Law enforcement concerned missing man may have fallen into St. Johns River

Thursday, January 31st, 2013, 6:33pm

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. -- Several law enforcement agencies are searching for a missing man who has not been seen since Monday.

John H. Butler Jr., 69, lives on a boat that is docked at Pier 12 at the Green Cove Marina and law enforcement is concerned that Butler may have fallen into the St. Johns River, according to a release from Clay County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Mary Justino.

Marina employees told officers they thought it was unusual that they had not seen Butler since Monday and called the Green Cove Springs Police Department to report Butler missing.

Employees at a golf course restaurant on State Road 16 said they last saw Butler on Monday. Police searched Butler's boat and said there's no foul play suspected in his disappearance.

The CCSO dive team, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and the U.S. Coast Guard are all assisting the GCSPD in searching for Butler.

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Wedding fee waived for V-Day in Clay

Submitted by FirstCoastNews Web Staff

Thursday, January 24th, 2013, 3:58pm

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. -- Love is in the air and wedding bells will be ringing all over town this Valentine's Day. The Clerk of Court for Clay County, Tara S. Green, announced the First Coast Annual Clay County Valentine's Day Wedding Ceremony.

The first 20 people to register for the event will have their ceremony paid for along with music, cake, flowers and photos of the ceremony. However, couples will be required to pay for the standard marriage license requirements and fees. A normal wedding ceremony fee is $30.

The Clerk of the Circuit Court, the City of Green Cove Springs, Park Avenue Florist, and School District of Clay County are coming together to make this special day happen for 20 couples. The free Valentine's Day weddings will be at 11 a.m. at Spring Park. Registration will go through Feb. 8 or until all of the spaces are filled.

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Mobile service businesses in Clay County could face restrictions

Submitted by FirstCoastNews Web Staff

Wednesday, January 23rd, 2013, 12:10am

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. -- A new proposal to regulate mobile service businesses in Clay County, like the mobile vet clinic Cheap Shots, is causing concern among pet owners who rely on the services.

"I had to give up my primary veterinarian because I could no longer afford it, it was budgeting out my medical expenses and food for my animals, which I will never give up," said Julia O'Sullivan, a Clay County resident.

O'Sullivan is a widow and has four dogs which she considered her family. She says when she switched to Cheap Shots she saved about a $100 per visit. The mobile clinic doesn't charge for the visit, only the services, which is the main reason why many senior citizens like Joyce Motley chose to leave their vets.

"They cost $58 just to see the vet. I don't have that kind of money," said Motley.

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Who is the First Coast's top football recruit in the class of 2014?

Submitted by Chad Cushnir, First Coast News sports photojournalist

Sunday, January 20th, 2013, 6:56pm

2013 was a banner year for recruiting here on the First Coast. There were 7 players in the ESPNU 150 that played high school football in our area including Yulee's Derrick Henry, Columbia's Laremy Tunsil, and Sandalwood's Demarcus Walker.

As spring football practice begins, we want to know you think the top local football recruit in the class of 2014 is.

Cast your votes in the poll question below. The winner will receive a plaque, some TV coverage, and maybe even the chance to have his team's spring football game featured in a First Coast News Game of the Week.

Voting ends on Sunday, May 12th at 11 PM.

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FHP investigating Clay County school bus crash

Submitted by Jessika Lewis, Assignment Editor

Friday, January 11th, 2013, 5:09pm

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. -- The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash involving a Clay County school bus.

According to the FHP traffic crash website, the incident happened at the intersection of Russell Road and County Road 315B shortly after 2 p.m.

FHP's site shows that the crash caused some traffic delays, but Capt. Bernita Bush with Clay County Fire and Rescue said no one was hurt.

It's unclear what led to the crash, and First Coast News is waiting to hear back from Clay County Schools to find out if there were any children on the bus at the time of the incident.

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Deputies arrest two men after police chase

Submitted by Greg L'Etoile-Lopes on Wednesday, January 2nd, 7:53 am

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. -- A high-speed chance that began in Orange Park ended in Green Cove Springs Monday night with two arrested, according to the Clay County Sheriff's.

When deputies tried to talk to Devon Proctor, who was driving, about an equipment violation he sped off, according to Lt. Coldiron with CCSO.

Proctor tried to run his vehicle into an officer's police cruiser, Coldiron said. Then he jumped out of the vehicle and ran off.

Coldiron said deputies arrested Proctor and Theodore Brown at the end of the chase.

Brown was arrested and charged with resisting arrest, according to CCSO.

Four occupants were in the vehicle during the chase, the other two were released.

Proctor had two outstanding warrants out of Clay County and one outstanding warrant in Baker County.

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A New Year means new laws for Florida drivers

Submitted by FirstCoastNews Web Staff

Tuesday, January 1st, 2013, 7:13pm

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.- It is a new year in the Sunshine State and on Florida's roadways there are some new laws in effect.

To start, say you want to flash your headlights to warn other drivers about nearby police.

"Just to alert," said Kim Rolfe, of Jacksonville. "It's just a courtesy to let other driver's know 'Hey, you're about to pass a cop.'"

Before the new year, that was illegal in Florida.

"I did not know that that was illegal!" Rolfe shouted with a laugh. "I thought I was just doing something nice for my fellow drivers!"

As of January 1, 2013, it's now legal, after the state legislature cleared up the law.

"So, it could be a good law to aide in safety," William Lee, of St. Augustine, said Tuesday morning. "So, I think it's good."

If you're ever in an accident, there's another law you should know about. It's about the personal injury protection (PIP) portion of your Florida policy.

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