Columbia County Observer

New Report: Chain 'Dollar' Stores Harmful To Communities

March 22, 2023  06:20 am

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Dollar-store chains are rapidly growing across the country, with more locations than McDonald's, Starbucks, Target, and Walmart combined, according to a new report, which claims their rapid growth is due in part to targeting low-income communities.

 

 

 

House Passage of Universal Voucher Bill Has Critics Speaking Out

March 17, 2023  5:55 pm

FLORIDA – Today, three organizations that oppose legislation that would create a universal voucher and education savings account program, released statements following the Florida House's passage House Bill, HB 1.

 

 

 

 

Thinking About Burning a Cross In Your Yard To Send a Message… Mississippi Man Sentenced for Federal Hate Crime for Cross Burning

Posted March 8, 2023,  11:35 pm

GULFPORT, MISSISSIPPI – A Mississippi man was sentenced today before U.S. District Judge Halil S. Ozerden to 42 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and restitution. Axel Cox, 24, was responsible for restitution of $7,810 for burning a cross in his front yard with the intent to intimidate a Black family.

Chris Doolan, Lobbyist & Florida Legend: Speaks Against Term Limit Bills Filed in Tallahassee

Posted February 28, 2023  6:00 pm

COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – Chris Doolan has been a household name in small county governments for four decades. During the February 23, 2023, North Central Florida Regional Planning Council monthly meeting, after the elected and appointed North Florida officials finished their taxpayer-funded fried chicken dinners, Mr. Doolan spoke about legislation affecting small counties. Everyone listened.

SRWMD & FEMA Will Be On Hand To Discuss Flood Map Updates: A $14 Million Project & Counting

February 20, 2023  3:55 pm

 COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – Beginning tomorrow evening, February 21, and continuing on the following two evenings, the Suwannee River Water Management District will be meeting and inviting the public to discuss updated flood risk maps for the Santa Fe Watershed.

Florida’s Rate of Uninsured Children Could Rise If Leaders Don’t Act to Protect Coverage

Children made up 48.2% of Florida's total Medicaid enrollment growth during the pandemic – significant health coverage disruptions could lie ahead.

February 16, 2023  10:20 am

ORLANDO, FL – Florida's Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) proved to be a critical lifeline for more than 65.7% of the state's children during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new report by the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families at the McCourt School of Public Policy. 

LSHA: After Two-and-a-Half Years, Board May Stop Bleeding the Public's Money – Agrees To Hammer Out Agreement With Meridian

Manager Williams to interview (poll?) the Board for members opinions.

February 8, 2023  7:15 pm

COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – After over two-and-a-half years of foot-dragging, excuses, dead-ends, propaganda, special meetings, and fear-mongering, the vacated Lake Shore Hospital Authority hospital, Shands at Lake Shore may finally have an occupier.

 

Florida’s School Voucher Program: New Proposed Legislation (HB 1) Would Funnel Billions From Florida's Public Schools

February 3, 2023  01:15 pm

COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – Florida's proposed HB 1 would implement a massive expansion in Florida's public school voucher program. It would broaden eligibility to include all K-12 students statewide and redirect billions in state school aid from public to private schools.

Two Marion County Fire Rescue Firefighters Dead to Suicide – Fire Chief Pleads That Folks Ask For and Get Help

February 2, 2023  6:35 pm

MARION COUNTY, FL – Marion County Fire and Rescue is mourning the loss of a second firefighter/paramedic to suicide in 20 days.

HAECO Outmaneuvers Lake City: 20 Year Sweetheart Lease To Save HAECO Millions; Economic Development At Airport Threatened

January 24, 2023  03:39 am

LAKE CITY, FL – Last Tuesday evening, January 17, one of the biggest sweetheart deals in the history of Florida went down in Lake City City Hall. Negotiations between Lake City and HAECO (Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company), which began approximately 18 months ago, ended with all but one of the City Council clueless about the fair market value of its airport. 

AP African American Studies Banned in Florida Public Schools

Black History Month begins in 10 days.

January 20, 2023  10:05 am

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The administration of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has rejected plans to expand an Advanced Placement African American Studies course for high schools, claiming it violates state law and calling it historically inaccurate.