BREAKING NEWS
New hotels near Youngerman Circle raise safety questions following years of crime issues in the area
Read full article: New hotels near Youngerman Circle raise safety questions following years of crime issues in the areaFollowing years of crime issues along Youngerman Circle new hotels in the area are taking action
The daycare no dog wants to leave
Read full article: The daycare no dog wants to leaveNetta Furry Babies relocated from Springfield to Orange Park offering more than just a visit with a personalized experience for pets with their grooming, daycare and boarding services. From pampered grooming sessions to safe and fun daycare and overnight stays, your pet will feel at home when they stay at the facility. www.netta-furry-babies.com
3 Sweet Ladies Bakery is serving up sweet treats in Orange Park
Read full article: 3 Sweet Ladies Bakery is serving up sweet treats in Orange ParkWhether it’s a custom ordered cake for a special occasion or just a cup of coffee and a pastry for a snack, 3 Sweet Ladies Bakery has you covered. Everything is made fresh and from scratch.
Local, state leaders meeting Wednesday to give update on years-long construction on First Coast Expressway
Read full article: Local, state leaders meeting Wednesday to give update on years-long construction on First Coast ExpresswayThe focus is 2030, which is the projected year when all of the construction is expected to be done.
Rallies held across Northeast Florida amid national Presidents Day protests to denounce Trump’s policies
Read full article: Rallies held across Northeast Florida amid national Presidents Day protests to denounce Trump’s policiesAt least three rallies were planned in Northeast Florida on Monday amid dozens of President’s Day protests planned across the country to denounce some of President Donald Trump’s policies and executive orders.
Jacksonville WWII veteran turning 100 years old; family and friends throw surprise party, collecting cards
Read full article: Jacksonville WWII veteran turning 100 years old; family and friends throw surprise party, collecting cardsWorld War II veteran Charlie Mungin is turning 100 years old Tuesday. Over the weekend, family and friends threw him a surprise birth lunch at Golden Corral in Orange Park. Friends and family are collecting cards for him.
‘I’m scared to even be home alone’: Clay County couple shaken up after someone kicked in their door and took off
Read full article: ‘I’m scared to even be home alone’: Clay County couple shaken up after someone kicked in their door and took offThe two were watching TV when without warning, someone kicked in their front door and ran away. Their home security camera captured the moment—along with the panic that followed.
Former Orange Park police chief talks retirement, legacy, and how the department has grown since 1993
Read full article: Former Orange Park police chief talks retirement, legacy, and how the department has grown since 1993After protecting residents for 35 years, former Orange Park Police Chief Gary Goble decided to retire almost a year ago.
Spotlighting the remarkable career of St. Johns Country Day School soccer coach Mike Pickett
Read full article: Spotlighting the remarkable career of St. Johns Country Day School soccer coach Mike PickettAnyone familiar with soccer in Florida is aware of the illustrious career of St. Johns Country Day School coach Mike Pickett. In his 26th year as head coach in Orange Park, Pickett has won 14 state championships and holds the record for most consecutive championships, winning 11 in a row from 2012 to 2022.
10-time Olympian Caeleb Dressel talks achievements, what the Clay County community means to him
Read full article: 10-time Olympian Caeleb Dressel talks achievements, what the Clay County community means to himAs part of the News4JAX “4 Your Neighborhood” campaign in Orange Park, 10-time Olympian Caeleb Dressel talked about what the Clay County community means to him, his achievements and more.
Former Hyundai Hometown Hero winner and Orange Park High School teacher Christine Howell says teaching is her calling
Read full article: Former Hyundai Hometown Hero winner and Orange Park High School teacher Christine Howell says teaching is her callingAfter winning a 2024 Hyundai Tucson as part of News4JAX’s Hometown Heroes contest, we caught up with Howell, who shared why she takes her role as a teacher so seriously, calling it “her calling,” and why she spends time investing in the youth.
