16 hours ago0Green Cove SpringsNo comments yet TV Listings Email Newsletters RSS Feeds Contests and Rules Contact Us Careers at WJXT / WCWJ Closed Captioning / Audio Description WJXT Public File WJXT EEO Report WCWJ Public File WCWJ EEO Report Terms of Use Privacy Policy Do Not Sell My Info FCC Applications Copyright © 2025 News4JAX.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group I recently tried to track down the first story I wrote about Green Cove Springs in The Florida Times-Union Neither the Times-Union's electronic archives I have covered Green Cove Springs to varying degrees for decades It was one of my beats when I was transferred from the Jacksonville newsroom in the early 1990s to the County Line and when I worked for its successor publications Some of the stories I have written the last several years covering Northeast Florida nonprofits social services and animal welfare also have involved Green Cove Springs The latest is today's front page about the city's 150th anniversary and where it's been and where it's going Writing about the town and its people ― and watching a few decades of its evolution ― has mostly been a joy I spent hours in City Council, Clay County Commission and all sorts of other meetings. Every Christmas season, I walked up and down the Christmas parade route and throughout Spring Park's Parade of Trees taking photos I meandered through that riverside park and along the city pier whenever I had the chance I watched the old Qui-Si-Sana Hotel be demolished and replaced by the gorgeous new City Hall I spent hours talking with all sorts of people about all sorts of things Green Cove Springs taught me how to be a better reporter But when the time came to write about this momentous anniversary Maybe I was overwhelmed by writing about 150 years of history Maybe I was so invested in the place because of all the time I spent there that I was petrified that I would be unable to do it justice thanks in part due to city public information officer Heather Fincher who has the patience of a saint and somehow managed to find answers to my many questions elected officials and other people who played a role in Green Cove Springs not only surviving 150 years but thriving and keeping hold of its small-town charm Green Cove Springs is now a bustling city of 10,000 on the banks of the St Johns River known for its small-town charm Johns River and the warm waters of a mineral spring But those natural resources attracted attention ― and the people who would build a community 1816: The first development was initiated by George Clarke who received a Spanish land grant to build a sawmill for timber harvesting 1850s: Magnolia Springs Hotel opens on the other side of Governor's Creek from what would later become Green Cove Springs 1854: David Palmer and Sarah Ferris began the first residential development of what was then called White Sulfur Springs 1866: White Sulfur Springs was renamed Green Cove Springs opens and launches the city's era as a tourist destination 1871: Green Cove Springs replaced Middleburg as the Clay County seat 1874: Green Cove Springs officially incorporated 1878: St. Mary's Episcopal Church organized on St 1883: The Village Improvement Association founded by local women seeking to beautify the city with Northern millionaires popularizing the city as a tourist destination and its spring as a source of healing properties 1894-95: The so-called "Great Freeze" destroyed the area's citrus crop 1908: Gustafson's Farm family dairy operation begins 1930s: Green Cove Springs receives post-Depression funding from the Works Progress Administration for construction of a new high school recreational building and other community improvement projects 1940: Benjamin Lee Field naval flight training facility opens on south side of the city 1946: Lee Field hosts "mothball fleet" of decommissioned World War II ships McNamara announced Lee Field would be decommissioned; the city later purchased property 1965: City sold base property to J. Louis Reynolds, who developed Reynolds Industrial Park 1960s and '70s: City known as "Little "Detroit" after the marketing gimmick used by the multiple automobile dealerships along U.S 1986: Jerry Williams becomes city's first female mayor 1991: Green Cove Springs Historic District listed on National Register of Historic Places which was built in 1906 on the site of the burned-down Clarendon Hotel was demolished to make way for new Green Cove Springs City Hall 2009: Felecia Hampshire became the city's first African-American female mayor 2017: Historic city pool reopened after reconstruction 2021: Augusta Savage Museum and Mentoring Center opened at the old Dunbar High School as a multi-purpose center for arts Dunbar was built in the 1940s as the area's only Black high school and the campus had been the family homestead of renowned Black sculptor Savage The city plans to add an interactive museum to showcase Savage's life and work and feature a rotating display of other artists 2020: Improvements completed at popular downtown destination Spring Park including upgrades of boardwalk and river overlook, renovating spring-run pedestrian bridge and upgrading playground equipment 2024: First phase completed of Walnut Street downtown business district redevelopment slowly turning object hovered high above Green Cove Springs on Saturday afternoon The morphing, black object was high above just west of U.S It