Columbia County Observer

Overturning Roe v. Wade Will Roll Back the Human Rights of Many in the Deep South

Posted June 25, 2022  07:15 am

Photo: Sharon McCutcheon via Unsplash | Columbia County Observer graphic

LC City Manager Search: Community Activist, Former Council Member, Mayor & City Council Look to Side-Step Head Hunter Colin Baenziger

Posted June 22, 2022  11:58 pm

LAKE CITY, FL – Tuesday evening in City Hall, way down on the evening's agenda, was the approval of a contract between headhunter Colin Baenziger and the City of Lake City. Not to be outdone by itself, just when one might have thought Lake City couldn't embarrass itself anymore – it did.

LSHA-Meridian, Part III: Community Activist and Former Drug Dealer Opposes the Meridian Plan

Posted June 16, 2022  09:40 am

COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – On Monday evening, June 13, Meridian Behavioral Health pitched its proposal to use the vacated Lake Shore Hospital. Former Columbia County County Manager and present part-time Authority Exec Director Dale Williams has facilitated the proposal process. It has dragged out and has been highlighted by late proposals, undated proposals, and folks mysteriously showing up during one presentation.

LSHA: Gov's. Bd. Hears Third Hospital Proposal. Meridian Will Provide Everything from Inpatient Care to Counseling – Drug Rehab to Primary Care

Part II - The Presentation

Posted June 15, 2022  06:30 pm

COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – Monday night at the Lake Shore Hospital Authority brought Meridian Behavioral Healthcare in front of the Governor's appointed Board. Meridian has been providing mental health care services in the region for 50 years and wants to bring an enhanced level of care to Columbia County.

Lake Shore Hospital Authority: Tonight, Governor’s Board To Hear Hospital Proposal from Meridian Behavioral Health Care:  Part I

Posted June 13, 2022  11:55  am

COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – The Lake Shore Hospital Authority’s Shands at Lake Shore Hospital has been vacant since October 2020. At that time, having just been paid by Community Health Systems (CHS) to buy out its lease, the Authority had $23,559,266 in the bank. It has been a sad story ever since.

LC City Manager Search: After 9 Mo. Rollercoaster Ride – Headhunter Contract Terminated

Posted June 7, 2022  03:05 pm

LAKE CITY, FL – Over the past few months, when talking about Lake City, Mayor Steven Witt has not been shy about mentioning, “Lake City is a laughing stock.” Years of out-of-control meetings and a city manager search that has gone off the rails has folks all over Florida shaking their heads in agreement.

LC City Manager Search: Headhunter back with another 12th-hour presentation – three more candidates – one new – two old

Posted June 6, 2022  04:30 pm

LAKE CITY, FL – The saga of Lake City’s City Manager woes continues tonight at 6 pm. Once again, on the agenda is Headhunter Renee Narlock. This time Ms. Narlock is re-presenting two prior candidates and one new one.

Columbia County Tourist Development Council: A New Logo - What Were They Thinking?

Posted June 2, 2022  11:55 am

COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – Yesterday at high noon, and about $150,000 later, Columbia County Tourist Development Council (TDC) Director Paula Vann revealed the TDC’s new logo and marketing scheme.

Calls Expand for Florida Dept. of Ed. to Reverse Withdrawal from Youth Risk Behavior Survey

Posted May 27, 2022  11:45 am

ORLANDO, FL – Florida officials’ abrupt decision to withdraw from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) continues to worry advocacy groups, nonprofits, and others across the state. 

LC City Manager Search: Mayor Wants to Interview Candidates Without Looking at Resumes, Headhunter – Out of Steam

Posted May 20, 2022  008:45 am

LAKE CITY, FL – The sideways procurement of its headhunter, the enhanced level of secrecy encouraged by the City Attorney, and the general incompetence of the City Council have left Lake City reeling, dysfunctional, and unable to find a city manager.

Lake City-Columbia County Utility Easment Issues Spill Into County Roadway: It Was Not Pretty

Posted May 7, 2022  03:43 pm

COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – This past Thursday’s County 5 meeting wrapped up its printed agenda in a world record thirty-eight minutes. It looked like everyone was going home early. Then, The 5 decided to have an impromptu mowing workshop and a discussion about a City Utility Project which included a contractor cutting up County roads.

LC City Manager Search: Looking for a Job, $160k Now the Top Pay - City Council Has an Epiphany

Posted May 4, 2022  02:55 pm

LAKE CITY, FL – Monday evening, the Lake City City Council re-thought its salary requirements for a city manager. Mayor Witt and Councilman Hill and Jefferson had changes of heart and upped the salary ante from $120k a year to $140k to $160k.

LC City Manager Search: Tonight, The City Council May Decide How Much Its City Manager Is Worth?

Posted May 2, 2022  02:50 pm

LAKE CITY, FL – At 6 pm this evening, the City Council will be discussing its vacant city manager position again. Flailing around like a fish out of water, anything could happen: at the Mayor level, the Councilman level, and from the public. 

LC City Manager Search: Flying by the Seat of Its Pants – New Requirements Could Be Problematic

Posted April 27, 2022  07:45 pm

LAKE CITY, FL – The Lake City City Manager search continued last night with the City Council further away from hiring a City Manager. With the Council minus one council member and apparent new hiring ground rules, more 2-2 deadlocks may be on the way. That is, if the City finds anyone to apply.

LC City Manager Search: Can An X-Army Colonel Get Lake City Aimed in the Right Direction? Tonight the City Council Will Decide

Posted April 26, 2022  11:15 am

LAKE CITY, FL – The Lake City City Manager search may come to a merciful end this evening after the City Council meets to discuss the offer of retired army colonel Glen Adams.