Local

Pedestrian killed in early morning crash

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
A Lakeland man was killed early Sunday morning while lying down on Interstate 75. The Florida Highway Patrol said a Madison teenage girl was headed north on I-75 at 12:34 a.m. Sunday when her car hit the man. An FHP release said the incident happened in between the U.S.
Richardson Community Center Board of Directors Treasurer Tammy Magstadt said the RCC will welcome various members of the community to speak during Sunday’s Black History Celebration. (FILE)

Richardson Community Center Board of Directors Treasurer Tammy Magstadt said the RCC will welcome various members of the community to speak during Sunday’s Black History Celebration. (FILE)

Richardson to host Black History Celebration

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
A Black History Month celebration featuring the tales, details, memories and eye witness accounts of Columbia County residents who took part in the local fight for civil rights will take place this weekend. The event is part of local Black History Month festivities and feature area residents.

National rural expo lands in Columbia County

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
A national convention aimed at highlighting rural America is coming to Lake City. The Stand Up Rural America Summit, held annually for 10 years, will be attracting rural leaders from across the country to Columbia County this summer.
Fort White Middle School science teacher Wayne Oelfke holds his plaque after being named the University of Florida Chapter Sigma Xi Teacher of the Year Award winner (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Fort White Middle School science teacher Wayne Oelfke holds his plaque after being named the University of Florida Chapter Sigma Xi Teacher of the Year Award winner (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

FWMS science teacher takes top award from Sigma Xi

TONY BRITT
Friday, February 6, 2026
FORT WHITE — A veteran Fort White Middle School educator was named Teacher of the Year by a University of Florida scientific organization during a reception Thursday night.
Columbia County Fire Chief Jeff Crawford said there were 39 brush fires in the county in January. The normal average is 18 per month. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia County Fire Chief Jeff Crawford said there were 39 brush fires in the county in January. The normal average is 18 per month. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Burn ban in place for county

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, February 6, 2026
A burn ban is in effect for at least 10 days in Columbia County.
The Florida Department of Transportation plan to realign the State Road 247 and County Road 240 intersection in southwestern Columbia County is supported by the County Commission. (COURTESY FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION)

The Florida Department of Transportation plan to realign the State Road 247 and County Road 240 intersection in southwestern Columbia County is supported by the County Commission. (COURTESY FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION)

Commission backs FDOT realigning SR 247/ CR 240 crossing

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, February 6, 2026
Planned safety upgrades for a problematic intersection in southwestern Columbia County has the full support of county officials.
Columbia County Commissioner Robby Hollingsworth said he wanted to do what was best for everybody since the county usually ‘put all the burden on businesses.’ (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia County Commissioner Robby Hollingsworth said he wanted to do what was best for everybody since the county usually ‘put all the burden on businesses.’ (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Residential solid waste pickup increasing 32.5%

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, February 6, 2026
Columbia County solid waste will be picked up by a new provider. That garbage pickup will also come with an increased cost on county residents to help offset charges placed on county businesses.
Columbia County Attorney Joel Foreman said he was willing to help with a limited scope in the Town of Fort White as it considers dissolution. However, the County Commission wasn’t willing to let him to get involved. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia County Attorney Joel Foreman said he was willing to help with a limited scope in the Town of Fort White as it considers dissolution. However, the County Commission wasn’t willing to let him to get involved. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

County attorney won’t be helping with town dissolution

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, February 6, 2026
The potential dissolution of Fort White’s town government will not have hands-on assistance from Columbia County’s attorney.

FGC now offering massage therapy program

NEWS STAFF
Friday, February 6, 2026
A new pathway for local college students promises hands-on experience while preparing them for an in-demand career. Florida Gateway College announced a new massage therapy certificate program Friday.