Goodwill Industries opens donation center in Middleburg

MIDDLEBURG – Goodwill Industries of North Florida has opened a new donation center in Clay County, expanding access to convenient donation services in the growing Middleburg community. The new site is in Middleburg Village at 2620 Blanding Blvd, Suite 18. It will operate Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

To mark the occasion, representatives from Goodwill North Florida and local stakeholders participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Aug. 15.

The new facility aims to make donations easier and more convenient for residents, providing an additional drop-off point for gently used clothing, household items and other goods.

“As the Middleburg community continues to grow, this new donation center offers residents an opportunity to support Goodwill’s mission of helping people overcome barriers to employment,” said David Rey, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of North Florida. “Donations play a critical role in funding the workforce development programs and career services we provide across the 14 counties we serve, and we’re excited to establish a presence in Middleburg.”

For more information on what items Goodwill of North Florida accepts for donations, visit goodwillnorthfla.org.

Clay County Court Bench nominations narrowed to three candidates

CLAY COUNTY – The Judicial Nominating Commission for the Fourth Judicial Circuit interviewed five applicants on Friday, Aug. 22., to fill the vacancy on the Clay County Court Bench.

The process started with 12 candidates, and the commission narrowed the search to five. Following deliberations, it pared the search to three: Joshua Beard, Hector Murcia Bustos and Geraldine Hartin.

Gov. Ron DeSantis will now fill the vacancy from one of the three nominations.

County libraries invite residents to honor veterans with tree ornaments

CLAY COUNTY – The Clay County Library System is encouraging the community to submit the name of a service member they wish to honor during the month of November. The service member's photo, name and rank will be featured on ornaments that will decorate different "Veteran Trees."

Visitors will find a "Veteran Tree" at each of the five branches, serving as a place of reflection and gratitude.

The community can add a name by scanning the QR code posted at each library branch or by visiting bit.ly/3J1lkV9.

Service members, whether active duty or retired, can submit their names and provide a picture. Family members of service members may also submit a form and provide a picture of their loved one.
The trees represent a countywide display of appreciation for the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The Library System will do its best to print and publish all submissions.
The County reserves the right to reject any submissions.

Hot dogs and Healthcare supported Helping Hands for Heroes

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Compass Health and Florida Blue teamed up with the VFW Post 1988, K9s for Warriors, True Vets, LifeSouth Community Blood Centers and Clay County Fire Rescue, LA Fitness, VFW for Heroes and other volunteers for Hot Dogs & Healthcare on Saturday, Aug. 23.

The event not only supported healthcare and provided children the opportunity to explore fire trucks and enjoy free hot dogs provided by VFW Post 1988, but it also supported Helping Hands for Heroes, a planned 82-unit for homeless veterans in Jacksonville.

It also provided the kickoff for the first 5K, celebrating the Navy's 250th anniversary aboard the USS Orlick on its 80th birthday on Oct. 11. The race time is 8 a.m. To register, visit runupforheroes.org.

Dirty Dancing in Concert coming to Thrasher-Horne in March

ORANGE PARK – Relive the film that stole the hearts of generations with Dirty Dancing in Concert.

This unique live-to-film concert features the original film projected in full, accompanied by a live band and singers performing every unforgettable song from the soundtrack on March 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the Thrasher-Horne Center.

Feel the romance, rhythm and emotion as you watch Baby and Johnny’s love story come to life on a full-size cinema screen, with every iconic moment amplified by the power of live music.

After the final scene, the fun keeps going with a dance-along encore party that invites you to celebrate the music that made history.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or experiencing it for the first time, this is your chance to relive the time of your life, because some dances last forever.

Tickets for the show start at $37, and they’re available at the box office or at thcenter.org.

“Dirty Dancing has always been more than just a movie — it’s a cultural touchstone that continues to resonate across generations,” says Floris Douwes, Producer and Managing Director at GEA Live. “We’re ecstatic to have the opportunity to bring this live-to-film celebration back to audiences around the world, combining the magic of the original film with the energy of a live concert. Whether you're seeing it for the first time or the fiftieth, this experience invites fans to fall in love with Baby and Johnny all over again — and dance the night away."

Florida Animal Friend gifts Clay Humane Society’s spay, neuter program

TAMPA – Florida Animal Friend, a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing pet overpopulation, announced the 2025 recipients of the organization’s statewide grant awards. This funding provides the opportunity for municipal and non-profit organizations to focus on no-cost and low-cost spay and neuter programs throughout Florida. Florida Animal Friend, celebrating 20 years of advocacy, is pleased to award $756,228 to these organizations based on their applications, which have been reviewed by the Florida Animal Friend grant review committee.

Clay Humane Society was one of 24 organizations that shared in the proceeds.

“Reducing pet overpopulation and preventing the birth of unwanted pets is both critical and humane for cats and dogs statewide,” said Florida Animal Friend Executive Director Lois Kostroski. “We are proud to award this significant amount of funding across the state in our 20th year of operation.”

The organization’s grant funds come from the sale of the Florida Animal Friend specialty vehicle license plate, featuring cute cat and dog images that highlight the spay and neuter message.

