Local

County voting Thursday on tax rate, budget

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
The Columbia County Commissioners will adopt its tentative budget and tax rate for the next fiscal year during its meeting Thursday. The meeting is set for the Keith Hudson School Board Auditorium, 372 W. Duval Street in Lake City, starting at 5:30 p.m.
A rendering of the Cornerstone Crossing at 47 project at the Interstate 75 and State Road 47 interchange shows plans for a Publix grocery store as well as a convenience store, McDonald’s, Zaxby’s and Ellianos Coffee. (COURTESY)

A rendering of the Cornerstone Crossing at 47 project at the Interstate 75 and State Road 47 interchange shows plans for a Publix grocery store as well as a convenience store, McDonald’s, Zaxby’s and Ellianos Coffee. (COURTESY)

Board backs incentive for potential second Publix

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, August 29, 2025
After 10 years of working on the Cornerstone Crossing at 47 project, Scott Stewart moved one step closer Friday to make the commercial development and a possible second Publix a reality.
Lake City Finance Director Angie Taylor Moore, pictured at a previous city meeting, said the city currently funds nearly $1 million for the fire department which is ‘not sustainable given our rapid growth.’ (FILE)

Lake City Finance Director Angie Taylor Moore, pictured at a previous city meeting, said the city currently funds nearly $1 million for the fire department which is ‘not sustainable given our rapid growth.’ (FILE)

51% city fire assessment hike set for vote

NEWS STAFF
Friday, August 29, 2025
City of Lake City property owners have one last opportunity to speak their minds on a proposed 51.4% increase to their annual fire assessments. The Lake City Council is hosting a public hearing on the proposed rate hike during its rescheduled regular meeting on Wednesday, beginning at 6 p.m.
Bernard George (from left), brings bags of donations for displaced fire victims to American Red Cross workers Darryl Crawford and Doug Silvey on Thursday afternoon. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Bernard George (from left), brings bags of donations for displaced fire victims to American Red Cross workers Darryl Crawford and Doug Silvey on Thursday afternoon. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Community helping families recover from fire

TONY BRITT
Friday, August 29, 2025
In the aftermath of a fire that damaged a local apartment building and displaced around 50 people, a variety of aid has been contributed from the community to help the people recovering from the blaze.
Jayden Burch is fingerprinted after being found guilty of murder and attempted murder on Wednesday in a 2023 shooting that killed 12-year-old Mariah Smith. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Jayden Burch is fingerprinted after being found guilty of murder and attempted murder on Wednesday in a 2023 shooting that killed 12-year-old Mariah Smith. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Teen guilty of murder

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
The first of three teens accused of murdering 12-year-old Mariah Smith has been found guilty. Jayden Tyler Burch, now 17 years old, was found guilty on a count of second degree murder as well as two counts of attempted second degree murder for the August 2023 shooting.
Twelve apartments were damaged in an attic fire early Wednesday morning at the Cedar Park Apartment complex. (COURTESY LAKE CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT)

Twelve apartments were damaged in an attic fire early Wednesday morning at the Cedar Park Apartment complex. (COURTESY LAKE CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT)

50 displaced by Cedar Park fire

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
A raging structure fire consumed a significant portion of a local apartment building Wednesday morning, displacing approximately 50 people and drawing resources from city and county firefighting units. The fire occurred at the Cedar Park Apartment Complex around 2:21 a.m.
Gateway Artist Carol Ghionzoli was the first annual winner in the Precious Pets Portrait Contest with her drawing of her pet. Deadline for this year’s contest entry is Saturday. (COURTESY)

Gateway Artist Carol Ghionzoli was the first annual winner in the Precious Pets Portrait Contest with her drawing of her pet. Deadline for this year’s contest entry is Saturday. (COURTESY)

Gallery, Humane Society teaming up for third Pet Portrait contest

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Local pet lovers now have a way to physically show their pets just how much they are loved from art-creating pet lovers. The Gateway Art Gallery is holding its third annual Precious Pet Portrait Contest in conjunction with the Lake City Humane Society.
Elaine Lagasse, a member of the American Legion Post 57 Honor guard, helps a pair of Fort White Elementary School students fold a flag during a flag etiquette lesson Wednesday. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Elaine Lagasse, a member of the American Legion Post 57 Honor guard, helps a pair of Fort White Elementary School students fold a flag during a flag etiquette lesson Wednesday. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Fort White Elementary students learn proper flag etiquette

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
FORT WHITE — More than a dozen Fort White Elementary School students were given a brief history lesson on the American flag on Wednesday afternoon.