News
Lake Butler’s Fletcher Myers Park rededicated
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] Lake Butler officials, the family of Fletcher Myers, and others gathered to mark the rededication of Fletcher Myers Park on Saturday, September 27. Former Florida Gators Chaplain Patrick Maxwell began the ceremony with an invocation, recalling that Myers, whom he called “Uncle Flash,” took him to Gator games on Saturdays and … Read more
Lake Butler signs off on $11.25 million wastewater loan – Grant will cover $9.65 million of principal forgiveness
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] The Lake Butler City Commission authorized Mayor Melissa Hendrix to execute a $11.25 million loan agreement with the state’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund for wastewater infrastructure upgrades during its September 16 meeting. Under the loan agreement, the city is pledging revenues from its water fund to repay the loan. … Read more
Assistant county manager warns prospective residents about roads
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] The assistant county manager who oversees Clay County’s economic development efforts spoke to the Clay Chamber’s Lake Region Prosperity Partners on Wednesday, September 25, at the Keystone Beach pavilion. Chereese Stewart briefed the group on county growth trends, the board of County Commissioners’ strategic plan, property taxes, current infrastructure projects, and … Read more
Clay Behavioral provides mental health services in the Lake Region
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] Three workers from Clay Behavioral Health Center spoke to a Lake Region civic group about the mental health services their organization provides to the Keystone Heights area. Crystal Riviere, Khelsea Boyd, and Debbie Carter told the Keystone Heights Rotary Club that in addition to an office on State Road 21 North, … Read more
Clay school district facing ‘unprecedented budget situation’ – Spending plan cut by 20%
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] Clay County School Superintendent David Broskie recapped what he called an extraordinary budget year, and school board member Ashley Gilhousen said the district was facing an unprecedented budget situation during a September 23 school board workshop. Broskie reminded the board that the district cut its 2025-2026 budget by 20% after several … Read more
Hampton man killed in collision with log truck
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] A 24-year-old Hampton man was killed in a predawn collision Wednesday when his sedan struck the rear of a tractor-trailer near Sampson city in Bradford County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The crash occurred at approximately 5:02 a.m. near the intersection of Southwest County Road 227 and Southwest 70th Avenue, … Read more
Woman’s Club hosts 4th Annual Almost Fall Festival
BY JENN SAMSEL Special to the Monitor Despite rainy weather, the Keystone Heights Woman’s Club hosted its 4th Annual Almost Fall Festival on September 27 with 50 vendors taking part. Participants enjoyed crafts, food, and a variety of fun activities for kids. Lake Region Kiwanis and Costello’s Tree Service both sold food, helping raise $1,625 … Read more
Help available for those contemplating self-harm
BY MARK J. CRAWFORD [email protected] With shades of purple and teal in its seal, Bradford County Fire Rescue is drawing attention to Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Fire Chief Ben Carter said this is a time to “remind one another there is always hope, always help and always someone who cares.” “Suicide affects families, friends, neighbors … Read more
