Columbia county observer. Mar 12, 2025 · My name is Karin Parham. December 4, 2024 11:55 am ...

Columbia county observer. Mar 12, 2025 · My name is Karin Parham. December 4, 2024 11:55 am | 4 min read By Stew Lilker LAKE CITY, FL – After almost three long hours of Monday’s December 2 Council meeting, Trustee James Carter brought up the elephant in the room: the police barrier cutting off access to the City Clerk, City Manager Dec 21, 2024 · December 21, 2024 9:22 am | 5 min read Columbia County Observer photo By Stew Lilker LAKE CITY, FL – On Monday evening (Dec. Columbia County Observer : Obituaries in Fort White, Florida (FL) - Find online obituaries in Columbia County Observer. Nov 11, 2025 · Kevin Kirby, Columbia County’s Co-Commander, files ethics complaint, including collusion, against County Commissioner Rocky Ford Lake City Council Should Be Respected – More Importantly – So Should the Citizens February 27, 2024 10:35 am LAKE CITY, FL – As defined in the dictionary, the word COUNCIL is outlined as follows: a body of people elected to manage the affairs of a city, county, or other municipal district. Jan 17, 2011 · May 21, 2025 10:55 pm | 2 min read COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – Tomorrow afternoon at 1:30 pm, Columbia County, with the help of Florida Gateway College, is hosting a multi-county, multi-agency utility show-and-tell. Edit 12/17/2024 11:07AM: Name of Commissioner Couch’s nominee confirmed. Photo: Columbia County Observer Don't have 7 minutes – read the 1 minute version. It didn't Columbia County Observer Event Calendar • In 2017 we stopped posting agendas as agencies generally post them on their websites • 2016 • 2015 • 2014 • 2013 • 2012 • 2011 • 2010 • 3 days ago · About Columbia County Observer English online newspaper: Columbia County Observer newspaper is English language newspaper in USA. In Lake City, Florida, the governing body is the City Aug 1, 2022 · More Gunfire reported in Lake City over weekend. November 19, 2023 6:30 am | 12 min read By Stew Lilker Coluumbia County Observer photo and graphic 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 Nov 19, 2023 · Columbia County 5 vs. The question to be answered: Who will Dec 16, 2024 · Note: All documents were pulled from the12/17/2024 Agenda Packet located on the Columbia County Government Website at 9PM on 12/15/2024. Jan 30, 2025 · After the Holidays, and the hiring of a new Columbia County Library Manager because the previous one quit after the guidelines were adopted, library staff has started the process of recategorizing books again. 282 likes · 5 talking about this. Nov 19, 2023 · Columbia County 5 vs. COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – With Water First North Florida on everyone’s mind, Amy Brown, PhD, Deputy Director of the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD or WMD), reported to the Planning Council on regional drought conditions in the Suwannee River Water Basin. The notes are always without opinion, just Jun 25, 2024 · Photo: Tima Miroshinchenko via Pexels | Columbia County Observer graphic ALACHUA, FL – On Friday, June 21, 2024, CareerSource North Central Florida (CSNCFL) met with members of the Alachua County Commission to discuss the progress of the state-mandated consolidation of the CareerSource workforce boards of Region 9 (Alachua, Bradford) with Feb 21, 2026 · Water First North Florida Makes Its First Columbia County Appearance – It Was a Tough Sell for the SRWMD – No One Was Buying February 21, 2026 7:30 pm | 8 min read | Comments AI Summary Columbia County Observer photo and graphic. com or (386) 215-4500. Oct 25, 2025 · This post is written and published independently as part of the Columbia County Observer, which I maintain separately to document and share information from local public meetings, with occasional opinion pieces thrown in the mix. January 5, 2024 12:05 pm | 3 min read By Stew Lilker LAKE CITY, FL – Tuesday evening’s January 2, 2024, City Council meeting was notable in that, once again, Lake City Mayor Stephen Witt kept vital information from the public and Apr 27, 2024 · LC City Manager Search: Over, After Almost Two-and-a-Half