Local

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.
Lake City Police Chief Gerald Butler said the agency received three grants from the Florida Department of Transportation that will allow them to target impaired driving, seatbelt and speeding laws, citing the city ranks ‘poorly’ on the Highway Safety Matrix. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Lake City Police Chief Gerald Butler said the agency received three grants from the Florida Department of Transportation that will allow them to target impaired driving, seatbelt and speeding laws, citing the city ranks ‘poorly’ on the Highway Safety Matrix. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

LCPD lands trio of FDOT grants

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Several grants received heightened scrutiny during Monday’s Lake City Council meeting.

Our Community Cares Coalition kicks off Black History Month

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
By Befaithful Coker Special to the Reporter The Lake City-Columbia County Historical Museum became a gateway through time on Saturday. Our Community Cares Coalition hosted an interactive and educational experience to kick off Black History Month. The event paid tribute to the legacy of Carter G.

Fort White man hit, killed while riding electric bike

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
FORT WHITE — A Fort White man was killed Saturday afternoon when he was struck while riding his electric tricycle. A Florida Highway Patrol release said the man was traveling north on SW Scrubtown Road on his electric trike, trying to negotiate a curve to the right around 4 p.m.