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Tara Nova went through a 30-minute set.
GREEN COVE SPRINGS – There was a lot of jumpin’, jivin’, rockin’, playin’ and runnin’ from the rain last Saturday at the Boogerville Hideout. And everyone had a great time. …
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More local news
June 19 commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States.
Clay County celebrates Juneteenth 2025
CLAY COUNTY — Community members around the county celebrated the annual Juneteenth holiday with education and fun on Thursday.  June 19, also known as "Freedom Day" or "Jubilee Day", …
Through the project, founder Richard Reyes and a team of volunteers forge together to deliver a backpack of hope and empowerment to  cancer patients.
Operation Positive Vibes' Blue Bag Project supports, empowers cancer warriors
CLAY COUNTY— Richard Reyes was just 45 when he was diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer. And it was just 30 days after that when he reached Stage 4.  It was so quick. So sudden. Reyes said …
Magnolia Springs Hotel, version 2 in 1869. This is what the hotel looked like during the Reconstruction era. The huge four-story version was built onto this structure later.
Into the loving arms of Chloe Merrick's Magnolia orphanage
Chloe Merrick was born into a family of abolitionists. Growing up in Syracuse, New York, she trained to be a teacher. Her social circles were that of like-minded individuals, often filled with …
Sheriff’s Office: ‘No Kings’ protest loud, diverse, civil
ORANGE PARK – Car horns honked. Signs waved. People screamed. Flags waved. And while the primary focus was “No Kings Day,” there were many reasons several hundred people protested last Saturday …
Around 30 children battling life-threatening medical conditions came together for a private showing of "Lilo & Stitch".
Dreamers enjoy popcorn and fun
FLEMING ISLAND— It was a day of cinematic fun for a group of young dreamers on Friday, June 13.  Around 30 children battling life-threatening medical conditions, along with their families, …
From left: Ms. Long-Term Care Joani Peteroy, Lifetime Achievement Award winner Karol Smith and Ms. Assisted Living Lois Swan.
Clay County senior women crowned at annual pageant
ORANGE PARK— It was a fabulous evening for some of the county’s senior beauty queens on Thursday, June 12. In their evening gowns and best attire, eleven women strutted down the walkway– …
Thomas Smith
Green Cove Springs Mayor Thomas Smith resigns
GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Mayor Thomas Smith resigned from the City Council on Monday, June 16, the city announced. “It is with sincere regret that the City of Green Cove Springs announces the …
Clay County roadwork: Here's where to expect delays
CLAY COUNTY – Here are the roadway projects that are underway or about to start: • Radar Road. Crews will begin construction of a new two-lane roadway connecting Radar Road to Town Center …
The chances of a child being successful increase in households with a father or father figure.
With fatherhood comes great deal of responsibility
CLAY COUNTY – As a father of seven, Yul Johnson knows Father’s Day isn’t just about getting a new tie, being served breakfast in bed or finding a new putter in the golf bag. It’s about being …
Obituaries
Clyde “Snap” David Blocker
Clyde “Snap” David Blocker, 83, of Green Cove Springs, FL, passed away on Saturday, June 7, 2025. Snap was born in Green Cove Springs, FL, to parents Joseph and Lula Chesser Blocker. Born …
John L. “Jack” Stephens, Jr.
John Stephens, 97, died Sunday, June 8, at Penney Farms. He was born in Warren, Ohio on December 2, 1927, to John Luther Stephens and Frances Difford Stephens. Jack leaves his wife of nearly 75 …
Alfred T. Shiller
Lieutenant Commander Alfred T. Shiller, age 94, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2025, in Green Cove Springs, Florida. Al, as his friends and family knew him was born in Houston Texas on August 17, …
Deborah Ann (Leffler) Bragg
Deborah Ann (Leffler)Bragg, age 74, passed away on 6/7/25. She was born in Los Angeles, Ca., and moved to Florida permanently almost 50 years ago. Born to Bobby Dean Leffler and Patricia Lipscomb …
Jeannette Barcroft Freyburger
Jeannette Barcroft Freyburger February 26, 1925 - Jun 4, 2025 Jeannette Freyburger, age 100, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2025. She was born to Cloyd H. Barcroft and Florence (Cooley) …
Opinions & Viewpoints
Religion

Is it wrong to question God?

Somewhere along the way, many believers were taught that asking God hard questions meant having weak faith. Maybe you’ve felt the guilt creep in after whispering, “Why, God?” or “Where were …

Are you a “Big God-er” or a “Little God-er?”

Have you ever taken a thought concerning, “How big is your God?” When we focus on God and who He is there is a tendency to say we have a BIG GOD .   However, when we live out our everyday …

For reel: Summertime films at fairgrounds and beyond

As a former movie critic and someone who remains passionate about films, I consider them a vital part of life.  Although colleagues and friends don’t discuss them often anymore, I take solace …

 
In the Community:

Juneboree continues to be a hit with children

At last year's Rockin' for Stockins', Hannah got a new pink guitar.
GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Every smile is worth more than gold when Paul Wane gifts a musical instrument to a child. When he hands a guitar, bass, drum set, horns, or keyboard to an unsuspecting …
Local officials and community members alike attended the ceremony.
MIDDLEBURG — Construction for Clay County’s newest animal services building has commenced following an official groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday. The $21.5-million, one-story facility is set to …
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This Week in History

5 years ago in Clay Today: Chris Chambless paced the lobby of the Supervisor of Elections office last Friday, stopping every two or three steps to check the time on his cellphone. As soon as it hit …
Ask Kyla:

Ask Kyla: What's replacing Pizza Hut in GCS?

