Local news | Clay Today

From left, Florida Sen. Jennifer Bradley, Reps. Judson Sapp and Sam Garrison spent three hours listening to the requests and suggestions from county, city and town leaders, as well as residents, ahead of the 2026 Florida Legislative Session.

State legislators hear needs from Clay residents at public forum

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – With the Board of County Commissioners having dispensed of the Shadowlawn Community Development District at its previous meeting, Florida Sen. Jennifer Bradley and Reps. Judson … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 10/2/25

Former GCS Mayor, Butler, named first woman Honorary Chair of PCDC

GREEN COVE SPRINGS– Connie Butler, a dedicated public servant-leader who recently concluded three terms on the Green Cove Springs City Council, has recently accepted the role of Honorary Chair for … more

For Clay Today | 10/2/25

Retired Jaguars Tom McManus, Aaron Beasley, and Donovin Darius made an appearance and spoke about their personal journeys in overcoming adversity.

Waste Not Want Not raises over $60K to continue mission

ORANGE PARK — It's been 35 years since Debra Smyers first found her calling to fight the battle of hunger. When she arrived at Morrison's Cafeteria at the Orange Park Mall at closing time, it … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 10/2/25

GCS City Manager Steve Kennedy to retire on Nov. 14

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – After 48 years of dedicated public service, City Manager Steve Kennedy has announced his plan to retire from Green Cove Springs, effective Nov. 14. Kennedy has served as City … more

For Clay Today | 10/1/25

This dog was abandoned and attached to a fence during Hurricane Milton, but it was rescued by a Florida State Highway Patrolman, prompting a new law that makes it a third-degree felony to abandon an animal during a natural disaster.

Florida ushers in a bevy of new laws on Oct. 1

CLAY COUNTY – Not only did September give way to a new month last Wednesday, but law enforcement officials were given a new list of laws, spanning from protecting animals during natural disasters … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 9/29/25

U.S. Rep. Bean seeks veteran or gold star family member for district office

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean (FL-04) proudly announced today his partnership with the Green and Gold Star Congressional Aide Program to hire a veteran or Gold Star family member for a position … more

For Clay Today | 9/29/25

Class of 1975 last Saturday. Unlike the memories of 50 years ago, we now see things in color.

They can change the town, but not the memories of Class of 1975

OCOEE – Memories of my hometown are still in black and white, just like our Class of 1975 photo. Miles of orange groves have been paved over by concrete, apartment complexes and progress. The old … more

By Don Coble, Senior Reporter | 9/29/25

Multi-families are sharing homes, rent payments

CLAY COUNTY – As a disabled veteran, Dave sometimes struggles to pay his bills, especially his $1,800 rent. That’s why he’s always looking for odd jobs or a roommate or two to help with costs. … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 9/28/25

Located at 3 West 1st St., the property will feature 28 new homes.

Habitat for Humanity breaks ground on new Harbor Ridge development

GREEN COVE SPRINGS - For Clay County Habitat for Humanity, providing affordable housing will always be the mission. A recent development has brought them closer to doing so. The nonprofit … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 9/28/25

Five high school seniors were recognized at Tuesday’s board meeting for their participation in the county’s new Commissioner for a Day program.

High school seniors become commissioners for a day

GREEN COVE SPRINGS — Five local high school students were recognized for their work as county commissioners at Tuesday’s board meeting. The county began hosting its newest Commissioner for a Day … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 9/26/25

Orange Park Mall reminisces on history, looks to future

ORANGE PARK — The Orange Park Mall rang in five decades of pride with its anniversary celebration on Wednesday. Held in Center Court, the nostalgic morning was opened with a speech by General … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 9/26/25

Green Cove Springs hires Walsh as Development Services Director

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Lisa Walsh was appointed as the new Development Services Director, effective Monday, Sept. 22. In this role, Walsh will manage planning, zoning, building inspections and code … more

For Clay Today | 9/25/25

Oakleaf High drum major Emerson Smiley will be one of over 200 students playing in the Macy's Great American Marching Band.

Oakleaf High drum major to play in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

OAKLEAF — Oakleaf High senior Emerson Smiley said it’s a long-standing tradition to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade with her family. To point out the gigantic balloons, excited crowds … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 9/25/25

Orange Park Winn-Dixie now offering grocery delivery through Amazon

SEATTLE — Select Winn-Dixie stores in Jacksonville and Orlando are now offering grocery delivery through Amazon.com, the e-commerce company announced on Thursday. Customers of the beloved regional … more

For Clay Today | 9/25/25

Clay Legislative Delegation wants feedback on Shadowlawn Stewardship District

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The Clay County Legislative Delegation of Florida Sen. Jennifer Bradley and Reps. Sam Garrison and Judson Sapp will host a public forum on Sept. 30 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the … more

Clay Today staff | 9/24/25

Children can explore heavy equipment at Dig and Dirt on Oct. 4 and 5 at the Clay County Fairgrounds.

Down and dirty: Hard Hat Games/Dig and Dirt at fairgrounds Oct. 4-5

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Young and old will be able to play in the dirt on Oct. 4-5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Clay County Fairgrounds as part of the H&H Tree Demo’s Hard Hat Games and … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 9/24/25

This rodeo clown got bullied after it threw a cowboy before the eight-second horn sounded.

ProRodeo getting back on the horse for three years in Clay

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – It was tempting for Clay County 4-H to bring PRCA ProRodeo back to the Clay County Fairgrounds twice a year through 2028. After all, counting last weekend’s show at the … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 9/23/25

Kingsley Lake resident Herb Sellers' father was an Army paratrooper who jumped from the same type of plane on D-Day in 1944.

World War II transport plane gets makeover at Camp Blanding

CAMP BLANDING — ard work and the will to preserve history fueled a team of community members who recently restored a historic World War II plane at the Camp Blanding Museum. For about a … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 9/23/25

Green Cove Springs Finance Director Sue Wang explains the numbers in the 2025-26 fiscal year budget.

Green Cove haggles to $61.2 million budget, 5.3 millage rate

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – After more than half an hour of contentious debate between council members and the public, the City Council finally passed its fiscal 2025-26 budget on Tuesday night to retain … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 9/21/25

On Tuesday, the millage rate was also approved at 5.95, up from a previous rate of 5.7.

Town of Orange Park finalizes $40.4 million budget for new fiscal year

ORANGE PARK - The town approved a final budget of $40.4 million, in addition to a slightly increased millage rate, on Tuesday night. The final 5-0 vote was in favor of a total operating budget of … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 9/20/25

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