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Clay firemen make miraculous rescue of baby trapped under boat

Clay County Fire Rescue Lts. Joe Hutchins, left, and Thomas Gill happened to be at the entrance of the Black Creek Marina when they got a call for a capsized boat with a trapped baby. With the help of a resident, they managed to pull her lifeless body from the water and revive her.
GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The improbable, if not inconceivable, chain of events started after nobody saw the small Sea-Doo Switch Pontoon Boat flip in the channel of Black Creek and the St. Johns River, …
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The LOFT at Grand Landings Equestrian Center in Middleburg.
CLAY COUNTY — Everyone needs some time away from the norm, some time to rest and relax in a unique setting that gives them a sense of escape. But what if you could do that without going too far? …
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More local news

'Eurydice' by Sarah Ruhl at Thrasher Horne Sept. 27-29

ORANGE PARK – Sarah Ruhl reimagines the classic myth of Orpheus through the eyes of its heroine. With contemporary characters, ingenious plot twists, and breathtaking visual effects, the play is a …

Know before you go: Study candidates, amendments before election day

CLAY COUNTY — Unlike last month's primary election, which had very few choices on the ballot, the General Election on Nov. 5 will involve many critical decisions. In addition to picking a sheriff, …
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Obituaries
Kenneth Mark Nichols
December 19, 1960 – August 26, 2024   Kenneth Mark Nichols, age 63, passed away peacefully, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on December 19, 1960, Kenneth was a man of …
Don Morgan
Don Morgan, architect of City Hall, dies at 92
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS — Throughout his monumental architectural career, Donald "Don" Morgan designed the current Keystone Heights City Hall, Keystone Heights High and many other iconic …
John Franklin Gates
John Franklin Gates
John Franklin Gates passed away on August 8, 2024, in Orange Park, FL, surrounded by his wife and children. He was born on September 24, 1937, in Winnfield, LA, to the late Harvey Earnest Gates and …
Robert Jackson ‘Jack’ Herren
Robert Jackson “Jack” Herren, 83, of Green Cove Springs, FL, passed away August 17, 2024 Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.broadusraines.com Arrangements are under the care of …
Jewel Baskin
Jewel Baskin, 57, of Green Cove Springs, entered the sunset of life unexpectedly during a church mission trip to Africa on Friday, August 9, 2024, at the Hospital of Santa Maria, Lisbon, Portugal. …
Crime & safety
Police briefs
GREEN COVE SPRINGS – A trafficking stop for running a red light on U.S. Highway 17 wound up sending a Middleburg man to the Clay County Jail after being charged with trafficking cocaine, tampering …
MIDDLEBURG – The Clay County Sheriff’s Office got assistance from a confidential informant to build a case against a man known as “Butcher” to conduct a raid on his home at 37 N. Dolphin Ave. …
ORANGE PARK – A man was charged on Aug. 28 with stealing and selling washers and dryers from empty apartments on Wells Road. John Calvin Briley, 32, was booked on five counts of burglary and one …

Tuesday, Sept. 3

Gage D. Gainey, 35, Green Cove Springs, battery on person 65 or older, resist/obstruct/oppose law enforcement, DUI

Kirvonna K.H. Simmons, 26, Orange Park, grand theft, petit theft

Valerie A.M. Morales, 24, domestic battery

Amanda E. Latvenas, Maxville, VOP disorderly conduct

Thomas, M. Lawrence, 36, Green Cove Springs, resist/obstruct/oppose law enforcement, written/electronic threat to kill/harm another

Caiden A. Robinson, 20, Green Cove Springs, FTA, drive without valid license

Octavia L. Young, 32, Green Cove Springs, VOP petit theft

Darrell L. Beamon, 29, Orange Park, grand theft

Amber E. Foster, 37, Middleburg, grand theft auto

Caitlin N. McMillan, 27, Middleburg, two counts battery on specified personnel, dating violence, criminal mischief

Oslin Dormevil, 38, Orange Park, domestic violence

Badcock Furniture Green Cove Springs
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Badcock Furniture Green Cove Springs

We believe home is a sacred space that should feel just right and just like YOU. If you find yourself facing a design dilemma or comfort crisis, your neighbors at Badcock Home Furniture &more can help! No matter your age or stage in life, we’ve got the service, selection, prices, and financing options you need to create a comfortable and safe refuge. On the Badcock Home Furniture &more Facebook page, we want to connect with YOU. We encourage you to share your feedback and interact with fellow Badcock fans!  Need to contact us? Visit www.badcock.com or call us at 904-863-3595.

It's Finally Here:
Exclusive Football Coverage:

Playoffs, bragging rights in new districts

FLEMING ISLAND - Well, Well, Well, football just got a little more interesting for the upcoming 2024 season as the FHSAA, in their presiding wisdom, has returned to the Class 1A, Class 2A, etc. …
And in Sports....

Jags beat Bucs 20-7

JACKSONVILLE - With a manageable amount of time in the pocket, Jacksonville Jaguar quarterback Mac Jones, a product of The Bolles School just a few minutes from Everbank Field, put two passes into …

Tragic week, major injury tough road for the Indians

Banner for Keystone Heights football player Ryder Trull, a freshman, awaits entry of his Indians' teammates before the game against Union County on Friday. Trull survived a horrific car accident earlier in the week and is in a Gainesville trauma center.
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS - With a tragic car accident involving one of their own and a season-ending injury for one of their best, the Keystone Heights High football team survived a tough week of character …
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 …

Calendar

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY AT SPRING PARK Is Sept. 6 from 5 to 9:30 p.m. at Spring Park, 106 St. Johns St. in Green Cove Springs. The event includes a variety of food trucks and live music by Firewater Tent.

