MAYOR ’ S LETTER
~ STATE OF THE CITY ~ from the Mayor of the City of Live Oak
In the last Chamber issue I spoke of a review of the city ’ s vision and strategic planning . We conducted a survey over a period of months and asked our citizens what they would like to see our city do to make a positive improvement for the future . The results are in and the following are priorities : Beautification / code enforcement ; Support / encourage local businesses , restaurants , entertainment ; Expand infrastructure / economic development ; Streets / paving / traffic flow ; Government services / permitting ; City / County / Community relations / cooperation ; Housing ; Destination city .
To follow up on this we held a workshop with Florida Department of Transportation officials to discuss a number of transportation issues facing the city . The survey results will help guide the Council in their decisions concerning new projects . We will have meetings with different groups and develop strategic plans accordingly .
On July 4th the City held our annual Freedom Festival to celebrate the founding of our great nation . The event began with emcee Kerry Waldron greeting the many people who showed up in Festival Park . The JROTC presented the colors and the national anthem was sung by Nick Kirby and prayer offered by Chaplain Warren Wood .
The highlight of the opening ceremony was Robert Ford ’ s recognition of PFC Thomas E . Jefferson , a 1948 graduate of Douglass High School . He was in the last all-Black Buffalo Regiment in Japan and was deployed to South Korea at the beginning of the Korean War . He was mortally wounded at the age of 20 on August 7 , 1950 . He was awarded the Purple Heart and Republic of Korea ’ s Presidential Unit Citation . He was the first of six Suwannee Countians to die in Korea . He is buried in Claywood Community Cemetery near Dowling Park and was honored on this special night .
Many enjoyed the selections offered by local food trucks . Thousands were present to view the grand finale ,
82 SUWANNEE CHAMBER IMPACT | 2023-2024