Jefferson County

Jefferson County residents are mourning the death of Sheriff David Hobbs. David Hobbs died Monday after leading the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office since 2004. County Commissioner Betsy Barfield says the sheriff's death surprised many in the small North Florida community. 

Two former Jefferson Correctional officers are now facing charges of official misconduct and unlawful compensation, following their arrests last month. An investigation found they smuggled in contraband and had inappropriate relations with inmates.

President Barack Obama has announced a disaster declaration for counties affected by Hurricane Hermine.

There’s a fight brewing in Jefferson County between the school board and the county commission.  A federal judge threw out the local district map, and the school board believes it’s not getting enough say in revisions.

The Jefferson County Commission appears ready to revise its municipal borders rather than appeal a federal court ruling.  For the first time, a judge has ruled against a municipality including prisoners in its local districts.

On its face, the one person one vote principle seems simple.  But reports a federal case against Jefferson County is a reminder the devil is in the details.

The Jefferson County town of Monticello is home to a very busy library. An infusion of state and county funding will soon bring upgrades to the facility that offers more than books.

“This is gonna be the teen room,” says Jefferson County Library Director Kitty Brooks. She’s looking at blueprints for the upcoming remodel on Wednesday afternoon.

“This used to be an old high school media center, and that used to be a recording studio,” she says, pointing to a small, padded room.  

In the next couple of weeks, a service center that helps people apply for benefits in Jefferson County will close its doors. It’s a cost-saving measure by Florida’s child welfare agency.