Local

Semi overturns, driver killed on exit ramp

A Georgia man was killed early Monday morning when his semi truck overturned on an Interstate 10 exit ramp. A Florida Highway Patrol release said a tractor trailer overturned as it was getting off eastbound I-10 to head north on Interstate 75 at 4:10 a.m. Monday.
Bryan Thomas, the City of Lake City’s principal planner, said a tweak to the city’s Land Development Regulations to allow tiny homes or accessory dwelling units could help solve a housing shortage. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Bryan Thomas, the City of Lake City’s principal planner, said a tweak to the city’s Land Development Regulations to allow tiny homes or accessory dwelling units could help solve a housing shortage. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Tiny homes explored as housing solution

Facing a housing shortage, the City of Lake City is looking for some creative solutions to solve the problem. While big problems sometimes require big solutions, one staffer is offering a tiny answer.
Christopher Gmuer of Gmuer Engineering answers questions about the proposed I-75 Toyota of Lake City dealership north of HCA Lake City Hospital. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Christopher Gmuer of Gmuer Engineering answers questions about the proposed I-75 Toyota of Lake City dealership north of HCA Lake City Hospital. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Toyota cleared for new dealership

A group of Lake City residents raised their concerns about a proposed car dealership near a local neighborhood. While their concerns were noted, the project will continue as planned, getting the green light from a county board.
Scott Stewart, who owns the Cornerstone Crossing at 47 property, said the funding will help him move forward with developing the site at Interstate 75. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Scott Stewart, who owns the Cornerstone Crossing at 47 property, said the funding will help him move forward with developing the site at Interstate 75. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

County commits $500K to utility expansion

Columbia County agreed to make a $500,000 investment toward economic development, if necessary, Thursday.
Reba Bridges (left), the student speaker for the Florida Gateway College Fall commencement, shares a laugh with FGC President Lawrence Barrett following the Thursday evening graduation ceremony. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Reba Bridges (left), the student speaker for the Florida Gateway College Fall commencement, shares a laugh with FGC President Lawrence Barrett following the Thursday evening graduation ceremony. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

FGC ‘Express’ makes difference

A few years ago, Florida Gateway College launched its fall commencement exercise, recognizing students who’ve earned their diplomas at the end of the year.
Assistant County Manager Kevin Kirby said as county crews finish up debris pickup from Hurricane Helene, any additional piles placed in the right-of-way will be handled by code enforcement. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Assistant County Manager Kevin Kirby said as county crews finish up debris pickup from Hurricane Helene, any additional piles placed in the right-of-way will be handled by code enforcement. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

County: Stop placing debris in right-of-way

With Columbia County “buttoning up” its cleanup efforts from Hurricane Helene, debris should no longer be placed in the right-of-way along roadways.
Columbia County Attorney Joel Foreman said the local bill to dissolve the Lake Shore Hospital Authority would include establishing a Public Health Advisory Board. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia County Attorney Joel Foreman said the local bill to dissolve the Lake Shore Hospital Authority would include establishing a Public Health Advisory Board. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

County taking bill to disband hospital authority to legislators

The potential dissolving of the Lake Shore Hospital Authority will now be headed to Columbia County’s legislative delegation. The Columbia County Commission unanimously approved the language of a special bill that the county will present to Sen. Jennifer Bradley (R-Fleming Island) and Rep.
The Grinch speaks with a pair of girls at last year’s Christmas in Columbia Holiday Market. (FILE)

The Grinch speaks with a pair of girls at last year’s Christmas in Columbia Holiday Market. (FILE)

Christmas events aplenty

As the 2024 Christmas holiday season begins to unfold before Christmas, several community events have been scheduled as youngsters await the arrival of Ol’ Saint Nick.