COMMUNITY EVENTS
COMMUNITY EVENTS IN LIVE OAK, LAKE CITY, MADISON, BRANFORD, MAYO, DOWLING PARK, HIGH SPRINGS AND ALACHUA, FLORIDA
The Great American Birthday Bash & Caravan
June 14, 2025
Submitted by Barbara Gill -
The Suwannee County Republican Party is hosting THE GREAT AMERICAN BIRTHDAY BASH & CONVOY, on June 14, 2025, at the Suwannee County Coliseum 4 – 8 pm. We are celebrating Flag Day, the 250th Anniversary of the Army and President Trump’s birthday. A Patriotic Convoy will depart Branford at 2 pm. (our fall 2024 Rally had 125 vehicles!) and head for the Coliseum in Live Oak.
Festivities begin at 4 p.m., at the Coliseum, with the band LITTLE BIT MORE, line dancing, supervised children’s activities, Constitution Corner for middle and high schoolers, silent auction, hamburgers, hot dogs and all the fixings and of course, cake and ice cream. Something for all ages and family friendly.
Here are the particulars:
Trump, Troops and Old Glory! President Trump’s birthday, the 250th birthday of the United States Army and Flag Day all rolled into one! All patriots and veterans are welcome to attend!
Those who choose to can join the caravan, driving from Rabbit’s Olde School Barber Shop in Branford to the Coliseum in Live Oak, where the party will take place from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Families are encouraged to attend! Hamburgers, hot dogs, cake & ice cream, children’s activities and live music for dancing by Little Bit More in the Coliseum. Line-up in Branford for the Caravan is at 2 p.m. ‘Buy’ a free ticket and decorate your vehicle or fly a flag!
Ticket Prices:
Caravan participation in your truck or car (flags and decorations encouraged but optional, Branford to Live Oak) - No Charge.
Adult ticket (18 or older) - $15 - includes admission, two main items (hamburgers and hot dogs), bag of chips, beverage, cake, ice cream, dancing and child care. Supports patriotic efforts in Suwannee County, including voter education, registration and turnout.
Youth ticket (ages 13-17, with parent) - $10 - Includes admission, two main items (hamburgers and hot dogs), bag of chips, beverage, cake, ice cream and dancing. Supports patriotic efforts in Suwannee County, including youth education and involvement.
Child ticket (ages 12 and under, accompanied by parent) - No Charge - Includes admission, one main item (hamburger or got dog), bag of chips, beverage, cake, ice cream, dancing, child care.
Sponsored by SUWANNEE GOP, Republican Party of Suwannee County.
Florida Forest Service Holds Workshop on Insects Impacting Hurricane Zones
JASPER, Fla.– The Florida Forest Service Suwannee Forestry Center is holding a one-hour workshop on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at the Hamilton County UF/IFAS Extension in Jasper. The topic will be “Pine Bark Beetle Response to Hurricane Damage in Florida.” Jeff Eickwort, Florida Forest Service Entomologist and Forest Health Section Supervisor will present. Pine bark beetles are insects that attack stressed and dying pine trees. This area was impacted by Hurricanes Idalia, Debby, and Helene.
Seating is limited, so please contact Greg Staten at (386) 792-1269 or
The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests and provides forest management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests. The Florida Forest Service is also responsible for protecting homes, forestland, and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres.
Learn more at FDACS.gov/FLForestService.
May Hearthstone Gardens Workshops
Submitted - Hearthstone 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.
Saturday, May 3 at 10 AM - TINCTURES/POULTICES
Learn how to make two tinctures and one poultice. Jars with droppers, materials, menstruum, and handouts provided. Bring two 4 oz jars with lids. Class size limited. Call 386-438-3102 to reserve a spot. Cost $20.00
Saturday, May 10 at 10 AM – CULIMARY & MEDICINAL BENEFITS & USES OF WEEDS
Whether you have a spacious backyard or a stoop, join this workshop on easy to grow weeds that have cooking and curative benefits for wellness. Cost $15.00 Call 386-438-3102 to reserve a spot.
Monday, May 12 at 10 AM – THE 3 B’s BIRD, BUTTERFY, BEE BATHS
Birthday present? Garden enhancement? Join us for this hands-on workshop building the bath of your choice. Class size limited. Call 386-438-3102 to reserve a spot. Cost $15.00
Thursday, May 22 at 10 AM – FLOWER ARRANGING
Walk the Gardens with floral designer Erin Harlow, Extension Horticultural Agent Columbia County, and find the perfect cut flowers and greenery. Each person will cut unique flowers and gain experience arranging them in a seasonal design. Bring a medium size bowl (5-7” across) and/or a couple of vase options. All other materials will be provided. Call 386-438-3102 to reserve a spot. Cost: $15.00
Wednesday, May 28 at 11 AM – BUILDING BEE HABITATS
Jon Elmquist (Insect Conservation Technician at FLMNH: McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity Florida Museum of Natural History) will focus on bee biology and ecology, foraging and nesting preferences, how to establish and augment bee habitats, artificial bee resources (e.g. bee hotels, bee cups), habitat management, and more. Call 386-438-3102 to reserve a spot. Cost $15.00
