Clay County

48 Pages·2013·17.38 MB·English

We Insure
HOMES
Jane DiLoreto
Agency
Baseball Action
Baseball action is in full swing and Fleming
215-2121 Island pitcher Reece Cooley powered his
Golden Eagles to a 10-0 non-district win over
Oakleaf Monday. – See more baseball, 34
3701193-01
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013 WWW.CLAYTODAYONLINE.COM VOLUME 44, NO. 7 75¢
Science Fair
showcases
2
zest for inquiry
By Sarah Wakefi eld
Staff Writer
GREEN COVE SPRINGS – With the keen eye of an engineer,
In a Row Rotarian and science fair judge Larry Klaybor leans in to
encourage the Oakleaf High team to build on their rocket
project and push the boundaries. An engineer by trade,
Klaybor asked many questions of students in the engineer-
ing category at Clay County Science Fair held Feb. 12.
“Don’t be afraid to take this a step farther,” Klaybor
said after the initial judging to Oakleaf High teammates
Andrew Zeolla, Michael Zeolla and Andrés Hernandez.
“Play with the variables.”
The ninth graders built their experiment around rock-
ets and how their fi n sizes effect altitude. All three plan
STAFF PHOTO BY RANDY LEFKO to major in engineering at prestigious universities such
MELBOURNE -- St. Johns Country Day School junior midfi elder Megan Rogers, center No. 7, gets hugs from
SEE SCIENCE FAIR, 5
teammates, left to right, Kim Swiggett, Mallory Bane and Payton Crews after sealing the Lady Spartans’ Class 1A
state title Feb. 8 in Melbourne with a fi nal goal in the second half en route to a 3-1 win. The team successfully
defended its 2012 Class 1A title while winning its fi fth title in the last 10 years. Story, page 25, photos, page 30.
Mobile vet clinic bill gets a re-do
By Debra W. Buehn ordinance and take a vote. Instead, they heeded the sug-
Correspondent gestions of the county attorney and staff and opted to
GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Clay County is taking a “do pull the pending ordinance and replace it with a different
over” in its attempt to deal with mobile businesses – par- ordinance they hope will be viewed as more reasonable
ticularly mobile veterinarian businesses. to all.
After numerous meetings and hours of debate that “As we’ve received comment from the public…we’ve
often ranged from passionate to contentious, the Board come to understand better what is at issue here,” said
STAFF PHOTO BY SARAH WAKEFIELD
of Clay County Commissioners was set to conduct a fi nal Mark Scruby, county attorney.
GREEN COVE SPRINGS -- Oakleaf High freshman William
public hearing Feb. 12 on the proposed mobile business
SEE VET, 2 Donaghy is studying hydroponics in hopes of feeding the
world as the population climbs to nine billion inhabitants.
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2 CLAY TODAY • February 14, 2013 COMMUNITY CLAYTODAYONLINE.COM
Vet “This would be a conditional use. It would still be subject him to return to Clay County. At the Feb.
12 meeting, Watkins referred the media
to site plan approval, it would still be subject to permitting.
to his attorney, Kelly Mathis, who said the
from page 1
But it would be a land use regulation as opposed to strictly new ordinance was more acceptable than
the old.
a permitting type code.”
The result is an ordinance that seeks to “It’s better,” Mathis said, but added
regulate mobile businesses in the unin- there are still portions of the ordinance
– Mark Scruby, county attorney
corporated areas of the county through that he would like to see reworked, such as
the zoning code rather than the permitting the like to fulfi ll that requirement. Mostly, they could receive for their pets, while lo- the sign portion.
code, as was fi rst Scruby said, the county will want to know cal veterinarians said they simply wanted In both the old
attempted, Scruby about issues that would affect public safe- a “level playing fi eld” because mobile vets and new ordinances,
said. ty, such as ingress and egress points and don’t have to pay the same type of county signs are only al-
“This would be where such things as fi re hydrants are lo- fees or taxes they do, nor do they have the lowed the day of the
a conditional use. It cated at the sites at which the mobile busi- same type of overhead. They also said they clinic’s visit, which
would still be subject nesses choose to operate. frequently provide low-cost care or chari- doesn’t alert people
to site plan approval, While both the old and new ordinances table help when a patient can’t pay the bill, to their coming, he
it would still be sub- deal with a variety of mobile businesses, and often end up taking care of pets that said.
ject to permitting. Mark Scruby many are exempted, such as food service have reactions to vaccinations after a mo- Diane Hutchings “People need to
But it would be a land vendors. The focus in the current discus- bile clinic has gone. plan,” Mathis said,
use regulation as opposed to strictly a per- sion has been on mobile veterinary clinics, But David Watkins, co-owner of Cheap adding he would be would be letting the
mitting type code,” Scruby said. with the Jacksonville-based Cheap Shots Shots, which has a brick-and-mortar build- staff know of his client’s concerns.
