Local

Columbia High junior Lilla Chapman’s favorite part of the Youth Tour trip to Tallahassee was the tour of the Old Capitol. Chapman was one of the winners of the Clay Electric speech contest and will go to Washington D.C. this summer. (COURTESY)

Columbia High junior Lilla Chapman’s favorite part of the Youth Tour trip to Tallahassee was the tour of the Old Capitol. Chapman was one of the winners of the Clay Electric speech contest and will go to Washington D.C. this summer. (COURTESY)

CHS junior wins Youth Tour D.C. trip

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
A member of Columbia High’s student government received an up-close look at the Florida Capitol last week. This summer will be a glimpse at the nation’s capitol.
Members of the Blue Grey Army visited with the Lake City Friendship Club in advance of this past weekend’s Olustee Festival. Among the guests were Tizz Crowley (from left), Gen. Faye Bowling Warren, Bud Thayer, Ginny Thayer and Julie Morell. (MARLENE KENNEY/Special to the Reporter)

Members of the Blue Grey Army visited with the Lake City Friendship Club in advance of this past weekend’s Olustee Festival. Among the guests were Tizz Crowley (from left), Gen. Faye Bowling Warren, Bud Thayer, Ginny Thayer and Julie Morell. (MARLENE KENNEY/Special to the Reporter)

Lake City Friendship Club honors Blue Grey Army

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
In preparation of the 46th annual Olustee Festival, the Lake City Friendship Club had as General Faye Bowling Warren, Executive Director/Senior Military Advisor of the Blue Grey Army, speak at its most recent meeting.
The Club House on Lake Isabella has been closed since last May due to safety concerns stemming from aging infrastructure issues. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

The Club House on Lake Isabella has been closed since last May due to safety concerns stemming from aging infrastructure issues. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

City considers renovations, demolition for historic Club House

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, February 14, 2025
Closed since last spring, the Club House on Lake Isabella’s future could be decided Monday night. Shut down last May due to safety concerns over issues with the building’s roofing support system, the Lake City Council will discuss the building at its 6 p.m. meeting Tuesday at Lake City Hall, 205 N.
Jenee’ DeLaney, the president of the Columbia Teachers Association, speaks during a previous Columbia School Board meeting regarding raises for area teachers.

Jenee’ DeLaney, the president of the Columbia Teachers Association, speaks during a previous Columbia School Board meeting regarding raises for area teachers.

Columbia schools, teachers agree on salaries

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, February 14, 2025
Negotiations have brought a tentative agreement between the Columbia County School District and Columbia Teachers Association. Following a bargaining meeting Monday, the two sides have agreed to a total pay increase of $1,470 per teacher this year.
Miss Olustee Layla Merola, a Suwannee High senior, smiles with Patti Aldous of the Miss Olustee pageant during Friday’s opening of the Olustee Festival. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Miss Olustee Layla Merola, a Suwannee High senior, smiles with Patti Aldous of the Miss Olustee pageant during Friday’s opening of the Olustee Festival. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Merola ‘overjoyed’ at Olustee title

TONY BRITT
Friday, February 14, 2025
Suwannee County resident Layla Merola is getting a crash course in North Central Florida Civil War history. As the 2025 Miss Olustee Pageant winner, Merola is now an ambassador for the 46th annual Olustee Festival.
A rendering shows the city’s proposed changes to Youngs Park and Memorial Stadium. The plan calls for nearly $3.5 million in improvements over multiple phases. (COURTESY)

A rendering shows the city’s proposed changes to Youngs Park and Memorial Stadium. The plan calls for nearly $3.5 million in improvements over multiple phases. (COURTESY)

Park, stadium upgrades scrutinized

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, February 14, 2025
The new vision for Youngs Park and Memorial Stadium came with just a few minor concerns from a Lake City Planning and Zoning Board member.
Lake City Mayor Noah Walker (right) gives a speech next to Tony Buzzella to open the 46th annual Olustee Festival. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Lake City Mayor Noah Walker (right) gives a speech next to Tony Buzzella to open the 46th annual Olustee Festival. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Olustee Festival kicks off with ‘nice, big crowds’

TONY BRITT
Friday, February 14, 2025
The sounds of an annual festival swept through downtown Lake City Friday in the latest chapter of an old tradition. Entertainment, food, arts and crafts drew thousands of people to Wilson Park as the 46th annual Olustee Festival kicked off.
James Crenshaw, general manager at Phish Tales, said it’s a great honor for the Lake City bar and grill to be selected for an episode of America’s Best Restaurants. Filming for the show occurred Tuesday at the local spot. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

James Crenshaw, general manager at Phish Tales, said it’s a great honor for the Lake City bar and grill to be selected for an episode of America’s Best Restaurants. Filming for the show occurred Tuesday at the local spot. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Phish Tales selected for America’s Best Restaurants

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
There’s nothing ‘phishy’ about one of Lake City’s most iconic restaurants getting another episode on national TV. Phish Tales, located at 1445 SW Main Blvd.
Columbia County Economic Development Director Jennifer Daniels said there are currently five development projects underway in the county, totaling more than $120 million in capital investment. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia County Economic Development Director Jennifer Daniels said there are currently five development projects underway in the county, totaling more than $120 million in capital investment. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

$120M in development underway

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
During a recent drive around Columbia County, even Economic Development Director Jennifer Daniels was a bit surprised what she saw.