McDonald’s in Orange Park serves up legacy of community and innovation
Read full article: McDonald’s in Orange Park serves up legacy of community and innovationOrange Park is home to many fast-food restaurants, but one stands out not just for its longevity but for its remarkable owner. This McDonald's, the first in Clay County, has been a staple for over 50 years.
Single-family home prices have increased in Orange Park over the last year & so has the number of houses on the market
Read full article: Single-family home prices have increased in Orange Park over the last year & so has the number of houses on the marketThe number of homes on the market in the Town of Orange Park has increased over the past year, and so has the median sale price.
Historic Orange Park Normal and Industrial School taught Black, white children under one roof in late 1800s
Read full article: Historic Orange Park Normal and Industrial School taught Black, white children under one roof in late 1800sOrange Park's Town Hall sits on the property that was once home to the Normal and Industrial School, which was ahead of its time. An abolitionist group taught Black and white students under one roof at the school in the late 1800s.
Renovations planned at 3 schools in Town of Orange Park to keep campuses up-to-date
Read full article: Renovations planned at 3 schools in Town of Orange Park to keep campuses up-to-dateAcross three schools in the Town of Orange Park, there are more than 1,700 students, and the Clay County School District says work is underway on each campus to keep facilities up-to-date.
Orange Park Fire Department tackles challenge of recruiting firefighters to small town
Read full article: Orange Park Fire Department tackles challenge of recruiting firefighters to small townThe biggest challenge for the fire department in the Town of Orange Park is keeping firefighters and filling vacancies.
Discover nostalgia, timeless charm of Orange Park’s oldest barber shop
Read full article: Discover nostalgia, timeless charm of Orange Park’s oldest barber shopThe oldest barber shop in Orange Park and arguably the oldest in the Jacksonville area, the Modern Style & Barber Shop remains a hidden, timeless gem on Kingsley Avenue.
Lifelong Orange Park residents describe lure of small town living
Read full article: Lifelong Orange Park residents describe lure of small town livingOrange Park Town Councilman Doug Benefield and his wife, Cary, explain what they love about growing up and raising their family in a small town.
New security measures, increased monitoring ensure safer environment for students at Orange Park Junior High
Read full article: New security measures, increased monitoring ensure safer environment for students at Orange Park Junior HighOrange Park Junior High School has enhanced its campus security with new safety protocols, including ID checks and increased monitoring of social media threats, to protect students and staff.
‘Little School with a Big Heart’: Orange Park Elementary’s journey to becoming a top Florida school
Read full article: ‘Little School with a Big Heart’: Orange Park Elementary’s journey to becoming a top Florida schoolKnown as the “Little school with a big heart,” Orange Park Elementary has become a shining example of educational excellence in Florida. The school’s success can be attributed to a combination of love, passion, and strong parental involvement.
St. Johns County School District opens controlled enrollment for 2025: Key dates and application details
Read full article: St. Johns County School District opens controlled enrollment for 2025: Key dates and application detailsThe St. Johns County School District (SJCSD) offers Controlled Open Enrollment (COE) for families seeking school placement outside their home-zoned school. Applications are available from Feb. 3 to Feb. 21, 2025.
Severe Weather Awareness Week in Florida, Georgia: The dark side of lightning
Read full article: Severe Weather Awareness Week in Florida, Georgia: The dark side of lightningAccording to the Florida Division of Emergency Management, lightning is one of nature’s deadliest and most unpredictable weather phenomena. Meteorologists can forecast the general conditions that cause lightning but no one can predict exactly when or where lightning will strike.
Historic St. Johns County jail tied to civil rights events faces demolition as community seeks to preserve it
Read full article: Historic St. Johns County jail tied to civil rights events faces demolition as community seeks to preserve itThe St. Johns County Cultural Resource Review Board is considering demolishing the historic old county jail, a site linked to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s arrest during the civil rights movement. Local groups are advocating for its preservation as a landmark.
Naval Station Mayport hosts 'polar plunge' with 'Mayport Mitch' in annual tradition
Read full article: Naval Station Mayport hosts 'polar plunge' with 'Mayport Mitch' in annual tradition“Mayport Mitch” the famed base groundhog from Naval Station Mayport made his annual appearance at the beach Monday, leading the “polar plunge.”
‘I was floored’: Army Corps of Engineers cancels Jacksonville Black History Month event, cites Trump’s order
Read full article: ‘I was floored’: Army Corps of Engineers cancels Jacksonville Black History Month event, cites Trump’s orderDespite the disappointment, Johnson hopes for a future where people focus less on terminology and more on learning from each other.
LIST: Local Black-owned businesses in Northeast Florida & Southeast Georgia
Read full article: LIST: Local Black-owned businesses in Northeast Florida & Southeast GeorgiaOne way you can celebrate Black History Month is to shop at or visit local Black-owned businesses. So we've compiled a list to help you find them in your neighborhood.
