Five high school seniors can be County Commissioner for a Day

CLAY COUNTY – County Commissioner John Sgromolo is offering the opportunity for five high school seniors to step into the shoes of a county commissioner on Tuesday, Sept. 23, for a full workday.

The opportunity gives students a real-world look at how local government runs, from public safety and emergency management to animal services, public works and more.

Participants will follow Sgromolo through meetings with county leaders, site visits and learn how different departments and leaders work together to serve the community.

Students must complete an online application that includes basic information like name, contact information, grade point average, activities and a two-minute video answering the prompt: “What is your definition of leadership? What does great leadership look like in action?”

Students can apply at www.claycountygov.com/government/commissioner-for-a-day. The deadline for applications is Monday, Sept. 8.

County to start paving 23 local dirt roads starting Sept. 8

MIDDLEBURG – Drivers should expect delays around County Road 215 when the county starts paving 23 local dirt roads on Sept. 8.

There will be intermittent, daytime, single-lane closures on Antelope Street, Burdock Court, Campbell Road, Chicory Street, Dale Court, Elizabeth Court, Ellen Court, Gopher Street, Grape Court, Guava Court,  Jaguar Court, Javeline Circle, Javeline Street, Joan Avenue, Jute Court, Kalmia Circle (Loop), Kalmia Street, Leopard Circle, Reindeer Court, Squirrel Court, Veronica Avenue, Wintergreen Street and Witch Hazel Road.

Additionally, drivers should expect delays in Melrose starting on August 25, when the county will pave the dirt portion of Melrose Road between Lilly Lake Road and Blue Heron Cove Drive. Crews will also begin paving the dirt portion of Sesame Street in Middleburg, located between North Dolphin Avenue and North Mimosa Avenue.

Rep. Bean accepting applications for U.S. military academy nominations

WASHINGTON – As students across Northeast Florida kick off the new school year, U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean (FL-04) announced his office is accepting applications for nominations to the U.S. Military Service Academies.

Motivated young leaders from Florida’s Fourth Congressional District are encouraged to apply for the opportunity to join the Class of 2030 and embark on a path of service, leadership and excellence.

“As the son of a WWII veteran and father of an Army Reservist, I’ve seen the pride and purpose that come with military service,” Bean said. “With the new school year underway, this is the moment for the next generation to step forward and answer the call.  The U.S. Service Academies provide a world-class education and the opportunities to lead, grow, and serve our nation at the highest level. I’m proud to support the dedicated students in Northeast Florida who are ready to rise to the challenge and help shape America’s future.” 

Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. Service Academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) at Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) at Colorado Springs, Colorado; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at Kings Point, New York. The fifth Military Service Academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) at New London, Connecticut, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.

The deadline to submit a completed application and all required documents is 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26. To request a military academy nomination, visit bean.house.gov/services/military-academy/application.

Clay Chamber of Commerce accepting nominations for business awards

ORANGE PARK – The Clay County Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for eight business awards to be announced at its annual Board of Directors and Business Awards Winners dinner on Thursday, Oct. 9, at the Orange Park Mall.

The categories are: Business Excellence; Community Service Member of the Year; Non-Profit Business of the Year; Fleming Island Business of the Year; Green Cove Springs Business of the Year; Keystone Heights Business of the Year; Middleburg/Oakleaf Business of the Year; and Orange Park Business of the Year.

The chamber will stop accepting nominations at noon on Sept. 8.

To sponsor a table, buy tickets for the dinner, or nominate someone, visit claychamber.com.

Florida Animal Friend gifts Clay Humane Society’s spay, neuter program

TAMPA – Florida Animal Friend, a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing pet overpopulation, announced the 2025 recipients of the organization’s statewide grant awards. This funding provides the opportunity for municipal and non-profit organizations to focus on no-cost and low-cost spay and neuter programs throughout Florida. Florida Animal Friend, celebrating 20 years of advocacy, is pleased to award $756,228 to these organizations based on their applications, which have been reviewed by the Florida Animal Friend grant review committee.

