Local

Two floating, lighted Christmas trees have been added to Lake DeSoto for this year’s holiday season. The trees will be lit on Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. (COURTESY)

Two floating, lighted Christmas trees have been added to Lake DeSoto for this year’s holiday season. The trees will be lit on Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. (COURTESY)

Christmas trees back on Lake DeSoto

TONY BRITT
Saturday, November 19, 2022
An old Christmas tradition is returning to Lake City. Decades ago it was a common sight to see Christmas trees floating on Lake DeSoto, which added to the holiday’s visual and sensory appeal.

FGC hosting spring enrollment event

NEWS STAFF
Saturday, November 19, 2022
The easiest way to enroll at Florida Gateway College for the spring semester will soon be here. The college’s One-Stop Enrollment Day for the spring is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 1 at the Wilson S. Rivers Library and Media Center.
Long Vu, from Tampa, unpacks his vehicle at the Tru by Hilton hotel in Lake City in September. Columbia County’s Tourism Development Council said the county had collected over $2 million in bed taxes for the first time ever. (FILE)

Long Vu, from Tampa, unpacks his vehicle at the Tru by Hilton hotel in Lake City in September. Columbia County’s Tourism Development Council said the county had collected over $2 million in bed taxes for the first time ever. (FILE)

Bed tax tops $2M

JAMIE WACHTER
Thursday, November 17, 2022
Tourism business is booming in Columbia County. The county collected more than $2 million in bed tax revenue in fiscal year 2021-22, according to figures from the Columbia County Tourism Development Council. It’s the first time, the county has brought in more than $2 million.
James Hodges (second from right) listens as his attorney John M. Phillips speaks at Thursday’s press conference. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

James Hodges (second from right) listens as his attorney John M. Phillips speaks at Thursday’s press conference. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Blind man intends to sue CCSO

TONY BRITT
Thursday, November 17, 2022
The recent arrest of James Hodges, a legally blind Lake City man, has evolved into a pending federal lawsuit. A notice of intent to sue the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office was filed Wednesday by John M. Phillips, a Jacksonville attorney.

Board OKs Robbins tax break

JAMIE WACHTER
Thursday, November 17, 2022
A long-time Lake City company is getting a helping hand on an expansion. The Columbia County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved an economic development incentive granting a tax abatement to Robbins Manufacturing on an expansion project at its lumber mill off U.S.

First Presbyterian hosting community dinner, concert

NEWS STAFF
Thursday, November 17, 2022
Both food and entertainment are on the docket for First Presbyterian Church of Lake City this weekend. The church, located at 697 SW Baya Drive, is hosting its 20th annual free Thanksgiving dinner on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Boxes of supplies sit ready to be shipped to Fort Myers last month after the devastation of Hurricane Ian swept through southwest Florida. (COURTESY)

Boxes of supplies sit ready to be shipped to Fort Myers last month after the devastation of Hurricane Ian swept through southwest Florida. (COURTESY)

New Bethel Baptist spreads ‘LOVE’ with Ian donations

NEWS STAFF
Thursday, November 17, 2022
People victimized by the devastation of Hurricane Ian got some much-needed help last month thanks to one local church. New Bethel Baptist Church of Lake City, at the request of the Florida General Baptist Convention, collected supplies from Oct.
Jay Swisher, Columbia County Clerk of Courts and 2022-23 Rotary Club of Lake City President, and Todd Wilson, Publisher of the Lake City Reporter and Rotarian, hold up the Nov. 17, 1922, edition of the Reporter, which includes the story on the formation of the Rotary Club 100 years ago today. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Jay Swisher, Columbia County Clerk of Courts and 2022-23 Rotary Club of Lake City President, and Todd Wilson, Publisher of the Lake City Reporter and Rotarian, hold up the Nov. 17, 1922, edition of the Reporter, which includes the story on the formation of the Rotary Club 100 years ago today. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

A century of service: Rotary Club marks 100th anniversary

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
One hundred years after 23 businessmen organized the Rotary Club of Lake City to advance the “civic and business welfare of the community,” the Club and its 85 members continue to pursue that same mission.
TDC Chair Rocky Ford speaks during Wednesday’s meeting. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

TDC Chair Rocky Ford speaks during Wednesday’s meeting. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

TDC debates Circle K project

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
The Columbia County Tourist Development Council’s concerns with a gas station project have hit a speed bump.

LCPD plans worship center safety seminar

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
The Lake City Police Department is looking to help houses of worship stay safe. The LCPD is hosting a safety training for houses of worship at its training room at the Public Safety Building, 225 NW Main Blvd., tonight. The training starts at 6 p.m.