This Week In History 4/13/22

Five years ago, 2017
• Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels asks for the Board of County Commissioners to hire 15 new deputies, including resource officers for the county’s junior highs.
• Mayor Pam Lewis and Vice Mayor Mitch Timberlake win re-elections to the Green Cove Springs City Council, while Orange Park Mayor Eugene Nix lost to challenger Alan Watt and Larry Nichols and Ron Raymond moved to a runoff for Seat 1 in Orange Park.
• The Orange Park Town Council agrees to rename portions of Railroad Avenue Annie Lee Keys Boulevard to honor the longtime resident.

10 years ago, 2012
• Baptist Health announces it will spend $39 million on a new emergency care facility for adults and children on Fleming Island.
• Clay County School Superintendent Ben Wortham appoints Thomas Pittman as the new vice principal at Fleming Island High.
• Deina Thompson and her son Samuel are joined by the Orange Park Town Council to dedicate the Somer’s Sunshine Park in the memory of Somer Thompson who was abducted and murdered near the park.

20 years ago, 2002
• Thomas William Keuhl is arrested and charged with trying to kidnap and rape a 16-year-old girl on Wells Road.
• Whitey’s Fish Camp and Restaurant on Fleming Island is damaged by a fire that started in a kitchen exhaust fan.
• Tracy Lawrence is the headlining act scheduled to appear at the Clay County Agricultural Fair.

30 years ago, 1992
• Paid firefighters are no longer allowed to work as volunteers at other fire departments.
• Country star Louise Mandrell and Miss Florida Kristen Poole of Middleburg participate in the grand opening of the Clay County Agricultural Fair.
• The Clay High baseball team beats rival Keystone Heights, 6-2, in a key District 2A-6 game.

40 years ago, 1982
• Several local residents voice their concern about a proposed sports complex for Fellowship Park.
• A new county branch tag agency opens at 1372 Blanding Blvd.
• The Clay County Bar Association plans to conduct student mock trials for prospective lawyers.