Local

Abandoned home again site of gunfire

TONY BRITT
Sunday, February 23, 2020
An abandoned home on Northeast Webster Avenue, where a person was shot in the leg less than five months ago, was the setting of gunplay again Thursday night, when multiple shots were fired in the area. The Lake City Police Department received several calls around 10:03 p.m.
County Manager Ben Scott (from left), County Attorney Joel Foreman, and County Commissioners Tim Murphy, Toby Witt and Bucky Nash are seen during Thursday’s 4 p.m. workshop, where they discussed developing a noise-control ordinance. Noise pollution has been at the center of numerous complaints at public meetings in recent months. (CARL MCKINNEY/Lake City Reporter)

County Manager Ben Scott (from left), County Attorney Joel Foreman, and County Commissioners Tim Murphy, Toby Witt and Bucky Nash are seen during Thursday’s 4 p.m. workshop, where they discussed developing a noise-control ordinance. Noise pollution has been at the center of numerous complaints at public meetings in recent months. (CARL MCKINNEY/Lake City Reporter)

Noise ordinance now under discussion for County Commission

CARL MCKINNEY
Thursday, February 20, 2020
Loud neighbors beware, county officials are moving forward with developing an ordinance aimed at curbing noise pollution.  The subject of noisy house parties, blaring car sound systems and racket from a local racetrack has repeatedly come up during multiple public meetings in recent months.

Tally coming down hard on FCADV

CARL MCKINNEY
Thursday, February 20, 2020
Tallahassee is cracking down on a taxpayer-funded non-profit organization meant to combat domestic violence, in response to the bipartisan outrage that was ignited when lawmakers learned the organization’s former CEO raked in millions in compensation during her six-year tenure.

Gottry blasts Carr, state board

CARL MCKINNEY
Wednesday, February 19, 2020
The Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence, a taxpayer-funded group that distributes state money to local domestic violence shelters, is under fire for the exorbitant compensation paid to then-CEO Tiffany Carr.
A Suwannee County deputy holds a 3-year-old who was reported missing earlier that day. The child was found in the woods, where he was under the protection of the family dog, Buddy. (COURTESY SCSO)

A Suwannee County deputy holds a 3-year-old who was reported missing earlier that day. The child was found in the woods, where he was under the protection of the family dog, Buddy. (COURTESY SCSO)

Toddler found safe, guarded by his dog all the way

CARL MCKINNEY
Wednesday, February 19, 2020
Buddy the dog lived up to his name Tuesday afternoon, when the canine was found guarding his toddler friend, who was reported missing earlier that day.  Tuesday afternoon, The Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call made by a “frantic mother,” the agency posted on Facebook.
Interim Third Circuit State Attorney Dave Phelps shakes hands with Judge Mark Feagle after his swearing in December. (FILE)

Interim Third Circuit State Attorney Dave Phelps shakes hands with Judge Mark Feagle after his swearing in December. (FILE)

Still no word if Phelps will remain as interim

CARL MCKINNEY
Wednesday, February 19, 2020
Interim Third Circuit State Attorney Dave Phelps, who was appointed after the abrupt resignation of former State Attorney Jeff Siegmeister amid a federal investigation, says the governor’s office has not yet announced who will occupy the office between now and the next election.

Man turns self in after gunshots

CARL MCKINNEY
Wednesday, February 19, 2020
A woman woke up to a stranger biting her neck early Tuesday morning, just before gunshots were heard in the immediate area. The suspect fled on foot, but later turned himself in after learning police were looking for him. Around 3:22 a.m.

Fireworks foreseen over jail proposal

CARL MCKINNEY
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
The county jail could end up being placed under new management, if a push to transfer oversight of the facility goes through — though it’s expected to be a tough political battle.  The sheriff manages the jail, but county commissioners are ultimately responsible for the facility.

Child porn charges land local in jail

CARL MCKINNEY
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
A Lake City man was arrested Tuesday on 10 counts of possessing child pornography.  Agents from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested 33-year-old Jarod Dustin Rice after executing a search warrant at his apartment on Southeast Sundial Place.