July 

FDE: Clay County students among top in state 

CLAY COUNTY – By any measure, Clay County students continue to make the grade. 

Not only did the Clay County District Schools receive its sixth consecutive “A” grade from the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE), but it also improved on last year’s scores and continued to be among the top 10-performing districts in the state. 

According to the annual Florida School Accountability Reports released by the FLDOE, Clay’s English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics, Science and Social Studies scores improved by six points compared to last year. 
While the state average of “A” grade schools was 44.2%, 24 of 43 schools in the district – 55.8% received “A” grades from the state. Another 16 earned “Bs,” while only three scored a “C.” 

In all, 92.2% of Clay’s schools were graded at the “A” or “B” level. 

The elementary schools that earned “A” grades were Orange Park, W.E. Cherry, Doctors Inlet, S. Bryan Jennings, Keystone Heights, Ridgeview, Argyle, Clay Hill, Lake Asbury, Robert M. Paterson, McRae, Fleming Island, Middleburg, Thunderbolt, Oakleaf Village, Shadowlawn and Spring Park. 

The junior highs that made the grade were Green Cove Springs, Lakeside, Wilkerson and Lake Asbury, while Fleming Island and Oakleaf highs also earned an “A” grade, along with Clay Virtual Academy. 

Jetts preserve history by remodeling house at 700 Walnut St. 

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – When Daniel and Noell Jett bought the house at 700 Walnut St., they worked at the 135-year-old Victorian home to make it a masterpiece of historic charm wrapped with modern amenities. 

The original plan was to turn what is commonly known as Wilcox Manor into a short-term rental. That changed when the couple who restored older properties through @jettsetfarmhouse became emotionally attached to the project. 

“We did it right because it’s a passion,” Daniel said. “We absolutely love to restore old houses. It’s funny. This project was supposed to take us 10 to 12 months, and here we are nearly three years later.” 

What took time was the focus on restoring most of the original materials, such as the pine floors, chimneys, fireplaces, selected lighting fixtures and stairwells. 

Time and neglect had rendered the home nearly unsavable. The support beams were rotted, and the structure teetered on the brink of collapse. When the Jetts bought it, they decided to work on it together and occasionally use company employees rather than hire a full-time crew. Walls needed to be replaced. Passersby often wondered what was happening at the house, especially when they’d see Daniel working with a baby strapped to his back. 

If not for the Jetts, the historic home would likely have been bulldozed and paved into a parking lot. Not only did the city gain a home valued at nearly $1.4 million, but it also maintained a significant piece of its history. 

CCSO’s Ellis, Solis picked Law Enforcement Officers of the Year 

ORLANDO – Clay County Sheriff’s Office Dets. Eva Solis and Ryan Ellis were honored as the Law Enforcement Officers of the Year at the Florida Sheriff’s Conference. 

Sheriff Michelle Cook made the announcement shortly after they were selected from more than 48,000 officers in the state. 

“They have a primary focus on child sexual exploitation,” she said. “They help out in other ways. They do other investigations for us because they're so good, but that is their primary focus.” 

Ellis said Solis was an instant asset to the unit. 

"I've worked with Det. Solis off and on throughout my years at the sheriff's office, we've been working together, kind of sort of side by side at times and in investigations for the last couple of years,” he said. “Det. Solis has done some amazing work, and I was excited when she ended up coming over to our Internet Crimes Against Children Unit.” 

The case that distinguished Solis and Ellis occurred in May 2024, when the Baker County Sheriff’s Office informed them that one of their residents had purchased a storage unit containing a collection of cassettes, USB devices, and other items left behind, which concerned them. 

The buyer from Baker County won the storage unit on County Road 218 in Middleburg after Frederick Karl Hildenbrand, who was 53 at the time, failed to make payments for 68 months. The buyer took the thumb drive to the Baker County Sheriff’s Office, which turned it over to CCSO. 

Solis and Ellis tracked down Hildenbrand and identified some of the victims. 

 August 

 Nearly 40,000 students return to first day of classes 

 OAKLEAF  — As Oakleaf Village Elementary Principal Jason Martin welcomed returning students with a high five, he knew it was going to be the best year yet.  

"I'm most excited and looking forward to the smiles from the kids. The things that make them happy," he said.  

Clay County District Schools opened its doors to 43 schools, nearly 40,000 students and more than 5,000 employees during the first day of the new school year on Aug. 11. 

From the friendly waves of teachers and staff, the smiles of anticipation from young students and the tearful goodbyes with their parents, to the early morning wait for one of the district's many yellow school buses and the heavy traffic, many emotions marked the day.  But mainly anticipation and excitement for what was to come. 

It was also the first day for two new sixth-grade suites at Oakleaf and Lake Asbury Junior Highs. The District added those buildings instead of building new schools to address overcrowding in those areas.

 Orange Park Mall sold to Second Horizon Capital

ORANGE PARK — Second Horizon Capital announced the successful completion of its acquisition of the Orange Park Mall. 

The 950,000-square-foot property, located at 1910 Wells Road, marks Second Horizon Capital’s sixth acquisition since the company’s founding in 2021. 

Second Horizon Capital emphasizes thoughtful and purposeful reinvestment in each of its properties. The firm’s strategy is rooted in reinforcing Orange Park Mall’s established role within its community and positioning it for long-term success through additional investment, capabilities and resources. 

“Throughout its 50-year legacy, the mall remains a core retail destination for the Clay County community and greater Jacksonville area,” said Howard Levine, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Second Horizon Capital. 