In addition, he said, the site plan re- Inc. the main draw for both supporters and ing at the Beaches, said at the time that “It’s a start, it’s a good start,” he said.
quirement of the ordinance has been modi- proponents of an ordinance. At the Jan. 22 the ordinance then proposed was aimed at Local veterinarians in attendance
fi ed to be less “burdensome” and won’t BCC meeting, supporters of Cheap Shots him and was “anti-competitive.” If passed, hadn’t had time to look at the new ordi-
require someone to hire a draftsman or defended the low-cost shots and other care he said, it would make it prohibitive for nance, which was released just the day be-
fore the meeting, and said they would wait
to comment.
Roses: Prune your way to a Valentine’s Day display Among the other main differences be-
tween the two ordinances is the number of
times a mobile clinic can visit Clay County.
Under the old ordinance, they were limited
Today I intended to fi nish up my mini- to four visits per year, while under the new
series on what’s lurking in your lawn un- ordinance they would be allowed to visit
til I realized that it once every two weeks for four hours a day ,
is Valentine’s Day. said Holly Parrish, the county’s director of
Where are my man- Economic and Development Services. In
ners? It would hard- addition, the clinics will not be held to an
ly be in the spirit of exclusionary zone that required they not
Valentines to be talk- operate within 1,500 feet of a competing
ing creepy-crawlies business.
today, so let’s leave By working under the zoning code, the
those ho-hum hum- mobile businesses have many more places
bugs till next week they can operate, said Commissioner Di-
and instead talk ane Hutchings, adding there are now “hun-
about something Seasonal concerns dreds of areas” they can go.
from gardeners
more fi tting for the Hutchings said she appreciated the
AMY E. MORIE
day– roses. “educational” process she has experienced
Environmental Horticulture Agent ll
I get a lot of ques- thanks to the public’s input over the vet
Clay County Extension Office
tions on caring for clinic issue, and felt better about the new
these plants as they are popular in gardens ordinance. “The fi rst ordinance was pretty
throughout Florida. Unlike most landscape onerous. I agree. It was a hard pill to swal-
shrubs, which shouldn’t be pruned until low,” she said.
mid-March to avoid possible frost damage, But Commissioner Ronnie Robinson
it’s best to prune roses before their spring most climbers, only bloom once a year and fuller plant form. said he still didn’t think any kind of ordi-
growth, when it’s still a little cooler out. these should be left for now since they only Step one is to get rid of unhealthy parts nance was required for mobile businesses,
Roses are hearty enough to withstand a fl ower on growth from the previous year. of the plant by pruning all dead, damaged, which he said were already dealt with by
late freeze, so get your gloves on - today Wait until they fl ower again, and prune and diseased canes. Cut to at least one existing regulations.
is actually the perfect day to prune roses. them just after fl owering stops. Otherwise, inch below the unhealthy portion – all the “Let’s drop this. We don’t need another
Shrub rose and old garden roses can you can choose whether to prune hard or way back to just above the base if neces- ordinance on the books. We’ve got plenty,”
grow well in Florida gardens with lots of just to shape and keep plants in check. sary. If you’re cutting diseased canes then he said.
sun – six-plus hours a day – well-drained When pruning roses, be sure to use avoid spreading the problem and be sure to Robinson was the only commissioner
soil, mulch, regular water, good air circu- sharp bypass-style pruners for clean cuts. wipe your pruners after every cut with iso- to vote against bringing forward the new
lation, and some vigilance in fertilizing and There are four steps to follow properly to propyl alcohol or a 50-50 bleach and water ordinance for consideration and adoption.
checking for pests. prune your roses. For each step, you’ll solution. Also cut back any weak stems – The new ordinance will come up at the
Pruning roses can be a thorny task de- want to space each cut about one-quarter- those without many leaves or buds that are 7 p.m. Planning Commission meeting on
pending on your variety, but fortunately, it inch above an outward facing bud and cut taller than your waist yet thinner than a March 5 as well as the 2 p.m. BCC meet-
only has to be done once a year. There are at a 45-degree angle facing away from the pencil – and completely cut back any suck- ings on March 12 and 26 at the county ad-
a few exceptions: some roses, including bud eye. This way new growth will create a ministration building, 477 Houston St.
