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Kennedy, Bean cook support for 40-hour nutrition education plan

ORANGE PARK – After meeting with the heads of four hospital groups and officials from two universities, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy and U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean delivered a …
Two of the first customers were former Florida Sen. Rob Bradley and his wife, current Florida Sen. Jennifer Bradley.

Grumpy's now open on Fleming Island

FLEMING ISLAND – Finally! The "Bad Mood Dude" is now serving  its famous breakfast and lunch items at Grumpy's Restaurant. The long-awaited and highly anticipated restaurant at the former …

Scoot to support The Vineyard Transitional Center's Saturday’s raffle

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Construction at The Vineyard Transitional Center is zipping along, and to push it across the finish line the nonprofit that helps 12 newly released inmates from the Clay County …
Owner Del Hoard Jr. greeted hungry customers during the soft opening on Friday.

Grumpy’s finally serving 'Bad Mood Food' on Fleming Island

FLEMING ISLAND – Claude and Marie Hamel were the first to arrive at Grumpy’s Restaurant at the former Dick’s Wings and Grill on Monday, Oct. 12. In fact, they got there at 5 a.m. – nearly a …

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More local news
The Special Olympics golf tournament included signed helmets from Danny Wuerffel, Trevor Lawrence and Tim Tebow, as well as a signed helmet from Travis Hunter and framed photos of Steve Spurrier and Vince Dooley.
Top of the Tee drives support for Clay County’s Special Olympics team
FLEMING ISLAND – There was a distinct sound of golf balls clacking, the aroma of cigar smoke and laughter during Tuesday night’s Special Olympics golf tournament at the Top of the Tee at the …
Whitey's Fish Camp hosting Fall for Pace on Nov. 5
FLEMING ISLAND – For those who haven’t visited Whitey’s Fish Camp since new ownership remodeled the building and its menu, the iconic restaurant will open its doors for review, all while …
School district: One-Mill referendum only renews – not adds – ad valorem tax
GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Clay County District Schools issued an informational fact sheet regarding the One-Mill Ad Valorem Referendum Renewal appearing on the upcoming ballot, outlining the revenue …
The library now has a learning room with a projector.
Grace Episcopal Day School transforms historic cottage into welcoming library
ORANGE PARK —   Grace Episcopal Day School has given its library a new home, moving the collection from a portable building on campus to a charming brick cottage built in 1948. The relocation …
Penney Retirement Community tees up for a good cause
PENNEY FARMS — Continuing on with its centennial year celebrations, Penney Retirement Community hosted its annual Golf Tournament on Friday, Sept. 16. Residents and community partners were invited …
Palms Medical Group to open Middleburg office in late October
MIDDLEBURG – Palms Medical Group will be opening a new primary care office in Middleburg on Thursday, Oct. 29. The office will be located at 2620 Blanding Blvd., and its hours of operation will be …
Waters Car Wash is located at 1785 Wells Road.
Waters Car Wash to offer free car washes for military, first responders on Nov. 9-11
CLAY COUNTY– In recognition of Veterans Day, Waters Car Wash is showing its appreciation for those who serve and protect our communities and country by offering complimentary car washes to …
Jaguars living on a prayer after last week’s lucky victory
On the positive side, Jacksonville’s 19-17 victory against Philadelphia on Sunday, Oct. 11, was the Jaguars’ 12 th in their last 13 regular season games dating back to Nov. 16, 2025. On the …
These five dancers from All-Starz Dance Studio in Orange Park will participate in the Nutcracker in December.
Young dancers to take the stage, achieve their dreams in the Nutcracker
ORANGE PARK —  Nutcracker season is almost here. And for weeks, performers have been working hard on rehearsals and practices before they go on stage the weekend of Dec. 18 at the Times Union …
Obituaries
Michelle Odalis Enid Colon
Michelle Odalis Enid Colon, born September 21, 1987, passed away on October 12, 2026, at the age of 39, following a courageous battle with cancer. She is survived by her parents, Emma Gladden and …
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 …
Opinions & Viewpoints
Religion
You told yourself it was the last time. You prayed for strength. You felt conviction — and yet somehow, you ended up right back in the same cycle. Again. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a pattern of …
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 …
Opinions & Columns
To the Editor,   Over 180,000 Floridians  will be diagnosed with cancer this year. As they undergo treatment, the support of family, friends and the whole community is crucial. So is access …
“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 …
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 county filed a petition to claim custody of 274 animals that were littered with filth, rodents and urine and fecal contamination at a home on Old Jennings Road. • …

