Local

Shootings, fires mar Easter

NEWS STAFF
Monday, April 5, 2021
Three people were shot in two separate incidents as part of a hectic Easter Sunday for local law enforcement. A large crowd at Annie Mattox Park around 5 p.m.
Robby Hollingsworth, a Columbia County commissioner, addressed the Lake City Council on Monday night about the ownership of Olustee Park. The county denied a quitclaim deed last week which would have granted the property to the city. The council announced its desire to retain ownership of the park Monday night. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Robby Hollingsworth, a Columbia County commissioner, addressed the Lake City Council on Monday night about the ownership of Olustee Park. The county denied a quitclaim deed last week which would have granted the property to the city. The council announced its desire to retain ownership of the park Monday night. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

City Council: We want Olustee Park

TONY BRITT
Monday, April 5, 2021
Although it may be a case of too little, too late; city officials have determined they want Olustee Park.

SCSO investigating grand theft bovine

JAMIE WACHTER
Monday, April 5, 2021
LIVE OAK — Whether a cat burglar is involved is unknown, but the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a cow thief. The SCSO is investigating the recent theft of 70-75 head of cattle from a western Suwannee County farm. Sheriff Sam St.
Columbia County commissioners voted 4-1 on Thursday to maintain ownership over downtown Olustee Park, which houses the Battle of Olustee Confederate monument. That vote came after refusing a quitclaim deed on the property. (FILE)

Columbia County commissioners voted 4-1 on Thursday to maintain ownership over downtown Olustee Park, which houses the Battle of Olustee Confederate monument. That vote came after refusing a quitclaim deed on the property. (FILE)

Stay or go?: County officials have not decided on future of downtown obelisk memorial

TONY BRITT
Friday, April 2, 2021
While Columbia County officials have reclaimed ownership of downtown Olustee Park, they have not decided what to do with its most infamous tenant: the Battle of Olustee Confederate monument.

City eyes internet cafe break

TONY BRITT
Friday, April 2, 2021
City officials are looking to break the internet — cafes within the city limits, at least. Internet cafes have populated the county and city landscape recently with numerous gaming spots opening. That could soon change.

County makes pitch for Fort White water

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, April 2, 2021
Not only are Columbia County officials willing to become Fort White’s water provider, they’ll even pay to be so. At Thursday night’s meeting, the Columbia County Board of County Commissioners unanimously authorized County Manager David Kraus delivering a proposal to the town by Friday’s 3 p.m.
Clockwise from top left: Sydni Jones, Jaxon Evans, Lucy Evans, David Evans

Clockwise from top left: Sydni Jones, Jaxon Evans, Lucy Evans, David Evans

Abducted children found safe in Branford

JAMIE WACHTER
Thursday, April 1, 2021
BRANFORD — Two children, reported abducted by their biological parents on Wednesday evening, were found safe in a nearby motel a day later. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office announced early Thursday afternoon that Lucy and Jaxon Evans were safely recovered from the Steamboat Inn in Branford.
Officers walk with a man after they talked him down from the roof of Bulk Nation on Thursday afternoon. The man had been yelling and throwing clothes off the top of the building. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Officers walk with a man after they talked him down from the roof of Bulk Nation on Thursday afternoon. The man had been yelling and throwing clothes off the top of the building. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Man talked down off rooftop

TONY BRITT
Thursday, April 1, 2021
An agitated man was talked down off the roof of a Gleason Place building Thursday afternoon by first responders.  The man, who authorities did not identify, was on the roof for less than 30 minutes before he came down and taken into custody.