SEE ROSES, 8
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4 CLAY TODAY • February 14, 2013 OPINION CLAYTODAYONLINE.COM
Question Letters
to the Editor
of the week
Compiled by correspondent Tonya Davie Lift All Boats
With spring just around the
I recently read an article in the Times
corner, are you ready for Union with great interest about the effort
by Rev. William Randall and the Miller
some spring cleaning? Street Renewal project he is spearheading.
I am a 35 year resident of Orange
Park. I used to manage the Jiffy Store at
the railroad tracks on Kingsley. I am re-
“Yes. We’ve (already)
been power wash- lated by marriage to the Walker family. I
ing from the pollen was in a band once that used to rehearse
and cleaning the in the community behind Miller Street. My
yard from winter.”
grandson went to Grove Park Elementary
on Miller Street. So did Somer Thompson.
Susan Schultz, 60
Middleburg It seems there is money from a court
settlement available in Tallahassee set
aside specifically for renewal projects
around the state. Rev. Randall is trying to
Gue s t column get a share of this for Miller Street. Over
“I’m not looking
35 years, I have always wondered why no
forward to cleaning
one takes the time or makes the effort to
but I am looking
forward to (going to) help this community. Is it apathy or is it
The cupboard’s bare, time to shop
the beach.” simply ignorance it even exists?
I would like to propose we help our
neighbors by asking our newly elected
by Craig R. Seaton
Adrianna Mendez, 19 It’s a terrible time to start making plans. State Representative and State Senator,
Orange Park “Well honey, there’s simply no food left True, most folks don’t think about this un- Travis Cummings and Rob Bradley (who
at all. The fridge is empty and the cup- til they need our services; and there’s re- sits on the Appropriations Committee) to
board’s totally bare. I guess we need to go ally nothing wrong with that. We take care help this long suffering and ignored part
“We started last
grocery shopping today.” Or… of precious families every single day and of Orange Park. Grove Park Elementary
November but
“Excuse me sir, but would you be so provide caring and thoughtful service for could use the help, everyone in the neigh-
yes, I’m ready.
We’re planning kind as to give me a lift to the gas station? them. It’s what we do. borhood could. We cannot in all conscience
on removing You see, I never fill up my gas tank until But, there’s also nothing wrong with continue to plan for new projects within
and cleaning it’s completely drained and I just ran out waiting until your food or gasoline is de- the County until we have helped everyone
the shutters and
of gas. You will? Oh, thank you so much.” pleted to refill your supply—there’s just a who already lives here. A ‘hand up’, not a
pressure washing.”
Sounds pretty silly doesn’t it? Nobody better way. ‘hand out’ for the least of us…
Crystal Agnew, 36 purposely lets their food or gas supplies It’s the same in talking to a funeral
SEE BOATS, 5
Clay Hill totally dwindle. It just doesn’t make sense; professional about final arrangements. It’s
and, in the case of the second person, it okay to do so when the need arises (that’s
would be just plain ridiculous to drive our why we’re here)—there’s just a better way. Don’t allow the asphalt plant
“I’ve started on
my patio and cars until they ran out of gas before refill- There are many advantages to planning I am a property owner south of Green
straightening ing the tank. ahead—too many to list here. But, there’s Cove Springs on County Road 15A, I take
my plants and When’s the last time you forgot to pay really only one reason a perfectly healthy walks to enjoy the country atmosphere
(working on) your water bill until your relaxing hot person would do something “odd” or “mor- in between garbage trucks, and cement
the clutter in the shower suddenly became a wimpy trickle? bid” like making their own final plans in trucks and the milk trucks that transfer
house. If it’s nice We all have to plan our days, our weeks advance: the tanker milk from up north to the milk
weather I try to be and our lives so there’s food in the house, “I love my family.” processing plant that used to be operated
outside.” gas in the tank and we’re prepared for all “I don’t want my spouse, children or by the Gustafson family.
