Local news | Clay Today

Turning grief, anger into determination to stop preventable tragedy

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – Reagan Sames knows she will be a certified registered nurse anesthetist following her graduation from Keystone Heights High. She knows nothing will impede those plans. Fueled by … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 5/7/26

Five habits that protect your vision at any age

More than 23 million Americans have never had an eye exam, according to the National Eye Institute—and many don’t realize they may have an eye condition until vision is already affected. Several … more

By Amit R. Chokshi, M.D., Florida Eye Specialists | 5/7/26

New moms treated to free brunch, family photos at St. Vincent's Clay

Ascension St. Vincent’s Clay County brought extra warmth to its Family Birth Place this week. Staff hosted a special Mother’s Day celebration to honor new families and create a memorable first … more

For Clay Today | 5/6/26

Orange Park High honors Mexican culture, history with Montclair students

ORANGE PARK – Kindergarten students at Montclair Elementary learned the true meaning of culture and community on Tuesday as they were presented with special gifts to celebrate … more

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

Pace Center empowers girls to break emotional, academic pitfalls

ORANGE PARK – With every word, Jayla Vaughn seemed to gain a little more confidence and control. Her words started sheepish and bashful, but as the audience at the Pace Center for Girls’ … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 5/4/26

Ridgeview High Senior Hannah Smith said following the sudden death of her mother two years ago, she learned, "I’m lucky for what I do have, not what I've lost.”

Turning grief into positive motivation at Ridgeview High

ORANGE PARK – There were moments when Hannah Smith paused to capture a thought of her mother, Hillary. Each glimpse was followed with a smile and another happy memory. Hannah could dwell on her … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 5/4/26

CCFR Administrative Employee of the Year Chief Dudley Lee is honored by Fire Chief Lorin Mock and Acting Fire Chief David Motes.

Fire Rescue honors its best of the best during Bi-yearly Award Ceremony

FLEMING ISLAND – They were brought on the stage in groups. Ryan and his son , Weston Daw . Dwight McVey and Joe Bianco. Then Clay County Fire Rescue Lt … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 5/4/26

Veteran of the Year U.S. Army Maj. Jessica Polvikoski, retired; Youth Volunteer of the Year Amaia Arteta; and Volunteer of the Year Jenielle Holderfield were honored by the Board of County Commissioners on Saturday, April 25.

Polvikoski, Holderfield, Arteta honored by county officials

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Among other things, o ne developed an online system to help veterans navigate online systems to manage their healthcare benefits and communicate with the Depart … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 4/30/26

Hundreds get up-close and personal with heavy equipment

GREEN COVE SPRINGS - In addition to saluting the Clay County Veteran, Volunteer and Youth Volunteers of the Year and Distinguished Service to Their Community Awards, the theme for the Saturday, April … more

STAFF PHOTOS BY DON COBLE | 4/30/26

Herbert Wilbert was a coach at Orange Park High and the Orange Park Athletic Association.

Orange Park residents rally for dismantled sign honoring legendary coach

ORANGE PARK —When the Herbert Wilbert and R.L Hunter Park sign was erected in the Town of Orange Park, many community members rejoiced. Two Black trailblazers were being recognized for … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 4/30/26

Residents gave their input on what they would like the Rivers House to be used for.

Community visualizes new possibilities for historic Rivers House

GREEN COVE SPRINGS - It's been years since someone has occupied the historic Rivers House at 219 Spring Street. And though it's sat through years of emptiness and dubiety, it's never lost its sturdy … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 4/30/26

Pace Center for Girls Clay Executive Director Genelle Thomas and her staff are committed to rebuilding girls' lives.

Nonprofit empowers girls to break the pitfalls of emotional, academic discord

ORANGE PARK – With every word, Jayla Vaughn seemed to gain a little more confidence and control. Her words started sheepish and bashful, but as the audience at the Pace Center for Girls’ … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 4/30/26

VIA President Larianne Stutts was given the Outstanding Club President Award from General Federation of Women's Club District 4 Director Terry Laws.

Community Briefs

VIA’s Larainne Stutts recognized as Outstanding Women’s Club President GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Village Improvement Association President Larainne Stutts was recognized on Friday, April 17, … more

Clay Today staff | 4/27/26

OP Town Manager Joseph Taylor resigns

ORANGE PARK — After just five months as the acting town manager of Orange Park, Joseph Taylor has made the decision to resign from his post. He officially announced the news at the Tuesday, April … more

Clay Today staff | 4/24/26

Murder victim in burned car identified; CCSO still looking for tips

MIDDLEBURG – The Medical Examiner’s Office identified the man found inside the burned vehicle found on Monday, April 6, as Reginald Eldrige Gantt of Jacksonville. The Clay … more

Clay Today staff | 4/24/26

GCSPD’s Det. Cora Milliken honored by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Her voice and demeanor seems subdued and reserved. But underneath that mild-mannered façade is an unrelenting, and unapologetic, fervor. Hired five years ago by the Green … more

By Don Cobledon@claytodayonline.com | 4/23/26

Clay County's Teen Court program celebrated 30 years of changing lives.

Teen Court: Where teenagers are the solution, not the problem

GREEN COVE SPRINGS — Kendra New began volunteering with Clay County's Teen Court program when she was 13 years old. It was an experience that left a lasting mark on her. So much so that it later … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 4/23/26

Volunteer leaders from South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Florida and Puerto Rico met for three days at Camp Blanding for training and to share knowledge.

Team Rubicon Greyshirts train, exchange information at Camp Blanding

CAMP BLANDING – It’s rare when a group of Greyshirts, as they are known, get together when there’s power, standing trees, running water and no mayhem. Volunteers with Team Rubicon are used to … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 4/23/26

Previous all-star ladlers included Property Appraiser Tracy Drake, Camp Blanding Post Cmdr. Col. Todd Hopkins, Sheriff Michelle Cook, County Manager Howard Wanamaker, Attorney David King and Supervisor of Elections Chris Chambless.

Salvation Army’s Empty Bowls fundraiser to fill food pantry

ORANGE PARK – The bowls have been crafted, kilned and glazed. Soup recipes are on stand-by and all-star ladlers are ready to don their Salvation Army aprons to support the annual Empty Bowl … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 4/23/26

Doctors and nurses were able to try out the da Vinci 5 for the first time.

Community members test drive da Vinci 5 at St. Vincent's Clay

MIDDLEBURG — The da Vinci 5 robotic surgeon showed off its powerful, intricate skills once again during St. Vincent Clay's special Open House session. The event gave a group of local … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 4/22/26

Useful links

get social