Five years ago, 2017
• The new civil citation diversionary program offers teens with misdemeanor charges can avoid jail time with community service hours, counseling and other programs to make restitution.
• Mike Kelley of the public works department and outgoing mayor Pam Lewis cut the ribbon to open the Green Cove Springs Nature Preserve Trail.
• Ron Raymond and Alan Watt are sworn into duty on the Orange Park Town Council.

10 years ago, 2012
• the Orange Park Town Council voted to allow staff to negotiate with Arizona-based American Traffic Solutions to install redlight cameras at strategic intersections.
• Staff Sgt. Dick Alston Lee, Jr., is laid to rest after being killed in action in Afghanistan.
• The Green Cove Springs Police Department arrest Hope Williamson for child abuse and contributing to the delinquency of a minor after she smoked marijuana with her daughter.

20 years ago, 2002
• Five students from Ridgeview and Orange Park highs are arrested after the Clay County Sheriff’s Office conduct a random drug search requested by the schools’ principals.
• A 16-year-old Clay High student, Jessica Hughes, is killed in a car accident on State Road 16, just east of International Golf Parkway in St. Augustine.

• Middleburg’s Michael Gunderson wins his sixth Wally after finishing first in the Top Alcohol Division at the NHRA race at the Southern Nationals at the Atlanta Dragway.

30 years ago, 1992
• The county commission approves a plan to build a county-wide communications tower west of Penney Farms on State Road 16.
• Students at Green Cove Springs Elementary enjoy a Midevil Day festival, complete with costumes, games and booths that depicted items from the Fifth to the 15th centuries.
• The new county park on Sandridge Road in Green Cove Springs will be named after Ronnie Van Zant, the late lead singer of Lynyrd Skynyrd who died in a plane crash in 1977.

40 years ago, 1982

• The Clay County Housing Finance Authority closes on a loan that will bring $8.7 million with 3.6% interest.
• County officials extend a Rabies Quarantine for an additional two weeks.
• Green Cove Springs Electric continues to upgrade its service as the city moves away from Florida Power & Light.