Local

Rabies alert issued for Live Oak

LIVE OAK — A rabies alert has been issued for a portion of the City of Live Oak. The Suwannee County Health Department issued the alert Wednesday following a confirmed case of rabies in a cat. The alert covers the city from U.S.
The Circle K on U.S. Highway 90 and Centurion Court plans to add three diesel fueling stations behind its store. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

The Circle K on U.S. Highway 90 and Centurion Court plans to add three diesel fueling stations behind its store. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

TDC wants to pump brakes on Circle K expansion

Some Columbia County leaders want to pump the brakes on a planned gas station expansion near Interstate 75. The Circle K convenience store at the intersection of U.S.
Lake Shore Hospital Authority attorney Fred Koberlein listens during the authority’s meeting Monday night. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Lake Shore Hospital Authority attorney Fred Koberlein listens during the authority’s meeting Monday night. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

LSHA contracts with new legal counsel

Before the Lake Shore Hospital Authority’s Monday meeting, the dulcet tones of a smooth jazz cover of The Police’s “Every Breath You Take” chimed through the authority’s offices. The sound came from Fred Koberlein’s laptop.

LCPD collects 137 pounds in drug take back program

More than 100 pounds of prescription medication was disposed through the Lake City Police Department’s recent drug take back event. The LCPD, which took part in the Drug Enforcement Agency’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Oct. 29, collected 137 pounds of medication.
A plane overturned along the shore at Anastasia State Park on Monday when a Lake City pilot made an emergency landing due to engine failure. (COURTESY ST. AUGUSTINE POLICE DEPARTMENT)

A plane overturned along the shore at Anastasia State Park on Monday when a Lake City pilot made an emergency landing due to engine failure. (COURTESY ST. AUGUSTINE POLICE DEPARTMENT)

LC pilot not hurt in emergency beach landing

ST. AUGUSTINE — A Lake City pilot was not injured when engine failure caused an emergency landing on the beach Monday.
David Mangrum, a U.S. Army veteran, addressed patriotism with the hundreds that attended Saturday’s Veterans Day dinner at the Florida Gateway Fairgrounds. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

David Mangrum, a U.S. Army veteran, addressed patriotism with the hundreds that attended Saturday’s Veterans Day dinner at the Florida Gateway Fairgrounds. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Patriotism on display: Hundreds of vets attend return of annual dinner

From the red, white and blue table decorations to the hundreds of guests of honor, patriotism was on full display Saturday at the Florida Gateway Fairgrounds.
Meridian Behavioral Healthcare CEO Don Savoie said he has received public support. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Meridian Behavioral Healthcare CEO Don Savoie said he has received public support. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

LHSA OK’s repairs to Women’s Center

The Lake Shore Hospital campus continues to take shape from the ground up while the last major player for its hospital building gets ready for public outreach.
Pressed pills, which look like Ibuprofen but contain fentanyl, were discovered Saturday night in a traffic stop in Lake City. (COURTESY)

Pressed pills, which look like Ibuprofen but contain fentanyl, were discovered Saturday night in a traffic stop in Lake City. (COURTESY)

Fentanyl pills found in traffic stop

Things aren’t always what they seem. A search during a routine traffic stop Saturday evening turned up what appeared to be ordinary pain medication. However, according to a Lake City Police Department release, those pills were actually laced with fentanyl. At 7:49 p.m.

OUR OPINION: Sheriff’s quick action shows accountability

Columbia County Sheriff Mark Hunter’s quick response in punishing two deputies for their improper actions and policy violations during a recent encounter with a pedestrian in Lake City shows the sheriff’s leadership and it deserves a closer look. CCSO Sgt.
Terri Phillips, (second from left) stands with her husband Bobby Phillips (front row from from left) Jimmy Sparks and Darlene Smith and (back row, from left) Bree Faulkner and James Smith after she was selected as the 2022 Lake City-Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Citizen of the Year during the organization’s annual Business Excellence Awards Ceremony on Monday night. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Terri Phillips, (second from left) stands with her husband Bobby Phillips (front row from from left) Jimmy Sparks and Darlene Smith and (back row, from left) Bree Faulkner and James Smith after she was selected as the 2022 Lake City-Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Citizen of the Year during the organization’s annual Business Excellence Awards Ceremony on Monday night. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Phillips honored for passion to revitalize Lake City’s core

Her childhood memories of a vibrant downtown Lake City provide Terri Phillips all the motivation she needs to get up and go to work in the morning.