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The Fort White High jazz band performs during its Christmas concert in December. The band is hosting the Fort White Musical Market on Saturday to raise funds for a trip to Walt Disney World. (FILE)

The Fort White High jazz band performs during its Christmas concert in December. The band is hosting the Fort White Musical Market on Saturday to raise funds for a trip to Walt Disney World. (FILE)

FWHS band, choir hosting Musical Market

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
FORT WHITE — Fort White High School chorus and jazz band members have become accustomed to taking their performances to the next level. Later this year the students will take their musical talents to Walt Disney World for performances, but first they have to raise funds to get there.

Head-on collision kills one in southern Columbia County

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
FORT WHITE — A Lake City woman was killed Monday in a head-on collision in southern Columbia County. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a silver SUV was traveling east on U.S. Highway 27 around 4:30 p.m. Monday when it crossed the center line.
Councilwoman Chevella Young said the City of Lake City needed to help with Niblack Elementary School’s move for construction. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Councilwoman Chevella Young said the City of Lake City needed to help with Niblack Elementary School’s move for construction. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

City helping fund Niblack move

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
The pending move out of Niblack Elementary School for construction of a new building is getting assistance from the City of Lake City. The Lake City Council agreed at Tuesday’s meeting to provide $35,000 in funding to the school for its move at the end of the school year.

Ocala man charged with sexual battery on minor

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
An Ocala man has been arrested after authorities say he snuck into a home to have a sexual relationship with a minor. According to a Columbia County Sheriff’s Office report, Angelo Jesus Echeverria-Blanco, 20, was arrested Saturday after authorities say earlier that morning around 4:30 a.m.
Lake City Fire Chief Josh Wehinger (right) and Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis are pictured atop the LCFD’s antique 1926 fire engine Thursday at the Capitol. (COURTESY)

Lake City Fire Chief Josh Wehinger (right) and Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis are pictured atop the LCFD’s antique 1926 fire engine Thursday at the Capitol. (COURTESY)

LCFD’s antique engine featured at state Capitol

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, February 16, 2024
TALLAHASSEE — A piece of Lake City history was on display at the Florida Capitol on Thursday. As part of the Florida Fire Service Day at the Capitol, the Lake City Fire Department took its 1926 American LeFrance fire engine along to Tallahassee.

Third teen charged in fatal shooting

NEWS STAFF
Friday, February 16, 2024
The third and final suspect in the August murder of a child is now in custody. According to the Lake City Police Department, Matthew Rice, a 17-year-old from Lake City, was taken into custody without incident Thursday.
Keaven Jones gives Kaden Jones, 2, a ride on his shoulders as the youngster points out wooden cars in a vendor’s both on Friday afternoon at the 45th Annual Olustee Festival. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Keaven Jones gives Kaden Jones, 2, a ride on his shoulders as the youngster points out wooden cars in a vendor’s both on Friday afternoon at the 45th Annual Olustee Festival. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Olustee Festival off to ‘great’ start for weekend

TONY BRITT
Friday, February 16, 2024
Gray skies and lack of sunshine did little to deter thousands of people from visiting Wilson Park as they flooded the downtown area on Friday to attend the first day of the 45th Annual Olustee Festival.