2022 Year in Review
By Tami Stevenson
Many consumers in 2022 adopted a new mindset, “If it’s not essential, we can do without it.” The chasm between conservatives and liberals, globally, has grown so wide there is no longer a middle ground for anyone to sit on the fence. They have become polar opposites.
In spite of these negative impacts to society, 2022 saw many positive accomplishments. Here are some that took place in our North Florida area:
~January
Robbie’s Café
A Live Oak based, family-owned favorite lunch and dinner spot for many area locals, Robbie’s Café, not only survived the pandemic but expanded the restaurant and have a new parking lot. Owners Rob and Cindy Gibson first opened in 2010 and are going strong. Robbie’s Café is located at the other end of the Winn Dixie Plaza, at 803 Pinewood Drive in Live Oak.
Back, L-R: Tyler Gibson and Jimmy Stansel, Front: Robbie’s Cafe Owners Cindy and Robert Gibson -Photo: Submitted
Verizon and AT&T launched their next-generation 5G wireless technology amid concerns about the environment and its effects on major airlines.
A government news release stated, “We anticipate some altimeters will be too susceptible to 5G interference. To preserve safety, aircraft with those altimeters will be prohibited from performing low-visibility landings where 5G is deployed because the altimeter could provide inaccurate information.”
~February
Suwannee River Water Management District announced Troy Roberts as their new Communications and Outreach Manager.
Suwannee County 4-H Youth Disc Golf Club was highlighted as an ever-growing popular sport that teaches life skills such as decision making and critical thinking.
Katie Jones pointed out they meet at Heritage Park and Gardens Disc Golf Course from September to May. Participation is open to all youth ages 8-18 and equipment is provided for new participants. For more information please contact
4-H Disc Golfers at the end of a round of Golf. Left to Right, Brandon Stallings, Club Leader Carolyn Saft, Lacey Hermanson, Club Leader Amanda Law, Peyton Hermanson, Austin Stallings, Tanner Hermanson. -Photo: Submitted
Grumpy’s Diner
Grumpy’s Diner in Madison received an overhaul by Chef Robert Irvine, host of Restaurant: Impossible and re-opened its doors on February 1. The diner is located at 244 SW Range Avenue in Madison.
~March
Clay Electric lineworkers won first place in the crossarm change out event at the annual Florida Lineman Competition.
Winners L-R: Apprentices Gaige Griffis and Craig Smith; and journeyman team members Joel Baker, David Poncher and Lee Lambert.
-Photo: Submitted
Cadbury Bunny 2022 finalist
High Springs/Columbia County’s Gentle Carousel therapy horse Sweetheart was a top ten finalist for Cadbury’s search for the ultimate Cadbury Bunny.
Gentle Carousel is one of the largest equine therapy programs in the world. Teams of tiny horses visit thousands of adults and children each year inside hospitals, hospice programs, and with families, veterans and first responders who have experienced traumatic events.
Cadbury Bunny finalist, Sweetheart! Gentle Carousel therapy horse, of High Springs, could be next Cadbury Bunny!
-Photo: Submitted
Education Bill
The K-12 Education bill, HB 1467, was signed by Governor DeSantis in March and took effect July 1. It requires school districts to be transparent in the selection of instructional materials, including library and reading materials, mostly for elementary students. As a part of the Year of the Parent, this legislation aimed to preserve the rights of parents to make decisions about what materials their children are exposed to in school. The bill also set 12-year term limits for school board members.
~April
NFC Physics Students Tour the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory
NFC Physics instructor Dr. Guenter Maresch took his Physics II students on a field trip to Tallahassee last week to tour the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory.
The MagLab is the largest and highest-powered magnet laboratory in the world, offering a variety of tools and techniques for exploring physics, chemistry, biology and engineering in an interdisciplinary, collaborative environment.
For more information about NFC, call 850-973-2288 or email
NFC Physics II students (L to R) Joseph Mickler (Hamilton), Landen Brock (Lafayette ), Blake Adams (Suwannee), Gabriel Hancock (Lafayette), Emery Wilkerson (Madison), Alyssa Wheeler (Madison), Traynor Barker (Jefferson), Timothy Warfel (Hamilton) and NFC Physics instructor Dr. Guenter Maresch
SHS Tennis Varsity takes 3rd in District
The Suwannee Tennis Varsity boys and girls teams worked hard and earned their way to districts on April 12, in Palatka. It was a hot day, with each player participating in multiple matches that lasted anywhere from 90 minutes to 2.5 hours. The teams are coached by Damon Wooley, Sydnie Sine and Michael Ammundsen.
In spite of the heat, the boys and girls team each placed third in the district overall, out of seven schools.
The boys team includes: Loren Anderson, 12th Grade - 1st position, Gabe Bracken, 12th Grade - 2nd position, David Esco, 12th Grade - 3rd position, Jake Wooley, 11th Grade - 4th position, Evan McMillen, 9th Grade - 5th position and Calay Anderson, 9th Grade - 6th position.
