"Gateway to Florida" Transportation

Maps Airports
Directions Railroads
Climate Bus Lines
Highways
Truck Lines
Ports

"Gateway to Florida"

Columbia County and its county seat, Lake City, have a total population of approximately 56,600 people. Known as the "Gateway to Florida," Columbia County is the hub of the interstate system where I-10, east and west, and I-75, north and south, intersect. Lake City is midway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Coast in the northern region of the state.

Maps
Click on one of the maps below to view full size images on Yahoo Maps:
 

Newcomers to Lake City are delighted by the tranquil farmlands and abundant lakes throughout the county. Tall pines, large oaks and Spanish moss give it an "old South" atmosphere. Visitors seeking Florida's legendary sunshine are within a 90 minute drive to beaches on either coast. Lakes, campgrounds, sparkling springs and nature trails along the beautiful Suwannee and Santa Fe Rivers provide many opportunities for boating, fishing, camping and hiking. The Osceola National Forest is within 5 miles of downtown Lake City.

But location and climate are just two of the many appealing features Lake City has to offer. The Lake City Community College offers stimulating and diversified intellectual atmosphere for both students and residents. Events such as the Olustee Festival, Alligator Fest, Gateway Pro Rodeo, Hog Wild and Pig Crazy plus many more attract many visitors to our area. Hunting, fishing and water sports abound.

Directions
For driving directions from your location to Lake City Click Here then simply enter your address in the Starting or Origin Location and click "Get Directions"

Climate
Columbia County enjoys a very pleasant annual average temperature of 69 degrees. The North Florida winters are mild, usually preceded by crisp, invigorating autumn days. The winter average is 40 degrees and the summer average is 89 degrees. The summers are warm and sunny, providing many opportunities to enjoy the cool springs and lakes.

The average annual rainfall is 56.8 inches.


Transportation

Airports

The Lake City Municipal Airport located east of Lake City, serves small aircraft and charter flights. Its 8,000 foot runway is lighted and paved.

The regional airport at Gainesville is only 45 miles away and has commercial carriers offering full service daily. Jacksonville, which is 65 miles away, also offers major commercial service several times daily.

Railroads
The Seaboard Coastline and Norfolk Southern railroads, both freight carriers, have switching service available daily.

Passenger service is available and is located at Amtrak. The Amtrak station is located on Lake Jeffery Road, in Lake City.

Bus Lines
Greyhound Bus Systems and Trailways Bus lines both have accommodations for passengers and freight to all major cities in the United States. Suwannee Valley Transit Authority serves several counties in the North Florida area and is equipped to provide service to the handicapped.

Highways
Lake City
is easily accessible by several major highways. I-75, (running north and south) and I-10, (running east and west) intersect 5 miles west and 3 miles north of downtown Lake City. US 41, 441 and 90 and S.R. 25, 47, 100 and 247 all make travel in and out of the county very convenient.

Truck Lines
There are 5 truck lines servicing the Columbia County area, as well as UPS, Federal Express and Purolator Courier.

Ports
There is a deep-water port in Jacksonville, 70 miles east of Lake City, which accommodates barge and ship traffic.

 

 

 

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