Local news | Clay Today

OP Mall to close Books-A-Million, reopen as 2nd & Charles

ORANGE PARK– Longtime tenant Books-A-Million will be turning the page on a new story sure to bring an expanded shopping experience for all, the Orange Park Mall announced on Friday. The store will … more

For Clay Today | 5/29/26

Clay County 4-H offering series of summer camps

CLAY COUNTY – Attending camp is often a significant milestone in a youth’s life. Camps allow youth to participate in hands-on activities, learn new things, meet new friends and meet caring adult … more

Clay Today staff | 5/29/26

Jim Arnold is retiring as the Green Cove Springs city attorney after 49 years.

GCS City Attorney Jim Arnold to retire after 49 years

GREEN COVE SPRINGS - The City of Green Cove Springs has announced the retirement of longtime City Attorney Jim Arnold following 49 years of dedicated service to the community. Arnold has served as … more

For Clay Today | 5/28/26

FDOT begins $5.3 million Park Avenue resurfacing project

ORANGE PARK — Work has begun on a project set to provide some grand improvements to Park Avenue, according to the Town of Orange Park. The $5.3 million Florida Department of Transportation … more

For Clay Today | 5/28/26

In addition to being at The Corner Pocket every day, Cheri Starnes is the Vice Mayor of Green Cove Springs and an active member of the Rotary Club of Green Cove Springs and the Village Improvement Association.

No shortcuts for the successful menu at popular pool hall

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The vegetables are selected from a farmer’s market in Starke. Lettuce is grown at a local aquaponics farm called Reparation Earth, not delivered in plastic bags by a … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 5/28/26

Dr. Jeffrey Levenson founded the Gift of Sight program, which provides free cataract surgery to uninsured individuals.

Vision is priceless when delivering the gift of sight to thousands

ORANGE PARK - Each day that Dr. Jeffrey Levenson wakes up is one where he vows to change the world and make it a better place. One where the future is bright and clear for all. An ophthalmologist for … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 5/28/26

Reyna's fortunes turned quickly when she met PE teacher Amy Walker, who introduced her to Lisa and Jennifer, who were from Brazil and Argentina, respectively, Since Reyna was from Haiti, the three became instant friends at Fleming Island High, and all found support from each other.

Adjusting to new language, culture and challenges at Fleming Island

FLEMING ISLAND – When Reyna Jean Louis Jeudi answered the final question on the English Language Arts portion of the FAST exam, she muttered to herself, “I beat you.” She defiantly walked up to … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 5/28/26

Having felt abandoned most of her young life, Kadence Caraballo said her senior thesis opened her eyes to the positive aspects of the people who "loved" her, which helped her finally find solace and happiness.

Power of love part of life’s learning process at St. Johns Classical Academy

FLEMING ISLAND – Having felt abandoned most of her young life, Kadence Caraballo chose a particularly curious senior thesis at St. Johns Classical Academy. She wrote about feeling love. She … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 5/28/26

Congratulations Clay County Graduates!

5/27/26

Elections office, Penney Retirement Center recognize centenarian voters

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Penney Retirement Community and t he Supervisor of Elections Office hosted a Centenarian Celebration for 27 residents on Thursday, May 21, to honor their … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 5/23/26

Debra Brundage owns Debi's Cheesecakes located at 799 Blanding Blvd.

Gourmet cheesecake flurry cups? Nothing new for Debra Brundage

ORANGE PARK — At Debi's Cheesecakes, you can rest assured that every palatable treat is all taste and no fluff. It's where desserts are crafted from scratch and infused with fresh ingredients and … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 5/22/26

Although her birth parents died while she was pregnant, Arriana Foreman returned to school and will graduate on May 27 from R.C. Bannerman Learning Center with plans to someday become a licensed therapist.

Son keeps R.C. Bannerman senior's focus on future, not troubled past

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – There’s no room in Arriana Foreman’s life for down time and bad days. When schoolwork seems daunting; when the responsibilities that come with being a teenage mother … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 5/22/26

Orange Park High's Joyan Mack went from homeless to having future options, including acceptance to Florida State College at Jacksonville next year.

Mother, Orange Park teachers, school officials rally around vivacious senior

ORANGE PARK – It was as if Joyan Mack hit the pause button when he started telling his story of his challenges at Orange Park High. “Mom, if you're hearing [or reading] this, I love you,” he … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 5/21/26

Clay Habitat celebrates empowerment, affordable housing at Women Build Gala

GREEN COVE SPRINGS — For 49 years, Clay County Habitat for Humanity has thrived with a goal of providing stability and change to local communities. And on Thursday, May 14, the nonprofit celebrated … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 5/21/26

Pedal Works aims to bring senior bike rides to Spring Park

GREEN COVE SPRINGS — Each morning, going outside is the first thing that Anthony McDowell does. As he watches the sunrise, one of his favorite things to do is walk the curvy, scenic paths of Spring … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 5/21/26

Supporters look for others to join their cause to help the Florida National Guard reverse its decision to close the Florida Youth ChalleNGe Academy following graduation ceremonies on June 9.

Florida Youth ChalleNGe Academy grads rally at Camp Blanding

CAMP BLANDING – They held signs and waved at cars. They didn’t scream profanities or shake their fists. This wasn’t a protest. Far from it. A group of … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 5/21/26

JT Tucker survives a wild eight-second ride in the bronc division at Rodeo at the Ranch on Saturday.

Rodeo at the Ranch spurs financial boon for Seamark Ranch

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Last year’s Rodeo at the Ranch was a raucous success, so expanding it to two nights was supposed to double the fun and success. And it succeeded all expectations. The rodeo … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 5/21/26

CCSO Det. Eva Solis honored as 2025 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year

TALLAHASSEE — Attorney General James Uthmeier awarded the 2025 Attorney General's Law Enforcement Officer of the Year to Detective Eva Solis of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. The 2025 Law … more

For Clay Today | 5/20/26

Middleburg High's Zi'Keyia McEachern said she may go to college to study cardiovascular sonography or go to culinary school after high school graduation.

Middleburg senior won’t let life-challenging diagnosis define her future

MIDDLEBURG – There weren’t any real warning signs. One-minute Zi’Keyia McEachern felt fine . T he n ext she was teetering on complete kidney … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 5/20/26

Former Orange Park Police Chief Gary Goble will be the interim town manager following the resignation of Town Manager Joseph Taylor.

Former Chief of Police Gary Goble named interim town manager for OP

Former Police Chief Gary Goble will return to Orange Park as its interim town manager following approval of a contract during Tuesday's town council meeting. Goble, who retired in 2024 after 35 years … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 5/20/26

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