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Sheriff’s Office’s National Night Out postponed

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Due to concerns about a forecast for inclement weather, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office postponed their National Night Out event tonight at the Clay County Fairgrounds. …

Health Department issues rabies alert for Orange Park area

CLAY COUNTY – The Florida Department of Health in Clay County has issued a rabies alert in Clay County in response to a confirmed case of rabies in a raccoon that was killed in the Town of Orange …
The first vehicles started rolling over the new four-lane bridge on County Road 220 at 10:45 a.m. on Friday.

County Road 220 bridgework completed, finally reopened to public

County Road 220 bridgework completed, finally open to public   MIDDLEBURG – The wait is over. The County Road 220 bridge replacement and four-lane widening project is now complete and open to …

Yoga is more than exercise at the Yoga Den

MIDDLEBURG —   Yoga Den franchisee Belinda Lynn-Bryant plans to open a studio in Middleburg this fall, bringing a range of yoga classes to a community she said is growing. Lynn-Bryant and her …

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More local news
Orange Park Elementary’s Fall Festival pushed back to Oct. 23
ORANGE PARK – In an abundance of caution, the Orange Park Elementary Fall Festival was postponed from Friday, Oct. 9, to Friday, Oct. 23, from 4-7 p.m. The school decided to push back its annual …
Bishop John Newman is celebrating 59 years as the pastor of Sunshine Holiness Church in Green Cove Springs.
Beloved Green Cove Springs pastor celebrates 59 years behind the pulpit
GREEN COVE SPRINGS — Ministry has always been a part of Bishop John Newman's life. For most of his adult years, he's always found a home behind the pulpit. It was a calling that he couldn't shake. …
Fall classes at Augusta Savage Mentoring Center now open for registration
GREEN COVE SPRINGS —  Looking for fun and creative activities for your kids after school? The Augusta Savage Mentoring Center, in partnership with the Friends of Augusta Savage Arts and …
Soul Food Festival brings flavor, fun to Green Cove Springs
GREEN COVE SPRINGS — Although a rainy forecast was predicted for Saturday, Oct. 3, the crowd at Vera Francis Hall Park was not deterred. And still, they enjoyed a day full of sun and fun during …
Green Cove Springs father James Knowles is currently in the 2026 Super Dad competition. He said his 7-year-old twins Bryan and Juniper are the lights of his life.
Green Cove Springs man celebrates fatherhood, vies for $25K prize in nationwide competition
GREEN COVE SPRINGS — James Knowles was 44 years old when he and his wife welcomed their twins into the world. After years of wanting children, it was the right place and the right time. And Bryan …
CCSO Lt. Zach Cox hits a ball at the Top of the Tee at the Fleming Island Golf Club ahead of the Special Olympics tournament at the Top of the Tee on Oct. 20. Call Lt. Cox at (904) 445-0521 for more information.
Support Special Olympics with simulated round of Pinehurst No. 2 at Top of the Tee
FLEMING ISLAND – Here’s a chance to play iconic Pinehurst No. 2 and help Clay County Special Olympics, all without leaving town or worrying about the weather. From 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Oct. …
Virginia et Florida by Gerhard Marcator, 1607. This is what Spain believed their territory looked like in 1607.
Celebrating Clay County History: The Year 1607
CLAY COUNTY - In 1607, things were grim in St. Augustine, Florida, the city located east of what would become Clay County. The people were so hungry – starving really – that some ate cats and …
Waste Not Want Not raises $80K in fight to end hunger
PONTE VEDRA —   The fight to end hunger was as vibrant as ever on Sept. 26 as Waste Not Want Not, an organization dedicated to reducing food waste and strengthening communities, raised more …
Richard Reyes' recent presentation to TEDx Ocala earned an eight-minute standing ovation.
Reyes spreads the word of support, critical information to beat cancer
MIDDLEBURG – The world seemed to stop when Richard Reyes was told he had Stage IV colorectal cancer, and that it had already metathesized to a lymph node.  His mind worked through a checklist …
Obituaries
Robert (Bob) Frey
Robert (Bob) Frey of Fleming Island, Florida passed away on October 1, 2026 in Community Hospice Care. He was born on July 11, 1944 to Stanley and Virginia Frey in Boston, Massachusetts. He was a …
Clifford Purdy Lamson, Jr.
Clifford Purdy Lamson, Jr. passed away peacefully on September 30, 2026. Known to most as Cliff—and to many as Pappy—he was born on April 3, 1937, in Danbury, Connecticut. He enlisted in the US …
Brenda Carol Phelps Kophamer
Brenda Carol Phelps Kophamer, 74, of Fleming Island, Florida, passed away in her home after a battle with cancer. Brenda was born in Arlington, Virginia, to Harold and Ella Frances Phelps and grew up …
Vivan Norman
Vivan Norman, age 76, passed away unexpectedly at his home. Born on November 26, 1949, in Clay Hill, Florida, to Eddie Oscar and Hettie Mae Norman, Vivan was a proud Veteran who devoted his life to …
Carole Stewart
Carole Stewart, age 83, passed away on September 23, 2026, from complications of Parkinson’s disease and dementia. She was born in Emmaus, Pennsylvania, on April 30, 1943. Carole married Ron …
Opinions & Viewpoints
Religion
There is something happening in our world that is hard to ignore. Every day we hear about wars, international conflicts, moral confusion, economic uncertainty, natural disasters and a growing sense …
At first glance, it can feel like we’re reading about two different Gods. In the Old Testament, God seems strict, full of wrath and judgment: commanding battles, enforcing laws and striking people …
As I sit down to write this week’s column, I’m reminded of something simply obvious yet deeply spiritual: “It’s a beautiful world.” It’s not beautiful because everything is easy, and …
Opinions & Columns
“Courage is the quiet decision to stand between danger and the people you serve.” – Capt. James Carter When I walked into Grace Anglican Church on Thursday, Sept. 24, I didn’t know exactly …
To the Editor,  Clay County has grown fast as Jacksonville pushes outward, and while a lot of that growth means HOA-governed subdivisions, there's still real acreage out in Middleburg, Keystone …
“Florida’s ‘cold’ is just a gentle reminder that the sun is still out — and that’s enough.” - Unknown  It's official. The summer season has ended, and the brisk air and light …
In the Community:

