Visit Suwannee County Florida

08/07/2024

The State of Florida - Division of Emergency Management has completed setting up and staffing the Points of Distribution (PODs) at the following locations, which are now open and ready to provide necessities such as food, water, ice and bathrooms.

If you have any questions or concerns please call the Sheriff's Office information hotline at 386-364-7922.

POINTS OF DISTRIBUTION (8A-6P)

The State of Florida - Division of Emergency Management has completed setting up and staffing the Points of Distributions (POD) at the following locations, which are now open and ready to provide necessities such as food, water, ice and bathrooms.

Dowling Park Church of God
23500 County Road 250
Live Oak, FL 32060

RiverOak Technical College
415 Pinewood Dr SW
Live Oak, FL 32064

McAlpin Community Station
9981 170th Terrace
McAlpin, FL 32062

Branford - Lafayette County 4th District Community Center
14204 E US Highway 27
Branford, FL 32008

COMFORT STATIONS

These Comfort Stations have, boxed food, water, shower, bathroom, and laundry facilities:

Hatch Park
403 Craven Street NE
Branford, FL 32008

Wellborn Community Center
1340 8th Ave
Wellborn, FL 32094

Sheriff St. John and his team at the Suwannee County Sheriff's Office - Division of Emergency Management have been working collaboratively with our state and local partners to continue responding to this disaster and provide for the needs of our citizens.

Please share!

08/07/2024

Mercy Chefs is proving meals for those impacted by Hurricane Debby.

If you have questions or concerns regarding the hurricane, please call the Sheriff’s office information hotline at 386-364-7922.

*UPDATED MEAL TIMES*

Mercy Chefs will be serving hot, chef-prepared meals for lunch and dinner in Live Oak, , out of the Church of God! Meals can be picked up via drive-through or walk-up.

Please share this post with all of your friends, family, and neighbors in Live Oak and the surrounding areas to ensure that we can reach everyone who needs a hot meal. If there are any changes to meal times, we will be sure to let you know!

Thank you for sending us to feed body and soul in ❤️

08/06/2024

Current status after a visit from Hurricane Debby. 😔

08/05/2024

Suwannee County Points of Distribution:

In response to Hurricane Debby, we will establish Points of Distribution (PODs) for food and water as soon as possible, as well as Comfort Stations.

They have already been ordered from the State and will be delivered as soon as possible. Due to the excessive rainfall, we are currently assessing suitable locations.

Comfort Stations will provide bathroom and shower facilities to those in need. We understand how critical these resources are and are working diligently to get them set up as soon as possible.

Important Reminder:

We urge everyone to avoid driving unless absolutely necessary. Multiple roadways are obstructed by trees and water. Our teams are actively working to assess conditions and clear the roads, but your cooperation is essential to ensure everyone's safety.

We will update the public with specific locations and additional details as soon as they are available. Please stay tuned to our page for the latest information.

Your safety and well-being are our top priorities. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work through these challenging conditions.

Stay safe, Suwannee County!

08/05/2024

August 5th 9am Update:

Hurricane Debby made landfall earlier this morning in Taylor County near Steinhatchee and will be moving through our area today.

Hurricane Debby’s eye wall will pass over the Suwannee Valley over the next few hours.

We still have the potential to receive 10-12” of rainfall in our area.

Once Debby moves out of our area, our area rivers will rise, and there will be flooding. We will continue to monitor river levels and respond as needed. The river flooding will be a long-developing disaster, depending on how much rain falls in the South Georgia area, initially affecting the north end of the Suwannee River as it moves towards Branford and Three Rivers Estates.

The following Watches / Warning are in effect for Suwannee County:

HURRICANE WARNING
FLOOD WARNING until 10AM on Monday, August 5, 2024
FLOOD WATCH until 8PM on Tuesday, August 6, 2024
FLASH FLOOD WARNING until noon on Monday, August 5, 2024

While we do our best to keep you updated here on our pages, we strongly urge you not to rely solely on social media for the most current and accurate weather information.

For real-time updates, forecasts, and safety instructions, please refer to official sources.

08/05/2024

Here’s the latest update from our Sheriff’s Office regarding Hurricane Debby.

Hurricane Debby made landfall earlier this morning in Taylor County and will be making its way across our area today.

-------

BULLETIN
Hurricane Debby Intermediate Advisory Number 12A
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL042024
800 AM EDT Mon Aug 05 2024
..DEBBY JUST INLAND IN THE FLORIDA BIG BEND REGION.....EXPECTED TO BRING MAJOR FLOODING OVER THE SOUTHEASTERN
UNITED STATES DURING THE NEXT FEW DAYS...

