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Paula Vann, the Columbia County Tourist Development Council’s executive director, was excited to share about the direction of tourism in the county at the agency’s luncheon Tuesday. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Paula Vann, the Columbia County Tourist Development Council’s executive director, was excited to share about the direction of tourism in the county at the agency’s luncheon Tuesday. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Welcome to ‘Florida’s Springlands’

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, May 10, 2022
Florida’s gateway needs to make room for the springs. At its annual tourism celebration luncheon Tuesday afternoon, the Columbia County Tourist Development Council provided a glimpse into the new brand it plans to launch this summer: Florida’s Springlands.
The house at 114 SW Silver Palm Drive in the Preserve is one of the stops on this year’s Parade of Homes. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

The house at 114 SW Silver Palm Drive in the Preserve is one of the stops on this year’s Parade of Homes. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Parade of Homes set for this weekend

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, May 10, 2022
North Florida’s premier new home showcase returns this weekend. The annual Parade of Homes, sponsored by the Columbia County Builders Association and the Lake City Reporter will feature seven new homes open for tours on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m.
Erica Turner (clockwise from left), a Westside Elementary School Art Educator, addresses the audience about the Student Art Exhibit in the Columbia County Courthouse on Tuesday as Clerk of Court Jay Swisher, Third Judicial Circuit judges Paul Bryan, Mark Feagle, Wes Douglas and Westside student Lucy Kate Turner look on. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Erica Turner (clockwise from left), a Westside Elementary School Art Educator, addresses the audience about the Student Art Exhibit in the Columbia County Courthouse on Tuesday as Clerk of Court Jay Swisher, Third Judicial Circuit judges Paul Bryan, Mark Feagle, Wes Douglas and Westside student Lucy Kate Turner look on. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Courting young artists: Student art exhibit unveiled at courthouse

TONY BRITT
Monday, May 9, 2022
The vibrant colors, themes and scenes associated with youth have been incorporated into the Columbia County Courthouse.
A memorial marker for those who fought in Afghanistan and Iraq is planned for Olustee Park. (COURTESY)

A memorial marker for those who fought in Afghanistan and Iraq is planned for Olustee Park. (COURTESY)

Donations sought for War on Terror memorial

NEWS STAFF
Monday, May 9, 2022
Looking to honor those who battled in the War on Terror, a Columbia County historian is seeking donations for a memorial marker. Christopher Esing will be accepting donations this week for a War on Terror Memorial planned for Olustee Park.

Woman found dead at restaurant

NEWS STAFF
Monday, May 9, 2022
First responders were summoned to the McDonald’s on U.S. Highway 90 West on Sunday after a woman was found unresponsive in her vehicle. Witnesses told authorities that the woman appeared to be dead and was slumped down in her vehicle. Sgt.

No injuries in Mother’s Day shooting

NEWS STAFF
Monday, May 9, 2022
Spotted in a vehicle believed to be involved in an early morning shooting Sunday, a Lake City man was arrested for drug and firearm possession Sunday night. According to a Lake City Police Department release, officers responded to the area of NE Martin Luther King St.
Florida Gateway College graduate Natalia Duarte shows off the decoration on her cap ahead of Friday’s commencement ceremony. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Florida Gateway College graduate Natalia Duarte shows off the decoration on her cap ahead of Friday’s commencement ceremony. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

FGC grads look ahead

TONY BRITT
Friday, May 6, 2022
Friday’s commencement ceremonies at Florida Gateway College wasn’t the end fo the 300-plus graduates. Rather, “The Story Goes On” as Natalia Duarte’s cap proclaimed. Duarte, an 18-year-old dual enrollment student, was one of the youngest graduates in the two ceremonies at the Howard Center.
Crusaw (clockwise from top left), Flanagan, Lane, Steadman and Wickland.

Crusaw (clockwise from top left), Flanagan, Lane, Steadman and Wickland.

‘Teachers of a Lifetime’

TONY BRITT
Friday, May 6, 2022
Looking to expand its teacher appreciation efforts, the Columbia County School District now looks to honor their legacy as well.