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Clay County Crime Report

This week's crime report for Clay County Florida, provided by the Clay County Sheriff's Office. Read more

‘I still have my life’

GAINESVILLE – Cloaked beneath a green University of Miami blanket is a body of contradicting abilities. The upper half is young and vigorous. The lower half is listless and …

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Skynyrd fans can salute launch of Hell House Whiskey at Whitey’s Fish Camp

FLEMING ISLAND – Johnny Van Zant fondly recalled a story about getting ready to go on stage early in his career. His father, Lacy, offered him a shot of whiskey to smooth his vocal cords and calm …

Girl Scouts honor Hair by Lee & Friends owner Lee Goodnight

ORANGE PARK – Lee Goodnight, Hair By Lee & Friends owner in Orange Park, has been an adult volunteer with the Girl Scouts since 1987, and with the Gateway Council as a canoe and kayak …

County schools athletic departments promote ‘Pink Out’ month

CLAY COUNTY – Clay County Athletics is proud to announce its second year partnering with the American Cancer Society and the Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation to promote PINK OUT month. In …

City council sets budget at $428,174 with 6.48% millage rate increase

While the Keystone Heights City Council approved a new budget for 2023-24, which includes a 6.48% millage rate increase compared to last year’s rollback rate, members learned City Manager Lynn …

BCC approves 12% millage rate increase

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – County commissioners approved an 8.3661 millage rate for the next fiscal year, generating approximately $729.25 million, a 12.03% increase from last year’s rolled-back rate …

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Keystone Heights woman finds way to create jewelry while helping ailing brother

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – In 2020, Mary Skinner became the sole caretaker of her brother, Andy. They lost their father that year due to complications from exposure to Agent Orange, the infamous herbicide …

Keeping waterways clean starts with properly disposing yard debris

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Michelle Hord and Barbara Beyerl, volunteers with the UF/IFAS Florida Master Gardener Program, shared ways to dispose of yard debris properly and ways to protect the local …

Groups that support sobriety celebrate recoveries

MIDDLEBURG- Clay Behavioral Health Center, Clay County Fire Rescue and Groups Recover Together warmly embraced residents living with mental health disorders and recovering from addiction during the …

Tickets going fast for Amazing Grace Family Farms’ Fall Festival

MIDDLEBURG – Many of last year’s Amazing Grace Family Farms Fall Festival sessions sold out a year ago, so the operators are encouraging visitors to get their tickets in advance. The …

Pragmatic Works headquarters groundbreaking set for Oct. 4

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The gateway into the city is about to look a lot different. Pragmatic Works, a Clay County, Internet Technology-based training company will begin construction on a three-story …

Keystone Herald 9/21/23

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Obituaries

Terry Rollen

After almost two years to the day, Terry Ann Harris Rollen, 75, of Orange Park, Florida, was reunited with her beloved husband, Terry. She passed peacefully on September 21, 2023. An inspirational …

Jason Lee Martin

Jason Lee Martin, 49 of Lake Asbury, FL went to be with the Lord on September 19th, 2023. He was born in Mableton, Georgia to his parents Dan and Lynn Martin. As a child, his parents moved them to …

Phillis Mendoza

Phillis Mendoza, age 75, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2023 at her home. She is survived by her husband Joseph Daniel Bozeman “Dan”, their children, Timothy S. Scheetz, James N. Scheetz …

John A Hankins

Mr. John A. Hankins, 83 of Fleming Island, passed away Monday, August 28, 2023. Mr. Hankins was born October 4, 1939, in Draper, North Carolina to parents Orion E. and Prudence Hazel (Craig) Hankins. …

Amelia ‘Amy’ Mary Oliver

Amelia “Amy” Mary Oliver, a beloved member of our community, peacefully departed from this world on September 20, 2023, at the remarkable age of 94. Born as Amelia Mary Abdullah on …

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.

Sports

Indians go big; 46-8

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS - A pick-six interception, a blocked punt to a safety, two passing bombs and an 80-yard scoring run highlighted an explosive 46-8 win for the Keystone Heights High football team over …

Game of Week: Fleming Island vs. Bartram Trail

FLEMING ISLAND - Fleming Island High football coach Chad Parker has said numerous times that his game with Bartram Trail, now here and with the Bears at 5-0, is still just the "next" game. …

"Cruce"-Control: Broncos get first win

MIDDLEBURG - Not many people have ever had as good a night as Middleburg’s Austin Cruce did on September 22. The two-way star had three and a half sacks and a tackle for loss to spearhead a …

Raiders forget second half

ST. JOHNS - The Orange Park Raiders went into halftime leading the Panthers at Nease Stadium, which included an 80-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Gabe Taylor, 14-13. The Raiders could not find …

Orange Park vs. Fleming Island Volleyball

Martinez, Nichols crush Bale N Trail XC

BARTRAM TRAIL - Clay High senior Erika Martinez and St. Johns Country Day School senior Richard Nichols both ran breakout races on Saturday at the Bartram Trail High Bale N Trail 5Km course. …

In the community

Walk & Roll to School Day

OAKLEAF – Students at Oakleaf Village Elementary will be lacing up their sneakers, dusting off their bicycles and snapping on their helmets for an event that aims to promote wellness. On …

Boo at the Roo

MELROSE – “Spookley the Square Pumpkin” is the cartoon story of a loveable a who was teased by a round pumpkin named Big Tom until Jack the Scarecrow and three spiders named “Edgar,” …

