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U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Travis Edwards, right, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing incoming commander, receives the 379th AEW guidon from Maj. Gen. David Shoemaker, 9th Air Force (Air Forces Central) deputy commander, during the 379th AEW Change of Command Ceremony within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, June 9, 2025. (Staff Sgt. Sean Moriarty/U.S. Air Force)

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Travis Edwards, right, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing incoming commander, receives the 379th AEW guidon from Maj. Gen. David Shoemaker, 9th Air Force (Air Forces Central) deputy commander, during the 379th AEW Change of Command Ceremony within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, June 9, 2025. (Staff Sgt. Sean Moriarty/U.S. Air Force)

Going through the ‘change’ of command

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
By Staff Sgt. Sean Moriarty and Senior Airman Dieondiere Jefferies 379th Air Expeditionary Wing U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND — Brig. Gen. Travis L. Edwards, who grew up in Lake City, assumed command of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing from Brig. Gen. Richard R.
A federal appeals court gave the go-ahead to requirements aimed at protecting manatees in the Indian River Lagoon. (COURTESY)

A federal appeals court gave the go-ahead to requirements aimed at protecting manatees in the Indian River Lagoon. (COURTESY)

Court refuses to halt manatee protection requirements

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
TALLAHASSEE — A divided federal appeals court Tuesday refused to halt a district judge’s order that requires the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to take steps to protect manatees in the northern Indian River Lagoon, including temporarily preventing new septic tanks in the area.

CCSO stoked for ‘Summer Slam’ hoops program

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Local youngsters with a penchant for playing basketball will have an opportunity to take their games to another level through a program offered by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Unit’s Summer Slam program will take place from 10 a.m.-2 p.
Ashlee Snowden (front) and Adair Bosserman are all smiles after winning the first heat during this year’s DeSoto Derby Canoe Races. The event was hosted by Elks Lodge #893. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Ashlee Snowden (front) and Adair Bosserman are all smiles after winning the first heat during this year’s DeSoto Derby Canoe Races. The event was hosted by Elks Lodge #893. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Three weekend events draw capacity crowds downtown

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
The downtown Lake City area took on a different vibe Saturday.

Columbia in line for $4M in state revenue

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
More than $4 million in state funding appears headed to Columbia County projects. The $115.1 billion state budget was approved Monday evening by the Florida Legislature after an extended session was required to pass a budget on time before the new fiscal year begins on July 1.
Boy Scout Troop 85’s Dakota Beichner speaks during Monday’s Lake City Council meeting. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Boy Scout Troop 85’s Dakota Beichner speaks during Monday’s Lake City Council meeting. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Council passes new park hours

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Park goers can now have a little more certainty when planning their family outings. The Lake City Council voted unanimously at its Monday meeting to codify open hours for 11 public parks, including Lake Montgomery Park and nearby Campbell Park.
Shannon Williams (left) and Michael Klink update the Lake City Council on a Hazard Mitigation Grant meant for restoration at Gwen Lake during Monday’s meeting. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Shannon Williams (left) and Michael Klink update the Lake City Council on a Hazard Mitigation Grant meant for restoration at Gwen Lake during Monday’s meeting. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

City approves stormwater study

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
The Lake City Council focused mainly on approving Land Development Regulations at its Monday meeting. However, a pair of resolutions passed unanimously will have a more direct impact on city business moving forward.
Columbia County School Resource Deputy Tony Geurra helps Negan Barker, 8, with his wood working skills. (TONY BRITTLake City Reporter)

Columbia County School Resource Deputy Tony Geurra helps Negan Barker, 8, with his wood working skills. (TONY BRITTLake City Reporter)

Summer Nights a hit again

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
The Columbia County School Resource deputies from several area schools spent Friday evening solidifying old friendships and creating new memories with acquaintances.