BY JENN SAMSEL [email protected] Keystone Heights RV Resort employees Helen Lavarnway and Vince Esson initiated the “Walking Your Future” Sneaker Drive, successfully collecting 200 pairs of sneakers. Lavarnway, the resort’s community advocate and event planner, said she was inspired to take action after noticing a student whose shoes were torn and couldn’t afford new ones. … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] Union County commissioners held a town hall meeting for Worthington Springs residents at the county’s extension office to discuss proposed increases to special assessments, impact fees, and a potential gas tax as the county faces significant budget shortfalls in its solid waste and emergency medical services operations. The meeting, attended by … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] The second-ranking Florida House member recently said that if voters approve reducing or eliminating property taxes on homesteads later this year, the legislature should consider merging smaller counties into larger ones. Last year, Gov. Ron DeSantis began pushing to eliminate property taxes in the Sunshine State and proposed allocating $300 million … Read more
BY JENN SAMSEL [email protected] A car collided with a home in Keystone Heights, displacing residents and leaving the driver in serious condition. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the driver, who veered off course and crashed into the home, had a medical condition at the time of the incident. The accident occurred on Tuesday, December … Read more
BY JENN SAMSEL [email protected] Keystone Heights officially welcomed Brandon Ludwig as the city’s second youngest ever councilman during a special meeting held Dec. 16 at City Hall, following the resignation of Elston “Speedy” Kussler from the council. Ludwig, a lifelong Keystone Heights resident and fifth-generation member of the community, was appointed to fill the seat … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] Chemours told employees at its Trail Ridge worksite this week that the company is laying off approximately 30% of its workforce, but that a new contractor may hire those displaced workers. The company employs around 230 employees at the Trail Ridge operation. Chemours said it is shifting its field operations to … Read more
BY JENN SAMSEL [email protected] A resident in Keystone Heights has been displaced after a fire broke out in their home. The incident occurred at 6402 Bucknell Avenue, around 3:05 a.m. on Monday, January 5th, as reported on PulsePoint. A witness stated that there were no injuries to the residents or pets, and no one was … Read more
BY JENN SAMSEL [email protected] The Lake Region Prosperity Partners hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on December 9 to formally welcome Whisk Cafe to the Keystone Heights business community. Members of the Clay Chamber group and city officials attended the ceremony at Whisk’s 190 South Lawrence Boulevard location. The eatery opened its doors in February 2025. After … Read more
BY JENN SAMSEL [email protected] The City of Keystone Heights honored World War II veteran John S. Fenwick on December 26 as he celebrated his 100th birthday, recognizing a century of life marked by service, resilience, and community pride. Fenwick, a United States Merchant Marine veteran who served in the Pacific Theater during World War II, … Read more
BY JENN SAMSEL [email protected] The holidays can be particularly challenging for many seniors, especially those who have lost loved ones or cannot be with their families. The Holiday Helpers hosted their 5th Annual Christmas luncheon for seniors in Keystone Heights and the surrounding communities, featuring bingo, door prizes, and goodie bags. The event took place … Read more
