Columbia County Government Offices to Reopen Monday, With Restrictions
Posted April 30, 2020 05:25 pm
Photo: Gabriele Stravinskaite/Unsplash;
Covidman: Pete Linforth/Pixabay
Paula Vann, County Public Information Officer,
contributed the County Office facts for this
article.
COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – Columbia County government offices will reopen on Monday, May 4, with restrictions. The County will be complying with Governor DeSantis’ Phase I Step-by-Step Plan for Florida’s Recovery.
According the County’s press release announcing the limited reopening, County Manager Ben Scott said, “Columbia County citizens’ health and safety are top priorities.”
What Is Reopening & How
The County 5, known as the Columbia County Board of County Commissioners, operates out of the County Annex building, built during reconstruction after the Great Depression, in downtown Lake City.
Located in the Annex, besides many of the staff offices of the County, 5 are the Property Appraiser, Environmental Health, and the Tax Collectors Office.
The Annex front doors will remain locked. The side ADA accessible entrance will be open for access to the following offices: the County 5, Property Appraiser, and Environmental Health.
The Tax Collectors Office will operate only via drive-thru services and by appointment only. Tax Collector tag and title questions information is here, (386) 758-1077, and property tax questions can be answered here, (386) 758-1080
Environmental Health: those needing environmental health services can contact (386) 758-1058. For water sample or septic tank permit drop offs, please come to the Environmental Health office and call for service.
The County’s Building & Zoning offices will remain closed until further notice, but will continue to issue permits and conduct inspections as per current safety procedures.
The Public Library will provide curbside service from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at all three branches (Lake City, Westside Branch, Fort White Branch) Monday, May 4 through Friday, May 8. Beginning Monday, May 11, all library branches will resume normal operating hours with restrictions in place. Call (386) 758-2101 with questions.
County Parks will reopen Monday, May 4, with social distancing guidelines, which specifically limits groups to ten or less people. Community Centers will remain closed until further notice.
UF/IFAS Extension Columbia County will remain closed to the public. All in-person 4-H and youth programming has been suspended until August 1. The building will open to the public on a limited basis starting Friday, May 15. Contact information will be available on the front door and by contacting UF/IFAS at www.columbia@ifas.ufl.edu or by calling (386)752-5384.
Sheriff Office and Jail
The Sheriff’s Operations Center and Detention Facility remain open with controlled access. The Ft. White District 2 Office will reopen on Monday, May 11, with controlled access.
Supervisor of Elections
The main office will reopen Monday, May 4. Questions: (386) 758-1026.
Clerk of Courts
Beginning Monday, May 4, the Clerk of Courts office will be issuing marriage licenses and passports by appointment only. Questions: (386) 754-7005.
Columbia County Health Department
The Health Department is open. Call (386) 758-1068 for an appointment.
Florida Department of Health24/7 COVID-19 Information Line: (866) 779-6121.