Community Calendar

BLACK CREEK METHODIST PUMPKIN PATCH will be through Oct. 31 at 3925 Main St., in Middleburg. Residents are encouraged to select their perfect pumpkin. Hours are 3:30-8 p.m., Monday through Friday; 10 …

This Week in History

Five years ago, 2021 • The final two steel beams are installed as construction on the new 100-bed Baptist Medical Center Clay hospital continued. • Green Cove Springs Police Chief Derek Asdot is …

Ask Kyla:

What's going next to O'Reilly on Fleming Island?

FLEMING ISLAND —  Whit's Frozen Custard will soon be moving in next to O'Reilly Auto Part Store at 1545 County Road 220.  The ice cream shop will take the place of Mathnasium, which has …

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CRIME & SAFETY
Police briefs
Name, age, location of arrest, charges). Key: FTA-Failure to Appear; DWLSR-Driving Without a License-Suspended or Revoked; DUI-Driving Under the Influence; VOP-Violation of Probation; BAL-blood …
Suicidal man killed by CCSO deputy after he brandished a gun   KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – A Clay County Sheriff’s Office deputy responding to a suicide threat wound up killing a man after he …

Arrests and Bookings

Name, age, location of arrest, charges). Key: FTA-Failure to Appear; DWLSR-Driving Without a License-Suspended or Revoked; DUI-Driving Under the Influence; VOP-Violation of Probation; BAL-blood …

And in Sports....

Broncos score 58, Eagles 42, Raiders 35 on Friday

Fleming Island senior Sebastian Cruz busted a 75-yard touchdown return, but the spectacular play was negated by a penalty flag.
Middleburg High scored 58 points in a 58-14 blowout of Westside High in Game 1 at Westside High, while Fleming Island had to hold off a second-half charge by Clay to win 42-20 in a county rivalry …

SJCDS Berrang's first college goal a gamewinner

keep #18 in photo (right side)

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University freshman soccer forward Calli Berrang (14) scored her first collegiate goal in a 1-0 win over Rollins College. Berrang, a graduate of St. Johns Country Day School, joined ERAU senior Lauryn Mateo (18) on Embry-Riddle

WINTER PARK — Embry-Riddle (5-0-4, 1-0-2) pushed its season-opening unbeaten streak to nine games as they defeated Rollins, 1-0, on the road Wednesday evening. The lone goal of the game came at …

