Local news | Clay Today

Last week the Animal Services shelter was at capacity last weekend, so the county offered free adoptions. The result was 24 pets finding new homes.

Clay County wins statewide acclaim for high live-release rate

CLAY COUNTY – Aymie Hellard smiled when it looked like two dogs were sizing each other up for a fight at Clay County Animal Services. As the shelter manager, she knew they were being playful. … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 1/18/24

Black Creek bike trail reopens following repairs

Overline: Black Creek bike trail reopens 011824 Headline: Black Creek bike trail reopens following repairs Category: Local News Cutline: PHOTOS BY CLAY COUNTY FLEMING ISLAND – … more

For Clay Today | 1/18/24

One thing has been constant during the last 46 years in Green Cove Springs – Eliberto Castro’s smile and positive contributions as an employee for the city.

Green Cove's Castro retires after 46 years

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Eliberto “Berto” Castro made $3.47 an hour when he was hired by the city in 1977. “And I was happy,” he said Tuesday night after receiving a standing ovation by … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 1/18/24

Just a Pinch Café and Catering loyal customers were shocked to learn the restaurant was closed.

It hurts just a pinch… Farwell to beloved, unique restaurant

FLEMING ISLAND – I had the fortune of having breakfast one morning at Just a Pinch Café and Catering but the misfortune of not doing so many years earlier. Not that I have dyslexia, but … more

Jack Randall,
jack@claytodayonline.com | 1/18/24

Former Keystone Heights City Manager Lynn Rutkowski said she will take time off to relax and reorganize her plans before she “resurfaces” to start her career’s next chapter.

Rutkowski content with new life away from city government

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – The morning after she turned the keys to the city over to her successor at city hall, Lynn Rutkowski still got up at 5 a.m. and started getting ready for a job she no longer has… more

1/18/24

Hundreds receive food on MLK Day of Service in Orange Park, Green Cove Springs

CLAY COUNTY – Cars started getting in line more than three hours before the first bag of food was distributed at Celebration Church last Saturday as part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of … more

1/18/24

Apple Awards Finalists

Clay Education Foundation announced Apple Award finalists for Teacher, School-Related Employees of the Year. The winners will be honored in February at the Thrasher-Horne Center. more

1/18/24

Expect delays as road work continues throughout county

CLAY COUNTY – As the county continues to grow, so does the need to build or repair roads. Expect delays as crews work to make your drive a little more comfortable in the future ... more

1/18/24

Retired Clay County Sheriff’s Office deputy Nancy Scherer recently had back surgery. Last week, she had her right knee replaced, and she’s waiting for the same surgery for her left ankle. Nonetheless, the federal government still refuses to classify her as being permanently disabled.

First woman deputy in the agency’s history saved by Signal 35

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Fighting eviction and hardship was never a part of the plan for retired Clay County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputy Nancy Scherer. And, during what she … more

Kyla Woodard | 1/18/24

Lukas donated three pairs of lightly used sneakers to Carrasco’s Got Sneakers.

‘Got Sneakers’ gains footing to support Isaiah Carrasco’s plight

ORANGE PARK – A message that transcends tragedy and exemplifies the strength of unity, the “Isaiah Strong” fundraiser from Got Sneakers, a zero-waste sneaker recycling organization, … more

1/18/24

Support Clay County Special Olympics this week at Publix

CLAY COUNTY – Visit your local Publix Supermarket to donate, and you'll get to hang a paper torch with your name on it in the store. Publix, Special Olympics and Law … more

1/18/24

Outgoing City Manager Lynn Rutkowski welcomed Charlie Van Zant after he was selected to run Keystone Heights.

Former Superintendent Charlie Van Zant to run Keystone Heights

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – Despite admitting he lacked a background in running a city, the City Council decided former Clay County Schools Superintendent Charlie Van Zant’s deep roots in the city … more

1/18/24

Clay County Cruzers offering $2,000 scholarship

CLAY COUNTY – Graduating seniors are eligible and encouraged to apply for a $2,000 CCC Scholarship from the Clay County Cruzers... more

1/18/24

CCDS: Two winning senior essays will get two-year scholarships

CLAY COUNTY – Superintendent Broskie, in partnership with Florida Prepaid, will provide two Clay County District School’s current seniors a two-year college scholarship valued at $8,000… more

1/18/24

Art Guild of Orange Park accepting Courtenay Hunt scholarship applications

The Art Guild of Orange Park established a scholarship in 2002 for Clay County high school seniors who want to pursue a career in visual arts or art education. In 2013, the Art Guild named this scholarship in honor of prominent local artist Courtenay Hunt following his death at 95... more

1/18/24

The Green Cove Springs City Council proclaimed Friday, Jan. 19, as Arbor Day in the city. Mayor Connie Butler gave the proclamation to Care Valleau and Susan Jachimiec ahead of the Garden Club of Green Cove Springs ahead of Friday's ceremony at City Hall.

Garden Clubs to celebrate Arbor Day with events around county

While most of the country celebrates Arbor Day on the final Friday of April, Florida's climate allows it to get a jump on planting trees to preserve forestation.. Garden clubs in Green Cove … more

Clay Today | 1/18/24

Baptist Wellness Center at Fleming Island open to the community

FLEMING ISLAND – Getting started on a plan for better health is more accessible now with the opening of the new Baptist Wellness Center at Fleming Island, which provides health and wellness … more

For Clay Today | 1/14/24

Former Keystone Heights City Manager Lynn Rutkowski welcomed Charlie Van Zant after the City Council selected him to replace her.

Former Superintendent Charlie Van Zant selected City Manager of Keystone Heights

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – Despite admitting he lacked a background in running a city, the City Council decided former Clay County Schools Superintendent Charlie Van Zant’s deep roots in the city … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 1/11/24

‘Just pay attention’ Local businesses warn of pervasive online scams

CLAY COUNTY – In a bustling world of small businesses in Clay County, four entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds converged to tell their stories of a common concern: online and social media scams. … more

By Lee Wardlaw lee@claytodayonline.com | 1/11/24

Home Depot hosts creative workshop for children

FLEMING ISLAND – Children made a lot of noise with their hammers and got as much paint on their hands, face and clothes last Saturday. But nobody cared. The Home Depot hosted a Kids Projects and … more

1/11/24

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