SUMMARY OF 800 AM EDT...1200 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...29.9N 83.4W
ABOUT 60 MI...95 KM NNW OF CEDAR KEY FLORIDA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...75 MPH...120 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...NNE OR 20 DEGREES AT 10 MPH...17 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...979 MB...28.91 INCHES

WATCHES AND WARNINGS
--------------------
CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY:

The Storm Surge Watch from the middle of Longboat Key to Englewood
Florida has been discontinued.

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for...
* Florida coast from the middle of Longboat Key northward to Indian
Pass including Tampa Bay
* Georgia and South Carolina coast from the Mouth of the St. Mary's
River to South Santee River South Carolina

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for...
* Florida coast from the Yankeetown to Indian Pass

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for...
* Florida coast south of Yankeetown to Boca Grande
* Florida coast from west of Indian Pass to Mexico Beach
* St. Augustine to South Santee River South Carolina

A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected
somewhere within the warning area. Preparations to protect life
and property should be rushed to completion.

A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are
expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours.

A Storm Surge Warning means there is a danger of life-threatening
inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline. For
a depiction of areas at risk, please see the National Weather
Service Storm Surge Watch/Warning Graphic, available at
hurricanes.gov.

This is a life-threatening situation. Persons located within these
areas should take all necessary actions to protect life and property
from rising water and the potential for other dangerous conditions.
Promptly follow evacuation and other instructions from local
officials.

A Storm Surge Watch means there is a possibility of life-
threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the
coastline. For a depiction of areas at risk, please see the National
Weather Service Storm Surge Watch/Warning Graphic, available at
hurricanes.gov.

Interests elsewhere along the southeastern coast of the United
States should monitor the progress of this system. Additional
watches and warnings will likely be required later today.

For storm information specific to your area, including possible
inland watches and warnings, please monitor products issued by your
local National Weather Service forecast office.

DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK
----------------------
At 800 AM EDT (1200 UTC), the center of Hurricane Debby was located
near latitude 29.9 North, longitude 83.4 West. Debby is moving
toward the north-northeast near 10 mph (17 km/h). A gradual
decrease in forward speed with a turn toward the northeast and east
is expected later today and Tuesday. On the forecast track, the
center will slowly across northern Florida and southern Georgia
today and Tuesday, and be near the Georgia coast by Tuesday night.

Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 75 mph (120 km/h)
with higher gusts. Additional weakening is expected as Debby moves
over land today and tonight.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 25 miles (35 km) from
the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140
miles (220 km). A wind gust to 62 mph (100 km/h) was reported at
Madison County High School within the last hour.

The estimated minimum central pressure is 979 mb (28.91 inches).

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
----------------------
Key messages for Debby can be found in the Tropical Cyclone
Discussion under AWIPS header MIATCDAT4 and WMO header WTNT44 KNHC.

WIND: Hurricane conditions are expected in the hurricane warning
area for the next few hours. Tropical storm conditions will
continue over portions of the tropical storm warning area along
the Florida Gulf coast through the morning, and begin along portions
of the tropical storm warning area along the Atlantic coast by this
evening. Tropical storm conditions are expected along the coast of
South Carolina within the tropical storm warning area by late
tonight.

STORM SURGE: The combination of storm surge and tide will cause
normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters
moving inland from the shoreline. The water could reach the
following heights above ground somewhere in the indicated areas if
the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide...

Yankeetown, FL to Aucilla River, FL...6-10 ft
Chassahowitzka, FL to Yankeetown, FL...4-6 ft
Aucilla River, FL to Ochlockonee River, FL...4-6 ft
Ochlockonee River, FL to Indian Pass, FL...3-5 ft
Middle of Longboat Key, FL to Chassahowitzka, FL...3-5 ft
Tampa Bay...3-5 ft
Mouth of the St. Mary's River to South Santee River, SC...2-4 ft

For a complete depiction of areas at risk of storm surge inundation,
please see the National Weather Service Peak Storm Surge Graphic,
available at hurricanes.gov/graphics_at4.shtml?peakSurge.

RAINFALL: Debby is expected to produce rainfall totals of 6 to 12
inches, with maximum amounts of 18 inches, across portions of
central and northern Florida as well as central and northeast North
Carolina through Saturday morning. This rainfall will likely result
in areas of considerable flash and urban flooding, with significant
river flooding expected.

Across portions of southeast Georgia, the coastal plain of South
Carolina, and southeast North Carolina, 10 to 20 inches of rainfall,
with local amounts to 30 inches, are expected through Saturday
morning. This potentially historic rainfall will likely result in
areas of catastrophic flooding.

For a complete depiction of forecast rainfall and flash flooding
associated with Hurricane Debby, please see the National Weather
Service Storm Total Rainfall Graphic, available at
hurricanes.gov/graphics_at4.shtml?rainqpf and the Flash Flood Risk
graphic at hurricanes.gov/graphics_at4.shtml?ero. For a list of
rainfall observations (and wind reports) associated this storm, see
the companion storm summary at WBCSCCNS4 with the WMO header ACUS44
KWBC or at the following link:
www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/discussions/nfdscc4.html.

