BY MARK J. CRAWFORD [email protected] Commissioner Danny Riddick was encouraged not to give up working for a youth recreation program even if it was unclear the county would be able to make a full financial commitment in its 2026 budget. Riddick is leading the charge for many who want to see a countywide cooperative organization … Read more
Edited to remove date of future budget workshop. The future of city hall and other downtown projects considered BY MARK J. CRAWFORD [email protected] Starke city commissioners took a first look at their budget for next year, discussing cost increases as well as plans for city hall and downtown revitalization projects. Manager Drew Mullins introduced the … Read more
BY MARK J. CRAWFORD [email protected] Starke commissioners have amended their plan for a new pavilion at the Downtown Square by moving it to the opposite corner. In response to concerns about a new entertainment stage facing toward existing and future residential development, the plan now calls for building the stage in the southeast corner of … Read more
Bradford NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED Notice is hereby given that MIKON FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND OCEAN BANK the holder of the following certificate has filed said certificate for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number and year of issuance, the description of the property, and names in … Read more
BY MARK J. CRAWFORD [email protected] The race that might not have happened will be the only race on the city of Starke’s August election ballot. The office of city clerk survived a referendum to pull it from the city charter in April but emerged from qualifying week with the only contested race. Candidates Lisa Heeder … Read more
BY MARK J. CRAWFORD [email protected] The 2025-26 state budget passed late Monday night contains funding for two local schools, one new and one historic. The $115.1 billion budget was $3 billion less than the current year but still contained money for a few local requests. Union County School District was allotted more than $29.5 million … Read more
BY MARK J. CRAWFORD [email protected] Bradford Elementary School is welcoming a new assistant principal with a passion for education and leadership. Michelle Cino, a Gainesville native and educator with more than 25 years of experience in Florida public schools, has officially joined the Bradford County School District. Cino began her career in education after majoring … Read more
BY MARK J. CRAWFORD [email protected] Bradford School Board members approved a lease for the Rainbow Center facility to Episcopal Children’s Services, now known as ECS4Kids, at the June 16 meeting. Superintendent Will Hartly announced last month ECS4Kids would be taking over operations at the Rainbow Center from the school district. He said its too difficult … Read more
BY MARK J. CRAWFORD [email protected] This coming school year it is teachers and other employees of Bradford County schools who are receiving a dress code. Proposed policy 6.380 is titled Professional Conduct and Dress/Grooming for Staff Members. Operations and Safety Director Jeff Edison introduced it to school board members Monday night who later approved a … Read more
The following is an announcement of intention to seek public office paid for by the candidate. I am happy to announce my candidacy for City Clerk of Starke. A lifelong resident of Starke, I am deeply rooted in the heart of the community that I proudly call home. I have been loyal to the … Read more
