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Palagio Senior Living's Eleanor Pendley has a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as a great-great granddaughter.

104 sure looks good on Orange Park's Eleanor Pendley

ORANGE PARK — At 104 years old, Eleanor Pendley is still active and full of life. Known as “Super G,” you can almost always catch her doing her hair and makeup, piecing  together her …

Kennedy, Bean cook support for 40-hour nutrition education plan

ORANGE PARK – After meeting with the heads of four hospital groups and officials from two universities, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean delivered a …
Two of the first customers were former Florida Sen. Rob Bradley and his wife, current Florida Sen. Jennifer Bradley.

Grumpy's now open on Fleming Island

FLEMING ISLAND – Finally! The "Bad Mood Dude" is now serving  its famous breakfast and lunch items at Grumpy's Restaurant. The long-awaited and highly anticipated restaurant at the former …

Orange Park Chorale to present "Stars, Stripes and Spirituals" fall performances

ORANGE PARK -  The Orange Park Chorale , a local non-profit ensemble of choral voices, invites the community to enjoy a patriotic celebration of our country and uplifting spiritual tunes of hope …

FOLLOW CLAY

More local news
U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean, who represents Clay County in Washington, D.C., won a third term on Tuesday by turning back LaShonda Holloway by more than 6,300 votes.
Clay County turns back blue wave by electing Republican governor, senator, representative
CLAY COUNTY – While the rest of the United States took a decided turn to the left Tuesday night, Clay County helped Florida stay red by electing Byron Donalds as its next governor, while …
Homeschoolers of Oakleaf welcome dozens to Trunk-or-Treat
OAKLEAF — The Homeschoolers of Oakleaf hosted its annual Trunk-or-Treat event at the Oakleaf Community Park on Friday, Oct. 30. Dozens of children, dressed in creative costumes, enjoyed candy, …
Clay Habitat CEO Carolina Morrow said the impact of Habitat Humanity reaches far beyond the front door.
Clay Habitat kicks off 50th anniversary, honors longtime volunteers
GREEN COVE SPRINGS —   Congressman Aaron Bean emphasized the importance of homeownership and its positive impact on communities during Clay County Habitat for Humanity’s anniversary …
Who wore it better?
ORANGE PARK - Patients were seeing not double but quadruple on Friday, Oct. 30, as Dr. William Sessions' office on Kingsley Avenue celebrated the Halloween season. Team members dressed up as the …
One of the seven early voting precincts was at the Supervisor of Elections Office, 500 N. Orange Ave., Green Cove Springs.
Chambless: Early voting nearly ‘double’ of past mid-terms
CLAY COUNTY – While the number of voters usually drop significantly during the mid-term election cycle, Supervisor of Elections Chris Chambless said results from early voting have clearly defied …
From left, Exalted Ruler Kristine Watson; Signal 35 Fund Board Member Scotty Taylor; Paul Orvosh, PDD; Lodge Treasurer Ed Weston PDD; Joe Russell, PER; and Trustee Jennifer Parker, PER.
GCS Elks Lodge donates to Signal 35 Fund, supports first responders
GREEN COVE SPRINGS — The Green Cove Springs Elks Lodge #1892 donated a check for $1,000 to the Signal 35 Fund for the very first time on Oct. 27. The presentation took place at the Elks’ weekly …
The Board of County Commissioners grappled with the potential loss of critical county services on Tuesday, Oct. 27. Amendment III would need at least 60% of the vote to pass on Nov. 3.
County forewarns of impacted services with Amendment III
GREEN COVE SPRINGS– Reduced public safety and veterans' services   and saying goodbye to a library branch were some of the many topics the Board of County Commissioners grappled with on …
With the expansion to more than 82 acres, this year's fair will host even more rides.
Rodeos and fried Oreos: 71st annual Jax Fair to hit the Westside Nov. 5-15
JACKSONVILLE — Just like the last seven decades, there will be loads of fun and entertainment at this year's Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair. The funnel cakes will be hot and fresh. And so …
More than 220 acres of farmland in Clay and Putnam counties will host mini farms for foster parents and children to live on.
Echo Lake Farms to provide homes, hope to local foster families
MELROSE — Russ Miller had a plan of action when he founded Rotarians for the Development of Youth six years ago. The nonprofit dedicated to producing well-rounded young people through …
Obituaries
Charlie Hunt
On Friday, October 30, 2026, God called His faithful servant, Brother Charlie Hunt, home. Charlie was born in 1941 at his family’s home in Majestic, Kentucky, to Harry and Julia Hunt. He was raised …
Lana Maria Smith
September 15, 1976 – October 28, 2026 Lana Maria Smith, 50, of Green Cove Springs, Florida, passed away on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. Lana was born on September 15, 1976, in Würzburg, Germany, …
Phyllis L. Turner
Phyllis L. Turner, aged 102, from Penney Farms, Florida, passed away on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. Known for her kindness, her curiosity about all things, her keen mind that loved to read anything, …
Kristal Dawn Glisson
July 8, 1985 – October 25, 2026 Kristal Dawn Glisson, 41, of Green Cove Springs, Florida, passed away on Sunday, October 25, 2026. Kristal was born on July 8, 1985, in Jacksonville, Florida, to …
Carolyn E.M. Russ (Monson)
Carolyn E.M. Russ (Monson), age 91, was born on September 16, 1935, and passed peacefully on October 5, 2026. Carolyn’s Celebration of Life service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in …
Opinions & Viewpoints
Religion
It’s that time of year again. I joke with all those folks who go up to the mountains to see the changing of the leaves. I ask what kind of person pays good money for a cabin to watch trees die? …
Some people quietly wonder if choosing Jesus means choosing a less exciting life. Maybe you’ve felt it too: the pressure to blend in, to chase every opportunity and to experience everything the …
You told yourself it was the last time. You prayed for strength. You felt conviction — and yet somehow, you ended up right back in the same cycle. Again. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a pattern of …
Opinions & Columns
"Thanksgiving —when the people who are the most thankful are the ones who didn't have to cook." —Melanie White It's officially everyone's favorite time of the year. The weather is cooling down …
Last year in 9th grade, my daughter’s English teacher, Mrs. Thea Burke, had the class read "Romeo and Juliet." Many of us have read it or know of this “love story.” However, Mrs. Burke told me …
I’m sure the Big 12 will be sending notices to the UCF and Cincinnati football programs to dig into their piggybanks to pay for six-figure fines after their fans stormed the field following two …
In the Community:

Community Calendar

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY will be on Nov. 6 from 5-9 p.m. at Spring Park, 200 Spring St., in Green Cove Springs, The event includes food trucks, vendors and live music. JACKSONVILLE AGRICULTURE FAIR will be …

This Week in History

Five years ago, 2021 • The county finalized plans to honor more than 30,000 former soldiers and sailors ahead of Veteran’s Day, including a ceremony and Family Day at Camp Blanding. • The Board …

Ask Kyla:

What happened to Wendy's on Park Avenue?

ORANGE PARK - After filing for bankruptcy, Wendy's has decided to close several locations across the country. Including its longtime location at 753 Park Ave. According to Usearch.com, the restaurant …

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CRIME & SAFETY
Police briefs
Green Cove Springs man charged with ‘touching’ girl, 12 or younger   GREEN COVE SPRINGS – A 32-year-old man was arrested on Friday, Oct. 23, after an investigation led the Clay County …
Name, age, location of arrest, charges). Key: FTA-Failure to Appear; DWLSR-Driving Without a License-Suspended or Revoked; DUI-Driving Under the Influence; VOP-Violation of Probation; BAL-blood …

Police Briefs

Robert Charles Lancaster

Middleburg man charged with threatening to shoot people MIDDLEBURG - The Clay County Sheriff's Office arrested a man on Oct. 7 after several residents said he threatened to shoot them with an AR-15 …

And in Sports....

Broncos score 58, Eagles 42, Raiders 35 on Friday

Fleming Island senior Sebastian Cruz busted a 75-yard touchdown return, but the spectacular play was negated by a penalty flag.
Middleburg High scored 58 points in a 58-14 blowout of Westside High in Game 1 at Westside High, while Fleming Island had to hold off a second-half charge by Clay to win 42-20 in a county rivalry …

Fleming Island's Stotler, Shoesmith primed to repeat state titles

Not surprising for the Fleming Island High boys swim team was a dominating 100 butterfly by Jackson Strickland, a transfer from Ridgeview.