Vicki Sanchez, 55
sorts of things. other family member having to make these Now from there to the garbage pickup
Middleburg
In my profession, I see people most ev- arrangements on what will be a very dif- company is now zoned for Light Industrial
ery day who’ve either lost someone very ficult day. I love them enough to do this for – toy and watch factory type stuff – it is
dear to them, or have been “forced” to them now.” now being eyed by an out of state company
This Week
come and talk to us because of some heart- As irony would have it, I wrote this to put in a 92-acre asphalt plant. It will
wrenching news from their doctor. article during lunch. Five minutes after span south of Chason road on 15A to al-
in History
Aside from being a writer, in real life returning to the office, the phone rang. A most the garbage truck compound taking
I’m a professional funeral planner. I plan lady asked about cremation and how she the full width of the property over to 17
Week of February 14 everything exactly as would a funeral di- could make arrangements ahead of time. where the train overpass is to have a rail
2003: rector, only I help with plans before some- I briefly thought: Here’s a person who’s spur to unload the raw materials.
Clay County Commissioners held a one dies. thinking ahead. But I’d taken these calls While this sounds normally great to our
groundbreaking ceremony Feb. 11 for the Another family came in just yesterday. many times before. I knew from her sub- town to have new jobs come in – expected
construction of the new Fleming Island Li- His wife had just been placed under hos- dued tone of her voice what was coming to be five by the new company – this com-
brary. pice care and they told him it was time to next. pany will bring with it carcinogenic materi-
Clay High senior football players Luke “make some arrangements.” Her husband has suffered from a ter- als that will fill our air by the ton.
Lathan and Charles Clark made Blue Devil Now, as you sit there sipping your morn- minal illness for many years. The hospice Also, we will have 24X7 truck loading
history. The first players to sign with ACC ing coffee and reading this article you may nurse just told her that he will most likely and unloading, when the dust gets kicked
and SEC schools; Lathan signed on with say, “Well, yes. If someone’s been placed not live through the night. up into the air along with the heated (350
North Carolina State while Clark signed in hospice care it’s a good time to start to He didn’t. degrees) process in our air south of Green
with Ole Miss. make some plans for the inevitable.” *** Cove Springs and for a good portion of the
1993: And if I was sitting across the table I By day, Craig R. Seaton of Orange Park town itself will get the heavy tainted odor
OPHS soccer player Corey Givens would tell you with as much professional is a funeral professional, but in his spare of petroleum products.
tact as possible that you were absolutely… time, he is a freelance writer.
SEE HISTORY, 7 …wrong. SEE ASPHALT, 5
CLAYTODAYONLINE.COM COMMUNITY February 14, 2013 CLAY TODAY 5
Science Fair
their orating ability very impor- population projections in 2050
tant. You take age into account, when there will be an estimated
FROM PAGE 1
but being able to answer ques- nine billion people on the planet.
tions is where it counts.” Hoping to draw attention to this
to major in engineering at prestigious uni- Fourteen projects were cho- looming issue, Donaghy said that
versities such as the University of Florida sen to represent Clay County in food will most likely have to be
or Massachusetts Institute of Technology. the state science fair in April. grown using hydroponic green-
“I like science because I never get James Hilt and partners Nabila houses.
bored,” Andrew Zeolla said. “The weight Rahim and Kaetlynd Vance of “By 2050, the world will have
and stability of the change with larger fins Oakleaf High will move on to to produce more food than the
adding more drag and air friction.” compete in an international amount of food produced in the
Next year the team wants to study lots competition. last 10,000 years combined,”
of variations, including fin shape, number “We chose a topic that every- Donaghy said, an Oakleaf High
of fins, location of fins, body shape and one else shied away from,” said freshman who will graduate
rocket length. Klaybor suggested they com- Rahim, a 10th grader. “We boiled from high school with a certifica-
pare American and Russian rockets. the seeds of a black walnut tree tion in biotechnology. “Growing
The Clay County Science Fair included to contaminate the water. As it food using hydroponics, you can
550 students representing 486 projects boils, the pure water evaporates control [how] it flowers or when
on the Clay County Fair Grounds in Green leaving toxins behind. We saved it goes dormant. It all depends
Cove Springs. Students from sixth through this water for next year to test on the nutrients and hormones
12th grade were eligible to enter. All Clay whether or not it is an effective in distilled water.”
