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Florida Rep. Sam Garrison was unopposed and will be the next Speaker of the House, while Florida Sen. Jennifer Bradley easily won her re-election to represent seven counties in Northeast Florida, including Clay.

Bradley, Bean, Sapp, Edwards win seats in General Election

CLAY COUNTY – While the results were much closer than from the past, Clay County voters stayed true to their Republican roots Tuesday by electing Byron Donalds as its next governor, while returning …
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 …

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More local news
Pace Center for Girls - Clay Executive Director Dr. Genelle Thomas addressed guests at Fall for Pace on Nov. 5 at Whitey's Fish Camp.
Sheriff Cook wins Jaguars tickets, Whitey’s owner Jabot gets Vuitton purse at live auction
FLEMING ISLAND – Sheriff Michelle Cook never flinched when four field passes, special parking, player family seating tickets went on the auction block during the Fall for Pace fundraiser on …
Paterson community mourns loss of Principal John O'Brian
FLEMING ISLAND - Paterson Elementary families and the local community are mourning the loss of Principal John O'Brian after the educator unexpectedly died on Monday. "Please continue to keep Mr. …
Akino Japanese Cuisine is located at 1754 Wells Road.
Akino brings flavor, Japanese culture to Orange Park
ORANGE PARK —   Members of the Clay County Chamber of Commerce helped to officially cut the ribbon on the Akino Japanese Cuisine during its grand opening on Friday, Nov. 6. The locally owned …
The four-hour Veteran's Day ceremony includes hot dogs and hamburgers at World War II prices.
Clay County to salute Veteran’s Day with ceremonies, discounts
CAMP BLANDING – Robert Hilliard was just 18 when he trained at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center 82 years ago. Now 101, the U.S. Army veteran plans to return to the sprawling camp on Wednesday, …
Middleburg, Fleming Island ousted in state volleyball tournament
OCALA – Fleming Island and Middleburg highs’ state championship quest came up two games short Thursday at the Florida High School Athletic Association State Volleyball Championships at Polk State …
Ron Riddle's legacy will continue for generations because he created a culture that lifted the needs of athletes above his racial challenges.
Legendary former Clay High Coach Ron Riddle dies on Thursday, Nov. 5
GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The social media post was brief, but pertinent: "Today we lost a true legend to Clay High School!!! "Sure going to miss you Coach Ron Riddle . "Once a Blue Devil always a Blue …
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 …
Clay Today Sales Manager Miranda Moore presented Thais Serafin De Silveira Alves with the IKO Clay Hill Hometown Heroes for Healthcare certificate on Friday, Oct. 30.
Kindred’s De Silveira Alves said compassion, dedication as effective as medicine
FLEMING ISLAND – Her co-workers said what makes Thais Serafin De Silveira Alves such a special nurse can’t be learned in a classroom. Putting people back together at Kindred Hospital North …
Mother and daughter duo Janey Fox, right, and Jessica Hames took on the roles of Helen and Florence of the Qui-Si-Sana and Clarendon hotels.
GCS Preservation Society still fundraising to bring the Rivers House to life
GREEN COVE SPRINGS — They say that ghosts are dead serious and transparent about their intentions. Especially when it comes to telling stories of the past. A group of local women made that loud and …
Obituaries
Cheryl Ann Cates
Cheryl Ann Cates, born on February 12, 1959, in Somerville, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully under hospice care on November 6, 2026. Cheryl lived a life full of love, compassion, and dedication …
Linda Faith Wickline
May 24, 1953 – November 04, 2026 Linda Faith Wickline, age 73, a lifelong resident of Starke, Florida, passed away on November 4, 2026, at Silver Treasures in Orange Park, Florida. She was …
Christopher Lee Barkley
Christopher Lee Barkley, age 65, of Green Cove Springs, Florida, passed away peacefully at his home on October 30, 2026. Christopher was born on October 23, 1961, in Fort Payne, Alabama, to Chester …
Dr. Judy Baker Harrison
Dr. Judy Baker Harrison, age 75, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 2, 2026, after a brief battle with cancer. Judy Marie Baker was born in 1951 in Albertville, AL. Valedictorian of her high …
Zachariah David Harwell
Zachariah David Harwell passed away on November 01, 2026 from a tragic accident. Zach was born on February 15, 2001 to parents Edwin and Brenda (deceased) Harwell. Zach is survived by his father …
Opinions & Viewpoints
Religion
Talking about money can feel awkward. But Jesus didn’t shy away from it because He knew that how we handle money reveals what’s going on in our hearts. Tithing isn’t about God needing your …
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 …
Opinions & Columns
  Clearing the post-its from my wall … I heard something interesting during Tuesday’s Green Cove Springs City Council meeting when newly passed Amendment 3 was mentioned by a resident. She …
"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 …
In the Community:

