Local

Lake City Mayor Noah Walker is helped by Sierra Lacy (from left), Ariah Leonard, Willow Leonard, Liam Villamil and Legend Brown in lighting the Christmas tree in downtown Olustee Park on Monday night. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Lake City Mayor Noah Walker is helped by Sierra Lacy (from left), Ariah Leonard, Willow Leonard, Liam Villamil and Legend Brown in lighting the Christmas tree in downtown Olustee Park on Monday night. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Downtown Christmas tree lit in delayed ceremony

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
While a seasonal downpour caused local officials to postpone the traditional Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Sunday evening, it didn’t dampen the Christmas spirit. Instead, more than 100 people gathered at Olustee Park on Monday evening to officially light the downtown tree.
LSHA Executive Director Dale Williams said Palms is still awaiting permitting from Lake City. (FILE)

LSHA Executive Director Dale Williams said Palms is still awaiting permitting from Lake City. (FILE)

LSHA OK with city requests for Meridian

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
A longstanding issue between the City of Lake City and the Lake Shore Hospital Authority has finally been resolved. The move clears the way for a major move-in on the Lake Shore campus.
The Rotary Club of Lake City is expecting a record number of float entries for this year's Christmas parade. (FILE)

The Rotary Club of Lake City is expecting a record number of float entries for this year's Christmas parade. (FILE)

Lake City anticipates biggest Christmas parade yet

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
The streets of Lake City will be bright with holiday cheer and enthusiasm this weekend as a record number of Christmas parade entries hit the pavement for the holiday event. “We have 143 entries,” said Chelsea Flores, Rotary Club of Lake City Parade Coordinator and projects chair. “It is a record.
Meally Jenkins, the founder of the Christmas Dream Machine, reacts as the Rotary Club of Lake City Sunrise recognized her as a Paul Harris Fellow during its Dec. 3 meeting. (COURTESY ROTARY CLUB OF LAKE CITY SUNRISE)

Meally Jenkins, the founder of the Christmas Dream Machine, reacts as the Rotary Club of Lake City Sunrise recognized her as a Paul Harris Fellow during its Dec. 3 meeting. (COURTESY ROTARY CLUB OF LAKE CITY SUNRISE)

Jenkins honored as Paul Harris Fellow

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
At its meeting last week, the Rotary Club of Lake City Sunrise recognized Meally Jenkins, the founder of the Christmas Dream Machine. Jenkins was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow for her many years of service to the community, epitomizing the Rotary motto of “Service above self” during the Dec.
Commissioner Rocky Ford (right) said Thursday’s meeting was a ‘choreographed hit job’ on him by Commissioner Robby Hollingsworth (left) and Assistant County Manager Kevin Kirby. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Commissioner Rocky Ford (right) said Thursday’s meeting was a ‘choreographed hit job’ on him by Commissioner Robby Hollingsworth (left) and Assistant County Manager Kevin Kirby. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Board backs Kirby amidst feud

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, December 5, 2025
Columbia County’s assistant manager got a full voicing of support amid an ongoing feud with a Columbia County Commission member. District 3 Commissioner Robby Hollingsworth requested the board give Assistant County Manager Kevin Kirby a “vote of confidence” at the outset of Thursday’s meeting.
A child hugs Santa Claus at last year’s Light Up the Night Christmas Tree Celebration in Olustee Park. (FILE)

A child hugs Santa Claus at last year’s Light Up the Night Christmas Tree Celebration in Olustee Park. (FILE)

Downtown tree lighting celebration set for Sunday

TONY BRITT
Friday, December 5, 2025
Santa Claus, food trucks, arts, crafts and food vendors and a live Nativity scene are some of the principal elements for a Christmas scene. Add in a ceremonial Christmas tree lighting and local holiday spirits will be at a seasonal high.
Lee Gober (from left), First United Methodist Church administrator, stands with Miss Columbia County Stephanie Green and Herbie and Dr. Lily Brannigan, Kada’s Promise senior ambassadors, after the church and Green donated several teddy bears, blankets and quilts to the organization on Wednesday afternoon. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Lee Gober (from left), First United Methodist Church administrator, stands with Miss Columbia County Stephanie Green and Herbie and Dr. Lily Brannigan, Kada’s Promise senior ambassadors, after the church and Green donated several teddy bears, blankets and quilts to the organization on Wednesday afternoon. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Over 100 teddy bears donated ahead of Christmas

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Kada’s Promise, an organization which collects teddy bears for abused children, received a local donation Wednesday when Miss Columbia County Stephanie Green and First United Methodist Church donated more than 100 teddy bears to the organization.

LCPD on the lookout for armed robbery suspect

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
A Lake City man accused of armed robbery is now wanted by the Lake City Police Department. According to an LCPD release, officers responded to the Dollar General at 136 NE Bascom Norris Dr. Around 6:30 p.m.