Brand New Ride – Community Donates Gator To Century’s Jake Livingston

July 17, 2022

Thanks to the generosity of local residents, Jake Livingston has a new ride.

Jake, who is autistic, is an iconic member of the Century community, selling snacks  from his trademark “Hazzard County Snacks” John Deere Gator. He is a local fixture at home games as “Northview’s Biggest Fan”, and always Northwest Escambia Chiefs Football. He also raises money for autism awareness and even had a little library named after him.

Everybody around Century, and pretty much every Northview High School student or fan ever, just loves Jake. And he loves them back. He does not know a stranger.

Jake’s previous Gator — his only form of transportation — was old and worn out, and repairs were becoming frequent and harder to complete.

And then several people stepped up to raise the funds needed to buy Jake a brand new John Deere Gator.

For more photos, click or tap here.

“My brand new ride,” Jake exclaimed Saturday afternoon as his new Gator was delivered.

Community members raised a total of $7,788 for the new vehicle through a GoFundMe page, auctions and other efforts. And the fine folks at Smith Tractor Company sold the Gator to the group at cost and tossed in some no-cost extras.

“We got me a new ride here. It’s going to be all over NorthEscambia,” Jake said when he hopped in the driver’s seat of his new ride, happy that NorthEscambia.com was there in Hazzard County on his very special day.

Hazzard County you say? That’s another story, and a big part of Jake.

The sign outside Jake’s residence in Century reads “Welcome to Hazzard County, Home of J.D. ‘Boss’ Hogg, Sheriff Jake”. Jake loves the character “Boss Hogg” on that classic television series, and operates a little side hustle he calls “Hazzard County Snacks”.

If you see Jake in his Gator around Century, he’ll happily sell you a snack to help pay for his living expenses. But he’s been known on more than one occasion to just give away snacks to kids that can’t afford them. That’s just the kind of guy he is, always willing to help or offer a word of prayer.

Jake, who is now in his middle 40s, had always lived with relatives until a change in life circumstances pretty much left his homeless just over a decade ago. The community stepped up then too. A neighbor found him an old FEMA trailer and helped him set it up. Area residents helped pay for the trailer and other necessities. A state-assigned caregiver helped teach him independent living skills.

“Look at this brand new thing…let me go get my hat,” Jake said Saturday afternoon before riding off for a late afternoon lunch of Mexican food at a local business. “We are going now!”

For more photos, click or tap here.

NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Comments

22 Responses to “Brand New Ride – Community Donates Gator To Century’s Jake Livingston”

  1. Tt on August 24th, 2022 2:45 am

    That’s the kind of news I like to read about. Go Jake ! I have an autistic grandson.

  2. Duke of Wawbeek on July 19th, 2022 10:01 pm

    There is still good and good people in this world.

  3. John on July 18th, 2022 7:30 am

    Nothing like a new set of wheels!

  4. BettyKillam on July 17th, 2022 9:27 pm

    So happy for Jake. He is a precious young man with a heart of gold. I was fortunate to work with Jake when he was in school at Century High. Glad for his new ride and God bless those who helped him obtain it. Century would not be the same without his smiling face and friendly voice. We love that guy!

  5. Bubba on July 17th, 2022 2:14 pm

    Finally a positive – uplifting story about a wonderful young man – NE – we need more of this !

  6. Mike &Cynthia Campbell on July 17th, 2022 1:14 pm

    We’re so happy for Jake as we’ve just seen the story posted on Facebook. We’ve known Jake since he was a little boy. He’s always been a stand out figure in Century. It’s a beautiful and caring act for Jake to get this new Gator. God richly bless those who gave. I know Jake feels like a new man and it couldn’t have happened to a better person.

  7. Belinda Wilbur on July 17th, 2022 1:06 pm

    My dad was born in Pollard Alabama. He and I visited some of the cemeteries there . It’s good to see the town of Escambia county help people that really need it. I never met Jake but he sounds like a awesome guy
    God bless him for doing the things that he does to help others.

  8. tg on July 17th, 2022 12:43 pm

    HEART WARMING STORY thanks to all that made it possible.

  9. Kathy Brady on July 17th, 2022 11:47 am

    I am so happy for Jake. He is a great soul, never meets a stranger. Love you buddy

  10. ensley boy on July 17th, 2022 11:23 am

    This is such a refreshing story. It is nice to read good news as it is rare.

  11. Dawn Key on July 17th, 2022 11:19 am

    This is so wonderful to hear!! Have known Jake since he was a small child. He is a wonderful, caring and kind person. So great to see the community come together to help him. Enjoy your new ride Jake!! Sending up a pray, for God’s blessings, to everyone involved that made this happen!!! ❤❤❤❤

  12. Carl Bartholomew on July 17th, 2022 9:23 am

    This is awesome. Boss Hogg Sheriff Jake needed a new ride. This couldn’t have happened to a better person. Boss Hogg (Jake) loves everyone. He has a big heart. During his rounds he has no problem taking time out of his day to talk just a little bit and then, off to his next stop.

  13. Cdpjr on July 17th, 2022 8:49 am

    Awesome read. Way to go folks.
    The first time I met Jake 15 years ago working up in century he made me kinda nervous. He really wants to know what is going on in century.
    After a few times meeting him he is really a nice guy and very curious.
    He just wants to know if you need anything that he can help you with.
    Good job century for helping him out.

  14. Brenda on July 17th, 2022 8:14 am

    Congratulations Jake You deserve it. God bless you.

  15. Well on July 17th, 2022 7:59 am

    Let’s ROLL JAKE !!!!

    Thanks to all.

  16. Rebekah on July 17th, 2022 7:22 am

    So glad to see the good in people these days. Great act of love from the people of north escambia.

  17. Lisa on July 17th, 2022 6:34 am

    Beautiful story to wake up to today! ❤️

  18. Ol' Skinny on July 17th, 2022 6:10 am

    GREAT STORY!!!

  19. AWhorff on July 17th, 2022 4:06 am

    I noticed he hadn’t been coming thru our neighborhood. He’s such a sweet guy. Great to see him getting help. Great community support

  20. Just Jane on July 17th, 2022 2:34 am

    THANK YOU , Smith Tractor Company for doing what y’all done to help Jake and the community out. for selling the Gator to the group at cost and for tossing in some no-cost extras.
    THANK YOU SO MUCH FROM:
    POLLARD-MCCALL ALABAMA.

  21. Local on July 17th, 2022 1:22 am

    Beautiful!!

  22. Coach Matt on July 17th, 2022 1:21 am

    Awesome ride Jake! Can’t wait for practice and get these boys into shape! #NWE#
    CoachGreg!

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under FEATURE TOP STORY, Features, News