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Green Cove Springs Junior High hosts formal naturalization ceremony

The event was a collaboration between Green Cove Springs Junior High, the United States District Court, Middle District of Florida, Jacksonville Division and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
GREEN COVE SPRINGS - Becoming an American citizen is not easy. But the smiles and cheers of 50 individuals as they took the Oath of Allegiance last Friday proved that the journey is worth it.  …
Aiden W. Grubbs
FLEMING ISLAND – The Bartram Trail District recognized 38 Boy Scouts of America who achieved the rank of Eagles Saturday night at Sullivan Hall on the Sacred Heart Catholic Church campus. While …
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More local news

Shepherd's Center accepting nominations for Golden Years Gala Service Awards

ORANGE PARK - The Golden Years Gala will be presenting its 18th annual event to recognize older adults for outstanding volunteer service in Clay County. What a wonderful way to say, “Thank You!” …
Newly retired Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Carolyn Edwards saw more than 60 families move into a new home while she directed the organization for 17 years.

GCS Council honors impactful contributions by city residents

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The City Council devoted much of its meeting Tuesday to recognizing residents who made significant contributions to the community in a series of heartfelt presentations, …

Winn-Dixie honors Black History Month by supporting community projects

CLAY COUNTY – Southeastern Grocers Inc., parent company and home of Winn-Dixie grocery stores, together with the SEG Gives Foundation, is celebrating the achievements of its associates and …
Bean presented the schools with a personalized certificate and flag flown over the U.S. Capitol.

Rep. Bean celebrates 'National School Choice Week' with visit to county

CLAY COUNTY - In honor of "National School Choice Week," U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean stopped by two Clay County elementary schools last Thursday to celebrate their academic accomplishments.  The …
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Obituaries
Ian Vogt
Ian took his last breath on 2/2/25. He was born to Gerry Vogt & Ann Gagge. He loved to ride motorcycles & his dream was to retire & just ride everywhere. The accident in 2012, put a …
Joey Patten
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Joey Patten. He was surrounded by his family on his final days. Joey grew up in Green Cove Springs, Florida with his parents, Joe and Doris, and sisters …
Eddie A. Peeples
Eddie A. Peeples, 78, of Green Cove Springs, Florida passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 29, 2025 after a yearlong battle with cancer. Eddie was born in Charleston, SC but grew up in Green Cove …
William Elliott, Jr.
William “Willie” Elliott, Jr. passed away peacefully at his home in Penney Farms, Florida, on January 30th, 2025. Born in Columbia, South Carolina, to William Elliott and Marguerite …
Kimberly M. Leep
Kimberly M. Leep, lovingly known as “Nana,” passed away on December 25, 2024, at the age of 62. Born on July 30, 1962, Kimberly brought joy and warmth to all who knew her. Kimberly …
Opinions & Viewpoints
Faith Walk

Faith: Generosity When I Don’t Think I Can

Faith and generosity are deeply connected. True generosity requires us to trust God, not just with our resources, but with our hearts. It’s easy to give when we feel we have more than enough. But what about when giving feels like a sacrifice?

Robust reentry programs help prisoners from reoffending

Florida’s prisons have the fifth lowest recidivism rate in the country, according to a new study published by a prominent criminal defense law firm. Suzuki Law Offices  based in Arizona …

From drips to drops: Evolution of smartphone damage

As smartphones have transformed from simple communication devices to essential tools for navigation, entertainment, productivity, and much more, so too have their vulnerabilities – and the …

I haven’t been the same since the Challenger explosion

It was Jan. 28, 1986. We paused a press conference for the upcoming SunBank 24 (before Rolex bought the naming rights) minutes before liftoff to head for the roof of the SunBank building in downtown …
Crime & safety
Police briefs

CCSO: Man on probation returns to jail for looking at porn

Victor Lamar Massey

ORANGE PARK – A man who was placed on sex offender probation on Aug. 11, 2011, after pleading guilty to possessing 14 photographs or motion pictures of children performing sexual acts, was …

