By Bryant Thigpen
Riverbend News
The Live Oak City Council has a new representative for District 2 for the first time in over three decades. Bennie Thomas, longtime councilor and public servant was replaced by Lynda Brown-Owens, who won the May ruff-off election. Thomas had served as a councilor for the City of Live Oak for 36 consecutive years.
In appreciation for his service, Live Oak City Clerk John Gill presented Thomas with a plaque on behalf of the Florida League of Cities and the City of Live Oak stating, “Recognizing his exemplary commitment and dedication to his community and honoring his 36 years of service to the City of Live Oak. Congratulations and thank you for your municipal service.”
A statement released by the City of Live Oak said, “Councilor Thomas has been a strong voice for District 2 over his 36 years of service and was always willing to listen and support residents when they needed to be heard.” Thomas was instrumental in leading the Sixth Street sidewalk project and was hands-on with many other projects within his district.
“Bennie was a very likable, fun-loving person to be around,” Gill said. “He loved the City of Live Oak and working for his constituents. During his 36 years of service, he's helped many people.”
At the regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 14, Mayor Frank Davis swore in Linda Brown-Owens and she conducted the business of the city for the first time.
“It's been very exciting and overwhelming,” Owens said of her election. “I'm here to serve the people of Live Oak and to improve our city.”
Owens is a lifelong resident of Suwannee County and has been an educator in the Suwannee County School District for 36 years. She will be retiring at the end of the 2021 school year, which will give her even more time to focus on the needs of the city.
“I'm here to serve the people and I have an open door policy,” she said. “I'm willing to meet with anyone, anywhere, anytime. I'm here to help anyone I can.”
David Burch, who represents District 3 and Don Allen, who represents District 5 were re-elected and were also sworn in Tuesday.