Local

Josh Sparks, owner of Sparks Construction, is pictured with members of the Lake City Women’s Club and Lake City Garden Club, after signing the deed to the historic Club House on Lake Isabella. Sparks was given ownership of the building so he can repair and save the facility. (COURTESY)

Gov. Ron DeSantis announces the creation of the ‘Deportation Depot’ immigrant detention center at Baker Correctional Institution in Sanderson on Thursday along with other state officials. The state prison’s proximity to the Lake City Gateway Airport was a key component in its selection for the site. (COURTESY)

Langston (left) and Mills

Alexander Zadai (from left), Deanna Lumpkin, Makeba Murphy, Sonical Mitchell and Twylah Queen hold backpacks that Core Civic donated to Niblack Elementary School on Wednesday morning. Core Civic provided roughly 50 backpacks and other school supplies to three local elementary schools. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Chris Batten with the Lake City Humane Society said the organization was still interested in discussions with the county on providing animal services. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia County Commissioner Rocky Ford said the $7.5 million offer for the wastewater treatment plant at the North Florida Mega Industrial Park by the City of Lake City is a ‘non-starter’ to him because it doesn’t fully remove the ounty’s debt and obligation at the site. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Sheriff Wallace Kitchings told the Columbia County Commission that his agency is at critical staffing levels and a significant raise for his employees is needed. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Van Long (left), the Foundation For Florida Gateway College board chair, stands with Lawrence Barrett, Florida Gateway College President, holding a ceremonial check for $1.3 million, representing funds for scholarships and to support other programs at the college. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)