Local

Third Judicial Circuit Public Defender Cliff Wilson voiced opposition Monday to the proposal to consolidate the state’s judicial circuits. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Third Judicial Circuit Public Defender Cliff Wilson voiced opposition Monday to the proposal to consolidate the state’s judicial circuits. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Shrinking judicial circuits opposed

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
A state plan to consolidate the judicial circuits needs to be thrown out, according to local officials.
Sheriff Mark Hunter asks for Sen. Jennifer Bradley and Rep. Chuck Brannan to support legislation proposed for the 2024 session to hold juveniles accountable for gun violence. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Sheriff Mark Hunter asks for Sen. Jennifer Bradley and Rep. Chuck Brannan to support legislation proposed for the 2024 session to hold juveniles accountable for gun violence. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

CCSO seeks support on juvenile violence bill

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Proposed legislation could be a “game changer” when it comes to holding juveniles accountable to gun violence. During Monday’s Columbia County legislative delegation hearing at Florida Gateway College, Sheriff Mark Hunter told both Sen. Jennifer Bradley (R-Fleming Island) and Rep.
John Kasak (clockwise from left) pours cider for Gateway City Craft Beer and Wine Festival visitors Whitney Martin and Ashley James. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

John Kasak (clockwise from left) pours cider for Gateway City Craft Beer and Wine Festival visitors Whitney Martin and Ashley James. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Beer and Wine Festival continues to grow

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
A crisp autumn day with the promise of fellowship, socializing, live music and, of course, tasting wine and beer, drew a huge crowd of visitors downtown. The Gateway City Craft Beer and Wine Festival took place Saturday and people descended all throughout the downtown area.

Murdered child's family threatened with more violence

NEWS STAFF
Monday, October 23, 2023
The family of the Lake City girl killed in late August was threatened with further violence Sunday. According to the Lake City Police Department, 55-year-old Lucille Simpson drove past family members of 12-year-old Mariah Smith around 7:10 p.m. Sunday and threatened them while armed with a firearm.
A meeting to discuss a proposed project to expand services at the Circle K near the intersection of Interstate 75 and U.S. Highway 90 has been postponed. A future date has not yet been set. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

A meeting to discuss a proposed project to expand services at the Circle K near the intersection of Interstate 75 and U.S. Highway 90 has been postponed. A future date has not yet been set. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Circle K appeal meeting postponed

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Saturday, October 21, 2023
A highly anticipated meeting to decide the fate of a proposed gas station expansion has been postponed, again. The City of Lake City Board of Adjustment, originally scheduled to host a special called meeting on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., has called off its meeting.
Gracie Meloy, a Lake City resident, told the Columbia County Commission she had to have a stray dog put down in September after it attacked and killed her cat. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Gracie Meloy, a Lake City resident, told the Columbia County Commission she had to have a stray dog put down in September after it attacked and killed her cat. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

County working to fix animal control

JAMIE WACHTER
Saturday, October 21, 2023
When a stray dog showed up on their carport earlier this fall, Lake City residents Gracie and Mikah Meloy tried to turn the dog in. Speaking to the Columbia County Commission on Thursday, Gracie Meloy said her husband took the dog to the Lake City-Columbia County Humane Society.

Legislative delegation meeting set for Monday

NEWS STAFF
Saturday, October 21, 2023
Columbia County residents can address their state legislators in person Monday morning. Sen. Jennifer Bradley (R-Fleming Island) and Rep. Chuck Brannan (R-Macclenny) will hold the county’s legislative delegation meeting Monday from 9-11 a.m.
Columbia County Commission Chairman Rocky Ford asked that a joint meeting with the Town of Fort White be moved to Nov. 1 since ‘all indications’ were the town wasn’t going to attend next week’s scheduled meeting. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia County Commission Chairman Rocky Ford asked that a joint meeting with the Town of Fort White be moved to Nov. 1 since ‘all indications’ were the town wasn’t going to attend next week’s scheduled meeting. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

County, Fort White joint meeting delayed again

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, October 20, 2023
The joint meeting between Columbia County and Fort White officials has been delayed once again. Originally scheduled for Aug. 30 before being postponed due to Hurricane Idalia, the county commission and town council was set to meet Wednesday at the Tourist Development Council conference room.

Report: LC man beat child over dirty dishes

NEWS STAFF
Friday, October 20, 2023
Losing his temper over dirty dishes, a Lake City man was arrested Wednesday on a handful of charges, including sexual battery of a child. According to a Columbia County Sheriff’s Office report, deputies responded to the report of a domestic violence situation around 8 p.m.