Free State Park admission Memorial Day Weekend
Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key -Courtesy Photo
Florida State Parks will offer free admission Memorial Day weekend, May 23-25, inviting visitors to enjoy the outdoors while honoring those who gave their lives in service to the United States as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.
25thAnnual CARES event awards farmers
Suwannee County - Sunset Specialty Groundcover. -CARES Photo
74th Annual Florida Folk Fest this weekend
-Archived FFF Courtesy Photo
By Andrea Thomas, Park Communications Specialist
Everyone is invited to come celebrate the diverse culture, food, music and arts during the 74th Annual Florida Folk Festival, happening along the banks of the historic Suwannee River in White Springs Florida. The festival will be held on Memorial Day weekend, May 22 – 24. Gates open at 9 a.m., Stages open at 10 a.m., and opening ceremonies will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 22.
Statue of Madison County’s namesake unveiled
A bronze statue of President James Madison was unveiled last week by Governor Ron DeSantis, in front of the Madison County Courthouse. -Courtesy Photo
Hampton Inn & Suites breaks ground in Live Oak
On May 1, 2026, officials held a ground breaking ceremony at the new Hampton Inn & Suites hotel site in Live Oak. Center-right Senator Corey Simon with owner Nick Patel, center, and other officials. -Photo by Suwannee County Economic Development
A Brighter Return: North Florida College Solar Project
CWE Building now equipped with solar panels. -NFC Photo
HCA Lake City Hospital hosts Robotics Night for community
Kids learning about surgical robotics. -HCA Photo
TriCounty Day
The bumper cars were a fun attraction during TriCounty Day at Wayside Park in White Springs. -Photo: Befaithful Coker
Wildflower Festival - May 2
Dreams do come true!
The Live Oak Artists Guild created these butterfly photo opps in 2024, just for the festival. -SVT Archived Photo
By Katherine Allen, UF-IFAS
What started as a dream for Anda Chance, past President of the Live Oak Artist Guild (LOAG) has turned into a reality. The Wildflower Festival and Plant Sale is coming back for the third time on the first Saturday in May (5-2-26).
DeSantis Signs Legislation to Combat Terrorist Groups and Ban Sharia Law in Florida
Staff Reports
Last week Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 1471, legislation strengthening protections against the application of foreign and religious laws—including Sharia law—that violate constitutional rights and establishing new safeguards against terrorist organizations operating in Florida.
Catfish Festival Pics
Wally Germany & Friends entertaining the crowd during the Catfish Festival in Brandford last Saturday. -Photo by Rob Wolfe Photography
