Business View Civil and Municipal | Volume 3, Issue 3

125 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 3, ISSUE 3 careers with the opportunity to appeal to future generations. We’re becoming a major job provider for neighboring counties.” Any growing community needs the right amount of available housing. Like many real estate markets in Florida, Columbia County property owners are seeing their values increase consistently, which signifies a competitive yet affordable market. Many of the county’s new residents come from cold weather states in the Upper Midwest and Northeast. Housing permits have increased as a result. “We are building homes as fast as we can,” Hunter says, “and that includes multi-family developments. We have found that if we have the housing, new residents will come.” With the push for more employers and residents, broadband coverage in the county has improved dramatically. Columbia County is involved with the Florida 67 effort to make sure accessible broadband is available in all 67 counties in the state. Zoned industrial and retail areas also have much better internet coverage than they did a few years ago. Redevelopment efforts have been ongoing in downtown Lake City, a walkable area with a growing retail and hospitality presence. Columbia County Economic Development has been heavily involved in projects with the help of state and local grants, which has included such projects as an $17 million renovation of the historic Hotel Blanche. That hotel first opened in 1902 and is widely regarded as landmark that draws tourists from far and wide. Other older buildings in downtown Lake City have been renovated into microbreweries, restaurants, and other mixed-use businesses. The downtown district offers a distinct charm and a variety of must-see options – from the Marion Street Deli and Pub gastro pub to the unique Blue Goose Studio gift shop. The Lake City-Columbia County Historical Museum gives COLUMB I A COUNTY , FLOR IDA VISIT US AT MAYOAG.COM | (386)752-3155 2753 US HIGHWAY 90 EAST, LAKE CITY, FLORIDA PROUDLY SERVING YOU SINCE 1975!