Regional

An image from a NOAA satellite on Sept. 14 shows five tropical systems spinning in the Atlantic basin at one time. In all, a record 10 named storms formed in September 2020. (NOAA)

An image from a NOAA satellite on Sept. 14 shows five tropical systems spinning in the Atlantic basin at one time. In all, a record 10 named storms formed in September 2020. (NOAA)

Record-breaking hurricane season comes to an end

NEWS STAFF
Friday, November 27, 2020
It is finally coming to a close. The active 2020 Atlantic hurricane season is drawing to a close with a record-breaking 30 named storms and 12 landfalling storms in the continental United States.
Gunster attorney Mike Freed, center, ran from the Columbia County Courthouse to the Baker County Courthouse Nov. 20 along with members of the Jacksonville Area Legal Aid board of directors as part of a six-marathon series that raises money for JALA. (COURTESY)

Gunster attorney Mike Freed, center, ran from the Columbia County Courthouse to the Baker County Courthouse Nov. 20 along with members of the Jacksonville Area Legal Aid board of directors as part of a six-marathon series that raises money for JALA. (COURTESY)

Freed to Run makes local stop

NEWS STAFF
Friday, November 27, 2020
“Freed to Run,” a Jacksonville attorney raised more than $400,000 with a series of marathons that included a Lake City stop.
The Publix at Live Oak Crossing, which is set for a Dec. 10 grand opening, is located on the northern end of Live Oak along U.S. 129. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

The Publix at Live Oak Crossing, which is set for a Dec. 10 grand opening, is located on the northern end of Live Oak along U.S. 129. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Shopping will be a pleasure: Live Oak’s new Publix grand opening scheduled Dec. 10

NEWS STAFF
Thursday, November 26, 2020
LIVE OAK —The pleasure of shopping at a new, larger Publix will be coming within two weeks. The grand opening of the Publix at Live Oak Crossing — the intersection 72nd Trace and U.S. Highway 129 North — is scheduled for Dec. 10. The final day for the South Oaks Square Publix is Dec.
Historic Mayor’s Park in Fort White includes an old train depot and red caboose. Exhibit signs were recently installed at the park to help detail the history of the town. (COURTESY)

Historic Mayor’s Park in Fort White includes an old train depot and red caboose. Exhibit signs were recently installed at the park to help detail the history of the town. (COURTESY)

Grant funding upgrades Mayor’s Park in Fort White

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
FORT WHITE — Historic Mayor’s Park received a helping hand from a new upgrade in taking visitor’s back in time. The town of Fort White was recently awarded a $35,450 grant from the Florida Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources to add a welcome sign and exhibit signs to the park.

Brown argues religious discrimination in appeal

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
TALLAHASSEE — Saying judges should use “utmost caution” when disqualifying jurors based on religious beliefs, attorneys for former Florida Congresswoman Corrine Brown urged a federal appeals court Monday to order a new trial in her challenge to a conviction on fraud and tax charges.

Pedestrian killed in hit-and-run accident

NEWS STAFF
Monday, November 23, 2020
BRANFORD — A California man was hit and killed while walking along U.S. Highway 27 Saturday. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a 32-year-old from Carlsbad, Calif., was walking along on northbound shoulder of U.S. 27 south Branford when he was hit by a minivan around 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
David Culpepper was honored by the Florida Forest Service for his management of 175 acres of forest land in Hamilton County. (COURTESY)

David Culpepper was honored by the Florida Forest Service for his management of 175 acres of forest land in Hamilton County. (COURTESY)

Culpepper honored for forest management

NEWS STAFF
Monday, November 23, 2020
JASPER — A Hamilton County landowner has been recognized by the Florida Forest Service for his exceptional forest management properties.

Jobless rate ticks back up locally

NEWS STAFF
Saturday, November 21, 2020
After several months of falling, the local unemployment rate rose ever so slightly last month. According to numbers released Friday by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, there were 1,583 workers unemployed in Columbia County in October, a 5.3% jobless rate.