Community Calendar

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS will be performed on Nov. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Thrasher-Horne Center, 2800 Thrasher Horne Ave., Orange Park. Tickets, which start at $37, are available at the box office …

This Week In History

Five years ago, 2021 • Keith Brandon is hired as the new Veteran’s Services Officer for Clay County. • Washington, D.C., developer Banks Shao told several residents of the Orange Park Country …

Ask Kyla:

What new businesses are coming to Clay County?

CLAY COUNTY - There are several new businesses slated to make Clay County home, some of which include a Florida-style upscale eatery, wine bar, sandwich shop and Korean -themed quick chain. In Orange …

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CRIME & SAFETY
Police briefs
Man charged with attempted murder after domestic violence shooting   ORANGE PARK – A 29-year-old man was arrested on Thursday, Oct. 29, after a Clay County Sheriff’s Office investigation …
GREEN COVE SPRINGS – A Clay County Sheriff’s Office deputy was arrested on Sunday, Nov. 1, after other deputies responded to a family disturbance that “became physical.” Claude Hurley was …

Police Briefs

Demetrius Justin Rosado

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 …

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 …

Lady Eagles get 1-0 win over soccer powerhouse

Fleming Island Ava Davie corner kick found teammate Lauren Topp for the lone goal in Golden Eagles

FLEMING ISLAND - In a rare Saturday morning visit from four-time state champion Lakeland Christian School, Fleming Island girls soccer coach Taylor Berry got a quick look at how her 2026 team will …

FLEMING ISLAND - Two goal line stands by Clay High kept Fleming Island out of the end zone in a quick quarter-and-a-half Tuesday night, as the Blue Devils answered any questions about their defense …

Spartans wrestling unveil Agoge Training Center

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, Knights make their cases for playoff berths

JACKSONVILLE - Clay High sophomore athlete Wyatt Rapoza, who was filling in for slightly injured senior quarterback Landon Martin, also executed his linebacker tackling prowess by making big play …

Stotler, Shoesmith top draws to repeat state titles

Fleming Island swimmer Noah Stotler, the defending Class 3A 200 freestyle champion, will be back in action to defend his title on Fri., Nov. 6, in Ocala. He will also compete in the 100 freestyle.

GAINESVILLE - With dominating wins in their specialties, Fleming Island High's Noah Stotler and William Shoesmith advanced to repeat their state titles after strong performances at the Region 1-3A …

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

Clay Habitat's Veterans Build fosters community building

GREEN COVE SPRINGS — As an early celebration of Veteran's Day, several military personnel and veterans gathered at Clay County Habitat for Humanity's annual Veterans Build on Thursday, Nov. 5. The …

Special Sections
LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS
Beth Ann Kovacs, left, and Elisabeth Santos are excited to bring Align + BECOME to the local community,
Live your life with color, outside the lines on Walnut Street
GREEN COVE SPRINGS — As long as you have a paint brush and canvas, opportunities to thrive are never few and far between. Especially when you're living in the moment and expressing your innermost …
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 …
Web extra content
Traveling for the holidays? Here's how to save
Ally Financial reports tips for holiday travel budgeting: create an agenda, budget your stay, shop early for gifts, travel off-peak, go with a group, and consider travel insurance.
The Thanksgiving NFL archive: 5 statistical anomalies that defy decades of football logic
SBD reports on five Thanksgiving NFL statistical anomalies, highlighting remarkable performances, odd trends, and historical records from Turkey Day games.
The Thanksgiving NFL archive: 5 statistical anomalies that defy decades of football logic
SBD reports on five Thanksgiving NFL statistical anomalies, highlighting remarkable performances, odd trends, and historical records from Turkey Day games.
What research shows about studying techniques and recall
Quizlet reports that research shows self-testing improves memory retention more than rereading materials, despite students feeling more confident when rereading.
Money-saving energy tips to brave the cold months
Intuit TurboTax reports energy-saving tips for winter after Daylight Saving Time, including bundling up, using space heaters, and sealing drafts.