County junior and senior high schools were pesticide on weeds.” Other projects included ex-
represented, as well as home schoolers Vance, also a sophomore, periments to rid your dog photos
and private schools. More than 100 judges said that alleiochemicals in the of the dreaded ghost eye, mea-
from the military, six Clay County Rotary leaves, bark and seeds cause suring carbon monoxide levels of
Clubs and volunteers from Penney Farms other plants not grow. burning styrofoam and plastic,
helped judge 13 categories. Autumn Null, a Clay High the impact of music on the brain,
“I consider the reason for the project, freshman, studied the best pump and the association between
can the student explain it, did they take for hydroponic plant systems. smell and taste. Clay County
thorough notes?” said Rotarian Ralph Null found that the drip system students studied Lupus treat-
Kaetlynd Vance, left, and Nabila Rahim, Oakleaf High 10th graders,
Puckhaber, an IT professional. “I really find with a plant submerged in the ments, the difference between
are researching ways to create a natural pesticide using elements
tank works best to deliver aer- HTML and XHTML code for writ-
from walnut trees.
ated water to the plant. ing web pages, and the ability of
William Donaghy’s science Super Glue to hold 160 pounds
Boats ger of failing in a school district that prides project looks ahead at world of metal.
itself as the best in Northeast Florida. The
lives of the many senior citizens in the
FROM PAGE 4
neighborhood would improve. Crime in
Please call Orange Park Mayor Gary the neighborhood would decrease. Other
Meeks at 269-4036. Or Travis Cummings renewal projects around the country have
2013
at 278-5761. Or Rob Bradley at 278-2085. proven these efforts to be a positive impact
Please ask them to help us in this effort. on an entire city.
The benefits of renewing a historic part of I know you. I know the heart of Clay
town, some of which dates back over a hun- County. I know if you are aware, you will
dred years, far outweigh the actual cost. want to help in this effort. It is a long term
A sense of pride, self-esteem, a sense of project. It takes a lot of people. It takes
‘community’. money. It takes a caring heart.
Test scores at Grove Park Elementary Marty Conroy
would improve, a school, which is in dan- Orange Park
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6 CLAY TODAY • February 14, 2013 COMMUNITY CLAYTODAYONLINE.COM
Web-based TV series boosts Clay, Jacksonville film industry
By Sarah Wakefield ville’s production industry because we’re
Staff Writer trying to show outsiders an inside perspec-
JACKSONVILLE – Janine Anzalone is tive of what we have here.”
changing the rules of Hollywood. She be- A portion of the series was shot in Mid-
lieves that the future of entertainment is dleburg, Orange Park, Middleburg, Oakleaf
not television but in a growing culture of and Green Cove Springs. Anzalone’s father,
Web-based series on the Internet. Along Joe Anzalone helped fund and shoot the
with co-producing and writing the script, initial eight episode series.
she stars in a Web series called “Expo- “As a creative person I see Green Cove
sure.” Springs as a throw back in time,” Joe
“People are no longer subscribing to Anzalone said. “What a fabulous place to
satellite, or TV,” said Janine Anzalone who do a time piece with a lot of good cinematic
lives in Orange Park. “They’re watching character in the streets, and buildings.”
shows on the Internet or through Xbox, on Solomon said Clay County offers a large
droids or tablets.” variety of visual settings, which made film-
In her brain child “Exposure,” she plays ing easier and more affordable. Off-duty
struggling actress Natalie D’Angelo who Green Cove Springs police officers make
flees a controlling father in New York City a cameo during an arrest scene, making it
and moves to Northeast Florida. feel unscripted and completely natural.
SPECIAL TO CLAY TODAY
With little success as an actress in New JACKSONVILLE -- Local talent, tax incentives and a variety of settings offer an alternative for “We shot from the beach to Green Cove
York, Natalie chooses “Hollywood East,” a producers, directors and actors in the film industry. In “Exposure,” most of the actors are Springs and all settings brought their own
nickname synonymous with Jacksonville from the greater Jacksonville area. particular vibe,” Solomon said. “Not a lot
because of the booming silent film industry of cities can say that. Jacksonville is the
in the early 1900s. Natalie auditions for a made this story and the plot so real was the film industry. Intending to only stay in biggest small city you’ll ever live in.”