Clay Humane Society was one of 24 organizations that shared in the proceeds.

“Reducing pet overpopulation and preventing the birth of unwanted pets is both critical and humane for cats and dogs statewide,” said Florida Animal Friend Executive Director Lois Kostroski. “We are proud to award this significant amount of funding across the state in our 20th year of operation.”

The organization’s grant funds come from the sale of the Florida Animal Friend specialty vehicle license plate, featuring cute cat and dog images that highlight the spay and neuter message.

Baptist Medical Center Clay was recognized by the American Heart Association for its stroke care.

American Heart Association recognizes Baptist Clay for stroke care

FLEMING ISLAND – In recognition of system-wide commitment to excellence, all five Baptist Health adult hospitals, including Baptist Clay, have received the highest quality distinction for stroke care from the American Heart Association.

The medical centers were awarded the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. This recognizes the health system’s consistent adherence to research-based guidelines and its dedication to improving outcomes for stroke patients in Northeast Florida and beyond.

“We are incredibly proud of our stroke program and the specialist teams who consistently set new standards of excellence,” said Michael A. Mayo, DHA, FACHE, president and CEO of Baptist Health. “Their commitment to delivering life-saving care makes a profound difference in the health and well-being of our community each day.”

In the United States, someone has a stroke every 40 seconds­, and nearly 795,000 people experience a new or recurring stroke each year. On average, 453 adults die from stroke every day, making it the No. 5 cause of death nationwide, according to the American Heart Association. It is also the leading contributor to long-term adult disability. To reduce the probability of disability, improve recovery outcomes and save lives, early detection and treatment are critical.

Goodwill of Northeast Florida opened a new donation center in Middleburg.

Goodwill Industries opens donation center in Middleburg

MIDDLEBURG – Goodwill Industries of North Florida has opened a new donation center in Clay County, expanding access to convenient donation services in the growing Middleburg community. The new site is in Middleburg Village at 2620 Blanding Blvd, Suite 18. It will operate Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

To mark the occasion, representatives from Goodwill North Florida and local stakeholders participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Aug. 15.

The new facility aims to make donations easier and more convenient for residents, providing an additional drop-off point for gently used clothing, household items and other goods.

“As the Middleburg community continues to grow, this new donation center offers residents an opportunity to support Goodwill’s mission of helping people overcome barriers to employment,” said David Rey, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of North Florida. “Donations play a critical role in funding the workforce development programs and career services we provide across the 14 counties we serve, and we’re excited to establish a presence in Middleburg.”

For more information on what items Goodwill of North Florida accepts for donations, visit goodwillnorthfla.org.

Clay Fair’s Hyder becomes chair for Florida Festivals and Events

ORLANDO – Clay County Agriculture Fair Executive Director Tasha Hyder took the gavel Thursday, Aug. 14, as the new chair of the Florida Festival and Events Association.

 Hyder amused association members, telling them that, after being part of the organization for 11 years, she had time to prepare her remarks. She then unfurled a 20-foot-long scroll of notes, as members laughed at her light-hearted approach.

The 2026 fair will celebrate its 40th anniversary and run from April 2 to 12.

Palms Medical Group on Fleming Island distributed backpacks to local students.

Palms Medical Group distributes backpacks for students

FLEMING ISLAND – The back-to-school season was in full swing, and Palms Medical Group stuffed, distributed, and gave out 600 backpacks to community members and various partnering community organizations throughout its 13-location service area, including its office on Village Square Parkway.

Palms has either hosted or participated in 11 separate Back-to-School events across North Central Florida between July 26 and Aug. 10.

“Palms Medical Group exists to enhance the health and well-being of our communities,” said Anita Rembert, CEO of Palms Medical Group. “Being able to give back to the families in these areas – especially the children as they prepare to embark on the new school year – exemplifies that very mission.”