made no noise and was at least a few hundred feet off the ground At times the shape was like a spacecraft while it also looked like a turtle shell a ball inside with white outline that almost looked like a mouth and teeth Naval Air Station Jacksonville (NAS Jax) announced recently that it would be conducting training exercises beginning Saturday The facility is about 15 miles north of where the object was floating above Green Cove Springs Electric Worried about UFOs? List ranks states most likely to survive alien attack. How did Florida do? NAS Jax advised nearby residents that there would be an "increase in aircraft activity and noise." However the object hovering above Green Cove made no noise that could be heard from the ground GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The City of Green Cove Springs said it is considering an electric rate hike of 14 percent it had been almost nine years since the city had an electric rate hike The rates were raised in January 2024 and October 2024 the city had roughly $10 million in reserve funds That lasted through the pandemic and massive inflation earlier this decade and the reserve fund is down to around $3 million “Other things we look at is operating costs They continue to increase just like the cost of running your household has increased just like the cost of running your utility we need to collect rates sufficient to run the utility so we can keep the lights on,” said Assistant City Manager Mike Null RELATED | Customers will start seeing higher bills next week after JEA board approves rate increases The 14% increase, if passed in its proposed form, would be around 14 percent, and it would take effect in June. City officials said they would send out mailers with full details to every electric customer in Green Cove Springs in the coming days. Then they’ll hold city council meetings in May and are inviting the public to come speak at them. Copyright 2025 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved. Scott is a multi-Emmy Award Winning Anchor and Reporter, who also hosts the “Going Ringside With The Local Station” Podcast. Scott has been a journalist for 25 years, covering stories including six presidential elections, multiple space shuttle launches and dozens of high-profile murder trials. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines 1 day ago0Green Cove SpringsNo comments yet One of the best things about small towns is that Nothing is very far apart and once you arrive Drop your car at Spring Park and you could go fishing Green Cove Springs is the Clay County seat jail and county administration building dominate the town’s skyline But it’s not the Green Cove Springs it was just a decade or so ago when aging car dealerships and decaying hotels lined U.S The dealerships all moved to new digs north of town allowing for redevelopment along the highway Johns River crossing to replace the Shands Bridge underway and developments popping up all around town Green Cove Springs is likely to go through another such change in the next decade or so Spring Park is best known for the natural spring that gives the park and the town its name Water from the spring feeds an adjacent public swimming pool and kids’ splash pad as well as a crystal-clear stream that runs a few hundred yards into the St The tree-lined park also features a large playground shuffleboard courts and a public pier on the St Does Green Cove Springs have a military history? It sure does. Reynolds Industrial Park, on both sides of SR16 near the Shands Bridge, used to be Lee Naval Air Station, later NAS Green Cove Springs, and once housed nearly 600 "mothballed" U.S. warships. The Military Museum of North Florida is in a Quonset hut along the road with the 100-ton LARC LX military transport vehicle disembarking a 2 ½-ton 6-by-6 truck out front The museum chronicles the region’s ties to military history the Civil War and every engagement that was either fought locally or in which locals fought and brought back artifacts A figure dressed in prison garb hangs from a rear window Nine-time Olympic gold medal swimmer Caeleb Dressel is from Green Cove Springs who pitched one game for the Phillies in 1933 Vintage Times-Union: Pioneering sculptor Augusta Savage grew up in Green Cove Springs Augusta Savage: Sculpture garden named for sculptor Augusta Savage dedicated at Douglas Anderson If you have ever white-knuckled your way across the two-lane Shands Bridge during a thunderstorm, you too will be thankful that a replacement is on the way. The new First Coast Expressway, which links I-10 and I-95, will pass just south of Green Cove Springs and will cross the St. Johns River on a new four-lane bridge same as the Buckman Bridge and 20 feet higher than the current span The $595 million project is slated to open in 2030 New highway: First Coast Expressway construction underway in Clay County Strictly speaking, no, but it has a Green Cove Springs mailing address. The fairgrounds are on SR16, between Green Cove Springs and Penney Farms. The fairgrounds is the site for the Northeast Florida Scottish Highland Games and the Clay County Fair every spring The former Girl Scout camp on the banks of Black Creek is actually a mile or two north of Green Cove Springs. It’s now a county park, with a pool Vintage Times-Union: At iconic summer camps, it was 'almost a ritual, to go in these woods' Can I still visit the Hell House? The shack in the