Local news | Clay Today

The Clay County Board of Commissions recognized 911 dispatchers during ahead of its last meeting ahead of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

Calling a need for peer support for 911 dispatchers, other first responders

CLAY COUNTY – Out of the thousands of calls Mary Jensen answered throughout her 20-year career as a 911 dispatcher in South Florida, the memory of a singular gunshot still rings out with haunting … more

For Clay Today | 4/18/24

County, city, town and business leaders joined residents for Clay Day in Tallahassee to connect with state legislators for upcoming projects. The theme for meetings and social gatherings was the county’s ties to “Southern Rock.”

Celebrating Clay Day in Tallahassee

TALLAHASSEE - County leaders, business owners, school district leaders and municipal leaders arrived at the State Capitol to celebrate Clay Day, an occasion to collaborate with our state legislatures … more

1/25/24

A flame of hope: Clay County recognized for its work with Special Olympics

CLAY COUNTY – Clay County’s Special Olympics program was designated as one of the Top 10 in Florida during the recent Central Florida Kickoff event in Orlando. "Clay County recently placed in … more

By Kylie Cordell For Clay Today | 12/21/22

Gift of music

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Paul Wayne didn’t need a microphone inside the Thomas Hogan Memorial Gym on Jan. 19, but his message resonated with the small group of boys huddled on the bleachers. He … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 1/26/23

Lake Asbury: Halloween haunts on the highway

LAKE ASBURY – Golf cart parades are common near Henley Road, including a Halloween parade last Saturday. Hundreds of participants and residents watched 52 golf carts with spooky decorations ride … more

PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY RAECHEL MURPHY | 10/19/23

School board to fold police department into CCSO

FLEMING ISLAND – The Board of the Clay County School District voted 4-1 to enter negotiations that will put its police department under the direction of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office for the … more

By Lee Wardlaw lee@claytodayonline.com | 11/9/23

While the Transportation Security Administration said it’s OK to fly commercially with firearms and ammo, the organization said passengers must follow strict guidelines.

TSA: Know the proper way to pack a firearm for flight

JACKSONVILLE – Holiday travel, especially at Jacksonville International Airport, is expected to be busy, so the Transportation Security Administration wanted to remind passengers of the proper way … more

For Clay Today | 12/21/23

Clay High Award of Excellence submission by Senior Audrey Milligan.

Clay County Schools Art Show draws 4,000 at Thrasher-Horne

ORANGE PARK – The Thrasher-Horne Conference Center was awash in vivid colors and astonished looks Friday and Saturday as hundreds of young artists put their works on display at the 35 th Annual … more

Don Coble | 4/27/24

Pond to Park volunteers turn stormwater pond into recreational nature park

ORANGE PARK – Volunteer Day to support Pond to Park Project on College Drive attracted community leaders, residents and volunteers from Lowe’s Home Improvement who spent the day digging in the … more

By Kylie Cordell For Clay Today | 11/9/22

Cocoa and Carols bring sounds of the season to Orange Park parade

ORANGE PARK – Thousands of Clay County residents enjoyed Concert on the Green’s Cocoa and Carols last Friday night at River Road and Kingsley Avenue. The event was highlighted by more than a … more

STAFF PHOTOS BY LEE WARDLAW | 12/21/22

Oakleaf's Deuschle to join 38 others at Eagle Scout induction ceremony

OAKLEAF – Ean Deuschle's first idea for his Eagle Scout project was to create a display to commemorate Orange Park Elementary's 100th anniversary. But when the school didn't show much interest in … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 2/2/23

Melissa Butler started playing rugby as a student at UCF. She returned home and founded the Jacksonville Women’s Rugby Club in 2006. Now she wants to expand interest in the sport to high school girls in Northeast Florida.

Wanted: Girls for high school rugby team

JACKSONVILLE – Rugby is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and Melissa Butler wants high school girls to be involved. The Rugby World Cup is the third largest sporting event in … more

For Clay Today | 11/9/23

Stephanie Sams, left, said her experience with the Northeast Florida Homesteading and Prepping Ladies organization has introduced her to skills necessary to be more self-sufficient. Founder Rianna Barbary said a small niche of followers on Facebook has grown into more than 800 members.

New group empowers women with skills, confidence for self-sufficiency

CLAY COUNTY – At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, feelings of loneliness and uncertainty surfaced. A young Rianna Barbary discovered an idea to gain a friendly fellowship and meet a mutual … more

Kyla Woodard for Clay Today | 12/21/23

Principal Mallory McConnell, students of the school’s gifted class, staff from Pat’s Nursery and garden club members planted a red maple tree at Fleming Island Elementary on Arbor Day.

Garden Club of Fleming Island: Now’s the time to plant seeds

FLEMING ISLAND – After taking a break for the holiday season, The Garden Club of Fleming Island reconvened for their regular monthly meeting. This month’s speaker was our member and Master … more

Rhona Scoville | 1/25/24

Orange Park Police Chief Gary Goble said he will retire on March 28, wrapping up a 35-year career.

Orange Park Police Chief Gary Goble to retire

ORANGE PARK – Gary Goble will key his microphone and provide dispatch with a code 10-7, followed by 10-42. With that, he will be retired as the town’s police chief. Code 10-7 means out of … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 2/29/24

Contentious book debate resumes for school district

FLEMING ISLAND – The Clay County School District continues to grapple with a new state law regulating instructional materials in schools. At a special meeting last week, the handbook was set to … more

By Nick Blank nick@claytodayonline.com | 7/27/22

Change Makers work to lessen the struggles for people with disabilities

CLAY COUNTY – Disability impacts all of us. Sixty-one million adults in the United States live with a disability, nearly a quarter of our population. In Florida, the number is even higher. Nearly … more

By Kylie Cordell For Clay Today | 11/9/22

Residents stroll through Lights on Apopka

MIDDLEBURG – Families took leisurely walks among the brightly-lit Christmas lights on Apopka Drive Saturday night to enjoy the community-driven Lights on Apopka. Many houses on Apopka were … more

STAFF PHOTOS BY DON COBLE | 12/21/22

Impact Clay CEO Connie Thomas and Citizen Engagement Coach Gregg Coffman have each witnessed the effects of food insecurity in Clay County. They also know there are other problems facing residents in remote areas, which sparked the idea to create the Impact Clay Train.

Impact Clay Train to bring mobile care teams to underserved areas

ORANGE PARK – Impact Clay will roll out an innovative program that will serve the needs of the underserved residents in the remote portions of Clay County. The new “Impact Clay Train” program … more

By Lee Wardlaw lee@claytodayonline.com | 11/9/23

Clerk All-Star: Amber Leininger

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Amber Leininger, a Senior Staff Accountant, who consistently impacts our office in positive ways, was selected as the Clay County Clerk of Court and Comptroller’s Office … more

For Clay Today | 5/18/22

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