Murder-suicide suspected on 230 near Clay County Line

BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] Bradford County Sheriff’s detectives are investigating the shooting deaths of two people on Northeast 6th Lane, off of State Road 230 near the Bradford-Clay County line. Sheriff’s Col. Brad Smith said that after receiving a 911 hang-up call at 5:15 a.m., Thursday, January 29, deputies responded to the double-wide and found … Read more

Bella Johns crowned Miss Union County High School

BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] Bella Johns, an 18-year-old senior at Union County High School, was crowned Miss UCHS 2025-2026 during the annual scholarship pageant held at the school auditorium. The event, themed “Hometown Crown,” showcased eight young women competing for the title. Johns, the daughter of Jason and Nancy Johns, impressed judges with her performances … Read more

Lake Butler awards parade winners, approves grant application

BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] The Lake Butler City Commission approved pursuing two state historic preservation grants during their regular meeting Monday evening, while also recognizing winners of the 2025 Christmas Parade float contest. Lake Butler Hospital took first place in the parade competition, receiving a certificate and $200 prize for their decorated float. Union County … Read more

KH Popeyes closes – Franchisee files for Chapter 11

BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] Sailormen Inc., which operated a Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen in Keystone Heights and 135 other restaurants across Florida and Georgia, submitted its bankruptcy petition on January 15 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida. The filing puts the jobs of more than 3,200 hourly employees in limbo as … Read more

Right turn lane at Keystone’s main intersection scheduled for 2027

BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected]  Keystone Heights Mayor Nina Rodenroth said state officials have budgeted dedicated turning lanes at South Lawrence Boulevard (State Road 21) and Walker Drive (State Road 100) for 2027. The mayor said around five street parking spaces in front of Keystone Gifts and Guns and Clyde’s Cozy Corner Cafe will be lost … Read more

Recent arrests in Bradford, Union and Cla

The following individuals were recently arrested 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

Shelter in place ordered for three Starke schools

BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] The Bradford County School District said students and staff at Starke Elementary School, Bradford Middle School and the North Florida Technical College were instructed to shelter in place after an unidentified individual climbed a fence at the elementary school. The incident occurred around 2 p.m. on Friday, January 23. Bradford County … Read more