Hampton Inn & Suites breaks ground in Live Oak

On May 1, 2026, officials held a ground breaking ceremony at the new Hampton Inn & Suites hotel site in Live Oak. Center-right Senator Corey Simon with owner Nick Patel, center, and other officials. -Photo by Suwannee County Economic Development

By Tami Stevenson

Live Oak, Fla., - A groundbreaking ceremony was held last Friday for a new Hampton Inn and Suites hotel in Live Oak, at the I-10 and US 129 interchange, next to / behind Zaxby’s. Senator Corey Simon and representatives from Florida Commerce attended the ceremony, along with city and county officials. They also had what they described as an incredible turnout from the community that came out to show their support.

     Nicknamed Project Gorilla during the five-year planning stages by owner Nick Patel, the five story, 123 room hotel will be the largest hotel ever erected in Suwannee County and will include a gym/fitness center, spacious breakfast area, an outdoor pool with adjacent deck, 30 large studio suites, each offering 400 square feet of space.

   “One of the outstanding features of this project is a 3,000 square foot meeting space, ideal for conferences, business gatherings, or special events such as wedding receptions,” said Suwannee County Economic Development and Tourist Development Director Jimmy Norris. “The development of this hotel represents a major investment in Suwannee County’s tourism and economic infrastructure. The hotel is expected to bring a 30-35% increase to the county’s Tourist Development Tax, also known as the bed tax.”

     They were hoping the project would break ground last November but permitting and other issues took longer than expected. Norris said they are anticipating the construction to take 12-14 months with work already in progress. They are anticipating a grand opening by the summer of 2027.

    “We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to this impressive new property,”  said Norris.

Senator Corey Simon speaking at the ground breaking ceremony for Hampton Inn and Suites in Live Oak last Friday. -Photo by Suwannee County Economic Development

Many from the community also came to show their support of the Hampton Inn & Suites hotel. -Photo by Suwannee County Economic Development