Local

A Florida Gateway College graduate walks across the stage Friday during a commencement ceremony to receive his degree from Brian Dopson, the college’s vice president of academic affairs. FGC hosted the first two of four graduation ceremonies Friday, the other two are scheduled for Monday. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

A Florida Gateway College graduate walks across the stage Friday during a commencement ceremony to receive his degree from Brian Dopson, the college’s vice president of academic affairs. FGC hosted the first two of four graduation ceremonies Friday, the other two are scheduled for Monday. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Earning an extra present

TONY BRITT
Friday, December 10, 2021
The joyous nature of the Christmas holiday season took on a new meaning for a select group of local college students Friday. Florida Gateway College held its first two fall commencement exercises Friday, where groups of around 40 students took part at Levy Performing Arts Center.
Thomas (from top left, clockwise), Ladner, Braithwaite and Adams.

Thomas (from top left, clockwise), Ladner, Braithwaite and Adams.

Four on short list for manager position

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, December 10, 2021
Lake City’s long search for a city manager appears to be heading into the home stretch. The city has called a special meeting for 5 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall, 205 N. Marion Ave., to discuss the procurement of a city manager.
The Lake Shore Hospital Authority board will meet for the first time in six months this Monday. (FILE)

The Lake Shore Hospital Authority board will meet for the first time in six months this Monday. (FILE)

Hospital board to consider future of campus at meeting

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, December 10, 2021
Meeting for the first time in six months, the Lake Shore Hospital Authority’s Board of Trustees will try to make up for lost time. The LHSA board, which couldn’t meet for lack of a quorum, will meet Monday at 5:15 p.m.

‘The Nutcracker’ comes alive at Florida Gateway next week

NEWS STAFF
Friday, December 10, 2021
A taste of family-friendly Christmas culture is coming soon to Florida Gateway College. Dance Alive National Ballet, an organization funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, will present its 56th year of “The Nutcracker” in Lake City at the Levy Performing Arts Center at FGC on Friday.
In addition to the all-purpose field proposal, plans were discussed about the potential addition of a remote control race track at Richardson Community Center (FILE).

In addition to the all-purpose field proposal, plans were discussed about the potential addition of a remote control race track at Richardson Community Center (FILE).

Richardson eyes expansion, improvements

TONY BRITT
Thursday, December 9, 2021
The need for an all-purpose field at the Richardson Community Center has opened the door to other potential improvements and expansion, including an RC track area, at the site.
Lake City Fire Department Lt. Jeff McNeill hugs a fellow firefighter Wednesday afternoon at the Lake City Fire Station. McNeill was returning home from rehab in Jacksonville following a lengthy battle and recovery from covid-19. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Lake City Fire Department Lt. Jeff McNeill hugs a fellow firefighter Wednesday afternoon at the Lake City Fire Station. McNeill was returning home from rehab in Jacksonville following a lengthy battle and recovery from covid-19. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

A hero’s welcome: Overwhelmed McNeill ‘glad to be home’

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
At the end of his long road home Wednesday, Jeff McNeill was hoping for a simple destination. “Probably the first I’ll do is get in my recliner,” McNeill said Wednesday afternoon at the Lake City Fire Station after being released that morning from Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital in Jacksonville.

Live music, Santa set for SOSMP

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
LIVE OAK — Live music is set for the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park front porch again this weekend. Bam and JaJo will leave Georgia on Friday for a few hours to lighten up the atmosphere on the front porch with their unique musical ability, both singing and playing guitar.

FDLE, LCPD working fatal shooting

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
One person was killed and another wounded in a shooting Tuesday night on the north side of Lake City. According to the Lake City Police Department, officers were dispatched around 6:30 p.m.