Through heartache and a heart attack, this Clay Today photographer has kept shooting his shot for 40 years
Read full article: Through heartache and a heart attack, this Clay Today photographer has kept shooting his shot for 40 yearsIf you have played sports in Orange Park or anywhere in Clay County, you’ve probably seen Randy Lefko, and he’s got a slew of breathtaking photos to prove it.
History beyond the fireworks: How Moosehaven has served the Orange Park community for 100+ years
Read full article: History beyond the fireworks: How Moosehaven has served the Orange Park community for 100+ yearsMoosehaven, a retirement community located in the heart of Orange Park, is known for its amazing 4th of July fireworks show.
John McCain’s connection to Orange Park: A lesser-known chapter of a national hero’s life
Read full article: John McCain’s connection to Orange Park: A lesser-known chapter of a national hero’s lifeMany know John McCain as a decorated war hero and influential senator, but few are aware of his connection to Orange Park.
The ‘Humanzee’ conspiracy: The wild history, oddities behind Orange Park’s old ‘monkey farm’ mystery
Read full article: The ‘Humanzee’ conspiracy: The wild history, oddities behind Orange Park’s old ‘monkey farm’ mysteryThe lab’s research involved frontal lobotomies on monkeys, administering various drugs, and even one case where a husband and wife—Cathy and Keith Hayes—raised a monkey named Viki as a human child.
Inside Clarke House: A glimpse into a 1912 treasure in Orange Park
Read full article: Inside Clarke House: A glimpse into a 1912 treasure in Orange ParkThe Clarke House in Orange Park stands as a timeless window into the area’s rich history. Built in 1912 by William and Carrie Clarke, this wooden farmhouse remains a testament to the pioneering spirit of its original owners.
‘Everybody just feels at home’: A look inside Florida’s oldest continuous-running quilt shop in Orange Park
Read full article: ‘Everybody just feels at home’: A look inside Florida’s oldest continuous-running quilt shop in Orange ParkPositioned just off Wells Road, Calico Station serves as a kind of sanctuary for local quilters who call the shop their second home.
A lab in Orange Park is working to solve Florida’s algae bloom problem. Here’s how
Read full article: A lab in Orange Park is working to solve Florida’s algae bloom problem. Here’s howAlgae blooms are a problem in many communities around Florida, especially in Clay County. The county’s water management team is removing phosphorus or nitrogen from its water to help combat the potential for algae blooms.
Meet Randy Case: Orange Park’s new police chief is committed to helping people ‘solve problems in their neighborhood’
Read full article: Meet Randy Case: Orange Park’s new police chief is committed to helping people ‘solve problems in their neighborhood’Chief Randy Case, who was sworn in as Orange Park Police Chief this past May following the retirement of long-serving chief, Gary Goble, shared his goals and visions as a town leader with News4JAX.
Celebrating 50 years of the Orange Park Mall: A look back at the longtime community hub
Read full article: Celebrating 50 years of the Orange Park Mall: A look back at the longtime community hubThe Orange Park Mall is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, marking five decades as a staple in the community, employing over 3,000 people and housing 80 small businesses.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
‘I am eternally grateful’: Somer Thompson’s mother reflects on community support after 7-year-old murdered in 2009
Read full article: ‘I am eternally grateful’: Somer Thompson’s mother reflects on community support after 7-year-old murdered in 2009The search for 7-year-old Somer Thompson brought hundreds to the town of Orange Park 15 years ago. Her mother, Diena Thompson, reflects on what the support meant to her during the worst time of her life.
Historical Society of Orange Park honors legacy of ‘Ice Man’ Lawrence Hicks
Read full article: Historical Society of Orange Park honors legacy of ‘Ice Man’ Lawrence HicksThe Historical Society of Orange Park is dedicated to preserving the stories of African Americans who have played significant roles in the area’s history. One example of this is the story of Lawrence Hicks, also known as the “Ice Man,” who ran a successful ice delivery business in the late 1930s and 1940s.
News4JAX is launching our ‘4 Your Neighborhood’ campaign. First stop: Orange Park!
Read full article: News4JAX is launching our ‘4 Your Neighborhood’ campaign. First stop: Orange Park!WJXT is proud to continue its long-serving promise of dedication to North Florida and South Georgia communities by introducing a new, inside perspective of area neighborhoods.