woods where Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Lynyrd Skynyrd wrote and rehearsed songs for their first two albums is long-since demolished. There’s a housing development there now, but a non-profit group purchased the lot where Hell House stood and erected a historic marker, which has reportedly gone missing Skynyrd fans might also want to visit Ronnie Van Zant Memorial Park a fishing pond and a 36-hold disc golf course Lynyrd Skynyrd: Skynyrd's Jacksonville roots Green Cove Springs In the early days, cows and pigs freely roamed the streets. Then came the "Saratoga of the South" tourist era in the late 1880s the military boom from the mid- to late-1930s through World War II and the "Little Detroit" identity in the 1960s and '70s when the Clay County seat was known for its many car dealerships as long as the city of 10,000 or so residents on the St "Green Cove Springs is a special place and, as Clay County has experienced rapid growth, I’vefelt a strong responsibility to ensure our city grows in a way that preserves its unique charm andcharacter," Mayor Steven Kelley said historic cities to lose their identity during periods of intense development." By 1900, Green Cove Springs had 17 hotels, including Magnolia Springs, which was built in the 1850s before the city was even a city. Local EcoHeritage guide Art Yeaman said it was "the absolute first resort in the state of Florida." That first golden era ended as the advent of Florida railroads allowed such tourists to head further south to Palm Beach and Miami "That hotel era came and went," Bowles said Yeaman attributed the decline to changing consumer attitudes Green Cove Springs kept evolving, with local women at the forefront. The Village Improvement Association founded in 1883 as the first federated women's club of Florida started off with a beautification mission — including getting all those cows and pigs off city streets But the group also started the community's first kindergarten and first library Much of its projects were funded by tea parties "After they got everything cleaned up and pretty like they wanted it they moved onto more service projects," she said Then came the military. Established in 1940, Lee Naval Air Station trained thousands of Navy and Marine Corps pilots at one time and was later home to the Navy's so-called World War II mothball fleet the city purchased the property and later sold it to the J having long since lost its Saratoga connection The moniker was a marketing gimmick for the many auto dealerships along U.S "The car dealers … banded together and decided they would call themselves 'Little Detroit' and increase automobile sales here in Green Cove Springs as opposed to [buyers] going to Jacksonville and buying a car," Bowles said "That effort was very successful through the '70s." Soul Food Festival and monthly Food Truck Fridays First priority for city leaders is encouraging — but carefully managing — growth The key tools are zoning and land use regulations which are the "most impactful method to manage the growth that is coming our way," he said "Land use and zoning control where buildings and development can occur," Kennedy said "By setting rules about what can be built and the amount of construction allowed in an area you safeguard neighborhoods and preserve protected areas This helps to maintain the small-town charm." That's just as important to relative newcomer Kennedy as it is to leaders whose families have been in the city for generations "My wife and I were looking to retire in this part of the state and this opportunity came available when we were looking to relocate," he said "It was a God thing that has resulted in a great gig here with the city his family has been in Green Cove Springs since the 1950s He left town for college but returned after graduation to exercise his entrepreneurial skills it wasn’t uncommon for young people who left Green Cove Springs for school or professional opportunities to settle elsewhere While the city has always been rich in history and boasts a beautiful location on the St it didn’t offer the jobs or opportunities that could draw young people back to raise their families That dynamic is changing and it’s exciting to see how the city has evolved." "We just grew to love the community and the history," he said "The more families that we met here that have been here for generations the more our passion grew .. Establishing the zoning and land use regulations that control growth can be "boring and tedious groundwork," he said showcases our culture and history," he said But Green Cove Springs will only have what Kennedy called "limited direct control" over two massive developments that are planned nearby the so-called "agrihood" projects will include 8,000-plus homes The Agricola project will be just west of U.S. 17 south of the city, while Saratoga Springs will be west of the city Kennedy said zoning and land use regulations provide "opportunities for collaboration" between the city and Clay County The city is notified about developments of regional impact and large-scale land use amendments The county and city also require mobility and traffic studies and stormwater runoff assessments as part of their respective development processes "Early communication is crucial for the city to plan for how the additional growth will affect services within its limits But some potential impacts are unpredictable "The more