MAYOR ’ S LETTER
I
~ STATE OF THE CITY ~ from the Mayor of the City of Live Oak
know for many this past year has been very difficult because of Covid . We want to extend our condolences to the many families who lost loved ones during this pandemic . We are grateful that we have a caring community that rallies around those in their time of need .
In the midst of lockdowns , mask wearing , and vaccinations , a number of good things happened in Live Oak and I want to share some of those with you . One of the most important changes took place at City Hall . Mr . George Curtis became our new City Manager in January . He has been with the City for over 12 years and was the Development Manager / Zoning and Land Development Regulation Administrator before taking his new position . We also have a new City Council member – Linda Owens who represents District 2 . We are excited to have these two working for our great City .
Some of the growth , expansion , and improvements we have experienced over the past year are presented below .
Development and Re-development
• Live Oak Commons ( old Pic N Save building ) and relocation of the Live Oak Post Office as well as retail and commercial shops including the Gathering Restaurant .
• Live Oak Crossing Shopping Center ( the new Publix Plaza ) completion .
• Ellianos located next to Walgreens .
• AgPro relocated and expanded to 72nd Road .
• J and W Auto on Hwy 129 N new construction and expansion .
• I-10 Commerce Center ( former Bayliner facility on Palm Street ).
• Suwannee Point Apartments is under construction with over 30 units on Silas Drive .
• Popeyes is locating on Hwy 129 North near
Publix .
• A new Harbor Freight store located next to Save A Lot .
• Radiant Bank located next to Publix .
• The Live Oak Planning and Zoning Department is continually working with property owners to rezone property so that we are in a position to take advantage of new businesses and development .
City / CRA improvements and projects
• Heritage Park and Gardens bathroom facilities . Designed by N . FL Professional Services , constructed by McInnis Steel with financial help by the Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners and supported by the Live Oak / Suwannee County Recreation Department .
• Warren Street parking lot renovation : seal coat , striping , curbing , drainage , installation of new lights , new fencing around retention pond , with assistance from Suwannee County BCC and landscaping planning provided by IFAS .
Other Events
• CRA Freedom Festival honored Gulf War Veterans . Numerous vendors were present as were Suwannee County Rescue which provided an obstacle course , Live Oak Police Department security and boiled peanuts , presentation of colors by the Suwannee High NJROTC , balloons by Celebrations , and sponsored in part by Lowe ’ s , and partners Hedges and Highways Ministries and Thrive Communications . Thanks to Suwannee County School Board for use of the football field for fireworks staging , Live Oak / Suwannee County Recreation Department services , Suwannee County BCC and the Suwannee County Sheriff ’ s Department . And finally thanks to Busy Bee and Marshall Beck for the fabulous fireworks .
• Winderweedle Street reconstruction should be finished by the end of August . This project consists of replacing infrastructure , correcting drainage , new sub-grade base , curb and guttering , signage and striping .
• Tap Wells which provide drainage during heavy rains to alleviate flooding will be maintained and cleaned . The City of Live Oak was awarded a $ 2 million grant from the Florida Department of Transportation for the rehabilitation or replacement of 17 drainage wells throughout the City . This five year plan will also include groundwater quality improvements and other items .
• Live Oak Animal Shelter received a $ 50,000 grant for computer software to maintain a data
72 SUWANNEE CHAMBER IMPACT | 2021-2022