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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 …

Sunshine Health awards $100K in grants to support caregivers of vulnerable children

FORT LAUDERDALE — Sunshine Health, a company of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), awarded $100,000 in grants for innovative programs that support caregivers of children and youth with behavioral …

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More local news
One of the seven early voting precincts is 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 …
TownPlace Suites by Marriott is located at 1625 Jeremiah St. in Middleburg.
Middleburg's TownPlace Suites celebrates year of successful hospitality, service
MIDDLEBURG — Welcoming hotel guests with comfort and excellent service is key to any successful hospitality model. TownPlace Suites by Marriott knows that best. That's why celebrating its one-year …
In the middle of the victory scrum, fans hoist the UCF mascot, Knightro, on their shoulders.
UCF, Cincy upset wins show why college football is still great
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 …
GCSPD home to spooky trunks, lots of treats
GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Thousands attended the Green Cove Springs Police Department's Trunk-or-Treat on Friday, Oct. 23. Many vendors lined the department's parking lot to hand out candy and show off …
The new Charters of Freedom monuments are available for viewing at the Historic Triangle in Green Cove Springs.
Clay County becomes lasting tribute to Charters of Freedom
GREEN COVE SPRINGS —It's been 250 years since America officially gained its independence. A day marked by the country's long, successful journey to freedom. During that time, foundational documents …
The Special Olympics golf tournament included signed helmets from Danny Wuerffel, Trevor Lawrence and Tim Tebow, as well as a signed helmet from Travis Hunter and framed photos of Steve Spurrier and Vince Dooley.
Top of the Tee drives support for Clay County’s Special Olympics team
FLEMING ISLAND – There was a distinct sound of golf balls clacking, the aroma of cigar smoke and laughter during Tuesday night’s Special Olympics golf tournament at the Top of the Tee at the …
Whitey's Fish Camp hosting Fall for Pace on Nov. 5
FLEMING ISLAND – For those who haven’t visited Whitey’s Fish Camp since new ownership remodeled the building and its menu, the iconic restaurant will open its doors for review, all while …
School district: One-Mill referendum only renews – not adds – ad valorem tax
GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Clay County District Schools issued an informational fact sheet regarding the One-Mill Ad Valorem Referendum Renewal appearing on the upcoming ballot, outlining the revenue …
Adults dressed in Halloween costumes handed out candy to nearly 4,000 children at last year's Green Cove Springs Police Department's Trunk-or-Treat.
Plenty of ‘spooktacular’ events planned around county for Halloween season
CLAY COUNTY – Sweet tooth junkies, freaks of frights and costume zealots can unite at any one of several Halloween-themed events. Four of the largest events will be the Boo on the Boulevard parade …
Obituaries
Rosalie Deese
In Loving Memory of Rosalie Deese Rosalie Deese, 77, passed away on Friday, October 23, 2026. She was born in Charleston, West Virginia, on September 1, 1949, to Herschel Shamblin and Ann …
Albert James “Jim” Becker
Albert James “Jim” Becker, 85, of Fleming Island, Florida, passed away peacefully on October 20, with his beloved wife of 65 years, Angela, by his side. Born May 1, 1941, in Elyria, Ohio, Jim …
OZELLA MARIE HAGAN
September 26, 1953 – October 17, 2026 My mother, Ozella Marie Hagan, went to be with the Lord on October 17, 2026, at the age of 73. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Robin Quinn; two …
Michelle Odalis Enid Colon
Michelle Odalis Enid Colon, born September 21, 1987, passed away on October 12, 2026, at the age of 39, following a courageous battle with cancer. She is survived by her parents, Emma Gladden and …
Robert (Bob) Frey
Robert (Bob) Frey of Fleming Island, Florida passed away on October 1, 2026 in Community Hospice Care. He was born on July 11, 1944 to Stanley and Virginia Frey in Boston, Massachusetts. He was a …
Opinions & Viewpoints
Religion
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 …
There is something happening in our world that is hard to ignore. Every day we hear about wars, international conflicts, moral confusion, economic uncertainty, natural disasters and a growing sense …
Opinions & Columns
As your elected Superintendent, but more importantly, as a fellow citizen, taxpayer and neighbor here in Clay County, I believe in the power of our community to make informed decisions. As we …
To the Editor,   Over 180,000 Floridians  will be diagnosed with cancer this year. As they undergo treatment, the support of family, friends and the whole community is crucial. So is access …
On the positive side, Jacksonville’s 19-17 victory against Philadelphia on Sunday, Oct. 11, was the Jaguars’ 12 th in their last 13 regular season games dating back to Nov. 16, 2025. On the …
In the Community:

