Clear, 77°
Weather sponsored by:

Winn-Dixie beefs up support for Our Fair Cares

Cans are stacked at the register at the Knight Boxx Road and Blanding Boulevard store to remind customers of the food drive.
GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The home office thought store manager Mike Finnick made a mistake when he ordered 100 cases of vegetables for Winn-Dixie. He assured them it was no mistake, because with …
The Town of Orange Park council discussed providing police assistance and support to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Tuesday.
ORANGE PARK — The town council discussed providing police assistance and support to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Tuesday. Case said that there are currently no officers in …
Read more.
Read the e-edition

More local news
Retired teacher Jeff Rehkopf, of Keystone Heights, shows off antique radios Saturday at Old-Fashioned Farm Day.

Old-fashioned fun down on Penney Farms

The Town of Penney Farms' fourth Old-Fashioned Farm Day got underway on a peaceful, cloud-free Saturday morning as vendors and exhibitors greeted dozens — and gradually hundreds — of attendees. …

SWCD appoints Nguyen as supervisor

Clay Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) has appointed Timothy Nguyen to the District 1 supervisor position. Nguyen is a District Chief with Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department and has …

Land parcel on Pine highlights GCS public hearings

A pair of public hearings came to the fore during Green Cove Springs City Council’s latest meeting Tuesday night. A parcel of land on North Pine Avenue was the primary topic at hand. The county, …

Deputies for A Day

Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook talks to Orange Park High School students, including junior Charles Hilton (wearing blue shirt in front row) during "Teen Day as a Deputy" at the sheriff's office on …
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK
Obituaries
Joan Coleman Welzant June 5, 1938 - March 9, 2025
June 5, 1938 - March 9, 2025 “How wonderful life is while you’re in the world.” — Elton John Joan Pearl Coleman Welzant, 86, left this world peacefully holding the hands of her children on the …
James Schneider March 10, 2025
LCDR James E., “Jim”, “Jumbo”, Schneider, USN (Ret), 69, of Macclenny, FL, heard Jesus calling him home after a very courageous fight with cancer, on Monday, March 10, at his …
Walter Graham
June 17, 1955 - February 24, 2025 Walter Thomas Graham, beloved father, grandfather, brother, and dedicated public servant, passed away on Monday, February 24, 2025, in Tallahassee, Florida. He was 69 years old. Born on June 17, …
Bettie Jane “BJ” Wells HAUSMAN
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Bettie Jane “BJ” Wells HAUSMAN on February 27, 2025. The first-born child of the late William “Ralph” and Grace …
Elizabeth Ann Borden
Elizabeth Ann Borden of Middleburg, FL passed away peacefully on Friday, February 21, 2025, at the age of 66. She was born in Jacksonville, FL, to the late Mary P. Hutson and William C. Hutson. She …
In the Community

Sherrif's NET talks construction and K9s for Warriors

The Sheriff's NET Town Hall invites the community monthly to hear from local officials on what’s happening around the county.
FLEMING ISLAND — Residents got a chance to get up close and personal with a commissioner, hear about local crime statistics and meet a special member of the Clay County Sheriff's Office team at the …
In the span of one hour, students will be taken through a progression of threats they may experience standing up, being taken down and while on the ground.
ORANGE PARK — Every year, nearly 5.3 million incidents of domestic violence occur among U.S. women aged 18 and older. It can happen to anyone. That’s why one martial arts/Jiu Jitsu studio is …
Read more.
Ask Kyla:

What if my FCC trash can is too big?

There are two answers to this question, depending on what is meant by "too big." If you’re talking the actual size -- as in it's more space than necessary -- there is an option for you to downgrade …

When did the county receive Bonded Transportation project funds?

This resident's question is a follow-up to one previously sent, wondering why the current Lake Asbury Bonded Transportation construction is happening all at once. After consulting with the county, I …

Opinions & Viewpoints
Faith Walk

Beyond the Game: Rick Barnes' Mission to Share Christ

Rick Barnes, head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball team, has his team highly seeded in the NCAA basketball tournament beginning this week. He has achieved remarkable success on the …

Down the road, it’s best to go with the flow

If only the main thoroughfares of Fleming Island stretching into Green Cove Springs were as smooth as ice cream. That’s one of the thoughts bouncing around my head after work, as hunger pangs kick …

How to pick plants for your location

When planning your yard or garden, you likely focus on what and the where. After all, a beautiful plant in a prime location enhances curb appeal and even bragging rights. You may pay less attention …

Easy Steps to Create Homebuying Budget

One of the most important steps to take while house hunting is to create an intentional budget that accounts for both upfront costs and recurring expenses. Doing so will help you find a home that …
Crime & safety
Police briefs

Middleburg man arrested in exploitation probe

Charles Peter Browne, 42, was arrested Wednesday, March 19, in Middleburg.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit, with assistance from the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force, have made an arrest stemming from a child …

Sunday, March 16

Steve J. Louis, 27, Middleburg, shoplifting

Tyler S. Harwood, 38, Middleburg, battery on person 65 or older

Donaven L. Ayrton, 22, Orange Park, VOP providing false name to law enforcement

Robert S. Hornbeck, 44, Orange Park, possession controlled substance

And in Sports....

