Local

Columbia County deputies and state troopers hold their positions on U.S. Highway 90 on Tuesday. The search for Gooch took roughly two hours. (COURTESY CCSO)

Columbia County deputies and state troopers hold their positions on U.S. Highway 90 on Tuesday. The search for Gooch took roughly two hours. (COURTESY CCSO)

Machete attack leaves victim badly wounded

CARL MCKINNEY
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
A machete-wielding assailant attacked a man at a home on Southwest Creekside Lane on Tuesday morning, then led law enforcement on a two-hour manhunt before being taken into custody, according to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.

Schools on high alert for coronavirus

CARL MCKINNEY
Monday, March 2, 2020
After Governor Ron DeSantis on Monday announced Florida has two “presumptive positive” cases of coronavirus, Columbia County’s superintendent of schools said the School District is keeping careful track of the situation and consulting with local health officials.

Man tries to frame landlord, say cops

CARL MCKINNEY
Monday, March 2, 2020
A belligerent tenant tried to fight — then frame — his landlord on Saturday, according to a Columbia County Sheriff’s Office report.  The tenant, 61-year-old Donald Kevin Holcombe, resisted arrest and had to be “escorted to the ground,” one deputy wrote.

Man killed when Impala goes airborne, hits pole

NEWS STAFF
Saturday, February 29, 2020
A Lake City man died late Friday when his Impala went airborne then struck a light pole on County Road 25A, according to FHP. Gary Stone, 55, was headed north when he missed a left curve approaching U.S. 41 at 11:26 p.m.

Regional hub could be coming sooner than you think at airport

CARL MCKINNEY
Friday, February 28, 2020
As a major trucking company prepares to set up shop on Bell Road and a project is underway to install a rail spur at the North Florida Mega Industrial Park east of town, the city’s top appointed officials plan to transform Lake City Gateway Airport into a cargo shipping hub.

Feeling ill? Don’t come to school

CARL MCKINNEY
Friday, February 28, 2020
As world leaders try to contain the outbreak, local school officials are communicating with the county health department to formulate a plan should the coronavirus strike Florida.

Ready for dog-friendly dining?

CARL MCKINNEY
Friday, February 28, 2020
Dog owners and foodies rejoice. The Lake City Council on Monday will hold the final reading of an ordinance that will allow dogs in outdoor dining areas of local restaurants.  State law allows the city to adopt a local exemption from certain FDA regulations.
City officials and representatives of IDP Properties cut the ribbon during a ceremony Thursday afternoon at the Blanche’s main staircase. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

City officials and representatives of IDP Properties cut the ribbon during a ceremony Thursday afternoon at the Blanche’s main staircase. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Grand opening for Blanche Hotel

TONY BRITT
Thursday, February 27, 2020
Champagne and the happy chatter of 350 invited guests filled the newly-renovated Blanche Hotel Thursday. The hotel, which originally opened in the early 1900s, was the recipient of a two-year facelift by Valdosta-based developer IDP Properties.

Shands Live Oak sold, will become ER only

CARL MCKINNEY
Thursday, February 27, 2020
The parent company of Lake City Medical Center has bought out Shands Live Oak and Shands Starke and will sell off most of the hospitals’ assets. Both facilities will provide emergency care only once the transaction is complete, Shands officials said.