Five years ago:

·         Food pantries are always an important part of their sur rounding community but amidst the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, their importance for families in the area have risen to new heights.

·         Mike Finnick stopped to check his watch last Friday, knowing his next truckload of groceries should be at the back door of his Winn-Dixie store in less than 10 minutes. Finnick can’t remember being so busy. And fulfilled.

·         The Chamber of Commerce is all hands on-deck with local businesses and business owners try to navigate the waters of the coronavirus pandemic.

10 years ago:

·         Residents of Clay County will have plenty of chances over the coming weeks to let their opinions be heard about what’s come to be known as the locational ordinance – the long awaited third and final segment of the county’s regulations geared to deal with adult entertainment businesses.

·         When the First Coast Expressway is completed, county leaders expect a boom in business, housing, population and jobs within the local economy. Because part of the expressway will be built near Green Cove Springs, the county seat will likely see a population spike for which it is now planning.

·         To avoid cutting town services, Orange Park residents began paying a new tax on their electricity bills on April 1. Town Manager Jim Hanson expects the tax to increase the average customer’s bill by 6.8 percent and generate just under $759,000 per year. The tax is indefinite.