Five years ago, 2018

• As the Council on Aging of Clay County searched for ways to reduce financial losses, the board announced the firing of Executor Director Al Rizer.

• Mayor Karen Lake hosted the inaugural Town Hall meeting in Keystone Heights.

• Clay County Animal Services decided to stop taking in stray or abandoned cats after several cats tested positive for a “highly contagious” feline virus.

10 years ago, 2013

• A five-day sting investigation resulted in the arrests of 17 men for sex-related charges in Green Cove Springs.

• Acclaimed children’s writer Sharon M. Draper, author of award-winning “Double Dutch” and “Copper Sun,” spoke at Fleming Island High and hosted a book signing.

• Following Town Manager Cindy Hall’s retirement, former Town Manager John Bowles was named interim manager in a 4-1 decision.

20 years ago, 2003

• Fleming Island developer Ronnie Leinwohl cleared a 22-acre site along Pine Avenue on the island to begin construction of a 22-home subdivision. But first, he had a moving company transport a 240-ton brick home away from the site.

• After 13 years at the helm of the Clay County Health Department, Nick Chapman announced his retirement.

• Clay County Sheriff Scott Lancaster announced that the county jail had received accreditation from the Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission after being scrutinized on 263 different recognized standards and practices.

30 years ago, 1993

• The Green Cove Springs City Council approved a first draft of a new ordinance aimed at curbing public drinking. The ordinance would make it easier for law enforcement to make arrests for open containers of alcoholic beverages.

• Clay Co. Sheriff Scott Lancaster said murder charges would be filed against Hombre Lewis of Jacksonville for the alleged killing of Deborah C. Hulsberg, 37 after her decomposed body was found in a wooded area in Lake Asbury.

• The Florida Department of Labor and Employment Security reported Clay County’s unemployment rate to be 5.4 percent, or 59th in Florida.

40 years ago, 1983

• Green Cove Springs City Manager Bill Vermilling resigned to accept the city manager position in Cocoa, FL, which would allow him to return to the area where he grew up.

• Teacher members of the Clay County Education Association voted to accept the 1983-1984 teacher contract, which provided a 5.5 percent pay hike that was based on a recommendation from then-Governor Bob Graham.

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50 years ago, 1973

• The Orange Park Town Council debated taking the lead on establishing a regional water and sewer system that would serve the town and the unincorporated areas adjacent to the town limits.

• A Clay County Grand Jury recommended the establishment of a County Planning Board to “assure maximum coordination and cooperation between municipalities and county government.”

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