Keystone Heights tops county iron teams

Oakleaf High weightlifter Christian Rodriguez blasts some energy before winning his 169 pound weight division at the Clay County Championships held Friday at Keystone Heights.
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS - After a decade of dominance as repeat boys state weightlifting champions, the Keystone Heights High boys weightlifting team answered the bell for yet another Clay County …

Double state champions lead Fleming Island signees

Fleming Island two time state champion diver Ava Brinkman will bring her expertise about an hour south at the University of Florida where Brinkman has been training for the past four years.

D FLEMING ISLAND - For Fleming Island High, repeat state champions has kind of become a trend with three sports worth of athletes signing college scholarships while sitting in the Fleming …

Broncos hold 1-0; tough pitching, tough defense

Middleburg High pitcher Ethan Karaim held tough on the m ound against Eagle

JACKSONVILLE - An early 1-0 lead held for seven innings as the Middleburg High Broncos baseball team took the solo run to the end to beat a game Eagles' View Academy team on their home diamond. …

Lady Panthers topple 14th ranked Yulee

Ridgeview catcher Nicole Deschamps has become the vocal leader of the Panthers after moving from third base to catcher due to injuries and was critical in Panthers 4-2 win over 14th ranked Yulee.

OAKLEAF - Ridgeview High softball coach Angela Agurkis summoned the spirits of her state championship days at Oakleaf High School when she was the catcher for coach Christina Thompson and created 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 …

This Week in History

Five years ago, 2020 • Despite being closed as a precaution to the coronavirus pandemic, some district schools still are offering breakfast and lunch to students in need. • A family was reunited …
Word of the Week

Word of the Week

Word of the Week is a feature that aims to help readers boost their vocabulary in a meaningful way that has practical applications. Each week, our editorial staff presents a word, its definition and …

Briefs

Mercy Support invites public to ‘A Night at the Oscars’

ORANGE PARK — Sponsors and the public are invited to “A Night at the Oscars” at the Thrasher-Horne Center on Oct. 24 to benefit Mercy Support Services. They exist to meet the needs of people …

Special Sections
New from local businesses
Representatives of the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office speak with job seekers during THE PLAYERS’ annual Military Job Fair.
PLAYERS Championship hosts military job fair
PONTE VEDRA BEACH — The Patriots’ Outpost tent at TPC Sawgrass was bustling Saturday, March 8, as THE PLAYERS Championship hosted its 14th annual Military Job Fair, an event often hailed as the …
Jax Kickboxing Academy's Najeeb Mirza worked with Liz Hendrickson during the gym's opening Saturday at the new location at 1980 Wells Road.
Kickstart your fitness at Jax Kickboxing Academy
ORANGE PARK – The sign still says Dupont Furniture, but you won’t find a Lazy Boy chair inside the Jax Kickboxing Academy at 1980 Wells Road. It is located in the plaza in Suite 5 between Planet …
Crews clearing land for new Walmart Supercenter in Oakleaf
Crews clearing land for Walmart Supercenter in Oakleaf   OAKLEAF – Walmart is clearing the way on a 63.6-acre site for a Supercenter with a liquor store and eight out parcels at 10000 Omni …
Tocoi Engineering
Green Cove’s Tocoi Engineering sold to Baxter & Woodman
GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Baxter & Woodman, Inc. announced the acquisition of Florida-based engineering firm Tocoi Engineering, expanding its presence in Florida to include four locations. …
Marissa and Phil Vetter.
Vetters complete purchase of Woody’s Bar-B-Q in Green Cove Springs
GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Longtime patrons Marissa and Phil Vetter were first introduced to Woody’s Bar-B-Q more than 30 years ago when they lived in Jacksonville. After moving to Green Cove Springs …
CarePlus Announces Medicare Advantage Plan offerings for 2025
CLAY COUNTY—CarePlus Health Plans, Inc., a Florida-based provider of Medicare Advantage plans, is proud to announce enhancements to its plans for 2025. The plans, benefits, and resources are …
Web extra content
A brief history of the s'more, America’s favorite campfire snack
Every summer, millions of marshmallows will be toasted over fires across America. Many will be used as an ingredient in the quintessential summer snack: the s’more. Eating gooey marshmallows …
Summer Camps Guide: Helping Parents Choose the Right Fit for Their Child
Summer Camps Guide: Helping Parents Choose the Right Fit for Their Child
Spring break often reminds families of the approach of summer and the need to find the best summer camp experiences for their children. Whether a child is entering kindergarten or transitioning ...
Thrilling Spring Adventures in Myrtle Beach
(BPT) - Looking for the perfect spring getaway? Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is one of America's most beloved family beach destinations, delivering a perfect mix of adventure, entertainment and …
From catfishing to catphishing: The evolution of a romance scam
Spokeo explains how catfishing + phishing leads to catphishing, which happens when the grift goes from messing with your heart to messing with your identity, and maybe even your bank account.
Healthy Foods, Redefined – The Power of Salmon
(BPT) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently updated the nutrition requirements on the claim of using the word "healthy" on food packaging. This updated definition helps consumers cut …