Middleburg Community News

Clay County boy killed in tragic accident

FirstCoastNews Web Staff — Friday, May 17th, 11:30 pm

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. -- A 4-year-old in Clay County died Thursday in a tragic accident. According to a report from the Clay County Sheriff's Office, Lucas Colley was sitting on an electric reclining chair and using a control system to raise and lower it. Then his mother and a family friend heard him scream. They ran into the room and found the...

Sudden death cancels cruise and possible refund

Ken Amaro — Monday, May 13th, 8:25 pm

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS, Fla. -- Carnival Cruise Lines has seen its share of problems this year, but that did not stop Frances Prince and Mollie McCall from booking a seven day cruise. "She wouldn't go without me and I wouldn't go without her," said Prince. But on May 9 Herb Green, McCall's fiance', was killed in an accident on State Road 16 near Starke. Prince is still trying to cope with the...

Marching to find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis

FirstCoastNews Web Staff — Sunday, May 12th, 10:34 am

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Friends and family of Melissa Boyett marched in her honor to find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis. Melissa passed away on April 23, but lived a life full of joy and experienced more than most people ever will in her short 23 years. Team "Marching for Melissa" met Saturday at the Orange Park Kennel Club. They walked to raise funds for Cystic Fibrosis research. You can...

Board Chairman: Superintendent told us not to talk to staff

Mike Lyons — Thursday, May 9th, 7:53 pm

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. -- The combative relationship between the Superintendent of Clay County School and the School Board has reached a new level. A new directive laid out by Superintendent Charlie Van Zant has many upset. Clay County school superintendent Charlie Van Zant and the school board have been at odds over several issues since Van Zant's election in the fall. So much so the Chamber of...

Clay County floods recede, clean up begins

FirstCoastNews Web Staff — Monday, May 6th, 7:59 pm

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. -- The waters have receded in Clay County, but now, the clean up begins. Ed Lewis lives on the south fork of Black Creek. After three days of rain, the creek flooded and dumped three feet of water into his garage despite his home being 200 feet from the creek. "When you live on the creek, you have to put up with it," said Lewis. Lewis brought in a dehumidifier and began...

Clay County remains under state of emergency

FirstCoastNews Web Staff — Sunday, May 5th, 11:22 pm

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. -- Clay County is still under a declared Local State of Emergency. Clay County Emergency Management (CCEM) extended the declaration as a result of continued flooding of homes and roadways in the county. Damage assessment teams will conduct check homes in affected areas beginning Monday morning. Residents are encouraged to contact the Emergency Management...

Clay County EMA says Black Creek flood waters receding

FirstCoastNews Web Staff — Saturday, May 4th, 10:36 pm

MIDDLEBURG, Fla -- Clay County remains in a local state of emergency as a result of continued flooding of homes and roadways, but emergency personnel say the flood waters are receding. "You're just in awe. You've seen it once, you've seen it 100 times, but even 100 times you're like wow," says Middleburg resident Rhiannon Harloff. Over 24 homes have been affected, over half a dozen...

Black Creek floods yet again, homeowners concerned

Mike Lyons — Saturday, May 4th, 4:53 pm

MIDDLEBURG, Fla. -- The recent storms and rains have caused Black Creek to overflow and reach flood stage. The creek continued to rise on Saturday. In some cases the water has reached inside several homes and threatened others. Flood stage along Black Creek is 16-feet, and Saturday morning it was over 18-feet. Some of the docks are completely underwater, but unfortunately for...

Black Creek rising waters

FirstCoastNews Web Staff — Saturday, May 4th, 1:25 pm

MIDDLEBURG, Fla. -- Residents living on Black Creek in Clay County are getting more concerned each hour the rain continues.

Black Creek resident to ride out flooding

FirstCoastNews Web Staff — Saturday, May 4th, 12:18 am

MIDDLEBURG, Fla. -- Colin Barton's creekside property has turned into lakefront property. His stepping stones are now three feet under water and his patio set is floating in water after two days worth of rain. "I thought about putting sandbags and things like that but as fast as the water moves, I didn't see the point." RELATED: Friday road closures, conditions and incidents Instead, Barton...