Local news | Clay Today

Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force discussed the need for preparation during Human Trafficking Month on Monday, Jan. 5.

INTERCEPT Task Force needs community to focus on human trafficking

JACKSONVILLE – The y stood stoic and steadfast. Their message was paramount, yet abhorrent. They were resolute in the critical facts of their mission. … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 1/9/26

Groups, including Keystone Heights Mayor Nina Rodenroth (third from left) filled the Historic Pavilion at Lake Geneva for the New Year's Eve fireworks show.

Keystone Heights has a blast celebrating its 100th birthday party

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – The city wrapped up its centennial celebration with a massive fireworks display over Lake Geneva on New Year’s Eve, and it concluded a year -long schedule of events that … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 1/8/26

The Orange Park Lions Club volunteered as Red Kettle Bell ringers for the Salvation Army of Clay County in a busy month of giving.

Community Briefs

Ascension St. Vincent's welcomes first baby of 2026 Ascension St. Vincent's welcomed its first baby of 2026 at 12:30 AM on New Year's Day. Baby Dylan weighed 6 pounds 14 ounces and measured 51 … more

1/8/26

Members of the Orange Park Town Council weighed some pros and cons of using the controversial Flock camera system on Tuesday.

Town of Orange Park discusses controversial Flock cameras

ORANGE PARK — Members of the Orange Park Town Council weighed some pros and cons of using the controversial Flock camera system at Tuesday night's meeting. Flock cameras are an AI-surveillance … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 1/8/26

GCS City Council raises water, wastewater connection fees

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The city council approved water and wastewater connection fees during its Tuesday night meeting for new residential developments. … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 1/8/26

Theron David Whidden Jr. celebrated his 100th birthday on Jan. 8.

Keystone Heights veteran turns 100; reminisces on early Florida legacy

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS — Every day the Earth turns, Theron David Whidden Jr. wakes up with gratitude and purpose. On Jan. 8, he celebrated his 100th trip around the sun. He said that although he … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 1/8/26

Majority of people quit their New Year's resolutions by February.

Here are 4 unconventional, easy resolutions to try out in the new year!

CLAY COUNTY — Every new year brings the same ol', same ol' must-do resolutions. Getting in shape, spending less, saving more, healthier eating and traveling. But although the majority of … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 1/1/26

Clay County should be proud of itself in 2025

CLAY COUNTY -- As we step into 2026, we look back at 2025 with more fondness than despair. When some in our community hurt, others stepped forward with a helping hand. When their hearts ached, we … more

Clay Today staff | 1/1/26

Glaucoma: The silent threat to vision—and why early detection matters more than ever

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, an important reminder to talk about a condition that too often goes unnoticed until it causes permanent vision loss. Glaucoma is frequently … more

By Steven R. Maier, M.D., Florida Eye Specialists | 1/1/26

Clay County students excelled at the Rotary Club Science Fair by sending 14 to the Florida Fair and three to the International Science Fair.

A year in review

CLAY COUNTY -- As we step into 2026, we look back at 2025 with more fondness than despair. When some in our community hurt, others stepped forward with a helping hand. When their hearts ached, we … more

Clay Today staff | 1/1/26

Shawn Hines was sworn in as the Chief of Police at Green Cove Springs.

A year in review

April Thunderbolt’s Tracy Johnston an ‘America’s Favorite Teacher’ quarterfinalist FLEMING ISLAND — Thunderbolt Elementary School’s Tracy … more

1/1/26

Nearly 44,000 students went back to school in August - some at two new sixth-grade suites at Oakleaf and Lake Asbury Junior Highs.

A year in review

July FDE: Clay County students among top in state CLAY COUNTY – By any measure, Clay County students continue to make the grade. Not only … more

1/1/26

These Clay County Fire Rescue personnel all played a role in the miraculous rescue of Baby Vianca. They all said they will always feel an attachment to the little girl.

A year in review

October Soul Food Festival attracts 4,000 despite soggy weather GREEN COVE SPRINGS - Despite the cloudy, overcast, and rainy weather, the annual Soul Food … more

1/1/26

Isabela was cast as an angel in the First Coast Nutcracker.

All-Starz troupe makes debut in Nutcracker

FLEMING ISLAND —When students Layla , Amelia , Isabela and Ro are not studying for math tests and conducting super cool science … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 12/31/25

Ecclesiastical, civic leaders to call for accountability from Clay County School Board

ORANGE PARK – Bishop M arvin C. Zanders will convene a press conference on Wednesday, Dec . 31 , a t 11 a.m. at Saint James AME Church , 535 McIntosh … more

Clay Today staff | 12/30/25

Farah & Farah offering free Uber rides for New Year's Eve partygoers

CLAY COUNTY - As Jacksonville and surrounding counties prepare for the biggest party night of the year, the risk of impaired driving remains a critical concern. To combat this, Chuck and Eddie … more

For Clay Today | 12/29/25

In yearbooks, the original Jazz Band alumni remain frozen in time. They will return for a special performance during Oakleaf Jazz Knight on March 31.

Jazz band alumni to reunite ahead of Oakleaf Junior High’s 20th anniversary

OAKLEAF — When Band Director Michael Summers steps into the band room at Oakleaf Junior High, he can always smell the sweet scent of progress. He remembers when the walls were empty before being … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 12/27/25

Ryan Allen proves his fireworks aren't just bottle rockets. His company's show on New Year's Eve in Keystone Heights will be "the biggest" the city has ever seen.

Fireworks to light the skies as Keystone wraps up 100th birthday party

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – Green Cove Springs’ temporary l oss turned out to be Keystone Heights’ gain on New Year’s Eve. A fter failing to secure the necessary approvals … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 12/26/25

Interview with Santa Claus: Toys always change, but not a child's creativity, curiosity

NORTH POLE – We sat by an open fire with stockings hanging from the mantle, draped by a pine and spruce garland with red and gold ornaments. On either side of the stone fireplace were red … more

By Kylie Cordell, For Clay Today | 12/25/25

Community members gathered on Saturday, Dec. 20, to honor those buried at Pleasant Point Cemetery.

Relatives, community breathe life into those buried at Pleasant Point Cemetery

GREEN COVE SPRINGS - Former Green Cove Springs Mayor Connie Butler had tears in her eyes as she roamed around Pleasant Point Cemetery. There was a connection that she couldn't shake. A joy that she … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 12/25/25

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