Top Stories

County commissioners get preview of needs by CCSO, CCFR, CCEM

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – A big-ticket meeting took place between the officials and the community during the Clay County Board of County Commissioners workshop on Tuesday morning, with funding …

Finally, closure …

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – After a prolonged trial that has taken a winding road of twists and turns since Jan. 4, 2007, Micheal Renard Jackson was finally sentenced to life in prison without parole …

Operation Homefront: Military families showered with support from CSX’s Pride in Service program

JACKSONVILLE – While Nina Raycraft received baby supplies and suggestions from a host of other mothers, she said the most important benefit of attending last Saturday’s Operation Homefront was …

Solite site still haunts Lake Asbury residents 27 years after it closed

LAKE ASBURY – In the 1950s, Solite opened on the north side of County Road 209-A. In 1996, the aggregate kiln company closed. Solite may have left Clay County, but its effects still haunt some …

Tip-A-Cop: Remember to tip your server … and the cops with guns

ORANGE PARK – Less than two hours into the first of three days of Tip-A-Cop fundraiser, three buckets containing cash-filled envelopes were overflowing. Clay County Sheriff’s Office deputies …

Clay joins INTERCEPT to target, punish and eliminate those who abuse and traffic children

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The Clay County Sheriff’s Office receives “hundreds” of tips about sexually abused and trafficked children. More alarming is the fact those represent a small portion of …

Fair’s top executive selected as a ‘Top 40 Under 40’ professional

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The Clay County Agriculture Fair isn’t what Tasha Hyder does. It’s who she is. The merry-go-round, agriculture barns and giant pretzels are reasons why more than 130,000 …

Michael Renard Jackson spared death penalty

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – For the second time in 13 years, a jury found Michael Renard Jackson guilty of first-degree murder and rape of a veterinarian technician in 2007. And for the second time, …

Jail inmates gain automotive skills toward ASE certifications

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Emory, a self-proclaimed “backyard mechanic,” was holding a chipboard instead of a wrench during an instructional class on Saturday at the Clay County Sheriff’s …

CCSO Detention Deputy of the Year

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The more Sean Williams refused to reveal his real name, the more Clay County Sheriff’s Office Detention Deputy Jesse Holbert was determined to find out why. It didn’t …

Rebuilding a life; building a business

MIDDLEBURG – Derek Dees has lived a difficult life from the day he was born. His mother was 14 when he was born. He was 6 when she became addicted to drugs. “Growing up, you deal with …

Fleming Island’s Jordan wins Patti Grace Smith Fellowship grant

Janae Jordan’s career path has been like a ride on a spaceship – meteoric with a seemingly-scripted course. As a child, she loved building Ikea furniture and playing with LEGOs, which led her …

Special girl gets tour of Green Cove Springs Police Department

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The police department was pleasantly surprised when communications Officer Brandi Acres mentioned seven-year-old Dani-Lynn was going to visit her friends at the station. The …
William Robert Meadows (PIC) William Robert Meadows was born on March 22, 1967, and passed away on March 6, 2023. William is survived by his wife Jennifer Lynn Meadows, son Alexander William …
Linda Jean Vidak Linda J. Vidak, 76, of Clay County, Florida, passed away February 26, surrounded by her family. She was born in New Milford Connecticut, the daughter of Daniel and Regina Malumphy, on …
Shaun Ryan Bowman Burniston Shaun Ryan Bowman Burniston, 44, lifelong resident of Orange Park, FL passed away peacefully Wednesday February 8, 2023. He was born August 23, 1978 in Orange Park, …
Barbara RoswellBarbara Roswell, 79, of Clay County, Florida, died Monday, February 13, in her home surrounded by her loving family. She leaves her husband of 49 years, Charles E. Roswell; a Daughter, …
Linda Rhodes ToppLinda Rhodes Topp of Fleming Island, Florida passed away on Friday, February 10, 2023 at the age of 70. She was born April 29, 1952 in Colorado Springs, Colorado and is survived by …
Special Sections

Badcock Furniture Green Cove Springs

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Badcock Furniture Green Cove Springs

We believe home is a sacred space that should feel just right and just like YOU. If you find yourself facing a design dilemma or comfort crisis, your neighbors at Badcock Home Furniture &more can help! No matter your age or stage in life, we’ve got the service, selection, prices, and financing options you need to create a comfortable and safe refuge. On the Badcock Home Furniture &more Facebook page, we want to connect with YOU. We encourage you to share your feedback and interact with fellow Badcock fans!  Need to contact us? Visit www.badcock.com or call us at 904-863-3595.

