Local

Tylie Davis looks to make a play during a ‘Connect 4’ game with Tyrice Baynard as Katie McGowan looks on Friday during the Summer Nights program at Melrose Park Elementary School. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Tylie Davis looks to make a play during a ‘Connect 4’ game with Tyrice Baynard as Katie McGowan looks on Friday during the Summer Nights program at Melrose Park Elementary School. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Deputies, community enjoy Summer Nights program

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Friday, July 21, 2023
Melrose Park Elementary was abuzz with the sounds of pop music, a whirring snow cone machine and children’s laughter. And with good reason.
The Columbia County School District is waiting to adjust the start time for Columbia High School to comply with new state laws until consolidating elementary schools as well. (FILE)

The Columbia County School District is waiting to adjust the start time for Columbia High School to comply with new state laws until consolidating elementary schools as well. (FILE)

No changes to CCS start times

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, July 21, 2023
There won’t be extra time to be saved by the bell in Columbia County. When the 2023-24 academic year begins Aug. 10, all 14 schools in the Columbia County School District will have the same start times as a year ago.
NW Bascom Norris Drive near Lowe’s is closed as authorities search for suspects who stole an ATM.

NW Bascom Norris Drive near Lowe’s is closed as authorities search for suspects who stole an ATM.

Pair of suspects flee into woods after stealing ATM

NEWS STAFF
Friday, July 21, 2023
A pair of suspects remain on the loose after making a large withdrawal from a Lake City bank Friday morning. Responding to an alarm at the Ameris Bank on U.S. Highway 90 near the Lake City Mall at 4:52 a.m.
Future Fitness owner Tony Curtis has been pleased with the gym’s move further north on SW Main Boulevard. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Future Fitness owner Tony Curtis has been pleased with the gym’s move further north on SW Main Boulevard. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Gym’s move a good fit

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
After more than three decades in one location, a move has helped buff up Future Fitness. The local workout spot has been open for a month in its new location at 894 SW Main Boulevard after spending its first 30 years in existence at a suite in the South Town Plaza. “It’s great.
Councilwoman Chevella Young (middle) speaks to City Manager Paul Dyal as Councilman Todd Sampson listens during Monday’s Lake City Council meeting. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Councilwoman Chevella Young (middle) speaks to City Manager Paul Dyal as Councilman Todd Sampson listens during Monday’s Lake City Council meeting. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

RCC funding on hold from city

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
While ownership of the Richardson Community Center is no longer being questioned, funding for programs at the facility took a sharp turn toward contentious at Monday’s Lake City Council meeting.
Burns (left) and Stephens

Burns (left) and Stephens

Cops: Denture cream used to hide smuggled drugs into jail

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
A scheme to get drugs through the Columbia County Detention Facility using denture adhesive turned out to be toothless. According to a Columbia County Sheriff’s Office release, staff at the facility noted a tube of Poligrip left by a pair of visitors for an inmate Tuesday seemed suspicious.

Death row inmate’s appeal denied

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
A federal appeals court this week denied an appeal by a Death Row inmate convicted in the 1994 murder and rape of a woman kidnapped from a Lake City supermarket parking lot. A three-judge panel of the 11th U.S.
An office fire at I-75 Toyota on Monday evening was mostly extinguished by employees before firefighters arrived. The fire was believed to have been sparked by an overheated surge protector. (COURTESY LAKE CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT)

An office fire at I-75 Toyota on Monday evening was mostly extinguished by employees before firefighters arrived. The fire was believed to have been sparked by an overheated surge protector. (COURTESY LAKE CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT)

Employees extinguish fire at dealership

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
Quick thinking and knowing how to properly use a fire extinguish prevented what could have been a disaster from occurring Monday evening at a local car dealership. A small fire occurred around 6 p.m. Monday at I-75 Toyota, 1232 U.S.
Crews work on a project at Southside Sports Complex to add 90 new parking spots as well as address drainage issues at the recreation complex. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Crews work on a project at Southside Sports Complex to add 90 new parking spots as well as address drainage issues at the recreation complex. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Project addresses parking, drainage issues

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Lack of parking spaces and poor drainage have plagued the Southside Sports Complex since it has become one of the most popular sports tournament venues in North Central Florida.
Nick Patel hands out information to the Lake City Council at Monday’s meeting about the proposed Circle K expansion. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Nick Patel hands out information to the Lake City Council at Monday’s meeting about the proposed Circle K expansion. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

City to review truck stop project

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
A proposed truck stop is under additional scrutiny following Monday night’s Lake City Council meeting. Nick Patel, the chief operating officer of Florida Gateway Hotels Inc.