American Heart Association recognizes Baptist Clay for stroke care

FLEMING ISLAND – In recognition of system-wide commitment to excellence, all five Baptist Health adult hospitals, including Baptist Clay, have received the highest quality distinction for stroke care from the American Heart Association.

The medical centers were awarded the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. This recognizes the health system’s consistent adherence to research-based guidelines and its dedication to improving outcomes for stroke patients in Northeast Florida and beyond.

“We are incredibly proud of our stroke program and the specialist teams who consistently set new standards of excellence,” said Michael A. Mayo, DHA, FACHE, president and CEO of Baptist Health. “Their commitment to delivering life-saving care makes a profound difference in the health and well-being of our community each day.”

In the United States, someone has a stroke every 40 seconds­, and nearly 795,000 people experience a new or recurring stroke each year. On average, 453 adults die from stroke every day, making it the No. 5 cause of death nationwide, according to the American Heart Association. It is also the leading contributor to long-term adult disability. To reduce the probability of disability, improve recovery outcomes and save lives, early detection and treatment are critical.

Clay Fair’s Hyder becomes chair for Florida Festivals and Events

ORLANDO – Clay County Agriculture Fair Executive Director Tasha Hyder took the gavel Thursday, Aug. 14, as the new chair of the Florida Festival and Events Association.

 Hyder amused association members, telling them that, after being part of the organization for 11 years, she had time to prepare her remarks. She then unfurled a 20-foot-long scroll of notes, as members laughed at her light-hearted approach.

The 2026 fair will celebrate its 40th anniversary and run from April 2 to 12.

OP Community Theater staging sign-language Wizard of Oz

ORANGE PARK – The Orange Park Community Theater will present The Wizard of Oz on August 29, 30, and 31 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., with sign-language interpretation.

The Orange Park Community Theater is located at 2900 Moody Ave. For ticket information, call (904) 276-2599.

Rotary clubs to honor heroes with flags, coins at OP Town Hall

CLAY COUNTY – The Rotary Clubs of Green Cove Springs, Orange Park Noon and Sunrise and Fleming Island are accepting donations to honor heroes with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Fire Rescue, Orange Park and Green Cove Springs Police Departments, Florida Army National Guard, Wounded Warrior Project and others by selling flags, coins and mentions at a special ceremony on Sept. 11 at 10 a.m. at Orange Park Town Hall.

To honor a veteran, current member of the military or a first responder, visit oprotarysunrise.com and click on flags-for-heroes. With all donations, your hero’s name(s) will be mentioned at the event. The costs are:

• Hero, $50 – one seven-foot flag displayed between Sept. 8-19 at Town Square with the hero’s name displayed on it and a custom-designed coin for the hero.

• Friend, $100 – As many as two flags and two coins.

• Bronze, $250 – As many as four flags and four coins.

• Silver, $500 – As many as six flags, six coins and a business logo.

• Gold, $1,000 – As many as eight flags, eight coins and a business logo.

• Platinum, $2,000 – As many as 10 flags, 10 coins, business logo and opportunity to display a table at the ceremony.

Cheer for Jags, support Quigley House – at the same time

Quigley House is excited to partner with the Jacksonville Jaguars, The Jaguars Foundation, and the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida through the Jaguars Give & Go Program. The organization that supports survivors of domestic violence needs your help.

When you purchase Jaguars home game tickets through this special program, Quigley House can earn as much as $30 a ticket sold. It's a fun and easy way to support survivors while enjoying an NFL game at a discounted nonprofit rate.

When you purchase your tickets, be sure to select Quigley House as your designated nonprofit. Every ticket helps Quigley House continue its mission to provide safety and support for those affected by domestic violence and sexual assault.

For any questions, contact development@quigleyhouse.org.

To purchase Jaguars tickets, visit giveandgo.nonprofitctr.org/events.

Portions of Black Creek Bike Trail closed for construction

CLAY COUNTY – Crews are repairing the Black Creek Bike Trail, and portions are closed for construction.

Phase 1: Two boardwalk sections near County Road 220 are closed, and the work is expected to last a month.

Phase 2: This will start after Phase 1 is finished, and it will impact the boardwalk along U.S. Highway 17 between Harbor Island Drive and Pace Island Trace. The work is expected to last around three months.

The rest of the Black Creek Bike Trail is still open.

Vehicles, vendors needed for Touch a Truck event in September

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Touch a Truck: What Moves Clay County, the annual event that attracts thousands to the Clay County Fairgrounds, is registering vehicles, static displays, community partners and service providers for its Sept. 6 event.

Touch a Truck features construction, first responder, military, agricultural, and utility vehicles that will be displayed and available for inspection and interaction.

What Moves Clay brings together the people and machinery that power the community from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. We’ll host a sensory-friendly quiet hour from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., and the day will feature dozens of vehicle displays, vendor booths (indoors and outdoors), food trucks, giveaways and a kid zone.

Whether a group is showcasing a vehicle, hosting a booth, or sharing resources. Touch a Truck is an excellent opportunity to connect with Clay County families and showcase the organization's work.