Years, LC Has a New City Manager – Don Rosenthal April 27, 2024 09:45 am | 6 min read Don Rosenthal listens to a question from Councilman Jake Hill. The notes are always without opinion, Jul 13, 2022 · Columbia County Observer's post Columbia County Observer Jul 13, 2022󰞋󱟠 󳄫 https://www. 821 likes · 42 talking about this. The Columbia County Observer newspaper serves as a vital source of news and information for the residents of Fort White, Florida. Yesterday, the County and City sat Jun 20, 2025 · The Columbia County Observer. Open Letter Calling for the Reform in the Structure of the Columbia County Advisory Board Open Letter to Greater Clark Hills Regional Library Board Conservative Takeover of CC Library 9/19/2024 Let’s Talk: School Safety Notes CCBOC Notes, 9/17/2024 09/17/2024 Board of Elections Meeting CCBOE, Regular Session, 10/8/2024 Columbia County Observer. Jan 23, 2026 · Jody DuPree, Former County Commissioner, Running Againt Rocky Ford In District 2 January 23, 2026 9:10 am | 3 min read Jody Dupree, last night at the County Zoning Board, of which he is a member. ” We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. The official minutes can be accessed here: https://www. Thomas taking an oath to uphold the Constitution, the laws of Florida, and the Town of Fort White. Sep 29, 2025 · A packed Columbia County Commission meeting exposed growing frustration as shifting rules and uneven enforcement left many residents questioning transparency and fairness. Phillips has broken the Rocky Ford, Robby Hollingsworth, Toby Witt County 5 voting block. . @thecolumbiacountyobserver The Columbia County Observer +1 more 237 subscribers Subscribe Activity Posts Likes Reads (24) When the posts became too long and cumbersome for Facebook, a friend suggested Substack, and The Columbia County Observer was born in August 2024. It was a tough sell for the Suwannee River Water May 19, 2025 · Paul Dyal appearing at a joint City-County meeting. The notes are always without opinion, just straight facts. 322 likes. Columbia County Observer, Fort White. Mar 3, 2025 · Photo: Columbia County Observer By Stew Lilker Fort White, FL – Fort White in turmoil: Mayor & Temp Agency Clerks jettison rule of law to fill vacated council seat Background In January 2025, the Town of Fort White (“the Town”) saw the resignation of the Town Clerk, the Deputy Clerk, the Town Attorney, and City Councilman Janson Florence. 350 likes · 4 talking about this. (Columbia County Observer photo) By Stew Lilker LAKE CITY, FL – The ‘Paul Dyal Severance Fiasco’ is back from the dead – tonight. Mr. Columbia County Florida, Lake City Florida, source of news, investigative reporting and opinion on Columbia County Florida, Lake City, politics, Columbia County Commission, Lake City Council, Lake Shore Hospital Authority and more. Mar 5, 2026 · Columbia County Observer photo and graphic. The School Board decided to reschedule their meeting to the same night as the Jun 14, 2021 · Photo: Arek Socha via Pixabay | Columbia County Observer graphic By Stew Lilker LAKE CITY, COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – This past Thursday, June 10, on his third try, City Manager Joe Helfenberger Terminated Ami Fields, Lake City’s new HR Director. Click to read The Columbia County Observer, a Substack publication with hundreds of subscribers. Then, The 5 decided to have an impromptu mowing The Columbia County Observer, Lake City, Florida. August 24, 2022 08:00 am On March 2, 2022, Everett Phillips on the steps of the Supervisor of Elections office after filing his papers to run. Sheriff Mark Hunter The School District Was Their Foundation of Self Governance. Opinions will be marked as such or obvious in the writing. Murphy, 3 min read By Stew Lilker Columbia County Observer photo and graphic. The notes are always without opinion, just Feb 5, 2026 · February 5, 2026 1:05 am | Go to Part I | Go to Part II Columbia County Observer photo and graphic By Stew Lilker LAKE CITY, FL – The Paul Dyal Severance Fiasco, a sordid tale of incompetence, backroom deals, and Columbia County’s infamous good ole’ boy cronyism, looks like it will finally come to an end at the City’s