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Nick Patel, a member of Columbia County’s Economic Development Advisory Board, said Thursday the land incentive would set a ‘bad precedent.’ (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Nick Patel, a member of Columbia County’s Economic Development Advisory Board, said Thursday the land incentive would set a ‘bad precedent.’ (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Land incentive nixed by advisory board

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, July 18, 2025
If an entertainment venue bounces into Columbia County, it won’t be on gifted county property.
Lake City Mayor Noah Walker said he opposes a tax increase, although the city is considering a 12% hike. (FILE)

Lake City Mayor Noah Walker said he opposes a tax increase, although the city is considering a 12% hike. (FILE)

City considering 12% tax hike

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, July 18, 2025
A 12% tax hike could be coming to Lake City residents. At its meeting Monday, the Lake City Council will set the maximum millage rate used to determine ad valorem tax revenue for the upcoming fiscal year. City staff is proposing three millage rate options for consideration, including a rate of 5.
Columbia County Commissioner Robby Hollingsworth said the law requiring septic changes, which has been put on hold by a court ruling, would be ‘unmanageable’ for most people. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia County Commissioner Robby Hollingsworth said the law requiring septic changes, which has been put on hold by a court ruling, would be ‘unmanageable’ for most people. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Septic changes put on hold by courts

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Friday, July 18, 2025
A pending change to the future of septic tanks in Columbia County and beyond has been, at least temporarily, avoided.
Work continued Friday on the 48,335-square-foot facility for AgroLiquid at the North Florida Mega Industrial Park. The grass parcel in front of the AgroLiquid facility is being eyed by a foreign steel manufacturer, according to county officials. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Work continued Friday on the 48,335-square-foot facility for AgroLiquid at the North Florida Mega Industrial Park. The grass parcel in front of the AgroLiquid facility is being eyed by a foreign steel manufacturer, according to county officials. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

AgroLiquid facility sprouting at Mega Site

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, July 18, 2025
The first tenant has begun to sprout at the North Florida Mega Industrial Park. Work to get ready for that company, AgroLiquid, though, may quickly produce additional development at the park on the east side of Lake City.
Columbia County Attorney Joel Foreman requested a hearing set up to discuss efforts to organize post-storm cleanups. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia County Attorney Joel Foreman requested a hearing set up to discuss efforts to organize post-storm cleanups. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

County sets hearing on storm cleanup ordinance

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Friday, July 18, 2025
Columbia County commissioners will soon seriously consider new efforts to organize post-storm cleanups. In a July 11 memo, County Attorney Joel Foreman requested an adoption hearing to be set for the board’s Aug. 21 meeting, asking the commission to set that during its regular meeting Thursday.
A construction worker looks at some concrete slabs that have been poured on the Eastside Elementary School campus Wednesday as a mountain of debris from the previous school is piled up behind him. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

A construction worker looks at some concrete slabs that have been poured on the Eastside Elementary School campus Wednesday as a mountain of debris from the previous school is piled up behind him. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Building back Eastside: Demolition, construction going on at same time

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
The Eastside Elementary School campus on Baya Drive is busy with both construction as well as demolition work.

BOCC could raise preliminary rates

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Fire protection and solid waste pickup may cost Columbia County residents more next year. During its 5:30 p.m. meeting Thursday at the Keith Hudson School Board Auditorium, 372 W.

Lake City man nabbed on gun charge

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
A Lake City man is in trouble after authorities said he was responsible for unrest at a restaurant. According to a Lake City Police Department release, Trevis Javon Johnson, 39, was arrested Tuesday around 5 p.m.
UF/IFAS 4-H Fashion Design campers show off their creations following a pair of days learning different sewing techniques. (COURTESY UF/IFAS EXTENSION)

UF/IFAS 4-H Fashion Design campers show off their creations following a pair of days learning different sewing techniques. (COURTESY UF/IFAS EXTENSION)

Columbia County youth build creativity at 4-H design camp

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Over two packed days, young minds and nimble fingers came together at the 2025 4-H Fashion Design Camp, hosted by UF/IFAS Extension Columbia County. Held July 15–16, the camp welcomed youth ages 11–18 to explore sewing, fashion, and design in a supportive, hands-on learning environment.