GREEN COVE SPRINGS — After officially shutting down in September of last year, the old Pizza Hut building at 1367 N Orange Ave is getting a long-awaited replacement.  Green Cove residents can …

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CRIME & SAFETY
Police briefs
Man accused of sending obscene photos,  cartoons to children  GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The Clay County Sheriff’s Office accused a 34-year-old man of causing “physical and emotional …
(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 …

Arrests and Bookings

There are no assumptions or representations about guilt or innocence. Each person who is arrested or booked is considered innocent until proven guilty.

And in Sports....
Florida State University is in a tenuous battle in a super regional game three with Oregon State with Clay High grad Max Williams one of the top RBI batters for Seminoles.

Clay High grad Max Williams: FSU Big Bat

FLEMING ISLAND - The No. 9-seeded Florida State University baseball team rallied with two runs in the seventh and three in the eighth to beat Mississippi State 5-2 and win the Tallahassee Regional to …

Four from Clay County part of Armada strong start

Two recent Clay County high school grads; Fleming Island

JACKSONVILLE - Four area high school soccer standouts from Clay County have been punching up impressive numbers for the Jacksonville Armada FC womens team with the latest game, a 5-0 win coming with …

FLEMING ISLAND - A review of the past high school season of Florida Dairy Farmers athlete selections for class players of the year showcase the level of play in Clay County with the top 10-15 players …

Sports mental strength coach looks in mirror

Orange Park sports psychologist Joni Neidigh, reknowned for accomplishments mentoring world class athletes through the many pressures of elite level competition, will now be turning her knowledge toward herself as she ventures to the USA National Senior Games in Iowa to compete in a 5Km running race.

ORANGE PARK - For most of her professional career as a psychotherapist first then a sports hypnotherapist for a handful of world class athletes, including Olympic swim champions and, at one point, …

Broncos winning ways continued in 2024-25

Middleburg High

MIDDLEBURG - Middleburg High sports has become a place of state champion finishes with dramatic titles in past seasons in softball, then volleyball and now with girls weightlifting added to the …

Raiders, Eagles open with big summer hoops' wins

Orange Park High basketball guard Derek Aponte hit a handful of three pointers in Raiders win over 6A-Mandarin in Ribault Summer Basketball League opener Thursday at Ribault High.

JACKSONVILLE - With fast-moving offenses and tenacious defense, Orange Park and Fleming Island high basketball summer teams opened up with impressive wins in their Ribault Summer Basketball League …

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 …

BRIEFS

Community Briefs

Clay Veterans Center’s ribbon-cutting on Saturday   MIDDLEBURG – The Clay Veterans Center will celebrate a Ribbon Cutting and Open House on Saturday, June 21, at 10 a.m. at 2497-1 County …

  • Community Briefs

    College offers CPR training throughout summer Some occupations and roles require CPR, including those in …

  • Community Briefs

    County to offer free meals to children during summer CLAY COUNTY – The Summer Food Service Program is …

  • Community Briefs

    Winn-Dixie launches campaign to support Folds of Honor   CLAY COUNTY – Southeastern Grocers, LLC …

  • Community Briefs

    Memorial Day ceremonies planned around county   CLAY COUNTY – Residents and veterans will honor …

  • Community Briefs

    County partners to host Kids Bike Rodeo Clay County Parks and Recreation is teaming up with …

  • Human remains found in river

    The discovery of human remains found in the St. Johns River off Highway 17 prompted a Clay County …

Special Sections
LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS
Cheyenne Woolery Bates of Dream House Montessori Adventure
Dream House Montessori Adventure
Dream House Montessori Adventure is a licensed childcare based in Orange Park (Oakleaf) committed to delivering high-quality early childhood education through Florida’s Early Childhood Curriculum …
Trisha Govoni
Choices, Chances, Changes Counseling Services, PLLC
Trisha Govoni is the founder of Choices, Chances, Changes Counseling Services, PLLC, formerly based in Helotes, Texas — now operating virtually to serve a broader audience across Florida and …
Consignment shop closed
Lux Upscale Resale Boutique, located at 3535 U.S. Highway 17 in Westover Station on Fleming Island, closed down in late May. Shop owner Erica Burks shared an "Important Announcement from Lux" for …
Kim Branning of Mystic Tanning
Mystic Tanning
Kim Branning’s passion for the beauty industry began with the establishment of Mystic Tanning in the vibrant locale of Green Cove Springs in September 2023. Alongside her husband, James, she …
Janet Peterson of Assisted Living Local, LLC
Assisted Living Local, LLC
Janet Peterson is the founder of Assisted Living Local, LLC, a no-cost placement service dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate the often-overwhelming process of finding the right …
Lorie and Robby Stephens
Up in arms with KMA Armaments
KMA Armaments is a locally owned fire arms manufacturer and dealer in Green Cove Springs . Since opening in 2021, we have partnered with multiple national distributors to meet all your firearm, …
Web extra content
10 cool cars you can't buy in the US yet
CheapInsurance.com reports on 10 exciting cars unavailable in the U.S. due to regulations, costs, and brand strategies.
Dog breeds losing popularity
Stacker pulled data from the AKC to compare dog popularity rankings from 2004 and 2024; the 2024 popularity rankings were released in March 2025.
How to understand your home energy use — and cut costs
(BPT) - Heating and cooling systems account for around 55% of the average home's energy use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). And during the warmer summer months, HVAC systems are …
4 ways to celebrate National Mac and Cheese Day
(BPT) - Macaroni and cheese is a quintessential comfort food everyone loves. It's homey, cheesy and tasty, evoking comfort like no other dish. National Mac and Cheese Day is the perfect excuse to …
On the Golf Course, You Really Have Skin in the Game
On the Golf Course, You Really Have Skin in the Game
(NewsUSA) - Mark Twain famously said that golf is a good walk spoiled. For most golfers, the sport is also fraught with a very high risk of getting skin cancer. On the course, golfers are exposed to …