role in a Hollywood blockbuster movie be- the people forming the relationships. It’s Jacksonville for six months, she found a The series premiered in Jacksonville
ing filmed in Jacksonville and directed by about the journey of trying to achieve a large submarket of directors and actors, on Jan. 16 in front of a live crowd before
fictitious director Stephen Day played by goal that makes the theme relatable. The which is something “Exposure’s” director hitting the Web the following day. The
Jacksonville resident Kevin Porter. Natalie concept of fighting for what you want and Daniel Solomon knows about first hand. first season includes eight episodes and
is placed in a compromising situation with making it happen is relatable.” “There is so much talent from Atlanta is available in its entirety through http://
the director. The plot line stems from personal ex- to Miami and Jacksonville is at the center,” exposurewebseries.com. The “webisodes”
“The idea and concept wasn’t some- periences including a move from New said Solomon, who co-wrote and produced have viewers in 12 other countries includ-
thing that was going to blow people out Jersey to Jacksonville. What Anzalone did the first series. “We poke fun of Jackson-
SEE EXPOSURE, 19
of the water,” Anzalone said. “What really not expect was a large market of talent in
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CLAYTODAYONLINE.COM COMMUNITY February 14, 2013 CLAY TODAY 7
Military Briefs History
FROM PAGE 4
Troops return to Clay from
The eight-week program included train- Marine Corps Pvt. Norberto A. scored two goals and assisted on two oth-
Operation Enduring Freedom ing in discipline and studies, core values, Morales-Fabery is the son of Nora G. ers, all within the second half, as the Or-
physical fi tness, and basic warfare prin- Fabery of Fleming Island and is a 2012 ange Park High boys soccer team beat No.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Clay County troops ciples and skills. Each graduate earned graduate of Fleming Island High. 6 Class 3A Daytona Beach Seabreeze 4-1
are returning stateside after being de- four credits toward an associate degree in Orange Park.
ployed overseas in support of Operation in applied science through the Community Marine Corps Pvt. Julian M. K.
Enduring Freedom, the anti-terrorism mil- College of the Air Force. Schneider is the son of Lee A. Schnei- 1983:
itary operation involving U.S. troops and der of Orange Park and David Schneider, Ivonne Nation beat out Kelly Jackson in
other allied countries. U.S. troops serve Air Force of Jacksonville and is a 2009 graduate of the Grove Park Elementary Spelling Bee,
in South, Southwest and Central Asia, the Airman Gabriel K. Orange Park High. a competition of 20 students trying their
Arabian peninsula, the Horn of Africa, is- Connor is the son hand at spelling. The decisive word that
lands in the Pacifi c, and Europe. of Edward Connor Marine Corps Pvt. Zachary D. Rip- decided Nation’s victory was “helmet.”
of Orange Park and ple is the son of Christina L. Ripple of Clay County had ample representation
Army Spec. Jason J. Kimball is a a 2012 graduate of Orange Park and Robert S. Ripple, of Jack- in the Florida State Fair, with 15 partici-
truck driver assigned to the 4th Airborne Orange Park High sonville and is a 2011 graduate of Orange pants competing in the Livestock and Beef
Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Divi- School. Airman Connor Park High. categories. The clubs at the fair include the
sion at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Clay County 4-H Beef and Livestock Club,
Alaska. He has served in the military for Marine Corps Pvt. Rayvon R. the Cantelopers 4-H and the Silver Spurs
U.S. Marine Corps recruits
one year. While deployed, Kimball received Brown-Ledgister is the son of Michelle 4-H Clubs.
complete training
the Army Commendation Medal, the NATO A. and Lionel Dalton C. Ledgister of Orange
Service Medal, and the Combat Action PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. – The following local Park and is a 2012 graduate of Oakleaf 1963:
Badge. He is the son of Chris Kimball of residents recently graduated from recruit High. Clay County pushed for the widening of
Orange Park and a 2006 graduate of Or- training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, U.S. Highway 17 between the Duval County
ange Park High School. Parris Island, S.C. Marine Corps Pfc. Bryanna E. line and Green Cove Springs to becoming
During the 13-week program, recruits Difoico is the daughter of Kimberley and four lanes. Both citizens and offi cials re-
Connor graduates from underwent training that included the sub- Anthony Difoico of Green Cove Springs and quested the project
U.S. Air Force training jects of close-order drill, marksmanship, is a 2012 graduate of Clay High.
physical fi tness, martial arts, swimming,
SAN ANTONIO – A Clay County resident military history, customs and courtesies.
recently graduated from basic training at At graduation, recruits are presented the
Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Marine Corps emblem and called Marines
Texas. for the fi rst time.
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8 CLAY TODAY • February 14, 2013 COMMUNITY CLAYTODAYONLINE.COM
your pruning work is done, clean up all lit-
Roses
ter and fertilize with a rose formula per
manufacturers’ directions.
