By Tami Stevenson
Bringing the joy of Christmas to less fortunate children since 1947, Toys for Tots needs the community’s help to bring that Christmas joy to less fortunate children in their county.
New this year, Annita Leonard, of Wellborn, has stepped up to the plate and volunteered to take on the position of coordinator for Suwannee County.
FLORIDA Declaration 18118 & 18119
(Disaster: FL-00192)
Incident: HURRICANE IDALIA
occurring: August 27, 2023 - September 4, 2023
in the Florida counties of: Charlotte, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee, and Taylor; for economic injury only in the contiguous Florida counties of: Alachua, Baker, Desoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Lee, Leon, Marion, Polk, Sumter, Union, and Wakulla; and for economic injury only in the contiguous Georgia counties of: Brooks, Clinch, Echols, Lowndes, and Thomas
Application Filing Deadlines:
By Brooke Hallock
TALLAHASSEE, Fla., November 30, 2023 – American Banker magazine has named Capital City Bank – a longstanding financial institution with 128 years of community banking experience in Florida, Georgia and Alabama – one of its 2023 “Best Banks to Work For.” Capital City was awarded an overall rank of #40 out of 90 banks across the nation and #9 within the category of banks with assets more than $3 billion and less than $10 billion. The 2023 edition is the eleventh list published by American Banker and the eleventh consecutive year Capital City Bank has ranked among the top employers in the financial industry.
The Deadline to Apply for SBA Disaster Loans is November 29th.
-Homeowners, Renters and Business Owners: Don’t miss your opportunity for a low-interest loan to cover Hurricane Idalia damage not covered by insurance (can also cover insurance deductible).
-Interest rate as low as 2.5% for most homeowners and renters, and 4.0% for most small businesses. No interest or payments for the first year of the loan.
-Even if you are still waiting for an insurance settlement, you can apply now and decide later if you need a loan. No cost to apply. If offered, you have 2 months to decide if you want the loan.
Three Opportunities to Meet with SBA In-person in Taylor & Hamilton Counties (SBA Only): Check loan application status, ask questions, apply for a loan before the deadline.
Heritage Festival off to good start 
The first of a series of three festivals, Heritage Festival, held last weekend, was off to a good start with approximately 40 vendor booths. -SVT Photos by Tami Stevenson
Jilyanne Hiltibidal, performing under the name, Gray Murder. She sang and played some original music along with other songs on her guitar in the pavilion. Her mother Lindsey, said Jilyanne is self-taught and came up with her stage name because she loves crows and birds. -SVT Photo
Staff Reports
Florida’s springs attract visitors from across the world and the preservation of these springs play an important role in the economic resilience of the state.
Last week, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the award of over $57 million for 23 statewide springs restoration projects to protect Florida’s iconic springs, as well as increase spring flow and improve water quality.
By Tami Stevenson
In a press release from Attorney General Ashley Moody last week about the threat of Hamas terrorist attacks in the U.S., due to the ongoing war in Israel, officials are asking citizens to say something if they see something unusual.
The cornbread and chili tasting tent stayed full as hungry fans enjoyed the wide array of special recipes. -SVT Photos by Tami Stevenson
L-R McAlpin Community Association members Jimmy Shepherd, Derenda Shepherd, Suwannee County Commissioner Leo Mobley D4 and Chuckwagon. Moses Clepper, is from Live Oak. -SVT Photo
More pics below–
Suwannee County
Sister article to Cornbread Festival article...
By Tami Stevenson
Wellborn Community Association organizer Annita Leonard has also taken on Toys for Tots for Suwannee County. Toys for Tots has developed a disaster relief program in addition to their Christmas assistance. They offer emotional relief toys and books for children that have endured disasters.
While Leonard was in Washington D.C. for the Toys for Tots conference,
