Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. AccuWeather, an American media company that provides commercial weather forecasting services worldwide, recently released its 2026 summer forecast, predicting continued drought conditions in the Southeast, energy cost…
Category: Community News
Breeding successes mitigate species extinction at the Wildlife Center
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. One way that the North Florida Wildlife Center fulfills its mission is through participation in breeding programs for vulnerable species in its care. The center has had…
MOH presents Disney’s “The Little Mermaid Jr.”
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. The Watermelon Festival is coming up soon, and with it the annual tradition of the summer show at the Monticello Opera House (MOH). Presented in partnership with…
Events for May 29 – June 8
MAY 29 (Friday) Christ Episcopal Church Food Pantry (425 N. Cherry St.) opens at 7:15 a.m. and distributes until the food is gone. Coffee with the Interim County Manager takes place 9…
B Fitness hosts latest MYP mixer
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. When the courthouse bell rang at 5 p.m. on May 21, local professionals headed to B Fitness for the latest Monticello Young Professionals Mixer, sponsored by the…
The 411 on whole-house generators
Metro Media Weather is unpredictable. Strong winds or storms can wreak havoc on power lines, resulting in outages that may last hours or even days. People have come to rely on electricity,…
Your 2026 Hurricane Preparedness Guide is here
The Monticello News is pleased to provide a six-page 2026 Hurricane Preparedness Guide full of information and resources. It includes • Steps for preparing • The 2026 Atlantic hurricane names • Description…
Chamber’s June 2 luncheon program to feature insights on “second chance hiring”
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. The next Monticello-Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce member luncheon takes place on Tuesday, June 2, and will feature a special presentation by Erica Averion, executive director of…
Key features for an outdoor TV room
Metro Media An outdoor living area can provide a welcome space for residents and guests to gather on beautiful days and nights. The appeal of outdoor living is undeniable, and homeowners working…
Events for May 23-30
MAY 23 (Saturday) A Second Harvest food sharing takes place at New Bethel A.M.E. Church (6496 Ashville Hwy.) from 7 to 8 a.m. or until the food is gone. This is a…
ARI looks back on a spring full of activity
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. The spring semester was bustling with activity for the Aucilla Research Institute (ARI). Their educational outreach program brought interactive experiences in history and archaeology across North Florida,…
Watermelon Pickleball Tournament draws 115 players to Monticello
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. Since its introduction just a few years ago, the Pickleball Tournament has become a popular addition to the lineup of annual Watermelon Festival events. This year was…
Community honors 161st Florida Emancipation Day
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. Old Howard Academy filled with activity on the afternoon of May 20, as visitors bustled about the lawn for a lively Emancipation Day event. Since 2025, the…
Recognizing America’s deadliest conflicts
Mickey Starling ECB Publishing, Inc. Many civilians consider all military service personnel as heroes. However, ask any veteran, regardless of their accomplishments, who deserves to be considered a hero and their answers…
Jefferson County Animal Services celebrates National Rescue Dog Day
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. Featured Image: Cassie Griesheimer is the director of the new Jefferson County Animal Services Department. She is pictured with Bulldozer, one of JCAS’s dogs who was adopted…
Kenneth and Carolyn Hudson celebrate 70th anniversary
Kenneth and Carolyn Hudson celebrate their 70th anniversary on May 20, 2026. They are formerly of Monticello and Tallahassee. They were married on May 20, 1956, at Monticello Church of God by…
Solomon Lodge #6 elects officers
Charles Gilley Contributor Solomon Lodge #6, (originally #7), is the oldest Black Masonic Lodge in the State of Florida, established in 1868, and has been widely recognized. The Lodge, which is a…
Chamber recognizes graduates of its 2025-26 Student Leadership Academy
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. The May 7 member luncheon for the Monticello-Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce featured the local high school seniors who have participated in the chamber’s Student Leadership Academy…
Don’t underestimate the power of public works
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. Behind the scenes, there are lots of services that go into keeping the community running. For instance, every time you turn your faucet, do you think about…
VFW honors volunteer firefighter
PHOTO FEATURE: On Friday, May 1, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 251 recognized its 2026 Firefighter of the Year. Post 251 Judge Advocate John Nelson, Sr. (left) and Vice Commander Albert…