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A Special Olympics Florida athlete from Columbia County looks down the lane as he releases a bowling ball during the Columbia County Special Olympics Bowling competition on Friday morning at Lake City Bowl. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

A Special Olympics Florida athlete from Columbia County looks down the lane as he releases a bowling ball during the Columbia County Special Olympics Bowling competition on Friday morning at Lake City Bowl. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Special Olympics athletes striking up smiles

TONY BRITT
Friday, July 10, 2026
The majesty, celebration, encouragement and smiles associated with the Special Olympics took over Lake City Bowl on Friday morning.Local Special Olympic Florida athletes competed in the Columbia County Bowling competition from 9 a.m.-noon Friday at Lake City Bowl.
Lake City Florist family and owner/operators pose for a picture during the store’s grand re-opening on Thursday afternoon. Amanda Ivey (from left), Amelia Scott, Heather LeAnne McGuire, Ellsworth James McGuire Sr. and Briya McGuire. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Lake City Florist family and owner/operators pose for a picture during the store’s grand re-opening on Thursday afternoon. Amanda Ivey (from left), Amelia Scott, Heather LeAnne McGuire, Ellsworth James McGuire Sr. and Briya McGuire. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Lake City Florist re-opens with new owners

TONY BRITT
Friday, July 10, 2026
The Lake City Florist shop is spreading new roots and plans to bloom after recently re-opening under new ownership and management.Lake City Florist, 216 SW Main Blvd, has re-opened with the Rev. Ellsworth James McGuire Sr. and his wife, Heather LeAnne McGuire, as owners and operators of the shop.

Pair arrested after child walked down road alone

NEWS STAFF
Friday, July 10, 2026
A Lake City pair were arrested Wednesday morning after a child was found walking alone down a road in northwestern Columbia County.According to a Columbia County Sheriff’s Office release, deputies responded to NW Yates Loop at 9:27 a.m.
Aaliyah Salva (left) and Khloe Maddox meet for the first time as Dorothy and the Scarecrow during rehearsal for New Generation Christian School’s upcoming production of ’The Wizard of Oz.’ The play is set to be performed Friday at 6:30 p.m. on the school’s campus. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Aaliyah Salva (left) and Khloe Maddox meet for the first time as Dorothy and the Scarecrow during rehearsal for New Generation Christian School’s upcoming production of ’The Wizard of Oz.’ The play is set to be performed Friday at 6:30 p.m. on the school’s campus. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Off to see the Wizard

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
The yellow brick road will be leading to New Generation Christian School this weekend. Roughly 21 students are set to act and sing their way from Kansas to Oz in their rendition of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ on Friday. The play, which has been adjusted for youth consumption, is set to premiere at 6:30 p.m.
Columbia County's Kimi Roberts and her team commissioned 3,000 commemorative coins to mark the country's 250th anniversary. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia County's Kimi Roberts and her team commissioned 3,000 commemorative coins to mark the country's 250th anniversary. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Coins commemorate America 250 celebration

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
As more than 7,000 people gathered at the Florida Gateway Fairgrounds to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary celebration Saturday, nearly half were able to leave the event with a piece of Columbia County history.

Streets named in honor of late fire chiefs

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
A pair of late Lake City firefighters will have their memories honored on downtown city streets. Former Lake City Fire Chief Randy Burnham and Assistant Fire Chief Dwight Boozer will have their names affixed to signs in downtown Lake City.