Local news | Clay Today

Juneteenth 2023: Local leaders celebrate emancipation, embrace county history

CLAY COUNTY – The year 1863 was a time of peace, when freedom was finally given to slaves after years of being weighed down by the harsh realities of bondage. On Jan. 1, slavery was finally … more

By Kyla Woodard For Clay Today | 6/23/23

The organization recently dropped off bleach, dog, cat and kitten food at the Safe Animal Shelter.

Orange Park Lions Club assists Safe Animal Shelter

MIDDLEBURG – Lions Club members from the Orange Park Lions Club visited the Safe Animal Shelter with a donation of bleach and dog, cat, and kitten food. Carl Crosby, Vicky Crosby, Kezia Check … more

For Clay Today | 12/21/23

Tourists crossing the spring run. The Schulz House is seen in the background – a home that still stands today across from the spring.

Celebrating Clay County History: Winter in the spring

CLAY COUNTY – The winds of the Civil War had barely died when tourists began flocking to Green Cove Springs. The feel of the relatively warm spring waters beckoned them. At first, they came … more

Archives Specialist Vishi Garig, Service of Clerk of Court and Comptroller Tara S. Green | 1/4/24

Teens selected for Orange Park Hospital’s unique summer volunteer program

ORANGE PARK – HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital has welcomed 17 high school juniors and seniors into their summer teen volunteer program, the only program of its kind in the area. The program, … more

For Clay Today | 6/22/22

From left: Andrea Crowder, JoAnne Cohen, Katy Kearson, Nancy Keating, Lily Kinmonth, Bob Donnellon, Christy Fitzgerald, and Al Benson.

Golden Year Gala 2024

On May 8, 2024, for the seventeenth year, The Windsor at Ortega Golden Years Gala was held at Sullivan Hall. The Gala honored older adults who volunteer in Clay County. Shepherd’s … more

For CLay Today | 5/16/24

Keith Gross was reared by a single mother in the Florida panhandle, worked his way through school, served in the National Guard, founded businesses in Florida, and now has set his sights on the 2024 Senate election.

Keith Gross mounts challenge for Rick Scott’s Senate seat

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Keith Gross, a challenger against Sen. Rick Scott, made his pitch for why Clay County should vote for him in the Republican Senate Primary on Aug. 20. Gross … more

Jack Randall,
jack@claytodayonline.com | 1/4/24

Clay Health offering free immunizations for school children

CLAY COUNTY – The Florida Department of Health in Clay County urges parents and guardians to have their children immunized as the new school year approaches. DOH-Clay will hold their annual Back to … more

For Clay Today | 7/27/22

Orange Park Elementary’s ‘Nique’s’ honored as a Florida School Lunch Hero

ORANGE PARK – Varonique “Nique” Cortelo was surprised by students, staff and the Florida Division of Food, Nutrition and Wellness on Thursday, May 9, when she was honored as one of five … more

5/16/24

Despite construction, Middleburg celebrates Christmas in record fashion

MIDDLEBURG – Parade organizer Dale Carter hopes the construction along Blanding Boulevard will be completed by this time next year so he can move the Middleburg Christmas Parade from County Road … more

PHOTOS COURTESY OF APRIL MECHELLE | 12/14/22

Professional angler Henry Montgomery donated his time and expertise during Fish Camp Day at Vera Francis Hall Park fishing dock last Saturday to teach children the joy of fishing. Children were provided with rods, reels and bait by resident “Papa” Guy Fisher. The children caught six fish with the help of Assistant City Manager Mike Null and City Manager Executive Assistant Kimberly Thomas.

Children hooked on thrill of learning to fish

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The excited screams of happiness boomed along the swampy creek behind Vera Francis Hall Park Saturday morning as children learned to catch fish. Each child was provided … more

7/27/23

Shoppers can order from IKEA at Orange Park Mall kiosks

Holiday hours have been extended for last-minute Christmas shoppers, and when they get there, they can order goods from IKEA at a kiosk near Hollister. ORANGE PARK – As the holiday … more

For Clay Today | 12/21/23

Christophe Agricola stands on the property that he hopes will one day be a bustling, environmentally conscious community that captures the small-town charm and rural culture of Clay County.

The Agricola Property: an upcoming innovative community

CLAY COUNTY – The Agricola family owns 30,000 acres of timberland forests across Florida, but 3,100 acres just south of Green Cove Springs have been set aside for something special. Christophe … more

Jack Randall,
jack@claytodayonline.com | 1/25/24

Henrietta Francis points to a photograph of herself when she was Ms. Dunbar.

Dunbar High continues to foster achievement against adversity

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – During the days of segregation, Dunbar High was Clay County’s only “Black” high school, and it was built upon land donated by renowned sculptor Augusta Savage. Because of … more

Jack Randall,
jack@claytodayonline.com | 2/11/24

Penney Farms Navy Chaplain recalls journey and service in two branches

PENNEY FARMS – Dean Veltman, who served in the U.S. Army briefly during World War II and later as a 20-year chaplain in the Navy during conflicts in Korea and Vietnam, has been around the world … more

By Nick Blank nick@claytodayonline.com | 6/22/22

Clay Health, WIC to host Community Baby Shower at new offices

FLEMING ISLAND – The Florida Department of Health in Clay County Women, Infants, and Children Program will host a Community Baby Shower in celebration of World Breastfeeding Week. The Community … more

For Clay Today | 7/27/22

Construction on pace for new track at Keystone Heights High

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – Keystone Heights High is eagerly awaiting the completion of its new track field. “It’s exciting. It needed to be done. It’s going to be a nice addition to our … more

By Natalie Gilstrap For Clay Today | 12/14/22

Calling all readers! Library system wants to know your favorite books

CLAY COUNTY – The Clay County Library System wants to showcase the best books of 2022 with a fun community survey. There were many great books published in 2022. What was your favorite? The Clay … more

For Clay Today | 12/21/22

Orange Park creates new website to keep up with technical progress

ORANGE PARK – The Town Council green-lighted the creation of a new town website during its meeting on Tuesday night. The deadline for the new cloud-based website is Sept. 30. Before the motion … more

By Lee Wardlaw lee@claytodayonline.com | 6/22/23

From concept to construction: Work underway at new The Way Free Medical Clinic on College Drive

ORANGE PARK – For the first time in three years, Don Fann doesn’t need to close his eyes to imagine what The Way Free Medical Clinic on College Drive will look like. All he has to do is walk … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 12/21/23

Animal Services employees allowed each pet to leave the mobile kennel independently to reduce stress on the animals.

County receives 107 animals surrendered from Middleburg home

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Frightened and confused dogs slowly appeared from the back of an animal control truck Tuesday, not realizing their lives were about to change. Clay County Animal … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 1/25/24

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