Happy weekend, Columbia County! In today’s happening-today edition: Cool summer escapes, showdown on the Suwannee showcase races, and paddle/kayak and vegan eats + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
Today’s sponsor, GoldCo, is helping folks around Columbia County protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Cool escapes across Florida: A roundup highlights 12 splashy Florida escapes, from crystal-clear springs to lazy rivers, including Ichetucknee Springs in Fort White, offering a close-to-home cool-down for Columbia County when temperatures climb -- read the full roundup.
Standout season recognized: Suwannee senior Ryleigh Hermanson was named Lake City Reporter Girls Track and Field Athlete of the Year after winning the Class 2A 1600 title in 5:01.00, smashing her school record -- see her winning run.
Celebration vendor opportunities: Lake City is seeking vendors for its Fourth of July celebration, with limited spots available. Festivities will be held July 4 at Florida Gateway Fairgrounds, applications handled by Sunrise Rotary -- see how to apply.
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Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest -- this one's $150 off right now.* Highlights this week: |
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03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Seafood night, upgraded: Craving flaky fish, shrimp, or a proper fried platter that still tastes like Florida? Cedar River Seafood is a long-running local go-to for baked, broiled, blackened, or fried plates with the kind of Southern sides that feel like a hug. Treat yourself this week, Lake City.
Camp close to home: Need a quick, fuss-free basecamp? Sharrah's RV Park gives you all pull-through, full-hookup sites, fast Wi‑Fi, a secure gate, and separate dog parks, plus slick online self check-in that emails your gate code before you roll in...perfect for a shakedown weekend or hosting RV friends.
Pre-round pit stop: Before your next nine or eighteen, swing through The Country Club At Lake City - Pro Shop for a quick gear refresh and a little confidence boost. It’s local, friendly, and right where you already tee it up... the simplest way to sharpen your Columbia County golf week.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Around town today & tomorrowOur favorite events going on the rest of this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🛶 Paddle/Kayak and Vegan Eats @ Ichetucknee General Store (Fort White) | Saturday (6/20) at 8:00 AM – Saturday at Ichetucknee Springs, we’re tackling the full 3.5-mile paddle, then rewarding ourselves with vegan eats on the way back. Rentals are set, water is glass-clear, and punctuality matters, the long run has a daily boat cap. Pack water, sun gear, and your unhurried mood.
⛳ Golf Tournament @ Quail Heights Country Club (Lake City) | Saturday (6/20) at 8:30 AM – This 3-person scramble raises funds for Cross Church's Praise Team, new stage gear, and community outreach. It is $80 a player with payouts for first and second, limited to 28 teams, and sponsorships welcome. Consider it tithing with a 7-iron, and bragging counts as fellowship.
🧵 Unit 57 Auxiliary Sewing Class @ American Legion Post 57 (Lake City) | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – Haven't threaded a bobbin since home ec? Unit 57 Lake City Auxiliary is hosting a sewing class where you can fix that button, swap tips, and enjoy unhurried company, no pressure, just steady stitches, good conversation, and the satisfaction of making something useful.
⚽ 5v5 Soccer @ Southside Recreational Complex (Lake City) | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – 5v5 soccer is rolling into CYSA with divisions from U7 to adults, all skill levels welcome. Expect four players and a keeper, a four game guarantee, and early bird pricing if you register before procrastination wins. Parent-led registration, sign up at 5v5soccer.com.
🎾 Adult Mixed Doubles Social @ Youngs Park Tennis Courts (Lake City) | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – If your Saturday mornings need less chores and more clean volleys, the Adult Mixed Doubles Social at Youngs Park has you covered. Open to all levels, free, and partner optional, it is equal parts workout, new friends, and mildly competitive bragging rights.
🎸 Zac Petty @ The Tavern Ribs & Rolls (Lake City) | Saturday (6/20) at 7:00 PM – Need a night of twang, tight pickin', and songs you actually know the words to? Zac Petty delivers country and southern rock with flair, the kind where Freebird gets played with a beer bottle slide, and nobody rolls their eyes, not even you.
🍳 Weekly Brunch on Sundays @ Halpatter Brewing Company (Lake City) | Sunday (6/21) at 11:00 AM – Sunday brunch is calling, and yes, they pour bottomless mimosas. Think bruleed French toast stix, shrimp and grits, and a quiche that changes more than our weekend plans, plus Bloody Marys from regular to loaded. They can handle the whole crew, kids optional, manners required. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — The Columbia County report Weather forecastToday — High: 88°F — Low: 72°F — Precip: 89%
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 1pm and 2pm, then showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy. High near 88, with temperatures falling to around 86 in the afternoon. Heat index values as high as 100. West wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible. Later: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 2am. Mostly cloudy. Low around 72, with temperatures rising to around 73 overnight. West wind 0 to 3 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tomorrow — High: 90°F — Low: 74°F — Precip: 41%
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny. High near 90, with temperatures falling to around 88 in the afternoon. West wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Chance of precipitation is 40%. This house is wildThis turn-key Oak Meadow Plantation home sits on a beautifully landscaped half-acre in Columbia County and has been completely remodeled from top to bottom. Inside, brand-new luxury tile floors flow through the main living areas, while the refreshed kitchen shines with granite countertops, updated cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances. A new roof and side-entry two-car garage add serious appeal.
Take a peek inside → |
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