Local

Upgrades for jail set to begin

CARL MCKINNEY
Monday, August 31, 2020
Construction is set to begin soon on a new 256-bed housing pod at the Columbia County jail, the first of a pair of projects to expand and renovate the facility estimated to cost roughly $19 million.
The Lake City Recreation Department’s Girls Club and Boys Club at Teen Town are closed due to covid-19 and are no longer offering after-school programs. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

The Lake City Recreation Department’s Girls Club and Boys Club at Teen Town are closed due to covid-19 and are no longer offering after-school programs. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Girls, boys clubs closed

TONY BRITT
Friday, August 28, 2020
The Lake City Recreation Department’s after-school care programs through its Girls Club and Boys Club at Teen Town are no longer options for parents. After providing after-school care services for more than 40 years, the programs were permanently shut down five months ago.
The Florida Department of Transportation will soon replace the traffic delineators near the Lake City Commons shopping center with a raised median. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

The Florida Department of Transportation will soon replace the traffic delineators near the Lake City Commons shopping center with a raised median. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Raised median to be extended on 90

TONY BRITT
Friday, August 28, 2020
A permanent solution to an old traffic problem is on the way to U.S. Highway 90. The Florida Department of Transportation plans to begin a $484,000 median modification project on the roadway, beginning Sept.
A recent growth spurt meant Church On The Way had outgrown its current facility with social distancing in place. (COURTESY)

A recent growth spurt meant Church On The Way had outgrown its current facility with social distancing in place. (COURTESY)

Loaned church ‘a huge blessing’

TONY BRITT
Friday, August 28, 2020
A recent growth spurt had caused a local church to be well on its way to outgrowing its current sanctuary. However, a helping hand from another area church has provided Church On The Way ample room to continue growing.

City eyeing growth

CARL MCKINNEY
Thursday, August 27, 2020
A boundary-pushing plan to expand the borders of Lake City is moving ahead in early September, and it could eventually pave the way for tax cuts.  The city is looking to annex the North Florida Mega Industrial Park on East U.S.
Rum Island Park is reopening Monday after being closed nearly a year for a $300,000 riverbank restoration project. (FILE)

Rum Island Park is reopening Monday after being closed nearly a year for a $300,000 riverbank restoration project. (FILE)

Rum Island reopens Monday

NEWS STAFF
Thursday, August 27, 2020
FORT WHITE — The renovated Rum Island Park is ready for its unveiling. The park reopens Monday at sunrise after undergoing a $300,000 riverbank restoration project, as well as the addition of new restroom facilities.  The park has been closed for nearly a year, initially closing Sept.

FGC receives grant for diesel tech program

NEWS STAFF
Thursday, August 27, 2020
Florida Gateway College may soon start pumping out diesel mechanics The college has received an $860,000 grant from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity to develop a program in Diesel Mechanic Technology that is based on Florida Department of Education curriculum and local industry...