OP Community Theater staging sign-language Wizard of Oz

ORANGE PARK – The Orange Park Community Theater will present The Wizard of Oz on August 29, 30, and 31 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., with sign-language interpretation.

The special shows will be in addition to regularly scheduled performances on Aug. 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. and a 2 p.m. matinee on Aug. 24.

The Orange Park Community Theater is located at 2900 Moody Ave. For ticket information, call (904) 276-2599.

Rotary clubs to honor heroes with flags, coins at OP Town Hall

CLAY COUNTY – The Rotary Clubs of Green Cove Springs, Orange Park Noon and Sunrise and Fleming Island are accepting donations to honor heroes with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Fire Rescue, Orange Park and Green Cove Springs Police Departments, Florida Army National Guard, Wounded Warrior Project and others by selling flags, coins and mentions at a special ceremony on Sept. 11 at 10 a.m. at Orange Park Town Hall.

To honor a veteran, current member of the military or a first responder, visit oprotarysunrise.com and click on flags-for-heroes. With all donations, your hero’s name(s) will be mentioned at the event. The costs are:

• Hero, $50 – one seven-foot flag displayed between Sept. 8-19 at Town Square with the hero’s name displayed on it and a custom-designed coin for the hero.

• Friend, $100 – As many as two flags and two coins.

• Bronze, $250 – As many as four flags and four coins.

• Silver, $500 – As many as six flags, six coins and a business logo.

• Gold, $1,000 – As many as eight flags, eight coins and a business logo.

• Platinum, $2,000 – As many as 10 flags, 10 coins, business logo and opportunity to display a table at the ceremony.

Cheer for Jags, support Quigley House – at the same time

Quigley House is excited to partner with the Jacksonville Jaguars, The Jaguars Foundation, and the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida through the Jaguars Give & Go Program. The organization that supports survivors of domestic violence needs your help.

When you purchase Jaguars home game tickets through this special program, Quigley House can earn as much as $30 a ticket sold. It's a fun and easy way to support survivors while enjoying an NFL game at a discounted nonprofit rate.

When you purchase your tickets, be sure to select Quigley House as your designated nonprofit. Every ticket helps Quigley House continue its mission to provide safety and support for those affected by domestic violence and sexual assault.

For any questions, contact development@quigleyhouse.org.

To purchase Jaguars tickets, visit giveandgo.nonprofitctr.org/events.

Portions of Black Creek Bike Trail closed for construction

CLAY COUNTY – Crews are repairing the Black Creek Bike Trail, and portions are closed for construction.

Phase 1: Two boardwalk sections near County Road 220 are closed, and the work is expected to last a month.

Phase 2: This will start after Phase 1 is finished, and it will impact the boardwalk along U.S. Highway 17 between Harbor Island Drive and Pace Island Trace. The work is expected to last around three months.

The rest of the Black Creek Bike Trail is still open.

Vehicles, vendors needed for Touch a Truck event in September

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Touch a Truck: What Moves Clay County, the annual event that attracts thousands to the Clay County Fairgrounds, is registering vehicles, static displays, community partners and service providers for its Sept. 6 event.

Touch a Truck includes construction, first responder, military, agricultural and utility vehicles that will be displayed and available to be inspected and touched.

What Moves Clay brings together the people and machinery that power the community from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. We’ll host a sensory-friendly quiet hour from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. and the day will feature dozens of vehicle displays, vendor booths (indoors and outdoors), food trucks, giveaways, and a kid zone.

Whether a group is showcasing a vehicle, hosting a booth, or sharing resources. Touch a Truck is a great opportunity to connect with Clay County families and highlight the work of the organization.

To register, forms.Monday.com/forms/58b9d81bd5150bb66fc9dead7f3348d4?r=use1.

Vendors need to complete a liability form and vehicle displays must provide certificates of insurance by Aug. 5.