This Week in History 3/21/19

5 years ago, 2014

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Orange Park Police Department, state office of Parole and Probation, the NCIS and State Attorney’s Office join forces in a countywide drug sweep that culminated with 35 arrests.

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril came home to Clay County High to receive the keys to the city after he bought the football team a new scoreboard and sponsored football camps for local youngsters.

Former Fleming Island resident Alexandre Mohbat made the Lebanese Winter Olympic Games team in the giant slalom.

10 years ago, 2009

The Clay County Health Department was awarded a $50,000 grant for community-based tobacco prevention efforts.

Jordan Summerlin won a trip to the State Geography Bee competition, marking the fourth time in six years a Green Cove Springs Junior High student has represented the county.

Former Clay County High wrestler Cy Wainwright won the NCAA Division II heavyweight class national championship for Newberry College.

20 years ago, 1999

The final design to build a boat ramp at Knight Park is approved by the Clay County Parks and Recreation Committee. The ramp, at Black Creek and U.S. 17, will have parking spaces to accommodate as many as 85 vehicles and trailers.

Orange Park Mayor Earl Harrington received 63 percent of the vote in the only contested seat to the Town Council, defeating Don Johnson and former council member Gloria Hackett.

Lake Asbury’s Ernie Boyette hosts a get-together of World War II airplane model makers and two former pilots from the war.

30 years ago, 1989

Orange Park Town Council members voted unanimously to hire former Clay County Administrator John Bowles and the new town manager.

Ben Meador, Sue Ready and Harold McDonald all are chosen for Channel 12’s Who Care Community Service Awards.

Clay County Commission Chairman Garry McIntyre opens commission meeting by reading a statement denying he had anything to do with Sheriff Dalton Bray’s campaign funds.

40 years ago

The Board of Clay County Commissioners reduced the footage required between restaurants selling alcoholic beverage and churches and schools to 500 feet.

County commissioner Hank Bruning strongly suggests the county not allow any more open ditches in subdivisions to ease drainage problems.

Presidential candidate Phillip Crane stopped at Orange Park to get support from local Republicans.