The girls team includes: Mattilyn Marsee, 12th Grade - 1st position, Nellie Lamb, 12th Grade - 2nd position, Caroline Simpson, 12th Grade - 3rd position, Madison Dear, 10th Grade - 4th position, Tayah Johnson, 10th Grade - 5th position and Jennifer Hancock, 10th Grade - 6th position.
~May
John Clark receives national Best in Care Award
Local caregiver and transport driver John Clark was chosen out of only six finalists from across the nation to receive the Best in Care Award by OnShift.
John Clark -Photo: Submitted
Graffitti Studios
Full-service recording studio opens in Live Oak
Robert Lansford and nationally known musician Jerry Guy opened a fully-loaded, professional recording studio in Live Oak. Their story published in the Suwannee Valley Times last May.
Graffitti Studios owner Robert Lansford, left, with partner, Jerry (Gerald) Guy sitting in the control room at the studio.-Photo: Submitted
~June
First Federal Bank Achieves 60 Days of Giving
Lake City, Florida – First Federal Bank announced in February that it would donate to sixty non-profit organizations over a period of 60 days. Founded in 1962, 2022 marks First Federal Bank’s 60th anniversary of being a community bank. To celebrate, bank employees nominated local organizations and one winner was drawn each day for 60 days. $1000 was donated to each of the winners. On the 60th day, the non-profit drawn received a grand prize of $6000 to conclude the 60 days of giving. The grand prize winner was Advocates for Citizens with Disabilities in Lake City.
Roe v. Wade overturned
On Friday, June 24, the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, a landmark piece of legislation that ended the right to abort unborn children on a federal level in the United States. The ruling has been in existence since January of 1973. Some state constitutions, however, independently protect abortion rights.
~July
Postage increase July 10
The United States Postal Service® raised the cost of postage. The changes to took effect July 10. The changes included a two-cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp from 58 cents to 60 cents.
The prices approved by the Governors of the U.S. Postal Service, raised First-Class Mail® prices approximately 6.5 percent, which was lower than the Bureau Labor Statistics annual inflation rate of 7.9 percent.
Victory for Special Olympians Restricted from Competing in USA Games
Special Olympics International (SOI) agreed to honor athletes from across the nation who were unable to attend the 2022 USA Games in Orlando due mainly to notice of a fine from the Florida Department of Health (DOH) concerning SOI’s unlawful vaccine mandate, which was rescinded at the last minute. SOI agreed to send apologies to the delegates who were not able to participate at the 2022 USA Games and to financially sponsor athletes with travel, lodging, and uniforms to attend the All-Star Champions Showcase and 50th Anniversary Games, hosted by Special Olympics Florida, in October.
~August
ACV Health
Advent Christian Village (ACV) announced the rebranding of many of their healthcare services under a new name, ACV Health, an outreach of Advent Christian Village. The purpose of this rebranding was to encourage individuals and families in Suwannee, Lafayette, Madison, and Taylor counties and the surrounding communities to take advantage of the convenient, compassionate healthcare services provided on the ACV Campus.
~September
Corbett’s Mobile Home Center in third generation
Corbett’s Mobile Home Center in Live Oak announced its third generation of ownership with Robert Corbett’s daughters, Ashleigh Corbett and Brooke Corbett, taking over the helm at the 55 year-old business.
Beginning with Robert Corbett’s father, Bobby Corbett, in 1968, the business has weathered through its many years in existence and now Robert is proudly handing that knowledge and know-how down to his daughters.
Ashleigh Corbett, left, standing with sister, Brooke Corbett, in front of the sign at their family business at 1126 East Howard St. (Hwy 90) in Live Oak. -SVT Photo by Tami Stevenson
First Responders receive $1,000 bonuses
The recognition payments were a part of the Freedom First Budget signed by Governor Ron DeSantis earlier in 2022.
Eligible recipients of the first responder recognition bonus payments are police officers, sheriff’s deputies, paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and firefighters employed by local governments throughout the state.
Governor Ron DeSantis personally hands out first responder bonuses in Jacksonville.
-Photo: Governor’s Press Office.
Judge Lin Williams retires
Judge Williams, after serving as Suwannee County Judge since 2011, talked about his retirement coming in January of 2023.
Suwannee County Judge Lin Williams siting at his desk in his office during an interview with the Suwannee Valley Times.
-SVT Photo by Tami Stevenson
~October
Anna Kelley, DNP, New NFC Instructor of Bachelor of Science in Nursing program
Branford native Anna Kelley, DNP, was named Instructor of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at North Florida College in Madison.
