Columbia County Observer

Florida’s School Voucher Program: New Proposed Legislation (HB 1) Would Funnel Billions From Florida's Public Schools

Posted February 3, 2023  01:15 pm

Two Marion County Fire Rescue Firefighters Dead to Suicide – Fire Chief Pleads That Folks Ask For and Get Help

Posted February 2, 2023  6:35 pm

Photo via IAFF | Columbia County Observer graphic

Meridian & the LSHA: Meridian – Will It Answer Questions & Listen to the Public About Its Planned Renovation of the Vacated Auth Hosp?

January 31, 2023  12:45 pm

COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – This evening, after over two years of foot-dragging by the Lake Shore Hospital Authority Board and its Part Time Manager Dale Williams, a concrete plan for the vacated Shands at Lake Shore Hospital will again be presented by Meridian Behavioral Services. The Authority workshop begins at 6 pm and is being held at the School Board Administrative complex on US 90.

HAECO Outmaneuvers Lake City: 20 Year Sweetheart Lease To Save HAECO Millions; Economic Development At Airport Threatened

January 24, 2023  03:39 am

LAKE CITY, FL – Last Tuesday evening, January 17, one of the biggest sweetheart deals in the history of Florida went down in Lake City City Hall. Negotiations between Lake City and HAECO (Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company), which began approximately 18 months ago, ended with all but one of the City Council clueless about the fair market value of its airport. 

Lake Shore Hospital Authority: After the Innuendo, Misinformation & Foot-Dragging About Meridian, the Observer Did an On-Site Tour

January 12, 2023  4:30 pm

COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – After two years plus of foot-dragging since the abandonment of Shands at Lake Shore Hospital, and over a year after Meridian Behavioral Healthcare offered to occupy the vacated Authority hospital, part-time Authority Manager Dale Williams and Governor’s board member Brandon Beil are finally taking a tour of Meridian’s Gainesville campus.

LSHA: Governor’s Board Breezes Through Monthly Meeting in 18 Minutes. Foot Dragging Cost County Taxpayers Millions & Rising

January 10, 2023  7:23 pm

COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – Monday night, Governor Ron DeSantis’s illegally constituted Lake Shore Hospital Authority Board blew through the evening’s agenda in eighteen minutes.   

Columbia County 5: “Of the People, By the People, For the People,” Out the Window, Along with Rules & Fairness

January 6, 2022  01:59 pm

COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – Yesterday morning, the County 5 reached an all-time new low in agenda preparation and a new high in ways to disrespect and mug the public. Richardson Community Center, a bellwether of the Black community and a historical marker of Columbia County, fell victim to the chopping block of the infamous Columbia County 5.

Lake City City Manager Search Over: 18 Months After It Began a 4-1 Vote For Ex-Utility Director Paul Dyal Leaves Most Questions Unanswered

January 5, 2023  09:50 am

LAKE CITY, FL – Tuesday evening in City Hall, there was only one lone voice asking questions and looking for answers in the final stampede to hire former City Utility Director Paul Dyal as Lake City’s permanent City Manager: Councilman Todd Sampson.

 

Lake City City Manager Search:  No Background Check; No Credit Check; No Code of Ethics For City Manager Paul Dyal

January 3, 2023  2:10 pm

LAKE CITY, FL – Controversial City Manager Paul Dyal and his contract, now three of them, is once again front and center on tonight’s City Council agenda. Newly installed Councilman Ricky Jernigan has negotiated the final version.