This Week In History 5/18/23

Five years ago, 2018
• Connie Butler is selected by fellow Green Cove Springs City Council as its next mayor.
• Clay Humane donate pet masks to fire department to help animals recover from smoke and carbon monoxide.
• Tomy Byrd is found guilty of two counts of attempted murder for trying to run over two Clay County Sheriff’s Office deputies with his car.

10 years ago, 2013
• Superintendent Charlie Van Zant and the school district agree to drop a lawsuit filed by Van Zant after he claimed the board overstepped their authority by rewiting the job description for the director of career and technical education.
• After getting blowback from residents, Gustafson’s Cattle Inc. decide to build an asphalt plant in a more remote area of Green Cove Springs.
• More than 29,000 residents visit the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall when it made a stop at Green Cove Springs Junior High.

20 years ago, 2002
• The Clay County Sheriff’s Office issues a be on the lookout for a man who is suspected of flashing three women in Orange Park.
• BCC Chairman Larry Lancaster apologizes for a staff error concerning re-zoning areas of Forman Circle.

• Modern Mustangs organize a car show at Blanding Boulevard and Kingsley Avenue to benefit Orange Park resident Shan Spears, who was on life support after being struck by a tractor-trailer as he tried to cross Blanding.

30 years ago, 1993
• The Orange Park Town Council amends its agreement with Camp Dresser and McKee to complete the Reed Street pump station for $7,800.
• An 18-year-old man, Donald George, is convicted of attempted murder after he shot the clerk at Sina Mart on Orange Street.
• Clay High wrestling coach Pete McCabe is selected as the Class 1A/2A coach of the year after announcing he was retiring after 16 years.

40 years ago, 1983
• Former Supervisor of Elections worker Martha Kelley files a civil suit after she claims she was sexually harassed by Supervisor Lanny Lancaster.
• Despite some pushback by the Fleming Island Advisory Committee, which was created to protest the marshes and wetlands, DuPont Corporation announces its plan to develop portions of the island.
• Crustless quiche, lime almond cheesecake and broccoli supreme all were declared winners of the 4-H Dairy Food Contest at the Clay County Agriculture Center.