Branford native Anna Kelley, DNP. -Photo: Submitted
New business opens
Retired Federal Air Marshal establishes Blue Skies Firearms Academy – O’Brien
Blue Skies Firearms Academy, LLC owners Rick and Heather Banke held a soft Grand Opening in October for their new facility, that is focused on teaching people how to defend themselves.
Owners Heather and Rick Banke stand in front of their newly constructed shooting range at Blue Skies Firearms Academy in O’Brien, Florida. -SVT Photo by Tami Stevenson
Jeff Siegmeister sentenced to 3+ years
Florida’s former Third Judicial Circuit State Attorney Jeffrey Siegmeister was sentenced to 40 months in Jacksonville’s federal court, Monday, October 17, 2022, for stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from an elderly man, accepting bribes, tax evasion and more.
The Third Judicial Circuit consists of seven counties: Columbia, Dixie, Hamilton, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee and Taylor.
Siegmeister, after gaining the trust of the voters, was elected and served as state attorney from 2013 until his resignation in December 2019. He was under investigation from the FBI and finally detained February 26, 2021. He was officially arrested on March 1, 2021, in Arizona. Siegmeister remained in custody, without bond, being considered a flight risk. He has been imprisoned since that time. Having already served 20 months, he will have 20 more months to serve, notwithstanding any time off they may grant him for good behavior.
Siegmeister must also make restitution by paying more than $500,000 to the estate of the elderly man he stole from and pay more than $90,000 to the IRS for tax evasion.
David Phelps, former interim state attorney who served after Siegmeister resigned, told News 4 Jax, after the sentence was handed down that day, that Siegmeister was known to tell his assistants to increase people’s jail sentences, then while in court, asked for his own sentence to be decreased, which U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard declined.
Siegmeister’s co-defendant, former attorney Michael O’Steen, of Dixie County, was sentenced to 44 months and has been ordered to pay $60,000 in restitution along with a $45,000 fine.
Former State Attorney Jeffrey Siegmeister.
-Photo: SVT Archives
~November
Animal Shelters busier since COVID
Animal control officers from Suwannee County Animal Shelter (SCAS), along with Sheriff Sam St. John, urge residents to count the cost of owning a dog or any other pet before they make that commitment. The larger the pet, the bigger the commitment, and that commitment should be for the life of the animal.
A new program implemented by SCAS was announced to help potential pet owners decide whether having a pet is the right thing for them. The program is called ‘Staycation.’ Residents can chose a dog from the shelter and take it home for the day or up to five days. They are given a questionnaire to fill out that lets the shelter know if the dog is minding its manners, likes car rides, enjoys cuddling, is leash trained, house trained, plays with toys, knows any tricks, gets along with other dogs, etc.
Suwannee County Sheriff Sam St. John holds a puppy while four year old Wyatt Green is not sure whether he wants to pet the puppy or play with their toys!
-SVT Photo by Tami Stevenson
~December
Suwannee High’s Braxtyn Green, Top ~7% of HS kickers and punters from across the country
Seventy-four young men, including Suwannee High’s Braxtyn Green, were among a select group of only 85 students hand-picked to earn an invitation to Kicking World National Showcase in Austin, Texas. Based on their performances amongst the over 1,200 students they evaluated during the 2022 camp season, they were put in the top ~7% of HS kickers and punters from across the country.
“Suwannee (Senior 2023) football kicker/punter Braxtyn Green looked awesome last weekend at our National Showcase here in Austin, Texas,” said Kicking World Owner and Coach Brent Grablachoff. “He finished near the top on multiple events at #2 through #4 amongst 74 other invited specialists from around the country.”
Grablachoff added, “Braxtyn has a tremendous work ethic and is one of the most coachable and eager to learn students I’ve had the privilege of coaching in my 15 years of running kicking camps. I’m excited about his future as a collegiate athlete and look forward to seeing his growth and accomplishments as a humble young man with deep rooted values that will take him far in life.”
Day 1 FG Overall Winner (Tie) & Runner-up (Tie) at the Kicking World 2022 National Showcase in Austin, Texas. L to R – Derek Morris, Dax Iverson, Braxtyn Green, Ashton Paredes.
-Photo: kickingworld.com
DeSantis launches Statewide Grand Jury on COVID-19 Vaccine integrity
Governor Ron DeSantis petitioned the Florida Supreme Court for a statewide Grand Jury on COVID-19 vaccines and announced the creation of the Public Health Integrity Committee.
The Governor held a roundtable discussion joined by Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo and world-renowned physicians, researchers, and public health experts to discuss adverse events of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and announce new, aggressive actions to hold the federal government and Big Pharma accountable.
NFC Art Instructor
Lisa Thompson newly published illustrator of children’s book series
MADISON, FL – North Florida College was pleased to announce Lisa Thompson, Art Instructor, as a newly published illustrator of the children’s book series Imagination Checkers authored by Christy Bass.
Lisa Thompson -Photo by NFC
