Mostly Cloudy, 77°
Weather sponsored by:
Breaking News:

Helene leaves a mess, but spares Clay County a lot of misery

Ashby Graves didn't hear the giant branch snap from an old tree in his yard and land in his neighbor's driveway, but he was happy it didn't hit anything.
CLAY COUNTY – Most of the county was relieved to be spared the wrath of Hurricane Helene’s fury Thursday and Friday, but that was little solace to some who still were without power Friday …
After breaking both her front right and back right legs, four-month-old puppy Bella Janiszewski is on the road to recovery.
FLEMING ISLAND - A social media post, an outpour of support, and just one hour was all it took to produce a miracle.  On the morning of Sept. 20, Meghan and Zachary Janiszewski said it was a …
Read more.
Read the e-edition

More local news

Green Cove allows The Rookery to swap duplexes into its master plan

GREEN COVE SPRINGS—A month ago, the Rookery politely stepped aside and asked to be removed from the Green Gove Springs City Council meeting agenda when more than 100 residents packed City Hall to …

Hurricane debris pickup to start by third-party vendor on Oct. 2

CLAY COUNTY – Residents can be assured branches, downed trees and debris left behind by Hurricane Helene will be removed by a third party hired by Clay County. Debris removal vendors will pick up …

SJR State hosting ‘FASFA Frenzy’ to help with financial aid

ORANGE PARK—St. Johns River State College will present “FASFA Frenzy” at its Orange Park campus on Oct. 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Viking Center, with the final session starting at 6:30 p.m. The …

Art in the Courthouse: Outdoor Inspirations

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – A new Art in the Courthouse provided by the First Coast Plein Air Painters (FCPAP) members is on display on the fourth floor of the Clay County Courthouse. On behalf of Clerk …

Clay County Utility Authority celebrates three decades of service

MIDDLEBURG — The Board of Supervisors recognized the Clay County Utility Authority on Monday, Oct. 1, with a proclamation marking three decades the company has proudly served the Clay County …
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK
Obituaries
Marlene “Orosz” Taylor
 Marlene “Orosz” Taylor, formerly of Fleming Island, Florida, passed away on September 20, 2024, at the age of 88. Marlene was born on December 26, 1935, and graduated from Spencer …
Claude Wakefield Sharp
It is with profound sadness we share the peaceful passing of our beloved father, (Claude) Wakefield Sharp, age 97, on September 26, 2024, in Middleburg, Florida. Born in Gideon, Missouri to James …
Sheila Bailey Holcombe
Sheila Bailey Holcombe,  59 of Orange Park, FL passed away Tuesday, September 10th.  She was born in Fargo, North Dakota to Leona and Bruce Bailey.  She was raised with her twin …
Grady Swanson Noel
Reverend Grady Swanson Noel
Reverend Grady Swanson Noel crossed over into the Gloryland Way on Friday, September 20th, 2024, at the young age of 86. He was and will always be a beloved Husband, Father, Poppy, and Minister of …
Inez Corley Latham
Inez Corley Latham
Inez Corley Latham, age 93, ascended into Heaven on September 12, 2024. Inez, a seventh-generation Georgian, was born to Shellie Eugene and Lula Tucker Corley in Damascus, Early County, Georgia. …
Crime & safety
Police briefs
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A local man was found guilty of felony destruction of government property and other charges related to his conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His …

Tuesday, Oct. 1

Joel B. Valdez, 38, Orange Pak, domestic battery

Nicolette L. Rocco, 40, Orange Park, two counts battery on specified personnel, two counts resist law enforcement with violence, domestic violence

Mark T. Johnson, 50, Middleburg, domestic battery

Patrick A. Husnick, 63, Orange Park, domestic battery

Michael P. Hawkins, 45, Middleburg, domestic battery

Earl Sparkman, 45, Orange Park, possession controlled substance, possession methamphetamine, possession drug paraphernalia

George D. Detezanos, 47, Green Cove Springs, FTA DWLSR

Joshua R. Padgett, 44, Middleburg, non-support

Hunter A. Christie, 21, Green Cove Springs, follow/harass/cyberstalk, extort/threaten another/false report existence of sexual disease

Nyhunta R.Y.Augustin, 23, Oakleaf, FTA DWLSR

Badcock Furniture Green Cove Springs
Sponsored content

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

Badcock Furniture Green Cove Springs

We believe home is a sacred space that should feel just right and just like YOU. If you find yourself facing a design dilemma or comfort crisis, your neighbors at Badcock Home Furniture &more can help! No matter your age or stage in life, we’ve got the service, selection, prices, and financing options you need to create a comfortable and safe refuge. On the Badcock Home Furniture &more Facebook page, we want to connect with YOU. We encourage you to share your feedback and interact with fellow Badcock fans!  Need to contact us? Visit www.badcock.com or call us at 904-863-3595.

And in Sports....

