Columbia County Observer

County 5 – Town of Fort White Utility Pow Wow. Com. Hollingsworth Does Everything But Ask Everyone to Hold Hands & Sing Kumbaya

December 2, 2023  11:45 pm | 9 min read

Columbia County Observer photo & graphic

County 5 - Town of Fort White Set To Meet Tonight: Utility Issues, Water & Wastewater On Tap

November 30, 2023  12:05 am | 4 min read

Photo: Keith Davis via Pixabay  | Columbia County Observer photo & graphic

FSU-FDOT Long Range Transportation Study A Success In Fort White – Lake City Languishes

November 27, 2023  10:10 am | 3 min read | Part I | Part II | Part III

Clerk of the Courts Jay Swisher and son William rank the transportation projects as FSU Planner Peyton Russo looks on. | Columbia County Observer photo & graphic

Meridian Behavioral Health Took Center Stage at the LSHA: Former Employee, Counselor, and Clients Gave Meridian the Thumbs Down

November 24, 2023  9 pm | 9 min read

COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – During the November Lake Shore Hospital Authority (LSHA) Governor's Board meeting, after a year of foot dragging by the Authority and, most recently, Meridian, Meridian’s quality of care finally became an issue.

 

 

 

 

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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.

Reposted November 22, 2023 | First Posted November 24, 2021

PLYMOUTH, Mass. — Overlooking the chilly waters of Plymouth Bay, about three dozen tourists swarmed a park ranger as he recounted the history of Plymouth Rock — the famous symbol of the arrival of the Pilgrims here four centuries ago.

County 5 Strong Arm Tactics Work – Fort White Headed to Lake City For Meet-Up

November 21, 2023  1:55 pm | 6 min read w/audio clip

FORT WHITE, FL – Last night’s Fort White Town Council meeting once again had the infamous County 5 pitted against somebody. This time it was the Town of Fort White.

 

Columbia County 5 vs. Sheriff Mark Hunter

The School District Was Their Foundation of Self Governance. Now There Is a Public Mess on Display.

Nov. 19, 2023  6:30 am | 12 min read

COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – At times during the November 16 meeting of the County 5, it was difficult to tell if the bimonthly meeting of the governing body of Columbia County was a campaign rally for Sheriff Hunter or an official meeting of the County 5 – the five men who govern Columbia County. Columbia County is not high on electing women.

LCPD Patrol Officers to Sergeants Get $9,500 Raise –  Now Have Parity With Sheriff’s Office – $45k Starting Salary

Nov. 15, 2023  2:00 am  | 3 min read

LAKE CITY, FL – Last Wednesday afternoon, in a meeting lasting a little over three minutes, Lake City Police Department Patrol Officers to Sergeants received a $9,500 raise, bringing them up to parity with the Sheriff's Office. The starting pay for a Patrol Officer, retroactive to October, is now $45,000.

LSHA: Meridian Behavioral Services On the Docket Tonight. Looking Past the Meridian Glitz & Outsized Salaries, Is It Providing Quality Services & Care?

Nov. 13, 2023  11:00 am | 4 min read

COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – After three years of foot-dragging and approximately $3 million spent maintaining empty buildings, the final chapter in the history of the vacated Shands At Lake Shore Hospital may be written this evening. It has not been a pretty picture for the Governor’s Board or the Authority Manager, Dale Williams.

There Are Voices To Be Heard Before the Vacated LSHA Hospital Is Gifted To Meridian

Nov. 11, 2023 9:15 am | 3.5 min read

There are voices to be heard regarding the gifting of the vacated Lake City Lake Shore Hospital to Meridian Behavioral Healthcare. The voices of those being treated or have been treated by Meridian or their family members.

 

 

 

 

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Interested in the Future of Transportation in Columbia County? The Fort White Community Center Is the Place to be Tonight

Nov. 8, 2023  02:00 am | 4 min read

COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – The FSU-FDOT Rural Transportation Team, following up on its October 26 success in Fort White, will return to town tonight, 6:30-8:30 pm, at the Fort White Community Center. The Team is inviting everyone to Fort White to contribute more new ideas and, with the community’s help, will rank and rate the projects that have been suggested.

Columbia County 5 vs. Town of Fort White, Good Will and a Partnership, or Outright Extortion?

Nov. 5, 2023  10:00 pm | 10 min read

COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – The November 3 Columbia County – Fort White joint meeting kicked off with Fort White in Commissioner Ronald Williams' prayers, "Father, we always need your help and your guidance… We were hoping that the Town Council of Fort White would be here." They weren't, and the County knew that the Town Attorney and Mayor would not be attending the meeting. It did not make a difference. The County 5 was marching on.

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County 5 Has a Busy Day In Lake City Today: TDC & Fort White On the Docket. Confusion & Lack of Effective Leadership Causing Confusion & Trouble

Nov. 1, 2023  08:30 am | 4 min read

COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – The County Commission (County 5) will be having a busy day today in Lake City. At 2 pm, the County 5 and the County's Tourist Development Council (TDC) are meeting in the LC Holiday Inn for a “Meet and Greet.”