Local

Belmont expanding on FGC campus

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, April 10, 2026
Belmont Academy is eying an expansion with help and space from Florida Gateway College. Belmont’s Board of Directors approved in January plans to expand its high school with a location on the FGC campus and seek to amend its current charter.
A worker attaches lettering to the front of Eastside Elementary School a couple weeks ago. The new school will be open to the public for an open house Thursday hosted by the Columbia County School District. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

A worker attaches lettering to the front of Eastside Elementary School a couple weeks ago. The new school will be open to the public for an open house Thursday hosted by the Columbia County School District. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

District holding Eastside open house

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, April 10, 2026
For the past few months, construction crews has been feverishly working on the new Eastside Elementary School. Local residents will have an opportunity to see the results of that work this week when the Columbia County School District holds an open house ceremony for the new Eastside building.

Church sentenced 30 years for sexual battery

NEWS STAFF
Friday, April 10, 2026
A convicted felon is headed back to state prison after a Columbia County jury found him guilty of sexual battery Friday. The jury, consisting of five males and one female, deliberated for 1 1/2 hours Friday after hearing two days of testimony in the case against Marqui Montez Church.
Recoil Trampoline Park owner Trent Coggins, shown speaking before the Columbia County Commission last week, presented to the Lake City Council on Monday. Coggins said the project is moving ahead of schedule and hopefully will be open for next summer. (FILE)

Recoil Trampoline Park owner Trent Coggins, shown speaking before the Columbia County Commission last week, presented to the Lake City Council on Monday. Coggins said the project is moving ahead of schedule and hopefully will be open for next summer. (FILE)

City considers incentive for Recoil as well

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
An incoming family entertainment venue is hoping it can double-bounce off Columbia County’s tax incentive. Recoil Trampoline Park owner Trent Coggins gave a presentation to the Lake City Council at its Monday meeting outlining the origins and operations of his Valdosta-based venue.
Lake City Police Detective Richard Poteat was named the city’s Employee of the Year. (COURTESY)

Lake City Police Detective Richard Poteat was named the city’s Employee of the Year. (COURTESY)

City honors employees at luncheon

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
The City of Lake City held its annual employee recognition luncheon last Thursday, recognizing a variety of city employees for their work effort and dedication during the ceremony at the Darby Pavilion.
Carly Dolly, a Special Olympics athlete leader in Columbia County, served as this year’s torch bearer during Tuesday’s Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run and was given the torch as it was lit by Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Clint Dicks. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Carly Dolly, a Special Olympics athlete leader in Columbia County, served as this year’s torch bearer during Tuesday’s Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run and was given the torch as it was lit by Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Clint Dicks. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Special Olympics athletes celebrated during damp affair

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Cooler temperatures and a few sprinkles of rain did little to dampen the unconquerable attitudes and spirits of local Special Olympic athletes Tuesday.
Lake City Police Chief Gerald Butler said he and his department are already thinking ahead to next year’s Easter celebration to further enhance security following the deployment of pepper balls against crowds on Sunday. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Lake City Police Chief Gerald Butler said he and his department are already thinking ahead to next year’s Easter celebration to further enhance security following the deployment of pepper balls against crowds on Sunday. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

‘Unwieldy’ crowd causes Easter frustrations

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
While residents voiced frustrations and concerns with local law enforcement following the response to Easter Sunday festivities, Lake City’s police chief said the main celebration went well.