Local

Walk a mile in my shoes, says deputy

CARL MCKINNEY
Friday, June 26, 2020
Matthew Montemurno can imagine what it’s like to be in another person’s shoes, even if that person is barefoot.  The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office deputy was working out Tuesday afternoon at his gym, Crossfit 1075.  “I’d just gotten off work,” said Montemurno, who goes by Monte.
April Rhoden pours a cold one at R Bar on Wednesday afternoon. Since Friday, the bar — along with others in Lake City and throughout the state — has been allowed to serve beer again. (FILE)

April Rhoden pours a cold one at R Bar on Wednesday afternoon. Since Friday, the bar — along with others in Lake City and throughout the state — has been allowed to serve beer again. (FILE)

Bars shut down again due to spike in covid-19 cases

NEWS STAFF
Friday, June 26, 2020
Recently reopened bars have been ordered to stop serving alcohol for on-site consumption because of a spike in coronavirus cases, particularly among young adults, and non-compliance with social distancing rules.

Online, FGC is No. 7 in nation, also second best in state

CARL MCKINNEY
Thursday, June 25, 2020
Florida Gateway College is among the best places in the country to get an education online, according to a newly published guide. FGC ranked second best community college in the state and seventh best nationwide for online learning, says Optimal’s Guide to Online Schools.
The death of a 70-year-old man in Suwannee County has been linked to covid-19, the 19th fatality there.

The death of a 70-year-old man in Suwannee County has been linked to covid-19, the 19th fatality there.

Suwannee sees 19th death from coronavirus

CARL MCKINNEY
Thursday, June 25, 2020
The death of a 70-year-old man in Suwannee County has been linked to covid-19, the 19th fatality there. The Florida Department of Health released the information Thursday.  As of Thursday afternoon, Suwannee County had 360 confirmed cases of the virus, 50 of which resulted in hospitalization.

Gun thefts probed by LCPD

CARL MCKINNEY
Thursday, June 25, 2020
Multiple firearms were stolen during a string of vehicle burglaries under investigation by the Lake City Police Department. The department is asking anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be reported to 386-752-4343.

Deputy a better choice than an angry dog

CARL MCKINNEY
Thursday, June 25, 2020
A man who bears the name of an infamous bandit tried to out-pedal the law on a bicycle early Thursday morning, but called it quits after he was bitten by a dog during the attempted escape, according to a Columbia County Sheriff’s Office report.  Jesse James Hoagland, 31, of North U.S.

Mayo boy, 16, dies in Suwannee crash

CARL MCKINNEY
Thursday, June 25, 2020
A 16-year-old boy from Mayo died following a single-vehicle wreck in Suwannee County on Wednesday, according to Florida Highway Patrol. His was not published in a summary of the incident FHP prepared for the media.  The collision occurred around 5 a.m.
Phil Dorris, LCPD evidence technician (from left), Lt. Andy Miles and Officer Erica Bass count stolen money from the Ameris Bank robbery Wednesday morning. The loot was recovered after a suspect was apprehended about a block south of the bank. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Phil Dorris, LCPD evidence technician (from left), Lt. Andy Miles and Officer Erica Bass count stolen money from the Ameris Bank robbery Wednesday morning. The loot was recovered after a suspect was apprehended about a block south of the bank. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Armed robber demands cash, takes hostage at Ameris Bank

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
A lone gunman robbed the Ameris Bank at 355 SW Bentley Place Wednesday morning, taking two duffel bags of cash and a female bank employee hostage before he was captured about a block away when his hostage, who had carpooled that day, didn’t have her keys and he was forced to flee on foot.

Woman jailed in fatal crash

CARL MCKINNEY
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
A Fort White woman has been charged with vehicular homicide in connection after authorities say she sped through an intersection on meth in March, resulting in a crash that claimed the life of a McAlpin man.