By Susan K. Lamb Riverbend News
Harbor Freight Tools has announced it has signed a deal to open a new location in the City of Live Oak. That location will be in the Old Goody's retail store next to Save A Lot and Roses Express. The new store will be located at 1527 Ohio Avenue South behind Walgreens. It is expected to open early next year, according to a press release from Harbor Freight. A grand opening date will be announced closer to opening.
Construction is already underway using local workers and companies from the surrounding area, the release states.
Harbor Freight Tool's new store in Live Oak will be a boost to the economy and work force as the release states. Harbor Freight Tools offers a competitive starting rate along with best-in-class retail benefits and provides stability and the opportunity to advance in a company which continues to grow with more than 21,000 associates and more than 1,100 locations nationwide. "We've been looking to open a location in Live Oak for a number of years so we can provide the tools and equipment at tremendous values to the community," said Trey Feiler, Harbor Freight Tools Senior Vice President, Real Estate and Construction. "In addition to finding a great location, we were attracted by the availability of great associates in the Live Oak area, and we look forward to having them join the Harbor Freight team." Interested applicants may apply online at www.harborfreightjobs.com/retail and search "Live Oak, Fla." Hiring is expected to begin immediately as the store is expected to bring between 25 and 30 new jobs to the community, including sales and logistic supervisors, senior associates and seasonal opportunities as well.
This is the third big business this month to announce new locations in Suwannee County and the City of Live Oak. Those include Binderholz timber, Popeyes and now Harbor Freight Tools; all in a year when America has suffered greatly from the COVID-19 pandemic with shutdowns, job losses, massive illnesses and deaths.
"Harbor Freight has been looking to locate in Live Oak for at least a year or more," Live Oak Development Manager/Zoning and Land Development Regulation Administrator George Curtis said. "Options were to build a new store or renovate and move into an existing tenant space. With the closing of Goody's store at the old K-Mart Plaza (now Live Oak Center, LLC), the timing was just what was needed, and a suitable space became available for them to occupy." Curtis said a comprehensive set of commercial alteration and renovation plans were submitted in late October and building permits have been issued by the city. Regular inspections of the ongoing work have been taking place and work is proceeding at a very fast pace. Curtis added he doesn't have knowledge of the opening date, but he expects an early 2021 completion of the renovations work.
Curtis feels new occupancy in an existing space will continue the trend for businesses to positively contribute to the economic viability of the south-end shopping and school district of the city. "Once completed, this new business for the city is expected to be a shopping destination for local and regional residents in Suwannee and surrounding counties," Curtis said proudly.
Suwannee County is also the recipient of pride as these new businesses come into the county and city. "We had reached out to Harbor Freight early and when the former Goody’s became available, we were happy to hear Harbor Freight Tools was coming to that site in the southern part of the City of Live Oak," Suwannee County Economic and Tourist Development Director Jimmy Norris said. Norris added that Live Oak’s incoming city manager George Curtis was a vital part of this company coming to Live Oak. Norris commended Curtis for his efforts in getting Harbor Freight to open a store in the city. "George Curtis and I have been working together so well, we hope we can grow that relationship between the city and the county for the future and for economic development," Norris added. Norris said he is glad to have new businesses coming into parts of the county and city where real estate is ready for occupancy and available.
There is still one large store available for new businesses just across the street…the former Publix Supermarket. Curtis suggests that too may soon have tenants. "With Publix recently vacating their prior location across the street, we have a similar opportunity to work with the South Oaks Shopping Center property owners to attract one or more new businesses to locate in the space. As always, our experienced and dedicated community development team of employees will work hard to ensure the ongoing and future success for our City of Live Oak," Curtis said. Who that may be is the talk of the town but so far, no official confirmation on who will occupy that store has been confirmed.