Local

Columbia County Commissioner Rocky Ford said he was fine with the budget allocation presented by county administration for the Sheriff’s Office because ‘we have to present a balanced budget.’ (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia County Commissioner Rocky Ford said he was fine with the budget allocation presented by county administration for the Sheriff’s Office because ‘we have to present a balanced budget.’ (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Sheriff’s request cut, but still can do raises

JAMIE WACHTER
Saturday, August 23, 2025
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office isn’t getting its full budget request for the next fiscal year. However, the Columbia County Commission is providing enough additional funds to provide a $7,000 increase for all sworn officers.

County gets $1.2M for home rehabs

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, August 22, 2025
Columbia County’s ongoing efforts to rehab or replace homes for low-income families received another infusion of funding Thursday. Gov. Ron DeSantis, during an appearance in Arcadia, announced more than $38 million in funding for rural communities, including $1.
Narrie Smith, a retired Columbia County School District educator, helps children with their homework while they are at the NorthStar Family Resource Center on Tuesday afternoon. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Narrie Smith, a retired Columbia County School District educator, helps children with their homework while they are at the NorthStar Family Resource Center on Tuesday afternoon. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

NorthStar recognized for youth programs

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
A local family resource center providing several services to community residents was recently recognized for its effectiveness for having a positive impact on the community during its first five years of service.

Teen’s murder trial starts Monday

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
One of the three Lake City teens charged with murdering a 12-year-old girl two years ago will go on trial, starting Monday. Jury selection begins Monday at 8:30 a.m. at the Columbia County Courthouse for the Jayden Burch trial. Circuit Court Judge Leandra Johnson will preside over the trial.
A pair of 12-week old mini-dachunds are cuddled by Elizabeth Halloran, Lake City Humane Society executive director, at the facility on in July after the facility earned its no kill designation. (FILE)

A pair of 12-week old mini-dachunds are cuddled by Elizabeth Halloran, Lake City Humane Society executive director, at the facility on in July after the facility earned its no kill designation. (FILE)

LCHS will ‘persevere’ without county funds

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Facing the possibility of losing the biggest chunk of its funding, a local non-profit is hoping to stay the course to keep operations moving. The Lake City Humane Society will likely lose its contract with Columbia County to handle its animal services and care.

Cyclist hit near U.S. 90/I-75 interchange

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
A bicyclist suffered a significant head injury Tuesday night after being hit near the W. U.S. Highway 90 and Interstate 75 interchange. According to a Lake City Police Department release, the cyclist was hit in the westbound lanes of U.S. 90 near the interchange around 9:28 p.m.
The Columbia County Tourism Development Council approved funding toward the construction of a new RC park at the 500-acre regional sports park on the north side of Lake City. The park will replace the Southside RC Raceway. (COURTESY)

The Columbia County Tourism Development Council approved funding toward the construction of a new RC park at the 500-acre regional sports park on the north side of Lake City. The park will replace the Southside RC Raceway. (COURTESY)

TDC approves funding to build new RC track

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
The Columbia County Tourism Development Council is ready to rev up the construction of a new remote control racing track in Lake City.
Angelina Jenkins (left) smiles as Dino Casterline draws her caricature during Florida Gateway College’s Welcome Week 2025 Festivities on Monday afternoon. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Angelina Jenkins (left) smiles as Dino Casterline draws her caricature during Florida Gateway College’s Welcome Week 2025 Festivities on Monday afternoon. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Timberwolves welcomed back

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
The Florida Gateway College campus came back to life from a brief summer hiatus when classes for the fall semester began Monday morning.
Miss United States Lindsey Langston (right) sits by as Bobi Frank, her attorney, speaks during Monday’s Third Judicial Circuit hearing over Zoom. (COURTESY)

Miss United States Lindsey Langston (right) sits by as Bobi Frank, her attorney, speaks during Monday’s Third Judicial Circuit hearing over Zoom. (COURTESY)

Miss United States, Congressman hearing coming to Courthouse

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Miss United States and a U.S. Congressman will be meeting soon in the Columbia County Courthouse. During a brief Zoom hearing Monday afternoon, Third Judicial Circuit Judge Fred Koberlein continued the petition by Lindsey Langston seeking an injunction for protection from dating violence against U.
Lake City Councilwoman Tammy Harris said a proposed 3% raise across the board for city staffers isn’t a money grab for councilors. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Lake City Councilwoman Tammy Harris said a proposed 3% raise across the board for city staffers isn’t a money grab for councilors. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Council beefs over budget vote

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
A couple of Lake City Councilors aren’t thrilled with how the budget process has begun. They sought answers at the end of Monday’s Lake City Council meeting.