News
Starke awaits delayed impact fee ordinance
BY MARK J. CRAWFORD [email protected] Starke’s reintroduction of higher impact fees on new development has been delayed by post-storm legislation. Not long after being presented its updated impact fee study in November, the city learned that Senate Bill 180 (2025), which limited local governments’ ability to regulate land development following hurricanes, also affected the city’s … Read more
40 apartments planned for Starke
BY MARK J. CRAWFORD [email protected] The site plan for Starke’s new multifamily development has received the city commission’s approval. Ten quadruplex buildings will go up at the corner of State Road 16 and Weldon Road, for a total of 40 new apartments. Each building is approximately 4,560 square feet, and most are arranged along S.R. … Read more
Committee asked to cut Starke charter to 10 pages, keep the essentials
BY MARK J. CRAWFORD [email protected] The Starke Charter Revision Committee’s latest meeting focused on defining the city’s form of government and election cycles. Members are working to deliver voters an amended charter to consider this fall. Jeff Johnson and Al Hunter were selected as chair and vice chair of the committee to manage meetings, and … Read more
Florida Senate passes landmark ‘Rural Renaissance’ bill
BY MARK J. CRAWFORD [email protected] The Florida Senate has unanimously passed Senate Bill 250, a comprehensive legislative package dubbed the “Rural Renaissance” bill, aimed at revitalizing rural communities across the state. This landmark legislation is poised to bring significant opportunities for infrastructure improvements, educational enhancements and economic development to areas such as Bradford and Union … Read more
Part of Union County Road 238 closing for road work
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] Union County officials said part of County Road 238 between Butler Lake and Swift Pond will close to traffic while workers replace culverts as part of a resurfacing project. County Coordinator Jimmy Williams said there are no houses along the closed portion of the road and that, after the culverts are … Read more
Bella Johns crowned Miss Union County High School
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] Bella Johns, an 18-year-old senior at Union County High School, was crowned Miss UCHS 2025-2026 during the annual scholarship pageant held at the school auditorium. The event, themed “Hometown Crown,” showcased eight young women competing for the title. Johns, the daughter of Jason and Nancy Johns, impressed judges with her performances … Read more
Lake Butler awards parade winners, approves grant application
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] The Lake Butler City Commission approved pursuing two state historic preservation grants during their regular meeting Monday evening, while also recognizing winners of the 2025 Christmas Parade float contest. Lake Butler Hospital took first place in the parade competition, receiving a certificate and $200 prize for their decorated float. Union County … Read more
KH Popeyes closes – Franchisee files for Chapter 11
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] Sailormen Inc., which operated a Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen in Keystone Heights and 135 other restaurants across Florida and Georgia, submitted its bankruptcy petition on January 15 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida. The filing puts the jobs of more than 3,200 hourly employees in limbo as … Read more
Right turn lane at Keystone’s main intersection scheduled for 2027
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] Keystone Heights Mayor Nina Rodenroth said state officials have budgeted dedicated turning lanes at South Lawrence Boulevard (State Road 21) and Walker Drive (State Road 100) for 2027. The mayor said around five street parking spaces in front of Keystone Gifts and Guns and Clyde’s Cozy Corner Cafe will be lost … Read more
