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LOCAL NEWS

CCSO: Don’t be Trixed by elaborate cereal scam

The scam includes instructions to withdraw money from the bank and put it in three boxes of cereal. Then give the cereal boxes to a courier for safe keeping.

ORANGE PARK – The phone rings. It’s your bank or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation telling you they’ve spotted something suspicious with your bank account. They know details about you …

OPHS student wins local art contest, awarded $500

ORANGE PARK — Orange Park High student Aaron Ortiz will be taking his love for digital and graphic design to the next level with the help of some encouragement and a $500 award. The junior was …

Local veteran still battling for Purple Heart 51 years after Vietnam War

ORANGE PARK — Army veteran Frank Herrera Jr. is not one to quit. He served three tours in the Vietnam War facing Viet Cong and North Vietnamese troops. A part of the 93rd Engineer Battalion …

Kindred’s De Silveira Alves said compassion, dedication as effective as medicine

FLEMING ISLAND – Her co-workers said what makes Thais Serafin De Silveira Alves such a special nurse can’t be learned in a classroom. Putting people back together at Kindred Hospital North …

Pace Center for Girls - Clay Executive Director Dr. Genelle Thomas addressed guests at Fall for Pace on Nov. 5 at Whitey's Fish Camp.

Sheriff Cook wins Jaguars tickets, Whitey’s owner Jabot gets Vuitton purse at live auction

FLEMING ISLAND – Sheriff Michelle Cook never flinched when four field passes, special parking, player family seating tickets went on the auction block during the Fall for Pace fundraiser on …

Paterson community mourns loss of Principal John O'Brian

FLEMING ISLAND - Paterson Elementary families and the local community are mourning the loss of Principal John O'Brian after the educator unexpectedly died on Monday. "Please continue to keep Mr. …

Akino Japanese Cuisine is located at 1754 Wells Road.

Akino brings flavor, Japanese culture to Orange Park

ORANGE PARK — Members of the Clay County Chamber of Commerce helped to officially cut the ribbon on the Akino Japanese Cuisine during its grand opening on Friday, Nov. 6. The locally owned …

The four-hour Veteran's Day ceremony includes hot dogs and hamburgers at World War II prices.

Clay County to salute Veteran’s Day with ceremonies, discounts

CAMP BLANDING – Robert Hilliard was just 18 when he trained at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center 82 years ago. Now 101, the U.S. Army veteran plans to return to the sprawling camp on Wednesday, …

Middleburg, Fleming Island ousted in state volleyball tournament

OCALA – Fleming Island and Middleburg highs’ state championship quest came up two games short Thursday at the Florida High School Athletic Association State Volleyball Championships at Polk State …

Ron Riddle's legacy will continue for generations because he created a culture that lifted the needs of athletes above his racial challenges.

Legendary former Clay High Coach Ron Riddle dies on Thursday, Nov. 5

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The social media post was brief, but pertinent: "Today we lost a true legend to Clay High School!!! "Sure going to miss you Coach Ron Riddle . "Once a Blue Devil always a Blue …

U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean, who represents Clay County in Washington, D.C., won a third term on Tuesday by turning back LaShonda Holloway by more than 6,300 votes.

Clay County turns back blue wave by electing Republican governor, senator, representative

CLAY COUNTY – While the rest of the United States took a decided turn to the left Tuesday night, Clay County helped Florida stay red by electing Byron Donalds as its next governor, while …

Historic Ghosts from Green Cove's Past take front and center

Mother and daughter duo Janey Fox, right, and Jessica Hames took on the roles of Helen and Florence of the Qui-Si-Sana and Clarendon hotels.

GCS Preservation Society still fundraising to bring the Rivers House to life

GREEN COVE SPRINGS — They say that ghosts are dead serious and transparent about their intentions. Especially when it comes to telling stories of the past. A group of local women made that loud and …

Homeschoolers of Oakleaf welcomes dozens to Trunk-or-Treat

OAKLEAF — The Homeschoolers of Oakleaf hosted its annual Trunk-or-Treat event at the Oakleaf Community Park on Friday, Oct. 30. Dozens of children, dressed in creative costumes, enjoyed candy, …

U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean served bread to a table during Tip-A-Cop at Longhorn Steakhouse on Fleming Island. Law Enforcement served bread, water, tea and coffee, and they cleared tables to raise money for the county's Special Olympics team.