Rain, rain go away! Golf games get wet

FLEMING ISLAND - Much like other outdoor sports in the area, the rain that has been one of the highlights of September has also been one of the obstacles of area golf teams. "We faced about 10 …

Jackson run, Sirdevan kick knocks out Sharks

FLEMING ISLAND - Fleming Island High's offense cooked up a strong first half of football to capture a 21-12 lead over Ponte Vedra in a key district 2-5A matchup on Friday only to see the Sharks come …
MIDDLEBURG - Middleburg High senior quarterback Carson Stewart ran for a touchdown and threw for another and the Middleburg defense scored twice as the host Broncos rallied from a second-half deficit …
Read more.
MIDDLEBURG - With BYE weeks for Middleburg, Oakleaf, Clay and Oakleaf playing their Friday night game on Monday, September 30 thanks to Hurricane Helene, area teams will get a chance to catch their …
Read more.
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 …

Calendar

CLEVELAND BROWNS AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS is on Sept. 15 at 1 p.m. at EverBank Stadium. Tickets, which start at $60, are available at ticketmaster.com.

GREEN COVE SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL will meet on Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. inside City Hall Chambers at 321 Walnut St.

FRIENDS OF GREEN COVE SPRINGS LIBRARY will meet on Sept. 18 at the Senior Center, 604 Walnut St., Green Cove Springs, at 10:30 a.m.

Did You Know?

Clay Today will test your knowledge weekly and provide interesting facts on various topics. This week, the most common names. Unless you’re in Atlanta, where there are 71 streets with the word …
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 …

Opinions & Viewpoints
Faith Walk

God Fights for You

Life is often a battlefield. We face challenges, temptations, and difficulties that can feel overwhelming. But here’s a powerful truth: God fights for you. While life is hard and full of struggles, …

This Week in History

Five years ago, 2019 • Sweet Homegrown Traditions, an exhibit celebrating Clay County’s contributions to the Southern Rock movement, including Ronnie, Donnie and Johnny Van Zant, opened at the …

Columnists
Greg Biffle texted the need for fuel, but said there's a real problem getting to the stranded people in Asheville.

Since football stinks, I have a lot of time to think …

Contemplating on the computer … It sure doesn’t pay for most of us to be a football fan in Northeast Florida this year. Most of us are used to being fooled by the Jacksonville Jaguars' false …

Can your home withstand natural disaster?

Tree limbs pierced several roofs, and the sound of chainsaws was the norm Friday as Clay County cleaned up after Hurricane Helene's edge skipped past during the late night/early morning hours. While …

Athletes for Care endorses recreational marijuana use

Athletes for Care , a nonprofit focused on the health of athletes, is endorsing Florida’s recreational pot ballot initiative. The Jacksonville-based organization said Florida residents will benefit …
Special Sections
New from local businesses
Pizza Hut shuts down its Green Cove Springs store
GREEN COVE SPRINGS—Pizza Hut at Magnolia Layne served its last slice of pie Tuesday as the corporation continues to downsize its operation to only serve takeouts and deliveries. According to the …
NEFAR: Housing market showing signs of gaining traction in Clay County
CLAY COUNTY – As fall approaches, it’s becoming more apparent that it’s becoming more of a buyer’s market. The Northeast Florida Association of REALTORS (NEFAR) Market Statistics report for …
McDonald’s offering grants to Clay County teachers, nonprofits
CLAY COUNTY – Teachers and nonprofits have until Oct. 13 to apply for grants ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 to serve children 5-18, including those in kindergarten through 12th grade. The company …
Property appraiser honored with lifetime achievement award
Clay County – Clay County Property Appraiser, Tracy Scott Drake, was recently honored with the International Association of Assessing Officers’ (IAAO) Professional Development Lifetime …
Swirl Suites is located at 1910 Wells Rd #C02 at the Orange Park Mall
Swirl Suites puts its own twist on ice cream
ORANGE PARK — Swirl Suites has set up shop just outside of the Orange Park Mall, putting its own twist on the ice cream sundae.  You may have enjoyed scoops of ice cream in a cone or a bowl …
Michael Mullinax owns Brown's Creek Honey Farm, a business dedicated to making products solely from all-natural beeswax.
'Bee'-ing natural with Brown's Creek Honey Farm
FLEMING ISLAND — Bees are a huge part of what makes our ecosystem work.  The pollinators land on objects and leave a trace sure to impact the way we live.  Michael Mullinax has been an …
Web extra content
5 simple ways to harvest your health this fall
(BPT) - Fall is here and it's time to cozy up with healthier habits! If you're looking to refresh your routine and embrace healthier habits this season, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn …
The Importance of Medicare Options for America’s Seniors
The Importance of Medicare Options for America’s Seniors
(Mark Gibbons, President/CEO of RetireSafe) - With the start of Medicare’s open enrollment period, it’s important that older Americans explore their healthcare options to make the best choice …
Filling up an electric vehicle? It's easier than you think
(BPT) - What’s holding you back from buying an electric vehicle? You’ve likely heard a lot of myths and misconceptions about electric vehicle ownership, especially when it comes to how …
Building Your Best Financial Future: Tips to Making the Most of Financial Planning Month
(BPT) - By Christian Lau and Gene PerkinsOctober marks the beginning of Financial Planning Month, bringing attention to an important issue in the lives of many individuals and their families. …
5 spooky reads perfect for a dark and stormy night
(BPT) - As Halloween approaches, it's the perfect time to curl up in front of a crackling fire on a dark and stormy night with a spooky read. Here are five spine-tingling books from National …