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.

And you knew I wouldn’t let this holiday pass by. . .