Tuesday, Feb. 4

Joel M. King, 24, Middleburg, FTA DUI, FTA obey law enforcement, FTA DWLSR, FTA driving without insurance

Tamara N. Sprinkle, 40, Keystone Heights, petit theft

Russell B. McConnell, 43, violation of injunction for protection against domestic violence

Timothy E. Curry, 44, Green Cove Springs, grand theft

Lavoy D. Bennett, 43, Orange Park, trafficking fentanyl

Joseph A. Horwat, 58, Keystone Heights, aggravated assault with deadly weapon, disorderly intoxication

Jarquavion V. Thomas, 20, Green Cove Springs, VOP carrying concealed firearm

In the Community

Hundreds served free groceries at Impact Clay’s MLK Weekend of Service Celebration

Food was distributed at Celebration Church in Orange Park to 130 families.

CLAY COUNTY – Although the first shopping cart of food wasn’t scheduled to go out until 10 a.m., the first person arrived at Keystone Heights Junior/Senior High at 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10, …

Sugar and Kiley

Taylor said she plans to continue showing heifers for future competitions.
Leading up to April’s Clay County Agricultural Fair livestock show and auction, Clay Today will be highlighting some young farmers and their journeys. This week, we follow Kiley Taylor and her …
And in Sports....

Johnson, Underwood push Lady Broncos to repeat title

Clay High srenior Emma Heck has rolled with impressive results through districts and regions and looks nearly unstoppable for a fourth state title in Lakeland.
PANAMA CITY BEACH - With a handful of pairs, the region 1-2A girls weightlifting championships featured double trouble scoring from key players to put Clay County teams; Middleburg, Fleming Island …

Raiders vs. Panthers: Round II

St. Johns Country Day School

ORANGE PARK - Orange Park High baskeball point guards Jayde Brant and Mariah Young spearheaded a suffocating defensive effort as Orange Park pulled away from Fleming Island late for a 42-38 District …

Blue Devils take out Broncos

A much anticipated clash between the top two ranked wrestlers in Class 2A

KISSIMMEE - Clay High overcame an early 24-16 lead by Middleburg High's wrestling team with a pin from Jacob Bucci and a tech fall from Landon Willard to trigger a 24 point swing to beat the Broncos …

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 • Susan Elizabeth Mauldin, the Fleming Island woman who’s been missing for more than three months, was found buried in garbage bags in a South Georgia landfill. A Fleming …
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
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 …
VyStar hosting ‘Access to Capital Forum’ with Regional Minority Business Development Agency
JACKSONVILLE – C apital is crucial for the growth and success of any business, particularly for small, local, and diverse enterprises. To provide valuable insights into financial opportunities and …
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 …
Web extra content
The beginning of the year is the most popular time to start a new business: What you need to know to get started now
(BPT) - If you're considering launching a new business, you're not alone. Small business growth has doubled from 2014 to 2024. The new year is the most popular time to start, with 30% of new …
The wind and terrain can quickly change how a fire, like this one near Los Angeles in January 2025, behaves.
How satellites and AI help fight wildfires today
Fire spotters used to watch with binoculars from forest towers. Now, technology can help forecast fire behavior, but human experience is still essential.
Vinyl's shocking comeback: Why everyone's talking about records again
Bandcamp explores the surprising resurgence of vinyl and why it's become a cultural movement.
4 realistic resolutions for working parents to consider in 2025
(BPT) - The 2024 U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory shed light on the immense amount of stress parents are under. Part of this is due to the pressure that comes with raising children, working and …
Transform Your Garden in 2025 with These 10 Award-Winning Plants and Products
(BPT) - As winter turns into spring, it's time for gardeners to consider which plants they'll cultivate in planters, pots and gardens. If you're in the midst of planning your garden and need …