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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)

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)

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)

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.
The Florida Department of Transporation has began a nearly $1 million project to replace the trees at the Interstate 75 and U.S. Highway 90 interchange with different varieties. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

The Florida Department of Transporation has began a nearly $1 million project to replace the trees at the Interstate 75 and U.S. Highway 90 interchange with different varieties. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

DOT changing out trees at I-75/U.S. 90

TONY BRITT
Friday, June 14, 2024
A new shade of greenery is coming to the Interstate 75 and U.S. Highway 90 interchange.

Candidates fined for city miscue

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, June 14, 2024
A pair of Lake City Council candidates face fines for filing late campaign finance reports through no fault of their own. Another candidate, though, has an issue with his financial filings as well.

Ballots set with no surprises

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, June 14, 2024
There were no surprises before the election qualifying period ended Friday. All of the candidates, who had previously filed, qualified during the period which began Monday and ended at noon Friday, both for Columbia County and City of Lake City offices.
Vegetation is worn down along the banks due to the excessive use at the park. (COURTESY)

Vegetation is worn down along the banks due to the excessive use at the park. (COURTESY)

County eyeing solutions for Rum Island

TONY BRITT
Friday, June 14, 2024
FORT WHITE — Rum Island Park is going through a variety of vandalism and over population problems as the park’s popularity continues to grow. During the Memorial Day holiday weekend, more than 1,700 people were visiting the park, which only has 35 parking spaces, every day.