Local

High speed chase leads to arrest

NEWS STAFF
Friday, March 12, 2021
A high speed chase into the early hours of Thursday morning ended in an arrest after officers tailed a suspect for about 30 miles.  According to a Columbia County Sheriff’s Office report, Jason Alan Bernier, 33, was spotted by officers near the Treasure Island Casino on South U.S. HIghway 441.

CCSO: Shopping spree backed by stolen checks

NEWS STAFF
Friday, March 12, 2021
An O’Brien man who was recently arrested is now facing more charges.  According to a Columbia County Sheriff’s Office report, Jason Lee Paul, 25, is facing an even stronger case against him after officers say he used stolen identities for purchases and bank withdrawals.  On Feb.
Fowler & Simon

Fowler & Simon

Pair busted for drugs after traffic stop

NEWS STAFF
Thursday, March 11, 2021
A routine traffic stop led to a major narcotics bust by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.  According to a CCSO report, an officer pulled over an SUV traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 441 near SW Hermitage Glenn after it failed to stop at a stop sign and for malfunctioning taillights.
Madison DeSantis (from left), Casey Desantis and Gov. Ron DeSantis talk to Summers Elementary School students Thursday morning after the governor held a press conference at the Southside Sports Complex, across the street from Summers Elementary School, detailing recent covid vaccine distribution successes. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Madison DeSantis (from left), Casey Desantis and Gov. Ron DeSantis talk to Summers Elementary School students Thursday morning after the governor held a press conference at the Southside Sports Complex, across the street from Summers Elementary School, detailing recent covid vaccine distribution successes. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Summers receives surprise visit from governor

TONY BRITT
Thursday, March 11, 2021
Their fingers and faces pressed against the school’s fence, several  Summers Elementary School students attempted to eavesdrop on Gov. Ron DeSantis’s press conference about covid-19 vaccines Thursday morning. When the press conference ended, the students gave a loud round of applause.
Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks to the media during a Thursday morning press conference at Southside Sports Complex, where he gave an update regarding the state’s covid vaccine effort. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks to the media during a Thursday morning press conference at Southside Sports Complex, where he gave an update regarding the state’s covid vaccine effort. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

DeSantis delivers good news, J&J vaccine in local stop

TONY BRITT
Thursday, March 11, 2021
Gov. Ron DeSantis stopped in Lake City Thursday morning and came bearing gifts.
Ray Robinson sets up a row of chairs Wednesday afternoon while preparing the Florida Gateway Fairgrounds Rodeo Arena for the Florida Gateway Pro Rodeo, which takes place this weekend. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Ray Robinson sets up a row of chairs Wednesday afternoon while preparing the Florida Gateway Fairgrounds Rodeo Arena for the Florida Gateway Pro Rodeo, which takes place this weekend. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Florida Gateway Pro Rodeo returns this weekend

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, March 10, 2021
The Florida Gateway Pro Rodeo was the last rodeo held in the state a year ago before covid-19 caused wide-spread shutdowns. The annual event will return this weekend with all the excitement, amusement and beauty the local rodeo has brought to the area for close to three decades.

Suwannee River Jam canceled

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, March 10, 2021
LIVE OAK —Unfortunately for country music fans, an encore covid-19 performance has derailed the Suwannee River Jam again. Teena Peavey, the general manager of the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, announced the decision in a release issued Wednesday.