Columbia County Observer

Shaping a Better Future By Recognizing the Interdependence of the World

Posted October 27, 2020  08:58 am | Op-Ed

Florida TaxWatch: Growing Disparity in State and Local Taxes

Posted October 23, 2020  07:59 am

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Florida’s state and local governments collect $6,352 in tax revenue for each of the state’s 21.5 million residents, according to an annual analysis by Florida TaxWatch (FTW), the nonpartisan, Tallahassee-based taxpayer research institute.

M-CORES: SWC Corridor Taskforce Rolls Back FDOT's Vision of Consensus

Posted October 21, 2020  03:40 pm

FDOT VIRTUAL UNIVERSE – On Monday, from 9:00 am to 11:07 pm, the South West Central (SWC) M-CORES Task Force met in its final session to agree on a report to send to the Florida Legislature. DOT did not get the stamp of approval it wanted.

Deep-Sea Coral Hotspots Get New Protections in Gulf

Posted October 21, 2020  05:15 am

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The federal government has approved new protections for fragile coral hotspots in the Gulf of Mexico. It's a long-awaited victory for environmental groups. Damaging fishing gear, like trawls, traps, anchors and longlines, can't be used in nearly 500 miles of scattered reef and canyon sites from Florida to Texas.

LSHA: Gov's Board Approves $7.5 mil Investment No One Asks About the Rate, Ignores FL Statutes

Posted October 15, 2020  01:45 pm

COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – This past Monday evening, the Governor's Lake Shore Hospital Authority Board approved a $7.5 mil investment – sight unseen, rate unknown, Florida statutes ignored.

M-CORES: 93% of the Public Against, Rural Florida at Risk, FDOT On-The-Spot

Posted October 14, 2020  07:40 pm

TALLAHASSEE, FL – After 15 months of public meetings, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), on behalf of the M-CORES Task Force, has collected almost 10,000 public comments regarding the Multi-use Corridors of Regional Economic Significance (M-CORES).

After DeSantis Veto, LEAP Tampa Bay Keeps College Completion Program Alive

Columbia County-FGC: Not part of the FL College Access Network

Posted October 12, 2020  06:05 am | Public News Service

Florida's Uninsured Children: 33% Above the National Average

Posted October 9, 2020  08:45 am

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The number of children without access to health coverage is on the rise in Florida. An annual report released today by the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families reveals there were 55,000 more uninsured children in the state in 2019 than in 2016. 

Rocky Ford, Ambassador for S. Columbia County, Hosts Fish Fry for Florida & County Candidates

Posted October 8, 2020  04:28 pm

COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – Last week, South Columbia County's Commissioner and goodwill ambassador, Rocky Ford, and his cousin Pete Richardson, held a fish fry lunch for Florida Legislative and County Candidates and the County's elected officials. 

Gov't Mess: City Holds Fourth-First Community Development Block Grant Public Hearing

Posted October6, 2020  07:35 pm

LAKE CITY, FL – Last evening in City Hall, Lake City's City Council held its Fourth-First Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) public hearing. Four, First public hearings may be a record in Florida, or even America, as the City continues flying by the seat of its CDBG pants. 

In a Surprise Move, the Columbia County 5 Name David Kraus as Interim County Manager

Posted October 2, 2020  09:33 am

COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – Last night, the Columbia County 5 named Assistant County Manager David Kraus as interim county manager. On Monday, County Manager Ben Scott surprised The 5 with his resignation, showing once again that Columbia County is full of surprises. Mr. Scott's resignation is effective on December 29.

Lake City Firefighters Set to Vote On Union Contract. Should They Be Treated Like Other City Employees and the City Manager?

Posted September 30, 2020  03:50 pm

LAKE CITY, FL – For the past three months, Lake City's firefighters, members of the International Association of Fire Fighters, have been actively negotiating a new contract with the City. The final hang-up: should the City's fire fighters receive the across the board 2% cost of living raise received by every other City employee, including the City Manager?

Florida Minimum Wage Constitutional Amendment Poised to Pass

Posted September 29, 2020  06:35 am

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Six proposed state constitutional amendments are on Florida’s Nov. 3 ballot, including four placed before voters through the citizen-petition process.

Pressure Mounts for Climate Question During Presidential Debates

Posted September 29, 2020  06:35 am

TALLAHASSEE, FL – As the nation grapples with massive wildfires, a hurricane season already on its second alphabet and intensifying drought, conservationists are calling on moderators for the first presidential debate to press candidates on their plans to address climate change. 

Today's Lake City Community Dev Block Grant Pub Hearing Misses Mandatory Notice Requirements

Posted September 28, 2020  04:35 am | updated 03:14 pm

LAKE CITY, FL – In its haste to ignore Lake City’s areas of blight, City Manager Joe Helfenberger scheduled a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) public hearing, which doesn't meet the minimum statutory notice requirements.

Third Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Mark E. Feagle Keeping Safety First During Continuing Pandemic

Posted September 26, 2020  05:20 pm

COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – Chief Judge Feagle announced on Friday that court proceedings, court hearings and evidentiary trials, will continue to be conducted utilizing audio/video technology with the circuit.

Rum Island Park: Additional Handicapped Parking on the Way, Along With More Security & Cameras

Posted September 22, 2020  07:35 am

COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – Along with the reopening festivities today, the good news at Rum Island Park is that there will be handicapped parking installed at the new restrooms and the security cameras, after a year, have finally been ordered.