logo

Stew Lilker’s

Columbia County Observer

Real news from Florida for working families since 2007

Columbia County 2025 Legislative Delegation Meeting: Record Setting Attendance & Meaningful Conversation

Senator Jennifer Bradley and Representative Chuck Brannan as the Delegation meeting begins.
Senator Jennifer Bradley and Representative Chuck Brannan.

Columbia County Legislative Delegation: Meeting This Morning To Hear Your Concerns and Recommendations


Columbia County Observer photo and graphic

Lake City: City Manager Don Rosenthal Goes to $175,000 – a 3% raise. He Thought He Was Worth More & So Did Others

Lake City City Manager Don Rosenthal
Columbia County Observer photo

Fort White: After Two Years, the Town & the Collective Are Set to Bury the Hatchet. New Mayor Plays Important Part

The Collective in Fort White

Fort White: Newly Elected Mayor George Jacob Thomas Annoints Himself With Powers He Does Not Have. Does the Columbia County 5 Care?

Picture of cart before the horse

Florida Shatters Tourism Records in 2023 – Remains the World's Premier Travel Destination


Image: via Visit Florida| Columbia County Observer graphic

LSHA: FGC Jumps Into the Mix For Vacant LSHA Property. Palms Medical Wants a Subsidy – $5.4 million. What About South Columbia County?

Map of Columbia County and Lake City with headline: the Lake Shore Hospital Authority is charged with servicing more than Lake City
Map by Arkyan via Wikimedia | Columbia County Observer graphic

Tax Collector Kyle Keen Extends November 4% Tax Discount Payment Deadline to Friday, December 6

Lake City: Bringing Back Civility to City Hall. Will the Police Barrier Be Coming Down? Trustee Carter Doesn’t Like It.

Lake City Management Looking to Sell Four-Day Workweek. Explanations & Presentation Not Ready for Prime Time


Photo: Jon Tyson via Unsplash | Columbia County Observer graphic

The Wampanoags Helped the Pilgrims Survive for Their First Thanksgiving – They Still Regret It

The actual history of what happened in 1621 bears little resemblance to what most Americans are taught.

Statue of Chief Ousamequin of the Wampanoag Nation, overlooking Plymouth Bay, with Caption: The first Thanksgiving. The Wampanoags help was followed by years of a slow, unfolding genocide
Columbia County Observer graphic, photo as above

Booze Causing Rising Deaths on the Highways And Other Places

Booze piñata with headline: Booze related deaths on the rise
Photo: NIPYATA! via Unsplash | Columbia County Observer graphic

Fort White: George Jacob Thomas Sworn In as Mayor – Encouraging Words and A Steep Learning Curve Ahead

George Jacob Thomas takes the oath of office
George Jacob Thomas sworn in as Fort White Mayor. Wife Maureen holds the bible while  his two children, Julia and Benjamin look on (faces blurred by request). Mr. Thomas's brother Joshua Thomas is in the background holding his daughter. Town Counsel Lindsey Lander administered the Oath.

See us on Facebook 
 

 

Trump’s Classified-Documents Case Tossed By Judge Aileen Cannon

Florida Commission on Ethics: Chaining the Toothless Watchdog

Seatbelts: If You Don’t Think or Think Seatbelts Don’t Save Lives, Think Again. Traveling on July 4 – Buckle Up

It’s Bat Maternity Season: Be on the Lookout for Bat Moms & Their Baby Bats

Another Trump Presidency: What Would It Mean For Health Care?

Abortion Access Designated Amendment 4 On 2024 Ballot

MLK Day: A Look back at Dr. King and the Nobel Peace Prize & a History of the Lake City Logo

On the 50th Anniversary of Endangered Species Act, Protecting Rice's Whales (estimated 100 left) and Others With This Landmark Legislation

WEATHER:  Today & Tonight