07/24/2026
🌟 Youth Leadership Ambassadors Explore the Heart of Suwannee County 🌟
Today was an incredible day of learning, leadership, and community as the Our Community Cares Coalition Youth Leadership Ambassadors joined Live Oak Mayor Frank Davis for an immersive tour of some of Suwannee County's most respected organizations and businesses.
Our journey began at the Suwannee Regional Library in Live Oak, where Lori and Josiah introduced our youth to the many educational resources available to residents of all ages. Participants learned about research tools for aspiring entrepreneurs, youth programs, career exploration, and lifelong learning opportunities. The group was also inspired by the story of Mrs. Hemmings, remembered not only as one of the area's first Black EMS professionals, but also as the owner of a museum and farm that she generously shared with the community, leaving a lasting legacy of service and education.
From there, Mayor Davis led the group to La Rotonda, where Maria welcomed everyone with an introduction to authentic Cuban cuisine. The youth learned how fresh, locally grown ingredients are incorporated into many traditional dishes, including rice and beans, stew chicken, plantains, yucca, and the rich flavors of café con leche. They also discovered cultural favorites such as flaky pastries, Malta, Ting, and other beverages commonly enjoyed throughout Spanish-speaking countries. It was a wonderful lesson in how food preserves culture while supporting local agriculture.
Our next stop took us to W.B. Howland's, where Mr. Gray shared the remarkable story of a business that has served the community through three generations. Beginning as a neighborhood grocery store and growing into a hardware supplier, timber company, and full-service building materials provider, W.B. Howland's has remained committed to serving Suwannee County. Participants were fascinated to learn that the company was among the first in the area to offer a revolving line of credit and continues to provide free delivery throughout Suwannee County, with affordable delivery to neighboring counties. We were honored to have Nick from the Live Oak CRA join us during this stop.
The ambassadors then visited Riverbend News, where they learned firsthand how local journalism impacts everyday life. Commissioner Don Hale joined the group as owner Chelsea Holbrook, Editor Danny Frederico, and the Riverbend News team explained how three generations of local news have informed residents, promoted local businesses, and documented community history. The youth also learned the critical role responsible journalism plays in holding public officials accountable to the citizens they serve. Perhaps most exciting, the students were invited to submit their own artwork, stories, and creative writing for possible publication—an outstanding opportunity for young voices to be heard.
The learning continued with Suwannee County Economic and Tourism Development, where Jimmy Norris and Carlissa introduced participants to the world of economic development. The ambassadors gained a greater understanding of how communities attract new businesses, support existing employers, improve infrastructure, and utilize grants to stimulate growth while reducing the financial burden on taxpayers. It was an eye-opening look at how thoughtful planning creates stronger communities.
The day concluded at the Live Oak Historical Museum, where participants explored the rich heritage of Suwannee County through exhibits highlighting local leaders, agriculture, transportation, communications, and technological advancement. Walking through the museum helped the youth appreciate how the past has shaped the opportunities available today.
Following the tour, everyone gathered on the museum patio to enjoy a delicious lunch catered by La Rotonda, sharing conversation, asking thoughtful questions, and reflecting on the day's experiences.
The Our Community Cares Coalition is grateful to every business, organization, elected official, and community leader who welcomed our Youth Leadership Ambassadors and invested time in teaching the next generation. Today's tour demonstrated that leadership is built through education, relationships, curiosity, and service.
We are excited to announce that this will become a quarterly Youth Leadership Business Tour, giving more young people the opportunity to discover the businesses, organizations, and people who make Suwannee County such a special place to live, work, and serve.
Together, we're building tomorrow's leaders—one experience at a time. 🌟
