
Governor DeSantis signs new, trimmed budget
By Tami Stevenson
On June 30, in Wildwood, Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis signed the Budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025–2026, and a related tax cut package, HB 7031, Taxation, totaling $117.4 billion after $567 million in line-item vetoes. The budget passed by the Legislature totaled $117.9 billion, and following line-item and other vetoes, this budget is roughly only $10 million above the Governor’s Recommended budget from February and is about $3 billion less than last year. The budget also maintains $15.7 billion in reserves.
Some highlights of the new budget include a 2% raise for state workers and a 10% to 15% pay raise for state law enforcement along with $15.9 billion
NFC Live Oak Open House spotlights new bachelor’s degree program
Suwannee County residents learn about career-ready degrees and certificates at the Live Oak Location Open House. -Photo: NFC
Walt’s Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram Celebrates Grand Opening
Last Friday, Walt’s Live Oak CDJR held their grand opening. Photo Center, GM Bryan Blair with Owner Liz Bryan cutting the ribbon, with son, Walter III and daughter Susie on either side of them. -Lake City Reporter Courtesy Photo
American Patriotism at its finest -Sponsored by Suwannee County Republican Party
Vehicles from the caravan that began in Branford, parked in front of the Live Oak Coliseum, Saturday, during the Great American Birthday Bash. -SVT Photos by Tami Stevenson
Branford, Fla., 4th of July Celebration
Live Oak Freedom Festival, July 4th
The Committee is excited to announce that Suwannee County Purple Heart recipients will be honored at this year’s event.
SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS ANNOUNCED for French Woods Sports and Arts Center
Lake City, Fla., - North Florida Performing Arts Academy announces 2025 winners of the coveted French Woods scholarship. Located in Hancock, New York. French Woods prides themselves on offering a unique, individualized experience. Children are offered a wide range of performing and visual arts in addition to programs in sports, waterfront, horseback riding, and much more.