Orange Park man charged with attempted murder, accused of shooting mother’s fiancé because he ‘disrespected’ her
Read full article: Orange Park man charged with attempted murder, accused of shooting mother’s fiancé because he ‘disrespected’ herA 20-year-old man was charged with attempted murder in the shooting incident of his mother’s fiancé.
‘Just give me proof of life’: Missing teen’s family refuses to give up search of loved one
Read full article: ‘Just give me proof of life’: Missing teen’s family refuses to give up search of loved oneThe family of the teenager who has been missing for more than a month refuses to give up the fight on the search.
Massive drainage project could be completed in Orange Park by 2026
Read full article: Massive drainage project could be completed in Orange Park by 2026The town of Orange Park is preparing for its biggest public works project yet—a massive drainage overhaul aimed at mitigating future flooding issues.
As population continues to grow, Clay County seeking to expand number of junior high schools
Read full article: As population continues to grow, Clay County seeking to expand number of junior high schoolsClay County is in the process of approving the rezoning and construction of two new buildings at Oakleaf Junior High and Lake Asbury Junior High. They will be the first two junior high schools in the county to accommodate 6th, 7th, and 8th grades.
Jacksonville Memory Gardens hosts national wreath-laying ceremony to honor the fallen who served the country
Read full article: Jacksonville Memory Gardens hosts national wreath-laying ceremony to honor the fallen who served the countryJacksonville Memory Gardens hosted its eighth annual Wreaths Across America Wreath-laying Ceremony to honor those who served the country on Saturday.
Family of 5 displaced after Christmas tree lights spark fire in Orange Park home
Read full article: Family of 5 displaced after Christmas tree lights spark fire in Orange Park homeA family was displaced after a fire broke out on Woodglen Drive in Orange Park Tuesday afternoon, according to Clay County Fire Rescue.

Orange Park man looking to ‘feel normal’ again seeks closure after hit-and-run crash on I-295
Read full article: Orange Park man looking to ‘feel normal’ again seeks closure after hit-and-run crash on I-295In the state of Florida, over 100,000 hit-and-run crashes happened just last year. And that was actually down 1% from 2022. Hit-and-run crashes in 2023 resulted in 271 fatalities and 871 serious bodily injuries, according to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Man suing Orange Park casino after being shot outside venue in 2022
Read full article: Man suing Orange Park casino after being shot outside venue in 2022A man who was shot several times outside an Orange Park casino in 2022 after cashing out his winnings is now suing the venue. He believes not enough was done to keep him safe.
Jacksonville man sentenced to 21 years in prison for trafficking over 500 grams of drugs including crystal meth
Read full article: Jacksonville man sentenced to 21 years in prison for trafficking over 500 grams of drugs including crystal methA 32-year-old Jacksonville man was sentenced to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison for drug trafficking over 500 grams of drugs containing a mixture of crystal methamphetamine.
11 years of fear: Behind-the-scenes look at one of Northeast Florida’s largest and best free haunted houses
Read full article: 11 years of fear: Behind-the-scenes look at one of Northeast Florida’s largest and best free haunted housesDaniel’s Dungeons of Haunted Horrors is celebrating its 11th year of screams and scares and gave News4JAX a behind-the-scenes look at the haunted attraction which is attended by thousands of visitors each year.
Some Orange Park residents are finding green tags on debris piles waiting to be picked up. Here’s why
Read full article: Some Orange Park residents are finding green tags on debris piles waiting to be picked up. Here’s whySome Orange Park residents have been finding green Waste Management tags on debris piles waiting to be picked up outside their homes.
Daniel’s Dungeon returns: 3 nights of free haunted horrors
Read full article: Daniel’s Dungeon returns: 3 nights of free haunted horrorsOne Clay County home has built an entire haunted house for those brave enough to enter. Daniel’s Dungeon of Haunted Horrors is located off Blanding Boulevard and is said to be one of the best local scares in our area!
