Regional

FGC student arrested for gun on campus

A Florida Gateway College student was arrested Tuesday evening after deputies found a handgun and a loaded magazine in his bookbag in a vehicle on campus. Authorities also found a baggy containing methamphetamine near where they first saw the student.

Covid-19 claims first life in Lafayette County

MAYO — The first death related to covid-19 in Lafayette County was confirmed Wednesday. The Florida Department of Health in Lafayette County announced the death Wednesday of a 95-year-old male that had previously been diagnosed with the coronavirus.

Rain, winds expected from storm

MIAMI — Storm models from the National Hurricane Center indicated Tuesday that a disturbance east of the Windward Islands could cause rain and winds in Florida this weekend.

Suwannee River Jam canceled

LIVE OAK — The show will not go on. Already postponed from its normal spring dates due to the covid-19 pandemic, the Suwannee River Jam has now been canceled. It is the first time the festival has been canceled in its 29-year history. The postponement was also a first.

Three killed in area accidents

DAY — Three people lost their lives in the past two days in unrelated vehicle crashes in Hamilton and Lafayette counties. On Monday morning, a 76-year-old Mayo man died in a single vehicle crash in Lafayette County when his vehicle ran off the road.

Dollar General hosting free covid-19 testing

Area residents who are interested in being tested for covid-19 have a new option. Testing is being offered in the parking lot at the Dollar General store located at 136 NW Bascom  Norris Drive, near the intersection with U.S. Highway 441 North.
Sailor Hunter, 4, has a ‘hair-raising’ experience as she takes a ride down the sliding board Friday morning at the Columbia City Park. The park, which is fully compliant with the American Disabilities Act, is the county’s first fully inclusive playground. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Sailor Hunter, 4, has a ‘hair-raising’ experience as she takes a ride down the sliding board Friday morning at the Columbia City Park. The park, which is fully compliant with the American Disabilities Act, is the county’s first fully inclusive playground. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia County opens fully ADA-compliant park

COLUMBIA CITY — Columbia County officials opened the county’s newest park Friday morning in Columbia City with a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the county’s first fully inclusive playground.