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Lake City, Florida: A Sesquicentennial Tribute (2009) H. Morris Williams, Dr. Kevin M. McCarthy

Chapter Eighteen: 1980 - 1989

Chapter Eighteen: 1980 - 1989

The 1980s in Lake City saw continued success at the local
college, a new county history museum established, and a new group
of religious followers move into the area.

In 1980, Sam Thompson became the first black City Coun-
cil member since Reconstruction. He was elected under the new pre-
cinct voting system which had replaced citywide voting.

The women’s softball team at the community college (LCCC)
won eight national titles, four of them in the 1980s: 1983, 1986, 1987,
and 1989, all women’s slow-pitch softball. LCCC Coach Jean Wil-
liams coached all these champions and was regarded as one of the
top softball coaches in the nation.

Several long-time Lake City educators retired in the 1980s:
Wanda Bond, beloved school secretary at Lake City Junior High
School, retired in 1983 after 24 years of service; Dr. Rose Smith,
distinguished Director of Elementary Education, retired in 1984 after
39 years of service; Betty Allison Norris, Director of Special
Services, who pioneered in education for students with special needs,
retired in 1987 after 34 years of service.

Looking north toward Madison Street on North Marion Street
in the commercial, historical district in Lake City in the 1980s

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