COMBINED PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNFICANT IMPACT AND
NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS AND FINAL NOTICE AND PUBLIC EXPLANATION OF A PROPOSED ACTIVITY IN A FEDERAL FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT STANDARD DESIGNATED FLOODPLAIN AND WETLAND
Date: October 23, 2026
City of Live Oak
101 White Avenue S.E.
Live Oak, FL 32064 | (386) 362-2276
These notices satisfy three separate but related procedural requirements for the City of Live Oak.
FINAL NOTICE AND PUBLIC EXPLANATION OF A PROPOSED ACTIVITY IN A FEDERAL FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT STANDARD DESIGNATED FLOODPLAIN AND WETLAND
The City of Live Oak, as Responsible Entity under 24 CFR Part 58, evaluated the proposed project under Executive Order 11988, as amended, and 24 CFR 55.20. The Florida Small Cities CDBG Neighborhood Revitalization Program, Agreement 26DB-N06, funds a new potable water well and pump on City-owned land behind Heritage Park adjacent to Lee Avenue SE in Live Oak, Suwannee County, Florida.
The project includes a production well and pump replacing Well #11 (closed in 2012 due to sand intrusion), a 10,000-gallon hydropneumatic tank, chlorination facilities, generator, automatic transfer switch, electrical/SCADA equipment, yard piping, and 1,100 linear feet of 12-inch PVC water main connecting to Helvenston Street SE, plus valves, hydrants and wet tap. It addresses water quality, capacity, pressure and fire protection.
FEMA FIRM Panel 12121C0161C, effective April 16, 2013, maps the site in Zone X outside the 100-year floodplain. Because the 500-year floodplain is not mapped, the Freeboard Value Approach was used. The nearby base flood elevation of 113.2 feet plus 3 feet of freeboard for a critical action yields an FFRMS elevation of 116.2 feet; minimum site elevation is 96.9 feet. The project therefore lies in the FFRMS floodplain. Potentially affected floodplain acreage: .48 acres. No wetlands are mapped within the site.
Floodplains provide floodwater storage and conveyance, recharge, erosion control, water quality and habitat. A slight increase in impervious surface is anticipated, but no significant loss of floodplain function or offsite wetland impact is anticipated.
The City considered relocation outside the FFRMS floodplain, rehabilitation of Well #11, and No Action. Relocation poses aquifer suitability, land acquisition and infrastructure extension constraints without assured floodplain avoidance. Well #11 is not viable because of sand intrusion. No Action fails to address water supply and fire protection needs. No practicable alternative was identified.
The City will limit grading, implement erosion and sediment control best management practices, maintain drainage and stabilize disturbed ground. No wetland fill or conversion is proposed. Applicable state and local procedures will be followed. The City reevaluated alternatives and determined the project should proceed. The early notice was posted July 17, 2026; its comment period ended August 3, 2026, with no comments received.
This notice allows affected people to comment, informs the public about flood risks, and provides notice of federally assisted activity in the floodplain. Written comments must arrive by November 11, 2026, at City of Live Oak, 101 White Avenue S.E., Live Oak, FL 32064, Attention: John W. Gill, CMC, City Clerk, (386) 362-2276, ClerkOffice@CityofLiveOak.org. Records may be reviewed weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at that address.
REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or about November 12, 2026, the City will request release of Florida Small Cities CDBG-NR funds from the Florida Department of Commerce under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended. Total project cost is $3,110,900, including $3,060,900 CDBG funds and $50,000 local match.
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
The City has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment; an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required.The Environmental Review Record may be examined or copied at City Hall, 101 White Avenue S.E., Live Oak, FL 32064, weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group or agency may submit written comments on the Environmental Review Record to the City Clerk at the address or email above. Comments received by November 11, 2026, will be considered before the request for release of funds. Comments should specify which notice they address.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
The City of Live Oak certifies to the Florida Department of Commerce that Frank C. Davis, Mayor, in his capacity as Certifying Officer, consents to the jurisdiction of the federal courts for enforcement of responsibilities relating to the environmental review and certifies that those responsibilities have been satisfied. State approval permits use of program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
FloridaCommerce will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Green Cove Springs’s certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City of Green Cove Springs; (b) the City of Green Cove Springs has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by FloridaCommerce; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to FloridaCommerce, Office of Long-Term Resiliency at 107 East Madison Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399. Potential objectors should contact FloridaCommerce to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Frank C. Davis, Mayor | City of Live Oak, Florida
Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) Designated Floodplain
Date of Notice: July 17, 2026
Name of Responsible Entity:
City of Live Oak, Florida
Address:
101 White Avenue S.E.
Live Oak, FL 32064
Contact:
John W. Gill, CMC, City Clerk
Telephone Number: (386) 362-2276
Email: ClerkOffice@CityofLiveOak.org
To: All Interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals
This is to give notice that the City of Live Oak, Florida, as the Responsible Entity (RE) under 24 CFR Part 58, has determined that the following proposed action under the Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Neighborhood Revitalization (CDBG-NR) Program, Agreement Number 26DB-N06, is located within a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain. The City of Live Oak will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action within the floodplain and the potential impacts on the floodplain from the proposed action, as required by Executive Order 11988, and in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 55.
