Local

Suspect’s growling no match for K-9 officer

A naked, mud-covered meth user led Columbia County deputies on a wild chase through the woods, culminating with a man vs. dog grudge match, according to reports.

Sunshine State still has an eye on military Space Force

Florida hasn’t given up on landing the command center for the nation’s newest military branch, Space Force.

3 dead in local crashes

Three people have died in area car wrecks, including one early this morning, since Christmas. Matias Ault, 20, Lake City; Robert Flint, 76, Lake City; and an unidentified man were killed in separate crashes, according to FHP releases.

Cops: Rampage costs $20K

A husband said he got stuck watching the kids one too many times, so he took his frustration out on their apartment when his wife went for a night on the town on Christmas, according to the Lake City Police Department.

Bar racist for refusing to serve her, she says

A California woman claims she was attacked by a bartender at a local drinking establishment early Christmas morning, but police say other people at the scene told a different story — as did video surveillance.

Sex abuse against girl, 16, alleged

DNA evidence tied a Live Oak man to a sex crime involving a 16-year-old girl, Suwannee County deputies say. Bryan Keith Provenzano, 38, from the 6800 block of Walker Place, was arrested Dec. 20 on felony sexual battery and violation of probation charges.

Phelps is temporary pick for state attorney

Siegmeister was driven to quit by divorce, lawyer says

Third Circuit State Attorney Jeff Siegmeister’s decision to resign with a year left in his term was prompted by an impending divorce, according to his lawyer.  His wife tells a different story. The day after state officials confirmed Siegmeister’s resignation would be effective Dec.

‘Temporary interim’ state attorney to be sworn in Monday

Third Circuit State Attorney Jeff Siegmeister is out. With a little more than a year left in his term, his resignation goes into effect Dec. 23. So what happens between now and the next election?

Gun-rights sanctuary now closer

Joining a growing trend among local governments throughout the nation, Columbia County is moving toward becoming a Second Amendment sanctuary. County commissioners on Thursday unanimously asked County Attorney Joel Foreman to draft a resolution declaring the county a Second Amendment sanctuary.