next Council meeting. Read Apr 7, 2021 · LAKE CITY, COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – The Olustee Park - Monument controversy, now in the lap of the Columbia County 5 (the County Commission), had Columbia County’s newest commissioner, Robby Hollingsworth, signing up to speak at Monday’s City Council meeting. Jan 8, 2010 · Lake City Reporter violates ethics Sep 19, 2024 · Fort White Water – Keeping County as Public Water System Operator for Now: 'There is much more than meets the eye' September 19, 2024 6:20 am | 8 min read Updated: 12:50 pm. Will the Police Barrier Be Coming Down? Trustee Carter Doesn’t Like It. Yesterday afternoon, in a unanimous vote Mar 6, 2025 · Councilmembers Kathryn Terry and Bill Koon review their papers before the special meeting was gaveled to order. Nov 8, 2021 · Image by Joshua Wilson via Pixabay | Columbia County Observer graphic By Stew Lilker LAKE CITY, FL – In the civilized world, filling a vacated city council seat should be a simple matter. gov/129/Agendas-Minutes Stew Lilker - Columbia County Observer Stew Lilker Mar 9, 2015 · Columbia County Observer. Those are now bygone days. This election was not just about leadership; it was a statement of principle, a declaration that the VFW stands for all veterans, regardless of gender, race, or background. @thecolumbiacountyobserver The Columbia County Observer +1 more 237 subscribers Subscribe Activity Posts Likes Reads (24) Lake City Council Should Be Respected – More Importantly – So Should the Citizens February 27, 2024 10:35 am LAKE CITY, FL – As defined in the dictionary, the word COUNCIL is outlined as follows: a body of people elected to manage the affairs of a city, county, or other municipal district. 230 likes. This space now includes meeting notes, deep dives into county issues, and clearly marked opinion pieces that reflect my own perspective as an engaged community member. It was a moment that reflected the Nov 29, 2010 · Mr. Sep 15, 2025 · Proposed Columbia County data center evokes NDAs, which raise questions about government secrecy. ; 9:50 pm By Stew Lilker Photo: Maxime Bouffar via Unsplash | Columbia County Observer graphic FORT WHITE, FL – Monday evening in Fort White, the Fort White water took center stage. Oct 21, 2025 · Fort White: Town Attorney Rhett Bullard is like the 6th Council member, only much more expensive Feb 19, 2026 · Fort White – Tuesday Night -- to dissolve or not to dissolve? Oct 9, 2021 · The Clock Is Counting Down: 4 Councilmen Will Choose a Member to Fill the Vacated Council Seat Posted October 9, 2021 05:45 am Photo of Chair: Renè Müller via Unsplash | Columbia County Observer graphic By Stew Lilker LAKE CITY, FL – On October 13, 2021, at 5 pm, for the first time in decades, the Lake City City Council will choose a candidate to fill a vacated City Council member seat Apr 22, 2025 · Lake City City Hall: After Sunday’s ‘Officer Shot’ – Extreme Police Presence at City Hall Last Night April 22, 2025 9:40 am | 2 min read By Stew Lilker LAKE CITY, FL – Lake City City Hall had maximum police presence for last night’s Budget Workshop and the following City Council meeting. There would be a written procedure, and the municipality’s elected governing body would follow it. 430 likes · 5 talking about this. Dec 9, 2024 · As reported by the Observer on January 27, the estimated cost for the Health Department to provide primary care in two clinics in Columbia County was about $300,000 a year, which would not require County taxpayers to spend $3 million to build a new clinic and subsidize $2 million in losses for the sweetheart deal with Palms Medical worked out Dec 31, 2021 · Lake City 2021: The Number One Story in Columbia County Was Lake City Posted December 31, 2021 07:15 pm | Updated January 03, 2022 Image by Nikko Macaspac via Unsplash | Columbia County Observer graphic By Stew Lilker LAKE CITY, FL – As 2021 fades into the sunset, the number one story in Columbia County was its County Seat – Lake City. Oct 4, 2025 · The practice of the political subdivisions in Columbia County (Lake City, Lake Shore Hospital Authority, and the County) is to include the budget amount in the