Live Oak — It’s been a while since I have written to you. I hope everyone had a very happy and safe Christmas and New Year. By now, the kids have had time to demolish the toys they received and adults have had time to break resolutions made. We will have another chance next year and it will be here before we know it. Don’t forget Valentines Day next Tuesday. Be good to your honey, your relationship or marriage could depend on it. A little candy, a nice dinner or a piece of jewelry could go a long way. In some cases, an “I love you”, will work. Maybe Diane will fall for that, I doubt it. I wish everyone a nice Valentines Day. If you take a trip to your favorite eating place, please wear your seatbelt.

It has been a busy time for me lately. As you know, the Legislature has been in session. I have spent considerable time emailing and contacting legislators either opposing or supporting legislation that affects local governments. I have probably sent close to 200 emails since the session started. We have to be very vigilant of what’s going on in Tallahassee. Local governments have to protect their home rule authority and prevent interference from the state of Florida in issues that would have negative effects on local governments and take away our revenue sources. I spent a day in Tallahassee serving on the lobbying team of the Florida League of Cities and the Suwannee River League of Cities. So far, we have been successful in defending our rights. This is part of the oversight process that is so important in all levels of government. Being a “watchdog” over local government affairs and vigilant of things which  negatively impact us is a very important responsibility.   

Heritage Park and Gardens, (Crapps property) is now the property of the city. I signed the closing documents last week. We are waiting on the deed to come from the state of Florida. It will then be a done deal. Some were concerned with the cost of operating the properties. A lease was signed by the city and Friends of the Park. They have accepted responsibility for the operation and costs of the park. Everyone’s concerns and fears should now be satisfied. The state of Florida paid for the property and the city has no financial obligation for operation, maintenance and upgrades of the park. Our community will be able to enjoy the benefits for generations to come. This was a very wise move by the city of Live Oak. I again commend the councilmen that supported this purchase. Your farsightedness will be part of your legacy for years to come.

We are now in the process of attempting to acquire the CSX right of way (old road bed) which is part of the vision of Heritage Park. We have our hands full in working with CSX. Mr. Sellers and Mike Harrell are working on reaching some agreement for acquiring this property. Acquisition of this property is vital to getting Itchetucknee Road extended and paved in the future. Councilman Rewis has been working on this project for several years. The county has already paved the section of the road from Highway 49 west to the city limits. This is one of the few unpaved sections of road in the city. It’s like riding on the proverbial washboard. This road would serve as a connector road between Highway 129 S. and Highway 49 and be instrumental in developing this area of the city.

I was notified that another historic building is to be demolished. What is left of the old cold storage and ice house building that serves as an office for FPL is destined for removal. The building is located on the FPL property where their substation is located. According to an FPL representative, the building is a danger and not suitable for use. Most of the building was demolished years ago. There is no telling how old the building is. I can remember as a small boy going there and getting crushed and block ice. They had a giant crusher that intrigued me when it was operated. You carried your cooler or keg to get ice for outings or whatever. The only other place I can remember where crushed ice was available was Childress’ Fruit Stand. No Jiffy Stores or ice machines back then. The fruit stand was located on the corner where Enterprise Rent A Car is now, across the street from the First Baptist Church parking lot. I remember taking part of my offering money, until Mama or Daddy found out what we were doing, and spending part of it buying candy or gum at the fruit stand. A bunch of us would run over to Childress’ between Sunday School and Church for our goodies. Thought you might enjoy a little of our history.

Demolition of the old water plant on Georgia Avenue, just east of the Hale Park ball fields, has begun. It looks like a bomb went off. I was glad that the much of the debris is being recycled. A new water and sewer administration building will be built on that site. The water tank, pool building and other structures over on Duval will also fall to the wrecking ball. The historic water tank and old brick pump building will not be touched.

The Silas Drive extension project is moving along quite well. Clearing of right of way and the turn lane on Highway 51 are progressing on schedule. This is a project that has been in the works for many years. Through a joint effort of the city of Live Oak, Suwannee Schools, Board of County Commissioners and FDOT and the assistance of the Live Oak, Suwannee County Recreation Department, this project will become a reality. I commend everyone for the roles they played. I did want to recognize one person, Jordan Green with FDOT. I begged, worried and bothered Jordan for months to find some money for this project. He finally came through with some dollars to go towards the project. I think he did it just so I would leave him alone. Whatever Jordan’s reason, these state funds made the difference in whether this project would proceed. A big THANK YOU goes out to Jordan and all that participated.

I have been contacted by a gentleman who would like to donate as many as nine rather large Live Oak trees. The trees and installation would not cost us anything. The challenge is finding sites for these trees. We have to take into consideration underground utilities, overhead wiring, proximity to sidewalks and pavement etc. These are factors that have to be considered in locating these trees. I would like to hear suggestions as to where these trees could be placed. Please give me a call with suggestions at 386-362-2276.