The Baker County Press

12/13/2025

LIVE: Macclenny Fire Department’s Annual Lighted Christmas Parade

12/12/2025

12/12/2025

County auditors submitted county-wide financial statements for the 2023-24 fiscal year yesterday in a 190-plus page PDF document. Read more at bakercountypress.com here: https://bakercountypress.com/2025/12/james-moore-submits-financial-statements-for-23-24/

12/12/2025

We’re opening the floor to YOU! Now’s your chance to speak your mind, anonymously.

Sound Off! is our new space for readers to voice what matters most to them... good or bad. We’ll feature select submissions in the paper.

🕵️‍♂️ Your identity stays private.
🧹 Absolutely NO threats, profanity, or personal defamation.
📝 We review and publish at our discretion.

👉 Submit here: https://forms.gle/7B1B4FsiW1D7owJBA

12/12/2025

Thrift Lumber & Old Mill Farms Christmas on the Farm begins tonight! Kick off the festive season right!

Get Tickets for 25' Christmas on the Farm.

12/11/2025

👋 Our office is closed today, but we're still keeping you informed! Top 5 Stories is up on YouTube now!! Go check it out here: https://youtube.com/shorts/tFZWdOyQJqU?feature=share We're only 6 subscribers away from 200!! Go give us a follow!

Check out the Top 5 stories of the week for December 11, 2025! For all the latest updates, be sure to follow us on Facebook at / thebakercountypress

12/10/2025

Today, Wednesday, December 10, Sheriff Scotty Rhoden, County Manager Sara Little, and county staff es**rted Commissioner Bennett back to Baker County. The procession traveled through Macclenny on Highway 90, beginning east of the Baker County Courthouse, continuing along US 90, and ending at Ferreira Funeral Home.

Community members lined US 90 from the courthouse to Lowder St. in a respectful tribute, showing just how deeply Commissioner Bennett was loved and appreciated.

Commissioner Bennett served Baker County with integrity, compassion, and heartfelt commitment. We remain grateful for his years of service and join his family in remembrance.

12/10/2025

ETA Update: 11:20 am into Macclenny

ETA: Line up by 10:30 a.m. for the procession through Macclenny on US 90

Here is your chance to pay your respects as the Sheriff and county staff es**rt the body of Commissioner James Bennett back to the funeral home in Baker County tomorrow morning. The Press will be updating this post as the specific window of time is narrowed down. The public is asked to line US 90 starting from the courthouse to Lowder St. in a safe and respectful manner.

🚨Sheriff Scotty Rhoden and County Manager Sara Little wish to inform residents that a procession honoring the life and service of Commissioner Jimmy Bennett will take place Wednesday, December 10. The procession bringing Commissioner Bennett back to Baker County will travel through Macclenny on Highway 90 beginning east of the Baker County Courthouse and continuing along US 90 before reaching Ferreira Funeral Home. The time of arrival is expected to be between 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. We will update the time via social media as the procession approaches Baker County. We invite community members who wish to pay their respects to line the procession route on US 90 safely and respectfully. Commissioner Bennett served our county with integrity and heartfelt commitment. We are grateful for his years of service.

12/09/2025

From: Baker County Board of County Commissioners

Baker County Burn Ban Remains in Effect!
Even with the recent rainfall, the local drought index remains too high to safely lift the burn ban. For the protection of the community, all burn ban restrictions remain in place until further notice. Residents should continue to follow all posted guidelines, including the prohibition of outdoor burning, fire pits, yard debris burning, and the use of fireworks or other incendiary devices.
Baker County Officials, in coordination with the Florida Forest Service, will continue to closely monitor drought conditions and wildfire risk. An announcement will be made as soon as it is safe to lift the ban.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping keep Baker County safe.

12/08/2025

It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that the Baker County Board of County Commissioners announce the tragic passing of County Commissioner James G. Bennett. Our community has lost a dedicated public servant, a cherished colleague, and a well-respected leader.
In this time of immense grief, we find comfort in knowing that when James closed his eyes for the last time in his earthly body, he opened them again in heaven, wrapped in the loving arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ.
Commissioner Bennett’s impact on Baker County was immeasurable. His integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to this community will forever remain a part of our county’s history. We are grateful for his years of service and for the steady sense of responsibility and service he demonstrated throughout his time in office.
We are in deep, continuous prayer for his beloved wife, Kim, children, Colton and Cloey, and all of his extended family. We ask our community to join us in lifting them up during this heartbreaking time. We pray that his family feels the overwhelming love and support of this community as they walk through this unimaginable loss.
Commissioner Bennett will be profoundly missed, but his legacy of faith, service, and love for Baker County will endure.
With prayers,
The Baker County Board of County Commissioners
Ronald Mann, Chairman
Tyler Mobley, Vice-Chairman
Jimmy Anderson, County Commissioner
Mark Hartley, County Commissioner
Sara Little, County Manager
Rich Komando, County Attorney