BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] The Keystone Heights Airport Authority Board approved contracts to proceed with a new bulk hangar project during its September 9, 2025, meeting, committing to cover a $119,115 funding shortfall using airport resources or loans. The decision came amid discussions on audits, board vacancies, and economic development opportunities, highlighting the airport’s push … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] One of the Lake Region’s newest enterprises is giving residents the opportunity to cut loose and have fun in what it calls the Splatter Lab. Darlene and Charles Gilhousen opened the Dirty Palette on South Lawrence Boulevard in February. Soon after, they launched the Splatter Lab, where guests don protective gear—raincoats, … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] A Keystone Heights man is facing charges, including DUI manslaughter, after a crash in June that claimed the life of his passenger, according to a report from the Florida Highway Patrol. Investigators allege that William Russell Gatlin, III, then 37, was intoxicated while driving a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado on State Road … Read more
The following individuals were arrested recently by local law enforcement officers in Bradford, Union, or Clay (Keystone Heights-area) counties. All defendants are considered innocent until convicted in a court or until pleading guilty or no contest. Information in this report is from law enforcement agencies and court documents, which are public records. Bradford … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] Brandon and Chelsey Funderburk were married at the Belle Oaks Wedding Chapel on Friday, September 12. The bride is the daughter of Lisa Sasser and Rex Collins, who died in 2014. The bride’s stepfather, Jason Sasser, walked her down the aisle. The groom’s parents are Paul Funderburk, Jr. and Marlana Funderburk. … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] The City of Keystone Heights hosted a gathering of officials and business owners during a coffee and commerce meeting at the Dirty Palette art studio on South Lawrence Boulevard. The city’s events director, Drew Bell, and social media specialist Kathryn Wills led the discussion about how the city could help area … Read more
BY MELANIE CRABTREE Special to the Monitor The Athletic Leaders Council, known as the ALC, was a new club at Keystone Heights High School during the 2024-2025 school year. This year, council members intend to continue the program, making it even bigger and better for 2025-2026. All student athletes are welcome to join; the council … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] A St. Johns River Water Management District official told the district’s governing board that the Black Creek Water Resource Development Project is 97% complete, with only work at the project’s treatment facility in Camp Blanding remaining. The project consists of a 17-mile pipeline, pumps, and a treatment facility within the National … Read more
BY CLIFF SMELLEY [email protected] Keystone Heights High School won a boys golf match on Sept. 11 at Green Cove Springs’ Magnolia Point Golf and Country Club, with Will Begue placing first individually with a score of 38. The Indians finished with a team score of 174 to place ahead of Mandarin (176) and St. Johns … Read more
BY CLIFF SMELLEY [email protected] Keystone Heights and Union County tied for second behind Columbia in a Sept. 9 girls golf match at Lake City’s Quail Heights Country Club. The Indians and the Tigers each had a team score of 237, with Columbia winning the match with a score of 168. Keystone’s Aubrey Brooks and Union’s … Read more
