Columbia County Observer

Lake City Firefighters Set to Vote On Union Contract. Should They Be Treated Like Other City Employees and the City Manager?

Posted September 30, 2020  03:50 pm

Florida Minimum Wage Constitutional Amendment Poised to Pass

Posted September 29, 2020  06:35 am

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Six proposed state constitutional amendments are on Florida’s Nov. 3 ballot, including four placed before voters through the citizen-petition process.

Pressure Mounts for Climate Question During Presidential Debates

Posted September 29, 2020  06:35 am

TALLAHASSEE, FL – As the nation grapples with massive wildfires, a hurricane season already on its second alphabet and intensifying drought, conservationists are calling on moderators for the first presidential debate to press candidates on their plans to address climate change. 

Today's Lake City Community Dev Block Grant Pub Hearing Misses Mandatory Notice Requirements

Posted September 28, 2020  04:35 am | updated 03:14 pm

LAKE CITY, FL – In its haste to ignore Lake City’s areas of blight, City Manager Joe Helfenberger scheduled a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) public hearing, which doesn't meet the minimum statutory notice requirements.

Third Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Mark E. Feagle Keeping Safety First During Continuing Pandemic

Posted September 26, 2020  05:20 pm

COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – Chief Judge Feagle announced on Friday that court proceedings, court hearings and evidentiary trials, will continue to be conducted utilizing audio/video technology with the circuit.

Rum Island Park: Additional Handicapped Parking on the Way, Along With More Security & Cameras

Posted September 22, 2020  07:35 am

COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – Along with the reopening festivities today, the good news at Rum Island Park is that there will be handicapped parking installed at the new restrooms and the security cameras, after a year, have finally been ordered.

Analysis: Florida's Healthcare System Among the Nation's Worst

Posted September 16, 2020  06:15 am

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Florida’s health care system is among the nation’s worst in access, affordability, avoidable use, consistent pediatric care and overall costs, especially for the privately insured, according to a recently published analysis by The Commonwealth Fund.

One Civil War Battle of Olustee Monument – Two Views – Back to Square One for Lake City

Posted September 5, 2020  06:30 pm

COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – On February 20, 1864, Southern Confederate soldiers defeated the North in the Battle of Olustee. Just shy of sixty-four years later, in 1928, on land owned by Columbia County, a monument was erected to commemorate the lost lives of the Confederate soldiers. In 2020 Columbia County/Lake City, the Battle of Olustee continues.

After a Year, Rum Island Park Finally Re-Opens: Handicapped Parking an Afterthought & an Issue

Posted August 31, 2020  11:30 pm

COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – Rum Island Park, after a year of being shuttered for two renovations, re-opened today. While not yet collecting money, there was an attendant on hand telling folks the fees were on the way. Like Lake City and the Lake Shore Hospital Authority, handicapped accessibility can be an afterthought.

Leon Circuit Court Judge Charles Dodson Restores Florida School Boards’ Reopening Authority

Posted August 28, 2020  04:03 pm

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Leon County Circuit Judge Charles Dodson’s on-again-off-again injunction prohibiting Florida from mandating that schools reopen full-service classrooms by Aug. 31 or lose funding is on again.