Local news | Clay Today

Middleburg High’s Breyana Stilts emphasizes real-life scenarios, like filing taxes, budgeting, calculating deductions, planning finances, registering to vote and analyzing political platforms in her classroom.

Middleburg’s Stilts trades banking career for education award

MIDDLEBURG – In a major victory for the County School District, Breyana Stilts, an Economics, Government and U.S. History Teacher at Middleburg High, was recently selected as the Warren Tracy … more

By Lee Wardlaw lee@claytodayonline.com | 9/21/23

Justin Daniels brings a sense of excitement and honesty to challenge his students at Orange Park High to embrace learning social studies.

Daniels’ inspiring tactics leads to state honor

ORANGE PARK – Justin Daniels, a veteran educator and cornerstone of the Orange Park High community, recently earned the prestigious 2023 Florida Council for Social Studies Excellence in Teaching … more

By Lee Wardlaw lee@claytodayonline.com | 9/21/23

Florida Sen. Jennifer Bradley (R- Fleming Island) addressed property insurance concerns and provided updates on legislative sessions at the Clay Chamber’s Bridge-To-Bridge meeting on Sept. 13.

Jennifer Bradley said legislature to tackle complex insurance problems

FLEMING ISLAND – Florida Sen. Jennifer Bradley (R-Fleming Island) highlighted property insurance concerns in her constituents’ districts last week at the Clay Chamber’s Bridge to Bridge … more

By Lee Wardlaw lee@claytodayonline.com | 9/21/23

Founder Matthew Mitchell, right, the Elrod family and volunteers began preparing the property for “A Country Christmas” on Saturday, which will feature more than one million lights.

Country Christmas moves from Apopka Drive to Elrod Acres

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Matthew Mitchell, a 19-year-old Fleming Island resident and student at Florida State University, has long been a fan of Christmas. Filled with holiday spirit year-round, he’s … more

9/21/23

National Society Daughters of the American Revolution join Constitution Week observation

ORANGE PARK – From left, Sophia Fleming Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, joined Committee Chair Terri Dobbs and Orange Park Mayor Randy Anderson after the Town passed … more

9/21/23

Kristen Burke is seeking a second term as the District 5 representative on the Board of County Commissioners.

Burke seeks re-election to continue fight against overdevelopment, environmental threats

GREEN COVE SPRINGS- While working towards setting policy at the County Administration Building during her current term, District 5 County Commissioner Kristen Burke is already gearing up for another … more

By Lee Wardlaw lee@claytodayonline.com | 9/21/23

The James Boys

CLAY HILL – One volunteer group in Clay County is in high demand this fall. The James Boys, affiliated with Clay County Habitat for Humanity, has been in “business” since 1995 and utilizes … more

By Lee Wardlaw lee@claytodayonline.com | 9/21/23

Annual Boston butt fundraiser off to smokin’ start

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – More than 60 Boston butts were sold during a presale event last Saturday where The Vineyard Transitional Center will soon house 12 released Clay County Jail inmates. A year … more

Staff Photos by Don Coble | 9/21/23

Nancy Keating was the first full-time employee hired by Challenge Enterprises. That was in 1973. Fifty years later, she still advocates empowering people with different abilities and the organization’s Green Cove Springs and Orange Park offices. U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean recently toured the Shred for Good operation with Nancy Keating at the Challenge Enterprises’ Green Cove Springs offices. Retirement means she gets to play more golf, like her memorable trip to the Old Course at St. Andrews’ infamous No. 17 “Road Hole.” She also plans to play more rounds with the Hickory Hill Women’s Golf League.

A half-century of compassion

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – When Challenge Enterprises opened in Clay County in 1972, the organization that provides support, empowerment and training to residents with different disabilities needed a full-time employee to organize their many programs. more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 9/14/23

U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean heard a breakdown of services that will be offered at The Vineyard Transitional Center from organizer Pastor John Sanders, Sheriff Michelle Cook, Penney Farms President and CEO Teresa Scott and former Green Cove Springs Mayor Van Royal. Bean was so impressed by the future plans he vowed to work closely with Florida Rep. Sam Garrison to find funding.