Sen. Moody, Rep. Bean join record-setting Tip-A-Cop event at Longhorn Steakhouse

FLEMING ISLAND – Buoyed by an all-star lineup that included U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody, U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean and Sheriff Michelle Cook, the Clay County Special Olympics team raised an astounding …

Clay Habitat CEO Carolina Morrow said the impact of Habitat Humanity reaches far beyond the front door.

Clay Habitat kicks off 50th anniversary, honors longtime volunteers

GREEN COVE SPRINGS — Congressman Aaron Bean emphasized the importance of homeownership and its positive impact on communities during Clay County Habitat for Humanity’s anniversary …

Who wore it better?

ORANGE PARK - Patients were seeing not double but quadruple on Friday, Oct. 30, as Dr. William Sessions' office on Kingsley Avenue celebrated the Halloween season. Team members dressed up as the …

Clay County Sheriff’s Office deputy arrested following altercation with family

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – A Clay County Sheriff’s Office deputy was arrested on Sunday, Nov. 1, after other deputies responded to a family disturbance that “became physical.” Claude Hurley was …

One of the seven early voting precincts was at the Supervisor of Elections Office, 500 N. Orange Ave., Green Cove Springs.

Chambless: Early voting nearly ‘double’ of past mid-terms

CLAY COUNTY – While the number of voters usually drop significantly during the mid-term election cycle, Supervisor of Elections Chris Chambless said results from early voting have clearly defied …

From left, Exalted Ruler Kristine Watson; Signal 35 Fund Board Member Scotty Taylor; Paul Orvosh, PDD; Lodge Treasurer Ed Weston PDD; Joe Russell, PER; and Trustee Jennifer Parker, PER.

GCS Elks Lodge donates to Signal 35 Fund, supports first responders

GREEN COVE SPRINGS — The Green Cove Springs Elks Lodge #1892 donated a check for $1,000 to the Signal 35 Fund for the very first time on Oct. 27. The presentation took place at the Elks’ weekly …

The Board of County Commissioners grappled with the potential loss of critical county services on Tuesday, Oct. 27. Amendment III would need at least 60% of the vote to pass on Nov. 3.

County forewarns of impacted services with Amendment III

GREEN COVE SPRINGS– Reduced public safety and veterans' services and saying goodbye to a library branch were some of the many topics the Board of County Commissioners grappled with on …

With the expansion to more than 82 acres, this year's fair will host even more rides.

Rodeos and fried Oreos: 71st annual Jax Fair to hit the Westside Nov. 5-15

JACKSONVILLE — Just like the last seven decades, there will be loads of fun and entertainment at this year's Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair. The funnel cakes will be hot and fresh. And so …

More than 220 acres of farmland in Clay and Putnam counties will host mini farms for foster parents and children to live on.

Echo Lake Farms to provide homes, hope to local foster families

MELROSE — Russ Miller had a plan of action when he founded Rotarians for the Development of Youth six years ago. The nonprofit dedicated to producing well-rounded young people through …

Band Director Arnaldo Colón said there are 90 students in the marching field band, while the classroom boasts more than 100.

Panther Pride Marching Band moves to the beat of its own drum

ORANGE PARK — When Daniela Turrent and Dre Dunbar talk about music, their eyes light up. A part of their lives for so long, the notes on the page seem to tell their story in no other way they know …

TownePlace Suites by Marriott is located at 1625 Jeremiah St. in Middleburg.

Middleburg's TownePlace Suites celebrates year of successful hospitality, service

MIDDLEBURG — Welcoming hotel guests with comfort and excellent service is key to any successful hospitality model. TownePlace Suites by Marriott knows that best. That's why celebrating its one-year …

In the middle of the victory scrum, fans hoist the UCF mascot, Knightro, on their shoulders.

UCF, Cincy upset wins show why college football is still great

I’m sure the Big 12 will be sending notices to the UCF and Cincinnati football programs to dig into their piggybanks to pay for six-figure fines after their fans stormed the field following two …

GCSPD home to spooky trunks, lots of treats

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Thousands attended the Green Cove Springs Police Department's Trunk-or-Treat on Friday, Oct. 23. Many vendors lined the department's parking lot to hand out candy and show off …

The new Charters of Freedom monuments are available for viewing at the Historic Triangle in Green Cove Springs.

Clay County becomes lasting tribute to Charters of Freedom

GREEN COVE SPRINGS —It's been 250 years since America officially gained its independence. A day marked by the country's long, successful journey to freedom. During that time, foundational documents …

Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, left, and U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean, who represents Clay County, spoke about 40-hour nutrition classes that are being taught at many medical classes Tuesday at Lincoln Memorial University in Orange Park.

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 Jr. and U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean delivered a …

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