Five years ago, 2015
Some 423 officials from Clay County schools, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Department of Health, Clay County Sheriff’s Office and Clay County Fire Rescue meet at Keystone Heights High to observe an active shooter mock exercise called “Operation School Bell.”

Diena Thompson, mother of 7-year-old Somer Thompson, announces the empty lot where her daughter was murdered by Jared Harrell will be transformed into a community garden, three weeks after Harrell’s home was set on fire as part of a training exercise for local fire departments.

Ridgeview High students organize to turn barrels that once held soft drink syrup for Chick-fil-A into rainwater collection barrels, while Orange Park High students agree to volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House in Jacksonville.

10 years ago, 2010
Fleming Island High junior Leeann Herrera’s poster is picked as the winner for the Concert on the Green contest.

After working from its offices on Kingsley Avenue, Clay Today moves to 3513 U.S. Highway 17 on Fleming Island at the Westover Plaza.

Residents will have three opportunities to express their views whether the county’s charter review commission should create an amendment that would allow legalized gambling.

20 years ago, 2000
Cynthia Diane Brown was sentenced to one year in jail following one of the worst cases of animal cruelty in Clay County History.

There were 671 volunteers from Clay County who participated in the fifth annual St. Johns River Celebration to clean up the area’s waterways. More than 40,000 pounds of trash and debris was collected in the county.

Middleburg drag racer Michael Gunderson finishes third in the Top Alcohol class at the Gatornationals at the Gainesville Raceway.

30 years ago, 1990
Clay County Commissioners agree to create municipal tax districts to address construction projects in Keystone Heights, Middleburg and Clay Hill.

Clay County Public Health Administrator Ed Stansel is successful in convincing the Board of County Commissioners to expand the North Clinic.

The Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program gives $10,000 to the county to supplement its supplies of emergency food and shelter.

40 years ago, 1980
The “Bell House” on the corner of Ferris and Palmetto avenues is torn down after providing apartments to several U.S. Navy families during World War II.

The 4-H Club create a petting zoo to run in conjunction with the Special Olympics.

Former Penney Retirement Center resident and executive with the Boy Scouts of America, E. Urmer Goodman, dies in New York.