Ask Kyla:

Where can I recycle in Clay County?

CLAY COUNTY — As the county's curbside recycling service ended two years ago, there are limited options as to where residents can take their recyclable items. In a majority vote by the Board of …

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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 …
CCSO: Orange Park man arrested for shaking baby to death ORANGE PARK – A 23-year-old man was arrested on Friday, Oct. 2, after Clay County Sheriff’s Office detectives said he shook a baby to …

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 …

High School Football Highlights

Ridgeview High running back Ty

Week Nine Friday, Oct. 16 Keystone Heights (2-6) at Paxon (6-2).  Paxon was a playoff team last year with a surge in the SSAA, and the Golden Eagles want to keep that going. Keystone Heights …

GREEN COVE SPRINGS - According to former Clay High girls weightlifting coach Rodney Keller, his return to the Blue Devils' Iron Room was just a simple matter. "The position came open when coach …

Weather, blowouts highlight Clay County football in Week 8

Week 8 of the high school football season featured as much lightning and rain as running and tackling. Three games – Oakleaf at Ocala Forest, Orange Park at Middleburg and Clay at Fleming …

Clay High hosted Oakleaf and Pedro Menendez in a tri meet at the Rolling Hills Aquatic Center with, left to right, Clay's …

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

Magnolia Point Women’s Club’s Designer Bag BINGO raises $6,500 GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The Magnolia Point Women's Club raised more than $6,500 at its Designer Bag BINGO fundraiser on Monday, Oct. …

Special Sections
LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS
Lumpia is one of many authentic dishes served at Lola's Filipino Cafe and Mini Store.
Traditional Filipino cuisine, culture live at Orange Park café
ORANGE PARK – When you walk into Lola’s Filipino Cafe and Mini Store, you’re welcomed with the rich smell of fresh food, and a welcoming atmosphere that feels like home. That’s what Nino …
The challenge on the Blockbuster hole on the pink course is to use two ropes on pullies to navigate a VHS tape with the golf ball attached to the cup at the top without letting it slip through a landmine of other holes.
Burlesons open two courses where they 'create memories'
GREEN COVE SPRINGS – There are no windmills, snapping alligator mouths, spinning barriers or volcanoes at Retro Putt Indoor Mini Golf. But you will find a zip line, pool table, drum set, basketball …
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 …
Web extra content
Scammers are finding new ways to target your phone. Here are 5 ways to protect yourself
Malwarebytes reports scammers are targeting mobile users with increasingly sophisticated scams.
Your 2026 tax return just got easier: Here's what's coming this filing season
(BPT) - Filing your taxes is never a top item on anyone's fun to-do list, but it's definitely a must, and can lead to a very welcome refund. The good news is, there's a new service that can help make …
Hit by an uninsured driver? What to know
TheZebra.com reports that 1 in 3 drivers are uninsured or underinsured, increasing financial risk for insured motorists in accidents. 
8 personal banking tasks you should automate to save time and money
Mercury reports on automating personal banking tasks to save time and money, highlighting eight tasks like automatic savings and payment setups.
How a smarter home can help families reclaim their time
(BPT) - It's a Thursday evening at home, and all you want to do is relax with your family. However, the mental list of possible to-dos stops you from being fully present with your loved ones. …