Five years ago, 2015

• Clay County Commissioners vote to add a penny sales tax on the general election ballot to study impact fees and use a lobbyist to pursue more money for the county from state coffers.
• Clay County Court Judge Richard A. Townsend retires after 21 years on the bench.
• Marcy James is tasked with targeting blighted properties and collecting money for outstanding liens for Green Cove Springs.

10 years ago, 2010

• It took less than 30 minutes for a Clay County jury to recommend death for Leo Lewis Kaczmar III after he was convicted for killing his girlfriend’s father.
• Principal Ed Paulk welcomes students to the first day of classes at the newly-built Oakleaf High.
• Clay County Supervisor of Elections Chris Chambless said more than 2,000 voters had cast ballots for the primary election.

20 years ago, 2000

• The Clay County School Board to vote whether it will sell water and sewer services to a proposed Wendy’s Restaurant planned across the street from Middleburg Elementary.
• Students at the district’s newest school, Thunderbolt Elementary, are welcomed to class by Superintendent David Owens.
• Susan Soltys is selected as Clay County’s first director of tourism.

30 years ago, 1990

• Three Clay County firemen are injured in a flash fire during a training exercise in Green Cove Springs.
• Matt’s Barbecue owner Matthew Tinney pleads with Green Cove Springs City Council to help reduce drug use near his restaurant at Middleburg Avenue and Lemon Street.
• Sheriff Dalton Bray agrees to a budget compromise to lease cars instead of buying them to provide deputies with a 7% pay raise.

40 years ago, 1980

• Clay County records record enrollment figure of 17,246 students on the first day of school.
• Clay County teachers approve a contract that calls for an average salary increase of 13%.
• Green Cove Springs calls for free swimming on Labor Day at the city’s pool at Spring Park.