Local

Lake City man flees from fatal crash

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
A Lake City man is in custody after fleeing from a fatal crash Sunday afternoon on Interstate 75. According to a Florida Highway Patrol release, a pair of pickups were traveling south on I-75 around 1:37 p.m.
Lake Shore Hospital Authority Board Chairman Stephen Douglas said the board is limited in how much it can pay for a parking lot holding up a deal with Meridian Behavioral Healthcare to take over the main hospital building on the downtown campus. The board voted Monday to seek another appraisal on the parking lot that is holding up a deal with Meridian Behavioral Healthcare. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Lake Shore Hospital Authority Board Chairman Stephen Douglas said the board is limited in how much it can pay for a parking lot holding up a deal with Meridian Behavioral Healthcare to take over the main hospital building on the downtown campus. The board voted Monday to seek another appraisal on the parking lot that is holding up a deal with Meridian Behavioral Healthcare. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Kennedy motions for LSHA to not ‘do anything’

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
The future of the Lake Shore Hospital Authority campus is still very much up in the air. After the authority’s latest meeting Monday, it appears that uncertainty will last even longer.
A gate into Rum Island Park from a neighboring property that stands in place of a county fence, which Columbia County officials say was cut to provide free access into the park. (COURTESY)

A gate into Rum Island Park from a neighboring property that stands in place of a county fence, which Columbia County officials say was cut to provide free access into the park. (COURTESY)

County looks to restrict commercial use of parks

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, March 8, 2024
Access to Columbia County parks to business ventures in the southern end of the county could be coming to an end.
Gov. Ron DeSantis discusses the 2024 legislative session budget as Senate President Kathleen Passidomo listens Friday. (NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA)

Gov. Ron DeSantis discusses the 2024 legislative session budget as Senate President Kathleen Passidomo listens Friday. (NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA)

Columbia, Suwannee get $9M in Florida budget

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, March 8, 2024
Before the ceremonial hanky dropped to adjourn the 2024 regular session Friday, the Florida Legislature dropped $24 million in funding for area projects. More than $9 million in appropriations were approved for both Columbia and Suwannee counties as part of the state’s $117.

County declines Fort White’s late request

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, March 8, 2024
A handful of agreements are in place for Columbia County and the Town of Fort White to continue working together. However, the county will not be handling the town’s submissions to the Florida Department of Transportation for potential road project funding.
Gov. Ron DeSantis awarded more than $60 million in funding to rural North Florida counties, including a handful of awards to Suwannee County, during a press conference Thursday morning at the Busy Bee Travel Center in Live Oak. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Gov. Ron DeSantis awarded more than $60 million in funding to rural North Florida counties, including a handful of awards to Suwannee County, during a press conference Thursday morning at the Busy Bee Travel Center in Live Oak. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

DeSantis delivers $5.5M to Suwannee County

JAMIE WACHTER
Thursday, March 7, 2024
LIVE OAK — Move past the Bee Bits and the fudge and Bee-nut Butter and all the other tasty treats, local officials found an even bigger prize Thursday at the Busy Bee Travel Station: state funding. Gov.
Hailey Wall will perform this weekend at the Florida Gateway Pro Rodeo. (COURTESY)

Hailey Wall will perform this weekend at the Florida Gateway Pro Rodeo. (COURTESY)

Trick riders ready for rodeo

TONY BRITT
Thursday, March 7, 2024
From riding their horses without using their hands, upside down or carrying flags when they ride, the Faithful W Ranch Riders have a history of pleasing crowds with their uncanny trick riding skills.

County in line for second judge

JAMIE WACHTER
Thursday, March 7, 2024
Help may be on the way for the Columbia County judicial system. Rep. Chuck Brannan (R-Macclenny) filed an amendment to HB 5401 on Tuesday afternoon that would give Columbia County a second county judge. Funding for that position was also included in the state budget released late Tuesday morning.
Dyllan Romanik attaches a sign in the Florida Gateway Fairgrounds rodeo arena ahead of the 30th annual Florida Gateway Pro Rodeo, which will take place Friday through Sunday. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Dyllan Romanik attaches a sign in the Florida Gateway Fairgrounds rodeo arena ahead of the 30th annual Florida Gateway Pro Rodeo, which will take place Friday through Sunday. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Rodeo rides into town

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
Cowboys, bucking bulls, barrel racers and even rodeo queens will take center stage this weekend as the rodeo comes to town. The 30th annual Florida Gateway Pro Rodeo will take place Friday-Sunday at the Florida Gateway Fairgrounds Rodeo Arena, 572 SW Mary Ethel Lane.