Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. The results are in from the annual Watermelon Queen Pageants! Out of five locals vying for the title of 2026’s Miss Watermelon Queen on June 6, Chrissy…
Meet the 2026 Teen Miss Watermelon Queen, Riley Kate Denton
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. The Watermelon Pageants for 2026 were held at the Kilpatrick Civic Auditorium on June 6, ushering in new royalty just in time for the 75th Watermelon Festival….
Watermelon royalty dazzle the festival
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. The Monticello Watermelon Festival has not only a reigning Queen but a full extended royal family who bring a dimension of elegance to every part of the…
Waukeenah Highway set for resurfacing and widening
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. Good and not so good news for motorists who regularly travel on the Waukeenah Highway, also known as CR-259, which begins at the Leon County line near…
Take your pet to work on June 26
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. We’ve taken some pictures of pets that you might have seen in workplaces around Jefferson County. Take a look! Even if you don’t regularly take your pet…
Trulieve found ineligible for agricultural exemptions
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. After a review of Trulieve’s operation, the legislative history of the state’s medical marijuana program and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Best Management…
Stepping back in time at the Hampton-Watson Store
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. Jefferson County is full of history. Our majestic 19th century houses, historic downtown and antiques aplenty make it a fascinating place for locals and visitors alike to…
Say hello to the hives of Liberty Honey
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. Liberty Honey started way out by Salt Road, with a wild hive in a sprawling live oak tree. The tale starts with Jason Davis, a Tallahassee resident,…
Young Florida chefs invited to compete for scholarships and statewide recognition
Contest deadline is Monday, July 13 Hailey Waldo ECB Publishing, Inc. Florida students ages eight to 12 are invited to showcase their culinary talents in the 2026 Florida Future Chef Competition, hosted…
Father’s Day around the world
Metro Media Many countries around the world celebrate Father’s Day, but not all of them do so in June. The most common date for Father’s Day celebrations is the third Sunday of…
Five appliances to help manage energy use in the summer
Duke Energy Florida Contributor While summer heat has already settled across Florida, the astronomical start of the season is observed today, June 21. Duke Energy Florida is helping customers manage their energy…
Have you seen a turkey? The FWC wants to know
Rick Patrick ECB Publishing, Inc. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking the help of Floridians across the state as they conduct their annual Wild Turkey Summer Survey. The…
When you tell God you love Him
Sheryl H. Boldt Guest Columnist “I love You, Father.” When I say this short sentence, it changes my day. Every time I express my love for my heavenly Father, silently or out…
Congratulations to the 2026 Watermelon Royalty!
The 2026 Watermelon Royalty are, left to right: (back row) Miss Watermelon Queen Chrissy Lastinger, Teen Miss Watermelon Queen Riley Kate Denton, Junior Miss Watermelon Queen Hallie Conklin, (front row) Tiny Mister…
Top 10 reasons to shop locally
1) Small businesses and local businesses are still the backbone of our economy. This is where we live, where we are raising our families, where we shop, where we eat and where…
Blue Sky Farm’s annual fundraiser is June 27
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. Every summer at the peak of blueberry season, Blue Sky Farm gives its u-pick visitors the chance to load up on berries and have their payment donated…
Graduation congratulations to William Reese Alan Madison
Story Submitted Grandmother Mary Madison takes loving and great pleasure in reporting the graduation accomplishment of her and the late Sam, Sr.’s fourth grandchild “Reese,” the name he has been known by…
The history of the Watermelon Festival
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. For 75 years, Monticello has been the home of the annual Watermelon Festival. At this time of year, Jefferson County has plenty of festivities to be found,…
Juneteenth: remembering the past, celebrating freedom
Hailey Waldo ECB Publishing, Inc. Every year on June 19, communities across the United States gather to celebrate Juneteenth, a holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in America and honors the…
How communities benefit when consumers shop local
Metro Media Ideas about shopping are never set in stone, and the pandemic illustrated just how quickly consumer trends and opinions can change. Many individuals are now reevaluating how they spend their…