Five years ago, 2019

•  Talan Hausman, 11, painted and sketched artwork of fish to raise money for his friend, Ian Bailey, 12, who was suffering from cancer. Each artwork was sold for $25. Sadly, Ian passed away on April 4, 2023, following complications with his disease. He was known for his sense of humor and positive outlook. 

•  The public works department told the Board of County Commissioners it would cost $16 million to finish the repair and replacement of many roads throughout the county. 

10 years ago, 2014

•  The Clay County Board of Commissioners voted 3-0 to stop funding the Clay County Chamber of Commerce’s economic development efforts.

•  The County School Board delayed approvals for proposed administrative district-level jobs for a month so it could figure out how to pay for them.

•  The highly anticipated Inclusive Playground at Orange Park Town Hall opens. The park is handicap accessible and was funded entirely with private donations. 

20 years ago, 2004

•  Officials with the Town of Orange Park hailed the inaugural Carrie Clarke Day a success. Hundreds flocked to Clarke House Park on Kingsley Avenue, some dressed in period costume to celebrate Clarke’s life.

•  The Clay Board of County Commissioners considered a new master plan for the Branan Field area. The plan was passed by a vote of 3-1.

 • Clay County Sheriff’s Deputy Larry Weiss was named Deputy of the Year by Sheriff Scott Lancaster.

30 years ago, 1994

•  After a 19-year career as lead investigator for the Green Cove Springs office of the Fourth Judicial Circuit, Matthew B. Kemp Jr. announced he would retire effective March 31.

•  Officials with the Clay County School District successfully cut more than $3 million from the annual budget after re-designating several administrative positions. 

40 years ago, 1984

•  The Clay County Sheriff’s Department acquired a livestock trailer to aid in the rescue of abandoned animals, such as horses and cows.

•  The Clay County Sheriff’s Office charged Carl Elbert Mosley for the shooting deaths of Fredick Henderson, 22, and George W. Dyson, 21, both of Middleburg.

50 years ago, 1974

•  Clay County Sheriff Jennings Murrhee said an investigation uncovered approximately 75 marijuana plants growing in a wooded area near Middleburg. No arrests were made.

•  Clay County Sheriff’s Office deputies seized approximately $3,500 in stolen goods from several homes in Middleburg and arrested two juveniles for the thefts.