MAYOR ’ S LETTER
~ STATE OF THE CITY ~ from the Mayor of the City of Live Oak
Greetings from City Hall ! Things seem to have gotten back to normal after a couple of tough years with the challenges of COVID . However , families , businesses , organizations , and governments are facing new challenges- Inflation , supply shortages , and crime to name a few obvious ones . And though these issues affect all Americans , which includes us here , as I talk with citizens , I find they are grateful to live in a place like Live Oak and Suwannee County . It means a lot to have good neighbors and a caring community .
As we reflect on all of the good things about our city , a review of our vision , mission and strategic plan has been undertaken by the Mayor ’ s office , along with the City Council and administration . We are excited about the opportunities this affords us to take a fresh look at what we want our community to look like in the future . We are currently visiting with various groups and organizations and conducting surveys . You can be a part of this project by sharing with us what you think the City of Live Oak can do in both small and big ways that will make positive changes for our city . You may contact me at fdavis @ cityofliveoak . org or call me at 386-362-2276 with your ideas and suggestions .
We welcome our two new Councilmembers , Tommie Jefferson in District 1 and Matt Campbell in District 4 . We thank Ms . Robintina Reid , District 1 , and Mr . Mark Stewart , District 4 , for their faithful service the past four years . Some highlights of the past year include : The Suwannee County Community welcomed Governor Ron DeSantis to the opening of the Suwannee County Fair in April . I gave the Governor a key to the City .
The City will receive $ 3 + million ARPA funds from the Federal Government which will eventually be spent on upgrading infrastructure within the city-including water meter upgrades , potable water well replacement , lift station upgrades , and water / sewer and related projects .
Two ( 2 ) drainage wells on Highway 129 north are in the process of being rehabilitated for storm water runoff with help from FDOT grant funds . More phases of this funding will target additional drainage wells in coming years .
A $ 3 million septic to sewer grant through the Suwannee River Water Management District will be used in certain identified areas within the city to extend sanitary sewer mains .
In Azalea Park Subdivision three ( 3 ) new conventional / site-built homes were completed with five ( 5 ) more under construction .
Suwannee Pointe Apartments on Silas Drive was completed this past year adding 36 units .
Live Oak Commons has added The Gathering Café , CareerSource , Guardian Ad Litem , Wood ’ s Family Fitness and soon to be Heidi ’ s Cupcakery .
New businesses within the City include Popeye ’ s , Domino ’ s , and twenty ( 20 ) new business spaces at I-10 Commerce Center .
New projects that are under review are J & W Auto , Clearwater Ice Company , Futch ’ s Tractor Depot , Big Lots at the old Publix building , Hwy 55 Restaurant , Palms Medical Expansion , and Main Street Urgent Care .
Discovery Trail was recently completed on the Heritage Trail . This was a joint project between the Suwannee River Regional Library , Live Oak / Suwannee County Recreation Department and the City of Live Oak , with funding provided by Pilgrim ’ s Pride .
Downtown decorative lighting project is underway replacing the older non-LED green street light poles with newer LED black poles .
City / County Partnership . The Live Oak City Council and Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners have agreed to work together to secure grant funding to expand and enhance infrastructure in the I-10 corridor . The probability of success is greatly improved with a joint application .
Heritage Square Master Plan lays out a vision to create a downtown entertainment district that would provide a new experience for residents and visitors alike . It would also hasten the ongoing connectivity effort with
80 SUWANNEE CHAMBER IMPACT | 2022-2023