“We see significant opportunities to strengthen this center through targeted investments in the center’s retail lineup, operating capabilities and community engagement. Our focus is to help ensure that the mall remains a welcoming and vibrant destination for residents, visitors and tenants for decades to come.” 

Clay Electric rounds up $10,000 for Emmanuel Project 

 JACKSONVILLE – Through its foundation, Clay Electric Cooperative recognized the compassionate, escalating need and thankless work done by the Emmanuel Project by presenting the nonprofit a $10,000 gift on Aug. 28. 

Clay Electric representative Steve Hollingsworth presented the check to the group, which provides free, quality healthcare to uninsured adults and children facing financial challenges in its mobile medical units in Clay, Putnam, St. Johns and Duval counties. According to Emmanuel’s website, by meeting patients where they are, they’re able to break down barriers to healthcare access, bridge gaps and enhance the overall well-being of community members. 

The services Emmanuel Project provides include wellness visits and prevention, school and sports physicals, sick visits, healthcare education, diagnosis and medication management, mental fitness and one-on-one consultations with a pediatrician. 

“By offering a hand comes hope. When people are healthy, they can work, care for their families, stand taller, feel stronger and thrive,” the organization said. 

The money donated was collected from Clay Electric customers who participated in the “Operation Round Up” program. This allows customers to round up their monthly bill to the nearest dollar, which can be donated to improve the community’s overall quality of life, with an emphasis on public safety, healthcare, self-sufficiency, food banks, athletic groups, scouting and basic human needs. 

According to Clay Electric, the average donation is approximately 50 cents, or $11.88 a year, totaling $7.32 million annually. By the end of 2024, Clay Electric will have helped 340 organizations through “Operation Round Up.” 

 September 

 Clay County approves $780.6 million budget for 2025-26 

 GREEN COVE SPRINGS— The Board of County Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve a $780.6 million budget.

The approximately $780,630,570 figure also includes the Lake Asbury municipal services bonding special district budget of $797,327. 

The fiscal year 2025-2026 budget is balanced as required by Florida statute. During a presentation by Assistant County Manager Troy Nagle, he said the county has $22,350,733 in general fund reserves, $1.5 million less than last year. 

For new revenue, Nagle said the county will generate approximately $431,533,975. At the same time, current expenses will total around $547,154,686, and be divided as follows: 30% to the capital fund budget, 20% to the Sheriff, 16% to the general fund, 11% to public safety, 1% to Unincorporated MTSU, 19% to other funds and 3% to the transportation trust. 

The tentative aggregate operating millage rate was also approved at 8.5854. The county said this is more than the current-year aggregate rolled-back rate of 7.9580.  

Proposed rates include: 

• County services, 5.5471 

• Conservation Lands Program, 0.20 

• Unincorporated services MSTU fund, 0.1477 

• Law Enforcement MSTU-4, 2.4014 

• Fire Control MSTU-8, 0.5048 

• Lake Asbury MSBD, 0 

• Challenger Center MSTU, 3.0 

Green Cove Springs hires Lisa Walsh as Development Services Director

GEEN COVE SPRINGS – Lisa Walsh was appointed as the new Development Services Director, effective Sept. 22. 

In this role, Walsh will manage planning, zoning, building inspections and code enforcement. This department plays a key role in guiding the city’s growth and ensuring that new development aligns with community priorities and standards. 

Walsh has more than 25 years of experience in planning, zoning, and development, holding many leadership positions within the City of Palatka and the City of Ocala. Most recently, she served as a Community Planner with the U.S. Navy. 

“We are excited to welcome Lisa to our team,” said City Manager Steve Kennedy. “Her expertise and leadership will help us navigate the city’s continued growth while maintaining the character and quality of life that makes the City of Green Cove Springs unique.” 

For more information about the Development Services Department, visit greencovesprings.com. 

Waste Not Want Not raises $60K to continue mission to feed hungry 

ORANGE PARK — For 35 years, Waste Not Want Not has remained a pillar of hope for community members dealing with poverty. The nonprofit goes on food rescue missions, saving surplus food from local donors. 

Their motto: When no food is wasted, no person is hungry. 

The nonprofit hosted its anniversary fundraiser celebration on Sept. 27 at the Azaleana Manor in Orange Park. Corks and Forks: The Jade Edition was attended by many who have helped make the mission what it is, including founder Debra Smyers. It was hosted by Barbie T, from the Dex and Barbie T Show on 95.1 WAPE-FM. 

Guests enjoyed pictures on the green carpet, music, mingling, and live and silent auctions featuring donations from notable organizations and donors, including Sheriff Michelle Cook, Jax Boat Rentals, Main Event, Jacksonville Zoo, Nordstrom's, Cox Media Group and Dillard's.

Following the awards, retired Jaguar players Tom McManus, Aaron Beasley, and Donovin Darius made an appearance and spoke about their personal journeys in overcoming adversity.  

All three players also joked with the crowd, discussing some of their favorite plays. Following the event, McManus took the party outside and provided live entertainment with his band, Dad Bodz. 

Spears said the entire event raised more than $60,000. 

With the help of donors like 4Rivers Smokehouse, Chick-fil-A, Longhorn, the Jacksonville Jaguars, Starbucks and Trader Joe's, Spears said the organization collects enough food to feed 250,000 people across 14 counties every year. 

Each day, the nonprofit rescues more than 4,000 pounds and distributes them to partners like Clay Kitchen, Clay County District Schools, Celebration Church and Saved 2 Serve. Clay Kitchen and Saved 2 Serve both provide meals to unhoused individuals around the county. 

Waste Not also works to provide food to students at Title I schools such as McRae Elementary and Orange Park High.