Local

Ashlee Snowden (front) and Adair Bosserman are all smiles after winning the first heat during this year’s DeSoto Derby Canoe Races. The event was hosted by Elks Lodge #893. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Ashlee Snowden (front) and Adair Bosserman are all smiles after winning the first heat during this year’s DeSoto Derby Canoe Races. The event was hosted by Elks Lodge #893. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Three weekend events draw capacity crowds downtown

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
The downtown Lake City area took on a different vibe Saturday.

Columbia in line for $4M in state revenue

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
More than $4 million in state funding appears headed to Columbia County projects. The $115.1 billion state budget was approved Monday evening by the Florida Legislature after an extended session was required to pass a budget on time before the new fiscal year begins on July 1.
Boy Scout Troop 85’s Dakota Beichner speaks during Monday’s Lake City Council meeting. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Boy Scout Troop 85’s Dakota Beichner speaks during Monday’s Lake City Council meeting. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Council passes new park hours

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Park goers can now have a little more certainty when planning their family outings. The Lake City Council voted unanimously at its Monday meeting to codify open hours for 11 public parks, including Lake Montgomery Park and nearby Campbell Park.
Shannon Williams (left) and Michael Klink update the Lake City Council on a Hazard Mitigation Grant meant for restoration at Gwen Lake during Monday’s meeting. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Shannon Williams (left) and Michael Klink update the Lake City Council on a Hazard Mitigation Grant meant for restoration at Gwen Lake during Monday’s meeting. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

City approves stormwater study

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
The Lake City Council focused mainly on approving Land Development Regulations at its Monday meeting. However, a pair of resolutions passed unanimously will have a more direct impact on city business moving forward.
Columbia County School Resource Deputy Tony Geurra helps Negan Barker, 8, with his wood working skills. (TONY BRITTLake City Reporter)

Columbia County School Resource Deputy Tony Geurra helps Negan Barker, 8, with his wood working skills. (TONY BRITTLake City Reporter)

Summer Nights a hit again

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
The Columbia County School Resource deputies from several area schools spent Friday evening solidifying old friendships and creating new memories with acquaintances.
Lake City Manager Don Rosenthal told the Lake City Council in an April workshop that without a stormwater plan and fee, there will be flooding issues within the city. (FILE)

Lake City Manager Don Rosenthal told the Lake City Council in an April workshop that without a stormwater plan and fee, there will be flooding issues within the city. (FILE)

City looking into stormwater fee

NEWS STAFF
Friday, June 13, 2025
The Lake City Council will consider taking the first step in re-implementing a stormwater fee at its meeting Monday night. During its 6 p.m. Monday meeting at Lake City Hall, 205 N.

FDLE investigating death at county jail

NEWS STAFF
Friday, June 13, 2025
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has launched an investigation into the Columbia County Detention Facility after an inmate died while in custody Thursday night. According to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, at approximately 7:22 p.m.