Local news | Clay Today

Bob Byrnes pointing to the display board in front of the Moon Tree.

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – On Jan. 31, 1971, Apollo 14 launched into outer space, and two astronauts rode Command Module " Kitty Hawk" down onto the rocky lunar service. Astronaut … more

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

Avid reader Tanya Lea proudly displays her new additions to her bookshelf.

Local authors featured at Present Tense Coffee and Books

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Present Tense Coffee and Books is a cultural focal point. It's a welcoming home for bookworms and local authors. Last Saturday, the coffee house invited a dozen local … more

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

Keystone Heights City Councilman Steve Hart receives a plaque as a token of appreciation on his last day April 1 after serving on the city council for a decade.

Councilmember Steve Hart surprised with plaque after decade of public service

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – Monday, April 1, was Councilmember Steve Hart's last day as an elected official for the city council. The city staff had a surprise – and it wasn't an April Fool's … more

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

Law enforcement members who make up NEFL INTERCEPT released the results of their first-year effort to battle human trafficking and child exploitation.

INTERCEPT task force winning the fight against human trafficking

The seven law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Attorney’s Office that make up the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force reunited last week to report the first-year success of their program to … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 4/4/24

Salvation Army's Empty Bowls returns April 23

MIDDLEBURG – Give a meal, get a meal – that's the idea behind the annual18th Annual Empty Bowls charity drive. The $20 ticket grants you entry to the luncheon on April 23 from 11 … more

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

Charlie Van Zant Jr. stands with his family.

First 100 days in office: Charlie Van Zant reflects on new job

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – Charlie Van Zant Jr. was hired as the new city manager in January . More than 100 days into his new job, he said time flies when you're having fun. "I'm loving it and … more

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

You can view the solar eclipse by making a pinhole viewer and keeping the Sun at your back.

SJR State College, OP Mall getting ready for eclipse

ORANGE PARK – Northeast Florida rarely gets to see a solar eclipse – albeit with protected glasses – so St. Johns River College and the Orange Park Mall are making the most of the occasion. The … more

Clay Today Staff | 4/4/24

A record offering of $5,466 was donated to Lake Area Ministries from last Sunday morning's Easter Sunrise Service at the Pavilion. It was a beautiful, love-filled time with our community. Many thanks to the Kiwanians who made this possible and the sun-splashed daybreak that created a glorious background during the service.

Eastern Sunrise Service celebrated at Keystone Heights

4/4/24

Thomas Webber is an expert on eclipses, and he's talked about them a few dozen times with Clay County Schools and Outreach Programs in the past few years.

Look up, look forward to Eclipse 2024

CLAY COUNTY – As the old saying goes, “The third time’s the charm.” For the third time since 2017, the “Sunshine State” will become, at least for a moment, the “Where’s all the … more

Thomas Webber, For Clay Today | 4/4/24

Broncos, Eagles set to clash at region weightlifting

YULEE - With district boys weightlifting titles won by Fleming Island and Middleburg in two separate districts last week, the clash of Region 1-2A 2024 at Choctawhatchee High School on Thurs., April … more

Randy Lefko
Sports Editor | 4/4/24

Douglas Conkey at Keystone Heights City Council standing next to Mayor Nina Rodenroth and Councilmember Steve Hart

SJRWD's Douglas Conkey travels through Clay County

CLAY COUNTY – Douglas Conkey made a circuit through municipal meetings in Clay County to raise awareness for April's 26th annual Water Conservation Month. Conkey first made a … more

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

It's called Clay County 'Agricultural' Fair for a reason

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – There’s a reason it’s not called the Clay County Rollercoaster Fair or the Clay County Funnel Cake Fair. “Agriculture is part of our name and part of … more

By Don Coble | 4/4/24

Dr. Shirley Eady receives honorary Doctorate of Humanitarian degree

ORANGE PARK – More than four hours of music, food, games, vendors and fun were on March 30 at the Orange Park Town Hall Community Outreach. In addition to festivities offered by the Clay County … more

4/4/24

PACE Center for Girls Clay officials, including Executive Director Genelle Thomas, second from right, celebrated the graduation of 18 seniors - the largest graduating class at the school - during the Believing in Girls Luncheon.

Believing in Girls celebrated largest graduating class at PACE

ORANGE PARK – PACE Clay marked a significant milestone on Wednesday, March 27, when it hosted its highly anticipated Believing in Girls Luncheon. This event, known as the largest community … more

For Clay Today | 4/4/24

Green Cove Springs Police Chief E.J. Guzman hands a City proclamation to Hope Chessel during Tuesday's City Council meeting for her tireless volunteer efforts to help his department and the city.

Longtime volunteer Hope Chessel honored by Green Cove Springs

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The Green Cove Springs Police Department put out their own "911 call" to Hope Chessel when they had trouble collecting toys for their annual “Caroling Around the Cove.” … more

Don Coble | 4/4/24

Municipal Super Election Tuesday in Orange Park

CLAY COUNTY – Clay County Supervisor of Elections, Chris H. Chambless, reminds residents of the Town of Orange Park that Tuesday, April 9, is the 2024 Municipal Super Election. The City of Keystone … more

For Clay Today | 4/4/24

The Clay & Water cohort sits eagerly as the developmental reading is about to begin

Five original scripts presented at Clamour's Clay & Water 2024

PENNEY FARMS —The playwrights sat in the front row and exchanged glances eagerly as the lights dimmed. Each playwright wondered just before the show, but none more so than the one whose play was … more

Jack Randall,
jack@claytodayonline.com | 3/28/24

The 50th-anniversary ribbon-cutting celebration

First McDonald’s in Clay County celebrates 50th Anniversary

ORANGE PARK – McDonald’s has brandished a few slogans since it was founded in 1940. “I’m loving it.” “Over 99 billion served.” The one that seems especially fitting for the McDonald’s … more

Jack Randall,
jack@claytodayonline.com | 3/28/24

If the proposal were passed, the fine for improperly parking on Blake Avenue would be $25.

Blake Avenue parking, renaming McIntosh Avenue top OP meeting

ORANGE PARK – The Town Council committed itself to unclogging Blake Avenue, resulting in a draft of the “Blake Avenue Amendment” during its meeting two weeks ago. If the proposal were … more

Jack Randall,
jack@claytodayonline.com | 3/28/24

Hendry Farms displays some of its antique farm equipment and tools.

Blast from the past: Old Fashioned Farm Day at Penney Farms

PENNEY FARMS —The town’s historic charm was the perfect stage for Old Fashioned Farm Day last Saturday at Penney Farms. Residents and vendors offered exhibits of antique farm equipment and tools … more

3/28/24

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