FROM PAGE 2
Often it’s hard for rose lovers to be
ers coming from the base. tough enough on pruning – so hard to cut
Step two is where you cut any branches back all that beauty. Never fear, your roses
growing into the center of the plant. This will thank you for their spring trim. They
will improve light and air circulation, help- will grow quickly and with better form and
ing to prevent fungal problems as plants health.
get new spring growth. For step three, look If your Valentine’s Day plans prevent
for any crossing branches and remove the you from getting out today, make sure
weaker one. These branches will rub as to get your pruning done in the next two
they grow and may injure the plant, provid- weeks. Otherwise, Valentine’s Day can be
ing an unwanted point of access for bugs a great excuse to get that pruning done –
and disease. a little tough love in the garden can help
Finally, take a step back and eye the brighten the day of love indoors.
form of your plant after the first three Make your pruning work double duty
steps. For step four, you’ll prune to shape and fill the house with bouquets for your
and control the desired height and spread sweetheart. Take some plastic pitchers or
of your plant. Miniature roses need little other non-breakable containers out with
pruning after the first three steps are tak- you to collect nicer blooms as you work.
en care of. Add a little water in the bottom of your
If you’re tackling the more difficult containers to keep flowers from wilting
‘Florist’ (longstem) types of roses such as or drying, keep them in the shade, and
hybrid teas, grandifloras, and floribundas, be careful not to crowd as you go. When Cruising for the library SPECIAL TO CLAY TODAY
you’ll want to prune back hard to keep your pruning is done, use those blooms to
plants from getting leggy and losing vigor. brighten up your Valentine’s day. GREEN COVE SPRINGS – For three weekends in January, guests flocked to the city pier in
Leave four to eight canes that are thicker Want someone to answer a specific Green Cove Springs to cruise the St. Johns River on the Annabelle Lee riverboat. The result
of the sold out cruises held Jan. 19, 26 and 27 was a $1,200 check presented to the
than your finger, and shorten them to be- plant question for you? Go online to http://
Friends of the Green Cove Springs Library. David Potts – at left here presenting the check to
tween 12 and 24 inches. Other types of clay.ifas.ufl.edu and under the heading
library branch manager Jennifer Parker – owner of Jacksonville River Cruises, gave reduced
roses can be pruned to keep the height and “Horticulture” (left hand side of page) left
fares on the introductory cruises and agreed to donate half of the proceeds to the nonprofit
spread you want in the landscape. click on “Ask a Master Gardener” and a
group that provides funding for special projects at the Green Cove Springs library. Friends
You can cut them as far back as 24 to reply will be sent plus a hyperlink to the of the Library President Sandy Dunnavant, at right, said the donation will help fund summer
36 inches high if desired, as long as no appropriate University of Florida Fact library activities for youth. The Annabelle Lee will be home ported in Green Cove Springs
more than 1/3 of their growth is removed. Sheets. Please send us a digital picture this spring following routine repairs.
If you want to, pait the cut end of larger of the problem. To read past articles that
canes with Elmers or wood glue to help might help you with seasonal problems and
keep cane borers out of your roses. Once to learn about upcoming Extension Pro- Fair scholarships application deadline coming
gramming in our area go to our website at
UF/IFAS Clay County Extension. GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The deadline claycountyfair.org , the fair office, or the
for applying for the Clay County Fair As- guidance office at the local high schools.
sociation annual $1,000 scholarship pro- Since the scholarship’s inception, the
® gram is Feb. 22. Fair Association has awarded more than
ClayElectricCooperative,Inc.
The scholarship is open to students $122,000 in scholarships to Clay students.
who are graduating in the Class of 2013 Completed applications must be re-
Competitiverates,non-profit,
from any Clay County high school or home- ceived at the Clay County Fair Association
righthereinyourcommunity.
school group. Students must be actively office by February 22, 2013.
Keystone•[phone] involved in 4-H Club, FFA, FCCLA or Police For additional information, contact the
Explorers to be eligible. fair office at [phone].
OrangePark•[phone]
Details are available online at www.
clayelectric.com
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CLAYTODAYONLINE.COM COMMUNITY February 14, 2013 CLAY TODAY 9
Community Briefs
issued to drivers. was elected in March 2012 after Council Member Gavin
Drivers who have been deemed to have run the lights Rollins resigned to enter full-time military service with
will receive a citation for $158 in the mail. the Florida National Guard where he served as a second
Drivers who run the lights in those three intersections lieutenant.
will begin receiving written warnings in mid-March. The Retired Clay Electric staffer Marion Kelly will serve
warning period will run for 30 days, “so the expectation of as the new Seat Two city council member as Sam Abra-
enforcing violations will begin mid-April,” said Town Man- hamsen chose not to run for re-election. Abrahamsen had
ager Cindy Hall. served one, three-year term on the council.
