Baker, Clay to host National Night Out events

Monday, June 17th, 2013, 2:03pm

Northeast Florida -- Baker and Clay counties have announced that they have begun planning for "America's Night out Against Crime."

The events are part of the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the development and promotion of various crime prevention programs, which culminates annually on the first Tuesday of August.

National Night Out was first introduced in 1984 and began as an effort to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

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Safe boating tips class being held in July

Submitted by FirstCoastNews Web Staff

Tuesday, June 11th, 2013, 2:17pm

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. -- Summertime is near and that usually means time for more fun in the sun, including boating.

To keep boaters safely on course, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 14-5 is offering a free safe boating course on July 27 at the Reynolds Industrial Center.

The class gives boaters an opportunity to earn their Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card, which is mandatory for boaters born after Jan. 1, 1988.

General boating safety, including tips to stay cool and hydrated, as well as alternatives to consuming alcohol, will be included in the class.

Reservations are required, as seats in the class are limited. To reserve a spot, email flotilla14-5@gmail.com or call Wayne Beard at (386) 698-2353.

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Attempted murder charge in neighbor shooting

Submitted by FirstCoastNews Web Staff

Monday, June 10th, 2013, 2:35pm

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. -- A man who allegedly shot his neighbor on Friday has been charged with felony attempted murder.

Aaron F. Weaver, 21, reportedly shot Jeremy
Johnson, 45, in the shoulder in the 3300 block of Citation Drive in Asbury Downs,
according to Clay County Sheriff's Office Public Information Coordinator
Mary Justino.

When responding to the area on Friday, dispatch advised police that Weaver had shot someone with a rifle, according to a CCSO arrest report. When police arrived at the neighborhood, they found Weaver backing a vehicle into a driveway.

Weaver was then ordered by police "to put his hands in the air and get on the ground, which he did."

When searching his person, police found two .22 caliber bullets in his front pocket.

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Police investigate Green Cove Springs shooting

Submitted by FirstCoastNews Web Staff

Friday, June 7th, 2013, 5:51pm

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. -- A man is in police custody as an alleged suspect in the Friday afternoon shooting that left one man injured.

Aaron F. Weaver, 21, is set to be questioned in the shooting of Jeremy Johnson, 45, in the 3300 block of Citation Drive in Asbury Downs, according to Clay County Sheriff's Office Public Information Coordinator Mary Justino.

Johnson told police he was in his back yard when he was shot in the shoulder. He was treated and released from Orange Park Medical Center.

Weaver is set to be questioned by detectives after he is checked by medical personnel, Justino said. A search warrant will also be obtained for Weaver's grandmother's home, where he lives.

Earlier Friday, CCSO received reports of a man acting strange and possibly carrying a gun in Asbury Downs. It is not yet known if the man was Weaver.

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Clay County Emergency Management updates on Andrea

Submitted by FirstCoastNews Web Staff

Thursday, June 6th, 2013, 5:18pm

CLAY COUNTY, Fla.-Emergency Management Officials are watching progress of Tropical Storm Andrea as it crosses Florida today and will closely monitor conditions throughout the evening.

Emergency Operations Center is currently at Level 3 activation and will continue communication with state and local agencies.

Clay County is currently under the following cautions:
• Tropical Storm Warning
• Tornado Watch
• Flood Watch

Isolated flooding in low-lying areas may occur from the anticipated rainfall, and residents are urged to remain aware of conditions and take protective actions as needed.

All residents are advised to take this opportunity to prepare for what might become an active storm season. Preparations include:
• 3 days' supply of water, food, personal needs items and medications
• Collection of important documents if evacuations become necessary
• Family emergency plan

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Possible Clay County traffic delays Friday

Submitted by FirstCoastNews Web Staff

Friday, May 24th, 2013, 6:45am

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. -- During your commute Friday expect delays as historical NASA items travel to Wings of Dreams Aviation Museum at the Keystone Heights Airport.

The various historic pieces of equipment from the shuttle program will begin traveling through the area at 9 a.m. It will take a few hours for the items to make its to the final destination.

According to a Clay County Sheriff's Office press release, the roads to expect delays include Highway 17, south of Green Cove Springs, going northbound to County Road 220 in Fleming Island. Then west on CR 220 to College Drive and to Blanding Boulevard in Orange Park. Then Blanding Boulevard South through Middleburg to SR 100 West in Keystone Heights.

The equipment will move at 15 to 25 miles-per-hour and the Clay County Sheriff's Office Traffic Unit deputies are escorting the equipment the entire way.

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Green Cove Springs crash snarls traffic on SR 16

Submitted by FirstCoastNews Web Staff

Friday, May 17th, 2013, 8:50am

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. -- A crash Friday morning closed one eastbound lane of State Road 16 near the Shands Bridge in Green Cove Springs.

According to Florida Highway Patrol Trooper M. Donaldson, a black Volvo heading west on SR 16 crossed center line and hit a box truck heading east, sending it down a grassy hill on the shoulder.

A convoy of National Guard members who were in traffic and saw the accident, stopped at the scene and put out a fire before officials arrived.

FHP and the Clay County Sheriff's Office also responded to the crash.

Both drivers suffered minor injuries, which Donaldson said is a shock based on damage to the vehicles involved.

Donaldson also added the area is a problem, as three road side memorials are visible at the scene of the crash.

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