LIVE OAK, Fla. — Seeing similarities in the opportunities and challenges there, Alvin Jackson was approved as the City of Bunnell’s city manager Monday night.

The Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners have called for an emergency meeting at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday at Live Oak City Hall to authorize advertising for filling Jackson’s Economic Development Director position.

Jackson plans to begin in Bunnell on Oct. 1.

“Emotionally, it’s really, really mixed,” Jackson said Tuesday morning. “I’m really happy about the new opportunity. It’s a small community that has similar challenges that Suwannee had, so I really see it as a great opportunity to help transition, transform, elevate the quality of life there.”

County Administrator Randy Harris and Ricky Gamble, the board chair, both stressed the importance of building on the work that Jackson has accomplished during his four years with the county.

“We’ve got so much momentum going right now, we can’t afford to slow down,” Harris said. “And with a strong economy, you certainly don’t want to be handicapped with a situation like this where you don’t have anybody to handle any prospective companies that want to come our way.

“We need to get the position filled as quickly as possible and just continue moving with the momentum we have right now.”

Gamble added: “We’ve got so much momentum going as far as economic development and the way the county is moving … We can get somebody in here quick and not miss any opportunities.”

That work is something Jackson is proud of as well, noting the national award the county received this year for its point-based incentive system as well as the grants the county has received from the state in order to help build the infrastructure needed for further development.

“The foundation is laid,” he said. “Suwannee County is on the move. Basically, we have a state-wide and national presence. That’s what is so exciting for me for Suwannee County. And it’s taken a team effort.”

Jackson, though, said he and his wife were planning to move to Palm Coast and when the Bunnell position became available, it just fit.

“We’ve basically been long distance for four years, so the timing was such that it worked out,” he added.

The city manager position is also one Jackson has prior experience, serving as a city manager and a deputy county manager previously before coming to Suwannee County.