The long-awaited Florida school grades have been released, and the Jackson County School District has once again earned an overall 'B' district rating, reflecting continued progress across the county's schools and reinforcing the district's commitment to academic excellence.

Despite Gov. Ron DeSantis' line-item vetoes trimming millions of dollars from Florida's Fiscal Year 2026-27 General Appropriations Act, Jackson County emerged with more than $3.5 million in state funding for projects spanning education, public safety, health care and community development.

A special blood drive will be held Wednesday, July 8, at the Historic First National Bank Building in the parking lot at 2875 Caledonia Street in Marianna. The drive is in honor of Jazmina Matias, a vibrant little girl whose life was cut tragically short by leukemia. The event, organized by her mother, Rebecca Matias, commemorated what would have been Jazmina’s fourth birthday.

There is something about the Fourth of July that reaches across generations. Long before the first fireworks illuminate the night sky or the aroma of barbecue fills the air, Americans pause to remember the remarkable story of a young nation that dared to pursue liberty.

Hurricane Michael has long been described as the gift that keeps on giving. When the devastating storm tore through Northwest Florida in October 2018, it left a trail of destruction that forever changed the landscape of Jackson County. Nearly eight years later, the county continues to rebuild one project at a time. Last week, the Town of Malone celebrated another milestone in that recovery as firefighters, local officials and residents gathered to officially open the community's brand-new volunteer fire station.

Few places in Jackson County are as recognizable or as treasured as Merritt's Mill Pond. From its crystal-clear waters and world-renowned cave diving to boating, fishing and family recreation, the spring-fed waterway has become one of the county's most cherished natural resources.

At the June 16 meeting of the Jackson County School Board, members discussed an increase in the district's Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) extended-day fee, raising the rate from $15 to $20 per day.

Marianna City Manager William Long asked Jackson County commissioners Tuesday to share the cost of replacing an air conditioning unit at Fire Station 2, which is housed in a county-owned building on the Kynesville Highway.

Although unable to attend the June 23 meeting of the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners, Mr. Shira McKinnie Sr. was recognized in absentia as commissioners unanimously approved a proclamation honoring his upcoming 100th birthday and a lifetime of service, sacrifice, and devotion to family.

Jackson County School Board members are exploring whether the district’s food service provider, Sodexo, could help provide meals for student-athletes traveling to away games.

Main Street Marianna has been designated as the Florida Main Street Program of the Month.

After weeks of debate and three public meetings packed with residents, the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners voted Tuesday to approve an ordinance banning data centers in the county's unincorporated areas.

The School Board met Tuesday, June 16 for a combined workshop and meeting. One item on the agenda was the approval of additional supplements for payment upon completion of requirements.

The Cottondale City Commission officially appointed Andrew Roedel as the city's new police chief Monday night, placing a veteran law enforcement officer with more than 26 years of experience at the helm of the department.

Tommy Nocera, a first-generation Florida native who grew up in Tallahassee and now lives in Barcelona, Spain, says his proposed data center in Jackson County is being misunderstood, and the numbers, he says, prove it. The Times had an extensive interview with Nocera last week and he shared his thoughts, research, and information on the data center he and his family are proposing.

The Jackson County School Board has been proactive for a number of years in providing food for students during the school year, along with a summer feeding program.