Water main breaks in Lake Butler

BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] Union County Schools dismissed students early Friday after a water main break prevented water service to City of Lake Butler customers. City Of Lake Butler Public Works Director Sam Norris said the break was caused by a Florida Department of Transportation contractor taking soil borings on Southwest 6th Avenue directly in … Read more

Man crashes truck into tech. college fence

BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] A man crashed a Nissan pickup into the front fence of North Florida Technical College Monday afternoon. Bradford Sheriff’s Office Lt. Shaun Burgin, supervisor of the office’s School Protection Deputy unit, said the crash was an accident. “His foot slipped off the brake and onto the gas pedal,” Burgin said after … Read more

Mental health support available for first responders

Law Enforcement Appreciation Day on Jan. 9 is a time to recognize the brave men and women who support us during our worst days. This recognition comes at a critical moment, as the holiday season often sees a surge in 911 calls, placing greater emotional strain on law enforcement officers. After the holidays, many first … Read more

Search continues for missing kayaker

BY JENN SAMSEL Special to the Monitor The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said its officers and Alachua County Sheriff’s deputies are continuing to search Lake Santa Fe for a missing boater. FWC said in a statement that on Wednesday, January 1, at approximately 7:15 p.m., the two agencies and the Florida Highway Patrol … Read more

Keystone’s centennial celebration kicks off

BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] The Friends of Keystone Heights, FL. Inc. started the city’s yearlong celebration of its first 100 years with a gala at the Keystone Heights RV Park on Saturday, December 28. The organization’s president, Ginger Lee, said her group sold around 160 tickets for the gala, which featured the Jacksonville-based band Duval … Read more

KH Heritage Commission hosts tour of homes

BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] The Keystone Heights Heritage Commission hosted its 2024 Holiday Tour of Historic Homes on Saturday, December 21. Unlike previous tours, which permitted guests to view only the exteriors of the homes, this event included interior tours of the structures. Volunteer Dana Eatmon said the Keystone Heights Women’s Club sold approximately 140 … Read more

Statutes win yard of the month

BY BARBARA ANDERSON AND GINNY GEIGER Garden Club of the Lakes Every yard has its own personality, reflecting the uniqueness of its owners.  Greg and Teresa Locke have added much personality to their yard in just the two years they have lived at 4162 Southeast First Avenue.  Greg was quick to tell us that Teresa … Read more

High Ridge home destroyed by fire

BY JENN SAMSEL Special to the Monitor On Sunday, December 8th, around 10:25 a.m., a residential fire broke out on Pembroke Street in the High Ridge Estates neighborhood of Keystone Heights. No people or animals were injured in the incident. According to a witness, the battalion chief on duty said a pot on the stove … Read more