TORNADOES: A few tornadoes are possible over central and northern
Florida and southeastern Georgia today. The threat will spread
northeastward into parts of South Carolina later today and tonight.

SURF: Swells generated by Debby are expected to affect much of the
Gulf coast of Florida through tonight. Swells will begin to affect
the Southeast U.S. coast later today and continue through the
middle of the week. These conditions are likely to cause
life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult
products from your local weather office.

NEXT ADVISORY
-------------
Next complete advisory at 1100 AM EDT.

Since Debby is inland and its Radar appearance has degraded, NHC
has stopped issuing hourly position updates.

08/05/2024

August 5th 2024 - 5am update

08/04/2024

A hurricane warning is in effect for Suwannee County. Read more from the Sheriff’s Office below:

FOR ALL OF SUWANNEE COUNTY

FLZ021-050500-
/O.NEW.KJAX.HU.W.1004.240804T2059Z-000000T0000Z/
/O.UPG.KJAX.TR.W.1004.000000T0000Z-000000T0000Z/
Suwannee-
459 PM EDT Sun Aug 4 2024
..HURRICANE WARNING IN EFFECT...

A Hurricane Warning means hurricane-force winds are expected
somewhere within this area within the next 36 hours

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED
- Houston
- Live Oak
- McAlpin
- Newburn
- Suwannee Springs

* WIND
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Tropical storm force winds remain
possible
- Peak Wind Forecast: 20-30 mph with gusts to 45 mph

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 74
to 110 mph
- The wind threat has increased from the previous assessment.
- PLAN: Plan for life-threatening wind of equivalent CAT 1 or
2 hurricane force.
- PREPARE: Remaining efforts to protect life and property
should be urgently completed. Prepare for considerable wind
damage.
- ACT: Move to safe shelter before the wind becomes hazardous.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Extensive
- Considerable roof damage to sturdy buildings, with some
having window, door, and garage door failures leading to
structural damage. Mobile homes severely damaged, with some
destroyed. Damage accentuated by airborne projectiles.
Locations may be uninhabitable for weeks.
- Many large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and
roadway signs blown over.
- Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within
urban or heavily wooded places. Several bridges, causeways,
and access routes impassable.
- Large areas with power and communications outages.

* FLOODING RAIN
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flood Watch is in effect
- Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 10-15 inches, with
locally higher amounts

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for extreme
flooding rain
- The flooding rain threat has increased from the previous
assessment.
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
extreme flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues
are likely.
- PREPARE: Urgently consider protective actions from extreme
and widespread rainfall flooding.
- ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take
action will likely result in serious injury or loss of life.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Devastating to Catastrophic
- Extreme rainfall flooding may prompt numerous evacuations
and rescues.
- Rivers and tributaries may overwhelmingly overflow their
banks in many places with deep moving water. Small streams,
creeks, canals, and ditches may become raging rivers. Flood
control systems and barriers may become stressed.
- Flood waters can enter numerous structures within multiple
communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or
washed away. Numerous places where flood waters may cover
escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of
raging water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions
become very dangerous. Numerous road and bridge closures
with some weakened or washed out.

* TORNADO
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Tornado Watch is in effect
- Situation is favorable for tornadoes

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for several
tornadoes
- The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
several tornadoes with a few possibly intense having larger
damage paths.
- PREPARE: Those living in manufactured homes or on boats are
urged to relocate to safe shelter before hazardous weather
arrives.
- ACT: Listen for tornado watches and warnings. If a tornado
warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant
- The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the
ex*****on of emergency plans during tropical events.
- Several places may experience tornado damage with a few
spots of considerable damage, power loss, and
communications failures.
- Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped
or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed
about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.

* FOR MORE INFORMATION:
- Family Emergency Plans (FEMA): http://ready.gov/hurricanes
- Local weather conditions and forecasts: http://www.weather.gov/jax/

08/04/2024

From the National Weather Service - Jacksonville.

For real-time updates, forecasts, and safety instructions, please refer to these official sources:

National Weather Service - Jacksonville (NWS-JAX) www.weather.gov

https://www.facebook.com/NWSJacksonville?mibextid=LQQJ4d

OR

National Hurricane Center (NHC): nhc.noaa.gov

https://www.facebook.com/share/9xnXxrKm4zJwccwz/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

These trusted sources provide detailed and timely information that can help you prepare and stay safe during severe weather events.

08/02/2024

Celebrate the weekend with a drink Fuego azteca Mexican bar and grill 🍹

08/01/2024

Enjoy 30 seconds of outdoors and nature in Suwannee County!

