Domestic violence support group empowers survivors with healing activity

 GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Survivors participating in a Quigley House domestic violence support group recently experienced a decisive moment of healing through a unique “Letting Go Plate Breaking” activity.

During the session, participants wrote down words, feelings or experiences they were ready to release onto ceramic plates. In a symbolic act of empowerment, the plates were then broken, shattering the weight of past pain and making room for renewed hope.

The activity was met with overwhelming positivity. Survivors expressed that the experience helped them feel lighter, stronger and more in control of their healing journeys. The sound of plates breaking resonated as more than just a release; it echoed as a collective declaration of resilience and freedom from violence.

“This activity highlights the importance of creative, trauma-informed approaches in supporting survivors,” said Development Director Jackie Krug. “When we create safe spaces for healing, connection, and empowerment, we witness survivors reclaim their voices and rebuild their lives.”

The success of this event underscores the mission of Quigley House, Clay County’s certified domestic violence and sexual assault center, to provide meaningful, compassionate support to survivors of abuse. As the support groups continue to grow, they remain a vital resource for those seeking strength, community and hope on their path to healing.

Clay Legislative Delegation wants feedback on Shadowlawn Stewardship District

 GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The Clay County Legislative Delegation of Florida Sen. Jennifer Bradley and Reps. Sam Garrison and Judson Sapp will host a public forum on Sept. 30 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the BCC Meeting Room, Administration Building, fourth floor, 477 Houston St.

The delegation represents all or portions of Clay County, and they want feedback on applications for the passage of the act relating to Clay County, creating the Shadowlawn Stewardship District.

To be placed on the Sept. 30 agenda, contact Tammy Still with Rep. Sapp’s office at TAMMY.SILL@FLHOUSE.GOV before Sept. 26.

Clay August housing inventory climbs, but sales cool

 CLAY COUNTY – Northeast Florida’s housing market in August reflected a period of adjustment as buyers and sellers navigated changing conditions across the region.

Prices held steady overall, but activity slowed with fewer closed and pending sales, while inventory continued to build compared to last year. Buyers are seeing more choices on the market, though affordability remains a challenge in higher-priced counties.

Sellers, meanwhile, are experiencing longer market times and must stay competitive to attract interest. With varying dynamics from county to county, the market continues to evolve in ways that highlight the importance of local knowledge and flexibility.

“Traditionally, the real estate market slows as students head back to school and families settle down”, says NEFAR President, Mario Gonzalez.

In Clay County, the median price for single-family homes decreased by 2.8% from July to $359,000 in August. Homes spent a median of 47 days on the market, a 14.7% increase from July. Closed sales fell 22.8% to 206, and pending sales were at 183. New listings decreased by 5.6% to 351, while active inventory stood at 1,188 homes, representing a 5.8-month supply.

The median sales price for single-family homes in Northeast Florida’s six-county region rose 1.1% to $398,995. This resulted in the Home Affordability Index remaining at 66. In August, closed sales of single-family homes totaled 1,730 transactions, representing a 9.9% decrease from July. Meanwhile, pending sales were at 1,227, representing a 31.8% decrease.

“As we continue to remain in this balanced market, there are many advantages for buyers and sellers. Experienced and educated Realtors can guide their customers through these conditions,” Gonzalez said.

Safe Animal Shelter’s Halloween BINGO Party on Oct. 7

 FLEMING ISLAND – Tickets for Safe Animal Shelter’s Halloween BINGO Party on Oct. 7 are available at safeanimalshelter.com/donations. Tickets for a BINGO pack, dinner and a raffle ticket are $30.

The event supports Safe Animal Shelter, a nonprofit that works to reduce the number of dogs and cats euthanized in Clay and Duval counties, and Northeast Florida.

Doors open at Sullivan Hall on the campus of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 7190 U.S. Highway 17, Fleming Island, at 5 p.m. Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m., and the games begin at 7 p.m. Contestants are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes since there will be a contest. Safe will also collect gift cards for pet supplies and liquor for upcoming events.

Nobody younger than 18 will be admitted.

Feeding Clay Outreach coming to Sullivan Hall on Oct. 11

 FLEMING ISLAND – Hunger Fight is accepting donations and requests from community members for spots at its 11^th annual Feeding Clay Community Outreach Event on Oct. 11 at Sullivan Hall on the campus of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 7190 U.S. Highway 17.

Hunger Fight provides more than 15,000 children with nutritious meals each weekend through its Feed the Backpacks program and delivers age-appropriate books to more than 4,500 children in preschools at local daycare centers through its Feed the Need to Read program across Central and North Florida.

The hours of the event are 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

A $1,000 gift will provide 2,300 meals and 80 books; $2,000 will provide 4,600 meals and 160 books; and $5,000 will provide 11,500 meals and 400 books.

To reserve a spot, call (904) 736-7755.

Registration underway for ‘Pars Fore Paws’ golf tournament

 OAKLEAF – The 19^th annual “Jerry Milan Pars Fore Paws Memorial Golf Tournament” will tee off on Monday, Oct. 6, at the Eagle Landing Golf Club.

The tournament will benefit the Clay Humane Society, a nonprofit veterinary hospital that provides low-cost services.

The tournament was named to honor the tourney founder and longtime chair Jerry Milan, whose passion for golf and animal welfare shaped the event’s legacy. Players and teams can register at clayhumane.org/events. Individual registration is $110, and teams of four can register for $400. The registration fee includes 18 holes of golf with a cart, bag service, complimentary driving range balls, lunch and dinner.

Players and teams can register at clayhumane.org/events. Register online by Sept. 29.

Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place, as well as for closest to the pin, longest drive, and longest putt. There are no rain dates or refunds, as all proceeds go to support Clay Humane’s animal welfare programs.

Sheriff Cook puts out APB for winning cookie recipe

 CLAY COUNTY – Sheriff Michelle Cook is looking for help – not looking for a fugitive, but for a great cookie recipe.

She will participate in the Second Celebrity Christmas Cookie Challenge to benefit Operation Barnabas on Dec. 5 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Toasted Yolk Café, 10915 Baymeadows Road, Suite 135, Jacksonville, and she wants to know if you’d like to share your can’t-miss winning recipe.

She asks that you submit your entry to sheriff@claysheriff.com.

Tickets are $75 and are available at operationbarnabas.com, and they include food and refreshments.

Hard Hat Games coming to Fairgrounds in October

 GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Teams and individuals can compete for professional wrestling-like championship belts and bragging rights at the Hard Hat Games Oct. 4-5 at the Clay County Fairgrounds.

Presented by H&H Tree and Demo, the unique competition will feature a Dig and Dirt construction site for children. Saturday games are for teams, with an entry fee of $500 a team. Sunday’s games are for individuals, with costs being determined by classes entered.

Games include barrel race, pole weave, trailer backing, stack and dash-barrel stacking, nail challenge, ring toss, lunchbox challenge, coke bottle opener, egg relay and construction obstacle course.

The registration deadline is Sept. 26.

For more information, visit clayevents.org.