Local news | Clay Today

Greg Becker was denied the position for town manager after council members initially voted to hire him on July 15.

ORANGE PARK — While interim town manager William Whitson was given a formal goodbye in what would be his final meeting on Tuesday, August 5, council members were still left unsure of who his … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 8/14/25

The county uncoupled the hose to mark the station's grand opening.

County strikes bell at new Fire Station 20 in Green Cove

GREEN COVE SPRINGS — Clay County’s newest fire station received a warm welcome from state and county officials, and community members alike on Tuesday. “This new facility represents more than … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 8/14/25

According to Clay Education Foundation, 614 teachers were able to get free school supplies to help their students at Garber Auto Mall or Keystone Heights Junior/Senior high.

Teachers get much-needed supplies at Tools 4 Clay Schools shopping day

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Teachers got a helping hand from the Clay Education Foundation’s Tools 4 Clay Schools program on Friday, Aug. 8, by picking up free school supplies at Garber Auto Mall and … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 8/14/25

Sheriff’s Office investigating possible threat at Clay High

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The Clay County Sheriff’s Office was investigating a tip it received from Florida Fortified that a student posed a threat at Clay High on Wednesday. “Let me tell you this: … more

Clay Today staff | 8/13/25

Grand Jury indicts 14-year-old with two counts of first-degree murder

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – State Attorney Melissa Nelson announced the return by a Clay County grand jury Tuesday, Aug. 12, of an indictment charging Trevor Eugene Lee, 14, with two counts of … more

Clay Today staff | 8/12/25

Village Improvement Association's skit, "Secret River Camp."

Augusta’s Legacy Family Celebration honors greatest asset: Children

FLEMING ISLAND – Friends of Augusta Save Arts and Community Center gathered on Saturday, Aug. 2, to celebrate its greatest asset – its children and the future. Augusta’s Legacy Family … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 8/9/25

Bear Defenders will be hosting a statewide protest on Aug. 9.

Jacksonville protesters join statewide fight against proposed bear hunt

JACKSONVILLE— Amid a looming vote that could open Florida’s first black bear hunt in almost a decade, protesters from around the state are making their voices heard. "We think these very … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 8/8/25

From left, Rep. Judson Sapp, Sen. Jennifer Bradley and Rep. Sam Garrison provide the highlights of the just-completed Florida Legislative session. Every bill submitted by the Clay County contingent was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Bradley, Garrison, Sapp continue to successfully champion county’s needs

ORANGE PARK – A bit battered but not beaten, Florida Sen. Jennifer Bradley and Reps. Sam Garrison and Judson Sapp recently returned from Tallahassee after four extended sessions while continuing to … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 8/8/25

Doing What We Dream team after a fast and furious first hour.

Bookbag giveaway was hot at School’s Cool

ORANGE PARK – Those who arrived two hours before School’s Cool was supposed to end last Saturday at the Orange Park Mall were already too late to get school supplies. That’s because so many … more

8/7/25

The women of the Young at Heart 90's plus club. Back row from left: "Dee" Talty (92), Edna Greenewald (91), Fay Colmar (95), Shirley Park (96), Inez Williams (90). Front row from left: Betty Taylor (95), Sandra Balestracci (91) and Ruthie Nolte (95).

Orange Park Senior Center: A place to be young at heart

ORANGE PARK — In the inner heart of the town lies a hidden gem on Stowe Avenue. A place to be comfortable, at peace and young at heart. "It's just a place for them to go every day and a … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 8/7/25

The Green Cove Dragway was a popular destination for gearheads until it closed in 2017 following complaints about the noise.

Green Cove City Council learns of likely return of dragway

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Jeff Short caught most of the city council members off guard in what’s known as the “blue card” portion of Tuesday night’s regular meeting. The president of … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 8/7/25

Fleming Island man killed crossing Park Avenue Wednesday

ORANGE PARK – A 71-year-old Fleming Island man was struck and killed while crossing Park Avenue (U.S. Highway 17) Wednesday night, the Florida Highway Patrol reported. According to an FHP release, … more

Clay Today staff | 8/7/25

The Clay Education Foundation was highly grateful for the community's support on Friday, Aug. 1.

Clay County Education Foundation stuffed with supplies

ORANGE PARK – The United Way of Northeast Florida challenged the community to brave the sweltering heat and dig deep to support the Clay Education Foundation by donating school supplies at the … more

STAFF PHOTOS BY DON COBLE | 8/7/25

CCSO: 14-year-old in custody for shooting his parents to death

MIDDLEBURG – A 14-year-old boy was taken into custody early Monday after he told the Clay County Sheriff’s Office he shot his parents to death. Trevor Lee called CCSO’s communications … more

Clay Today staff | 8/4/25

Shepherd’s Center of Orange Park members took a group tour of the Mandarin Museum and heard a presentation from the divers who discovered the Maple Leaf, a local Civil War shipwreck.

Lifelong learning, lasting friendships at the Shepherd’s Center of Orange Park

ORANGE PARK —Nestled in the heart of our community, the Shepherd’s Center of Orange Park is more than just a gathering place for older adults — it’s a vibrant hub of learning, laughter and … more

For Clay Today | 8/2/25

Remains found in St. Johns last May identified as Atlanta man

FLEMING ISLAND – The Clay County Sheriff's Office began investigating circumstances surrounding skeletal remains found May 7 near the bulkhead of a private residence on the St. Johns River on … more

Clay Today staff | 8/2/25

Landon poses with Metallica guitarist and co-founder James Hetfield.

Local dreamer channels inner rockstar with Metallica

TAMPA— There in the middle of Metallica’s famed Snake Pit, 15-year-old Landon Cartwright had a night to remember. Entranced by the screams of excitement, blaring electric guitars and rockstars … more

By Kyla Woodard
kyla@claytodayonline.com | 8/2/25

Last year's expo attracted 60 vendors and more than 1,000 attendees to the Thrasher-Horne's Conference Center.

Popular Clay Today Active After 50 Expo returns Aug. 9

ORANGE PARK – At the end of last year’s Clay Today Active After 50 Expo, event coordinator Sara Malone polled some of the attendees about what they liked about the massive show dedicated to … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 8/1/25

Construction for Blanding, Wells Road intersection to start Aug. 4

ORANGE PARK — Construction on the Blanding Boulevard and Wells Road intersection will begin on Monday, Aug. 4. The approximately $8 million … more

For Clay Today | 7/31/25

Town phone lines down in Orange Park

ORANGE PARK — Due to technical issues, police, fire, public works and administration office phone lines are currently down, the Town announced in a social media post on Thursday. … more

For Clay Today | 7/31/25

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