07/31/2024

Come to the Live Oak Makers’ Market to find products at great prices. 🛍️

Live Oak Makers’ Market is the most authentic Farmers Market in the Suwannee County area — offering a variety of products at prices that are not comparable. At Live Oak Maker’s Market, you’re bound to find exactly what you’re looking for.

The Suwannee County Historical Commission & Museum is also open to the public during the makers market and admission is free, so make a day trip out of it! The event is this Saturday from 10am - 2pm.

07/30/2024

Join us for the annual Autism Fishing Tournament this Saturday. 🎣 There will be many prizes to be won, auctions, & food! Bring a chair, bring a friend/family, and come help support the cause.

Check out the $1.00 raffle prizes! Weigh-in is at 3pm at Sandy Point Motel & Campground.

07/29/2024

If you are planning a wedding, family reunion, or corporate event check out Camp W**d and Cerveny Conference Center for your venue!

Only five months until Christmas, y'all! Camp W**d & Cerveny Conference Center is a GREAT place to hold your holiday party. Whether you're looking for something formal or casual, large or small, look at Camp W**d for your party location and food.

And when you schedule your December event by September 1 and mention this post, you'll receive a 10% discount on your space and lodging. Contact Gina today to make your reservations. Call 386-364-5250 or email [email protected]

07/26/2024

Join us for a Summer Extravaganza at Cactus Creek Boutique tomorrow! 🛍️ They are going to give away this Yeti cooler!

A $50 purchase tomorrow makes you eligible to enter this giveaway, $50 minimum must be met AFTER all discounts/ specials have been applied.

They are located in the Live Oak Commons Plaza. 1409 Ohio Avenue North Live Oak!

07/25/2024

Join in the fun! 🚗

Join Us!
Every last Thursday of every month 6:00 Pm - 8:00 Pm for a cool event!

- cars from different dimensions Lynn Deas Sweat and her friends will be hosting! 🚗
- sweat treats🍨
-music 🎶

07/23/2024

"The Some Beach" drink at THE 406 will make you feel like you're on a tropical island. 🌊🏖️☀️ But get it before it's gone! This is the last weekend to snag this delicious drink special.

07/22/2024

Did you know the North Entrance to Ichetucknee Springs State Park and the head spring are located in Suwannee County? 🧐

Check this out for some interesting stuff about the Ichetucknee River and springs! ❤️

07/18/2024

Want to make this summer a memorable one? Take advantage of Florida’s Freedom Month Sales Tax Holiday through July 31st!

🎶 Music events
🚤 Boating equipment
🎣 Fishing equipment
😎 Sunglasses
🎟️ Annual passes to state parks

07/17/2024

Heidi’s Cupcakery has opened at their new location! 🎉
Stop by to see them and get some delicious treats!🧁

07/16/2024

Looking for an unforgettable adventure? Plan a camping trip in Suwannee County! From tent sites to RV hookups and cabins, our latest blog will tell you everything you need to know!

Check it out by clicking here: 👇

https://visitsuwannee.com/uncategorized/camping-guide-suwannee-county

07/15/2024

Today is Spike's 15th birthday! 🐅 Help us wish him a Happy Birthday! 🥳

If you would like to see him in person (along with more big cats and other animals too) come out to Mystic Jungle Educational Facility Inc. for a tour! They have tours on Saturdays, weather permitting, or you can make arrangements to have a private tour. Contact them for more information.

Mystic Jungle is located at 13429 US Hwy 129 Live Oak, FL.

07/09/2024

Join us for a special Wine Tasting event upstairs at THE 406 on Saturday at 6:00! 🍷

Please contact The 406 to make a reservation if you’d like to attend as there is limited seating.

07/08/2024

Have you been to 50 Cal Coffee and Dessrts? ☕️

They have plenty of space for you to hang out with your friends or family and enjoy some quality time over a cup of jo or a fruity refresher!

They are located in downtown Live Oak at 208 W Howard Street!

07/04/2024

Freedom Fest in Live Oak FL

07/04/2024

Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸

07/03/2024

Beat the summer heat with a sweet treat! 🍨 Visit Scoops Hand Dipped Ice Cream located in downtown Live Oak. 🍦

Indulge in a variety of flavors from classic strawberry to a frosted lemonade milkshake. Bring your friends and family and make some sweet memories.

They are located at 310 East Howard Street in Live Oak, FL.

07/02/2024

Rooney's Front Porch Farm is celebrating the 4th of July ALL WEEK with U-Pick blueberries for $10/gallon. 🫐 This is your last chance to get fresh berries or to fill your freezer. The berries are plentiful and the quality is great.

Hours are Monday - Saturday, 7:00 am to 1:00 pm (including the 4th). For more info about the farm, click the link below. 👇
www.rooneyfarm.com