News | Clay Today

Who's who politically speaking in Clay County?

ORANGE PARK – Clay County was officially declared independent from Duval County on Dec. 31, 1858. By New Year's Day, the rural swath of land on the western bank of the St. Johns River had to organize and self-govern itself. more

Jack Randall,
jack@claytodayonline.com | 5/30/24

Military Luncheon Vice-Chairman David A. King tells the audience his father once explained "each of those metals was just the result of being in the wrong place at the wrong time."

Coast Guard Capt. Broadhurst: 'Whatever you need, we can do it'

ORANGE PARK – A grateful community gathered on Wednesday, May 22, to honor members of the U.S. Military at the annual Clay Chamber appreciation luncheon at the Thrasher-Horne Center. In addition to … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 5/30/24

Class of 2024: Celebrating Clay County graduates

Sports editor Randy Lefko attended three of Clay County's many graduations on Friday, May 24. Congratulations Class of 2024. more

By Randy Lefko | 5/30/24

Being prepared

CLAY COUNTY – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration believes there will be “above-normal” hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin this year, with an 85% chance of 17 to 25 named … more

Don Coble | 5/30/24

There are three types of flooding, and all three - rainfall, storm surge and rivers and estuaries - present real threats to life and property in Clay County.

Ridin' the storm out

CLAY COUNTY – You’ve decided to stay home or at one of the county’s five shelters. The winds are howling; rain is blowing sideways. All you can do is hold on, and I hope you’ve done … more

Don Coble 053024 | 5/30/24

Flooding from Irma in 2017 dumped 14 inches of rain in Clay County in about 12 hours, causing $40 million in damage and the intersection at State Road 21 and County Road 218 to flood.

Surviving the aftermath

CLAY COUNTY – The wind and rain have stopped. The sun is out. Now comes the real danger after a tropical storm or hurricane – the aftermath. That is when the risk of electrocution, disease, … more

Don Coble | 5/30/24

Florida has the highest fatality rate for U-turn collisions, 145% above the national average fatality rate.

Florida No. 1 as most dangerous to make U-turns

FLEMING ISLAND – The latest findings from personal injury lawyer Stone Injury Lawyers analyzed National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data to pinpoint where U-turns are most dangerous. … more

For Clay Today | 5/30/24

The Smith Lake Preserve, managed by the North Florida Land Trust (NFLT), has become part of the Florida National Scenic Trail. This 463-acre preserve, located in Clay County, is now home to a new 2-mile segment of the trail.

NFLT to make renovations at Smith Lake Preserve headquarters

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS—North Florida Land Trust is set to begin work on its stewardship department headquarters with funding from an anonymous source. The gift will allow the department to improve the … more

For Clay Today | 5/30/24

With its grand opening on May 10, Bangin Burgers is a new addition to the food court in the Orange Park Mall.

Bangin Burgers opens with a 'bang' at Orange Park Mall

ORANGE PARK – My mouth was stuffed with French fries when TeAnna Jones stepped to my table and extended a hand to greet me. I gulped everything down and wiped my hands with a napkin before … more

Jack Randall,
jack@claytodayonline.com | 5/30/24

A letter to a Good Samaritan: THANK YOU SO MUCH!

I'm So Grateful to the person that found my wedding ring I dropped out of my exercise pants pocket on 5/21/24. It was found on the ground outside of Wawa 1563 Blanding Blvd. Middleburg FL 32068. Yes, … more

5/30/24

Patients can get free medical checkups on the first Thursday at the Rowe's IGA parking lot on Wells Road by making an appointment at (904) 308-7561.

Free monthly checkups offered on St. Vincent’s Mobile Health bus

ORANGE PARK – No insurance and need a checkup? No problem. On the first Thursday of each month, you can see a physician from Ascension St. Vincent’s at their Mobile Health bus in the parking lot … more

5/30/24

Episcopal Children’s Services taking applications for free Head Start programs

CLAY COUNTY – Episcopal Children’s Services is offering free Head Start and Early Head Start education and family support services at Augusta Savage Arts and Community Center in Green Cove … more

5/30/24

Fleming High graduate Hannah Matyi will go to Southeastern University in the fall with a scholarship from the Garden Club from Fleming Island.

Hannah Matyi earns scholarship from Fleming Island Garden Club

FLEMING ISLAND – The Garden Club closed out the 2023-24 year with two big events: The Butterfly Release at the Fleming Island Library and Art in the Garden, co-hosted with The Art Guild of Orange … more

Rhonda Scoville, Garden Club of Fleming Island | 5/30/24

Clay Humane is a nonprofit animal welfare organization offering spay/neuter surgeries and other veterinary care. Located in Orange Park, the clinic also offers humane education, pet behavioral counseling, pet therapy, wildlife protection and disaster preparation and response.

Clay Humane: Keep pets in mind during hurricane prep

ORANGE PARK – Clay Humane, a nonprofit veterinary clinic, is encouraging pet parents to prepare for the 2024 hurricane season on the First Coast. The Atlantic hurricane season … more

Jack Randall,
jack@claytodayonline.com | 5/30/24

Thousands of boats are expected around Mile Marker 24 at Bayard Point on June 7 for Boater's Skip Day.

Get your call-out excuse ready for Boater Skip Day on June 7

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Boater’s Skip Day, the day hundreds play hooky from work to enjoy a day of sunshine, music, carnival atmosphere and scantily-clad party-goers, will make its annual watery … more

Clay Today staff | 5/29/24

The 11th Armored Division liberates the Mauthausen concentration camp. The banner reads: “Spanish Antifascists greet the Allied forces!”

The Battle of the Bulge: A grim chapter in Sam Humphrey's life

ORANGE PARK – Vaughn "Sam" Humphrey is the oldest living survivor from the Battle of the Bulge, the Nazi's last major offensive in World War II. The Nazi's surprise attack led to … more

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

Mara Rose Bruce leaves Fleming Island High on high note

FLEMING ISLAND – Mara Rose Bruce always said her fondest opus was never found on a page of sheet music. It could be seen in the eyes and on the faces of her music students, measured by their … more

Don Coble | 5/23/24

The adventure begins by downloading the Explore Clay app, signing into your account and clicking on Tours on the sidebar. From there, pick an interesting historical site on the Celebrate Clay History Passport.

Residents can embark on a historic adventure with History Passport

CLAY COUNTY – The Celebrate Clay History Passport is both a game and a journey you can embark on to explore the historical sites in the county. By visiting 15 out of 25 historical sites in … more

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

Kenneth Vogel is sworn in as a new councilmember.

Orange Park Town Council finally filled with five members

ORANGE PARK – Glenn Taylor and Kenneth Vogel were sworn in as new councilmembers during the town council meeting on Tuesday, May 21. Moments later, the Town Council voted 5-0 to elect Randy … more

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

With the snip of the iconic oversized scissors, pickleball players formed a line to play on the six new courts at the Augusta Savage Arts and Community Center.

Six new pickleball courts unveiled in Green Cove Springs

GREEN COVE SPRINGS - The City Council and the Board of County Commissioners hosted the ribbon-cutting ceremony to welcome Clay County's newest pickleball courts. With the snip of the iconic … more

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

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