Local

Ami Fields, who served as the city’s interim manager for three months in 2021 before resigning, has applied for that position. (FILE)

Ami Fields, who served as the city’s interim manager for three months in 2021 before resigning, has applied for that position. (FILE)

Butler, Fields apply for city admin

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, February 2, 2024
One high-ranking city official and a former interim city leader are looking to be Lake City’s next manager. Among the 22 applications received by the city by Friday’s deadline to fill the top administrative position were Police Chief Gerald Butler and Ami Fields, a former interim city manager.
Vanessa George with Twentyeight Fourteen and October Realty presents the public-private partnership ask of $1 million from the County Commission to build affordable housing in Lake City. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Vanessa George with Twentyeight Fourteen and October Realty presents the public-private partnership ask of $1 million from the County Commission to build affordable housing in Lake City. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

George, Warren seek $1M for housing

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, February 2, 2024
A request for $1 million to help provide additional affordable housing will receive further consideration from the Columbia County Commission.
Lovick-Plemmons (left) and Sapp

Lovick-Plemmons (left) and Sapp

Lovick-Plemmons, Sapp earn LCPD promotions

NEWS STAFF
Friday, February 2, 2024
A pair of Lake City police officers received promotions this week. During a ceremony Wednesday, Lake City Police Chief Gerald Butler promoted LaQuinta Lovick-Plemmons to patrol sergeant and Taylor Sapp to patrol corporal.
The historic downtown Lake City gate was recently re-erected at the intersection of North Marion Avenue and NW Fronie Street. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

The historic downtown Lake City gate was recently re-erected at the intersection of North Marion Avenue and NW Fronie Street. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Downtown gate finds new home

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Folks traveling south on Marion Avenue from State Road 100 or coming into town from Interstate 10 are once again being greeted by a Lake City Historic Downtown sign. Demetrius Johnson, interim city manager, said the sign was erected in its new location on Jan. 19.
Members of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team gather near the camper Wednesday morning. (COURTESY COLUMBIA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE)

Members of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team gather near the camper Wednesday morning. (COURTESY COLUMBIA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE)

Morning standoff ends peacefully

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
A Lake City man, accused of battering and holding a person against their will in his camper, later held authorities at bay for more than an hour while he was barricaded inside.
A still image from a North Florida Pharmacy surveillance camera in Fort White allegedly shows Jesse Moore in the act of robbing the store on Jan. 13, 2022. (COURTESY)

A still image from a North Florida Pharmacy surveillance camera in Fort White allegedly shows Jesse Moore in the act of robbing the store on Jan. 13, 2022. (COURTESY)

Pharmacy robber sentenced to 21 years

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
The man convicted of a string of local pharmacy robberies last year now knows how long he’ll face behind bars. Jesse Rance Moore, a 46-year-old Bell man, was sentenced to 21 years in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Larry A. Burns, according to a Justice Department press release.
The Flattlanders, which includes Lake City’s Brian Andrews (second from right), Matt Melton (from left), Joey Lazio and Andy Kennan, placed fourth in the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America national band competition this past weekend in Nashville. (COURTESY)

The Flattlanders, which includes Lake City’s Brian Andrews (second from right), Matt Melton (from left), Joey Lazio and Andy Kennan, placed fourth in the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America national band competition this past weekend in Nashville. (COURTESY)

Flattlanders reach new heights: Lake City’s Andrews, band place fourth nationally

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Experienced pickers, a North Central Florida-based bluegrass band nearly played at a national championship level.

County close to rail deal at mega park

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
The first step in bringing rail service into the North Florida Mega Industrial Park is ready to be taken. At Thursday’s commission meeting, 9:30 a.m. at the Columbia County School Board Auditorium, 372 W.