Local

Christmas in Columbia market returns

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Vendors, food trucks, entertainment, unique gift items and Santa Claus will bring the Christmas spirit to the downtown area this weekend for local shoppers. An estimated 206 vendors will have their goods for sales as the Christmas in Columbia Holiday Market takes place from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Mason grandmaster visiting this weekend

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
The Most Worshipful Grandmaster of Florida, with the Prince of All Masons, will visit Columbia and Suwannee counties this weekend as part of the Zone 1 visitation. While in Columbia County at 9 a.m. on Saturday there will be a public meeting at Olivet Missionary Baptist Church, 541 NE Davis Avenue.
Lake City Mayor Noah Walker is helped by Sierra Lacy (from left), Ariah Leonard, Willow Leonard, Liam Villamil and Legend Brown in lighting the Christmas tree in downtown Olustee Park on Monday night. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Lake City Mayor Noah Walker is helped by Sierra Lacy (from left), Ariah Leonard, Willow Leonard, Liam Villamil and Legend Brown in lighting the Christmas tree in downtown Olustee Park on Monday night. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Downtown Christmas tree lit in delayed ceremony

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
While a seasonal downpour caused local officials to postpone the traditional Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Sunday evening, it didn’t dampen the Christmas spirit. Instead, more than 100 people gathered at Olustee Park on Monday evening to officially light the downtown tree.
LSHA Executive Director Dale Williams said Palms is still awaiting permitting from Lake City. (FILE)

LSHA Executive Director Dale Williams said Palms is still awaiting permitting from Lake City. (FILE)

LSHA OK with city requests for Meridian

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
A longstanding issue between the City of Lake City and the Lake Shore Hospital Authority has finally been resolved. The move clears the way for a major move-in on the Lake Shore campus.
The Rotary Club of Lake City is expecting a record number of float entries for this year's Christmas parade. (FILE)

The Rotary Club of Lake City is expecting a record number of float entries for this year's Christmas parade. (FILE)

Lake City anticipates biggest Christmas parade yet

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
The streets of Lake City will be bright with holiday cheer and enthusiasm this weekend as a record number of Christmas parade entries hit the pavement for the holiday event. “We have 143 entries,” said Chelsea Flores, Rotary Club of Lake City Parade Coordinator and projects chair. “It is a record.
Meally Jenkins, the founder of the Christmas Dream Machine, reacts as the Rotary Club of Lake City Sunrise recognized her as a Paul Harris Fellow during its Dec. 3 meeting. (COURTESY ROTARY CLUB OF LAKE CITY SUNRISE)

Meally Jenkins, the founder of the Christmas Dream Machine, reacts as the Rotary Club of Lake City Sunrise recognized her as a Paul Harris Fellow during its Dec. 3 meeting. (COURTESY ROTARY CLUB OF LAKE CITY SUNRISE)

Jenkins honored as Paul Harris Fellow

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
At its meeting last week, the Rotary Club of Lake City Sunrise recognized Meally Jenkins, the founder of the Christmas Dream Machine. Jenkins was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow for her many years of service to the community, epitomizing the Rotary motto of “Service above self” during the Dec.
Commissioner Rocky Ford (right) said Thursday’s meeting was a ‘choreographed hit job’ on him by Commissioner Robby Hollingsworth (left) and Assistant County Manager Kevin Kirby. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Commissioner Rocky Ford (right) said Thursday’s meeting was a ‘choreographed hit job’ on him by Commissioner Robby Hollingsworth (left) and Assistant County Manager Kevin Kirby. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Board backs Kirby amidst feud

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, December 5, 2025
Columbia County’s assistant manager got a full voicing of support amid an ongoing feud with a Columbia County Commission member. District 3 Commissioner Robby Hollingsworth requested the board give Assistant County Manager Kevin Kirby a “vote of confidence” at the outset of Thursday’s meeting.