Life | Clay Today

Under the Stars Glamping Adventures brings the 'glamping' to you with their personalized experiences.

CLAY COUNTY — Luxury and camping. These two words don’t seemingly go together, yet they do in the best way — thanks to one local business. Under the Stars Glamping Adventures has been putting … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 6/27/24

Henderson Haven, a local nonprofit organization, provides a safe space for children and adults with special needs to learn and be themselves.

Henderson Haven advocates for children and adults with disabilities

ORANGE PARK — In Clay County alone, more than 8,000 students have disabilities and need proper services. T he small but mighty Henderson Haven is aiming to combat this daunting … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 6/27/24

The Shepherd's Center of Orange Park has provided many opportunities for older adults to get out, get active and meet new people.

Shepherd's Center of Orange Park offers help for older adults to successfully age in place

ORANGE PARK- Getting older doesn't mean your life is over. And the people of the Shepherd's Center of Orange Park are showing that. The center is a local community organization aiming to give … more

Kyla Woodard | 6/27/24

Lynyrd Skynyrd's 'Sweet Home Alabama' was released 50 years ago

GREEN COVE SPRINGS — More than a half-century ago, Lynyrd Skynyrd got together in a stuffy shack known as "Hell House" along Peters Creek where they were free to rock out from sunrise to … more

For Clay Today | 6/27/24

Dr. Jeffreen M. Hayes, filmed by cinematographer Jane Macedo Yang, at the Schomburg Center for Black Research.

'Searching for Augusta Savage' documentary premieres on Saturday

JACKSONVILLE — If you haven't had the chance to see the "Searching for Augusta Savage" documentary on PBS , which explores the life and legacy of the visionary artist, educator and leader, … more

Jack Randall,
jack@claytodayonline.com | 6/27/24

John M. Weeks holds up a copy of "Wiregrass Moon," his first published poetry collection.

Review of 'Wiregrass Moon' by John M. Weeks

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS — For his first published poetry collection, John M. Weeks put his ear up to Northeast Florida's natural environments and transcribed its echoes and songs. "Wiregrass Moon," … more

Jack Randall,
jack@claytodayonline.com | 6/27/24

From left, Director Junior Ashwood, Danielle Williams, Mike Trnka, George Smith, Felecia Blackshear and Dean Phillippi Sr.

‘Rights of a Father’ highlights conversation of pro life/choice

JACKSONVILLE — “Rights of a Father,” a film featuring a fictional court case set in Clay County and filmed at the historic 1890 Clay County Courthouse , was premiered at the Ritz Theatre … more

Jack Randall,
jack@claytodayonline.com | 6/20/24

Night Ranger will appear at the Thrasher-Horne Center on Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m.

Night Ranger to appear Oct. 26 at Thrasher-Horne Center

ORANGE PARK — Heavy-hitting rock legends Night Ranger recently released a live album titled “40 Years and a Night” with Contemporary Youth Orchestra. The historic collaboration with CYO … more

For Clay Today | 6/20/24

Almost 15 years after the tragedy, Diena Thompson reflects on Somer's legacy. Once a place of unspeakable tragedy, the mother finds peace at a place where she knows Somer's legacy will live forever.

Somer's Garden: Transforming evil to a safe place of peace, happiness

ORANGE PARK — When Diena Thompson was given the keys to 1152 Gano Ave., she decided to burn it down. As she threw the match in, she watched for hours as the house disappeared forever. … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 6/20/24

Giovanni Cruz runs a free boxing program from his home in order to help at-risk youth.

Ground Zero Boxing: 'A small gym with a huge heart'

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS — For Giovanni Cruz, being in the ring has always been his calling. “Boxing is pretty much my language,” Cruz said. “It’s something that I use as a tool because everything … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 6/20/24

Our Part of the River

This is from my memory; Magnolias over black water, White blooms, tender and new, Floating slowly with tide currents Where forests melted into water. We were young and I ungrateful, Though I saw the … more

John M. Weeks | 6/20/24

George Smith, left, as Drake Wells “faces off” with Julie Jones as Jordan Moss during on-site filming at the 1890 Clay County Courthouse

'Rights of a Father' premiers Father's Day weekend at Ritz Theatre

JACKSONVILLE—After filming at the 1890 Clay County Courthouse in Green Cove Springs, Club Continental in Orange Park, and areas in Jacksonville and Daytona Beach, Junior Ashwood will next … more

Jack Randall,
jack@claytodayonline.com | 6/13/24

Sarah Crouch as Belle sitting beside Aaron Burdick as the Beast

'Beauty and the Beast' at The Island Theater until Sunday

FLEMING ISLAND – The Island Theater will perform Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" until Sunday, June 9. The auditorium seats were packed during last week's opening weekend. Dancing, … more

Jack Randall,
jack@claytodayonline.com | 6/6/24

A boy receives a preventative health screening with an electrocardiogram fixed to his chest.

Free heart screening on June 15

FLEMING ISLAND – Staff from Clay County Fire Rescue are teaming up with Who We Play For to protect the young hearts of the Clay County community. This heart screening is accessible to all students … more

For Clay Today | 6/6/24

Once just my passion, now my reality

Being a writer has always been my passion. Writing my stories from my own thoughts or those shared by others. But, I was always unsure of where this path would ultimately lead me. As a little … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 6/6/24

Jack Rhyne, Maureen A. Jung's husband, took the iconic photo of the "Entering Clay County" sign south on U.S. Highway 17, on the border with Putnam County.

'Embedded in Clay' is a collection of entertaining, enlightening history

Clay County History Month is celebrated every year in May. It is a time of recollection and learning. The focus for this week is ‘Embedded in Clay,’ a historical anthology compilation … more

Jack Randall,
jack@claytodayonline.com | 5/23/24

Don M. Fox shared the story of writing the "Patton's Vanguard" series at the Orange Park Library with the local chapter of the Florida Writers Association.

Former Firehouse Subs CEO shares writing tips with FWA

ORANGE PARK – Clay County's Florida Writers Association chapter hosted Don M. Fox at the Orange Park Library recently to talk about the lessons he learned publishing his two books: … more

Jack Randall,
jack@claytodayonline.com | 5/23/24

Brian Johnson will take on the role of Dr. Joseph Applegate, a historical figure from Green Cove Springs, during the production of "PASSING THE BATON."

Clamour Theatre presenting 'PASSING THE BATON' on May 16

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Brian Johnson, previously seen in Clamour's "ZONA," "THE GHOST OF GREENBRIER" and "CABARET & CABERNET," will take on the role of Green Cove Spring's own Dr. Joseph … more

For Clay Today | 5/9/24

Always Loretta tribute show coming to Thrasher-Horne in January

ORANGE PARK – Always Loretta, the ultimate tribute show to Loretta Lynn that includes a special performance of Lynn’s longtime touring band, the Coalminers, and features Emily Portman, … more

5/2/24

Handcrafted sculptures by students at Augusta Savage Arts and Community Center

CalaVida Art Walk on 'Walnut Street'

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – CalaVida Music and Arts Festival kicked off its 10th anniversary Monday night with the Art Walk on Walnut Street, even if the "Walnut Street" was missing. The city … more

Jack Randall,
jack@claytodayonline.com | 4/25/24

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