Community Calendar

BLACK CREEK METHODIST PUMPKIN PATCH will be through Oct. 31 at 3925 Main St., in Middleburg. Residents are encouraged to select their perfect pumpkin. Hours are 3:30-8 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. …

This Week in History

Five years ago, 2021 • The Board of County Commissioners reviewed plans for more than $20 million in federal disaster relief funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. • County officials reach out …

Ask Kyla:

What's the with the new market on Park Avenue?

ORANGE PARK — Following intense condemnation from local town residents, a permanent liquor store was scrapped from the future plans of 1345 Park Ave. But it looks like groceries have made the cut. …

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CRIME & SAFETY
Police briefs
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 …
Man pleads guilty for restaurant fraud schemes in Jacksonville, Clay County   JACKSONVILLE – George Joshua Floyd, 45, of Jacksonville, pled guilty to wire fraud. He faces a maximum penalty of …

Arrests and Bookings

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 …

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 …

Gators Mizell fuels NEFAC title; 32-12

Lakeside Junior High running back Johnny Mizell took off for one of his many long scrimmage runs in the Gators

ORANGE PARK - Lakeside Junior High football running back Johnny Mizell displayed breakaway speed with two touchdowns and a handful of long runs to ignite the Gators' offense to a 32-12 Northeast …

FLEMING ISLAND - With literally two and a couple half games left in the season for a couple of Clay County football teams, the intrigue of the MaxPreps rankings will be a central thought for area …

Oakleaf freshman Wilmoth finishes ninth at Middleburg XC

MIDDLEBURG - With a week to go before area runners gear up for their district championship races, the Middleburg Bronco Classic was one of the last regular season races before the playoffs. For one …

Fleming Island, Clay tune up for district golf in final match

GREEN COVE SPRINGS - The Fleming Island and Clay high girls golf teams played  one final match at Magnolia Point Golf and Country Club on Oct. 15 as county teams …

Blue Devils’ homecoming a success: Clay shuts out Ridgeview, 40-0

Clay High running back Connor Beck, with a helmet full of turf, returned to the Blue Devils

GREEN COVE SPRINGS - After a less than stellar first quarter, Clay High took control in the second quarter with a 23-point blitz behind a riveting 68-yard run from running back Kamari Davis to beat …

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

Community Briefs

Magnolia Point Women’s Club’s Designer Bag BINGO raises $6,500 GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The Magnolia Point Women's Club raised more than $6,500 at its Designer Bag BINGO fundraiser on Monday, Oct. …

Special Sections
LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS
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 …
Whitey's, Encore refresh their looks, menus
FLEMING ISLAND – What was old is now new again along Swimming Pen Creek. Whitey’s Fish Camp and Encore Fleming Island both recently refreshed their restaurants, menus and their futures with …
Michelle Smith creates wellness through aesthetics, skin care and weight loss.
Michelle Smith dedicated to a holistic treatment of mind, body
FLEMING ISLAND – After a successful career as a surgical assistant, Michelle Smith decided to branch out on a more holistic and natural approach to wellness. Glow Wellness and Rejuvenation was …
Web extra content
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.
Can feng shui lower stress? What the research on clutter actually shows
Closets by Design reports on feng shui's potential to reduce stress by organizing spaces for energy flow, aligning with research on clutter and well-being.