Local

Annie Mattox Park closing early on Mother’s Day

NEWS STAFF
Friday, May 9, 2025
Following a recent shooting where a Lake City police officer was wounded by gunfire at an event, the Annie Mattox Park Board of Directors has informed the Lake City Police Department that the park will be closing at 7 p.m. on Sunday for Mother’s Day.
Assistant Superintendent Todd Widergren (right) and Fred Gaylard, the district’s new construction project manager (left), give Half-Cent Sales Tax Advisory Committee members a tour of the new Niblack Elementary School on Wednesday. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Assistant Superintendent Todd Widergren (right) and Fred Gaylard, the district’s new construction project manager (left), give Half-Cent Sales Tax Advisory Committee members a tour of the new Niblack Elementary School on Wednesday. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Sneak peek at Niblack

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
The Half-Cent Sales Tax Advisory Committee, the group tasked with devising ideas to improve the school district through safety, construction and IT improvements, was given a homework assignment at its latest meeting on Wednesday — look for potential new projects.
Shannon Roberts, the North Florida Water Utility Authority’s choice for director, said the person should bring value to the organization. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Shannon Roberts, the North Florida Water Utility Authority’s choice for director, said the person should bring value to the organization. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Utility offers Roberts $125K with incentives

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
LIVE OAK — The North Florida Water Utilities Authority is hoping a merit-based pay system will incentivize its chosen director to come on board.
Brock and William Dees, the winners of the inaugural DeSoto Derby Canoe Race last year, lead down the home stretch. (FILE)

Brock and William Dees, the winners of the inaugural DeSoto Derby Canoe Race last year, lead down the home stretch. (FILE)

DeSoto Derby returns for second year

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
A dose of history will come to life Saturday on Lake DeSoto. A century after the Elks Lodge #893 rented out canoes for people to enjoy time on the downtown lake, the Elks are again looking to create a fun experience on Lake DeSoto. This Saturday will mark the Elks’ second DeSoto Derby canoe race.

Shooting suspect caught after fleeing

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
A Lake City man was captured after firing shots at a cyclist Tuesday afternoon in northern Lake City. A Lake City Police Department release said authorities responded to NW Railroad Street around 2:30 p.m.

Multicultural Day, Spring Market postponed

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
The City of Lake City has postponed its spring market and multicultural day celebration that was scheduled to take place this weekend. According to Terri Phillips, the city’s community program director, the event was postponed due to weather-related concerns based on weekend weather forecasts.

Cyclists hit, killed in separate incidents

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
A pair of cyclists were killed after being hit by vehicles in two separate incidents Tuesday in Lake City. One cyclist was killed Tuesday afternoon when they were hit by a car on Lake Jeffery Road. A Florida Highway Patrol release said two cyclists were headed west on Lake Jeffery Road around 1 p.
Kaylee Wilcox, a Belmont Academy student, will compete this week at the Eastern National Archery in the Schools Program Tournament in Kentucky. (COURTESY)

Kaylee Wilcox, a Belmont Academy student, will compete this week at the Eastern National Archery in the Schools Program Tournament in Kentucky. (COURTESY)

Three headed to archery nationals

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
A trio of local archers have qualified to compete in a national archery competition this weekend, where they will put their archery skills to the test against other hot shot archers from east of the Mississippi River.
Benton Graham (from left), 2, and Lundee Graham, 4, play in a pile of sand during the 10th Annual Kiwanis Kids Day which took place Saturday attracting hundreds of children. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Benton Graham (from left), 2, and Lundee Graham, 4, play in a pile of sand during the 10th Annual Kiwanis Kids Day which took place Saturday attracting hundreds of children. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

10th annual Kids Day larger than ever

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Hundreds of local children were able to turn the Florida Gateway Pro Rodeo Arena into a playground this weekend with the aid of the Lake City Kiwanis Club.