resolution approving their budgets. COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – This year's Columbia County's To avoid distracting other readers, we won't publish comments that suggest a correction. Dr. Background: The run-up to September 5. I was checking out the Meeting Agendas for both the school board and the commissioners last night. The Dyal Pay Raises Share your videos with friends, family, and the world Apr 4, 2025 · Recently, Post 12190 reached a historic milestone by electing its first female commander—a testament to the evolving nature of our veteran community and a proud moment for our Post. Previously, evaluation forms were circulated to the City Council members. White…” Dec 29, 2020 · County_News_2020-2019 News of Columbia County, Florida. Instead, corrections will be made at the bottom of an article. Columbia County Florida, Lake City Florida, source of news, investigative reporting and opinion on Columbia County Florida, Lake City, politics, Columbia County Commission, Lake City Council, Lake Shore Hospital Authority and more. November 19, 2023 6:30 am | 12 min read By Stew Lilker Coluumbia County Observer photo and graphic 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 The Columbia County Observer. When this happened is Feb 4, 2024 · Lake City City Manager Search, Applicants – Part I First 13, Where They’re From, Education, Present Positions & Resumes Mayor Witt did not add a discussion about the City Manager Search for Monday night's Council meeting. columbiacountyobserver. Columbia County Observer photo and graphic. Oct 30, 2025 · Columbia County Legislative Delegation: Rep. Oct 10, 2024 · Also, many of the same individuals from Columbia County Republican Women, including Mrs. 418 likes · 4 talking about this. Despite its size, the community is known for its close-knit atmosphere and strong sense of local pride. Does the Columbia County 5 Care? December 12, 2024 7:15 am | 5 min read By Stew Lilker FORT WHITE, FL – The recent election of George Jacob Thomas as Mayor of Fort White began with Mr. Index of articles Dec 2, 2024 · December 2, 2024 3:15 am | 2 min read Photo: Jon Tyson via Unsplash | Columbia County Observer graphic By Stew Lilker LAKE CITY, FL – Lake City Management claims giving employees a four-day workweek is a measure to assist employment and lessen turnover. By Stew Lilker COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – Former County Commissioner Jody DuPree is running against incumbent Rocky Ford in District 2. Oct 25, 2023 · Columbia County Florida, Lake City Florida, source of news, investigative reporting and opinion on Columbia County Florida, Lake City, politics, Columbia County Commission, Lake City Council, Lake Shore Hospital Authority and more. We need $45k to help us buy the building' September 24, 2024 12:55 pm | 7 min read | Just Com. Helfenberger gave this reason, “I…have determined that you are not a good fit for our City. May 7, 2022 · Lake City-Columbia County Utility Easment Issues Spill Into County Roadway: It Was Not Pretty Posted May 7, 2022 03:43 pm Columbia County Observer photo and graphic COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – This past Thursday’s County 5 meeting wrapped up its printed agenda in a world record thirty-eight minutes. By Stew Lilker COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – Water First North Florida made its first Columbia County appearance. Tonight in City Hall, City Management will make its case. Attendees have been invited from across North Central Florida. | Columbia County Observer photo and graphic By Stew Lilker COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL My name is Karin Parham. After an Easter Sunday celebration on the North Side of Lake City, in which a police officer Dec 4, 2024 · Lake City: Bringing Back Civility to City Hall. Sep 5, 2023 · The County 5 approved the extension in the nick of time at its August 17, 2023, meeting. By Stew Lilker. This time, in the hands of Florida’s only elected County Attorney, Joel Foreman, who Ex City Manager Dyal engaged to represent him. Bence, which were prevalent during the book challenges a few years back at school board