Five years ago, 2020

• Saying it was only “a matter of time,” Sheriff Michelle Cook said 156 inmates and eight detention deputies tested positive for the COVID-19 virus at the jail, and that as many as 70 inmates refused to be tested.

• Orange Park’s Mike Vallencourt, 61, fired a club-record 10-under-par 62 during the final round of the JAGA Senior Amateur at St. Johns Golf and Country Club by closing with seven consecutive birdies.

• Middleburg’s Jason Fitzgerald shifts to a new role as a driving coach after a stellar career as a 200-time Late Model dirt race winner and crew chief for World Champion Earl Pearson Jr.

10 years ago, 2015

• The Town of Orange Park considers closing the Rodeway Inn on Park Avenue after receiving numerous calls about drug activity and other criminal activities.

• A group of regional hazardous materials teams, including Clay County Fire Rescue, participated in a drill at Clay County Port at Reynolds Park.

• Fleming Island’s Arts Edge School of Dance and Theatre raised $6,000 for Quigley House with an admission-free, donation-based recital.

20 years ago, 2005

• The State Attorney’s Office said it would not prosecute two Clay County Sheriff’s Office deputies who were detained briefly by Jacksonville Sheriff’s Officers who were running a prostitution sting.

• The Lee Adams Florida Artist Gallery opened at the Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts with the exhibit – The “Lee Adams Remembered,” which was sponsored in large part by Orange Park philanthropist Mary Huntley.

• Joe Hapi, events coordinator for the Clay Port in Green Cove Springs, announced “Winter Lights 2005,” which was slated to offer ice skating, family rides and a winter wonderland from Nov. 24 to Jan 1, 2006, at Reynolds Park.

30 Years Ago, 1995

• John Keene, clerk of circuit court, told the Board of County Commissioners that the county had $1.3 million that had been allocated, but unused, for other projects.

• The Town of Orange Park approved the rezoning of 88 acres, paving the way for the construction of 204 single-family homes off Gano Avenue. Fifty-one acres were to be developed, and the remainder would be used for wetlands protection.

• The Keystone Heights City Council approved a consent order with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection allowing FDEP to foot the bill for a hazardous waste contamination cleanup at the city's public works yard.

40 years ago, 1985

• The Board of County Commissioners voted 4-1 to relieve County Administrator Charlie Rosebrough of his duties, but gave him 45 days to find another job.

• More than 100 disgruntled Orange Park residents turned out for a council meeting to protest a hike in the property tax rate that equated to a 60% greater tax bill.

• Clay County officials awaited word from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection on whether it would enforce some $900,000 in fines for its landfill being out of compliance with state laws.