Columbia County, Florida

09/14/2026

Preparedness doesn’t have to break the bank!
This week during , we’re highlighting low-cost & no-cost ways Floridians can prepare now so they're protected later.
💲 From taking advantage of savings to making the most of what you already have, you can prepare without stretching your budget.
Follow along for practical tips to save money, build your preparedness & protect what matters most.

‼️ Preparedness doesn’t have to break the bank!

This week during , we’re highlighting low-cost & no-cost ways Floridians can prepare now so they're protected later.

💲 From taking advantage of savings to making the most of what you already have, you can prepare without stretching your budget.

Follow along for practical tips to save money, build your preparedness & protect what matters most. ✨

09/14/2026

DID YOU KNOW?

Just because you own a piece of property doesn't necessarily mean every type of use is allowed on it.

Your property's zoning designation helps determine what types of residential, agricultural, commercial, or other uses may be permitted.

Have an idea for your property? Check with Zoning before making plans or investments.

📞 386-758-1008 — Option 2
🌐 columbiacountyfla.com/ZoningDepartment.aspx

09/14/2026

Your project changed? Your permit may need to change too.

Construction projects sometimes evolve after they begin. Changes to the scope of work, layout, structural components, or other approved details may require additional review or updated documentation.

Before making changes that differ from what was approved, check with the Building Department. A quick conversation now can help prevent problems later in the project.

📞 Building/Permit Questions: 386.758.1008 — Option 1
🌐 https://www.columbiacountyfla.com/BuildingDepartment.aspx

09/14/2026

Not all nonperishables are created equal—stock up smart this with foods that work for your family!
When building your disaster supply kit, consider:
💪 Nutritional value
⚠️ Allergies & dietary restrictions
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family preferences
🍴 Preparation needs
Choosing the right foods can help keep your household fueled, satisfied & ready when disaster strikes.

🥫 Not all nonperishables are created equal—stock up smart this with foods that work for your family!

When building your disaster supply kit, consider:
💪 Nutritional value
⚠️ Allergies & dietary restrictions
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family preferences
🍴 Preparation needs

Choosing the right foods can help keep your household fueled, satisfied & ready when disaster strikes.💪

09/14/2026

During National Preparedness Month, we are reminding Floridians of the importance of being prepared before a storm hits. Severe weather can strike at any moment, so it is imperative to have a plan in place in the event of an emergency.
Get started and use our partner Florida Division of Emergency Management disaster supply checklist to make sure you have everything you need beforehand.

During National Preparedness Month, we are reminding Floridians of the importance of being prepared before a storm hits. Severe weather can strike at any moment, so it is imperative to have a plan in place in the event of an emergency.

Get started and use our partner Florida Division of Emergency Management disaster supply checklist to make sure you have everything you need beforehand.

For a full list of permanent tax-exempt items, visit: https://bit.ly/3UWGZR7

09/10/2026

A Message from the Board on the 25th Anniversary of 9/11.

On this solemn day, we gather to remember, reflect, and honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001 — a day that forever changed our nation and the world. Twenty-five years later, we are still united in our promise to never forget, to share the stories of courage, compassion, and service that emerged in the aftermath, and to ensure that future generations understand its enduring legacy.

In Florida and across the country, communities have come together in moments of silence, public remembrance, and acts of service to keep the memory alive.

From the Ceremonies in New York, Arlington and Shanksville to the many local events including the Remembrance Ceremony at Florida Gateway College, we see the resilience and solidarity inspired by the events of that day.

We are reminded of the heroes — first responders, military personnel, and everyday citizens — who stood in the face of loss. We honor their sacrifice and the families who continue to carry their memory. We also recognize the more than 7,000 U.S. servicemembers who lost their lives in the war on terrorism.

As we mark this anniversary, we invite you to join in remembrance — whether through attending our local ceremonies, sharing a personal story, or participating in community service. Let this day be a call to action: to stand together, to support those in need, and to uphold the values of unity, hope, and service that define our community.

Respectfully,

Columbia County, Board of County Commissioners.
Tim Murphy, Chairman
Kevin Parnell, District 1
Rocky Ford, District 2
Robby Hollingsworth, District 3
Everett Phillips, District 4

09/10/2026

As we mark this anniversary, we invite you to join in remembrance. We are reminded of the heroes — first responders, military personnel, and everyday citizens — who stood in the face of loss.

We honor their sacrifice and the families who continue to carry their memory.

“The courthouse has long marked the governmental center of our community,” Clerk of Court and Comptroller Jay Swisher said. “But its importance to Columbia County extends well beyond the official business conducted inside its walls. For generations, it has been a place where our community gathers, celebrates and remembers.”

On September 11, the Columbia County Courthouse will be illuminated in red, white and blue. Those visiting or working in downtown Lake City are invited to step outside and observe moments of silence as “Taps” is played from the courthouse clock tower.

“Taps” will sound at 8:46 a.m., marking the moment American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center, and again at 9:03 a.m., marking the moment United Airlines Flight 175 struck the South Tower.

This tribute honors the nearly 3,000 lives lost on September 11, 2001, countless others whose lives were forever changed that day.

09/10/2026

Last night, September 9, 2,977 drones rose over New York Harbor and formed the Twin Towers at full architectural scale.
The lights first gathered into a helix, swirling upward before assembling into the shape of the towers.
There were exactly 2,977 lights, one for every person killed in the September 11 attacks.
The installation, called “2,977 Lights Over New York Harbor,” was created for the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and shaped with input from victims’ families, survivors and first responders.

09/09/2026

Take preparedness for a ride!
Build your vehicle emergency kit with the essentials you may need if something goes wrong on the road:
🧰 Tools & Equipment
🦺 Safety Supplies
🥫 Food & Water
⚡ Backup Power
📻 Ways to Stay Connected
Don’t let an emergency put the brakes on your plans—prepare your vehicle today!

🚗 Take preparedness for a ride!

Build your vehicle emergency kit with the essentials you may need if something goes wrong on the road:

🧰 Tools & Equipment
🦺 Safety Supplies
🥫 Food & Water
⚡ Backup Power
📻 Ways to Stay Connected

Don’t let an emergency put the brakes on your plans—prepare your vehicle today!