meetings, are in attendance now at the library. The Columbia County Observer. My name is Karin Parham. February 4, 2024 11:30 am | 3 min read Photo: Cottonbro Studio via Pexels | Columbia County Observer graphic By Stew Lilker LAKE CITY, FL – The multiyear Lake City City Sep 8, 2023 · Columbia County Observer photo and graphic By Stew Lilker LAKE CITY, FL – It was a rough Tuesday evening in City Hall as, once again, Mayor Stephen Witt lost control of a City Council meeting, allowing outbursts from the audience, folk just walking up to the microphone to speak, and racist name-calling. This section will contain the notes for the Columbia County Board of Commissioners Meetings Notes. News of Columbia County Florida, North Central Florida, Florida, and opinion, analysis, and commentary. Now There Is a Public Mess on Display. It looked like everyone was going home early. I take detailed notes of community meetings in Columbia County GA. 253 likes. Dec 12, 2024 · Fort White: Newly Elected Mayor George Jacob Thomas Annoints Himself With Powers He Does Not Have. (without photos) By Stew Lilker Fort White, FL – The little Town of Fort White was on the cusp of great things – then it went sideways. At Thursday’s meeting of the County 5 (County Commission), he asked, “How would we go about Sep 24, 2024 · Columbia County's Infamous County 5 Give Away $45,000 Based on an Undated Letter, 12th Hour Public Comment, and a Mysterious Conversation 'Our rent went up $700 a month. News of Columbia County Florida, North Central Florida, Florida, and opinion, analysis, commentary. Photo: Bess Hamiti via Dec 6, 2025 · Columbia County Commissioner Kevin Parnell: How do we get 'riff-raff' banned from County meetings? December 6, 2025 7:45 pm | 3 min read (Columbia County Observer photo) By Stew Lilker COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – County Commissioner Kevin Parnell doesn’t like the “riff-raff” at County meetings. Dec 21, 2024 · December 21, 2024 9:22 am | 5 min read Columbia County Observer photo By Stew Lilker LAKE CITY, FL – On Monday evening (Dec. Mar 26, 2021 · Lake City – Columbia County, Utility Progress: While They Met About Gas – The Theme Was Cooperation Posted March 26, 2021 09:28 am Photo: Manny Becerra - Unsplash | Columbia County Observer Graphic By Stew Lilker LAKE CITY, COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – The North Florida Mega Industrial Park needs a gas supply. Mayor Witt has allowed the City’s once-model meetings to Jan 5, 2024 · Lake City Mayor Stephen Witt: How Much Did He Know About the City Attorney Resignation & When Did He Know It? Mayor Witt's comments do not jive with the facts. 1,106 likes · 3 talking about this. Lake City Utilities are the County gas experts. Dec 27, 2023 · Columbia County Observer photo & graphic By Stew Lilker LAKE CITY, FL – Get ready, after the Rocky Ford zoning issues are resolved in City Hall this evening, the hinky Lake City Dyal 12th hour pay raise issues, followed by the Dyal severance issue, will be front and center before the City Council. Aug 24, 2022 · Everett Phillips, After a Clean Election Campaign, Regains His County 5 Seat Mr. Full archive of all the posts from The Columbia County Observer. 2025 Meeting Notes A proposed liquor store on South Old Belair Road has sparked debate in Columbia County, raising questions about growth, community values, and how decisions are made by local commissioners. DuPree, last Columbia County Observer photo and graphic. Readers dissatisfied with a response or concerned about the Columbia County Observer's journalistic integrity may reach me at StewLilker@columbiacountyobserver. 