Project Description
The City of Live Oak, located in Suwannee County, Florida, has been awarded CDBG-NR funding to improve the Town’s potable water system.
Service Area #1 – Water/Tank/Well/Plant Improvements
The City of Live Oak’s potable water is in need of upgrades to provide quality drinking water as well as adequate capacity and pressure to meet the city’s fire protection needs.
The proposed project consists of the installation of a new well and well pump to replace the city’s existing well #11 which was taken out of service in 2012 due to sand intrusion. The proposed new well and potable water system improvements will be located on city owned property behind Heritage Park adjacent to Lee Avenue SE and will serve the entire city.
The scope of work includes:
•A New Raw Water Production Well and Well Pump;
•A 10,000 Gallon Hydropneumatics Tank;
•Chlorination I Disinfection Facilities;
•An Emergency Generator and Automatic Transfer Switch;
•Electrical / Instrumentation;
•Yard Piping and Site Work;
•1,100 LF of 12″ PVC Water Main from Well Site to existing 12″ Main on Helvenston;
•All required Valves, Fire Hydrants, Wet Tap.
Floodplain Determination
The extent of the FFRMS floodplain was evaluated using the FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL). FEMA mapping indicates the project area is located within Flood Zone X (Area of Minimal Flood Hazard) and outside the mapped 100-year floodplain. The project area is located within FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Panel No. 12121C0161C, effective April 16, 2013.
Because FEMA mapping does not delineate the 0.2-percent annual chance (500-year) floodplain for this panel, the FFRMS Freeboard Value Approach (FVA) was applied using U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Map elevation data. Elevation comparisons between the project area and the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) of the nearest mapped 100-year floodplain determined that the project area does not meet the required two-foot elevation separation and therefore, the project is within the FFRMS floodplain.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) was used to determine the extent of wetlands within and adjacent to the proposed project location. No mapped wetlands were found within or near the project area.
Based on this analysis, the assessment concluded that:
Floodplain Determination and Natural & Beneficial Values
Although the project area is located within the FFRMS floodplain as determined through application of the Freeboard Value Approach, the project will occur entirely within previously developed areas. The surrounding area is partially developed, with residential infrastructure consisting of paved roadways, utility corridors, and improved properties.
The natural and beneficial functions and values typically associated with floodplains include temporary water storage, groundwater recharge, water quality maintenance, erosion control, and wildlife habitat support. Because the project area is already developed and does not contain wetlands, open water features, or undisturbed natural floodplain systems, these functions are minimal within the project limits.
The proposed activity will not alter topography, increase impervious surface, redirect drainage patterns, or introduce fill material that would adversely affect floodplain storage capacity or hydraulic function. Therefore, the project is not anticipated to adversely impact the natural and beneficial floodplain functions or values.
Activity and Budget Information
|
Activity Number & Name |
Description |
CDBG Budget |
Local Match |
|
03J – Water Tank/Well/Treatment Plant Improvements |
Installation of New Well Pipes and Electrical |
$2,455,00.00 |
$0.00 |
|
03J – Engineering |
Engineering and design services |
$360,900.00 |
$50,000.00 |
|
21A – Administration |
Program administration, including salaries, consulting fees, and publication costs |
$245,000.00 |
$0.00 |
Total CDBG Funds: $3,060,900.00
Total Local Match: $50,000.00
Total Project Cost: $3,110,900.00
There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in the floodplain and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Commenters are encouraged to offer alternative sites outside of the floodplain, alternative methods to serve the same project purpose, and methods to minimize and mitigate project impacts on the floodplain. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comments about floodplains can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in floodplain, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.
Written comments must be received by the City of Live Oak at the following address on or before August 3, 2026: City of Live Oak, 101 White Avenue S.E. Live Oak, FL 32064, (386) 362-2276, Attention: John W. Gill, City Clerk, City of Live Oak. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at 101 White Avenue S.E. Live Oak, FL 32064. Additional information may be obtained by contacting John W. Gill, City Clerk at (386) 362-2276. Comments may also be submitted by email toClerkOffice@CityofLiveOak.org.