DARRELL RAE will play on Sept. 6 at 8 p.m. at Whitey’s Fish Camp, 2032 County Road, Fleming Island.

FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL will be on Sept. 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Clay County Fairgrounds. Presented by the Charming Sisters, it will feature more than 80 vendors and food trucks. Admission is free. For more information, call Ashley at (618) 972-3950.

Did You Know?

Clay Today will test your knowledge weekly and provide interesting facts on various topics. This week, the most common names. Unless you’re in Atlanta, where there are 71 streets with the word …
Ossify : (AH-suh-fye) a verb meaning something becomes hardened or conventional and opposed to change. In medical contexts, something that ossifies (such as cartilage) forms or is transformed …
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 …

Opinions & Viewpoints
Faith Walk

What is a Disciple?

When Jesus commissioned His followers in Matthew 28:18-20, He called them to "make disciples of all nations." The Greek word for disciple, mathētḗs, means "learner" or "student". Being a disciple …

This Week in History

A wedding photo taken at the front of the Azaleana Manor, a waterfront venue in Orange Park

Five years ago, 2019 After purchasing the property a year prior, Karrie Massee transitioned the Azaleana Manor in Orange Park into a boutique venue for hosting weddings, parties and …

Columnists

FSU ‘dogs’ fans with some of highest football prices in country

Last season, the Florida State Seminoles won 13 games and enjoyed their best campaign in years. This season, fans will pay for it. A report released by Oddspedia  suggests that Florida State …

Here are some tips to help students be better writers

  No matter students’ career paths, writing and communication skills are essential to success. Whether a student identifies as a “math child,” a “sports child,” or even a “reading …
Harrison Burton finished one car length ahead of Kyle Busch Saturday night to win the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at the Daytona International Speedway, It was Burton's first career Cup Series win and the 100th for Wood Brothers Racing.

Wood Brothers Racing: 71 years, 100 NASCAR wins ... and counting

DAYTONA BEACH – David Pearson won the Firecracker 400 in 1978 at the Daytona International Speedway. It’s easy to remember because it was my first NASCAR assignment. Although the race was moved …
Special Sections
New from local businesses
McDonald’s offering grants to Clay County teachers, nonprofits
CLAY COUNTY – Teachers and nonprofits have until Oct. 13 to apply for grants ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 to serve children 5-18, including those in kindergarten through 12th grade. The company …
Property appraiser honored with lifetime achievement award
Clay County – Clay County Property Appraiser, Tracy Scott Drake, was recently honored with the International Association of Assessing Officers’ (IAAO) Professional Development Lifetime …
Swirl Suites is located at 1910 Wells Rd #C02 at the Orange Park Mall
Swirl Suites puts its own twist on ice cream
ORANGE PARK — Swirl Suites has set up shop just outside of the Orange Park Mall, putting its own twist on the ice cream sundae.  You may have enjoyed scoops of ice cream in a cone or a bowl …
Michael Mullinax owns Brown's Creek Honey Farm, a business dedicated to making products solely from all-natural beeswax.
'Bee'-ing natural with Brown's Creek Honey Farm
FLEMING ISLAND — Bees are a huge part of what makes our ecosystem work.  The pollinators land on objects and leave a trace sure to impact the way we live.  Michael Mullinax has been an …
The Barley and Pie crew pose for a photo in June after the grand opening.
Barley & Pie leaves its pawprint on pizza, brewery scene
FLEMING ISLAND — Located at the former site of V Pizza, Barley and Pie opened during the dog days of summer to critical culinary acclaim.  Barley and Pie is a pizza and brewery combo that …
4 Corner Pizza
Detroit-style Jet’s Pizza offering grand opening deal in Orange Park
ORANGE PARK – Although Jet’s Pizza opened a new location at 280 Blanding Blvd., unit 103, in May, the store is excited to celebrate its grand opening with a fun event. On Saturday, Aug. 24, …
Web extra content
Americans serve together to honor and remember Sept. 11
(BPT) - More than two decades ago, on Sept. 11, 2001, many lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. From across America, people stepped forward — uniting to help the families of those …
Have a Heart for Caregivers: 8 expert tips for volunteers to care for themselves, too
(Family Features) Survivors of heart attacks or strokes may have additional health and personal care needs, often relying on a family member or close friend to help.
Making the Grade with Medicaid and CHIP
(BPT) - Back-to-school season is in full swing, which means it’s time to make sure your kids have the essentials they need for a successful school year. Health coverage should be at the top of …
Join the Movement: Celebrate Blue Star Welcome Week and Support Military Families
Join the Movement: Celebrate Blue Star Welcome Week and Support Military Families
(NewsUSA) - The average military family moves three times as often as their civilian peers, and most of these permanent change of station (PCS) moves occur during the summer, according to Blue Star …
5 easy ways to nourish your brain
(BPT) - What are you doing to nourish your brain on a daily basis? Many people eat a balanced diet and work out to nourish and support their bodies and their overall health, but it's just as …