This Week In History 5/12/22

Five years ago, 2017
• Authorities are alarmed when a white Fleming Island High student offers two Black girls for sale on Craigslist.
• The county joins 29 other counties calling for a burn ban amidst a severe drought.
• Oakleaf High triple jumper Melvin Briley wins a Class 4A gold medal at the state track and field championships.

10 years ago, 2012
• The Board of County Commissioners decided unanimously to allow voters to determine whether businesses can have expanded hours to sell alcohol on Sundays.
• The Clothes Closet and Food Pantry of Orange Park receive to top award of $10,000 from the Paul E. Reinhold Community Service Award during the Celebrate Clay breakfast.
• Orange Park Town Clerk Sarah Campbell earned the designation of certified clerk from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks.

20 years ago, 2002
• Cheers owner Larry Lewis and a cook escape injury after three armed men break into the restaurant ahead of their lunch rush.
• A handful of residents express anger about the Town of Orange Park’s plan to host a Fourth of July parade down River Road.

• The Clay High girls softball season comes to a devastating end in a 13-2 loss to New Port Richey in the Class 4A playoffs.

30 years ago, 1992
• Green Cove Springs and Elkins Contractors officials break ground on a new wastewater treatment plant near Reynolds Industrial Park.
• School officials said there’s no reason to conduct another student council election at Middleburg High after one candidate accused a substitute teacher who is the mother of another candidate of using unfair tactics.
• Mares Yachts of Brazil relocates to Green Cove Springs.

40 years ago, 1982
• Plans move forward for the construction of the Green Cove Springs Marina and Yacht Club on the St. Johns River at the old Bachelor Officer’s Quarters.
• The Cove Plaza Shopping Center officially opens in Green Cove Springs at the intersection of U.S. Highway 17 and State Road 16.
• A $12 million joint housing fund is established to help low- and middle-income families with 30-year fixed mortgage rates in Clay and St. Johns counties.