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Suwannee commissioners direct staff to name COVID building for two fallen service members, Douglas Center for former commissioner
Summary
After a public presentation by the Douglas High School Alumni Association, the board voted to direct staff to prepare resolutions to name the COVID isolation building for Pfc. Thomas E. Jefferson and Cpl. Dennis Smith and to name the Douglas Center community center for former Commissioner Maurice Perkins.
The Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners voted July 7 to direct county staff to prepare resolutions naming two county facilities.
Robert Ford, representing the Douglas High School Alumni and Historical Association, asked the commission to permanently associate the COVID isolation building with Private 1st Class Thomas E. Jefferson and Corporal Dennis Smith, two Suwannee County natives who were killed in the Korean and Vietnam wars. Ford recounted both men's military service and said their families left no direct descendants; he argued naming the facility would preserve their legacy for future generations.
Commissioner Fleming moved to direct staff to prepare a resolution to name the currently called COVID building for Pfc. Thomas E. Jefferson and Cpl. Dennis Smith and to return the resolution to the commission at the next meeting; the board approved the motion 5-0. The commission also directed staff to prepare a resolution naming the planned community center at the Douglas Center for former Commissioner Maurice Perkins; that motion also passed 5-0.
Board members discussed procedural courtesy — several commissioners said they wished advance notice when naming requests involve properties in a particular commissioner’s district — and the county attorney recommended using a resolution so staff could vet the exact wording and presentation. The board agreed to workshop the proposed name language and bring resolutions back for formal adoption.
The motions direct staff to prepare and present formal resolutions for board approval at a subsequent meeting; no final name plaques or signage were approved at the July 7 meeting.
