Local news | Clay Today

Several 1930 Model A Fords were on display.

Railroad Festival pulls into station at Historic Triangle

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The 60 th Railroad Festival was a mix of characters, music, displays and vendors – all commemorating many of the historic accomplishments of … more

5/14/26

Taylor Thigpen visits students at Kalush School.

KidsKonnectUkraine builds community action, global partnerships

WESTERN UKRAINE — Taylor Thigpen, a 20-year-old Green Cove Springs native and global leader based in Washington, D.C., traveled independently to western Ukraine recently ignoring Air-raid sirens to … more

For Clay Today | 5/14/26

Ascension St. Vincent's Clay names Joseph Francis CFO

MIDDLEBURG – Joseph Francis has been named Chief Financial Officer of Ascension St. Vincent's Clay County . Francis returns to Ascension Florida, where he held several finance and … more

For Clay Today | 5/13/26

Two-game sweep sends Spartans to fourth Final Four in-a-row

ORANGE PARK – St. Johns Country Day School earned an opportunity to play in its fourth consecutive FHSAA Baseball Final Four by sweeping Tallahassee St. John Paul II in two games, 5-1 and 10-5, to … more

Clay Today staff | 5/11/26

Golden Years Gala to honor outstanding senior volunteers on May 13

The 19th annual SilverLink Consulting Golden Years Gala will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 13, at Sullivan Hall, 7190 U.S. Highway 17 S. The Gala recognizes older adults for outstanding volunteer … more

For Clay Today | 5/10/26

Waste Not Want Not Executive Director Kathleen Spears cuts the ribbon to re-open the new 600-squre-foot expansion at the "Castle" on Thursday, April 30. The additional space will help the nonprofit serve more people who suffer with food insecurity.

Turning Waste Not Want Not’s ‘Castle’ into a ‘Palace’

ORANGE PARK – It wasn’t easy to realize all the reasons to celebrate the Grand Re-Opening of the “Castle” at Waste Not Want Not on Thursday, April 30. With so many supporters, volunteers and … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 5/9/26

Village Improvement Association to host Art Walk on May 17

GREEN COVE SPRINGS — Calling all youth artists! Are you looking to show off your best pieces and let your creativity shine? Whether you're a student or local creator, the Green Cove Springs Village … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 5/7/26

Turning grief, anger into determination to stop preventable tragedy

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – Reagan Sames knows she will be a certified registered nurse anesthetist following her graduation from Keystone Heights High. She knows nothing will impede those plans. Fueled by … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 5/7/26

Five habits that protect your vision at any age

More than 23 million Americans have never had an eye exam, according to the National Eye Institute—and many don’t realize they may have an eye condition until vision is already affected. Several … more

By Amit R. Chokshi, M.D., Florida Eye Specialists | 5/7/26

New moms treated to free brunch, family photos at St. Vincent's Clay

Ascension St. Vincent’s Clay County brought extra warmth to its Family Birth Place this week. Staff hosted a special Mother’s Day celebration to honor new families and create a memorable first … more

For Clay Today | 5/6/26

Orange Park High honors Mexican culture, history with Montclair students

ORANGE PARK – Kindergarten students at Montclair Elementary learned the true meaning of culture and community on Tuesday as they were presented with special gifts to celebrate … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 5/5/26

Pace Center empowers girls to break emotional, academic pitfalls

ORANGE PARK – With every word, Jayla Vaughn seemed to gain a little more confidence and control. Her words started sheepish and bashful, but as the audience at the Pace Center for Girls’ … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 5/4/26

Ridgeview High Senior Hannah Smith said following the sudden death of her mother two years ago, she learned, "I’m lucky for what I do have, not what I've lost.”

Turning grief into positive motivation at Ridgeview High

ORANGE PARK – There were moments when Hannah Smith paused to capture a thought of her mother, Hillary. Each glimpse was followed with a smile and another happy memory. Hannah could dwell on her … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 5/4/26

CCFR Administrative Employee of the Year Chief Dudley Lee is honored by Fire Chief Lorin Mock and Acting Fire Chief David Motes.

Fire Rescue honors its best of the best during Bi-yearly Award Ceremony

FLEMING ISLAND – They were brought on the stage in groups. Ryan and his son , Weston Daw . Dwight McVey and Joe Bianco. Then Clay County Fire Rescue Lt … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 5/4/26

Veteran of the Year U.S. Army Maj. Jessica Polvikoski, retired; Youth Volunteer of the Year Amaia Arteta; and Volunteer of the Year Jenielle Holderfield were honored by the Board of County Commissioners on Saturday, April 25.

Polvikoski, Holderfield, Arteta honored by county officials

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Among other things, o ne developed an online system to help veterans navigate online systems to manage their healthcare benefits and communicate with the Depart … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 4/30/26

Hundreds get up-close and personal with heavy equipment

GREEN COVE SPRINGS - In addition to saluting the Clay County Veteran, Volunteer and Youth Volunteers of the Year and Distinguished Service to Their Community Awards, the theme for the Saturday, April … more

STAFF PHOTOS BY DON COBLE | 4/30/26

Herbert Wilbert was a coach at Orange Park High and the Orange Park Athletic Association.

Orange Park residents rally for dismantled sign honoring legendary coach

ORANGE PARK —When the Herbert Wilbert and R.L Hunter Park sign was erected in the Town of Orange Park, many community members rejoiced. Two Black trailblazers were being recognized for … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 4/30/26

Residents gave their input on what they would like the Rivers House to be used for.

Community visualizes new possibilities for historic Rivers House

GREEN COVE SPRINGS - It's been years since someone has occupied the historic Rivers House at 219 Spring Street. And though it's sat through years of emptiness and dubiety, it's never lost its sturdy … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 4/30/26

Pace Center for Girls Clay Executive Director Genelle Thomas and her staff are committed to rebuilding girls' lives.

Nonprofit empowers girls to break the pitfalls of emotional, academic discord

ORANGE PARK – With every word, Jayla Vaughn seemed to gain a little more confidence and control. Her words started sheepish and bashful, but as the audience at the Pace Center for Girls’ … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 4/30/26

VIA President Larianne Stutts was given the Outstanding Club President Award from General Federation of Women's Club District 4 Director Terry Laws.

Community Briefs

VIA’s Larainne Stutts recognized as Outstanding Women’s Club President GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Village Improvement Association President Larainne Stutts was recognized on Friday, April 17, … more

Clay Today staff | 4/27/26

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