Submitted by Emma Hall
Dollar General is excited to announce its new DG Market at 15072 State Road 51 in Live Oak is now open! The new DG Market store format features an expanded selection of fresh meats, fruits and vegetables, as well as the same categories, brands and products customers trust Dollar General to carry.
Staff Reports
Last week, Governor Ron DeSantis announced more than $24 million in awards to sixteen rural communities through the Rural Infrastructure Fund (RIF) program.
Local communities receiving awards through the RIF program are:
Festival of Lights – Five-year-old Wyatt Green, of Lake City, was captivated by the reindeer. “We need to take care of these animals! They look thirsty!” He exclaimed. -All SVT Photos by Tami Stevenson
The home of David and Karen Hall all decked out for the Altrusa Tour of Homes. -All SVT Photos by Tami Stevenson
Gateway City Big Band of North Florida filled the air with top-notch performances of classic Christmas songs in Millennium Park on Saturday, during Christmas on the Square.
-All SVT Photos by Tami Stevenson
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
