6-28-19
Colossal changes at NFCC
North Florida College’s new satellite campus in Live Oak is located at the Historic Train Depot, next to the museum in Live Oak.
-NFCC Courtesy Photo
By Tami Stevenson
Some monumental changes are taking place at North Florida Community College (NFCC) in Madison. In a few short days NFCC will officially change its name to North Florida College and open a new satellite campus in Live Oak.
The name change has been in the works since November 2016. Governor Ron DeSantis officially approved and signed HB 525 into law on June 7, 2019, an act to rename “Florida Keys Community College” to “The College of the Florida Keys”; and changing the name of “North Florida Community College” to “North Florida College.” The name changes will take effect on July 1, 2019.
6-27-19
Lake City pays ransom for cyber attack
Staff Reports
Ransomware attacks are a growing threat that have spread to cities in the United States and have now hit home in North Florida.
Lake City was hit around June 10 with a malware attack called “Tipple Threat,” according to news sources, that crippled the cities computers. A few days later they received a ransomware demand of 42 bitcoins. The price for the untraceable electronic currency fluctuates but is likely the city paid around $460K to $490K for the decryption key.
The City held a special meeting Monday and decided to pay the ransom as they were advised it was cheaper to pay the attackers than to try and restore the data on there own.
The city will only wind up paying a $10K deductible as their insurance, the Florida League of Cities, will reimburse them for the remainder of the ransom.
3-20-19
Representation in Washington?
You be the judge
By Jeffry Boatright
Democrats in Congress claimed victory last week with the defection of a dozen republican senators siding with their democratic colleagues on a reversal of President Trump’s emergency declaration along our nation’s southern border. While it is likely that Senator Chuck Schumer, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and a host others celebrated their victory, they might consider re-corking their champagne bottles for now.
3-20-19
Stephen Foster's
Antiques, Arts & Collectibles Day
Crowds gathered to enjoy the vintage and classic cars on display at the Antiques, Arts and Collectibles Day event at Stephen Foster last Saturday. -SVT Photo by Tami Stevenson
Car enthusiasts were able to savor 71 vintage and classic cars at the Antiques, Arts & Collectibles Day at Stephen Foster, last Saturday. -SVT Photo by Tami Stevenson
By Tami Stevenson
With a military opening ceremony honoring WWII Veterans and the Hamilton County High School ROTC presenting colors, the Antiques, Arts and Collectibles Day event was off to a great start at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park in White Springs, last Saturday.
3-8-19
Columbia County’s First Solar Power Plant is now powering the county grid
-Photo Courtesy of FPL Sunshine Gateway Solar Energy
By Sarah Fenaughty
Last week, FPL hosted a celebration commemorating the opening of Columbia County’s first solar power plant, the new FPL Sunshine Gateway Solar Energy Center. The plant, which generates enough zero-emissions electricity to power approximately 15,000 Florida homes, has over 300,000 solar panels and is now powering the Columbia County grid.
To celebrate, Eric Silagy, president and CEO of FPL, Julie Wraithmell, the executive director of Audubon Florida, Glenn Hunter, the economic development director of Columbia County, and local students gathered for an on-site farmer’s market featuring produce from local vendors.
The celebration comes after the announcement of FPL’s 30-by-30 plan, which promises to bring 30 million solar panels to Florida by 2030.
More information about the event can be found in the advisory below. Please feel free to reach out with any questions
3-8-19
Hundreds of students visit RIVEROAK Tech’s Career Fair
Above: Career Fair at RIVEROAK Technical College in Live Oak. -SVT Photo by Tami Stevenson
By Tami Stevenson
Hundreds of students from the North Florida area, including public, private and home schooled students, visited RIVEROAK’s Third Annual Career Fair in Live Oak recently. Students and adults alike were given the opportunity to see what career and technical education opportunities are out there. From practical nursing to culinary, masonry and construction RIVEROAK is proud to offer 19 different programs to choose from and each of them were represented at the career fair along with 50 other community organizations and businesses. Some of the other organizations were military, law enforcement, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and many others.
2-8-19
Stephen Foster houses the largest carillon tubular bell collection in world - In our backyard
Bells at Stephen Foster in need of repair
The beautiful carillon bell tower at Stephen Foster. -Photo: Florida Parks Service
By Tami Stevenson
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park in White Springs draws thousands of visitors from all over the world each year. Befittingly nestled along the historic Suwannee River, the same river that composer Stephen Foster was so famously known for including in his song, “Old Folks at Home,” in 1851, the park has become a multi-cultural showplace of Florida history over the years.
The park also houses the largest carillon tubular bell collection in the world and it is in dire need of repair. Built in 1958, the 97 bell carillon is one of the largest musical instruments ever produced in the Western Hemisphere. It has admirably weathered the last 61 years. Visitors were awe struck by their unique sounds that could be heard throughout the entire park as the bells rang out renditions of Stephen Foster’s music, Christmas/Holiday music and other compilations. The bells also chimed on the hour and every quarter hour.
1-25-19
Madison Ace
- Chosen as one of the two Coolest Ace Hardware’s in nation
Madison Ace Owner Tim McDonald, right, accepting the award presented by Ace Hardware President and CEO John Venhuizen.
-Photo: Submitted
By Tami Stevenson
The owners and employees of Ace Hardware in Madison were both elated and surprised when they heard the news that their store was chosen as one of only two of the “Coolest Ace Hardware’s” in the entire nation. Last week owners Tim and Lacretia McDonald, along with their son and manager of the store, Tyler McDonald and Business to Business Manager Rodney McKinley, flew out to Las Vegas to accept the award.
1-25-19
Self-Protection – Trust instincts, learn to control environment
Jeffry Boatright, left, and Jack Blair from Defensive Firearms and Training Academy (DFTA) demonstrate handgun techniques.
Staff Reports
Local residents gathered on the morning of January 19, for a self-protection seminar at Jo Kennon Public Library in Dowling Park. The seminar, which was presented by Defensive Firearms and Training Academy (DFTA) of Live Oak, was one of the many programs that the public library offers to area residents.
All State-Supported Testing Sites Temporarily Close for Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) announced that all state-supported drive-thru and walk-up COVID-19 testing sites will temporarily close at 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, in anticipation of impacts from Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine.