Northeast Florida Scottish Games and Festival to celebrate 30th anniversary at Clay County Fairgrounds
Read full article: Northeast Florida Scottish Games and Festival to celebrate 30th anniversary at Clay County FairgroundsThe Northeast Florida Scottish Games and Festival is set to celebrate its 30th anniversary on February 22, 2025, at the Clay County Fairgrounds in Green Cove Springs. This annual event promises a rich cultural experience, featuring Scottish history, athletics, cuisine, and entertainment.
Positively JAX: Giving human trafficking survivors the chance they deserve
Read full article: Positively JAX: Giving human trafficking survivors the chance they deserveCourtney White, a representative of the NYAP/Chance Program, received the Positively JAX award for January 2025 for outstanding work in specialized foster care and support for youth survivors of human trafficking.
Douglas Anderson School of the Arts gears up for ‘Extravaganza!’ showcase
Read full article: Douglas Anderson School of the Arts gears up for ‘Extravaganza!’ showcaseDouglas Anderson School of the Arts is hosting its 38th Annual Extravaganza! showcase on Feb. 1 at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts.
Nocatee walking group opts to change name to avoid legal battle, keep focus on ‘walking with neighbors’
Read full article: Nocatee walking group opts to change name to avoid legal battle, keep focus on ‘walking with neighbors’A Nocatee walking group is bowing out of a legal battle with a company over the group’s name.
City of Jacksonville announces Professional Animal Workers Certificate (PAWS) program for individuals with IDD
Read full article: City of Jacksonville announces Professional Animal Workers Certificate (PAWS) program for individuals with IDD“Currently, 91% of individuals with IDD are unemployed. That’s unacceptable, and we can do better,” Reichert said. The PAWS program was created to address this disparity, providing both skills training and professional certifications.
‘Just the beginning’: River City Readers marks one year of opening ‘doors to new worlds’
Read full article: ‘Just the beginning’: River City Readers marks one year of opening ‘doors to new worlds’25 readers were honored Monday at a City Hall ceremony commemorating the one-year anniversary of River City Readers, a citywide challenge to help more Duval County students read at a grade level.
Every Street Duval: Jacksonville man’s mission to run every street in Jacksonville
Read full article: Every Street Duval: Jacksonville man’s mission to run every street in JacksonvilleEden had some “Sidewalk Talk” with Rotarian Marshall Butler, who has embarked on an ambitious project to run every street in Jacksonville, Florida, covering over 15,000 streets and an estimated 6,000 to 7,000 miles.
Celebrate Black History Month at these events across Northeast Florida
Read full article: Celebrate Black History Month at these events across Northeast FloridaBlack history is made daily but because of Carter G. Woodson — nicknamed the father of Black History Month — the celebration of Black culture is commemorated during the second month of the year.
Hundreds run in 16th annual Wolfson Children’s Challenge to support specialized care for kids
Read full article: Hundreds run in 16th annual Wolfson Children’s Challenge to support specialized care for kidsThe community came together in a big way this Saturday morning to support the 16th annual Wolfson Children’s Challenge, held at the Winston Family YMCA in Riverside.
CamiCakes closes doors after 19 ‘yummy years’ in Jacksonville, teases new chapter
Read full article: CamiCakes closes doors after 19 ‘yummy years’ in Jacksonville, teases new chapterCamiCakes, a beloved cupcake bakery in Jacksonville, has officially closed its doors after 19 years of serving sweet treats to the community.
‘This isn’t just a comeback’: Mixed Fillings to resurge with downtown location in next chapter
Read full article: ‘This isn’t just a comeback’: Mixed Fillings to resurge with downtown location in next chapterThe pie shop that previously served delicious sweet treats on Jacksonville’s Riverside is resurging in its next chapter with a downtown location.
Hamburger Mary’s Jacksonville announces soft opening with shows, events at new location
Read full article: Hamburger Mary’s Jacksonville announces soft opening with shows, events at new locationHamburger Mary’s Jacksonville is preparing to welcome back guests to its well-known restaurant and entertainment venue under new management and location in February.
‘Steeped in history’: Modern upgrades honor legacy of historic J.P. Small Park and Hank Aaron Field in Durkeeville
Read full article: ‘Steeped in history’: Modern upgrades honor legacy of historic J.P. Small Park and Hank Aaron Field in DurkeevilleThe legendary Durkee Field built in 1912, now known as James P. Small Park and Hank Aaron Field, received improvements to the ballfield, which will be celebrated in a ceremony Friday.
St. Johns County biomedical students explore health care field with Ascension St. Vincent’s collab
Read full article: St. Johns County biomedical students explore health care field with Ascension St. Vincent’s collabA hands-on program helped high school students in St. Johns County learn about health care.
Residents in Northeast Florida wake up to snow Wednesday as winter storm moves out
Read full article: Residents in Northeast Florida wake up to snow Wednesday as winter storm moves outIt was a unique morning Wednesday as many in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia woke up to snow and a mix of winter precipitation!