Crackers to break ground with fresher approach

Brad Skwirsk purchased and remodeled the original Cheers on Wells Road in 2011, rebranding the Orange Park-based bar to Locals Pub. Now, he will seek to redesign another Clay County bar: Crackers …

Cheesecakes and Carnegie

FLEMING ISLAND – The Eagle Band is practicing tirelessly as they prepare to take their talents to Carnegie Hall in New York City. Nerves are running high as the …

Keystone Heights woman finds way to create jewelry while helping ailing brother

Community First Credit Union

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Community First Credit Union

Community First Credit Union mortgage rates are at historic lows (most loans close in 30 days) Community First Credit Union has recently lowered mortgage rates to help you save more than ever …

Calendar

ORANGE PARK HISTORICAL PRESERVATION BOARD: will meet on Sept. 28 at 4 p.m. in town council chambers, 2042 Park Ave.

CLAY COUNTY BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT will meet on Sept. 28 at 6 p.m. at the BCC Meeting Room, fourth floor, at Administration Building, 477 Houston St. in Green Cove Springs.

CLAY COUNTY DEVELOPMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE: will meet on Sept. 28 at 10 a.m. at the BCC Meeting Room, fourth floor, at Administration Building, 477 Houston St. in Green Cove Springs.

LAKE REGION KIWANIS: will meet on Sept. 28 at 7:30 a.m. at the Montgomery Center, 88 SE 75th St. in Starke.

Appetency: (APP-ǝ-dǝn-see) a noun that means a longing or desire.

“My father passed along his appetency for playing golf.”

More words of the week

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 …

Crime, health & safety

Police briefs

Middleburg man pleads guilty to producing child porn images

JACKSONVILLE – U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced Sam David Harris Jr., 38, of Middleburg, pleaded guilty to two counts of production of child sexual abuse images. Harris faces a minimum mandatory term of 15 years and as many as 60 years in federal prison. Harris has been detained since his arrest on April 20.

Former OPAA softball coach gets 20 years for making videos of girls

JACKSONVILLE – U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced Andrew Lynn Overheul, 43, of Orange Park, to 20 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised …

Arrests and Bookings 9/28/23

Tuesday, Sept. 26

Sakina B. Williams, 43, Oakleaf, resist/obstruct/oppose law enforcement

Juan C.M. Florentin, 37, Orange Park, driving without valid license

Madeline Nieves, 35, Orange Park, trespassing

Daviany S. Rodriguez, 24, Middleburg, FTA

Johnathan L. Reed, 35, Green Cove Springs, FTA-failure to register vehicle

Monday, Sept. 25

Christopher R. Petty, 47, Middleburg, domestic battery

Natalie Wood, 38, Green Cove Springs, VOP-aggravated assault with deadly weapon

Antonyo J. Hatch, 41, Green Cove Springs, violation of jail rules

Morgan B. Vickers, 27, Keystone Heights, FTA

Good Deeds, Memories and Briefs

Swine and Dine Derby leaving starting gate on Oct. 21

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Mark your calendar for an afternoon of food, music and pig races on Oct. 21 at the Swine and Dine Derby at the Clay County Fairgrounds. The event is sponsored by the …

Green Cove Springs Library to close for construction

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The library will be closed for a scheduled construction project from Aug. 21 to …
Residents encouraged to support Wreaths Across America

CLAY COUNTY – The National Wreaths Across America Day will be held on Saturday, Dec. 16. Join the …
Pentecostals of Orange Park to celebrate 25th anniversary

ORANGE PARK – The Pentecostals of Orange Park will celebrate its 25th anniversary during the …
'Laughter is the Best Medicine’ Ha-Has for Ta-Tas show on Oct. 28

ORANGE PARK – The Pink Ribbon Symposium will present its HaHas for Ta-Tas comedy event on Oct. 28 …
41st Orange Park Town Hall Fall Festival returns in October

ORANGE PARK – The Fall Festival will return to Orange Park Town Council Park on Oct. 21 and 22. …

Senior Games returning to Jacksonville for 10 days

JACKSONVILLE – Senior athletes are invited to register for the Jacksonville Senior Games from …
County needs suggestions on its Gateway to Clay project

CLAY COUNTY – Residents living on or near Wells Road are encouraged to complete a survey to …
Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Curt Towne Band appearing in St. Augustine

ST. AUGUSTINE – Part of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s 50th-anniversary tour will include a show on …
Rock the Dock returns to benefit Chief Derek Asdot Scholarship Fund

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Rock the Dock Casino Night will be on Sept. 30, and proceeds will go …
Outdoor Adventure Vendor Show coming on Oct. 21

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The Rotary Club of Northeast Florida will offer its Outdoor Adventure …

The best places to buy property in Clay County

A couple miles southwest of Jacksonville, you will find the idyllic Clay County nestled along the St. …
How To Get Life Insurance For Parents

Death is not something most people like to talk about. In fact, it is a topic that is pointedly avoided …
Advice can help when making charitable gifts

Now that it’s the holiday season, gifts are probably on your mind – and you might intend for some of …

3 online industries that are thriving in the 2020s

Many industries were glad to see the back of 2020 with the threat of Covid-19 taking its toll on …
What to know about sustainable investing

You may have heard about “sustainable investing.” But if you're not familiar with …
Financial Focus: When should you adjust your investment mix?

There are no shortcuts to investment success – you need to establish a long-term strategy and …

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