significant challenges often lie in predicting the behavior of future residents," he said it’s difficult to know where people will work send their children to school or shop once they move into new developments These are key patterns that are hard to predict and manage." Also on the horizon is the completion of the long-planned 46-mile First Coast Expressway The toll road will run from Interstate 10 on the Westside of Jacksonville through Clay County and then St The expressway "will further enhance our appeal attracting larger employers and developers who see the potential in our city," Kelley said "We’ve worked hard as a team … to guide our city’s growth intentionally," he said "We’ve made significant investments in infrastructure strengthened our planning and taken steps to balance preservation withprogress While I sometimes wish we could have started earlier or made different decisions inhindsight I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together Green Cove Springs iswell-positioned for a bright future." – Green Cove Springs in Clay County is projected to be one of the fastest-growing communities in the region in the coming years and two massive and unique developments are expected to bring thousands of homes to help keep up with that growth The new developments are being called “Agrihoods,” which are communities that mix a large subdivision lifestyle with agriculture and are self-sustaining with schools These developments could also have community gardening RELATED | Developers plan ‘Agrihood’ community with up to 4,400 homes in Clay County With Clay County’s massive First Coast Expressway project almost complete and the addition of thousands of homes life around Green Cove Springs is expected to drastically change “It’s gonna build up Green Cove again,” Brenda Chitwood “They’re going to get more stores in down here so people don’t have to go all the way to Orange Park to get shopping done.” many longtime locals are not necessarily thrilled about the growth especially those who are used to the rural the two new “Agrihoods” might help find a middle ground Instead of the typical community pool and a playground these developments will also have things like acres of farmland and miles of scenic trails The first “Agrihood” community is a development by the Agricola family south of Green Cove on the way to Palatka near Haller Airfield The Agricola development will offer 2,170 single-family detached homes 1,830 multifamily homes and 100 hotel rooms it will have 1 million square feet for innovation 640,000 square feet of educational campus and 340,000 square feet of retail “What sets Agricola apart from traditional housing developments is its focus on preserving the environment and fostering a sense of community,” the developer’s website states The project description states the Agricola development will provide 50% of the property to be set aside for open space sprawling growth.” That open space may include active and passive recreation will be located west of Green Cove Springs It is expected to bring as many as 4,489 homes to the area Also designated as an “Agrihood,” this development will feature acres of farmland, miles of scenic trails and amenities designed to foster a healthy and sustainable lifestyle “Saratoga Springs promises to be a place like no other where modern living meets the beauty of rural Florida,” the developer’s website states Freehold, a property development company, bought 2,445 acres for the development on Jan. 10 for $70 million, according to the Jacksonville Daily Record. According to News4JAX news partner Jacksonville Daily Record, Freehold sought to develop a 3,300-home “Agrihood” community along County Road 214 in St. Johns County, but the plans were denied in November by the county commission. Cowabunga Comics became the latest target in a growing trend of burglaries aimed at collectible shops The Green Cove Springs store was broken into around 6 a.m with the burglar taking less than a minute to steal select items Baxter and her husband opened the store just over three years ago She was heading into work when she saw the lock on the door had been taken out RELATED: ‘Like a bomb went off’: Southside comic bookstore back open after car slams into building, hurts employee Baxter said that the stolen goods were primarily graded comic books These books are encased and given numerical grades based on condition The higher the score the higher the price on the resale market At least four other collectible shops in the Jacksonville area have reported similar burglaries in recent months Mythical Mountain in Jacksonville said it had thousands of dollars worth of collectibles stolen just before the end of the year But owners like Baxter are remaining optimistic despite the setback, noting that upcoming events like MegaCon in Orlando provide an opportunity for recovery I’m just thankful we still have the doors open.” News4JAX Crime and Safety Analyst Tom Hackney suggested practical steps for shop owners to deter future thefts His tips include removing high-value items from display after hours and ensuring alarm systems are operational The Green Cove Springs Police Department posted a message on Facebook about the burglary. Law enforcement is investigating potential connections to some of the similar burglaries. Anyone with information on any of the incidents is encouraged to contact 