City draws up redistricting workshop
JAMIE WACHTER
The Lake City Council will meet next month with a consultant on what the future council district map will look like.
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Local
LCPD: McCartney wanted after pitchfork attack
NEWS STAFF
A Lake City man faces attempted murder charges after a verbal argument escalated Monday morning.
According to a Lake City Police Department release, 36-year-old Ryan Paul McCartney, who is still at large, threw a pitchfork at a victim on NW Palm Drive following the argument Monday around 8:25 a.m.
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Lake City Manager Paul Dyal said terminating the agreement with Columbia County on building official services would have no impact on permitting, saying the county would still do the work until the city made a hire. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)
Council keeps county on as building official
JAMIE WACHTER
Columbia County will continue acting as the City of Lake City’s building official.
The Lake City Council agreed to table a resolution terminating the interlocal agreement for building official services Monday night by a 4-1 vote. Councilwoman Chevella Young cast the lone dissenting vote.
Monday, March 20, 2023
Assistant City Manager Demetrious Johnson takes notes during a Lake City Council meeting in August 2022. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)
Johnson named new assistant manager
JAMIE WACHTER
The City of Lake City’s new assistant city manager is a familiar face.
On Friday, City Manager Paul Dyal pulled the interim tag off Demetrious Johnson, making the long-time city employee his top lieutenant on a full-time basis.
Monday, March 20, 2023
Five-time world barbecue champion Myron Mixon will be among the dozens of teams competing at the inaugural Downtown Barbecue Showdown in Lake City. (COURTESY)
BBQ contest set to bring heat to Lake City
TONY BRITT
Fire up the smokers and let the cooking begin.
Competitive barbecue cooking teams from across the country are heading to Columbia County next month as Lake City hosts its inaugural Downtown Barbecue Showdown.
Monday, March 20, 2023
Jacksonville man arrested for soliciting minor
NEWS STAFF
A Jacksonville man was arrested Friday evening after authorities say he traveled to Lake City to meet with a teenage girl for sex.
Instead of a 14-year-old girl, though, 35-year-old Selwyn Yomar Diaz Diaz’s date was with Columbia County Sheriff’s Office detectives.
Monday, March 20, 2023
South Florida fugitive arrested in Lake City
NEWS STAFF
A South Florida fugitive was arrested Sunday on warrants in Lake City.
Lake City police officers responded to SW Windsong Circle around 5:50 a.m. Sunday to a call for service.
Monday, March 20, 2023
Biker killed in Fort White crash
NEWS STAFF
FORT WHITE — A biker was killed Friday afternoon when his motorcycle collided with a pickup truck in southwestern Columbia County.
A Florida Highway Patrol report states the biker, a 20-year-old Fort White man, passed a pickup around 2 p.m. Friday on SW Wilson Springs Road heading west.
Monday, March 20, 2023
Selwyn Yomar Diaz Diaz was arrested Friday evening by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office when he arrived in Lake City to meet with teen. (COURTESY)
Jacksonville man arrested for soliciting minor
NEWS STAFF
A Jacksonville man was arrested Friday evening after authorities say he traveled to Lake City to meet with a teenage girl for sex.
Instead of a 14-year-old girl, though, 35-year-old Selwyn Yomar Diaz Diaz’s date was with Columbia County Sheriff’s Office detectives.
Friday, March 17, 2023
Brannan
Brannan silent on proposed free-speech limits bill
JAMIE WACHTER
A bill designed to protect public officials from criticism is receiving blistering reviews as it moves through the Florida Legislature.
House Bill 991 passed through the Civil Justice Subcommittee on Tuesday and now sits before the House Judiciary Committee.
Friday, March 17, 2023