Clear, practical guides for people who live in, visit, or love Lake City, FL.
Lake City is the county seat of Columbia County, in North Florida. It sits about 60 miles west of Jacksonville and 46 miles north of Gainesville. The 2020 census counted 12,329 residents.
Read MoreLake City has a surprising past. It began as a Seminole village called Alligator Town. It later became a rail stop, a college town, a World War II training base, and a crossroads for travelers.
Read MoreMost people know Lake City as an exit on the interstate. Few know the stories behind it. This part of North Florida has a long history that stretches from early Native communities to Spanish explorers, railroads, and wartime training.
Read MoreTrees are everywhere in Lake City. Live oaks, southern pines, sweetgums, and magnolias shade yards, streets, and parks. Forestry was once a mainstay of the local economy, and trees still shape the look of the city.
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