The Florida Department of Health in Union County (DOH-Union) cautions the public of the presence of blue-green algae in the Santa Fe River on April 15, 2026. Water sample testing is underway. Blue-green algae have the potential to produce toxins. Since environmental conditions can change at any time, it is important to exercise caution, even…
Three individuals hope to enter public office by winning a Florida House seat now that Rep. Chuck Brannan has reached his term limit State House District 10 consists of Baker, Bradford, Columbia and Union counties and part of Alachua County. One of the candidates is Chuck Brannan’s son, Chase Brannan, who is also a Republican.…
Florida Municipal Electric Association presented Starke’s electric department with the Restoring Communities Award, an award that celebrate collaboration among public utilities and efficiency in restoring service following emergencies. Starke was recognized for its work with Gainesville Regional Utilities. Sharing resources and manpower on a feeder line replacement project, the utilities were able to complete the…
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] The Union County School Board and Superintendent Mike Ripplinger dealt with the pluses and minuses of the state declaring the district in a financial emergency during an April 14 workshop. On the upside, Ripplinger said the state sent an additional $1.75 million to the district this week, wiping out a forecasted…
BY JENN SAMSEL [email protected] The Florida Youth Challenge Academy (FLYCA) has been operational for over 25 years and has aided more than 6,500 cadets. It is now closing its doors. A press release from the Florida National Guard, issued on April 8, surprised the community. “Following careful consideration, the Florida National Guard can confirm that…
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] The chair of the Clay County Historic Preservation Board told his colleagues that Tom Parham has obtained clearance to explore the site of Fort 11 near Lake Geneva and desires to donate artifacts from the site to the Clay County Museum. During an earlier meeting, Parnham indicated he was encountering resistance…
BY JENN SAMSEL [email protected] It’s a tough job to be the first to handle an emergency—the first voice on the phone, providing guidance, helping keep people calm and safe during a crisis, and relaying messages to EMS, fire, and police officials. The work is both challenging and demanding, yet these professionals manage to handle it…
BY JENN SAMSEL [email protected] A brush fire broke out on Sunday, April 12th, in Lawtey, Bradford County. The incident has affected residents and has led Lawtey Elementary School to allow students to stay home due to the smoky conditions. The Bradford County School District issued a notification to parents of Lawtey residents regarding…
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] Union County Sheriff Brad Whitehead outgunned four other Florida sheriffs and two from Georgia in the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office Shoot With the Sheriff event in Graham. Bradford County Sheriff Gordon Smith said this year’s charity event, Shoot with the Sheriff, had the largest field in the event’s 11-year history, with…
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] The Bradford Strawberry Festival drew an estimated 12,000 to 18,000 visitors over two days, according to Chamber of Commerce President Pam Whittle, who said the event proved a success despite an unexpected temperature drop Saturday afternoon that left many attendees scrambling for warm clothing. Whittle said she reported the festival’s success…
