Life | Clay Today

Leading actress Davenia McFadden, left, and writer/director Dr. Shaun Powell will showcase "The Honey Dripper Lady" movie on Aug. 30 at the AMC Regency 24 in Jacksonville. The movie was filmed in Middleburg and Jacksonville.

Preparations underway for World Premiere of ‘The Honey Dripper Lady’

JACKSONVILLE — Between teaching classes, Dr. Shaun Powell has been busy making reservations, checking flights and double-checking her guest list. The only thing she’s not worried about … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 8/22/24

The Clay County Pro Rodeo will be inside the Cattleman's Arena on Sept. 13-14 at the Clay County Fairgrounds. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Clay County 4-H.

Clay County Pro Rodeo returning to fairgrounds on Sept. 13-14

GREEN COVE SPRINGS — Many attending the Clay County Pro Rodeo at the Clay County Fairgrounds will pull their cowboy hats, blue jeans and tartan-fabric Western shirts out of the closet. The rest … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 8/15/24

The space adjacent to the Mercy Support Services building is planned for Mercy Village, which will ultimately house 242 people at any given time

Inaugural Comedy shows to support Mercy Support Services

CLAY COUNTY — Laughter is the best medicine. It makes for great marketing, too. The goal of the Inaugural 2024 Comedy Event is to raise awareness for Mercy Support Services , a … more

Jack Randall,
jack@claytodayonline.com | 8/15/24

More than 100 attended the Augusta's Legacy Family Celebration at the Sullivan Center to mark the "stellar" accomplishments of the children last year at the Augusta Savage Arts and Community Center.

Augusta Savage Arts and Community Center celebrates ‘stellar’ year

FLEMING ISLAND — By any measure, Friends of Augusta Savage Arts and Community Center President Henrietta Davis-Francis said the students and staff had a “stellar” year. She and the other … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 8/15/24

Readers share back-to-school day photos

CLAY COUNTY — Clay Today wishes all of our new and returning students (and teachers) a wonderful first day of the school year. On our Facebook page , we asked our readers to submit … more

For Clay Today | 8/15/24

The design created by Fox A. in the five-and-under category.

Clay County readers design new library cards

FLEMING ISLAND — The Clay County Public Library System held an art contest in which winning designs would be featured as limited-edition library cards during Library Card Sign-Up Month this … more

For Clay Today | 7/3/24

Jimmy Buffett Tribute’s A1A at Florida Theatre on Feb. 2

JACKSONVILLE – A1A, the Official and Original Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show was formed in 1991 when lead vocalist and guitarist Jeff Pike invited Scott Nickerson, founder of the first Jimmy Buffett … more

For Clay Today | 7/3/24

The Island Theater will be showcasing "Seussical the Musical" until July 7.

Local community theaters have more in store this summer season

CLAY COUNTY — If you are looking for some fun entertainment during the summer season, Clay County’s local community theaters have got you covered. For the duration of the summer, the Orange … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 7/3/24

Henderson Haven, a local nonprofit organization, provides a safe space for children and adults with special needs to learn and be themselves.

Henderson Haven advocates for children and adults with disabilities

ORANGE PARK — In Clay County alone, more than 8,000 students have disabilities and need proper services. T he small but mighty Henderson Haven is aiming to combat this daunting … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 6/27/24

The Shepherd's Center of Orange Park has provided many opportunities for older adults to get out, get active and meet new people.

Shepherd's Center of Orange Park offers help for older adults to successfully age in place

ORANGE PARK- Getting older doesn't mean your life is over. And the people of the Shepherd's Center of Orange Park are showing that. The center is a local community organization aiming to give … more

Kyla Woodard | 6/27/24

Lynyrd Skynyrd's 'Sweet Home Alabama' was released 50 years ago

GREEN COVE SPRINGS — More than a half-century ago, Lynyrd Skynyrd got together in a stuffy shack known as "Hell House" along Peters Creek where they were free to rock out from sunrise to … more

For Clay Today | 6/27/24

Dr. Jeffreen M. Hayes, filmed by cinematographer Jane Macedo Yang, at the Schomburg Center for Black Research.

'Searching for Augusta Savage' documentary premieres on Saturday

JACKSONVILLE — If you haven't had the chance to see the "Searching for Augusta Savage" documentary on PBS , which explores the life and legacy of the visionary artist, educator and leader, … more

Jack Randall,
jack@claytodayonline.com | 6/27/24

John M. Weeks holds up a copy of "Wiregrass Moon," his first published poetry collection.

Review of 'Wiregrass Moon' by John M. Weeks

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS — For his first published poetry collection, John M. Weeks put his ear up to Northeast Florida's natural environments and transcribed its echoes and songs. "Wiregrass Moon," … more

Jack Randall,
jack@claytodayonline.com | 6/27/24

From left, Director Junior Ashwood, Danielle Williams, Mike Trnka, George Smith, Felecia Blackshear and Dean Phillippi Sr.

‘Rights of a Father’ highlights conversation of pro life/choice

JACKSONVILLE — “Rights of a Father,” a film featuring a fictional court case set in Clay County and filmed at the historic 1890 Clay County Courthouse , was premiered at the Ritz Theatre … more

Jack Randall,
jack@claytodayonline.com | 6/20/24

Night Ranger will appear at the Thrasher-Horne Center on Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m.

Night Ranger to appear Oct. 26 at Thrasher-Horne Center

ORANGE PARK — Heavy-hitting rock legends Night Ranger recently released a live album titled “40 Years and a Night” with Contemporary Youth Orchestra. The historic collaboration with CYO … more

For Clay Today | 6/20/24

Almost 15 years after the tragedy, Diena Thompson reflects on Somer's legacy. Once a place of unspeakable tragedy, the mother finds peace at a place where she knows Somer's legacy will live forever.

Somer's Garden: Transforming evil to a safe place of peace, happiness

ORANGE PARK — When Diena Thompson was given the keys to 1152 Gano Ave., she decided to burn it down. As she threw the match in, she watched for hours as the house disappeared forever. … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 6/20/24

Giovanni Cruz runs a free boxing program from his home in order to help at-risk youth.

Ground Zero Boxing: 'A small gym with a huge heart'

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS — For Giovanni Cruz, being in the ring has always been his calling. “Boxing is pretty much my language,” Cruz said. “It’s something that I use as a tool because everything … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 6/20/24

Our Part of the River

This is from my memory; Magnolias over black water, White blooms, tender and new, Floating slowly with tide currents Where forests melted into water. We were young and I ungrateful, Though I saw the … more

John M. Weeks | 6/20/24

George Smith, left, as Drake Wells “faces off” with Julie Jones as Jordan Moss during on-site filming at the 1890 Clay County Courthouse

'Rights of a Father' premiers Father's Day weekend at Ritz Theatre

JACKSONVILLE—After filming at the 1890 Clay County Courthouse in Green Cove Springs, Club Continental in Orange Park, and areas in Jacksonville and Daytona Beach, Junior Ashwood will next … more

Jack Randall,
jack@claytodayonline.com | 6/13/24

Sarah Crouch as Belle sitting beside Aaron Burdick as the Beast

'Beauty and the Beast' at The Island Theater until Sunday

FLEMING ISLAND – The Island Theater will perform Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" until Sunday, June 9. The auditorium seats were packed during last week's opening weekend. Dancing, … more

Jack Randall,
jack@claytodayonline.com | 6/6/24

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