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Rain Soaked win

Clay High senior flag football linebacker and center back Shelby McClain, right, gets a tearful hug from sophomore wide receiver and defensive safety Cora Parker after a rain-soaked and dramatic 13-0 Class 1A region championship win against Ed White Tuesday night at Clay High. Clay (13-1) advanced to the Class 1A Final Four game on Friday, May, 3 against Choctawhatchee (15-1). Choctawhatchee was Class 1A runner-up last year to Tampa Robinson.

Sen. Jennifer Bradley, Rep. Bobby Payne and Rep. Sam Garrison said the just-completed legislative session was both busy and successful, especially for Clay County residents.

Clay Legislative Roundup: Bradley, Garrison, Payne give highlights of legislative session

ORANGE PARK – Although there are 24 other counties with more people and larger legislative contingencies in Tallahassee, Reps. Sam Garrison, Bobby Payne, and Sen. Jennifer Bradley reminded a …

Overnight detours of Blanding Boulevard, County Road 220 planned May 7-9 for First Coast Expressway work

Overnight detours of Blanding Boulevard, County Road 220 Planned May 7-9 for First Coast Expressway Work. If you have any questions about any of our county road projects, you can email …

Clay schools get high international accreditation marks from Cognia

CLAY COUNTY – The school district successfully concluded the rigorous accreditation process with Cognia, a globally recognized education accrediting organization, and finished with a final …

Milligan's Award of Excellence painting will be at the Clay County Courthouse in June.

Clay High art winner to have winning art on display throughout NE Florida

JACKSONVILLE – Clay High senior Audrey Milligan will have her watercolors on display all around Northeast Florida after two of her pieces won awards last week. U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean (R-Fernandina …

Ascension St. Vincent's Clay County earns 'A' grade from watchdog group

MIDDLEBURG – St. Vincent’s Clay County earned an ‘A’ spring 2024 Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national watchdog organization that grades nearly 3,000 general …

St. Johns Classical Academy breaks ground on new gym

FLEMING ISLAND – While it may take a little imagination to picture somebody hitting a 3-pointer at the buzzer now, officials at St. Johns Classical Academy broke ground Tuesday morning on a new …

'Running away' from the emotional challenges at The Pink Palace

On Friday, Feb. 5, 1993, Tanya Lee went by the name of Petty Officer Tanya Thompson. She was a cryptologic technical operator stationed at the Atlantic Intelligence Command. That night, she left her …

Always Loretta tribute show coming to Thrasher-Horne in January

ORANGE PARK – Always Loretta, the ultimate tribute show to Loretta Lynn that includes a special performance of Lynn’s longtime touring band, the Coalminers, and features Emily Portman, …

There are more than 100 kindness rocks at Payton's kindness garden.

4-H Blog: Kindness rocks in Clay County

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – I believe that one kid can make a difference. I think this is because I am a kid and have started to make a difference in my community. This year, I started a new community …

Athlete Alex and CCSO Sgt. Zach Cox refill glasses of water for customers at Texas Roadhouse.

County Special Olympics Team cashes in during 'Tip-A-Cop'

ORANGE PARK – Although Special Olympics Unified Partner and coach Elizabeth Taylor said she’s never given a server a difficult time, she said she has more respect for their duties after …

Clay Today Arts Contest

Clay Today Creative Arts Contest

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Legislative Roundup

Payne to remain charged up about finding new energy sources in Florida

ORANGE PARK – Rep. Bobby Payne has served in the Florida House of Representatives since 2016, and his term limit will end in seven months. But don’t expect the Republican to disappear, especially …

Garrison: Clay County must start preparing for future projects now

ORANGE PARK – Much like the popular adage in NASCAR, Rep. Sam Garrison knows that if Clay County is caught up with its infrastructure projects, it will be behind in the future. Keeping pace isn’t …

Bradley’s persistence leads to passage of veterinary telehealth bill

ORANGE PARK – Florida Sen. Jennifer Bradley admitted during last week’s Legislative Roundup at the Thrasher-Horne Conference Center that her attempt to create telehealth for animal care was a …

