Five years ago, 2019

• Keystone Heights joined the passport program of the Florida Trail Association. Hikers passing through could show their passport booklet at the city hall for a stamp, which would grant discounts throughout the city.

• The North Florida Land Trust purchased 465 acres of land surrounding Keystone Heights and Gold Head State Park to preserve longleaf pine sandhills and other endangered ecosystems.

10 years ago, 2014

• The Green Cove Dragway “starts its engine” as a popular racing complex for drag racing, drifting and mud bogging. Due to noise complaints, its lease at Reynolds Park was not renewed, and the track would host its last event in 2017.

• The Islamic Center of Orange Park found a new home for worship on College Drive. Before settling into their new center, they held their Friday prayers at St. Giles Presbyterian Church, which opened its doors to its new Islamic neighbors.

20 years ago, 2004

• Following through on a four-year-old pledge, the Board of County Commissioners handed St. Johns River Community College President Robert L. McClendon a check for $1.7 million for the construction of the Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts.

• A grand theft investigation off Jones Creek Road in Keystone Heights led the Clay County Sheriff’s Office to uncover a dogfighting ring. Officials found around three dozen pit bulls chained to barrels scattered over the 10-acre property.

30 years ago, 1994

• Police searched for a Palatka man who was allegedly posing as the Sheriff of Clay County so he could cash a check.

• BCC Vice Chairman Pat McGovern sought support from fellow BCC members to ask the county’s legislative delegation for more funding for the Clay County School District as the 1994 Florida Legislature got underway.

40 years ago, 1984

• Clay County Public Safety officials worked to evacuate two families who lived along Black Creek after a flash flood resulted in the creek’s water level jumping more than 10 feet.

• Nelson Smith, a history teacher at Orange Park High, announced his candidacy for Orange Park Town Council. He went on to win the election.