Varsity 4 Game of the Week: Middleburg gets test from OP, pulls away for 6-0 start
Read full article: Varsity 4 Game of the Week: Middleburg gets test from OP, pulls away for 6-0 startIt’s been an almost adversity-free season on the football field for Middleburg, unlike the past 20 years. But to finish off a negative two-decade streak, the Broncos had to respond to a difficult situation Friday night.
Orange Park woman was inspiration behind POW/MIA flag. Her kids share the agonizing story behind the idea
Read full article: Orange Park woman was inspiration behind POW/MIA flag. Her kids share the agonizing story behind the ideaMary Hoff was instrumental in the creation of the iconic POW/MIA flag. United States. Her husband's plane was shot down in 1970. He is still missing in action.
Two Clay County parks will undergo improvements and the community is invited to share their ideas
Read full article: Two Clay County parks will undergo improvements and the community is invited to share their ideasThe community is invited to share ideas on the proposed improvements for two Clay County parks.
Power restored after Clay Electric outage leaves more than 20,000 customers without electricity in Orange Park
Read full article: Power restored after Clay Electric outage leaves more than 20,000 customers without electricity in Orange ParkMore than 20,000 customers of Clay Electric were reported without power Saturday morning.
High school football ‘24: A look at team schedules for the upcoming season
Read full article: High school football ‘24: A look at team schedules for the upcoming seasonHigh school football season in Florida begins in less than a month. News4JAX has you covered. Here are the team-by-team schedules for schools in the North Florida coverage region.
Historic Black fraternity unveils Little Free Library in Orange Park to promote literacy
Read full article: Historic Black fraternity unveils Little Free Library in Orange Park to promote literacyOn Saturday, a historic Black fraternity unveiled a Little Free Library at Moody Avenue Park to provide free books and promote literacy in the community.
‘It’s a roadmap’: Orange Park community members meet to shape future of proposed town square
Read full article: ‘It’s a roadmap’: Orange Park community members meet to shape future of proposed town squareA series of meetings were held this week to workshop the revision of the town of Orange Park. A group of small business owners gathered at Town Hall Wednesday to weigh in on the future and plans for a walkable town square to be built by 2040.
Local WWII veteran turns 100 years old on the Fourth of July
Read full article: Local WWII veteran turns 100 years old on the Fourth of JulyDressed in their best patriotic partywear, dozens showed up to the VFW Post 5968 in Orange Park, not only to celebrate the Fourth of July, but to celebrate one special military veteran. Retired Navy Master Chief Fred Long who turned 100 on Thursday.
Hwy 17, I-295 interchange causing headaches for drivers near the Duval-Clay county line
Read full article: Hwy 17, I-295 interchange causing headaches for drivers near the Duval-Clay county lineThe Highway 17 and Interstate 295 interchange near the Duval-Clay border is one of the busiest interchanges in Northeast Florida and it’s been under construction for years.
Clay County murder case highlights the connection between drugs and gun violence
Read full article: Clay County murder case highlights the connection between drugs and gun violenceThe recent arrest of two men highlights an ongoing problem between drugs and gun violence that law enforcement said can either lead to injury or death.
Attorney for family of teen who drowned in Orange Park Airbnb pool urges company to enhance safety policies
Read full article: Attorney for family of teen who drowned in Orange Park Airbnb pool urges company to enhance safety policiesLawyers representing the family of a teen who drowned in a pool at an Orange Park Airbnb want to warn others about the dangers of pools at short-term vacation rentals.
Orange Park Mall to hand out free solar eclipse glasses for viewing of upcoming celestial event
Read full article: Orange Park Mall to hand out free solar eclipse glasses for viewing of upcoming celestial eventOrange Park Mall will hand out free solar eclipse glasses to the community starting April 1 to ensure safe viewing of the upcoming partial eclipse.
Orange Park Police Chief Gary Goble is retiring after a 35-year career in law enforcement
Read full article: Orange Park Police Chief Gary Goble is retiring after a 35-year career in law enforcementOn Wednesday, family, friends, and colleagues gathered at Moosehaven for a special luncheon in his honor. They shared stories and checked out throwback photos from his career.
