Columbia County Observer

Ft White, FL: Joe Helfenberger, A Qualified City Clerk Resigns, a Little Town With Big Problems

July 2, 2026  7:55 am | 4 min read

Mayor George Thomas has refused to attend the last two Town Counicil meetings. Elected without any experience in local government, he has lead the Town into chaos.

Columbia Cnty EMS – Part V: Years To Come Up With a Plan – Now It's an Emergency

June 24, 2026 1:03 pm

Photo: Jon LCE (ambulance) via Unsplash | Columbia County Observer graphic

Columbia Cnty EMS – Part III: County Heads to LSHA With Hand Out

June 10, 2026 8:36 am

Photo: Jon LCE via Unsplash, hand vis Unsplash | Columbia County Observer graphic

Columbia Cnty EMS - Part II: Need an Ambulance, drive across the border – call 911

June 8, 2026 12:20 pm

Photo: Jon LCE via Unsplash | Columbia County Observer graphic

Putting the Public at Risk - Part I:  MSTUs
Lake City & Columbia County Don’t Disappoint. Foot Dragging, No Information, Danger

June 7, 2026 10:05 am | 5 min read

Photo: Jon LCE via Unsplash

North Florida Water Utility Authority: Trust & Transparency Issues. Vice Chair Nixes the “Buzz Off” on No Budget Workshop

May 21, 2026  11:25 am

Water First North Florida: The $1.1 Billion Project That No One Likes, Except Insiders, Is on the Ropes

Where is it now and how did it get there?

May 15, 2026  9:45 am

Clint Pittman, County Landscape & Parks Director, Quits Job to Run For County Commissioner

May 9, 2026  11:59 pm

Cnty Employee Clint Pittman is running for Cnty Commissioner. The Ethics Policy says no can do.

May 7, 2026  8:00 am

Photo: Sutirta Budiman via Unsplash

City Attorney Clay Martin & City Council Ignore Mandatory Public Hearing Notice Requirement in Multi-Million Dollar WWTP Purchase from County

May 5, 2026 1:25 pm

Columbia County Observer photo and graphic

FHP Capt. Mike Burroughs Tells the NCFRPC, “Speed & Distracted Driving Kills" – He wants to keep you alive

May 1, 2026  11:30 pm

Photo: Izzy E via Unsplash

Fort White Recall: Circuit Court Judge Fred Koberlein, Jr., Put the Brakes on the Fort White Recall Election – For Now

It’s now up to the Fort White Mayor’s brother to decide whether or not to soldier on.

April 15, 2026  9:20 pm

Judge Fred Koberlein, Jr., center; Councilman Harrell (bottom left); Defendant Giorgio Thomas, (right).  Photos via Columbia County Court Administration Zoom hearing.

Fort White Recall of Lonnie Harrell on the Court Docket This Afternoon at 4 PM – Former Town Attorney Judge Fred Koberlein, Jr., Presiding

April 13, 2026  9:45 am

Photo during Mr. Koberlein's time as City Atty.  Columbia County Observer photo and graphic