Local

Lake City Manager Don Rosenthal told the Lake City Council in an April workshop that without a stormwater plan and fee, there will be flooding issues within the city. (FILE)

Lake City Manager Don Rosenthal told the Lake City Council in an April workshop that without a stormwater plan and fee, there will be flooding issues within the city. (FILE)

City looking into stormwater fee

NEWS STAFF
Friday, June 13, 2025
The Lake City Council will consider taking the first step in re-implementing a stormwater fee at its meeting Monday night. During its 6 p.m. Monday meeting at Lake City Hall, 205 N.

FDLE investigating death at county jail

NEWS STAFF
Friday, June 13, 2025
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has launched an investigation into the Columbia County Detention Facility after an inmate died while in custody Thursday night. According to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, at approximately 7:22 p.m.
Lt. Garrett Register looks at a modular vehicle barrier on Wednesday. The Lake City Police Department used federal grant funding to obtain the barriers as a way to block off roads during events to protect pedestrians. They will be used for the first time Friday. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Lt. Garrett Register looks at a modular vehicle barrier on Wednesday. The Lake City Police Department used federal grant funding to obtain the barriers as a way to block off roads during events to protect pedestrians. They will be used for the first time Friday. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

LCPD unveils new roadblock barriers

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
The Lake City Police Department will be unveiling new traffic control devices when a series of concerts take place Friday evening at Darby Pavilion as well as at the Multicultural Day in downtown Lake City this weekend.
Jerry Stanley (left) was honored with the Public Service Award at the Columbia County Farm Bureau public officials appreciation dinner Monday night. Stanley is presented his plaque by Clint Pittman. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Jerry Stanley (left) was honored with the Public Service Award at the Columbia County Farm Bureau public officials appreciation dinner Monday night. Stanley is presented his plaque by Clint Pittman. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Stanley honored at Farm Bureau appreciation dinner

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
The opportunity to meet and thank local officials for their dedication and service to the city and county is a chance to create a new friendship for Farm Bureau Board of Directors.
Maria David, Carmen Gayheart’s sister, talks with the press after the execution of Anthony Wainwright, who kidnapped and killed Gayheart in 1994. (JOHN S. KOCH/Special to the Reporter)

Maria David, Carmen Gayheart’s sister, talks with the press after the execution of Anthony Wainwright, who kidnapped and killed Gayheart in 1994. (JOHN S. KOCH/Special to the Reporter)

Wainwright executed for 1994 kidnapping, murder

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
By JOHN S. KOCH Independent News Correspondent RAIFORD — It took more than 30 years for 54-year-old Anthony Wainwright to receive his just desserts, or, as then-State Attorney Jerry Blair, prosecuting Wainwright, said, “He would eventually pay the fiddler.
Auman Tamesis of Maya’s Merienda tends a variety of Filipino street food on the grill during the inaugural Multicultural Fiesta last year. The City of Lake City’s second Multicultural Day celebration is set for Saturday. (FILE)

Auman Tamesis of Maya’s Merienda tends a variety of Filipino street food on the grill during the inaugural Multicultural Fiesta last year. The City of Lake City’s second Multicultural Day celebration is set for Saturday. (FILE)

Busy weekend planned for downtown Lake City

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Lake City’s downtown area is expected to come alive this weekend with concert and music on Friday night and vendors, food trucks, canoeing competitions, and arts and crafts vendors selling their wares in Olustee Park on Saturday during a Multicultural Day celebration.
The Best Western Gateway Grand’s Springhills Ballroom is on display at the Gainesville hotel. (COURTESY)

The Best Western Gateway Grand’s Springhills Ballroom is on display at the Gainesville hotel. (COURTESY)

Lake City hotel company expanding to Gainesville

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
GAINESVILLE — The Morpheus Group, a local hotel management company, closed on its acquisition of the Best Western Gateway Grand in Gainesville late last week. “This is the fifth hotel in our growing portfolio,” said Rod Butler, Morpheus Group chief operating officer.
Five Points Elementary Principal Brandi Keen high fives teacher William Sheldon, who is wearing a tiger mascot head, during the school’s final walkthrough on Monday. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Five Points Elementary Principal Brandi Keen high fives teacher William Sheldon, who is wearing a tiger mascot head, during the school’s final walkthrough on Monday. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Former students, teachers send off Five Points

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
In the midst of summer, when educators, students and faculty should be enjoying vacations, a crowd of people showed up at Five Points Elementary School with a mindset more akin to a family reunion.