Local

Child sex offender faces additional charges

NEWS STAFF
Friday, February 7, 2025
A Live Oak man is facing additional child sex charges. The Lake City Police Department said Thursday that Herminio Monte Perez, 27, faces an additional 72 felony charges after his Dec. 7 arrest for attempts to lure and exploit children online.
Columbia County Manager David Kraus said the partnership with the City of Lake City on operating the sewer plant at the North Florida Mega Industrial Park will ‘take some of that burden off’ as the two will split revenues or losses for the next two years. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia County Manager David Kraus said the partnership with the City of Lake City on operating the sewer plant at the North Florida Mega Industrial Park will ‘take some of that burden off’ as the two will split revenues or losses for the next two years. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

County OKs city operating NFMIP sewer plant

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, February 7, 2025
Columbia County’s wastewater plant at the North Florida Mega Industrial Park is nearing completion. When it comes online in the next few weeks, the City of Lake City will be operating the plant, which can potentially treat up to 1.5 million gallons per day.
Columbia County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrive at the scene on SW Washington Avenue in Fort White in response to an officer-involved shooting Wednesday morning. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrive at the scene on SW Washington Avenue in Fort White in response to an officer-involved shooting Wednesday morning. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Shots fired in Three Rivers

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
FORT WHITE — A scene that involved more than a dozen first responder vehicles — including a pair of Columbia County Sheriff’s Office SWAT trucks — resolved quickly Wednesday morning with one suspect injured and in custody.
Keaven Jones gives Kaden Jones a ride on his shoulders as the youngster points out wooden cars in a vendor’s booth at last year’s Olustee Festival. (FILE)

Keaven Jones gives Kaden Jones a ride on his shoulders as the youngster points out wooden cars in a vendor’s booth at last year’s Olustee Festival. (FILE)

46th Olustee Festival set for return

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Columbia County’s oldest and largest festival will make its return to the area next weekend with a variety of activities, events, sounds, emotions and food. The 46th Annual Olustee Festival will take place Feb. 14-15 along the banks of Lake DeSoto at Wilson Park.

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.