16), the Lake City City Council had a six-month evaluation of Lake City City Manager Don Rosenthal on its docket. We take our journalism seriously, and i Oct 20, 2024 · The State of Georgia Librarian (Julie Walker) mailed a letter informing Columbia County that the Guidelines which the commissioners passed on 9/4/2024 were not within compliance because the guidelines would need to be passed by the regional board. Campbell said, Anderson Columbia is donating material, flatbeds, a driver and cranes, to unload the trains onto the tracks in Fort White, which the Columbia County Public Works Department is going to build. We take our journalism seriously, and i Nov 24, 2025 · Karin Parham uses this pre-holiday column to spotlight the everyday people who hold Columbia County together and to gently nudge the rest of us to show up a little more. Located in Columbia County, Fort White is a small town with a population of approximately 600 people. May 6, 2024 · Photo: Mckayla Crump via Unsplash | Columbia County Observer graphic On May 6, 2024, inspite of mass confusion, the City Council voted to investigate investigating the $1/4 mil illegal Dyal severance package. com Dec 22, 2022 · Commissioner Tim Murphy Robbed of County Chairmanship – Commissioner Ford Under A Cloud County 5 Odd-Ball Coup. Oct 12, 2020 · Fort White Gwynn Farms Subdivision: “There is still a golden opportunity for the Fords & Ft. By Stew Lilker LAKE CITY, FL – After a grueling search that has realistically gone on since January 2022, Lake City has a new City Manager. Feb 16, 2026 · The Columbia County Observer discusses an eminent domain cases in Columbia County that has gone to court over inaction. 02. Jan 8, 2025 · The Columbia County Observer Jan 08, 2025 1 Share Call To Order Invocation Pledge of Allegiance Roll Call/Quorum Approval of December 17, 2024 Minutes: Approve - Yay 5, No 0 Approval of Agenda Election of Officer Jan 9, 2025 · The Columbia County Library Advisory Board’s regional representatives had such courage of conviction with their “yes” votes on the regional board meeting on 12/10/2024 for the new age-based guidelines, that three out of the five people who voted for it have since resigned. The Columbia County Observer Video of Livestream: CCBoC 09. Epilogue The federal government (American taxpayers) and purchasing’s Erica John’s attention to the Ceres contract expiration has made Hurricane Idalia’s cleanup chores easier for all of Columbia County. The views expressed here are personal and do not represent any organization. Observer-Reporter Daily News Update This daily email features the latest news for Washington County, Greene County, and the Mon Valley. December 22, 2022 2:40 pm. The notes are always without opinion, just Jan 27, 2025 · My name is Karin Parham. Kevin Kirby The County Public Works department is under the direction of former Anderson Columbia employee, Kevin Kirby. It is showing news on politics, headines, flash flash news, kids news, national related news, local news, tourism news, entertainment related news, editorials, health & beauty news, news on crime, International business news, Top stories, events, Travel news, study Mar 16, 2026 · The Columbia County Observer discusses the uses of technology when it comes to public safety and how it affects the county budget. Search Obituaries. columbiacountyga. Apr 16, 2023 · The Columbia County Observer, Lake City. By Stew Lilker COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – Water First North Florida, the controversial plan to pump 40 million gallons a day of Jacksonville’s treated wastewater into the Suwannee River Basin, will be getting a closer look by the Columbia County 5 this morning. Mar 8, 2023 · Lake City Mayor Loses Control – Allows Vile & Uncontrolled Meeting Behavior Once Again March 8, 2023 10:20 pm Photo: Mikes-Photography via Pixabay | Columbia County Observer graphic By Stew Lilker LAKE CITY, FL – Mayor Stephen Witt once was a model for presiding over open and respectful meetings. Chuck Brannan's Final Delegation Meeting Apr 15, 2021 · Lake City Police Chief Argatha Gilmore Makes It Clear, She Answers to Nobody in Lake City Dec 9, 2024 · LSHA: FGC Jumps Into the Mix For Vacant LSHA Property Dec 9, 2024 · LSHA: FGC Jumps Into the Mix For Vacant LSHA Property Dec 29, 2020 · COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – After the recent gun incident at the City Council, the Observer reached out to the City, County, School District, Florida Gateway College, and the Lake Shore Hospital Authority for an update on their gun policies and signage. We pride ourselves on providing accurate news, not opinions. lmvejlt kzv cmyy eqz xguyyi xxny zmofx micz eecooc vbjz