About Me Clara O'Leary

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Live Oak is the County Seat and was named after a Large Oak Tree in 1863.

Live Oak, centrally situated in the county, was founded in 1863 by the Pensacola and Georgia Railroad. The land originally comprised a Section, or 640 acres, and was soon deeded to one John A Irvine of the State of Florida, later passing on to Nancy M Parshley, wife of John Parshley of Ohio - there is still a Parshley Street in Live Oak today.

The town gained its somewhat curious name from a large tree next to a deep, clear pond on the route of the Old Spanish Trail (now US 90), which ran from the military post at Suwannee Springs to the Gulf. Sadly no longer there, this tree offered shade and comfort, and by the time the railroad arrived, it had become a popular place for workers to take their lunch hour - people would go to "The Live Oak" to sit and eat.  Live Oak, is the capital of Suwannee County.  Suwannee County was named for the Cherokee term "sawani", meaning "echo river," or it may be a corruption of the Spanish for San Juan.  Located in North Florida, Live Oak provides a rich look into Florida history. Ancient live oak trees scattered throughout the city add charm to the many historical sites, buildings and landmarks that offer a glimpse of the past. Charming shops and restaurants combine with the peaceful rural community setting to provide amenities for all interests and variety of activities.  Live Oak's proximity to the famous Suwannee River provides access to plentiful water activities including over 20 renowned springs perfect for diving, fishing, swimming, canoeing and other recreation. Live Oak is a gateway for many community events such as the annual "Christmas on the Square", the Suwannee River Music Festival and numerous agricultural events. Quaint and reminiscent of days gone by, Live Oak appeals to everyone. The population of Live Oak is around 6,332.  Live Oak is  the most prominent of the charming towns that dot the landscape of north-central Florida, a region often described as the "Original Florida." Live Oak is the seat of Suwannee County, situated just off I-10 at the junction of US 90 and 129, a few miles west of I-75. It is about midway between Tallahassee on the west and Jacksonville on the Atlantic coast, about an hour and a half drive to either city. To the south is live oak, Gainesville and the beginning of many of Florida's most famous tourist attractions.

More Facts:

Live Oak was formally established in 21 March 1878 when 39 citizens attended a meeting in the old court house. A seal was created, consisting of a picture of a large live oak with the words "Live Oak, Florida" appearing at the base of the tree. Next, a government was created. The first mayor was A L Woodward, assisted by a town council consisting of H A Blackburn, H M Wood, C K Dutton, H A Wyse and Thomas Thompson. S W Hicks was appointed as town sheriff and tax collector. Among the five ordinances passed at that meeting were ones fining those using profanity; prohibiting shops and establishments from opening on Sundays; parking mules or horses on the paths and sidewalks; and punishing those who might "needlessly hammer pots at hours when slumber should have been the order of the day"! After setting the city limits, the meeting adjourned and Live Oak was officially born.

Live Oak is not literally "way down upon the Suwannee River." Instead, the fabled stream encircles the city on the north, west and south, as it flows from its source north of Georgia's Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge all the way to Lower Suwannee Wildlife Refuge, where it empties into the Gulf of Mexico. Much of life in the Suwannee River Valley centers around the river, which touches parts of Suwannee, Lafayette and Hamilton Counties. A popular tourist site is the State Folk Culture Center, named in honor of Stephen Foster, composer of "Old Folks at Home" the song that memorializes the river. To the northwest of Live Oak is Suwannee River State Park. Picnic and camping areas dot the region, and part of Osceola National Forest is in Hamilton County.  In 1858, Suwannee County was formed and named after the Suwannee River that runs through it.  This region is known as the "Original Florida" located in the north-central region of the state.  The Suwannee River Valley is center around the Suwannee River with activities of water sports, hunting, fishing, cavern and  cave diving, water skiing are an important part of  this county. Live postal delivery.   Oak's area code is 386.  It has 2 zip codes, 32060 and 32064.

Entrance to a Cave in Peacock State Park - Suwannee County, Florida