The Live Oak Youth Advisory Council placed third in a Florida League of Cities statewide video competition. Pictured from left to right: SHS Assistant Principal Gary Caldwell; YAC members Kaleb Dye, Ryan Glass, De’nesha Jones, Aldo Garza, Zahra Hines and Jonah Schwab; Live Oak City Clerk John Gill; and Florida League of Cities President Matthew Surrency.

The city of Live Oak’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC), comprised of local high schoolers interested in civics and government, placed third in the Fourth Annual Florida League of Cities Municipal Youth Council Video Competition aimed at solving a key issue affecting youth in our community. YAC delegates were presented with a trophy and $250 check from the Florida League of Cities (League) for their win during a Live Oak City Council meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

“This annual video competition offers Florida youth councils a unique opportunity to showcase their ideas, creativity and commitment to their community,” stated League President and Mayor of Hawthorne, Fla., Matthew Surrency. “It normally highlights a public issue that we deal with as commissions on a daily basis.”

The YAC’s video entry, entitled “The Park is Too Dark,” addresses a problem with lighting at the skatepark near First Federal Sportsplex. According to the YAC, the lack of nighttime lighting at the park presents a safety issue and places law enforcement at a disadvantage. In the video, local officials explain the dangers of a dark park and the benefits of lighting the park to the community and its youth in particular. The video was recognized at the League’s annual conference and can be watched on the League’s website at www.floridaleagueofcities.com/Resources.aspx?CNID=15221 or through their Facebook and Twitter.

“Youth councils are a great way to get the next generation of leaders involved in local government,” Surrency said. “As an elected official, I believe it’s important to expose young people to civic education at an early age so they can understand the scope of municipal services and can become more engaged citizens in the future, whether it’s in our communities or in communities they go out to after they leave us. It’s important to plant that seed early.”

The YAC was formed last year under the leadership of City Clerk John Gill and Deputy City Clerk Mary Nims, and has thrived with the support of Suwannee High School Assistant Principal Gary Caldwell and Do Good Media’s Steven Schneitman. It is comprised of up to 25 ninth to 12th grade students, out of which five are selected as delegates to the Live Oak City Council. 

For more information on the Live Oak YAC, visit www.cityofliveoak.org and click on “Youth Advisory Council” at the bottom left of the homepage.