Local

A power pole near the intersection of Duval Street and Hernando Avenue was snapped near its base Thursday afternoon after a semi truck backed into it. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

A power pole near the intersection of Duval Street and Hernando Avenue was snapped near its base Thursday afternoon after a semi truck backed into it. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Semi backs into, snaps power pole

TONY BRITT
Thursday, February 23, 2023
A trip to the Department of Motor Vehicles was extra painful for a truck driver Thursday afternoon. After leaving the Columbia County Administrative Offices on Thursday afternoon, the driver, who parked across E. Duval Street, backed into and snapped a power pole at its base.

License plate readers OK’d for parks

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Thursday, February 23, 2023
Lake City will be getting a hand from a third party in helping to hopefully curb crime rates. During its Tuesday meeting, the Lake City Council authorized the Lake City Police Department to enter into an agreement with Flock Group, Inc.
Paul Webb rides down E. Duval Street in Lake City on his way to Jacksonville during his cross-country bicycle ride to raise funds for the Challenged Athletes Foundation. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Paul Webb rides down E. Duval Street in Lake City on his way to Jacksonville during his cross-country bicycle ride to raise funds for the Challenged Athletes Foundation. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Webb spinning an ‘inspired’ ride

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
Paul Webb was looking for some inspiration in retirement. The former professional ski racer turned international corporate speaker was phasing out of that second career when an old friend reached out with a challenge.

Real chicken, real burglary

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
A shirtless burglar was caught chicken-handed Wednesday morning at a Lake City restaurant. Three separate burglaries occurred early Wednesday at businesses along the U.S. Highway 90 commercial corridor, although the incidents were all related, according to a Lake City Police Department release.

Records requests may start costing

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
The city’s public records policy could be getting an update soon. Tuesday night’s Lake City Council meeting saw councilors debate the merits of a proposed new public records policy, one that City Clerk Audrey Sikes said is badly needed.
The Blanche Hotel will host the Brides and Bubbly Wedding Expo on Sunday to showcase different wedding vendors’ services to couples. (COURTESY OF HOLLY FRAZIER)

The Blanche Hotel will host the Brides and Bubbly Wedding Expo on Sunday to showcase different wedding vendors’ services to couples. (COURTESY OF HOLLY FRAZIER)

Blanche bridal expo ready to wow couples

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
The Blanche Hotel is set to host a unique fashion show and wedding planning exposition, and its inviting the public to kick it all off. The Brides and Bubbly Wedding Expo will be held at the hotel on Sunday from 1-4 p.m.

Mother charged after leaving children alone all weekend

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
A weekend trip without her children is providing more time away for a Lake City woman. Jenay Burns, 35, was arrested Monday by the Lake City Police Department for child neglect after an officer was called late Sunday night about four children sitting outside the Save-A-Lot on E. Duval Street.
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet is coming soon to the South Town Square Plaza on SW Main Boulevard. Demolition and construction has begun on the project, which is expected to open later this summer. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet is coming soon to the South Town Square Plaza on SW Main Boulevard. Demolition and construction has begun on the project, which is expected to open later this summer. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet planned for shopping plaza

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
Lake City residents may soon be able to get “good stuff cheap.” Construction, as well as demolition work, is taking place in a local plaza as crews make space and accommodations for a new retail store — Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, which plans to open later this summer.
Lilianna Holman won the 8-9 age division at the Florida Elks Association Hoop Shoot state finals. (COURTESY)

Lilianna Holman won the 8-9 age division at the Florida Elks Association Hoop Shoot state finals. (COURTESY)

Holman shoots down state crown

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
Lilianna Holman combated her nerves Saturday with a simple, constant reminder. As Holman, a Pinemount Elementary School fourth grader, stepped up to the line at the Florida Elks Association’s Hoop Shoot state finals, she just told herself her shot was going in.