Local

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.
Lake City Councilman James Carter said Monday night that he didn’t think it was the right time to raise taxes on city property owners. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Lake City Councilman James Carter said Monday night that he didn’t think it was the right time to raise taxes on city property owners. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Council rejects 11.91% tax hike

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Lake City property owners won’t see an 11.91% tax hike after all. During its final budget hearing Monday night, the Lake City Council voted against the proposed tax increase by a 3-2 vote with Mayor Stephen Witt and Councilman Ricky Jernigan supporting the hike.
The Gateway Art Gallery is accepting entries — like this painting by Barbara Hunter — Thursday for its second Precious Pet Portrait contest. (COURTESY GATEWAY ART GALLERY)

The Gateway Art Gallery is accepting entries — like this painting by Barbara Hunter — Thursday for its second Precious Pet Portrait contest. (COURTESY GATEWAY ART GALLERY)

Gallery pet portrait contest entries due

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Do you have the greatest portrait of your precious pet? In its second Precious Pet Portrait Contest, the Gateway Art Gallery is receiving entries on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Any member, adult or child, of the Art League of North Florida, may enter with no fees.
Bernice Presley stands up during the Lake City Council’s discussion about rescinding the name of a portion of NE Railroad Street to NE Presley Lane to honor her family’s positive impact on the community. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Bernice Presley stands up during the Lake City Council’s discussion about rescinding the name of a portion of NE Railroad Street to NE Presley Lane to honor her family’s positive impact on the community. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

City rescinds street renaming

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Scolded for not doing its “homework” when it voted to rename a portion of a street name, the Lake City Council reversed course Monday night.