Local

Denise Barth (right) works with 7-year-old Rowan Barth during Monday’s event. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Denise Barth (right) works with 7-year-old Rowan Barth during Monday’s event. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Kids build with wits, creativity at Lego event

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Several tables featuring Lego blocks, sets and paraphernalia were stretched across the interior of the pole barn at the Alligator Lake Public Recreation Area on Monday.
Lake City Councilwoman Tammy Harris said her Warming Heart Coat Giveaway is looking to give out 500 coats on Saturday. (FILE)

Lake City Councilwoman Tammy Harris said her Warming Heart Coat Giveaway is looking to give out 500 coats on Saturday. (FILE)

Harris hosting coat giveaway event

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Fall weather and temperatures are expected to hit the North Central Florida area within a few weeks, and one local city council member has organized a coat giveaway to combat the cooler weather. The Warming Heart Coat Giveaway will take place from noon-2 p.m.
NFWUA Executive Director Shannon Roberts said the transition to having the authority provide utility services went smoothly when the switch-over officially began Wednesday morning. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

NFWUA Executive Director Shannon Roberts said the transition to having the authority provide utility services went smoothly when the switch-over officially began Wednesday morning. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

NFWUA officially takes over utility operations

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
The North Florida Water Utilities Authority officially began operating utilities in both Columbia and Suwannee counties on Wednesday. Not that anyone would be able to tell the difference, according to NFWUA Executive Director Shannon Roberts.
NFWUA Chairman and Columbia County Commissioner Rocky Ford agreed with the goals set by Executive Director Shannon Roberts at Wednesday’s meeting. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

NFWUA Chairman and Columbia County Commissioner Rocky Ford agreed with the goals set by Executive Director Shannon Roberts at Wednesday’s meeting. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

NFWUA identifies goals for state

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
The North Florida Water Utilities Authority is moving forward with a five-pronged set of goals for the upcoming year.
The Woods, an entertainment venue off of State Road 247, is hosting its grand opening Saturday. The vision of Michael Woods fetures pickleball courts, an outdoor skating rink, beach volleyball, space for live entertainment as well as a restaurant/bar and spaces for vendors and food trucks to hook up as well. (COURTESY)

The Woods, an entertainment venue off of State Road 247, is hosting its grand opening Saturday. The vision of Michael Woods fetures pickleball courts, an outdoor skating rink, beach volleyball, space for live entertainment as well as a restaurant/bar and spaces for vendors and food trucks to hook up as well. (COURTESY)

Welcome to The Woods

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Michael Woods’ vision for an entertainment venue is ready to be unveiled. Ahead of The Woods’ grand opening Saturday, it appears the excitement isn’t contained to just Woods or the shipping containers that make up the site off of State Road 247 (Branford Highway).
Catholic Charities Regional Director Shannon Moser speaks during Saturday’s Laced Up for Love Sneaker Ball at the Nutrien Conference Center in White Springs. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Catholic Charities Regional Director Shannon Moser speaks during Saturday’s Laced Up for Love Sneaker Ball at the Nutrien Conference Center in White Springs. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Laced Up for Love offers ‘incredible’ event

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
More than 4,000 balloons and fresh flowers served as scenic backdrop for an inaugural weekend formal fundraiser for a local agency. Behind the balloons, flowers, gowns, suits and smiles that the event generated, it also addressed worries of food insecurity that have been on the increase.
Pink badges will be worn by Lake City Police during October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. (COURTESY)

Pink badges will be worn by Lake City Police during October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. (COURTESY)

LCPD donning pink for breast cancer awareness

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
The Lake City Police Department is going pink with a purpose this October. For the third year, the LCPD is helping to raise breast cancer awareness by wearing pink badges and showcasing a patrol car with pink stripes throughout the community.