Local

Assistant Columbia County Manager Kevin Kirby asked for clarification on how long to collect storm debris off roadways during an emergency meeting Wednesday. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Assistant Columbia County Manager Kevin Kirby asked for clarification on how long to collect storm debris off roadways during an emergency meeting Wednesday. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Debris cleanup concerns spark state of emergency

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Friday’s severe storms have now sparked a local state of emergency. The Columbia County Commission unanimously made the declaration Wednesday morning in an emergency meeting. The board declared the state of emergency to help with debris cleanup from the storm.
Clint Pittman, the county’s Landscape and Parks director, said a partnership between the county and Synergy Sports Global would lead to a quicker return on the county’s investment into the 500-acre sports complex. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Clint Pittman, the county’s Landscape and Parks director, said a partnership between the county and Synergy Sports Global would lead to a quicker return on the county’s investment into the 500-acre sports complex. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

TDC eyes alternative funding for sports complex

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Columbia County’s plans for its 500-acre regional sports complex may get sped up with some outside assistance.
Economic Development Director Jennifer Daniels told the Economic Development Advisory Board on Wednesday that 800 acres on the north side of Lake City has been selected for the Florida First Sites program. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Economic Development Director Jennifer Daniels told the Economic Development Advisory Board on Wednesday that 800 acres on the north side of Lake City has been selected for the Florida First Sites program. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

800 acres selected for development program

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
By JAMIE WACHTER jwachter@lakecityreporter.com Additional property on the north side of Lake City could soon become prime for economic development.
Martha Johns (from left) addresses the audience after getting her Teacher of a Lifetime certificate from Superintendent Lex Carswell on Tuesday evening. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Martha Johns (from left) addresses the audience after getting her Teacher of a Lifetime certificate from Superintendent Lex Carswell on Tuesday evening. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Recognition of a lifetime: Columbia schools honor five educators for their service

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, May 14, 2024
A lifetime of excellence in education was on display in the Columbia County School Board Auditorium Tuesday evening when five local educators where inducted as honorees into the district’s Teacher of a Lifetime program.
Dr. Richard Nabinger, pharmacist at the Baya West Pharmacy, receives the Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience Outpatient Preceptor of the Year award from Peter Swaan, dean of the University of Florida College of Pharmacy, at the college’s graduate awards celebration Friday. (COURTESY UF COLLEGE OF PHARMACY)

Dr. Richard Nabinger, pharmacist at the Baya West Pharmacy, receives the Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience Outpatient Preceptor of the Year award from Peter Swaan, dean of the University of Florida College of Pharmacy, at the college’s graduate awards celebration Friday. (COURTESY UF COLLEGE OF PHARMACY)

Baya pharmacist honored for teaching UF students

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, May 14, 2024
Through the hectic nature of running a pharmacy, Dr. Richard Nabinger sometimes wonders if he is teaching the students at Baya Pharmacy enough. Nabinger no longer has to wonder.

Belmont graduating 48

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, May 14, 2024
A future after high school is calling close to 50 Belmont Academy seniors, who will be moving onto the next phase of their lives when the school hosts its annual commencement exercise at the end of the week. Belmont Academy will hold its commencement 7 p.m.