Frank C. Davis, Mayor
101 White Avenue S.E.
Live Oak, FL 32064
Telephone Number: (386) 326-2276
City of Live Oak, Florida
First Public Hearing Notice
The City of Live Oak is considering applying to FloridaCommerce for an FFY 2023/2024 Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The City is eligible to apply for a minimum of $700,000 in CDBG funding in the Neighborhood Revitalization, Commercial Revitalization, and Housing Rehabilitation Categories, and a minimum of $1.5 million in CDBG funding in the Economic Development category. Construction activities funded through the CDBG Program must meet one of the following National Objectives:
- Provide benefit to low- and moderate-income persons;
- Prevent or eliminate slum or blight conditions; or
- Meet a need of recent origin having a particular urgency.
The types of activities that CDBG funds may be used for include constructing stormwater ponds, paving roads and sidewalks, installing sewer and water lines, building a community center or park, making improvements to a sewage treatment plant, and rehabilitating low-income homes. Additional information regarding the range of activities that could be funded will be provided at the public hearing.
In developing a CDBG application, the City of Live Oak must plan to minimize displacement of persons as a result of the activities. In addition, the City of Live Oak is required to develop a plan to assist displaced persons.
A public hearing to obtain citizen comment concerning the City’s economic and community development needs will be held at City Hall, 101 White Avenue SE, Live Oak, FL 32064, on March 11, 2025, at 5:30 PM. For information concerning the public hearing, contact City Manager Larry Sessions at (386) 362-2276 or by email at lsessions@cityofliveoak.org.
The public hearing is being conducted in a handicapped accessible location. Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in the hearing is asked to advise the City at least five days before the hearing by contacting City Manager Larry Sessions at (386) 362-2276 or by email at lsessions@cityofliveoak.org. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the City using the Florida Relay Service, 1(800) 955-8771 (TDD) or 1(800) 955-8770 (Voice).
Any non-English speaking person wishing to attend the public hearing should contact City Manager Larry Sessions at (386) 362-2276 or by email at lsessions@cityofliveoak.org at least five days prior to the hearing and an interpreter will be provided.
Ciudad de Live Oak, Florida
Aviso de primera audiencia pública
La ciudad de Live Oak está considerando solicitar a FloridaCommerce una subvención en bloque para el desarrollo comunitario de ciudades pequeñas (CDBG) para el año fiscal 2023/2024. La ciudad es elegible para solicitar un mínimo de $700,000 en fondos CDBG en las categorías de revitalización de vecindarios, revitalización comercial y rehabilitación de viviendas, y un mínimo de $1.5 millones en fondos CDBG en la categoría de desarrollo económico. Las actividades de construcción financiadas a través del programa CDBG deben cumplir con uno de los siguientes objetivos nacionales:
- Brindar beneficios a personas de ingresos bajos y moderados;
- Prevenir o eliminar condiciones de tugurio o deterioro; o
- Satisfacer una necesidad de origen reciente que tenga una urgencia particular.
Los tipos de actividades para las que se pueden utilizar los fondos del CDBG incluyen la construcción de estanques de aguas pluviales, la pavimentación de caminos y aceras, la instalación de alcantarillado y tuberías de agua, la construcción de un centro comunitario o un parque, la realización de mejoras en una planta de tratamiento de aguas residuales y la rehabilitación de viviendas de bajos ingresos. En la audiencia pública se proporcionará información adicional sobre la variedad de actividades que podrían financiarse.
Al desarrollar una solicitud de CDBG, la ciudad de Live Oak debe planificar cómo minimizar el desplazamiento de personas como resultado de las actividades. Además, la ciudad de Live Oak debe desarrollar un plan para ayudar a las personas desplazadas.
El 11 de marzo de 2025, a las 5:30 p. m., se llevará a cabo una audiencia pública para obtener comentarios de los ciudadanos sobre las necesidades de desarrollo económico y comunitario de la ciudad en el Ayuntamiento, 101 White Avenue SE, Live Oak, FL 32064. Para obtener información sobre la audiencia pública, comuníquese con el administrador de la ciudad, Larry Sessions, al (386) 362-2276 o por correo electrónico a lsessions@cityofliveoak.org.
La audiencia pública se llevará a cabo en un lugar accesible para personas discapacitadas. De conformidad con las disposiciones de la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades, se solicita a cualquier persona que requiera adaptaciones especiales para participar en la audiencia que informe a la Ciudad al menos cinco días antes de la audiencia comunicándose con el administrador de la ciudad, Larry Sessions, al (386) 362-2276 o por correo electrónico a lsessions@cityofliveoak.org. Si tiene problemas auditivos o del habla, comuníquese con la Ciudad mediante el Servicio de retransmisión de Florida, 1(800) 955-8771 (TDD) o 1(800) 955-8770 (voz).
Cualquier persona que no hable inglés y desee asistir a la audiencia pública debe comunicarse con el administrador de la ciudad, Larry Sessions, al (386) 362-2276 o por correo electrónico a lsessions@cityofliveoak.org al menos cinco días antes de la audiencia y se proporcionará un intérprete.