In the Community

‘Celebrations’ featuring the Orange Park Art Guild at Thrasher-Horne

ORANGE PARK – For nearly five decades, the Art Guild of Orange Park has enjoyed sharing its talent with the public. The group has exhibited its work in various galleries in the Northeast …

Tip-A-Cop: Hungry customers with giving hearts stuff Special Olympic coffers

ORANGE PARK – The goal of every fundraising event is to collect more money than the previous year. Tip-A-Cop did that. And more. After surpassing the $10,000 mark in 2022, the Clay County …

Thrasher-Horne offering BOGO tickets for Chicago tribute band, Brass Transit

ORANGE PARK – Brass Transit was formed in 2008 and brought together eight of the most talented and accomplished award-winning musicians. Their sole purpose was to pay tribute to one of the …

BCC gets update on bonded transportation projects

GREEN COVE SPRINGS - The Board of County Commissioners heard an updated progress report on the bonded transportation program at its last meeting. Residents and officials heard from Ed Dendor, …

Famed rock photographer Mark ‘Weissguy’ Weiss captures ‘The Decade that Rocked’

JACKSONVILLE – Gallery 275 will welcome the famed 80s’ rock n’ roll photographer Mark “Weissguy” Weiss for a remarkable photographic journey through March 26. The …

Clay County veterans honored at appreciation event at Thrasher-Horne

ORANGE PARK – It was a gloriously sunny and beautiful day on Saturday – perfect for a day of celebration and appreciation for the nation’s veterans, particularly those from Clay …

Orange Park Hospital trade syringes, bandages for saws, paint brushes

PENNEY FARMS – On most days, Vicki Gibbs Lee works as a Physicians Laison at HCA Orange Park Hospital. But on Friday, March 10, she was a punch presser. She joined a contingent from the …

Montgomery Center hosts Fish Fry Fridays

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – Every Friday through April 7, the Montgomery Center will host an outdoor fish fry. “We’re doing a fish fry every Friday during the season of Lent. That’s …

St. Mary’s Shoals Park: "The Gem of Northeast Florida"

GLEN ST. MARY – “We've got 26,042 acres," said St. Mary’s Shoals Park Patroller Steve Harvey. "It's divided basically in half."  According to the St. Mary Shoals Park …

UF researchers base international lightning research at Camp Blanding

CAMP BLANDING – Not all the loud blasts from the Camp Blanding area are military explosions. Some are part of the University of Florida’s research on one of nature’s most potent …

Primrose School spearheads 1,462-book donation to local schools

FLEMING ISLAND – Preschool students at Primrose School did their part to help combat the literacy crisis in America by donating books to local charities as part of their Og’s Bountiful …

SJCDS’s Torkzad’s experiment headed to International Space Lab

ORANGE PARK – Higher Orbits is a non-profit with the mission of promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, along with teamwork, leadership and communication through the study of …

Drivers take advantage of Operation Green Light to get back on the road

ORANGE PARK – Richard Edwards’ luck ran out last June when he was stopped and charged for driving during the previous 18 months with a suspended license. Fees and penalties made it …

Orange Park Council considers modifications of Waste Management contract

ORANGE PARK – The Town Council conducted a wide-ranging discussion on solid waste services during its meeting on Tuesday night. When finalizing plans for a solid waste contract, Orange Park and …

Reynolds Park property owner asks Green Cove Springs to annex 41.5 acres

The Green Cove Springs City Council pushed a proposal to annex 71.48 acres in Reynolds Park to a second and final reading during its meeting Tuesday night at City Hall. Property owners Lyman and …

Faith Walk: Spring is a time for LEARNING

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you [who are willing to learn] with My eye upon you.” Psalm 32:8 (Amp) What’s incredible about God and …

Faith Walk: Spring is a Time for STARTING OVER

Many of us come to a point in our lives where we want and/or need to start over. The pressures, pain, and struggles of this life can easily overwhelm any of us, and they often do. No matter how close …

Faith Walk: Spring is Here! Make it a Time for GROWTH

February is over! Spring is here! You may not notice the difference in temperatures with all these beautiful Florida days. Spring is a beautiful time. After the winter, the world seemingly comes back …

Sports
ORANGE PARK – It’s unfair when a group of unruly children makes it difficult for everyone. A handful of punks turned the Orange Park Mall parking lot into a mosh pit and ultimate fighting ring …
It’s time to hit the garage, attic and closets for that age-old task of spring cleaning. Before hauling unwanted possessions to the curb, you may be surprised to learn they might be valuable – …
DAYTONA BEACH – A professionally-trained journalist shouldn’t show favoritism or emotion in a story. I graduated with a college degree when they taught objective reporting, not a multi-platform …
The Senate’s version of legislation to remove the requirement to get a concealed firearm permit includes a series of provisions aimed at beefing up school security. Republicans in favor of the …
Here in Clay County, we’re fortunate to have great shared spaces like our many beautiful parks to enjoy with friends and family. And as with any good fortune, we must all work together to keep …

