There would be no Hawthorne without mothers

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HAWTHORNE, Fla. — There are many things that build a city.

Roads. Homes. Schools. Businesses. Churches. Parks. New development. Economic opportunity.

But before any of those things exist, there are mothers.

There would be no Hawthorne without mothers.

There would be no future generation to carry this city forward without the women who raised children here, prayed over families here, sacrificed here, worked here, and kept going even during difficult seasons. Long before many people ever held public office or led organizations, there were mothers quietly building the foundation of our communities inside homes, schools, churches, and everyday life.

Motherhood is one of the most overlooked forms of leadership there is.

Many mothers serve without recognition. They serve through long hours, sleepless nights, financial sacrifice, discipline, encouragement, and unwavering love. They are often the emotional backbone of families and, by extension, entire communities.

As we celebrate Mother’s Day, I especially want to honor my own mother.

My mother served in the United States Army, and throughout my life, I have watched her embody strength, sacrifice, discipline, and resilience. Those values shaped me long before I ever entered business, real estate, communications, or public life.

I was also raised by a father who served both as a United States Marine and as a sheriff’s deputy. Between both of my parents, service was never just something spoken about—it was lived out daily through sacrifice, structure, responsibility, and commitment to others.

Looking back, I realize how much those examples influenced the way I now see leadership and community responsibility.

Strong communities do not happen accidentally. They are built by people willing to serve something greater than themselves.

That includes our mothers.

At the same time, I also recognize that Mother’s Day can be difficult for many people.

Some have lost their mothers. Some never had the relationship they wished they could have had. Some experienced pain, distance, or hardship growing up. For others, today may carry grief more than celebration.

To those people, I simply want to say that I hope healing, peace, and growth still find their way into your life.

And if your experience was difficult, I hope you are able to take what you learned from it and still build something positive moving forward. If you are a parent yourself, perhaps that means becoming the kind of mother or father you wish you had. Sometimes the greatest strength comes from choosing to break cycles rather than repeat them.

In many ways, mothers are the first teachers, the first encouragers, the first protectors, and the first example of unconditional love many people will ever experience. Their impact reaches far beyond their own households. It touches schools, churches, neighborhoods, and generations.

Today, I simply want to say thank you.

Thank you to the mothers who raised families in Hawthorne. Thank you to the mothers working long hours to provide for their children. Thank you to the grandmothers helping raise another generation. Thank you to the women who continue to pour love, wisdom, prayer, and guidance into this community every single day.

Hawthorne would not be Hawthorne without you.

And as our city continues to grow and evolve, may we never forget the people who quietly helped build its heart in the first place.

Happy Mother’s Day,

Candidate for Hawthorne City Commission Seat 3

Meet the Voice Behind The Champion Times: Ronald J. Cobb II

I’m Ronald J. Cobb II—lifelong resident of Hawthorne and a candidate for Hawthorne City Commission Seat 3, with the election taking place on Tuesday, June 9th.

I’m also a University of Florida graduate, local business owner, and licensed Real Estate Sales Associate with Pepine Realty.

I’ve walked the streets of this town since I was a kid. I’ve seen its quiet seasons—and now, I’m helping to shape its comeback. Through The Champion Times, I’m committed to telling the full story of Hawthorne—the one the headlines often miss.

This isn’t just where I live. It’s where I lead, build, and believe.

My mission is simple:

To position Hawthorne, Florida as the best place to live, work, invest, and grow in Alachua County and beyond.

This is more than news—The story of Hawthorne Florida is a narrative all of America can be proud of.

Whether it's here, in business, or in Real Estate, I look forward to continued service to our great community.

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Ronald James Cobb II, Candidate for Hawthorne City Commission Seat 3.