5 years ago, 2013
Freshman Sen. Rob Bradley(R-Fleming Island) said he will review the Dept. of Corrections and Dept. of Juvenile Justice budgets not to cut funds, but to ensure funds are being spent effectively with the possible goal of reducing recidivism.

Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tenn. announced it had partnered with Wingate University in Wingate, N.C. to co-host the 2013 Spring Intercollegiate Golf Tournament at The Golf Club of Fleming Island.

Community volunteers came together to assist the Career and Technical Education program of the Clay County School District distribute some 2,400 cabbage plants to elementary students for the annual Bonnie Plants cabbage contest.

10 years ago, 2008
Keystone Heights City Council Member Lyndel Hale told members of Our Country Day – the nonprofit that sponsors and hosts the city’s annual Independence Day celebration – that he would help raise funds to pay for the fireworks if they agreed not to sale alcohol during the street dance. Hale’s motion did not get a second.

Clary & Associates began land survey work on 33,000 acres in Clay County to allow the Florida Department of Transportation to begin work on the first phase of the First Coast Outer Beltway, now known as the First Coast Expressway.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office arrested Christopher Charles Rutherford for aggravated assault with a vehicle after a chase that involves speeds as high as 100 miles per hour before Rutherford crashed his Ford pickup and was apprehended.

20 years ago, 1998
The Clay County Charter Review Commission debated a ballot measure to ask voters to decide if the county’s comptroller duties be taken away from the Clerk of Court.

The Clay County Chamber of Commerce named Green Cove Springs realtor and developer Van Royal its Business Person of the Year.

Allegations of financial impropriety led State Attorney Harry Shorstein and Clay County Sheriff’s deputies to search the offices of Clerk of Court John Keene and accounting firm Duval, Horne & Co.

30 years ago, 1988
Florida Education Commissioner Betty Castor presented the Clay County Education Foundation with a $10,000 challenge grant to help fund a new dropout prevention program in the school district.

Keystone Heights City Council member Jack Raleigh said new pilings were installed in a restoration project at the Keystone Beach pavilion, which also included new steps and flooring.

The Clay County Chamber of Commerce board voted to oppose a proposed hazardous waste treatment facility planned for Camp Blanding by writing letters to the governor and the state Department of Environmental Regulation.

40 years ago, 1978
“County-wide, County Pride” was selected as the theme for Festival ’78 slated to be held at Orange Park Kennel Club. The event began in 1976 as a way to celebrate the U.S. Bicentennial.

Green Cove Springs City Attorney Jim Arnold said some 50 residents who have not yet hooked into the city’s sewer system will be sued by the city.

Voters returned Orange Park Mayor Hance Bruce to office by defeating Arthur Long, while Charles Barco defeated Stephen Calvarese in the race for city council Seat 4.