Oakleaf lone unbeaten for area baseball

OAKLEAF - Clay County baseball stormed from season openers until about game five before the first hiccup occurred as diamond fans are promised a bevy of playoff potential action after the March …

Blue Devils softball running amuck

GREEN COVE SPRINGS - Area softball teams have been shaking off last year's graduation losses with lineups maneuvering to get optimum results and Clay coach Matt Lewis may be just a tad ahead of the …

Dry in Stride keeps Gate River Run dry

OAKLEAF - Runners at the week long Gate River Run 15K expo are always on the hunt for the latest techno shoe, or supercool sunglasses or high-tech wrist watch.From their living room in Oakleaf, …

Gilbert goes yard for Bronco win

MIDDLEBURG - As the Middleburg Broncos were still in search of the sought-after first victory of the 2023 season, the Westside Wolverines came to town for a Friday night showdown riding high in the …

Champs in town

Keystone Heights High’s boys weightlifting team, the defending two-time Class 1A champions under coach Lantz Lowery, visited Ridgeview High, here Tyler Anthony Rozier powering up, as area lifters …

Track Action

The Danny Brown Memorial Invitational at Bishop Snyder High School featured a slew of fast sprinters and relays from Orange Park and Oakleaf high schools with a 100 meter tie with Oakleaf’s Evan …

James’ 26 not enough; Knights run ends

LAKELAND - The expected fast start of the Oakleaf High girls basketball team never materialized as Charlotte took hold of a 20-12 early lead and never let the Lady Knights dent the lead en route to a …

Blue Devil douse Broncos

GREEN COVE SPRINGS - After less than 24 hours since the Middleburg Lady Broncos took their first loss of the season against University Christian, with the Christians using a five run sixth inning to …
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 …

Good Deeds, Memories and Briefs
SJR State earns military-friendly school designation
ORANGE PARK – St. Johns River State College has earned a 2023-2024 Military Friendly School designation. Institutions earning the Military Friendly School designation were evaluated using …
121 Financial Credit Union Offers BOGO packages for Jumbo Shrimp
JACKSONVILLE – 121 Financial Credit Union, the official credit union of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, is offering buy one, get one digital ticket packages from March 13-18 for the 2023 Jumbo …
Community Briefs 3/16/23
Garden Club of Orange Park sponsoring horticulture program ORANGE PARK – The public is invited to the Garden Club of Orange Park’s annual spring horticulture program on Friday, …
Art Guild of Orange Park offering Courtenay Hunt scholarship
ORANGE PARK – Courtenay Hunt was a prominent local artist recognized as Jacksonville’s portrait artist of choice. In 1967, he was commissioned to paint a portrait of Andrew Jackson which …
College Briefs 3/2/23
Fleming Island’s Whitney Hall graduates from TampaTAMPA – Fleming Island alumnus Whitney Hall graduated from The University of Tampa. She earned a Physician Assistant Medicine degree. …
Ortho One opens new office on Blanding Boulevard
ORANGE PARK – Clay County Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the opening of Ortho One Jacksonville’s Orange Park office at 794 Blanding Blvd. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Providing comprehensive …
Operation Green Light
ORANGE PARK – Since 2019, the Clay County Clerk of the Court and Comptroller’s Operation Green Light event has helped hundreds of customers become eligible for driver’s license …
This Week In History 3/2/23
Word of the Week is a feature that aims to help readers boost their vocabulary in a meaningful way that has practical application. Each week, our editorial staff presents a word, its definition and …
Bob Warren shows Garden Club how to grow from seeds
FLEMING ISLAND – The Garden Club jumped on its Spring Gardening with an excellent talk from Bob Warren on Planting from Seed. Do you know the chief advantages of growing from seed? It saves lots …
Crime News

Man facing litany of drug charges following traffic stops

MIDDLEBURG – A Clay County Sheriff’s Office deputy who saw a man run a stop sign wound up uncovering a cache of drugs on March 8. Kristopher Daniel Hatcher, 35, of Jacksonville, now …

Arrests and Bookings 3/16/23

(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 3/9/23

GCS mother, daughter killed in Bradford County crash LAWTEY – The Florida Highway Patrol spent nearly six hours last Saturday investigating a horrific crash on U.S. Highway 301 that resulted in …

Arrests & Bookings 3/9/23

(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 …

Arrests & Bookings 3/2/23

(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 3/2/23

Former CCSO deputy sentenced to 25 years for sexually abusing a childGREEN COVE SPRINGS – A former Clay County Sheriff’s Office deputy pled guilt to three counts of sexual assault on a …

Police Briefs 2/23/23

Another suspect arrested in ‘Lucky 777’s’ fentanyl trafficking stingGREEN COVE SPRINGS – A man wanted for being part of the “Lucky 777’s” drug ring was …