. “As Clay County continues … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] Clay Electric Cooperative’s leader for the last 17 years is retiring, and another co-op lifer is taking over Florida’s largest electric cooperative this month. Ricky Davis started his career with the Keystone Heights-based utility in September 1973 as a pole inspector trainee. For the next three years, he worked his way … Read more
BY JENN SAMSEL [email protected] The 3rd Annual Keystone Heights Christmas Tree Lighting was a lively celebration and a display of community spirit, with close to 300 attendees gathered to enjoy festive Christmas music, while children crafted colorful ornaments. Many warmed up with steaming mugs of rich hot cocoa, funnel cakes from Lake Area Regions Kiwanis. … Read more
BY JENN SAMSEL [email protected] The night was to be remembered, as everyone was stunning in their best outfits for Friends of Keystone’s 2nd Annual Centennial Mayor’s Ball. The event took place at the Keystone Heights RV Resort on Saturday, November 15th. Dave Rodenroth opened the evening, followed by a heartfelt speech from Nina Rodenroth, the … Read more
BY JENN SAMSEL [email protected] On Monday, November 24th, 125 residents from Bradford came to Starke’s First Baptist Church to receive turkeys and food baskets containing meals for up to 10 people per family. Distribution of turkeys and food baskets was on a first-come, first-served basis. Walmart provided turkeys and food baskets and included Thanksgiving recipes … Read more
