Five years ago, 2019

•  The Clay County Agricultural Fair was highly anticipated to bring in 130,000 visitors and $52 million to the local economy. 

• The Cummer Museum’s Mason Gallery closed the six-month exhibition, “Augusta Savage: Renaissance Woman." It featured sculptures, paintings, photographs and letters from Savage, the world-renowned artist born in 1892 in Green Cove Springs.

• A bill allowing Florida drivers to be pulled over for texting while driving emerged from its final committee after the House State Affairs Committee approved the measure. The bill would eventually be signed into law. 

• Randy Anderson was newly elected onto the Orange Park Town Council. Currently, he has served as the town mayor since 2021. 

10 years ago, 2014

• Steve Howard, who ran unopposed, and Eugene Nix, who defeated incumbent Marge Hutton, were both sworn into office at Orange Park Town Hall. Howard was voted in as the new mayor of Orange Park. 

• The Lakeside Junior High’s boys and girls track teams win the Clay County Championship.

• The Board of County Commissioners hired attorney Michael Kahn to to help prevent the adult entertainment industry from taking root in Clay County. 

20 years ago, 2004

• Clay County Sheriff Scott Lancaster characterized a grand jury review into agency misappropriation of funds was not an indication of guilt but “a welcome sign that the process of review is nearing conclusion.”

• Robert Page and Deborah Ricks were elected to the Green Cove Springs City Council.  

• AmeriCredit closed its branch in Clay County. Employees were handed out boxes for their belongings and severance packages based on length of employment. 

30 years ago, 1994

• Clay County Agricultural Fair President Marvin Wilhite said the 8th annual fair hit new attendance records with upwards of 105,000 guests attending that year.

• Officials unveiled sketches for the new Clay County Behavioral Health Center to be built at 3292 County Rd. 220 near Middleburg.

40 years ago, 1984

• The Clay County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to prohibit topless dancing in establishments where liquor was sold. Commissioners said the measure was proactive and intended to head off any push to offer nude or semi-nude establishments in Clay County.

• A circular advertised Quaker State motor oil for sale at 83-cents a quart.

50 years ago, 1974

• Law enforcement officials were on the lookout for Eddie J. Price, an inmate who escaped from the Doctors Inlet Prison Camp while on a work detail at the Clay County Courthouse.

• Clay Electric Cooperative welcomed three new members to its board of directors after elections held at its annual meeting. Ray Wingate of Keytsone Heights, C.N. Smith of Micanopy. and Angus Hastings of Ft. McCoy were each elected to a three-year term.