Local

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.
First Federal Bank was named one of the best regional banks in the country by Newsweek. It’s the fourth straight year the Lake City-based bank received the recognition. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

First Federal Bank was named one of the best regional banks in the country by Newsweek. It’s the fourth straight year the Lake City-based bank received the recognition. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Newsweek names First Federal among top regional banks

NEWS STAFF
Friday, February 16, 2024
First Federal Bank has deposited more recognition for banking excellence. The Lake City-based regional bank was named one of the top 250 regional banks and 250 credit unions in the United States, according to Newsweek.
County Manager David Kraus said it would be hard to make changes to the water line extension project at this point, after the Columbia County Commission awarded the bid at Thurday’s meeting. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

County Manager David Kraus said it would be hard to make changes to the water line extension project at this point, after the Columbia County Commission awarded the bid at Thurday’s meeting. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Ellisville to Fort White water line bid approved

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, February 16, 2024
The project to bring better water to the Town of Fort White has been approved. The Columbia County Commission unanimously approved awarding a bid to Anderson Columbia to extending the water transmission lines from the plant in Ellisville to the existing Fort White water plant for $4.4 million.
Rose Jones (from left), a Florida Department of Transportation employee, talks to Jaden Klys and Angelis Owens during the Fort White High School Career Fair on Thursday at the school gymnasium. More than 40 vendors attended the session telling students about post high school education and career opportunities. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Rose Jones (from left), a Florida Department of Transportation employee, talks to Jaden Klys and Angelis Owens during the Fort White High School Career Fair on Thursday at the school gymnasium. More than 40 vendors attended the session telling students about post high school education and career opportunities. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Fort White High career fair attracts 40 vendors

TONY BRITT
Friday, February 16, 2024
FORT WHITE — More than 100 Fort White High School students were able to talk to local employers and potentially get leads on jobs and careers to secure their futures.