Local

Assistant County Manager Kevin Kirby said he didn’t know what the county could do to fix Rum Island. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

County considers sending Rum Island back to feds

JAMIE WACHTER

Thursday, June 20, 2024

Running out of ideas on how to handle the ongoing issues at Rum Island, the Columbia County Commission is interested in making it a federal problem.

Mike Null, the president of the Lake City Columbia County Tennis Association, talks about the tennis courts at Youngs Park and the shade structure that was dedicated Thursday morning. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Youngs Park tennis shade unveiled

TONY BRITT

Thursday, June 20, 2024

For the past few years local tennis enthusiasts have had to battle the North Florida sunshine while competing or watching tennis at Youngs Park. However, thanks to a partnership with the Columbia County Commission, spectators and participants now have it made in the shade.

Clifton, Reddish to make Music Park debuts

NEWS STAFF

Thursday, June 20, 2024

LIVE OAK — With the arrival of summer, the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park will be heating up with a debut performance this weekend. On Saturday night, Katie Reddish & Dalton Clifton make their Music Park debut from 7-10 p.m.

I-75 overpass hit by excavator

NEWS STAFF

Thursday, June 20, 2024

Equipment headed west on Interstate 10 on Wednesday afternoon did some unwanted work on the Interstate 75 interchange. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a pickup was headed west on I-10 at 2:25 p.m.

Synergy Sports Global CEO Jason Boudrie told the Columbia County TDC on Monday that a public-private partnership would work at the county’s 500-acre sports park. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

500-acre park ‘viable’ for private backing

JAMIE WACHTER

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

A national sports consulting agency is interested in helping Columbia County develop a 500-acre regional sports complex.

No word from state on election fines

JAMIE WACHTER

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

The City of Lake City is waiting to hear back from state officials before fining a pair of city candidates. Last week none of the city’s four council candidates — James Carter (District 13), Tammy Harris (District 12), Jake Hill Jr.

Firefighters with the Florida Forest Service help douse a grass fire at Alligator Lake Park on Wednesday afternoon. The fire was sparked by crossed power lines. (COURTESY)

Power lines spark Alligator Lake park fire

MORGAN MCMULLEN

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

A small brush fire at Alligator Lake Park was quickly doused before any major damage could occur Wednesday. According to Trenton Kreienheder, a driver/engineer with the Lake City Fire Department, firefighters received a call at 4:11 p.m.

Glenel Bowden, a former Lake City councilman, asked the council to put the issue of tying the elected officials’ raises to city staff on the ballot for the public to decide. (FILE)

Council raise topic garners no discussion

MORGAN MCMULLEN

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

While it didn’t take any action on the matter at its Monday meeting, the Lake City Council heard more from a former councilor regarding pay raises for council members being tucked into the city budget.

CareerSource merger still contentious

TONY BRITT

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

Months of attempting to iron out a deal between CareerSource Florida Crown and CareerSource North Central Florida as the two attempt to merge have been largely unsuccessful.

Woman hits Lake City rail gate, dies

NEWS STAFF

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

A Tampa woman was killed early Tuesday morning when she drove off the road and hit a railroad gate mechanism and lever on the east side of Lake City. A Florida Highway Patrol release states that 73-year-old Tampa woman was traveling west on U.S.