News
Drugs, guns cash found in Lawtey drug bust
BY MARK J. CRAWFORD [email protected] A significant drug bust unfolded Tuesday morning when the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit arrested Cedric Carter of Lawtey in connection with extensive drug sales from his home. The operation began with the undercover detectives purchasing cocaine from Carter’s residence, confirming suspicions about his involvement in drug trafficking and … Read more
Paramedicine program hires additional support for community
BY MARK J. CRAWFORD [email protected] Bradford County Board of County Commissioners welcomed a new addition to its community paramedicine efforts at the Dec. 18 meeting, officially introducing David Jackson as the next community paramedic for Bradford County Fire Rescue. Fire Chief Ben Carter lauded Jackson’s experience and commitment. “(David’s) a paramedic firefighter. Has been with … Read more
Grant’s millions will cost the city some time in redesign
BY MARK J. CRAWFORD [email protected] A major influx of revenue for a Starke water project will cause an unavoidable delay in progress. Justin deMello explained the tradeoff to city commissioners, saying they are reevaluating plans to ensure they meet the intent of the grant. DeMello, a vice president and engineer with Woodward and Curran, and … Read more
City, county and state races headed to the ballot
BY MARK J. CRAWFORD [email protected] Five county offices are open for election in Bradford in addition to the federal and state races taking place. In addition to those county commission and school board races, there are also three seats open on the Bradford Soil and Water Conservation District. Starke is also going to the polls, … Read more
EDC talks economic development progress
BY MARK J. CRAWFORD [email protected] Amber Shepherd, strategic alliances partner with the Northeast Florida Economic Development Corporation, recently gave Starke city commissioners a presentation highlighting the organization’s efforts to attract investment, promote job creation, and spur regional economic growth. Shepherd began by outlining the EDC’s core mission for Starke and Bradford County. “My goal for … Read more
SRWMD issues water shortage advisory
Following a year of below-average rainfall across North Florida that has affected rivers, springs and groundwater levels, the Suwannee River Water Management District Governing Board on Tuesday issued a water shortage advisory, calling on water users to be mindful of their consumption and adopt conservation practices. As of Dec. 21, 2025, 14 of the 15 … Read more
Celebrating Florida’s literary past—and its future—at the 2026 Sunshine State Book Festival
The Writers Alliance of Gainesville is “Bringing Readers and Writers Together” at the seventh annual Sunshine State Book Festival. The festival will be held on Saturday, Jan. 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Santa Fe College Fine Arts Hall in Gainesville. One hundred authors will participate in the Author Expo, meeting readers … Read more
Food truck overturns on State Road 100
BY JENN SAMSEL [email protected] A semi-truck collided with a food truck on State Road 100 in Bradford County, causing the food truck to overturn and the driver to sustain serious injuries. Witnesses reported that the food truck was preparing to make a left turn when the semi-truck struck it from behind, flipping it onto its … Read more
Brush fire set by kids in downtown Keystone Heights
BY JENN SAMSEL [email protected] A group of kids ignited a brush fire behind residential homes in downtown Keystone Heights. On Wednesday, January 7, the fire started at 5:11 P.M. near the area of 420 SW Magnolia Ave, Keystone Heights, Clay County. According to a Facebook post by the City of Keystone Heights, the fire was … Read more
