Opinion – Mayor’s Corner
Published 5:16 pm Thursday, March 31, 2011
Well, spring has sprung and it’s killing me. I have spring fever and am spending a lot of time outdoors in the yard and getting my gardens planted. People have asked if my blood pressure is up because my face has been red. I told them no, I have been spending a lot of time in the sun. I have everything planted that I planned to plant. My squash, tomatoes and cucumbers are in the ground. Thad planted the peas and peanuts last week in my big garden. I planted potatoes three weeks ago and they are still coming up slowly. I planted according to the almanac this year so maybe I’ll have better results than in the past. My real problem is water, or the lack of. I need to put in an irrigation well or get an irrigation meter so I won’t have to pay the sewer charges. A garden is hard work but I will forget all of that when I start getting all of those fresh home grown veggies. No pesticides or insecticides added.
Spring break for many public schools and colleges is upon us. Many are planning trips to the beach and other destinations to have fun. When I was young, spring break meant a time to work. It was a time to ride that tobacco setter, hoe and thin water melons. My uncle Wyman always had something for us boys to do in the fields during our time off. During Christmas break, we cleared new ground for watermelons. I’ve picked up a train load of roots and stumps. In past years, melons were planted on new ground. That meant land had to be cleared of trees and bushes. Thousands of acres of land that is now planted by the large produce farmers in Suwannee County were originally cleared for watermelons way back yonder. I encourage all, whether working or playing, to keep safety foremost in your mind. Watch those kids around water and of course, wear your seat belts.
The Suwannee County Marketplace will get cranked up beginning April 12. Vegetables, art and crafts, food and more will be available. It takes place at the Museum complex on Tuesday mornings, and Thursday afternoons. Proceeds benefit the Suwannee County Museum.
A large group gathered last week to recognize Teacher and School Related Employees of the Year in Suwannee County. Our school system employs many hard working and dedicated people with one thing in mind, giving our kids the best education possible. I recognize and congratulate everyone in our schools for the great jobs they do. A big THANK YOU goes out to all.
I present to you and welcome two new employees to our city staff. Brent Whitman is the new public works director and Bob Guilford is the new code enforcement officer. Brent is an engineer and has proven his worth already to the city. Bob comes with years of experience in code enforcement and public works. Both will be assets to our city. We welcome them. For mug shots, I mean photographs, see the Mayor’s Good News section on the City’s web site.
The drug take-back program was again successful in collecting out of date and unused drugs. Some 53 pounds of drugs were collected by The Live Oak Police Department. Collection boxes will be placed at the jail and the Live Oak Police Department providing a permanent location for disposal of these drugs. The Suwannee Drug Free Coalition is the sponsor for these programs.
Millennium Nights will again be a reality this year. I requested a $3,200 grant from the Suwannee County Tourist Development Council to provide finances for the event. The Council graciously awarded the dollars. Millennium Nights will begin April 22 and run through August. Harold White will again provide the entertainment. Millennium Nights will take place on the second and fourth Friday nights each month. Come on down and enjoy an evening in the park.
In my last Mayor’s Corner, I reported to you that Frank Buckles, the last remaining W. W. I veteran celebrated his 110th birthday. Frank passed away the same day the article appeared in the Democrat. Flags were lowered in recognition of his service and life. An era comes to an end.
I got an interesting email from a gentleman living in Indiana. He is a truck driver and drives to over 160 locations in Florida and Georgia. From the Keys to Valdosta, he has been looking for a place to retire. He recently made a down payment on a home in Live Oak. He said people have asked him, why there. The gentleman’s reply was, “it is an area where agriculture is strong and that is a Christian based area. I could go to a different church every Sunday for a year and still not have went everywhere.” He goes on to say that he tells his friends that “if you can’t find something you want in Live Oak then you don’t need it”. Maybe you never thought about the Christian influence being an attraction and a tool for economic development here in our community. To many, the Christian people and influence in our community counts. Sounds like you Christians stir with a big stick here and other places like Indiana.
I have heard many positive comments about the Chocolate Festival held earlier. It was a great success. I recognize Festival Coordinator Richard Wright and Randy Torrance, Director of the Live Oak Partnership and board members for their hard work in making this event a successful one. The June Bug Festival is next. Many good things are on the drawing board for our downtown area and community. Landscaping, the development of a parking lot and other things are planned by your Community Redevelopment Agency with the assistance from the Partnership. I and staff are working diligently to make these things happen. As I have told you over and over, our community can look forward to a lot of good things happening in the future. It is fun being part of helping make our Suwannee County community grow and thrive. Bigger and better things are coming.
Happy 133rd birthday Live Oak. On April 24, 1878, 39 men got together and voted to incorporate the city of Live Oak. I made presentations to seven classes at Suwannee Elementary the last couple of weeks. When I said, men voted, many of the female second graders became a little incensed and said, “that’s not right”. Girls, you’ve come a long way baby as the old commercial used to say.
Remember, the Suwannee County Fair begins April 1. Many exhibits, rides and food will be available for your enjoyment and entertainment. Get yourself one of those good ole Lions Club hamburgers. You may want to ride before you eat. Have fun.