Five years ago, 2019

•  An early-morning fire destroyed a portable classroom at Wilkinson Elementary. Crews arrived and found one portable classroom fully involved, and three others were threatened. There were no reported injuries. 

• Clay County was one of 10 counties that shared a grant totaling $16.2 million for construction of water supply and water conservation, water quality improvement and flood protection projects

•  Keystone Heights High graduate (2004) Enoch Nadler finishes the Boston Marathon in 22nd place – ninth American – in two hours, 17 minutes, 6 seconds.

10 years ago, 2014

•  Jennifer White, the widow of Det. Dave White who was killed on duty, started the Dave White Memorial Foundation. The foundation hosted the second annual Detective Dave White Bass Fishing Tournament.

•  After splitting with the Clay County Chamber of Commerce, county commissioners officially set up a 501-c-6 not-for-profit to operate the Economic Development Corporation.

•  Clay County Commission approved a rezoning request, so the developer could be more flexible selling the remaining property in Eagle Harbor.

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.”

• Three Orange Park residents were among 39 Northeast Floridians arrested in operation “Up in Smoke” led by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Van Trong Phan, David Alan Woods and Jerson Cana Pacada were taken into custody during the sting.

• Clay County officials put in a place a countywide burn ban in light of heightened drought conditions.

30 years ago, 1994

• Clay County School Superintendent Phyllis May wrangled with the district’s facilities construction director saying Don Bowles had made a $30,000 mistake on a building project at Bannerman Learning Center.

• The Middleburg Business Association named Clay County Sheriff’s Office deputy Mickey Ciavola “1993 Officer of the Year.”

40 years ago, 1984

• The Florida Department of Environmental Regulation issued an official warning to the Clay County government saying the county’s landfills were operating without valid permits and therefore were operating in violation of state regulations.

• The Clay County Sheriff’s Office said the arrests of four men helped them solve a string of more than 12 burglaries.

50 years ago, 1974

• Clay High building trade students completed their first-ever portable classroom and presented it to School Superintendent Jesse Tynes. Students completed the 768-square foot building in 57 school days.

• The Board of County Commissioners wrestled with paying University Hospital in Jacksonville for Clay County residents’ indigent healthcare costs. Despite a lengthy debate, the BCC voted to pay a negotiated patient bill for $5,680.