Local

A Dick’s Sporting Goods blimp was docked at the Florida Gateway Airport Tuesday after it evacuated from the path of Hurricane Milton. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

A Dick’s Sporting Goods blimp was docked at the Florida Gateway Airport Tuesday after it evacuated from the path of Hurricane Milton. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Gateway airport serves as safe harbor for fuel, helos

TONY BRITT
Saturday, October 12, 2024
The Lake City Gateway Airport became a staging area for hundreds of vehicles as Hurricane Milton threatened the central and southern portions of the state.
Power trucks line the former I-75 Autos site on Duval Street on Thursday, waiting to head south to help after Hurricane Milton. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Power trucks line the former I-75 Autos site on Duval Street on Thursday, waiting to head south to help after Hurricane Milton. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Region dodges Hurricane Milton, crews resume massive debris cleanup under Helene emergency protocol

TODD WILSON
Thursday, October 10, 2024
For now, Columbia County residents may resume normal Hurricane Helene debris cleanup activities and be patient in congested traffic in Lake City Thursday and Friday as South Florida evacuees find their way home.
County Manager David Kraus (from left), Emergency Management Director Shayne Morgan and County Commissioner Ron Williams discuss Hurricane Milton prior to an emergency meeting Wednesday morning. (TODD WILSON/Lake City Reporter)

County Manager David Kraus (from left), Emergency Management Director Shayne Morgan and County Commissioner Ron Williams discuss Hurricane Milton prior to an emergency meeting Wednesday morning. (TODD WILSON/Lake City Reporter)

North Florida may dodge severe impact from Milton

TODD WILSON
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Columbia County Commission Chairman Ron Williams removed his cowboy hat and solemnly called Wednesday morning’s emergency operations meeting to order. His tone reflected the obvious quiet before the storm.
Gov. Ron DeSantis gives an update on Hurricane Milton from the Florida Gateway Fairgrounds on Wednesday afternoon. DeSantis said the state government is undertaking a “massive” response to Milton’s arrival. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Gov. Ron DeSantis gives an update on Hurricane Milton from the Florida Gateway Fairgrounds on Wednesday afternoon. DeSantis said the state government is undertaking a “massive” response to Milton’s arrival. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

MILTON’S ‘MAJOR PUNCH’: State ready with record storm mobilization

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
A “massive” response is ready for Hurricane Milton’s “major, major punch.” During a briefing Wednesday afternoon at the Florida Gateway Fairgrounds in Lake City, Gov.
Jasper Webb (from left) and Jonathan Hughes fill sandbags as they prepare for Hurricane Milton. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Jasper Webb (from left) and Jonathan Hughes fill sandbags as they prepare for Hurricane Milton. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Weary residents prep for another storm

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
With Hurricane Milton bearing down on the Florida coast, several local residents spent Wednesday in storm preparation mode which included filling sandbags.
Amanda Ramirez (right) and her family members hold a conversation while their camper is parked in the Walmart parking lot. Ramirez and family evacuated from Manatee County a few days ago to avoid Hurricane Milton. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Amanda Ramirez (right) and her family members hold a conversation while their camper is parked in the Walmart parking lot. Ramirez and family evacuated from Manatee County a few days ago to avoid Hurricane Milton. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Milton evacuees find respite in Lake City

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Hurricane Milton’s threat to the Florida coast as a potential Category 4 storm has resulted in the exodus of thousands from south and central Florida.
Vicki Shanks, who is helping organize the Gateway Art Gallery silent auction, shows off items that will be available during the fundraiser later in the month. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Vicki Shanks, who is helping organize the Gateway Art Gallery silent auction, shows off items that will be available during the fundraiser later in the month. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Gateway Art Gallery hosting silent auction

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
The Gateway Art Gallery is looking to raise funds to purchase the building where it’s currently housed with its next effort a silent one. A silent auction will take place 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, at the Gateway Art Gallery, 168 N. Marion Ave.
U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack (R-Gainesville) speaks during Thursday’s Farm To Table fundraiser as Ag Commissioner Wilton Simpson dines on chicken pot pie. (COURTESY)

U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack (R-Gainesville) speaks during Thursday’s Farm To Table fundraiser as Ag Commissioner Wilton Simpson dines on chicken pot pie. (COURTESY)

Farm To Table highlights local 4-H, FFA programs

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
What better way to promote Florida agriculture than by letting people taste the product and meet the next generation of farmers.
Kids Feeding Kids President John Cole (left) displays the items he got from Target to donate to victims of Hurricane Helene. (COURTESY)

Kids Feeding Kids President John Cole (left) displays the items he got from Target to donate to victims of Hurricane Helene. (COURTESY)

Kids Feeding Kids helps with Helene relief

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Following the damage and destruction caused by Hurricane Helene, the local Kids Feeding Kids program has launched an effort to help both local residents and residents in North Carolina rebound from the monster storm.