Local

County Manager David Kraus said the County Commission needed to give direction on seeking funds to further promote growth in Ellisville or be content with the current development. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

County Manager David Kraus said the County Commission needed to give direction on seeking funds to further promote growth in Ellisville or be content with the current development. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

USDA funds sought for sewer plant

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, March 6, 2026
Columbia County is moving forward with trying to spur additional growth in the southern portion of the county. The Columbia County Commission unanimously directed County Manager David Kraus and staff to submit an application for funding from the U.S.

Ocala man arrested after traveling to meet minor

NEWS STAFF
Friday, March 6, 2026
An Ocala man was arrested Wednesday night after traveling to meet a 14-year-old for sex. According to a Columbia County Sheriff’s Office release, 25-year-old Horatio Carrie had been communicating through social media for a week with an undercover detective who was portraying the child.
A smoking air fryer caused a brief fire in the back of a FedEx truck Friday morning. The fire was quickly doused after the driver removed the package from the truck. (COURTESY LAKE CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT)

A smoking air fryer caused a brief fire in the back of a FedEx truck Friday morning. The fire was quickly doused after the driver removed the package from the truck. (COURTESY LAKE CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT)

Air fryer causes delivery truck fire

NEWS STAFF
Friday, March 6, 2026
A mysterious smoking box in the back of a delivery truck resulted in first responders taking extreme and cautious measures to safely douse an air fryer, which was smoking in its box as it was set to be delivered. At approximately 11:18 a.m.
Fourth grade winners of the Columbia County 4-H Public Speaking County Contest pose with their awards. Winners were Charley Neeley of Westside Elementary, first place (from left); Teagyn Garcia of Fort White Elementary, second place; Ariella Mason of Columbia City Elementary, third place; and Eli McCray of Epiphany Catholic School, honorable mention. (COURTESY UF/IFAS EXTENSION COLUMBIA COUNTY)

Fourth grade winners of the Columbia County 4-H Public Speaking County Contest pose with their awards. Winners were Charley Neeley of Westside Elementary, first place (from left); Teagyn Garcia of Fort White Elementary, second place; Ariella Mason of Columbia City Elementary, third place; and Eli McCray of Epiphany Catholic School, honorable mention. (COURTESY UF/IFAS EXTENSION COLUMBIA COUNTY)

Young voices shine at 4-H public speaking contest

NEWS STAFF
Friday, March 6, 2026
By Heather Futch UF/IFAS Extension Columbia County Young speakers from across Columbia County took the stage Tuesday at the Keith Hudson School Board Auditorium for the annual Florida 4-H Public Speaking County Contest, showcasing their confidence, creativity and communication skills.
TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter Anderson Columbia, which already was ahead of schedule on road improvements in Ellisville, is being offered a $900,000 bonus to speed up the work even more. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter Anderson Columbia, which already was ahead of schedule on road improvements in Ellisville, is being offered a $900,000 bonus to speed up the work even more. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

$900K bonus offered to speed up Ellisville

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, March 6, 2026
Already ahead of schedule, the Florida Department of Transportation is wanting road improvements in Ellisville to speed up even more.
Columbia County Attorney Joel Foreman said having multiple firms under contract is a good thing for the county. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia County Attorney Joel Foreman said having multiple firms under contract is a good thing for the county. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

County adds to roster of continuing services contracts

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, March 6, 2026
Columbia County is adding some engineering firms to its lineup of contractors ready to help on small or time-sensitive projects.
The RC racing track at Southside Sports Complex, shown here, will be replaced by a new course being built along NW Bascom Norris Drive. (COURTESY)

The RC racing track at Southside Sports Complex, shown here, will be replaced by a new course being built along NW Bascom Norris Drive. (COURTESY)

Racing to a new track: New building complete for RC track move

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Competitive RC racing could make its return to  Columbia County within a few months, now that Columbia County has constructed a building to house future races. The building is 150 feet wide by 250 feet long and will house the track and pit area for competitors.