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Road developments spark concerns from residents

Residents heard more about updates to Radar Road at a public meeting on Monday.
FLEMING ISLAND — Residents heard more about some big updates to Radar Road at a public meeting on Monday.  Construction will soon begin on an approximately $7 million project connecting U.S. …
Green Cove Springs Interim Police Chief Shawn Hines, left, reads a proclamation honoring Sgt. Chris Hess with the Medal of Merit for his diligence and compassion after a man died after being hit and dragged by a train.
GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The City Council got good and bad news Tuesday night. First, the good news. They learned the county was responsible for most of the $800,000 for the relocation of a water main …
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More local news

Two arrested in fraud case

After a months-long investigation, Julien Williams and Alexiea Irwin were charged with 14 counts of practicing medicine without a license, one count of criminal use of personal identification …

Upcoming in the March 20 edition

The next edition of Clay Today will include stories about the Our Fair cares food drive, Keystone Heights golf course, a schools' section focused on art education, Salute to Service, an Orange Park …
Four students — Jaden Poole (Fleming Island High School), Hailey Nalepa (Lake Asbury Junior High), Katie Moffitt (Lakeside Junior High) and Allison Tomkins (Lakeside Junior High) — were honored for being Gold Key winners in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teenagers.

CCEA urges board to address teachers' pay

FLEMING ISLAND — Clay County Education Association (CCEA) President Vicki Kidwell reminded the School Board of the financial qualms of being a teacher at the March 6 meeting.  During a CCEA …
Additionally, the board gave special recognition for National Procurement Month.

County proclaims March as American Red Cross month

GREEN COVE SPRINGS — The Board of County Commissioners honored the Northeast Florida Chapter of the American Red Cross with special recognition at Tuesday's meeting.   The county …
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Obituaries
Joan Coleman Welzant June 5, 1938 - March 9, 2025
June 5, 1938 - March 9, 2025 “How wonderful life is while you’re in the world.” — Elton John Joan Pearl Coleman Welzant, 86, left this world peacefully holding the hands of her children on the …
James Schneider March 10, 2025
LCDR James E., “Jim”, “Jumbo”, Schneider, USN (Ret), 69, of Macclenny, FL, heard Jesus calling him home after a very courageous fight with cancer, on Monday, March 10, at his …
Walter Graham
June 17, 1955 - February 24, 2025 Walter Thomas Graham, beloved father, grandfather, brother, and dedicated public servant, passed away on Monday, February 24, 2025, in Tallahassee, Florida. He was 69 years old. Born on June 17, …
Bettie Jane “BJ” Wells HAUSMAN
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Bettie Jane “BJ” Wells HAUSMAN on February 27, 2025. The first-born child of the late William “Ralph” and Grace …
Elizabeth Ann Borden
Elizabeth Ann Borden of Middleburg, FL passed away peacefully on Friday, February 21, 2025, at the age of 66. She was born in Jacksonville, FL, to the late Mary P. Hutson and William C. Hutson. She …
In the Community

Distinguished women honored in Green Cove Springs

Green Cove Springs City Council member Connie Butler is escorted by her son Bruce during a Saturday ceremony honoring 32 Distinguishing Women by the Green Cove Springs Soul Food Festival.
GREEN COVE SPRINGS – A parade of 32 distinguished women marched into Mt. Zion AME Church on Saturday afternoon to be recognized during Women’s History Month by the Green Cove Springs Soul Food …
Leighton gets a kiss from Winnie, one of the eight puppies that came from Bradford County.
MIDDLEBURG – The 55-gallon orange traffic barrels and Road Closed signs suggest otherwise, but Safe Animal Shelter Executive Director Sandy Summerton said it’s perfectly all right to ignore the …
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Ask Kyla:

When did the county receive Bonded Transportation project funds?

This resident's question is a follow-up to one previously sent, wondering why the current Lake Asbury Bonded Transportation construction is happening all at once. After consulting with the county, I …

What does the county do with impact fees?

CLAY COUNTY—The local government charges an impact/mobility fee to new developers within the county.  The money goes toward public infrastructure and services that would otherwise not be …

Opinions & Viewpoints
Faith Walk

How do we experience the Gospel?

The Gospel is a reality in which to live. God invites us to receive His love, turn from our sin, and trust in Jesus completely. 1 John 4:9 says, " This is how God showed his love among us: He sent …

Easy Steps to Create Homebuying Budget

One of the most important steps to take while house hunting is to create an intentional budget that accounts for both upfront costs and recurring expenses. Doing so will help you find a home that …

Penney Retirement Community

Penney Retirement Community: A Legacy of Christian Service and Fellowship It doesn’t take long for visitors to see how much Penney Retirement Community means to its devoted President/CEO, Teresa …

A look at Florida's medical malpractice aptitude

Trial lawyers this week have been aggressive in promoting the expansion of medical malpractice eligibility in Florida. But consumer advocates worry that this effort could limit patient access and …
Crime & safety
Police briefs

CCSO: Sleeping felon caught with drugs, handgun

 MIDDLEBURG – A Clay County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a call from a caller who feared a man may be dead inside a car, and he wound up arresting the driver for drugs and …

Tuesday, Feb. 25

Gary W. Gill, 43, Green Cove Springs, FTA battery, VOP intimidation/written threats to kill/do bodily harm

Michael M. Shults, 33, Keystone Heights, DWLSR, reckless driving

Adam Svitek, 40, Green Cove Springs, non-support

Tyree C. Stamper, 55, Orange Park, DWLSR

 

Monday, Feb. 24

Robert P. Banning, 37, Fleming Island, felony battery by strangulation

Elisha G. Robertson, 43, Orange Park, battery on person 65 or older

And in Sports....