ORANGE PARK - Fleming Island running back Brady Digman ran for 156 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Golden Eagles to a 49-24 District 4-4A victory over host Orange Park on Friday, Sept. 25. Both …

Ridgeview to build on small individual victories in 31-0 loss to Paxon

ORANGE PARK – Progress for the Ridgeview High football team wasn’t defined by the scoreboard Friday night. While the Panthers lost 31-0 in a non-district game to visiting Paxon, new head coach …

Road weary: Rooting for Jaguars requires long-distance patience

The Jaguars are at 2-1 heading into Sunday

Let’s face it: it’s not easy being a Jacksonville Jaguars fan. The team is a contradiction in teal. When they’re home at EverBank Stadium, they play like gangbusters. When they’re on the …

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 nurturing care to adults with disabilities in a day training environment so they can live as happily as possible. Our goal is to stimulate not only their intellectual and physical skills, but will also meet their spiritual and emotional needs. Daystar services include: . . .

BRIEFS

Community Briefs

Celebrate America 250 with county on Oct. 14 at Historic Triangle   GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The community is invited to the Clay County America 250 Celebration on Oct. 14 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at …

Special Sections
LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS
County-wide construction is ongoing for the new fiber-powered network and expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Xfinity brings high-speed, reliable internet to more than 2,300 rural homes in Clay
CLAY COUNTY —   Although it's hard to imagine a world without being online, an estimated 24 million Americans still lack access to the internet, according to the Network Installers . But …
Whitey's, Encore refresh their looks, menus
FLEMING ISLAND – What was old is now new again along Swimming Pen Creek. Whitey’s Fish Camp and Encore Fleming Island both recently refreshed their restaurants, menus and their futures with …
Michelle Smith creates wellness through aesthetics, skin care and weight loss.
Michelle Smith dedicated to a holistic treatment of mind, body
FLEMING ISLAND – After a successful career as a surgical assistant, Michelle Smith decided to branch out on a more holistic and natural approach to wellness. Glow Wellness and Rejuvenation was …
Sweet treats, delicacies live boldly at pop-up dessert cart
FLEMING ISLAND  –  It's   small,  blue,  colorful and  filled with special treats. Can you guess   what it may be? Salty Air Treats i s   open every weekend …
The Bakery II thrives off of customer feedback.
Local bakery reimagines generational family recipes into fresh favorites
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS— Everything at the Bakery II is made with customers in mind.  That means it's baked with love, cooked to perfection and served to the …
In addition to a full array of beauty, cosmetic and luxury needs, Chad's Beauty Bar also accepts online reservations on his Facebook page.
Stylist invests in trims, coloring, styling at new salon on Wells Road
ORANGE PARK – Chad Eagan was concerned when he broke away from the safety and financial security of working for an owner of one of the most successful salons. But deep down, he decided to invest in the only thing guaranteed to payoff – himself. He opened Chad’s Beauty Bar at 1801 Wells Road, and he quickly learned success travels well. “Anytime you make a change, it’s always scary,” he said in between a steady flow of regulars who also made the move with him. "But I knew it was the right move, and I knew it would work out. I just had faith and put one foot in front of the other, and it took off running.”
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Web extra content
What are typical mistakes homeowners make when refinishing hardwood floors?
(BPT) - Key takeaways:Homeowners value hardwood floors because of their warmth, beauty and endurance.It's important to protect the appearance, value and lifespan of hardwood floors by …
17 therapist-approved tips for dealing with seasonal depression
Talkspace reports on 17 therapist-approved tips to cope with seasonal depression, including therapy, hydration, sunlight, and exercise, aiding in symptom relief.
5 common mistakes homeowners make refinishing hardwood floors
(BPT) - Key takeaways:Hardwood floors are valued for their beauty, warmth and endurance.Refinishing protects the lifespan, appearance and value of hardwood floors.Zack Clavin, Bona's "Floor Doctor," …
Rediscover the lost secrets of history, one mystery at a time
(BPT) - Where is Alexander the Great really buried? What led to the disappearance of the dodo? And how much do we truly know about the Neolithic cultures that shaped the earliest chapters of human …
5 Meaningful Holiday Gifts That Give Back All Year
(BPT) - The holidays are approaching, which means it's time to start thinking about what you'll give your loved ones. This year, go beyond traditional presents and give your friends and family a …