4-1-20
Governor DeSantis to sign executive order for Floridians to stay-at-home
Staff Reports
In a press conference Wednesday afternoon, Governor DeSantis announced he will be issuing an executive order to “stay-at-home.”
The order goes into effect Thursday at midnight and will last 30 days.
All non-essential businesses will be ordered to cease. He said he would be releasing a list of all essential businesses allowed to stay open. Businesses may be added to the list if they are deemed “essential”.
There are currently 30 other states that have issued a “stay-at-home” order.
3-19-20
Learning from History
By Jeffry Boatright
If we have learned nothing else from the Coronavirus pandemic at this point, we have discovered that it has been accompanied by misconceptions and misinformation. We hear untruths and exaggerations from those who cultivate fear, but we are bombarded with propaganda and hearsay from those who minimize the threat. Most of us simply want to know the facts.
3-18-20
All bars and nightclubs closed by Governor’s Executive Order, restaurants and beaches limited
Governor’s Press Office
Tallahassee, Fla. – Yesterday, Governor Ron DeSantis issued an Executive Order that will reduce density and crowds in restaurants, bars, nightclubs and beaches to mitigate the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).
3-18-20
3-4-20
Historic Blanche Hotel open for business

Officials, family and friends gathered at the top of the staircase as Mayor Stephen Witt, center left, along with IDP Properties president Rhett Holmes, of Valdosta, cut the ribbon during the grand opening of the newly-renovated Blanche Hotel in Lake City last week. -Photo Submitted by Dennille Decker
2-27-20
Shands Live Oak Hospital
and Shands Starke SOLD
Will become emergency only facilities by April, 2020
According to a press release today, February 27, 2020, affiliates of Community Health Systems, Inc. (CHS) will cease inpatient operations and facilities will be acquired by hospitals affiliated with HCA Healthcare’s North Florida Division and operated as off-campus emergency departments
2-19-20
42nd Annual Olustee Festival - A Civil War remembrance

Officials gathered as the Blue-Grey Army’s Major General Dr. Tony Buzzella and Brigadier General Jeanie Wilks began the opening ceremonies at their new venue in Wilson Park with beautiful Lake DeSoto as the backdrop. -SVT Photo by Tami Stevenson
2-19-20
Career Day at RIVEROAK drew hundreds interested in their future

Suwannee Seniors at RIVEROAK on Career Day. L-R: Tat Van Ette, Jax Sansouci (on top) and Reagan Berry. After graduation, Tat said he wants to pursue a career in the medical field and has his sights set on becoming a registered nurse. Jax said he wants to attend college for wrestling and study criminology. Reagan, 6’ 4,” wants to play college football. - SVT Photo by Tami Stevenson
2-5-20
Gun bill may expand gun rights for elected officials
By Tami Stevenson
In light of shootings that have occurred at government meetings in various states, including city commission meetings in New Hope, Minnesota; Kirkwood, Missouri; Ross Township, Pennsylvania; and Mount Pleasant, Iowa, two gun bills are moving through the legislature that would allow certain elected officials/members to carry a firearm during meetings.
1-23-20
Local eighth-grader accepted into Mensa

With an IQ of 146, Victoria Coker has a bright future ahead of her.
-Photo: Submitted
1-23-20
69th Annual Jeanie & Stephen Foster Vocal Competition

2020 Stephen and Jeanie contestants L to R: James Hooper Stephens - Stephen Runner-up, Ashley Ambrose, Victoria Jebian - Jeanie Maid 2020 (2nd place), Allison Fahey - Jeanie Maid 2020 (3rd place), Adam Benton - Stephen 2020, Nicole Carrion - Jeanie 2020, Colby Harter - Stephen 3rd place, Jessica Farris, Alexandra Torres, Isabelle Scott. -Photo by Catherine Chapman