Local

TDC feels impact of covid-19

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
Fewer events and fewer travelers has meant less revenue for the Columbia County Tourist Development Council. In 2019 the TDC’s revenues were just less than $1.6 million and 2020 year-end figures indicate the organization revenues are at $1.3 million, a 14.74% decrease, equating to a $231,324 loss.
Veteran Jesse Todd, a retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant who was wounded in Afghanistan, stands with his wife Julia Todd, as the two hold a red ribbon in front of their new 2020 Honda CR-V. Todd, the recipient of a Purple Heart, was given the payment-free vehicle through the Military Warriors Support Foundation’s Transportation4Heroes program Tuesday afternoon at Honda of Lake City. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Veteran Jesse Todd, a retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant who was wounded in Afghanistan, stands with his wife Julia Todd, as the two hold a red ribbon in front of their new 2020 Honda CR-V. Todd, the recipient of a Purple Heart, was given the payment-free vehicle through the Military Warriors Support Foundation’s Transportation4Heroes program Tuesday afternoon at Honda of Lake City. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Transportation for a hero

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
On Giving Tuesday, a local wounded veteran was given a new car. Jesse Todd, a retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant, received a payment-free 2020 Honda CR-V on Tuesday at Honda of Lake City.

City adds downtown festivities

TODD WILSON
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
Lake City had nothing happening downtown to launch the Christmas season so Terri Phillips said why not take a simple idea for a one-day festival and boost the holiday spirit in the community. Lake City’s first Holiday Market will run from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Helf: Council did not outlaw parades

TODD WILSON
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
Lake City Manager Joe Helfenberger defended the city’s position on parades Tuesday saying it is not the City Council’s fault Lake City has not had any parade events this fall and winter while other towns around Lake City continue to operate their commemorative events as normal.

Blanche open house set for Sunday

TODD WILSON
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
The historically restored Blanche in downtown Lake City will be fully decorated for Christmas and open to the public from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, 212 N. Marion Ave.

Parkview Baptist providing cold weather shelter

NEWS STAFF
Monday, November 30, 2020
With the temperature dropping as December arrives, Parkview Baptist Church is rising to the occasion. The church is opening its fellowship hall through Wednesday night to provide a cold weather shelter for those in need.
The Stephen Foster Memorial Museum, dressed in splendor with Christmas lights during a previous Festival of Lights event at the state park. (JOHN STOKES/Special to the Reporter)

The Stephen Foster Memorial Museum, dressed in splendor with Christmas lights during a previous Festival of Lights event at the state park. (JOHN STOKES/Special to the Reporter)

Festival of Lights opens Friday with just lights

NEWS STAFF
Friday, November 27, 2020
The name will be fitting for the Festival of Lights this year. The annual Christmas festival at the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park will be just lights and displays this year when it opens Friday. The festival, which will run Dec. 4-5, Dec. 9-12 and Dec.
The Matt Johns Band and Florida Gateway College Theatre students will perform concerts next weekend. (COURTESY)

The Matt Johns Band and Florida Gateway College Theatre students will perform concerts next weekend. (COURTESY)

FGC Theatre presenting holiday concerts

NEWS STAFF
Friday, November 27, 2020
Florida Gateway College is planning a pair of fun, safe and family-friendly holiday music concerts this season. FGC Theatre students and the Matt Johns Band will present the two concerts next weekend.