Clay Clerk, KidsFirst accepting back-to-school supplies at county administration building

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The Clay County Clerk of Court’s office has joined with KidsFirst of Florida to help collect school supplies for local children.
KidsFirst of Florida is a non-profit organization that works with families whose children are either at risk of abuse or neglect or who have already been victims of abuse or neglect. Their staff is responsible for finding and funding placements for every child in foster care.
These children need basic supplies for school and books to read at home – no matter where that home may be. Studies show that the more books in the house, the better the outcome for children’s long-term success in literacy. Plus, the single most powerful way to prepare children for school is to read aloud to them from birth to preschool.
Clerk’s Office Administration currently is collecting school supplies and children’s reading books through Wednesday, July 31 at the county’s Administration Lobby (first floor, room 1072). Please consider donating new supplies or books that would help these children in need and their caregivers. Look for the collection box labeled KidsFirst School Supplies.
Clerk Tara Green and her staff with greet employees as the arrive for work on Thursday, Aug. 1, to accept any school supplies or children’s book donations from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Later that same day, Clerk Green will attend a special back-to-school event benefitting KidsFirst of Florida and deliver all the donations.
On the morning of Aug. 1, the clerk’s office also will kick-off a new community outreach display for the public and courthouse employees in the courthouse lobby. Free materials related to back-to-school safety, children’s health, traffic/pedestrian safety and abuse prevention will be featured and available to take home.

FWC online survey seeks input from Florida landowners

CLAY COUNTY – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission currently is conducting an online survey of Florida’s private landowners. So far, more than 1,250 landowners have responded.
The survey is an important tool for the FWC to understand private landowner perspectives and decisions around fish and wildlife, and natural resource conservation. Landowners are encouraged to take part in the survey to provide the FWC insights into landowner preferences and priorities. Results from the survey will help improve educational materials, services and programs that benefit landowners, and fish and wildlife habitat across the state.
To learn more about the FWC’s Landowner Assistance Program or to see the results of these past surveys, visit MyFWC.com/LAP.

Knights of Columbus gave back $27,000 to local charities

FLEMING ISLAND – The Knights of Columbus of Sacred Heart Catholic Church has raised more than $30,000 this year through the support of the community, and it’s given back 90% to local community and charities.
The Knights have hosted an Octoberfest, Italian dinner, Tootsie Roll Drive, BBQ and Casino Night fundraiser. Our donations included: $1,000 scholarship to Elijah Bishop; $2,700 to Challenge Enterprises; $3,500 to Annunciation Catholic School and the Sacred Heath Young Group.
Casino Night gold sponsors included: Prime Med, All State Steel, Helm Funeral Home and Cremation, Harrell & Harrell and Nichols Truck Bodies, while silver sponsors included: PIZTECH, JAXPCS Group of KW Realty, Dream Vacations, Backyard Creations, Fish Window Cleaning, Katherine Baustert State Farm, Ron Warner, Kirk Nicholson, Tony Bonk and Joe Pourciau. Silent auction donors were: TPC-Sawgrass, San Jose Golf Course, Eagle Harbor Golf Course, Magnolia Golf Course, N.C. Cabin rental from Ron Warner, homemade Italian dinner from the Cruz family, Tijuana Flats, Firebird Restaurant, Trampoline World, Yum’s Catering and Autobahn.
Miscellaneous donations came from Emmitt’s Auto Repair, Margaret A. Lessig DMD, Grumpy’s Restaurant Bonefish Restaurant, Tom and Betty’s Restaurant, Hurricane’s Restaurant, V’s Pizza, Mellow Mushroom, Metro Diner, Maple Street Restaurant, Bono’s BBQ, Long Horn Restaurant, Maggiano’s Italian Restaurant, The Loop, O’Charley’s, Texas Roadhouse, 4 Rivers Restaurant, Ronnie’s Restaurant, La Casita Restaurant, BJ’s Brewhouse, Skate Station, Pat’s Nursery, New Vision Theater, Surge Trucking Co. and Gary and Jan Bachtell.
The Knight’s currently are looking for additional members.

Elf on the Shelf tickets go on sale July 25 at Thrasher-Horne

ORANGE PARK – Tickets for the Nov. 24 production of Elf on the Shelf will go on sale on July 25.
The musical will be at the Thrasher-Horne Center on the Orange Park campus of St. Johns River State at 283 College Dr. It chronicles a Scout Elf who is sent to a disconnected, multi-generational family struggling to rediscover Christmas spirit. He has to find a way off the shelf and into their hearts. This toe-tapping, heartwarming story of one small elf’s big impact on his adoptive family includes an exclusive invitation to Santa’s North Pole and engages audiences with a glimpse into the magical lives of Scout Elves.
Featuring an original story and score, dazzling sets and costumes, and wondrous moments that make even the most cynical believe, this momentous celebration of the season leaves spirits high and captivates all with the splendor of Christmas.
Tickets are available by calling (904) 276-6815 or online at THcenter.org.