Local

College, city partner for Black History event

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
The City of Lake City and Florida Gateway College are partnering in an inaugural effort to honor local African-American pioneers for their contributions to Columbia County for Black History Month. The Black History Spotlight event will take place 6 p.m.
A map that indicates which Lake Shore Hospital Authority properties would go to Florida Gateway College (orange) Columbia County (pink) or remain vacant and unclaimed (yellow). (COURTESY)

A map that indicates which Lake Shore Hospital Authority properties would go to Florida Gateway College (orange) Columbia County (pink) or remain vacant and unclaimed (yellow). (COURTESY)

County, FGC reach pact on hospital items

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
After joint consultation, Florida Gateway College and Columbia County have agreed on how to split certain Lake Shore Hospital Authority properties. Now their plan goes to the LSHA board at its meeting Monday.

‘Sweets in the Streets’ returns this weekend

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
A combination of baked goods, sweets, candies, chocolate covered fruits and other sweet tooth lures will be featured in the downtown area this weekend. The “Sweets in the Streets Extravaganza” will take place in downtown Olustee Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Lafayette FBLA qualified its largest contingent — 31 members — for the state conference during the district competition Jan. 15 at the First Methodist Church in Mayo. (COURTESY)

Lafayette FBLA qualified its largest contingent — 31 members — for the state conference during the district competition Jan. 15 at the First Methodist Church in Mayo. (COURTESY)

Lafayette FBLA sending 31 to state

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
MAYO — Following the district competition, Lafayette’s FBLA chapter is sending its largest contingent to state competition. Thirty-one members of Lafayette FBLA qualified for the state conference in Orlando in March after the district event Jan. 15 at the First Methodist Church in Mayo.

Tampa man charged with sending explicit pics to minor

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
A Tampa man has been arrested for sending explicit photos of himself to someone he believed to be a minor. The Lake City Police Department began investigating 29-year-old Michael Burgos in late December for suspected internet crimes against children.
The pole barn at Cooper’s Hideout, which will cover a food truck area, a stage and gaming tables, is nearing completion. Eric Levy, the site’s owner, said the roof could be on the barn by the end of the week. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

The pole barn at Cooper’s Hideout, which will cover a food truck area, a stage and gaming tables, is nearing completion. Eric Levy, the site’s owner, said the roof could be on the barn by the end of the week. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Constructing Cooper’s Hideout

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Tucked beneath a few large live oak trees on the east side of Lake City will be the ideal hideout for food and fun. On two acres off of Baya Avenue near the Eastside Village and Eastside Elementary School, the Cooper’s Hideout entertainment venue is being developed.
Jacob Jessup, a 16-year-old from Fort White was arrested Tuesday for a school shooting threat last April. (COURTESY CCSO)

Jacob Jessup, a 16-year-old from Fort White was arrested Tuesday for a school shooting threat last April. (COURTESY CCSO)

Fort White teen arrested for school shooting threat

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Following a school shooting threat made last year, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office has a suspect in custody.
The City of Lake City has launched an app where interested individuals can receive notifications on important messages, as well as pay utility bills or apply for job openings. (COURTESY)

The City of Lake City has launched an app where interested individuals can receive notifications on important messages, as well as pay utility bills or apply for job openings. (COURTESY)

Lake City now has an app for that

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
The City of Lake City has a new way of reaching its residents and utility customers with important information. The city has launched a citizen notifications app. The app is available in both the App Store on Apple devices and the Google Play store.