Local

A map outlines the proposed improvements to the intersection of State Road 247 and Bascom Norris Drive, which includes additional turn lanes to hopefully alleviate traffic. The project is scheduled to begin next summer and wrap up in 2029. (COURTESY)

A map outlines the proposed improvements to the intersection of State Road 247 and Bascom Norris Drive, which includes additional turn lanes to hopefully alleviate traffic. The project is scheduled to begin next summer and wrap up in 2029. (COURTESY)

FDOT proposal for Bascom Norris/SR 247 draws mixed reactions

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
A Florida Department of Transportation project designed to make improvements along the county’s busiest roadway, Bascom Norris Drive, and State Road 247 (Branford Highway) is receiving a mixed bag of reactions from local residents.
Photos of Lonnie Reeves (right) and Virginia Reeves sit alongside a trifold American flag during Wednesday morning’s Columbia County Sheriff’s Office press conference. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Photos of Lonnie Reeves (right) and Virginia Reeves sit alongside a trifold American flag during Wednesday morning’s Columbia County Sheriff’s Office press conference. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Skeletal remains from 70s cold case identified

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office finally provided closure for a New Jersey family after nearly 50 years of wondering what happened to a loved one.
Florida Gateway College graduates file out of the Howard Center through columns of FGC faculty and staff following a prior year’s graduation ceremony. (FILE)

Florida Gateway College graduates file out of the Howard Center through columns of FGC faculty and staff following a prior year’s graduation ceremony. (FILE)

New grads set to walk at Friday's FGC ceremonies

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Lake City’s newest graduates are ready to celebrate. Florida Gateway College will host a pair of 2026 spring commencement ceremonies on Friday at the Howard Center, 149 SE College Pl., on FGC’s main campus. The first commencement begins at 10 a.m. with the second coming at 1:30 p.m.
Members of the group Stevens Corner gather for a photo during the Walk to Defeat ALS Jacksonville on May 2 at The Friendship Fountain. The group consisted of 39 family members and friends of Don Stevens. (COURTESY)

Members of the group Stevens Corner gather for a photo during the Walk to Defeat ALS Jacksonville on May 2 at The Friendship Fountain. The group consisted of 39 family members and friends of Don Stevens. (COURTESY)

Stevens family, friends walk for ALS awareness in Jacksonville

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Sometimes the foundational roots a person lays in the community don’t become visible until the person has passed. That’s when their values, love and character traits become evident in everyone who they touched though their life’s journey.
Kiler Simmons, 2, is excited about getting behind the steering wheel of a Lake City firetruck during the Kiwanis Kids Day on Saturday at the Florida Gateway Fairgrounds. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Kiler Simmons, 2, is excited about getting behind the steering wheel of a Lake City firetruck during the Kiwanis Kids Day on Saturday at the Florida Gateway Fairgrounds. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Kids Day weathers rain storms to provide fun

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
The rain didn’t go away Saturday, but hundreds of local children still had fun at Kiwanis Kids Day despite the inclement weather.
Columbia County Manager David Kraus received a lower score in his annual evaluation from the County Commission, dropping below the ‘satisfactory’ level on the scoresheets. (FILE)

Columbia County Manager David Kraus received a lower score in his annual evaluation from the County Commission, dropping below the ‘satisfactory’ level on the scoresheets. (FILE)

Columbia County Commissioners not satisfied with Kraus’ work

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
The Columbia County Commission isn’t as impressed with its manager’s job as in past years.According to David Kraus’ annual evaluation, the commissioners view his work as somewhere between fair and satisfactory on the 1-5 scale in nine different areas of the job.

Pittman seeking unpaid leave for commission run

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Columbia County’s parks and landscape director is looking to take up to five months off as an unpaid leave of absence.The Columbia County Commission will consider at its 9:30 a.m. meeting Thursday at the Keith Hudson School Board Auditorium, 372 W.
Karen Thurston (from left), Laney Grinstead and Laura Hunter Null, prepare snacks for women attending the ‘Hats Off To Mom’ fundraiser on Saturday at the Gateway Art Gallery. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Karen Thurston (from left), Laney Grinstead and Laura Hunter Null, prepare snacks for women attending the ‘Hats Off To Mom’ fundraiser on Saturday at the Gateway Art Gallery. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Friendships bolstered at ‘Hats Off to Mom’

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
From playing artsy bingo, having a hat contest, eating baked pastries or enjoying a cup of tea in a social atmosphere, local mothers were celebrated for what they bring to their families and the community Saturday.
Members of the Columbia High School JROTC program pose with members of the Lake City Council during Monday’s meeting. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Members of the Columbia High School JROTC program pose with members of the Lake City Council during Monday’s meeting. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

CHS JROTC asking city for help

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
The Columbia High School Army JROTC program is seeking the city’s support over the next few months. Cadet Lt. Col. Romeo Carter and Cadet Command Sgt. Maj.

Day of Prayer set for Thursday in Lake City

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Local pastors and officials will gather Thursday for the Columbia County observance of the National Day of Prayer.The local gathering will be held at downtown Olustee Park at noon Thursday, which marks the 75th annual National Day of Prayer.