Local

In an effort to protect the lower Ichetucknee River and Ichetucknee Springs, Linda Weseman is seeking a no wake zone on the lower Ichetucknee as part of a petition for a springs protection zone from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The Columbia County Commission agreed to support that effort Thursday. (COURTESY)

In an effort to protect the lower Ichetucknee River and Ichetucknee Springs, Linda Weseman is seeking a no wake zone on the lower Ichetucknee as part of a petition for a springs protection zone from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The Columbia County Commission agreed to support that effort Thursday. (COURTESY)

Calling for no wake zone

JAMIE WACHTER
Saturday, October 4, 2025
A citizen push to protect the lower Ichetucknee River run garnered support from the Columbia County Commission. The next step for Linda Weseman will be a request Tuesday from the Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners.
Blair Knighting with Kimley-Horn said if the county desired to change signs to provide notice for future zoning or comprehensive plan changes, some governments color code them based on the requested change. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Blair Knighting with Kimley-Horn said if the county desired to change signs to provide notice for future zoning or comprehensive plan changes, some governments color code them based on the requested change. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

County seeks signs that garner attention

JAMIE WACHTER
Saturday, October 4, 2025
The Columbia County Commission is hoping new signs will open up eyes on proposed land development changes before they are approved.
A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer interacts with a child a previous National Night Out event at the Lake City Police Department. (FILE)

A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer interacts with a child a previous National Night Out event at the Lake City Police Department. (FILE)

National Night Out celebration to strengthen relationships

TONY BRITT
Saturday, October 4, 2025
Youngsters and community members will be able to create relationships and bonds with local first responders next week during a community celebration. The Lake City Police Department hosts its annual National Night Out celebration from 5-8 p.m.
Denise Barth (right) works with 7-year-old Rowan Barth during Monday’s event. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Denise Barth (right) works with 7-year-old Rowan Barth during Monday’s event. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Kids build with wits, creativity at Lego event

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Several tables featuring Lego blocks, sets and paraphernalia were stretched across the interior of the pole barn at the Alligator Lake Public Recreation Area on Monday.
Lake City Councilwoman Tammy Harris said her Warming Heart Coat Giveaway is looking to give out 500 coats on Saturday. (FILE)

Lake City Councilwoman Tammy Harris said her Warming Heart Coat Giveaway is looking to give out 500 coats on Saturday. (FILE)

Harris hosting coat giveaway event

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Fall weather and temperatures are expected to hit the North Central Florida area within a few weeks, and one local city council member has organized a coat giveaway to combat the cooler weather. The Warming Heart Coat Giveaway will take place from noon-2 p.m.
NFWUA Executive Director Shannon Roberts said the transition to having the authority provide utility services went smoothly when the switch-over officially began Wednesday morning. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

NFWUA Executive Director Shannon Roberts said the transition to having the authority provide utility services went smoothly when the switch-over officially began Wednesday morning. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

NFWUA officially takes over utility operations

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
The North Florida Water Utilities Authority officially began operating utilities in both Columbia and Suwannee counties on Wednesday. Not that anyone would be able to tell the difference, according to NFWUA Executive Director Shannon Roberts.
NFWUA Chairman and Columbia County Commissioner Rocky Ford agreed with the goals set by Executive Director Shannon Roberts at Wednesday’s meeting. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

NFWUA Chairman and Columbia County Commissioner Rocky Ford agreed with the goals set by Executive Director Shannon Roberts at Wednesday’s meeting. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

NFWUA identifies goals for state

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
The North Florida Water Utilities Authority is moving forward with a five-pronged set of goals for the upcoming year.
The Woods, an entertainment venue off of State Road 247, is hosting its grand opening Saturday. The vision of Michael Woods fetures pickleball courts, an outdoor skating rink, beach volleyball, space for live entertainment as well as a restaurant/bar and spaces for vendors and food trucks to hook up as well. (COURTESY)

The Woods, an entertainment venue off of State Road 247, is hosting its grand opening Saturday. The vision of Michael Woods fetures pickleball courts, an outdoor skating rink, beach volleyball, space for live entertainment as well as a restaurant/bar and spaces for vendors and food trucks to hook up as well. (COURTESY)

Welcome to The Woods

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Michael Woods’ vision for an entertainment venue is ready to be unveiled. Ahead of The Woods’ grand opening Saturday, it appears the excitement isn’t contained to just Woods or the shipping containers that make up the site off of State Road 247 (Branford Highway).