Strawberry Festival in Live Oak, Florida, February 13 and 14, 2021 at the Suwannee County Fairgrounds
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, WHITE SPRINGS, DOWLING PARK AND HIGH SPRINGS, FLORIDA
Stephen Foster’s 35th Annual Quilt Show & Sale
October 16-17, 2026 - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The 2026 theme is Liberty in Stitches, celebrating America’s 250 years through quilting. Quilts and fabric art of all shapes, sizes, and styles are welcome, including both traditional and modern techniques.
Quilt entry deadline is October 10, entry fee is $5. If you choose to offer your quilt for sale, 15% of the sale price will benefit the Stephen Foster Citizen Support Organization.
They are looking for vendors and demonstrators! If interested, please contact Savannah at (386) 397-4478 or
Three drop-off locations are provided:
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
Monday–Friday, September 22–October 10, 9:30 AM–4:30 PM
11016 Lillian Saunders Drive, White Springs, FL 32096
First Methodist Church of Live Oak
Friday, October 9, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
311 Ohio Ave. S., Live Oak, FL 32064
Scrappy Girls
Saturday, October 10, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
1686 SE Baya Ave., Suites 103–104, Lake City, FL 32025
For more information call (386) 397-4478.
ACV’s Autumn Fest 2026 Saturday, October 31 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
~ Vendor Booths
~ Live Entertainment
~ Trick-or-Treat for kids
Pumpkin Yummy Baked Goods Contest!
Click Here to reserve vendor booths, or call 386-658-5200.
ARTFEST ’26 - September 5-19
The Live Oak Artists Guild, Inc., in partnership with the Suwannee River Regional Library, will present ARTFEST 2026, the annual juried fine arts exhibition in September 2026.
September 5-19, 2026 at the Suwannee River Regional Library during open hours.
Reception September 5, 2026, from 4-6 p.m.
For more information, call 386-362-2771 or cell 386-590-2962 or email
Suwannee River Regional Library is located at 1848 S Ohio Ave (US HWY 129), in Live Oak.
Hearthstone Botanical Gardens Workshops
Native Tree Walk with Erin Harlow
Thursday, September 10 at 9:00 AM
Join Erin Harlow, Residential & Commercial Horticulture Agent for Columbia County, for an engaging and educational walk through the native trees of Hearthstone Botanical Gardens.
Fall Grapevine Wreaths
Thursday, September 17 at 10:00 AM
Empty wall? Bare space that needs a little autumn magic? Or maybe you’re looking for a thoughtful, handmade gift. Join us for a cozy, creative workshop where fall textures and natural beauty take center stage.
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.
GFWC International Day of Service - September 26, 2026
The High Springs New Century Woman’s Club is collecting bed pillows for survivors of domestic violence. The donated pillows will be presented to Peaceful Paths Domestic Violence Shelter.
This project supports the General Federation of Women’s Clubs’ efforts to educate the public and increase awareness of the need to end domestic violence throughout the world.
How You Can Help
On Saturday, September 26th, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Club members will be set up in front of Decades on Main to accept pillow and monetary donations. The address is 18559 High Springs Main St., High Springs, FL 32643.
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of survivors of domestic violence. For information, call 386-518-3276 or email
Craft Vendors wanted
Submitted by Carole Tate - Invitation to Craft Vendors. The High Springs New Century Woman’s Club will host a Craft Sale on Saturday, November 21st, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Table rental is $35.00; tables are available both inside and outside. Handmade items only. For vendor information, call 386-518-3276 or email
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.
