House subcommittee approves Garrison’s bill setting new penalties for firearm offenses
Rep. Sam Garrison’s bill, HB 1465, was approved by the Florida House Criminal Justice Subcommittee this week. The Clay County lawmaker sponsors the firearm and destructive device offenses bill.
Read full storyClay County lawmaker’s bill to lower age to buy rifles, long guns moves forward
Legislation to reduce the age to purchase a rifle and other long guns from 21 to 18 passed the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee this week. Clay County lawmaker Bobby Payne, who filed House Bill 1543, said he wants to make the age consistent with federal law.
Read full storyOrange Park finds little interest in business improvement micro-grant
The Town of Orange Park has decided to table a months-long discussion about a business improvement micro-grant. The grant was supposed to be given to businesses to make improvements such as landscape beautification, painting, and pressure washing.
Read full storyOrange Park considers fee on churches, nonprofits for fire department services
The Orange Park town council discussed a proposed fire assessment fee at Tuesday night's meeting. Florida statute allows municipalities to collect a fee for fire services on all property owners, including nonprofits and churches.
Read full storyOrange Park town council to consider rise in trash pickup fee, new contract
Town of Orange Park residents are a step closer to learning how much they'll pay for trash pickup when the current Waste Management contract expires next year. Residents have been paying the same $18 fee for 10 years. But, even before the new contract is signed, residents will likely experience a fee increase.
Read full storyState lawmaker in Clay County delegation files bill to lower age for purchasing firearm
A bill in the Florida House that was filed Monday proposes lowering the age to purchase a firearm. House Bill 1543 reduces the age from 21 to 18. The bill is sponsored by a member of the Clay County delegation, Rep. Bobby Payne. The House Republican represents District 20.
Read full storyClay County representative sponsors bill setting new penalties for firearm offenses
The regular Florida legislative session begins Tuesday. Here is a look at bills currently sponsored and co-sponsored by state Rep. Sam Garrison. The Republican lawmaker has sponsored one bill and co-sponsored another. House Bill 1465 is the “firearm and destructive device offenses” bill. There’s an identical bill in the Senate, SB 1456.
Read full storySome Orange Park properties can now eliminate septic tanks, connect to town’s sewer system
Fifty properties in the Town of Orange Park are eligible to be connected to the town’s sewer system from septic tanks. To help facilitate this process, the town held a special meeting for affected property owners.
Read full storyClay County residents oppose possible sale, development of former Solite plant site
Residents spoke out against the possible sale or development of the former Solite plant site in Clay County during Tuesday’s county commission meeting. Several residents spoke at the meeting about the old Solite plant site, a discussion that lasted for nearly an hour.
Read full storyClay County Clerk of Court says her office operating with funding gap
Clay County's Clerk of Court and Comptroller says her office is operating on a decade-old budget. Tara Green spoke at Tuesday's Clay County Board of County Commissioners meeting. She said this issue isn't just local. It's statewide and something needs to be done.
Read full storyOrange Park gets tougher on panhandling along city streets
The Town of Orange Park unanimously passed an ordinance restricting panhandling within the public rights-of-way. “We’ve had it under control, but some of the rules have changed, so we have a new ordinance we’re putting in place,” said Mayor Randy Anderson at Tuesday night’s town council meeting.
Read full storyOrange Park residents looking at possible hikes in garbage service fees
The Town of Orange Park's Waste Management contract expires in April 2024. Even though it's more than a year away, the town needs to decide now whether to renegotiate with Waste Management or open the service up for a bid.
Read full storyRed light camera violations continue to rise in Orange Park
The number of redlight camera violations in Orange Park continues to increase. “The numbers aren’t going down,” said Orange Park Police Chief Gary Goble to the Public Safety/Public Works Committee Thursday.
Read full storyCost of building new schools rising, Clay school district official says
The cost of building a new school in Clay County has increased. Five years ago, Discovery Oaks Elementary was built for $26 million. But, according to Clay County Assistant Superintendent for Operations Bryce Ellis, a “value engineered down” version of that same school costs $40 million today. She shared that information with the Clay County Board of County Commissioners Tuesday night.
Read full storyClay County Fair update: Special ticket deals, silent disco goat party, concert performers
The Clay County Agricultural Fair is less than two months away. Several specials are only available during the presale, which is going on now. There’s a family 6-pack for $100. It includes gate admission for six people and four ride armbands. If you don’t need access for six, there’s also a family four-pack for 50. This includes gate admission for four people and two ride arm bands. The family multi-pack deals are only available through March 29 and are valid for any day except Saturday.
Read full storyOrange Park approves a plan to open Bradley Park to the public
The Town of Orange Park has set March 1 as a tentative opening date for Bradley Park Conservation at Nelson Point. Town Manager Sarah Campbell said at Tuesday night’s meeting that they’ve been working on a plan to open the park safely. She outlined a list of items that should be completed before they can open the park. One of those items was a community cleanup day on Saturday, February 18.
Read full storyOrange Park approves use of golf carts on some city streets
The Orange Park Town Council has approved the use of golf carts on certain town streets. The council approved the measure 4-0. Councilwoman Susana Thompson was not in attendance at Tuesday night’s meeting.
Read full storyRestaurant chain to close its Orange Park location
An Orange Park restaurant is closing its doors after being in business for more than three decades. The Loop Pizza Grill on Wells Road will serve its final Oreo ice cream shake on Feb. 15.
Read full storyRetired educators sponsor Black History Month essay contest for Clay County students
Clay County retired educators are sponsoring an essay contest in honor of Black History Month. The contest is open to all sixth-grade students enrolled in Clay County Public Schools.
Read full storyGreen Cove Springs development will include restaurant, apartments
The Green Cove Springs City Council has unanimously approved a site plan and developer’s agreement for a new mixed-use development. The 1.2-acre property is located at 310 S. Orange Avenue. The developer is proposing a retail, restaurant, and residential building.
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