Five years ago, 2021

• The Clay County Sheriff’s Office reported 44 drug arrests as part of its new Hammer and Hope program.

• Local businesses struggle to find employees during the COVID-19 pandemic because workers have received three rounds of stimulus checks, unemployment benefits and child tax credits.

• The Board of County Commissioners propose an 8.601 millage rate – a .5 increase – to fund a $6 million budget increase.

10 years ago, 2016

• The Clay County District Schools hire a Tallahassee law firm for $20,000 to handle negotiations with the Clay County Education Association and the Clay Educational Staff Professionals Association.

• County Commissioners approved a tentative millage rate of 8.101 – the highest rate for residents in the unincorporated areas.

• Courtney Grimm is hired to replace Mark Scruby as the County Attorney.

20 years ago, 2006

• The Clay County District Schools welcomed 450 new teachers, with 150 starting a second career.

• The Clay County Sheriff’s Office used juveniles in a sting that targeted convenience stores that sold alcohol to minors.

• Robert Charles Jeannin, 70, was charged with molesting a child from 1968 to 1975.

30 years ago, 1996

• Clay County Teen Court convened for the first time.

• U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns honored Verdun and Vanessa Weeks of Orange Park as “Parents of the Year.”

• Clay County Sheriff Scott Lancaster was elected to the Florida Sheriff’s Association Board of Directors.

40 years ago, 1986

• Clay County Superintendent Ann Wiggins asked the school board to pay her legal expenses after she sued the board because they challenged her authority to transfer several administrators.

• A court date was set for Charles Edward Davis, 30, who was charged with attempting to murder two Clay County Sheriff’s Office deputies.

• The BCC ordered voting precinct No. 12 to move from the Meadowbrook-Bellair Fire Station, citing safety concerns about cars blocking fire rescue equipment.