Local

Florida Gateway College was a finalist for a Bellwether Award for the first time. Receiving the recognition in San Antonio were Christine Boatright, Dean of Institutional Effectiveness & Academic Success (from left); Dr. Lawrence Barrett, FGC President; Julie Cannon, Executive Director of Admissions & Dual Enrollment; Kacey Mimbs, VP of Student Services; and Shawana Wilson, Admissions Counselor. (COURTESY)

Florida Gateway College was a finalist for a Bellwether Award for the first time. Receiving the recognition in San Antonio were Christine Boatright, Dean of Institutional Effectiveness & Academic Success (from left); Dr. Lawrence Barrett, FGC President; Julie Cannon, Executive Director of Admissions & Dual Enrollment; Kacey Mimbs, VP of Student Services; and Shawana Wilson, Admissions Counselor. (COURTESY)

FGC recognized for enrollment initiative

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, February 27, 2026
Florida Gateway College’s focus on turning dual-enrolled students into full-time Timberwolves has garnered national attention.
Patrick Krechowski, the county’s planning and zoning board attorney, said variances are supposed to deal in a gray area and subjective, which is why the county has a board of adjustment to determine those. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Patrick Krechowski, the county’s planning and zoning board attorney, said variances are supposed to deal in a gray area and subjective, which is why the county has a board of adjustment to determine those. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Splitting land, variances eyed by county

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, February 27, 2026
Columbia County staff — and its planning and zoning board — are looking for ways to prevent purchases for unusable land.

Fort White woman killed in rollover

NEWS STAFF
Friday, February 27, 2026
FORT WHITE — A Fort White woman was killed Thursday night when her pickup flipped over in southwestern Columbia County. A Florida Highway Patrol release states a 56-year-old woman was headed west on U.S. Highway 27 when her pickup traveled off the highway to the left around 8:30 p.m.

Growers and Makers market returns to downtown

NEWS STAFF
Friday, February 27, 2026
The City of Lake City Growers and Makers market returns today with an action-packed schedule. Laney Grinstead, City of Lake City Community Programs administrative assistant, said today’s event will feature three food trucks, an array of vendors and live music.
Lyla Folsom (right), Columbia High Student Government Association’s represenative, receives the gavel from Gainesville High’s Macy Gleason as CHS is now the Florida Association of Student Councils District 2 president. Gleason and GHS held the position the past year. (COURTESY)

Lyla Folsom (right), Columbia High Student Government Association’s represenative, receives the gavel from Gainesville High’s Macy Gleason as CHS is now the Florida Association of Student Councils District 2 president. Gleason and GHS held the position the past year. (COURTESY)

Folsom, Columbia SGA take district’s top office

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
The Florida Association of Students Councils District 2 not only has a friend in Columbia High, but a leader as well.
Columbia County Attorney Joel Foreman addresses the County Commission on Tuesday night about the settlement agreement with Columbia EMS. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia County Attorney Joel Foreman addresses the County Commission on Tuesday night about the settlement agreement with Columbia EMS. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

County changes EMS providers

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Columbia County has a new emergency medical services provider.
World War II veteran Edward McCarthy (back row, center) celebrated his 100th birthday with his family as well as other American Legion Post 57 vets and members of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office. McCarthy is a retired corporal who served with the United States Marine Corps, earning both a Bronze Star and Purple Heart during his service. (COURTESY)

World War II veteran Edward McCarthy (back row, center) celebrated his 100th birthday with his family as well as other American Legion Post 57 vets and members of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office. McCarthy is a retired corporal who served with the United States Marine Corps, earning both a Bronze Star and Purple Heart during his service. (COURTESY)

Marine veteran celebrates 100th birthday

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Edward McCarthy, a World War II veteran, recently celebrated his 100th birthday with his family as well as veterans from American Legion Post 57 and Columbia County Sheriff’s Office deputies. McCarthy was a corporal in the United States Marine Corps who earned a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.

Meridian, LSHA meeting canceled

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
The Lake Shore Hospital Authority did not meet last night to discuss further asks from Meridian Healthcare. The LSHA canceled its special-called Wednesday meeting, according LSHA Executive Director Dale Williams.
Ginny McCall (left) and Lindsey Covington (right) present a $10,000 check from HCA Florida Lake City Hospital to Sandy Thompson (center) for Altrusa International of Lake City in support of its backpack program, which provides food to local students in need. (COURTESY)

Ginny McCall (left) and Lindsey Covington (right) present a $10,000 check from HCA Florida Lake City Hospital to Sandy Thompson (center) for Altrusa International of Lake City in support of its backpack program, which provides food to local students in need. (COURTESY)

HCA Florida gives $10K for food program

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Less fortunate families will have a little more help for both summer and the holiday season this year thanks to a generous donation. HCA Florida Lake City Hospital announced a $10,000 donation to Altrusa International of Lake City on Tuesday.