FIHS Duhaylungsod falls in OT final

Fleming Island senior 150 wrestler Laird Duhaylungsod went into three overtime periods before falling in the Class 2A championships to Somerset High's Tristan Saintz at Saturday's FHSAA state wrestling championships in Kissimmee.
KISSIMMEE - Clay High wrestling coach Jim Reape, no stranger to state wrestling success, got medals from all six of his athletes led by senior Jacob Bucci snagging a third place medal while …

Double state champions lead Fleming Island signees

Fleming Island two time state champion diver Ava Brinkman will bring her expertise about an hour south at the University of Florida where Brinkman has been training for the past four years.

D FLEMING ISLAND - For Fleming Island High, repeat state champions has kind of become a trend with three sports worth of athletes signing college scholarships while sitting in the Fleming …

Raiders to be Cinderalla again?

Orange Park baseball coach George Eldredge has been close for five innings against some of the best teams on his schedule, but must find a way to close the final two innings with a graduation that took 10 seniors from last year

JACKSONVILLE - Orange Park baseball coach George Eldredge has a bit of an optimistic glimmer in his eye when talking about his Raider baseball team that last year stormed the castle with a thrilling …

Spartan errors costly prior to No. 1 visit

St. Johns Country Day School baseball coach Tom Lucas has a dilemma on his hands with a lineup of injured personnel, four losses in a row including an 11-3 blasting against 5A-Columbia with five field errors, and one of toughest schedules in the state; No. 1 Neumann of Naples coming to visit on Thursday against the No. 2 St. Johns Spartans in a clash of the top two teams in Class 1A.

LAKE CITY - St. Johns Country Day School baseball coach Tom Lucas may be in a sort of lull in his season to defend last year's state champion season, but the optimism must come from the dugout. …

The Clay County YMCA – For A Better Community

First Coast YMCA-Our DayStar Program

At DayStar, we are committed to ensuring everyone reaches their full potential with dignity while providing individuals access to the unique support they need. Daystar is committed to providing …

This Week in History

Five years ago, 2020 • Despite being closed as a precaution to the coronavirus pandemic, some district schools still are offering breakfast and lunch to students in need. • A family was reunited …
Word of the Week

Word of the Week

Word of the Week is a feature that aims to help readers boost their vocabulary in a meaningful way that has practical applications. Each week, our editorial staff presents a word, its definition and …

Briefs

Mercy Support invites public to ‘A Night at the Oscars’

ORANGE PARK — Sponsors and the public are invited to “A Night at the Oscars” at the Thrasher-Horne Center on Oct. 24 to benefit Mercy Support Services. They exist to meet the needs of people …

Special Sections
New from local businesses
Representatives of the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office speak with job seekers during THE PLAYERS’ annual Military Job Fair.
PLAYERS Championship hosts military job fair
PONTE VEDRA BEACH — The Patriots’ Outpost tent at TPC Sawgrass was bustling Saturday, March 8, as THE PLAYERS Championship hosted its 14th annual Military Job Fair, an event often hailed as the …
Jax Kickboxing Academy's Najeeb Mirza worked with Liz Hendrickson during the gym's opening Saturday at the new location at 1980 Wells Road.
Kickstart your fitness at Jax Kickboxing Academy
ORANGE PARK – The sign still says Dupont Furniture, but you won’t find a Lazy Boy chair inside the Jax Kickboxing Academy at 1980 Wells Road. It is located in the plaza in Suite 5 between Planet …
Crews clearing land for new Walmart Supercenter in Oakleaf
Crews clearing land for Walmart Supercenter in Oakleaf   OAKLEAF – Walmart is clearing the way on a 63.6-acre site for a Supercenter with a liquor store and eight out parcels at 10000 Omni …
Tocoi Engineering
Green Cove’s Tocoi Engineering sold to Baxter & Woodman
GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Baxter & Woodman, Inc. announced the acquisition of Florida-based engineering firm Tocoi Engineering, expanding its presence in Florida to include four locations. …
Marissa and Phil Vetter.
Vetters complete purchase of Woody’s Bar-B-Q in Green Cove Springs
GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Longtime patrons Marissa and Phil Vetter were first introduced to Woody’s Bar-B-Q more than 30 years ago when they lived in Jacksonville. After moving to Green Cove Springs …
CarePlus Announces Medicare Advantage Plan offerings for 2025
CLAY COUNTY—CarePlus Health Plans, Inc., a Florida-based provider of Medicare Advantage plans, is proud to announce enhancements to its plans for 2025. The plans, benefits, and resources are …
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Achieve Optimum Wellness with endermologie by LPG: Revitalize Your Body, Relieve Stress and Enhance Sleep
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Why AI "Pop-Up" Tax Firms Are a Risky Bet for R&D Credits
Why AI "Pop-Up" Tax Firms Are a Risky Bet for R&D Credits
(NewsUSA) - Tax policy is set for a pivotal year and while most will focus on potential corporate tax rate changes, a new issue is emerging: the role of AI in tax preparation. Recently, an influx of …
Best films turning 50 in 2025
Stacker ranked the top 50 films turning 50 in 2025, providing a strong overview of the innovative and long-lasting impact of 1975 cinema.