Driver caught after hit-and-run kills 64-year-old man crossing Park Avenue: FHP
Read full article: Driver caught after hit-and-run kills 64-year-old man crossing Park Avenue: FHPA 64-year-old man died Sunday night after he was hit by a pickup truck while he was crossing Park Avenue near Eldridge Loop, the Florida Highway Patrol said.
Clay County deputies investigating fight at Orange Park Mall, shots heard nearby
Read full article: Clay County deputies investigating fight at Orange Park Mall, shots heard nearbyThe Clay County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fight between a group of juveniles at Orange Park Mall Saturday night and a series of gunshots that were heard nearby, deputies said.
Remarkable new treatment helps people with tremors like those linked to Parkinson’s disease
Read full article: Remarkable new treatment helps people with tremors like those linked to Parkinson’s diseaseHCA Florida Orange Park is now the first hospital in our area to offer this option to patients with tremor-predominant Parkinson's disease and essential tremors.
Orange Park police officers, firefighters to get raises following deal with unions
Read full article: Orange Park police officers, firefighters to get raises following deal with unionsPolice and firefighters in Orange Park are getting raises after the Town Council reached a deal with the police and fire unions.
Fortis College to offer free dental education, preventative services to Northeast Florida children
Read full article: Fortis College to offer free dental education, preventative services to Northeast Florida childrenFortis College in Orange Park will be offering free dental education and care to children in Northeast Florida on Friday.
News4JAX girls basketball Super 6: Beachside, NFEI move up in final rankings
Read full article: News4JAX girls basketball Super 6: Beachside, NFEI move up in final rankingsThe News4JAX Super 6 girls high school basketball rankings will be published each Tuesday — except during Christmas week — through the regular season. Records are through Jan. 29.
Elderly horse rescued by Orange Park, St. Johns County fire crews after health incident
Read full article: Elderly horse rescued by Orange Park, St. Johns County fire crews after health incidentAn elderly horse named “Champ” was rescued by the Orange Park Fire Department and St. Johns County Fire Rescue after a health incident.
News4JAX girls basketball Super 6: San Jose Prep moves up, NFEI jumps in to rankings
Read full article: News4JAX girls basketball Super 6: San Jose Prep moves up, NFEI jumps in to rankingsThe News4JAX Super 6 girls high school basketball rankings will be published each Tuesday — except during Christmas week — through the regular season. Records are through Jan. 22.
St. Johns Country Day 8th grade hoops star hits scoring milestone after 1,000th career point
Read full article: St. Johns Country Day 8th grade hoops star hits scoring milestone after 1,000th career pointSt. Johns Country Day eighth grade point guard Camden Cooper cemented himself in Spartans history when he scored his 1,000th career point during a game on Tuesday night.
News4JAX girls basketball Super 6: Surging Beachside moves into rankings
Read full article: News4JAX girls basketball Super 6: Surging Beachside moves into rankingsThe News4JAX Super 6 girls high school basketball rankings will be published each Tuesday — except during Christmas week — through the regular season. Records are through Jan. 15.
Just like GameStop smash-and-grabs, stolen cars used as battering rams to burglarize 2 more shops in Clay County
Read full article: Just like GameStop smash-and-grabs, stolen cars used as battering rams to burglarize 2 more shops in Clay CountyThere has been a string of burglaries in recent days in the Jacksonville area involving stolen cars being used as battering rams to break storefront windows.
67-year-old bicyclist killed in hit-and-run in Orange Park: FHP
Read full article: 67-year-old bicyclist killed in hit-and-run in Orange Park: FHPA 67-year-old man was struck while riding a bicycle on Miller Street in Orange Park, and the driver who hit him left the scene, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Orange Park man under investigation after cyber tip leads to discovery of child, animal sexual abuse material
Read full article: Orange Park man under investigation after cyber tip leads to discovery of child, animal sexual abuse materialA year’s long investigation into child sexual abuse material led detectives to the discovery of animal sexual abuse material.