Local

Chris Coleman, the small group sales rep for the Tourist Development Council and Columbia County Sports Commission, said the county’s facilities sell themselves to tournament organizers. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Chris Coleman, the small group sales rep for the Tourist Development Council and Columbia County Sports Commission, said the county’s facilities sell themselves to tournament organizers. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Coleman aims to help ‘grow Columbia County as a whole’

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, January 10, 2025
While his job title technically says he is in sales, Chris Coleman said that is a bit misleading.

Olustee pageant deadline approaching

NEWS STAFF
Friday, January 10, 2025
Contestants have less than two weeks to register to compete in the 2025 Olustee Festival Pageant. The deadline for entries for this year’s pageant is Jan. 24. Applications may be obtained at www.missolustee.com or by contacting Jennifer Freeman at 386-292-2921.
Jeff Woods, a disabled veteran, pleads through tears with Sen. Jennifer Bradley and Rep. Chuck Brannan to provide help with the misuse of handicapped parking spaces. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Jeff Woods, a disabled veteran, pleads through tears with Sen. Jennifer Bradley and Rep. Chuck Brannan to provide help with the misuse of handicapped parking spaces. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Veteran seeks state help

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
A stressed out and emotional disabled veteran didn’t just lay out the problems he faces every day to Columbia County’s legislative delegation Wednesday.
Columbia County Superintendent Keith Couey said communication is crucial for the school district iin order to safely take care of the students. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia County Superintendent Keith Couey said communication is crucial for the school district iin order to safely take care of the students. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Public safety is top priority for delegation

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
From schools to communication towers to legal assistance, public safety is a major emphasis for local officials and Columbia County’s legislative delegation. During Tuesday’s delegation hearing at Florida Gateway College, Sen. Jennifer Bradley (R-Fleming Island) and Rep.
Sen. Jennifer Bradley said she wants to see population thresholds increased when it comes to the state designating which counties are rural. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Sen. Jennifer Bradley said she wants to see population thresholds increased when it comes to the state designating which counties are rural. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Bradley pledges support for rural designation

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Florida’s new Senate President Ben Albritton has promised a “rural renaissance” in the state. During Wednesday’s Columbia County legislative delegation meeting, county officials asked their delegation — Sen. Jennifer Bradley (R-Fleming Island) and Rep.
Pinky Timmons was honored Tuesday for her 40 years of working at the Columbia County Property Appraiser’s office. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Pinky Timmons was honored Tuesday for her 40 years of working at the Columbia County Property Appraiser’s office. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Timmons recognized for her public service

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
The Columbia County Property Appraiser’s office recently celebrated an employee who has worked at the office for four decades. On Tuesday morning, the Columbia County Property Appraiser’s office celebrated Pinky Timmons and her 40th anniversary as an office employee.
The 14th annual Southside Idol competition is set for Saturday at Florida Gateway College’s Levy Performing Arts Center. Those competing are: front row (from left), Hailey Cross, Jayden Burch, Ally Matheney, Alex Hughes; middle row, Dallas Norman, Williemae Walker, Selena Nejal; back row, Isaiah Craig, Benny Burns, Shane Patrick and Lizzie Gould. (COURTESY)

The 14th annual Southside Idol competition is set for Saturday at Florida Gateway College’s Levy Performing Arts Center. Those competing are: front row (from left), Hailey Cross, Jayden Burch, Ally Matheney, Alex Hughes; middle row, Dallas Norman, Williemae Walker, Selena Nejal; back row, Isaiah Craig, Benny Burns, Shane Patrick and Lizzie Gould. (COURTESY)

11 competing for Southside Idol title

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Some of the most talented singers and performers in the region will gather in Lake City this weekend to showcase their talents in the Southside Idol 2025 competition. The event will take place 6 p.m. on Saturday on the Florida Gateway College campus in the Levy Performing Arts Center.

Gallery launching ‘Art & Soul’ speaking series

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
The Gateway Art Gallery is launching a new program in 2025 to inspire and motivate local artists. The first session of the Art & Soul Inspirational Speaker Series will take place at 6 p.m. on Jan. 18 at the gallery, 168 N. Marion Ave.
Michelle Rowold (from left) holds Donati Rowold, 3, both of Fort White, as Caroline Madden of the Lubee Bat Conservancy provides information about the bat in the enclosure during a community program at the Columbia County Public Library on Monday afternoon. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Michelle Rowold (from left) holds Donati Rowold, 3, both of Fort White, as Caroline Madden of the Lubee Bat Conservancy provides information about the bat in the enclosure during a community program at the Columbia County Public Library on Monday afternoon. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Library goes ‘batty’: ‘Special’ program shares info, activities on bats

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
There was a bunch of ‘batty’ talk and activity at the Columbia County Public Library on Monday afternoon.