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Hi Columbia County, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: Pokemon Day, a ranger time machine tour, a fire department merger study, and more.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Effort targets cleaner waterways: Lake City is moving forward with a septic-to-sewer conversion at a local RV park, backed by a $1.7 million DEP grant. Temporary relocations and construction disruptions could affect residents nearby Get all the project details.
Joint decision on public safety: Lake City and Columbia County are weighing a taxpayer-funded study into merging fire departments to find possible savings. City and county boards will discuss the issue separately — get all the details.
Middle school overhaul announced: Columbia County school leaders will move Richardson Sixth Grade Academy students and staff to Lake City Middle to reduce class sizes, improve resource use, and strengthen accountability — see what’s changing and why.
What the numbers reveal: Florida wildlife officials began reviewing the first permitted bear hunt in a decade, releasing data showing all but six of the 172 permits went to Florida residents — read the full story.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why precious metals are back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Effort targets cleaner waterways: Lake City is moving forward with a septic-to-sewer conversion at a local RV park, backed by a $1.7 million DEP grant. Temporary relocations and construction disruptions could affect residents nearby Get all the project details.
Effort targets cleaner waterways: Lake City is moving forward with a septic-to-sewer conversion at a local RV park, backed by a $1.7 million DEP grant. Temporary relocations and construction disruptions could affect residents nearby Get all the project details.
Downtown dinner upgrade: Craving a midweek twist? Marion Street Bistro & Brewhouse mixes house-smoked wings, sushi, and comfort-meets-creative plates in a cozy historic setting. It’s the spot you remember and think, yep, that’s what I needed.
Make your kitchen love you: Whether your cabinets are stuck in 1998 or you’re over that mystery drawer, Kitchen World helps Lake City folks design kitchens that work for real life, with cabinetry, countertops, and backsplashes handled by a local team that listens. Give your space the refresh it deserves.
What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.
Take control of your credit card debt: High interest can keep you stuck paying more than you need to. A balance transfer card with 0% intro APR until 2027 and no annual fee gives you time to pay down what you owe without interest working against you. By transferring your balance, more of your payment goes toward the principal so you can actually make a dent in what you owe.
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📆 Around town this weekend
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
⚡ Pokemon Day @ Untap&Draw | Friday (2/27) at 11:00 AM – National Pokémon Day means one thing, we finally have an excuse to dust off the binder and pretend this is for the kids. Swing by for open trades, ad hoc tournaments, and plenty of Switch time, or whatever portable you still swear by.
🛍 Growers and Makers Market @ Olustee Park | Saturday (2/28) at 9:00 AM – Nothing beats a lazy stroll through stalls of local growers and handcrafted art, coffee in one hand, self-control in the other. Come hungry for food truck brunch or lunch, then let the kids run wild while you justify another ceramic mug, candle, or jam.
🕰 Ranger Program: Time Machine Tour @ Ichetucknee Springs State Park | Saturday (2/28) at 10:00 AM – Trade the tube for once and take a van tour through Ichetucknee’s past, from a 17th-century mission site to phosphate digs. There’s some brush trekking, so wear long pants, sturdy shoes, bug spray, and since spots are limited it’s $15 plus park entry, book early.
🐶 Weekly Puppy Hour @ Halpatter Brewing Company | Saturday (2/28) at 12:00 PM – Bring your four-legged regular to Saturday Puppy Hour, where the taproom and yard go full dog-friendly and the menu’s for them, not you. Hamburger patty, chicken breast, pumpkin cookie, and pup cups, with treats at the bar. Leashes on, vibes civil, poop bags appreciated.
🎨 Resin Art Class (2 days) @ Gateway Art Gallery | Saturday (2/28) at 5:00 PM – Trade your inbox for epoxy at a beginner-friendly resin class after work. It’s two sessions, you’ll pop back the next day once it cures, dress for mess, apron recommended, and it’s $45 for members, $50 for non-members. Register at the Gallery or tap Find Tickets.
🎤 Bill Ricci @ Halpatter Brewing Company | Saturday (2/28) at 7:00 PM – Whether you know Bill Ricci or just miss the feeling of live songs in a room full of good beer, Halpatter’s got the fix. Expect easygoing tunes, local chatter, and pints that pair well with not checking email. Your chores will forgive you.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Columbia County report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 76°F – Low: 57°F – Precip: 7%
Mostly sunny. High near 76, with temperatures falling to around 74 in the afternoon. South wind 6 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Later: A chance of rain showers after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. South wind 5 to 8 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
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Tomorrow – High: 79°F – Low: 58°F – Precip: 66%
Rain showers likely before 1pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny. High near 79, with temperatures falling to around 74 in the afternoon. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Later: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
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Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
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