Local news | Clay Today

SJR State College president butters up students with back-to-school popcorn event

ORANGE PARK – Students, faculty and staff students at St. Johns River State College gathered for “Popcorn with the President,” a special back-to-school event to interact with School President … more

By Lee Wardlaw lee@claytodayonline.com | 8/31/23

Stephanie Bernard, Medical Assisting Program Director, said the newly outfitted building further equips students to work in various healthcare environments, from urgent care centers to doctors’ offices. A comprehensive skillset is practiced, encompassing minor surgeries, immunizations, and EKGs. Three state-of-the-art “dummies” patients in one room provide a dynamic training ground for aspiring medical professionals.

Renovated Medical Workforce Building opens at SJR State College

ORANGE PARK – Students at St. Johns River State College concentrating on four fields of study have returned to walking the halls of the Workforce Building, the newest digs on campus. Emergency … more

By Lee Wardlaw lee@claytodayonline.com | 8/31/23

Commissioner Condon progress in Keystone Heights area

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – Clay Chamber Lake Region Prosperity Partners heard from Clay County Commissioner Betsy Condon last week. Hosted at the Keystone Beach Pavilion, local chamber members … more

By Natalie Gilstrap For Clay Today | 8/31/23

Gordon Chevrolet donation to support Parkinson’s Support Group of Orange Park

Gordon Chevrolet Executive Manager Nathan Potratz presented Gregg Hummer, chairman of the Parkinson’s Support Group of Orange Park, with a check to assist in educational, exercise and social events … more

PHOTO BY GORDON CHEVROLET | 8/31/23

Church surprises parishioner with free car

Green Cove Springs – When Pastor John Sanders asked the True Vine Fellowship congregation to step outside the tented church, nobody – especially Crystal Chisholm – expected what happened next. … more

STAFF PHOTOS BY DON COBLE | 8/31/23

Middleburg guitarist gains worldwide fame for diverse setlist

MIDDLEBURG – You can take the Queen’s word for it: Tony Smotherman’s got talent. “We are all unique musicians just as we are unique human beings,” said the virtuoso guitarist, composer … more

By Kylie Cordell For Clay Today | 8/31/23

Plein-Air Painters capture historic landscape at Hibernia property

FLEMING ISLAND – A group of local artists gathered on Aug. 23 with their easels and painting materials to enjoy camaraderie and translate fleeting light to canvas or paper at the historic Hibernia … more

8/31/23

Animal control officer Kaleb Varady and Kelly Minix pose with Tiny Tim, who was trapped inside an air conditioner in Orange Park.

Tiny Tim rescued from Orange Park air conditioner

ORANGE PARK – With the help of one vigilant phone call and two heroic officers, a tiny puppy’s life was saved. Clay County Animal Services recently responded to a residential call regarding … more

Kyla Woodard For Clay Today | 8/31/23

Big and small trucks and heavy equipment were on display at the Clay County Fairgrounds last Saturday to remind the community of the machinery needed to move Clay County.

Residents get firsthand look at equipment that keeps county running

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Children and families enjoyed a fun afternoon of hands-on learning during last Saturday’s “Touch a Truck: What Moves Clay,” witnessing firsthand the big vehicles and … more

By Lee Wardlaw lee@claytodayonline.com | 8/31/23

‘I performed like my life depending on it’

ORANGE PARK – There were no regrets when Chad Eagan heard judges announce Aeriyal Robinson as the winner of the Jax Idol competition Saturday night. The stylist at Bleach Please Salon on Wells … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 8/31/23

Poison Center: Residents must be vigilant of toxins, food spoiling in emergency

CLAY COUNTY – As Hurricane Idalia swiftly approached Florida, residents were urged to remain cautious about potential toxins that can pose risks during a storm and the aftermath. ... more

By Lee Wardlaw lee@claytodayonline.com | 8/29/23

Indigo: Clay County’s first cash crop

CLAY COUNTY – 1763 The Treaty of Paris ended the Seven Years War between the British, French, and Spanish. England took Canada from the French. Havana was captured by the British and returned … more

Vishi Garig,
Archives Supervisor, a service of Tara S. Green, Clay County Clerk of Court and Comptroller | 8/24/23

Orange Park’s Chad Eagan will join Princess Nealey and Aeriyal Robinson on stage at the Moose Lodge at 5051 Collins Road on Saturday night for the finals of Jax Idol. Doors open at 5 p.m., and the show starts at 6 p.m.

Orange Park’s Eagan advances to Jax Idol finals

ORANGE PARK – When the Jax Idol competition started in April, Chad Eagan was one of 68 contestants, and his goal was to advance to the upper half of the survivors. more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 8/24/23

Blessings in a Backpack fills weekend food insecurity gap

CLAY COUNTY – According to the School Nutrition Association and Feeding America, one in eight children in America live in households without consistent access to adequate food. In Florida alone, … more

Kyline Cordell For Clay Today | 8/24/23

Rep. Bean introduces bipartisan legislation to support missing, exploited children

WASHINGTON – Early Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education Subcommittee Chairman Aaron Bean (R-Fla.) and Congressman Joe Courtney (D-Conn.), a senior member of the Committee, introduced … more

8/24/23

VyStar Foundation accepting Youth initiative grant requests

CLAY COUNTY – VyStar Foundation announced it’s now accepting grant requests for its Youth initiative. Funding priority will be given to nonprofit organizations that support youth by … more

For Clay Today | 8/24/23

Wyman Dickey re-appointed at Fortis College

ORANGE PARK – Fortis College in Orange Park , part of a network of schools managed by Education Affiliates, Inc., has re-appointed Wyman Dickey as its new campus president. Dickey formerly served … more

For Clay Today | 8/24/23

Officials break ground on Cathedral Oak Parkway

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Community and county officials gathered at the corner of Feed Mill Road and County Road 215 last week for the historic groundbreaking ceremony for Cathedral Oak Parkway. … more

By Lee Wardlaw lee@claytodayonline.com | 8/24/23

Residents create Solite Task Force to fight for answers

LAKE ASBURY – In a bold move, residents formed the Solite Task Force for County Citizens in response to the former aggregate kiln company they feel ran a reckless operation off County Road 209A that’s linked to severe health, environmental and quality of life concerns for three generations. more

By Lee Wardlaw lee@claytodayonline.com | 8/24/23

Sophomore Jasmine Conliffe and CTE teacher Victoria Gwaltney said the grant from Whole Foods’ foundation would help replace dilapidated raised beds used to grow flowers, vegetables and herbs.

Oakleaf High gets $3,000 grant from Whole Foods

OAKLEAF – Over the course of 10 years, the agriculture beds at Oakleaf High became worn and rickety. Time, sun and rain turned once-sturdy beams into crumbled heaps that turned agriscience classes … more

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com | 8/24/23

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