6-24-20
Generous support for Hooked on Heroes fundraiser
Volunteers from Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office, Suwannee County Fire Rescue and others plate up more than 450 chicken and rice dinners, last Friday, raising money to help take veterans fishing. -SCSO Courtesy Photo
5-8-20
Barbershops and salons can reopen Monday in most of Florida
Friday, May 8, 2020, Governor DeSantis announced hair salons, nail salons and barber shops that are already in a county where the Phase 1 program is in effect, can re-open Monday.
They must obey enhanced safety protocols, which includes wearing masks and should be by appointment only.
3-17-20
Effective at 5 p.m. TODAY all bars and nightclubs will close
By Governor's Executive Order
Governor Ron DeSantis Issues an Executive Order Regarding Bars, Beaches and Restaurants
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, 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).
Bars and Nightclubs
Under the direction of Governor DeSantis, effective at 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, 2020, all bars and nightclubs throughout Florida will close for the next 30 days. Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) will be enforcing and providing further guidance.
Beaches
The Governor is directing parties accessing public beaches in the state of Florida to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance by limiting their gatherings to no more than 10 persons.
Restaurants
Restaurants across the state of Florida will now be required to limit customer entry to 50 percent of capacity. Seating must be staggered and limited to ensure seated parties are separated by a distance of at least six feet, in accordance with CDC guidelines. Restaurants are encouraged to remain open and expand take-out and delivery services. Additional information will be provided by DBPR.
3-16-20
Submitted
The Suwannee River Regional Library System will close all branches until further notice, out of an abundance of caution in response to the global outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease).
Please visit our library website at http://srrlib.org or our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SuwanneeRiverRegionalLibrarySystem/
for updates.
All book drops, electronic resources, and e-books are available 24/7 for your convenience.
COMMUNITY EVENTS IN LIVE OAK, LAKE CITY, MADISON, BRANFORD, MAYO, DOWLING PARK, HIGH SPRINGS AND ALACHUA, FLORIDA
74th annual FLORIDA FOLK FESTIVAL - May 22-24, 2026
Memorial Day Weekend! Music . Heritage. Legend.
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, White Springs, Florida
For more information visit floridafolkfestival.com
32nd Annual Wellborn Blueberry Festival, June 6
Submitted - The 32nd Annual Wellborn Blueberry Festival will be held on the first Saturday in June at Andrews Square in Wellborn from 7:30 am – 3:30 pm. This one-day event features a locally grown blueberry pancake breakfast, live local entertainment, arts and crafts, children’s games, plants for sale, a car show, a petting zoo, and other attractions.
In addition to over 100 vendor booths, the Country Store will also be open offering homemade blueberry pies, cobblers, jams, jellies, and syrups for sale from the Wellborn Community Association.
The blueberry pancake breakfast is available at the Wellborn Baptist Church, behind the Fire Station near the country store, and at the Wellborn Community Association Center. It is served from 7:30 am – 10:30 am and the cost for breakfast is $6 for adults and $3 for kids. Admission to the festival is free.
Parking is available at the Masonic Lodge on 137 and at the Wellborn Baptist Church. There will be a trolley service to transport you to and from the festival grounds. Bring your lawn chair. Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome. Get there early to enjoy the blueberry pancake breakfast!
If you need more information, or would like to be a vendor please call the Wellborn Community Association at 386-965-4253.
Hearthstone Botanical Gardens May Workshops
Understanding the Honeybee & Wild Bee Conflict with Jon Elmquist
Thursday, May 7 at 11:00 AM
Join us for a fascinating and eyeopening session with Jon Elmquist, an insect conservation specialist whose work at the Florida Museum of Natural History focuses on protecting Florida’s native pollinators.
Edible Weeds: Culinary & Medicinal Benefits with Kris
Thursday, May 14 at 10:00 AM
Discover the delicious (and surprisingly healing) plants growing right under your feet. From backyard “nuisances” to stoop-friendly superstars, we’ll explore easy-to-grow weeds you can cook with, brew into teas, or use for everyday wellness.
Macramé Plant Hanger Workshop with Joanne
Tuesday, June 2 at 10:00 AM
Get ready to knot, loop, twist, and laugh your way through a creative morning at Hearthstone Botanical Gardens!
Hearthstone Botanical Gardens is located at 3300 134th Place in Wellborn, off US Hwy 90. Call 386-438-3102 to reserve a spot and get information. Check us out at www.hearthstonegardens.org. A materials fee will apply.
George Washington Green, Sr.
Born Oct. 8, 1844 in Beaufort, South Carolina.
Died Sept. 11, 1915 (70 years old). He is buried in the Corinth Methodist Church Cemetery in Lake City, FL.
-Photo: findagrave.com, Kimberly Rose Wheatley
By Tami Stevenson
Last weekend the reenactment of the Battle of Olustee or Battle of Ocean Pond took place at the Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park in Baker County. This year marks the 160th Anniversary of what is known as the largest battle fought in Florida during the Civil War. Thousands of reenactors from all over the world converge each year to participate in the event.
