Tag: criminal justice

RuralNews

Data centers in Jackson County are officially banned

By Randall Vuxta Jackson County commissioners have unanimously agreed to ban data centers, associated accessory structures, and affiliated businesses. The vote came after strong opposition ...

June 11, 2026

RuralNews

Here’s some of the money in the new state budget that could be heading for Florida’s rural counties

By Lauren Baldon Florida lawmakers have okayed a $114.5 billion state budget. Now, it’s up to the governor to decide what stays and what goes. ...

June 8, 2026

RuralNews

The Hunt is on! How one egg game has taken over rural Florida

By Randall Vuxta Egg hunters are searching throughout North Florida communities for large plastic eggs. The red, blue and even shark-painted treasure troves are filled ...

June 5, 2026

Jackson county commissioners board listens to a resident speak about their concerns about the potential of an AI Data center.

RuralNews

A potential AI data center sparks debate in Jackson County

By Randall Vuxta Jackson County residents overflow the local commission chambers. Out in the street, they hold signs reading “Don’t ruin our aquifer” and “We ...

June 2, 2026

Environment

Apalachicola residents clean up and get down at Riverpalooza

By Randall Vuxta Residents walk the streets with trash bags in hand as they fill up a dumpster Saturday during the first half of the ...

May 27, 2026

People & Community

Wewahitchka residents celebrate ‘liquid gold’ at their tupelo honey festival

By Randall Vuxta Each May the town of Wewahitchka holds a festival celebrating their liquid gold and local beekeepers. The Tupelo Honey Festival has live ...

May 27, 2026

People & Community

How worm grunting in Sopchoppy became a way of life and a tradition

By Jalen Scott If you hear a rumbling beneath the soil and earthworms start poking out to investigate, you might have just stumbled upon Sopchoppy’s ...

May 20, 2026

education

Home of the Bulldogs! Bristol’s water tower highlights the community’s school spirit

By Randall Vuxta The Bristol water tower is now emblazoned with a snarling bulldog, Liberty County High School’s mascot. The tower, which was previously unpainted, ...

May 13, 2026

business and development

Rural residents feel the squeeze as gas hikes make their commutes more expensive

By Randall Vuxta Residents of Fountain, FL are feeling the strain as gas prices continue to increase, with several residents saying prices range from $35 ...

May 12, 2026

RuralNews

Carrabelle Celebrates 34th Annual Riverfront Festival

By Randall Vuxta The sound of Caribbean music drifted down the riverfront as local residents and tourists strolled past vendors and displays. Steve Britt, a ...

May 1, 2026

People & Community

The Stephen C. Smith Regatta the weekend of April 24-26 will also be a memorial to a long-time supporter of the local sailing community

By The 53rd Annual Stephen C. Smith Memorial Regatta happens April 24-26 just off Wakulla County’s Shell Point. This year’s event, benefitting the families of ...

April 15, 2026

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People & Community

Sopchoppy’s famous festival will “worm” its way into your heart

By Tom Flanigan North Florida and South Georgia have lots of unique small-town celebrations. But few have attracted the worldwide attention of Sopchoppy, Florida’s yearly ...

April 10, 2026

criminal justice

Florida’s high court weighs RICO charge against an ex- Jackson deputy who planted drugs on innocents

March 4, 2026