the fireworks presented by Busy Bee and Marshall Beck . Hailed as the “ Best fireworks display in Northern Florida ,” it definitely lived up to expectations .
In the past legislative session the city received $ 304,000 in appropriations for the Highway 129 loop project . This will allow the city to bore under the road and expand water service to the area west of the highway . A big thank you to our legislative delegation — Senator Corey Simon and Representative Adam Shoaf . Also , an additional $ 5 million in grant money was awarded for broadband for Live Oak .
Some other city projects and continuing ones include : tap drain wells rehabilitation at Hillman station ; 3 rehabbed wells funded by the Suwannee River Water Management District and the City ; additional wells recommended for rehab with federal funds being pursued at this time . This year we upgraded residential water meters with the Automated Meter Reading system . The water line on a portion of Maple Street was repaired with help from a Suwannee River Water Management District grant .
A ribbon cutting was recently held to celebrate the paving of Palm Street — a joint effort between the City , County and CRA . Additional affordable homes have been built in Azalea Park , a new car wash will be opening soon on US 129 across from the Ford dealership , and Highway 55 , a new fast and casual restaurant chain , will be opening soon next to Popeyes . Suwannee Crossing is a new development near Interstate 10 which will have a Starbucks , Firehouse Subs and T-Mobile . It was recently approved by the Council for city utilities .
I am happy to announce the Live Oak City Council hired Mr . Larry Sessions as interim City Manager . Larry has extensive professional and managerial experience and has a vision for Live Oak . He has the ability , motivation , experience and desire to lead the city in new and greater pursuits .
Chad Croft , who served faithfully for over thirty years in the Live Oak Fire Department , retired as Fire Chief in June of this year . Sid Hayes , a veteran fireman with the City , was hired as our new Fire Chief . We welcome Sid to his new position .
As always , everyone is welcome to stop by City Hall for a chat . I enjoy talking with the citizens of Live Oak and finding out what is important to you .
Honorable Frank Davis , Mayor , City of Live Oak , Florida
2023-2024 | SUWANNEE CHAMBER IMPACT 83