Local

Belmont Academy will start to receive tax funding for building improvements and maintenance. (COURTESY)

Belmont Academy will start to receive tax funding for building improvements and maintenance. (COURTESY)

Belmont Academy to start reeling in tax funding

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, May 12, 2023
Property funding may be on its way, but Belmont Academy is waiting to start cashing the checks. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation into law Thursday that will provide charter schools a new avenue of “capital outlay” funding to purchase land and facilities (HB 1259).
Crews from C.A. Boone Construction and Bubba’s Site Prep work on Columbia High’s track at Tiger Stadium. (COURTESY)

Crews from C.A. Boone Construction and Bubba’s Site Prep work on Columbia High’s track at Tiger Stadium. (COURTESY)

CCS approves track resurfacing

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Friday, May 12, 2023
The track at Tiger Stadium is getting a much-needed makeover.
A thunderstorm Thursday afternoon brought pea- to nickel-sized hail to parts of Lake City. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

A thunderstorm Thursday afternoon brought pea- to nickel-sized hail to parts of Lake City. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Thursday storms produce some hail

TONY BRITT
Friday, May 12, 2023
An early afternoon thunderstorm, which was part of scattered thunderstorms reported in the region, pelted several areas with hail Thursday.
Lake City Fire Department trucks respond to a fire at the Greyhound bus station on Wednesday afternoon. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Lake City Fire Department trucks respond to a fire at the Greyhound bus station on Wednesday afternoon. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Bus station blaze put out

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
The Greyhound Bus station is accustomed to being a temporary parking spot for some of the largest vehicles on local roadways.
An overhead map shows Florida Power & Light’s Price Creek Solar Energy Center off State Road 100. (COURTESY)

An overhead map shows Florida Power & Light’s Price Creek Solar Energy Center off State Road 100. (COURTESY)

Massive FPL solar farm may spark NFMIP growth

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Florida Power & Light’s next solar farm in Columbia County may provide more than just electricity. The Price Creek Solar Energy Center may also energize growth at the North Florida Mega Industrial park.
Hannah Hunter (from left), Jessica Frame and Kaleah Shead enjoy their cups of shaved ice while attending the Spring Market in Olustee Park in May 2021. (FILE)

Hannah Hunter (from left), Jessica Frame and Kaleah Shead enjoy their cups of shaved ice while attending the Spring Market in Olustee Park in May 2021. (FILE)

Spring Market ready to bloom for thousands

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Downtown Lake City is expected to be bustling this weekend as thousands of people head to the area for the City of Lake City’s annal Spring Market. The third annual Spring Market will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

LCPD: Woman fired weapon during argument

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
A dispute Tuesday night led to gunfire and an arrest, according to the Lake City Police Department. An LCPD release states a man and a woman had an altercation outside an apartment around 11 p.m.

Food drive ready to collect

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
The country’s largest one-day food drive returns this weekend. The National Association of Letter Carriers will be celebrating its 31st anniversary of the “Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive” on Saturday.
Eastside Elementary student Chase Bryant earned an invitation to the 2023 NASP National Tournament. (COURTESY)

Eastside Elementary student Chase Bryant earned an invitation to the 2023 NASP National Tournament. (COURTESY)

Eastside Elementary student shoots his way to national stage

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Although he hasn’t become a teenager yet, Chase Bryant declares that he’s spent a majority of his life shooting his bow and arrows. While he may have many years of experience to draw from, this weekend Bryant will get to shoot his arrows in a completely different circumstance and venue.
Former Melrose Elementary and Columbia City Elementary teacher Imogene Miller (second from right) shares a laugh with CCS Board members Cherie Hill (from left), Hunter Peeler, Keith Hudson and Superintendent Lex Carswell during Tuesday evening’s ceremony honoring five ‘Teachers of a Lifetime.’ (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Former Melrose Elementary and Columbia City Elementary teacher Imogene Miller (second from right) shares a laugh with CCS Board members Cherie Hill (from left), Hunter Peeler, Keith Hudson and Superintendent Lex Carswell during Tuesday evening’s ceremony honoring five ‘Teachers of a Lifetime.’ (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Five former educators named ‘Teachers of a Lifetime’

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, May 9, 2023
The Columbia County School District formally recognized a handful of legendary teachers at its Tuesday meeting.