The Vineyard Transitional Center gains significant support

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – It didn’t take long for U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean (FL-4) to join the groundswell of support for The Vineyard Transitional Center during a visit on Thursday, Sept. 7. The … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 9/14/23

Susan Soltys honored as Rotarian of the Year in NE Florida

Susan Soltys was recently selected as the Rotarian of the Year by the Northeast Florida chapter. Soltys (center) also honored as the Paul Harris Fellow by club President Sandra Hartley (left) … more

9/14/23

Dale Dunn, a resident and owner of Ravenwood Farms in Keystone Heights, is hosting the Pet Partners World’s Largest Pet Walk on Sept. 23 at the St. Johns County Equestrian Center. Dunn plans to walk his horse while his wife, Dale, is happiest around cats.

Pet Partners hosts world’s largest pet walk in St. Johns

ELKTON –The sixth annual Pet Partners World’s Largest Pet Walk with local chapter Pet Partners of North Florida activities will be held on Saturday, Sept. 23 at the St. Johns County Equestrian … more

9/14/23

Home Alone to roll out free monthly programs

ORANGE PARK – In a post-COVID-19 world where isolation and mental health have shown increasing signs of concern for older people, Home Instead of Orange Park stands as a shining example of how a … more

By Lee Wardlaw lee@claytodayonline.com | 9/14/23

Kickboxing tournament the first jab at possible MMA, UFC career

ORANGE PARK – Nick McCall’s first three Point Kick Boxing matches ended in defeat. But that won’t keep the Oakleaf fighter from thinking big ahead of Saturday’s PKB Tournament at Smiley’s … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 9/14/23

Save Our Lakes’ Vivian Katz James gave city commissioners details on a proposed Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible fishing pier at Keystone Beach. The project would include a fixed and floating dock. The council agreed to add the proposal to a future meeting.

Keystone Heights meeting Save Our Lakes

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – After hearing opposition from 11 residents, the city council decided Monday night to let the voters decide whether the Keystone Heights Airport’s new manager will … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 9/14/23

Residents filled the refectory and sanctuary for the Community Church of Keystone Heights’s Centennial Celebration.

Community Church of Keystone Heights turns 100

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – Community Church of Keystone Heights recently celebrated its 100th anniversary with its long-awaited Centennial Celebration. The event at the church’s Robert Morford … more

By Natalie Gilstrap For Clay Today | 9/14/23

Primrose School’s robotic prize benefits Safe Animal Shelter

FLEMING ISLAND – Young “explorers” at the Primrose School of Fleming Island put their skills and bright minds to the test to accomplish something big. Participating in Primrose Schools’ … more

By Kyla Woodard For Clay Today | 9/14/23

Sante Fe College unveiled a Clay, Alachua and Bradford counties program to provide certified learning programs for unemployed and underemployed residents. The expanded studies include students at Keystone Heights High.

Sante Fe College offers programs to help unemployed, underemployed

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – Using statistical data, Santa Fe College identifies the high-demand jobs in Alachua, Clay and Bradford County and offers certified learning programs for unemployed and … more

By Natalie Gilstrap For Clay Today | 9/14/23

Strike up the band: Tea Room of Keystone Heights turns 2

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – Since its opening last year, the Tea Room of Keystone Heights has offered guests a unique tea experience. Now in its second year, the Tea Room is expanding by offering more … more

By Natalie Gilstrap For Clay Today | 9/14/23

John Sgromolo left the Clay County District Schools as the Athletics Director for the same role at St. Johns Country Day School. Now, he wants additional responsibilities as the District 1 candidate for the Board of County Commission.

New SJCDS Athletics Director running for BCC

ORANGE PARK- John Sgromolo believes his deep-rooted love for Clay County will make him a good Board of County Commission commissioner. Sgromolo, who currently serves as Athletics Director … more

By Lee Wardlaw lee@claytodayonline.com | 9/14/23

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