Obituaries

Mickey Joan Allran Price

Mickey Joan Allran Price, 78, of Salisbury, passed away Tuesday, April 16, 2024. She was born January 4, 1946, in Rowan County, NC to the late Everette Hoyle Allran and Minnie Coley. She was a …

Kimberly A. Coggin

Kimberly A. “ Kim” Coggin, 61 of Green Cove Springs passed away Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at her residence following an extended illness. Kim was born in Chicago, Illinois, and lived …

Shelley Jean Defibaugh

Shelley Jean Defibaugh passed away on April 2, 2024, in Orange Park, FL at the age of 57. She was born to Barbara and Frank Turner on September 19, 1967, in Massillon, OH. Shelley …

Barbara Faulkner Davidson

Barbara Faulkner Davidson, 98, a long-time resident of Orange Park, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, April 11, 2024. She was born in Jacksonville, FL to the late James Hilton …

James Roy Studdard

JAMES ROY STUDDARD passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 10, 2024. James was born in Cherokee County, Alabama, on July 9, 1940, and grew up in Clanton, Alabama. After graduating …

Man charged with trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine

MIDDLEBURG – A man driving erratically on Blanding Boulevard was arrested after deputies found drugs in his car during a traffic stop. Shawn Scott Lipscomb, 19, of Jacksonville, was charged with …

Expired tag leads to short chase, methamphetamine charge

ORANGE PARK – According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, a couple led a deputy on a short high-speed chase after he noticed a man and a woman get into a car with an expired license tag at a …

Middleburg man indicted for molesting 9-year-old girl

MIDDLEBURG – A grand jury indicted a Middleburg man April 23 on one count of sexual battery, two counts of lewd and lascivious molestation and showing obscene material to a 9-year-old girl during …

Arrests and Bookings

Tuesday, April 30

Robin D. Kreski, 54, Green Cove Springs, domestic battery

Christopher R. Fox, 42, Orange Park, soliciting a child via computer, unlawful use of two-way communications device

Gregory K. Thomas, 35, Green Cove Springs, 35, Green Cove Springs, FTA hit and run involving property damage

Tabitha J. Starling, 46, Middleburg, shoplifting

Frank B. Jenkins, 55, Green Cove Springs, FTA battery

Aryell N. Williams, Green Cove Springs, petit theft

Charles R. Mitchell, 27, Green Cove Springs, resist/obstruct/oppose law enforcement, failure to obey law enforcement to stop, DWLSR, leaving scene of accident with property damage

Andrew R. Sepper, 43, Orange Park, domestic battery

Todd W. Powers, 37, Middleburg, commit armed first degree felony, possession methamphetamine with intent to sell, trafficking cocaine, possession marijuana, possession drug paraphernalia, possession firearm/ammo by convicted felon

Arrests and Bookings

Tuesday, April 30

Robin D. Kreski, 54, Green Cove Springs, domestic battery

Christopher R. Fox, 42, Orange Park, soliciting a child via computer, unlawful use of two-way communications device

Gregory K. Thomas, 35, Green Cove Springs, 35, Green Cove Springs, FTA hit and run involving property damage

Tabitha J. Starling, 46, Middleburg, shoplifting

Frank B. Jenkins, 55, Green Cove Springs, FTA battery

Aryell N. Williams, Green Cove Springs, petit theft

Charles R. Mitchell, 27, Green Cove Springs, resist/obstruct/oppose law enforcement, failure to obey law enforcement to stop, DWLSR, leaving scene of accident with property damage

Andrew R. Sepper, 43, Orange Park, domestic battery

Badcock Furniture Green Cove Springs

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3A district track Shavers PBs-LJ, TJ; FIHS sprinters blitz field

BEACHSIDE - Fleming Island sophomore triple jumper Mikayla Shavers, intent on repeating her visit to the Class 3A championships with a one-step improvement, hit her best leap of the season while …

Turbo Tuesday!! What a night for playoffs (and rain)

GREEN COVE SPRINGS - Clay High's girls flag football team stamped their ticket to the Class 1A Final Four with a rain-soaked and dramatic 13-0 win over ED White Tuesday night behind a sterling game …

