Local

Easton Starling, 11, utilizes training he learned at a Lake City Fire Department summer camp to douse flames with a fire extinguisher. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Easton Starling, 11, utilizes training he learned at a Lake City Fire Department summer camp to douse flames with a fire extinguisher. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Kids cool off with LCFD fitness and skills summer camp

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
More than two dozen local youngsters are getting a new physical and educational experience from local first responders through a unique summer camp.
A couple of people pose under the replica mastadon skeleton that was on display at the Columbia County Public Library during a summer kickoff event on Friday. (COURTESY)

A couple of people pose under the replica mastadon skeleton that was on display at the Columbia County Public Library during a summer kickoff event on Friday. (COURTESY)

Replica mastodon skeleton informs all ages at library event

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
A group of Columbia County youths and their parents took a trip through time Friday and were able to see a replica of bones from a mastodon that walked the earth thousands of years ago.
Retired Third Judicial Circuit Court Judge Leandra Johnson was recognized Monday night by the Columbia County Farm Bureau. The Farm Bureau named Johnson its 2026 Public Service Award winner at its annual public officials dinner. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Retired Third Judicial Circuit Court Judge Leandra Johnson was recognized Monday night by the Columbia County Farm Bureau. The Farm Bureau named Johnson its 2026 Public Service Award winner at its annual public officials dinner. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Farm Bureau honors Judge Johnson’s service

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Columbia County’s roots have always been tied to agriculture and farming.The Columbia County Farm Bureau Board of Directors recognizes and respects the relationship between farming and public officials, honoring those people Monday during an annual dinner.
Lake City Reporter freelance photographer Brent Kuykendall’s photo of Suwannee receiver Koy Frier’s attempted grab against Bradford last spring won first place. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Lake City Reporter freelance photographer Brent Kuykendall’s photo of Suwannee receiver Koy Frier’s attempted grab against Bradford last spring won first place. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Reporter captures 12 awards in state contest

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
LAKE BUENA VISTA — The Lake City Reporter won 12 awards for its journalistic work in 2025 from the Florida Press Association.
Columbia County Fire Chief Jeff Crawford addresses the Lake Shore Hospital Authority at its Monday meeting. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia County Fire Chief Jeff Crawford addresses the Lake Shore Hospital Authority at its Monday meeting. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

County asks Lake Shore for $1.6M for ambulances

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Columbia County isn’t counting on any one source to help improve emergency medical services provided to the community.

Five city candidates have qualified

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Five Lake City Council candidates are qualified for the August primary, three others still have to finish up their paperwork.District 10 incumbent Chevella Young has qualified as of Tuesday afternoon, according to City Clerk Audrey Sikes.

County incumbents qualified for election

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Both sitting Columbia County commissioners up for re-election have qualified for the August primary.But both also have qualified opponents as of Tuesday afternoon. Qualifying, which began Monday, runs through noon Friday.

Trooper, 2 others injured in wreck

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
A Florida Highway Patrol trooper was injured when his SUV was rear-ended at a stop light in Lake City.According to an FHP release, the unmarked SUV was stopped at the red light at U.S. Highway 90 and SE Baya Drive at 11:23 a.m.
Del Porter (center) is all smiles as The Heron on Lake City residents wish him a happy 100th birthday on Thursday afternoon. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Del Porter (center) is all smiles as The Heron on Lake City residents wish him a happy 100th birthday on Thursday afternoon. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

WWII veteran celebrates 100th birthday

TONY BRITT
Friday, June 5, 2026
Celebrations with friends and family are always  precious occasions. For World War II veteran Del Porter, the occasion was more special with friends and acquaintances.