Local

The proposed intersection improvements for the State Road 247 and County Road 240 crossing in southwestern Columbia County. (COURTESY)

The proposed intersection improvements for the State Road 247 and County Road 240 crossing in southwestern Columbia County. (COURTESY)

SR 247/CR 240 intersection revamp eyed

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
An intersection in southwestern Columbia County may be getting an overhaul after all.
Lake City Mayor Noah Walker said he’d like to see the city take a ‘pound of flesh’ as a deterrent for future mishaps surrounding city contracts. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Lake City Mayor Noah Walker said he’d like to see the city take a ‘pound of flesh’ as a deterrent for future mishaps surrounding city contracts. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

City wants $5K ‘pound of flesh’ from Dyal

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
The years-long saga over a former city manager’s severance pay could be nearing another boiling point.
Lake City Councilwoman Chevella Young said she didn’t want to see the city spend money on additional microphones while also considering a new City Hall. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Lake City Councilwoman Chevella Young said she didn’t want to see the city spend money on additional microphones while also considering a new City Hall. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

City no longer interested in fire consolidation study, A/V goods

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Among the work done at Monday’s Lake City Council meeting, one agenda item stood out for not moving forward.
Scott Thomason, the City of Lake City’s growth management director, said the new facade grant program would not only include additional city funding but also cover more work to try to improve the Community Redevelopment Agency district. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Scott Thomason, the City of Lake City’s growth management director, said the new facade grant program would not only include additional city funding but also cover more work to try to improve the Community Redevelopment Agency district. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

CRA approves funding facade grants 80%

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Building and property owners in need of help making dire repairs could soon get some from the City of Lake City.
Bob Hubbard checks out the interior of the Hotrod Taxi Monday afternoon as Sick Week participants and observers flocked to Lake City for a pit stop. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Bob Hubbard checks out the interior of the Hotrod Taxi Monday afternoon as Sick Week participants and observers flocked to Lake City for a pit stop. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Sick Week rumbles back to Lake City

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Roaring engines periodically pierced the cool air in downtown Lake City in the afternoon and evening. All to the delight of locals and law enforcement alike.

Former ALF workers charged with elder abuse

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
A pair of former employees have been arrested for abusing an assisted living facility resident. According to a Lake City Police Department release, officers responded to The Canopy on NW Gleason Drive on Thursday afternoon to a possible battery on a resident.

Chase at 100 ends with arrest, PIT maneuver

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
A high speed chase early Saturday morning ended after crossing county lines. After running a red light at the SW Bascom Norris Drive and U.S. Highway 90 intersection at 2:13 a.m. Saturday, a brown Jeep refused to stop for law enforcement, instead heading west at high speeds.
Natalie Fannon, a cashier at Save A Lot In Lake City, checks out the snow flurries that blew through North Florida on Saturday afternoon. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Natalie Fannon, a cashier at Save A Lot In Lake City, checks out the snow flurries that blew through North Florida on Saturday afternoon. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Snow flurries cause excitement in Columbia County

TONY BRITT
Saturday, January 31, 2026
Ol' Man Winter, who brought frigid temperatures to Columbia County earlier this week, attempted to change the face of North Central Florida by pushing a number of snow flurries through the area on Saturday.
Third Circuit Judge Gregory Parker (from left) and retired Circuit Judge David Fina present retiring Third Circuit Judge Leandra Johnson with a ceremonial gavel during her retirement ceremony Friday. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Third Circuit Judge Gregory Parker (from left) and retired Circuit Judge David Fina present retiring Third Circuit Judge Leandra Johnson with a ceremonial gavel during her retirement ceremony Friday. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Johnson steps down after 20-year career on bench

TONY BRITT
Friday, January 30, 2026
Leandra G. Johnson capped her 20-year career as a Third Judicial Circuit Judge on Friday afternoon during a retirement farewell which was attended by more than 100 people.