GAINESVILLE - The Fleming Island High swimming and diving team is primed to add a few more medals to the school's trophy case, as defending state champions Noah Stotler and William Shoesmith won …

ORANGE PARK - Two words standout on the walls of St. Johns Country Day School's latest athletic facility: Agoge and Arete. And, according to wrestling head coach Hunter Hill, the meaning of both …

Blue Devils in driver's seat to region possibility

GREEN COVE SPRINGS - With just a game and a half to finish his second season, Clay High football coach Jeff Gierke's prophecy that this season was going to better because of his senior-strong roster …

Both Panthers' bowling teams head to state

Middleburg High outside hitter Isabella Mestas smashed her scoring shot between two Ponte Vedra defenders in the Broncos

ORANGE PARK - Ridgeview High sent Katie Waters to the FHSAA state championship tournament last year, and it will double-down in 2026 after the boys team won its district title and the girls finished …

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 nurturing care to adults with disabilities in a day training environment so they can live as happily as possible. Our goal is to stimulate not only their intellectual and physical skills, but will also meet their spiritual and emotional needs. Daystar services include: . . .

BRIEFS

OP Senior Center hosts the Pope, belly dancers, skeletons during Halloween party

ORANGE PARK — There were spooks and frights in the air on Thursday, Oct. 29, as seniors gathered at their local hub on Stowe Avenue to celebrate the Halloween season in style. The Orange Park …

Special Sections
LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS
Server Janae O'Neal cuts a large pizza for a to-go order.
Authentic New York-style menu features homemade dough, sauce, attitude
MIDDLEBURG – You don’t have to fly 960 miles for an authentic New York-style slice of pizza. That’s because Tony and Sicily Zori’s family brought New York to the Silo Shoppes of Middleburg. …
TownePlace Suites by Marriott is located at 1625 Jeremiah St. in Middleburg.
Middleburg's TownePlace Suites celebrates year of successful hospitality, service
MIDDLEBURG — Welcoming hotel guests with comfort and excellent service is key to any successful hospitality model. TownePlace Suites by Marriott knows that best. That's why celebrating its one-year …
Wawa is now open on Fleming Island at 1510 Merchant Blvd.
Fleming Island Wawa brings $7.5 million investment to Clay County
FLEMING ISLAND — After months of anticipation, the new Wawa at 1510 Merchant Boulevard opened with great fanfare on Thursday, Oct. 15.  And while many arrived bright and early to fill up their …
Lumpia is one of many authentic dishes served at Lola's Filipino Cafe and Mini Store.
Traditional Filipino cuisine, culture live at Orange Park café
ORANGE PARK – When you walk into Lola’s Filipino Cafe and Mini Store, you’re welcomed with the rich smell of fresh food, and a welcoming atmosphere that feels like home. That’s what Nino …
The challenge on the Blockbuster hole on the pink course is to use two ropes on pullies to navigate a VHS tape with the golf ball attached to the cup at the top without letting it slip through a landmine of other holes.
Burlesons open two courses where they 'create memories'
GREEN COVE SPRINGS – There are no windmills, snapping alligator mouths, spinning barriers or volcanoes at Retro Putt Indoor Mini Golf. But you will find a zip line, pool table, drum set, basketball …
County-wide construction is ongoing for the new fiber-powered network and expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Xfinity brings high-speed, reliable internet to more than 2,300 rural homes in Clay
CLAY COUNTY —   Although it's hard to imagine a world without being online, an estimated 24 million Americans still lack access to the internet, according to the Network Installers . But …
Web extra content
4 retro-fueled room designs for fresh inspiration today
Houzz reports on four retro-inspired room designs blending past styles with modern touches, showcasing 1920s Art Deco, 1950s charm, 1960s Space Age, and vibrant 1990s aesthetics.
If you're going with a lower-cost health insurance plan, make sure to read the fine print.
Plans with cheaper premiums are risky business for Americans seeking lower healthcare costs
Some options that might look like health insurance actually aren’t – and they may leave you stranded with large, unexpected medical expenses.
Why are school mornings so stressful? A psychologist explains, and organizers share what works
Closets by Design reports that school mornings are stressful due to time constraints and disorganization. 
Are you mentally healthy? 15 signs to look for
Rula reports that good mental health involves coping skills, strong relationships, and a sense of purpose. 
What 8 hours on your feet really does to your body
KURU Footwear reports that being on your feet for eight hours can cause various physical issues like muscle fatigue, pain, and cardiovascular risks, emphasizing the need for varied movement and better workplace design to mitigate discomfort.