Local news | Clay Today

Guests under the age of 18 are required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is at least 21 years old on Fridays and Saturdays.

Orange Park Mall announces new youth supervision policy

ORANGE PARK – In partnership with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Orange Park Mall is reinforcing a youth supervision policy for future visits. Starting Oct. 17, guests under the age of 18 … more

For Clay Today | 10/18/25

Florida Senator files bill to clarify use of nursing titles

Democratic Sen. Barbara Sharief has filed legislation for the coming Session that she hopes will bring more clarity to the work she does outside the Capitol. The bill ( SB 36 ) would amend … more

By Jesse Scheckner, For FloridaPolitics.com | 10/16/25

The Creation Space at the Orange Park Library offers library patrons unrestricted use of a 3D printer, a Cricut with accessories, a digital conversion lab, a Glowforge and access to sewing machines.

Orange Park Library books into creativity mode with Creation Space

ORANGE PARK – The Orange Park Library isn’t just about access to books. I t offers the unrestricted use of a 3D printer, Glowforge laser cutter, sewing … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 10/16/25

Orange Park Furniture owner Elmer James accepted the Lois L. Huntly Pacesetter Award.

Local businesses, nonprofits win big at Chamber Awards

ORANGE PARK - A plethora of local business owners took home plenty of bragging rights at the Clay County Chamber of Commerce's Awards Gala on Thursday, Oct. 9. Held at Center Court in the Orange Park … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 10/16/25

Crafting for a few years now, Heidi Blumenschein said she prizes herself in making custom blankets, hats and 3D plushies.

'It's a girls weekend': Manning, Blumenschein head to Fall Festival for second year

ORANGE PARK - Since Annabelle Manning picked up a canvas and a paintbrush a little over a decade ago, she's never looked back. A therapeutic outlet that combines colorful, bold fun, Manning will be … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 10/16/25

The interior of Birdie's Dinner and Dessert is bright, cheerful and festive, which sets the perfect mood for anyone looking for a meal that exceeds regional expectations.

Mitnicks bring South Florida sophistication to new fanbase in Middleburg

MIDDLEBURG – The menu at Birdie’s Dinner and Dessert is vastly unique , but that doesn’t stop Jo Mitnick from thinking of new recipes while she tries … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 10/16/25

Children are delighted to play in one of three corn cribs.

Thousands enjoy annual family-friendly fall festivities

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Kelly Mosley strolled the massive grounds decorated with pumpkins, antique trucks filled with fall flowers and haybales, farm animals, games and an enormous crop maze. She … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 10/9/25

Jeff Short tells the Green Cove Springs city council he is withdrawing his offer to make the city a partner in his plan to reopen the dragstrip at Reynolds Industrial Park.

Developer rescinds offer to make city partner in Green Cove Dragway

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – After getting an offer to make the city a partner in the reopening of a family fun park and Green Cove Dragway at Reynolds Industrial Park, developer Jeff Short said it would … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 10/9/25

NASCAR needs to stop going in circles to turn things around

The question I’m asked the most is how NASCAR has changed since I started reporting on it in 1979. Although I left the beat as a full-time reporter 11 years ago, I’ve witnessed enough … more

By Don Coble, Senior Reporter | 10/9/25

Gov. DeSantis: Reforms improve homeowners' insurance market

Gov. Ron DeSantis took a lot of heat for insurance costs skyrocketing early in his tenure. But as time runs out of his governorship — and hopefully the hurricane season — he says the … more

By A.G. Gancarski For FloridaPolitics.com | 10/9/25

OP discusses red light cameras at Wells, Park Avenue intersection

ORANGE PARK - Following the council's discovery of a decrease in car accidents due to red light camera enforcement, they considered adding a few more at Tuesday's meeting. A couple of months ago, … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 10/9/25

24th annual Soul Food Festival welcomes over 4,000 to Green Cove

GREEN COVE SPRINGS - Despite the cloudy, overcast, and rainy weather, the annual Soul Food and Music Festival went on without a hitch on Saturday, Oct. 4, with more than 4,000 people in attendance. … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 10/9/25

Nikita and Greg Copeland are co-founders of It Takes a Village, a youth community center set to open next year in Orange Park.

It Takes a Village to raise a child

ORANGE PARK - As parents of three, Nikita and Greg Copeland know that it takes a village to raise a child. A familiar community of individuals who are willing to help them be the best they can … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 10/4/25

Special Olympics athletes often greet guests at the door.

Deputies will collect and serve for Special Olympics on Oct. 27-29

FLEMING ISLAND – Don’t be surprised if one of your servers isn’t wearing an apron or carrying an order pad. And if they’re wearing a bulletproof vest and have a pistol on their hips, don’t … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 10/4/25

A crowd of more than 40 people was eager to learn more about one of the most invisible crimes in the world, human trafficking.

VIA Day of Service discusses human trafficking

GREEN COVE SPRINGS - In 2024 alone, approximately 24,000 individuals in the United States fell victim to human trafficking. And worldwide, nearly 50 million people are trapped as you're … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 10/3/25

The Ridgeview High Drama Club brings many of the old stories from the Historic Jail and Courthouse to life.

Spooky stories from the past return to Historic Triangle on Oct. 10

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – It’s often said, “If these walls could talk.” At the annual Tales from the Clink, they do. Using court and genealogical records, Clay County Archives Supervisor Vishi … more

Clay Today staff | 10/3/25

From left, Florida Sen. Jennifer Bradley, Reps. Judson Sapp and Sam Garrison spent three hours listening to the requests and suggestions from county, city and town leaders, as well as residents, ahead of the 2026 Florida Legislative Session.

State legislators hear needs from Clay residents at public forum

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – With the Board of County Commissioners having dispensed of the Shadowlawn Community Development District at its previous meeting, Florida Sen. Jennifer Bradley and Reps. Judson … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 10/2/25

Former GCS Mayor, Butler, named first woman Honorary Chair of PCDC

GREEN COVE SPRINGS– Connie Butler, a dedicated public servant-leader who recently concluded three terms on the Green Cove Springs City Council, has recently accepted the role of Honorary Chair for … more

For Clay Today | 10/2/25

Retired Jaguars Tom McManus, Aaron Beasley, and Donovin Darius made an appearance and spoke about their personal journeys in overcoming adversity.

Waste Not Want Not raises over $60K to continue mission

ORANGE PARK — It's been 35 years since Debra Smyers first found her calling to fight the battle of hunger. When she arrived at Morrison's Cafeteria at the Orange Park Mall at closing time, it … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 10/2/25

GCS City Manager Steve Kennedy to retire on Nov. 14

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – After 48 years of dedicated public service, City Manager Steve Kennedy has announced his plan to retire from Green Cove Springs, effective Nov. 14. Kennedy has served as City … more

For Clay Today | 10/1/25

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