Local

Both Suwannee and Columbia counties have already set new records for real estate sales in their respective markets with a month to spare. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Both Suwannee and Columbia counties have already set new records for real estate sales in their respective markets with a month to spare. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Record-setting housing market

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, December 29, 2021
It’s been a record-setting year for the housing market. And that’s not even counting December.
The Earthworks Trail at Suwannee River State Park will be the site of a First Day Hike event Saturday morning. (COURTESY)

The Earthworks Trail at Suwannee River State Park will be the site of a First Day Hike event Saturday morning. (COURTESY)

DEP: Take a hike to start the year

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, December 29, 2021
For those looking to open the new year outdoors, the Florida Park Service is looking to provide the destination. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the park service are hosting First Day Hikes statewide on Saturday at Florida State Parks.
Lake City Police Department vehicles cordone off a stretch of road on U.S. Highway 90 west of Interstate 75 on Tuesday afternoon. One pedestrian was killed while no other injuries were reported. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Lake City Police Department vehicles cordone off a stretch of road on U.S. Highway 90 west of Interstate 75 on Tuesday afternoon. One pedestrian was killed while no other injuries were reported. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

One dead in afternoon crash

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, December 28, 2021
A Lake City pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle Tuesday afternoon. According to Sgt. Mike Lee with the Lake City Police Department, a 60-year-old white man was attempting to cross U.S. Highway 90 just west of Interstate 75 near Waffle House.

County to meet at new times in 2022

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, December 28, 2021
County officials plan to implement a new meeting schedule for 2022 with the Columbia County Board of County Commissioners holding morning commission meetings. The Board of County Commissioners will hold their first 9:30 a.m. meeting on Thursday, Jan.

Cyclist killed in Monday night collision

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, December 28, 2021
A 39-year-old Lake City man was killed Monday night while riding his bicycle on a major Lake City thoroughfare when the bicycle was struck by a vehicle. Authorities did not release the name of the victim. According to preliminary Florida Highway Patrol reports, the accident occurred around 6:50 p.
Construction workers pour and level cement near the Florida Gateway College’s Teacher Academy Building Monday afternoon. Pedestrian walkways around campus are being improved as part of a $380,000 construction project. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Construction workers pour and level cement near the Florida Gateway College’s Teacher Academy Building Monday afternoon. Pedestrian walkways around campus are being improved as part of a $380,000 construction project. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

FGC changes to landscape begin with new pavement

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, December 28, 2021
The look of the landscape at Florida Gateway College is going through a transformation as construction crews alter the scenery that has been place for more than a decade. The construction work began when FGC classes concluded on Dec.

LCPD: Dog threatened at gunpoint

NEWS STAFF
Monday, December 27, 2021
Threatening to get more done, a Lake City man pointed a gun at a victim and their dog Friday at The Home Depot. According to the Lake City Police Department, officers responded to the home improvement store around 11:17 a.m. Friday to report of an armed suspect, who was leaving the store.
The 37 graduates from the FDC’s Second Chance Pell program display their diplomas from Florida Gateway College on Dec. 15. (COURTESY)

The 37 graduates from the FDC’s Second Chance Pell program display their diplomas from Florida Gateway College on Dec. 15. (COURTESY)

Inmates capitalize on Second Chance program

NEWS STAFF
Monday, December 27, 2021
Nearly 40 state prisoners recently graduated through the Florida Department of Corrections’ Second Chance Pell program through a partnership with Florida Gateway College. The inmates’ graduation was held at the Columbia Correctional Institution Annex in Lake City on Dec. 15 with 37 graduating.
Columbia High School FFA students Logan Russ (from left), Kenzie Dungan, Kaylen Dungan, Cayden Hall and Emili Jones hold two TNT fireworks signs while promoting fireworks sales for the Columbia High School FFA fundraiser. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia High School FFA students Logan Russ (from left), Kenzie Dungan, Kaylen Dungan, Cayden Hall and Emili Jones hold two TNT fireworks signs while promoting fireworks sales for the Columbia High School FFA fundraiser. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Sixth annual fireworks sale aims to pay for FFA chapters

TONY BRITT
Monday, December 27, 2021
Folks looking to commemorate the beginning of 2022 with a crack, sparkle or pop will be able to help generate funds for a local high school organization in the process.
The Christmas edition of the weekly Lake City Citizen-Reporter on Dec. 15, 1916, featured a full-color drawing of Santa Claus readying to deliver some toys to children. The full-page color drawing was sponsored by the East Coast Lumber Company, one of the largest employers in the community at the time.

The Christmas edition of the weekly Lake City Citizen-Reporter on Dec. 15, 1916, featured a full-color drawing of Santa Claus readying to deliver some toys to children. The full-page color drawing was sponsored by the East Coast Lumber Company, one of the largest employers in the community at the time.

Recalling Christmases of yore

NEWS STAFF
Thursday, December 23, 2021
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season and the uncertainty that another variant of covid brings, it is easy to overlook the joys Christmas, but even during our darkest hours and amidst our most chaotic days, we find ways to come together.