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Lake City Councilman James Carter said he was happy to see David Winsberg’s willingness to work with the neighbors on a proposed housing development. (FILE)

Lake City Councilman James Carter said he was happy to see David Winsberg’s willingness to work with the neighbors on a proposed housing development. (FILE)

Concerns table land use change on proposed housing development

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Public comments at Tuesday’s Lake City Council meeting eventually led to a continuance on the discussion of a potential Future Land Use change. David Winsberg, the owner of 7.95 acres across two parcels of land west of the U.S. Highway 41-NW Bascom Norris intersection along NW Early St.
A hot air balloon stands ready behind an American flag as part of the 250th anniversary celebration of the United States of America on Saturday at the Florida Gateway Fairgrounds. The hot air balloons, though, were unable to fly due to windy conditions. The celebration attracted more than 7,000 to the fairgrounds. (RAY CARPENTER/Lake City Reporter)

A hot air balloon stands ready behind an American flag as part of the 250th anniversary celebration of the United States of America on Saturday at the Florida Gateway Fairgrounds. The hot air balloons, though, were unable to fly due to windy conditions. The celebration attracted more than 7,000 to the fairgrounds. (RAY CARPENTER/Lake City Reporter)

250th birthday blast

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
The 250th anniversary celebration of the United States of America in Columbia County took place with a fireworks and laser show, three groups of professional entertainers, a classic car show and a variety of other activities that lured thousands of residents to the Florida Gateway Fairgrounds on...
Lake City Fire Department firefighter Chase Hancock (from left) lets Ryker Paris, 7, Jeremiah Williamson, 7, Ariella Paris, 7 and Melissa Angeles look at the equipment firefighters use on emergency calls during the Firefighters and Cones event. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Lake City Fire Department firefighter Chase Hancock (from left) lets Ryker Paris, 7, Jeremiah Williamson, 7, Ariella Paris, 7 and Melissa Angeles look at the equipment firefighters use on emergency calls during the Firefighters and Cones event. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Firefighters help serve sweet treats to youth

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Local youngsters teamed with Lake City firefighters and Dairy Queen to beat the heat on Monday afternoon during a Firefighters and Cones event.During the event, kids had the opportunity to meet and visit with local firefighters, look at the their equipment and eat ice cream.
A car crashed into the Courtyard by Marriott hotel along U.S. Highway 90 on July 1. (COURTESY LAKE CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT)

A car crashed into the Courtyard by Marriott hotel along U.S. Highway 90 on July 1. (COURTESY LAKE CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT)

Car crashes into Lake City hotel

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
A Lake City hotel suffered minor damage last week when a car crashed into it.According to a Lake City Fire Department release, firefighters responded to the Courtyard by Marriott along U.S. Highway 90, next to the Dairy Queen, at approximately 4:45 p.m.

County considers new meeting space

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
The planned move of the Columbia County Tax Collector’s Office could lead to a new meeting space for the Columbia County commission.During the board’s meeting Thursday, County Manager David Kraus told the commission that it needed to start thinking about a new meeting space for the future.
Shannon Roberts, the executive director of the North Florida Water Utilities Authority, will soon have two new board members to work with after the Columbia County Commission made new appointments Thursday. (FILE)

Shannon Roberts, the executive director of the North Florida Water Utilities Authority, will soon have two new board members to work with after the Columbia County Commission made new appointments Thursday. (FILE)

Graham, Phelps picked to serve on utility board

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, July 3, 2026
The North Florida Water Utilities Authority will have two new board members next month.During the Columbia County Commission meeting Thursday, the board approved by a pair of 4-1 votes to select Jock Phelps and Walt Graham to serve on the utility group’s governing board.
Columbia County Commissioner Rocky Ford said the county needs to make sure it commits to whatever funding is necessary to improve emergency medical services in the county. (FILE)

Columbia County Commissioner Rocky Ford said the county needs to make sure it commits to whatever funding is necessary to improve emergency medical services in the county. (FILE)

County still seeking ambulances from LSHA

JAMIE WACHTER
Thursday, July 2, 2026
Columbia County plans to repeat its request for ambulances from the Lake Shore Hospital Authority in an effort to boost emergency medical service in rural areas of the county.
Children take part in a sack race at Memorial Stadium as part of Columbia County and Lake City’s Bicentennial celebration in 1976. (FILE)

Children take part in a sack race at Memorial Stadium as part of Columbia County and Lake City’s Bicentennial celebration in 1976. (FILE)

Looking back on the Bicentennial

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
This weekend, Columbia County and the City of Lake City will throw a massive bash to celebrate the United States of America’s semiquincentennial, an event that will have live music from a trio of tribute bands, vendors, old-fashioned field games, a watermelon eating contest, a hot dog eating...
Theophilus Weeks’ headstone at Price Creek Cemetery. Weeks served in the Revolutionary War before settling in Columbia County near Ellisville. (COURTESY)

Theophilus Weeks’ headstone at Price Creek Cemetery. Weeks served in the Revolutionary War before settling in Columbia County near Ellisville. (COURTESY)

Honoring Revolutionary War vets who settled in Columbia County

esingc
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
The final part in a series of articles looking at the road that led to the American Revolution, resulting in America’s independence 250 years ago, will be coming soon. Meanwhile, here is a look at three men who settled in Columbia County after fighting in the Revolutionary War.

Columbia County Schools retain ‘B’ grade

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
The Columbia County School District is still ahead of the curve.The Florida Department of Education released its School Grades on Tuesday and Columbia County Schools maintained a ‘B’ grade as a district for the eighth straight year. The district totaled 738 points or 62% of the total possible.