Happy Birthday, Elease Tomlin! Elease is Groveland's oldest known citizen. On Feb. 7, she celebrated her 105th birthday. Her family was one of the early pioneers. She is known for being a great cook; and for many years, she made snocones for children.

Albert Blue walked from Groveland to Tavares and back to ask the school board to build the community's first school for black children. Blue's family also was one of the first pioneer families who came to the area with the Edge family from Georgia. Blue Street in Groveland is named after him.

Pictured here are two men who have made major contributions to Groveland's history.

Johnny Griffin, (left), is not only the city's vice mayor and longtime city council member, he also is a well-respected historian who has in-depth knowledge about Groveland history, Florida history, African American history, Florida Indian tribes,  and Black-Seminole history. In January, he participated in the re-enactment at Dade Battlefield.

James L. Wyche, (right), came to Groveland in 1949 with his wife. The couple were both educators. James Wyche taught 4th-6th grade at Edgewood Elementary and also served as principal. His wife taught 1st - 3rd grades. The couple would take their own money to make sure each student had a Christmas gift and supplies. James Wyche went on to serve in administration, including as a truant officer before retiring to Tallahassee. In addition to his role as an educator, he operated a small grocery store. Because of his service as an educator and as a role model to generations of children, the City of Groveland named the senior center after him.

James Smith was Groveland's first black mayor. James currently serves as a city council member and also volunteers with the Groveland Historical Society and the Friends of the Marion Baysinger Memorial Library. He is retired from the Navy and teaches ROTC at a Tampa area high school.

Lewis Hart was Groveland's first black city council member. He served for 28 years. Lewis was a sharecropper in Alabama who moved to Groveland and became a successful businessman.