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Florida Gateway College graduates await the start of their commencement ceremony in December. The college is continuing to hold small group graduation exercises this spring. (FILE)

Florida Gateway College graduates await the start of their commencement ceremony in December. The college is continuing to hold small group graduation exercises this spring. (FILE)

FGC continuing to hold small group graduations

Smaller, in-person ceremonies are the safe and new trend for graduations at Florida Gateway College.
Madhukar Sharma, ACE Medical CEO and Joseph Ellyson, ACE Medical COO, prepare for a presentation to the Lake Shore Hospital Authority Board Wednesday evening about services the corporation could bring to the county. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Madhukar Sharma, ACE Medical CEO and Joseph Ellyson, ACE Medical COO, prepare for a presentation to the Lake Shore Hospital Authority Board Wednesday evening about services the corporation could bring to the county. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Residents question need for hospital after Ace’s proposal

Ace Medical got its start by making house calls and turned the medical services provided into a profitable business.  The company is hoping to do the same thing for the Columbia County area. However, it may not need the Lake Shore Regional Medical Center building to provide those services.

Woman faces battery charge for award toss

FORT WHITE — An award-throwing performance in an argument led to a Fort White woman’s arrest on aggravated battery charges late Monday night. According to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, 52-year-old Stacey Bowen was involved in a verbal argument with the victim Monday evening around 11 p.m.

Single-car wreck kills local man

FORT WHITE — A driver traveling southbound on State Road 47 died after veering off the roadway and crashing Wednesday afternoon. The Florida Highway Patrol released a statement saying an unidentified 26-year-old Fort White man was driving on his route north of Fort White around 4 p.m.
The Lake Shore Regional Medical Center has been closed since August, but Ace Medical is scheduled to make a presentation to the Lake Shore Hospital Authority board today about its plans for reviving the facility. (FILE)

The Lake Shore Regional Medical Center has been closed since August, but Ace Medical is scheduled to make a presentation to the Lake Shore Hospital Authority board today about its plans for reviving the facility. (FILE)

Back on the table: Ace Medical to make its pitch for resuscitating hospital

The Lake Shore Hospital Authority Board will receive a second consultation on the future of its vacant hospital. Representatives from Ace Medical are scheduled to present their business plan for the facility, which has been closed since August, to the board at 5:15 p.m.

Nursing home visitors welcome

TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration has swept away four emergency orders dealing with visitors to nursing homes, just days before the Legislature is poised to pass a bill that would help shield the facilities from lawsuits associated with the covid-19 pandemic.

United Way releases covid-impact report

United Way Worldwide released its Respond, Recover, Reimagine & Rebuild: United Way’s covid-19 Fight report last week, highlighting the organization’s unprecedented response to the pandemic.
The Aluminum Overcast, a restored B-17 bomber, will make a stop in Lake City this weekend. The restored World War II craft will offer flights to 10 people at a time for half an hour. Visitors will also be able to tour the outside of the plane at the Florida Gateway Airport. (COURTESY)

The Aluminum Overcast, a restored B-17 bomber, will make a stop in Lake City this weekend. The restored World War II craft will offer flights to 10 people at a time for half an hour. Visitors will also be able to tour the outside of the plane at the Florida Gateway Airport. (COURTESY)

Restored B-17 bomber to make pit stop at Florida Gateway Airport

More than a 50 years ago, B-17 bombers roared across the skies helping the allies secure victory in the European theater during the World War II.