Local

County adds projects to $217.95M budget

JAMIE WACHTER
Saturday, September 21, 2024
Before approving its $217.95 million budget Thursday, the Columbia County Commission made a few last-minute alterations. The commission, which unanimously approved the budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year that begins Oct. 1, first approved 13 projects to receive $1.
Pattie Dale Tye, the daughter of one of the founders of Florida Gateway College, will speak at the school on Thursday. (COURTESY)

Pattie Dale Tye, the daughter of one of the founders of Florida Gateway College, will speak at the school on Thursday. (COURTESY)

Author, national speaker set for FGC appearance

NEWS STAFF
Saturday, September 21, 2024
An acclaimed author, speaker and business leader is set to share her insights with Florida Gateway College students. It doesn’t hurt that she’s also the daughter of one of FGC’s founders.
Florida Gateway College students, including D’Khari Jernigan (left) enjoy the activities offered during the college’s Constitution Day event Tuesday. (COURTESY)

Florida Gateway College students, including D’Khari Jernigan (left) enjoy the activities offered during the college’s Constitution Day event Tuesday. (COURTESY)

FGC celebrates Constitution Day

NEWS STAFF
Saturday, September 21, 2024
Several Florida Gateway College students got an unexpected tutorial on the U.S. Constitution, snacks and a bunch of fun and games when the college hosted recent a Constitution Day event. The event, which took place at the college’s student hall on Tuesday, featured trivia games and mock elections.
TDC Board Member Chris Candler said Wednesday the county needs to consider the regional storm shelter coming to Suwannee County and how it may also be utilized for indoor sporting events. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

TDC Board Member Chris Candler said Wednesday the county needs to consider the regional storm shelter coming to Suwannee County and how it may also be utilized for indoor sporting events. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

TDC ready to start flat field facility

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
The Columbia County Tourist Development Council is ready to make the 500-acre flat field facility a reality.

Ad valorem tax not coming to Fort White

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
FORT WHITE — Fort White town officials have approved its 2024-25 fiscal year budget, which does not include a proposed 5-mill ad valorem tax levy for residents. Fort White officials unanimously approved the town’s $2,040,753.90 budget for fiscal year 2024-25, which has a $2,037,178.

SOSMP ready for next ‘Super Star’

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
LIVE OAK — A new contest is taking center stage this weekend. The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park will host its Super Star competition on Saturday as part of a weekend full of musical greatness. Nashville artist Darrell Rae kicks things off on Friday night when he takes the SOSMP stage.
Clint Pittman, Columbia County’s interim Tourist Development Council director, said Wednesday during the TDC board meeting that he will recommend the county not use a search firm as it tries to find the next full-time director. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Clint Pittman, Columbia County’s interim Tourist Development Council director, said Wednesday during the TDC board meeting that he will recommend the county not use a search firm as it tries to find the next full-time director. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Pittman doesn’t want headhunter for TDC search

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Columbia County staff will meet next week to formulate a plan for its Tourist Development Council director search.
A city bench sits along N. Marion Avenue on Wednesday. Four similar benches were stolen Monday night from the city’s easements along Marion Avenue. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

A city bench sits along N. Marion Avenue on Wednesday. Four similar benches were stolen Monday night from the city’s easements along Marion Avenue. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Warren arrested for stealing city benches

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
One day after saying he was going to remove the benches off North Marion Street, Sylvester Warren III was arrested Tuesday for their disappearance. Warren, 44, was charged with four counts of grand theft — a felony — Tuesday after benches were removed from the city’s easement Monday night.