Local news | Clay Today

Clay County Utilities hosting Customer Service Extended Hours on June 29

MIDDLEBURG—The Clay County Utility Authority will host a Customer Service Extended Hours event on Saturday, June 29, from 8 a.m. to noon. CCUA is opening its doors over the weekend to help its … more

For Clay Today | 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

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

Free writing workshops offered at Green Cove Springs Library

GREEN COVE SPRINGS—Friends of the Green Cove Springs Library are sponsoring two free writing workshops on Aug. 8. The first workshop, Creative Writing, will be from 1 to 3 p.m., and the second, … more

6/27/24

What's happening on the Fourth of July

FREEDOM 5K 2024 is on July 4 from 8-10 a.m. at Keystone Heights Historic Pavilion at Lake Geneva, 565 S. Lawrence Blvd. To register, visit … more

Compiled by Don Coble | 6/27/24

LifeSouth Community Blood Center is located at 1605 County Road 220, Suite 160, on Fleming Island.

Summer blood shortages create emergency needs of all types

FLEMING ISLAND – Blood donations have declined and blood usage at local hospitals has increased, which has led to a summer blood shortage. Without an adequate blood supply, patient care can and … more

For Clay Today | 6/27/24

Whether you grill a hot dog, attend a daylong festival or watch fireworks, there are plenty of ways to celebrate our nation's birthday in and around Clay County on July 4.

Where to celebrate Independence Day

FREEDOM 5K 2024 is on July 4 from 8-10 a.m. at Keystone Heights Historic Pavilion at Lake Geneva, 565 S. Lawrence Blvd. To register, visit runsignup.com/Race/FL/KeystoneHeights/4thofJulyFreedom5K. … more

Compiled by Don Coble | 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

Celebrate Clay County History: Nixon Smiley

Like artist Augusta Savage and businessman Charles Merrill, Nixon Smiley was a kid from a small town who went on to do great things in life. Nixon was a reporter, columnist, editor , and feature … more

Vishi Garig, Historical Archives Supervisor | 6/27/24

Watchers party as Caeleb Dressel wins 100 butterfly at Olympic trials

INDIANAPOLIS – Caeleb Dressel won the 100-meter butterfly at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials Saturday night, and the Clay High graduate was cheered on by friends, family and fans at a Watch … more

Clay Today staff | 6/23/24

BASCA's campus at Orange Park is located at 352 Stowe Ave.

BASCA's 30-year anniversary celebrates its 'forever homes'

ORANGE PARK — BASCA CEO Patrick Kennedy gave Clay Today a house tour of a property located on Old Jennings Road, the permanent home for seven with disabilities. The home was … more

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

Players from around the state said the Clay County Regional Sports Complex was the best they've seen in years.

New Sports Regional Complex meets, if not exceeds, expectations

MIDDLEBURG — Taxpayers were told that if they helped pay for the Clay County Regional Sports Complex, teams from around the country would come to use the facility, and they’d be repaid when … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 6/20/24

Health officials found a similar blue-green algae bloom at Doctors Lake in July of last year.

Health alert: Toxic blue-green algae at Doctors Lake

DOCTORS INLET — The Florida Department of Health Clay County issued a health alert for harmful blue-green algae toxins in Doctors Lake based on samples taken on June 11. Water … more

For Clay Today | 6/20/24

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

U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean addresses the House Committee on Education and the Workforce

Rep. Aaron Bean: 'Schools are for education, not espionage'

WASHINGTON, D.C. — To address the aggressive and systematic threats from foreign adversaries, Chairman of the Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Subcommittee, U.S. … more

For Clay Today | 6/20/24

The fast-track program at Jacksonville Executive at Craig Airport includes hands-on training in a Cirrus SR20.

SJR State College offering fast-track pilot program

ORANGE PARK — In partnership with Jax Beach Aviation, St. Johns River State College will launch a fast-track pilot program at the Jacksonville Executive at Craig Airport this fall … more

For Clay Today | 6/20/24

St. Johns River State College is located at 283 College Dr., Orange Park

SJR State College wants to hear from alums; offering new students five new courses

ORANGE PARK — Chances are that your friends, neighbors and countless local professionals are St. Johns River State College graduates. Many have forged ahead to become pillars of our … more

For Clay Today | 6/20/24

Sharon Flowers to focus on students, teachers, parents working together

CLAY COUNTY — Sharon E. Flowers believes education should be a collaboration between a student, teacher and parents. Along with classmates, educators and parents, everyone can create a … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 6/20/24

Guitars for Kids keeps rockin' at annual Juneboree

GREEN COVE SPRINGS — Paul Wane thought there was no greater joy than seeing a smile on a child’s face when he hands them an instrument as part of his Rising Stars: Guitars for Kids program. … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 6/20/24

Robert Alvero escaped Cuba believing in freedom, education

CLAY COUNTY — After a vicious raid on his home by the Cuban government, Robert Alvero was left with no other options. He took off from a boat and fled the island. He secured political … more

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

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