Suggs said Wilson and Kelly will be sworn in prior to
Shands Bridge boat ramp closed for renovation the council’s April meeting on April 1.
GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The Shands Bridge boat ramp The city’s next election will be in 2014 when the may-
in Clay County will be closed from Feb. 25 through March or’s seat and two other city council seats will be up for a
22 for renovation, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife vote.
Conservation Commission offi cials.
Orange Park Town Council elections
Orange Park intersections get The boat ramp is off State Road 16 in Green Cove
also cancelled
traffi c cameras Springs.
“We are planning on constructing a new boat ramp,” ORANGE PARK – The previously scheduled March 12 elec-
ORANGE PARK – Drivers heading through three intersec- said Tim Gilley, construction projects consultant with the tion for Orange Park Town Council has been cancelled.
tions in Orange Park will have to get prepared for a new FWC. “This will provide improved access for boaters rec- As of noon Feb. 11, the last day of
set of eyes on their vehicles. reating in the St. Johns River.” election qualifying, only three candi-
American Traffi c Solutions wrapped up the installation For more information, call the Lake City regional FWC dates qualifi ed to run for Town Coun-
of red light cameras at the intersections of Kinglsey and offi ce at [phone]. cil and they were all incumbents.
Park Avenues, Kingsley and Debarry Avenues, as well as Seat Two incumbent council
No City Council election for Keystone Heights
Park and Loring Avenues in the town limits. ATS crews are member Marge Hutton, Seat Four in-
now in the testing phase of the installation. KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – The planned March 5 City Council cumbent coun-
Town Council members voted last fall to install the election in Keystone Heights has been cancelled. cil member
cameras as a measure to bring in more funding to city cof- The two seats that were up for election this year – Seat Jim Renninger Marge Hutton
fers. The red light cameras, approved on a 3-2 vote at the One and Seat Two – had only one candidate each qualify and Seat Five
Sept. 18 Town Council meeting, are projected to bring in from Jan. 1 through noon Feb. 5, the last day to qualify. incumbent council member Gary
$241,000 per budget year. When that happens, said City Manager Terry Suggs, the Meeks qualifi ed to run for re-elec-
The cameras, similar to ones already in use in Green election is called off. tion. Since neither candidate had
Cove Springs, take photos of drivers who have ran a red Seat One incumbent, City Council member Brian Wil- opposition, the town election is
light. Each photo will be reviewed before traffi c tickets are son, had no one challenge him for his position. Wilson
Jim Renninger SEE BRIEFS, 12
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10 CLAY TODAY • February 14, 2013 COMMUNITY CLAYTODAYONLINE.COM
Charge by Phone
904-276-6750
www.THcenter.org
thca cabaret
Scott Coulter:
The Fella Sings Ella
Fri., Feb. 15
& Sat., Feb. 16 - 8 p.m.
Cabaret Theatre is sponsored by
Donald W. and Phyllis S. Vancas
PHOTO BY STEPHEN KINDLAND
ORANGE PARK – Russian native Alexander Peretyagin, right, was named 2012 Student of
the Year by the Clay County Literacy Coalition. Peretyagin was presented the honor at the
Coalition’s annual awards dinner by Coalition President Lisa Leiby, left. He was tutored by
Russian National Virginia Hash, center, former CCLC president.
Ballet Theatre
Literacy Coalition helps adult students
SLEEPING BEAUTY
Feb. 23 - 7:30 p.m.
gain confidence through reading, more
By Stephen Kindland
eracy Coalition president Lisa Leiby said
Correspondent
during the coalition’s 13th annual awards
ORANGE PARK – Personal success stories banquet, held recently at St. Catherine’s
of hundreds of Clay County adults who Catholic Church. “I commend all of those
have learned to read and write in English tutors and volunteers who make time in
are the “heart and soul” of an all-volunteer their lives to assist people to learn the
group’s mission to improve the quality of English language. Tutors and volunteers
life for anyone who signs up for free tutor- are the backbone of CCLC, and your dedi-
ing. cation to improve literacy in Clay County is
“I honor all of those students for having most appreciated.”
the bravery to take the first step to free- More than 113 volunteers donated
dom and independence,” Clay County Lit-
SEE LITERACY, 11
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Classic Albums Live: of Habitat for Humanity Homes in Clay County.
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