Agurkis girls win; MHS next

ORANGE PARK - Ridgeview High softball coach Angela Agurkis, a region final finisher last year for the Panthers in her rookie season, finally got the game that she had been hoping that her team would …

Auburn women's hoops adds SEC All-Freshman guard Taliah Scott

AUBURN, Ala. – One of the SEC's top scorers will be joining Auburn women's basketball for 2024-25 as Taliah Scott has signed with the Tigers, head coach Johnnie Harris announced Monday. Scott, a …

The Clay County YMCA – For A Better Community

First Coast YMCA-Our DayStar Program

At DayStar, we are committed to ensuring everyone reaches their full potential with dignity while providing individuals access to the unique support they need. Daystar is committed to providing …

Here's what's happening around Clay County

CLAY COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD will meet on May 2 at 6 p.m. at the Teacher Training Center at Fleming Island High, 2233 Village Square Pkwy. ORANGE PARK ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE …

Did you know?

Clay Today will test your knowledge weekly and provide interesting facts on various topics. This week, statistics from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. Unsurprisingly, the No. 1 complaint about …

Word of the Week 05/02/24

Gingerly : (JIN-jer-lee) an adjective meaning an act or manner that is very cautious or careful. "The antelope moved with a gingerly gait that suggested it was hurt."

More words of the week

Briefs

School District hosting Job Fair Monday at Fleming Island High

FLEMING ISLAND – If you’re looking for a career, update your resume and be at Fleming Island High on Monday between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. for the Clay County District Schools Job Fair. Principals …

Garden Club of Orange Park invites public to open house tours

ORANGE PARK – The Garden Club invites the public to Open House tours held on Thursday afternoons …
Fortis College to host open house for National Nurses Week

ORANGE PARK – In honor of National Nurses Week, Fortis College in Orange Park is celebrating its …
Women’s Excursion Day at Silver Needle & Thread on May 9

ORANGE PARK – Everyone is invited to Women’s Excursion Day on May 9 from 2-7 p.m. at the Silver …
Ridgeview’s NJROTC Cadet Walker attends Basic Leadership Academy

ORANGE PARK – Raelynn Walker recently was one of only four girls chosen to be cadres at the U.S. Naval …
Keystone Women’s Club, Kiwanis successfully outfit 98 girls

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – In a tremendously successful community program, 98 girls said Yes! to the Dress last …

Wolfson Children’s Hospital Bass Tournament celebrates 35 years of fishing, philanthropy

PALATKA – Wolfson Children’s Hospital Bass Tournament is accepting registrations for this …
BASCA's Back to the 80s Dance on April 26

ORANGE PARK – BASCA, which stands for "Building Abilities of Special Children and …
Free adoptions today through Saturday for animals older 6 months

CLAY COUNTY – The county's kennels are currently full and needs your help to foster or adopt some …
Orange Park Toastmasters 1980 Achievement Noted

ORANGE PARK – The local Toastmasters chapter were awarded the the Distinguished …
College Briefs

Viens recognized as scholar-athlete of the year MARSHALL, Mo. - Missouri Valley College athletic …

Harbor Freight Tools to open new store April 20

ORANGE PARK – Harbor Freight Tools will officially open its new store on Saturday, April 20. The …
Nifty nicknacks, unique businesses at County Fair

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – If you're looking to escape the sun during the Clay County Agricultural …
'Round up' your purchase at Hagan Ace during April

JACKSONVILLE – Hagan Ace Hardware will proudly celebrate 30 years of partnership with Children's …

DGPerry CPAs + Advisors eager for celebratory breakfast on April 16

ORANGE PARK —DGPerry CPAs + Advisors are in the middle of tax season, so they don't have time for …
HCA Orange Park Hospital among top 5% for patient safety

ORANGE PARK – HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital was selected as 2024 Patient Safety …
Orange Park Hotel earns Best of Days Inn award

ORANGE PARK—The Days Inn Orange Park was awarded the annual 2023 President’s Award: Best of …

Badcock Furniture Green Cove Springs

First Coast YMCA-Our DayStar Program

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