Local

The Cornerstone Crossing at 47 development at the Interstate 75 and State Road 47 interchange is ready to begin, pending assistance from Columbia County on a lift station installation. The project is also seeking to be annexed into the City of Lake City after the County Commission approved an interlocal service boundary agreement on Thursday. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

The Cornerstone Crossing at 47 development at the Interstate 75 and State Road 47 interchange is ready to begin, pending assistance from Columbia County on a lift station installation. The project is also seeking to be annexed into the City of Lake City after the County Commission approved an interlocal service boundary agreement on Thursday. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Stewart seeking lift station funds to spark project

JAMIE WACHTER
Saturday, August 23, 2025
The last hurdle needed to clear the Cornerstone Crossing at 47 project for takeoff, including potentially an additional Publix, could be forthcoming soon.
Miss United State Lindsey Langston and U.S. Rep. Cory Mills are scheduled to appear at the Columbia County Courthouse on Sept. 5 for a hearing on Langston's petition for an injunction for protection for dating violence against Mills.

Miss United State Lindsey Langston and U.S. Rep. Cory Mills are scheduled to appear at the Columbia County Courthouse on Sept. 5 for a hearing on Langston's petition for an injunction for protection for dating violence against Mills.

Miss United States, U.S. Rep. courthouse showdown set

NEWS STAFF
Saturday, August 23, 2025
Miss United States and a United States Congressman will descend on the Columbia County Courthouse early next month. A final hearing in Miss United States Lindsey Langston’s petition for injunction for protection against dating violence against U.S. Rep. Cory Mills will be held Friday, Sept.
Columbia County Commissioner Rocky Ford said he was fine with the budget allocation presented by county administration for the Sheriff’s Office because ‘we have to present a balanced budget.’ (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia County Commissioner Rocky Ford said he was fine with the budget allocation presented by county administration for the Sheriff’s Office because ‘we have to present a balanced budget.’ (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Sheriff’s request cut, but still can do raises

JAMIE WACHTER
Saturday, August 23, 2025
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office isn’t getting its full budget request for the next fiscal year. However, the Columbia County Commission is providing enough additional funds to provide a $7,000 increase for all sworn officers.

County gets $1.2M for home rehabs

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, August 22, 2025
Columbia County’s ongoing efforts to rehab or replace homes for low-income families received another infusion of funding Thursday. Gov. Ron DeSantis, during an appearance in Arcadia, announced more than $38 million in funding for rural communities, including $1.
Narrie Smith, a retired Columbia County School District educator, helps children with their homework while they are at the NorthStar Family Resource Center on Tuesday afternoon. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Narrie Smith, a retired Columbia County School District educator, helps children with their homework while they are at the NorthStar Family Resource Center on Tuesday afternoon. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

NorthStar recognized for youth programs

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
A local family resource center providing several services to community residents was recently recognized for its effectiveness for having a positive impact on the community during its first five years of service.

Teen’s murder trial starts Monday

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
One of the three Lake City teens charged with murdering a 12-year-old girl two years ago will go on trial, starting Monday. Jury selection begins Monday at 8:30 a.m. at the Columbia County Courthouse for the Jayden Burch trial. Circuit Court Judge Leandra Johnson will preside over the trial.
A pair of 12-week old mini-dachunds are cuddled by Elizabeth Halloran, Lake City Humane Society executive director, at the facility on in July after the facility earned its no kill designation. (FILE)

A pair of 12-week old mini-dachunds are cuddled by Elizabeth Halloran, Lake City Humane Society executive director, at the facility on in July after the facility earned its no kill designation. (FILE)

LCHS will ‘persevere’ without county funds

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Facing the possibility of losing the biggest chunk of its funding, a local non-profit is hoping to stay the course to keep operations moving. The Lake City Humane Society will likely lose its contract with Columbia County to handle its animal services and care.

Cyclist hit near U.S. 90/I-75 interchange

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
A bicyclist suffered a significant head injury Tuesday night after being hit near the W. U.S. Highway 90 and Interstate 75 interchange. According to a Lake City Police Department release, the cyclist was hit in the westbound lanes of U.S. 90 near the interchange around 9:28 p.m.
The Columbia County Tourism Development Council approved funding toward the construction of a new RC park at the 500-acre regional sports park on the north side of Lake City. The park will replace the Southside RC Raceway. (COURTESY)

The Columbia County Tourism Development Council approved funding toward the construction of a new RC park at the 500-acre regional sports park on the north side of Lake City. The park will replace the Southside RC Raceway. (COURTESY)

TDC approves funding to build new RC track

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
The Columbia County Tourism Development Council is ready to rev up the construction of a new remote control racing track in Lake City.