by Marty Proctor
On November 4, 2019, former Councilman Jeff Shoobridge officially resigned as the City of Groveland’s District 5 Representative, to accept a job offer out of state. Randolph Waite was named as interim councilman.
The City of Groveland called for a Special Municipal Election to fill the vacancy, whose qualifying period for the election began Thursday, December 5 and closed Friday, December 6 at Noon, resulting in two qualifying candidates: Margie Jones and Interim Councilman, Randolph Waite.
Meet the Candidates running for Groveland City Council District 5
Margie D. Jones
“The City Staff and Council are going to do a good job of managing the SR50 realignment project. I want to be a part of what they are doing. Downtown needs to be redesigned and new businesses brought in. I’m very interested in guiding this so we don’t lose our small-town charm but have the conveniences that we want and need.” Jones enthusiastically said.
Margie Jones has been continuously involved with Groveland and its progress since moving here in 1998. Starting in 2012, she became more directly involved as a member of the Recreation Advisory Committee and has been part of many other park project committees as well. She was also part of the Groveland Charter Review and Community Grant committees. She is an active member of the South Lake Dixie Youth League and Friends of the Marion Baysinger Memorial Library. She has one son and two grandchildren as well as her mother living independently nearby.
Jones who is now retired, worked for Lake County Schools for nearly 17 years as a special education teacher and program specialist. Margie said she wants to make Groveland the best possible place to live, work and play.
Randolph Waite
Randolph Waite was appointed to serve as interim District 5 Councilmember, as a replacement for Jeff Shoobridge. Interim Councilman Waite said he enjoys working with the wonderful staff and atmosphere that has come along with Groveland’s rebranding. “It is easy to recognize the improvements that only come with many great hands working together as a team, to move the City forward in a positive direction,” said Councilman Waite. “This wonderful City has made tremendous strides to get to its current state, but is not finished. I look forward to being a part of a great team and assisting to bring the community of Groveland closer together”.
Waite is a graduate of the University of Central Florida. He has served in a variety of areas, beginning with the founding of a well-needed preschool here in Groveland called, “We Are the Future Academy,” established in 2007. He has also taught at South Lake High School, where he served seven years as a Math Instructor and two years as Assistant Principal. His experience also extends into other cities, as he was both the Assistance Principal and Dean of Students at Oak Park Middle School in Leesburg and Umatilla Elementary. He is currently the Headmaster at Hope Preparatory Academy in Groveland. Councilman Waite is married to Eucreita and have three children.
The candidates are holding meet and greet opportunities throughout the community heading up to the March 17th election.
Margie Jones can be reached at jonesm1@embarqmail.com
Randolph Waite at vote.randolph.waite@gmail.com
Early primary voting runs from March 5-14 at sites throughout LAKE (see voting locations).
All registered Voters who reside within the city limits of Groveland will have additional contests on their ballot and will be able to vote in those contests, regardless of their party affiliation
