BY MARK J. CRAWFORD [email protected] At the July 1 Bradford County Commission meeting, Meridian Behavioral Health delivered its annual update, highlighting the organization’s impact on the community and formally requesting continued funding support for the coming fiscal year. Ashley Brooks, chief operating officer of Meridian, presented on behalf of CEO Lauren Cohen. Meridian, a nonprofit … Read more
BY MELISSA PYLE Special to the Telegraph The unwavering faithfulness of volunteers and local emergency workers was celebrated at the Bradford County Auxiliary, also known as “The Pink Ladies,” annual banquet on July 8 at the Woman’s Club of Starke. The banquet is traditionally held to recognize the group’s volunteers, their hours of service, and … Read more
BY MELISSA PYLE Telegraph Staff Writer Walk into the Rack Up Thrift Store on Madison Street and you will not only be pleasantly surprised by the boutique style shopping experience, but also by the purpose behind each purchase. The Starke store is the third location of Rack Up. The original store is in Macclenny and … Read more
BY MELISSA PYLE Special to the Telegraph Lawtey will soon be welcoming a new neighbor, south of town, on U.S. 301. The Magnolia Homes Center is scheduled to open Aug. 23 and will showcase multiple model homes on its lot. Owner Jacob Craig says he is pleased to offer a high-end style home center that … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] The Arc of Bradford County honored two people who joined the agency soon after the nonprofit opened its doors half a century ago. The Arc awarded Pat Milner its Darcia Wells Lifetime Achievement Award during the organization’s 50th Anniversary Gala. Eddie Brown received the Arc’s Conneely Community Connection Award. The gala … Read more
BY MELISSA PYLE Special to the Telegraph In the 21st century, when touchscreens, AI and online ordering have become so prevalent, many continued to rely on the personal touch of the CVS staff. Sadly, the community will say goodbye to CVS in Starke on Aug. 21. The corner location at Madison Street and U.S. 301 … Read more
BY MARK J. CRAWFORD [email protected] The National Association of Counties has recognized Bradford County as a 2025 Achievement Award winner for its support of Bradford County Community Partners Health and Wellness Resource Hubs. The award was shared with organizations supporting Bradford County Community Partners during the July 17 commission meeting, including Concerned Citizens of … Read more
BY MARK J. CRAWFORD [email protected] The Starke City Commission celebrated the retirement of firefighter Andy Tison, marking the end of a remarkable 25-year career with Starke Fire Rescue. During a heartfelt ceremony, Mayor Andy Redding and Fire Chief Jason Clemons led the tributes, reflecting on Tison’s unwavering commitment and the lasting impact he has made … Read more
Tax rate remains steady next year BY MARK J. CRAWFORD [email protected] Budget discussions turned to the city of Starke’s $43 million enterprise fund during the commission’s July 15 meeting. Nearly 60% of this budget for the city’s utility services is made up of infrastructure improvement funding. The budget presented by General Manager Drew Mullins includes … Read more
BY MARK J. CRAWFORD [email protected] With Tuesday, Aug. 12, being the first day of the new school year for Bradford County schools, any family who hasn’t enrolled still has time. These days it is a largely online task, although it is possible to register in person at a school. Finding out which school your family … Read more