904-297-7300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-854-TIPS(8477). Chris Will has joined the News4JAX team as a weekend morning reporter, after graduating from the University of Florida in spring 2024. During his time in Gainesville, he covered a wide range of stories across the Sunshine State. His coverage of Hurricane Ian in southwest Florida earned a National Edward R. Murrow Award. Francine Frazier – A decades-old mystery in Green Cove Springs is closer to possibly being solved thanks to a renewed focus on the investigation In a complicated case, the remains of Melinda Holder, who disappeared in January of 1989, were identified 30 years later as those found in a home that had been deliberately set on fire in December 1989 MORE: Decades later, remains found in burned home identified as missing woman A detective digging into the cold case files in Holder’s 1989 suspicious death has now identified persons of interest. “I’m feeling grateful at this time. I never thought we would have gotten to this point. I thought my mom’s case was a lost cause just back in the filing closet because we never really heard anything,” Melinda’s daughter, Nakia Holder, said. “I never really thought that we would be at this point. It’s such a sad and horrible thing that we’re going through, but we’re feeling better about the situation.” Detective C. Milliken believes the answers to the Holder family’s questions lie somewhere within the small town and small neighborhood where Holder died. “It’s not easy to look into her children’s eyes and see the hurt that they’ve experienced for the past 35 years,” Milliken said, urging anyone with information in the case to come forward. That hurt is stoked every time Holder’s family has to pass the property where her remains were found in the ashes. It’s down the street from their family home. “Even though we know what’s happening, even to this day, there’s still tension. We have to pass by that street all the time, and it’s painful,” said Zachary Holder, Melinda’s son. Painful because there are still no answers to what happened there. But Milliken hopes to change that as she brings fresh energy to the decades-old mystery. The investigation into Melinda Holder’s suspicious death began on Dec. 10, 1989, with a house fire on Harrison Street in Green Cove Springs. However, investigators wouldn’t connect her to the fire until several decades later. The house was already engulfed in flames when officers arrived at 404 Harrison St., and neighbors said the home was abandoned, with no one living there. But the next day, the State Fire Marshal asked investigators to come back to the scene because a human skull and other remains had been found among the ashes. The State Fire Marshal determined the fire was arson and that it had been ignited with accelerants right where the remains were found. But the extent of the burns made identifying the victim difficult. A facial sketch shared with the public in 1990 brought in a wave of tips, but none led to a breakthrough in the case. One of those tips did mention Melinda Holder, but her name was ruled out at the time. Holder’s case sat cold for years, and her children were left to wonder what had become of her. “It’s a void inside that is not going to go anywhere,” Zachary said. “She did not just disappear off the Earth. She has loved ones.” Nakia said she realized on the day of her grandmother’s funeral that her mother wouldn’t be coming back. “I kept looking at the double doors, and I said to myself, ‘If she doesn’t come, I’m probably not going to see my mom again,‘” Nakia said. Nakia said when her son was 9 years old, he asked how he would know where she was when he grew up. “The only reason he would ask me that is because he never saw me with my mama,” Nakia said. “Just goes to show how it affects even people that didn’t even meet her.” As they grieved the loss of their mother, the Holder siblings continued to seek answers. Some finally came in 2019 when the Green Cove Springs Police Department decided to take another look at Melinda Holder’s disappearance 30 years earlier. DNA samples from Holder’s children were sent to the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification. The results confirmed the remains from the Harrison Street fire belonged to Melinda Holder. “I cried that day when they called me and told me it was her. I was like, ‘We got you home. We got you home. Now the next phase,’” Zachary said. Despite the identification breakthrough, questions remained about Holder’s suspicious death. Enter Detective Milliken, who is hell-bent on solving the case. At first, when Milliken reached out to them, the Holders were skeptical, thinking it would be another conversation with investigators, and then another 10 years of waiting. “But this time, it was different,” Nakia said. “It felt different, and it is different.” The Green Cove Springs Police Department remains optimistic that the renewed effort could finally bring closure to Holder’s family and the community. Until they find out what happened to their mother, the Holders are holding on to each other -- and to hope. “We just want justice for our mom,” Zachary said. The Holder family and detectives are working closely with Crime Stoppers, hoping the tip line starts ringing with something that could bring an end to the story. “Somebody knows something, and it’s time to come forward because you are hurting way more people than you are helping,” Milliken said. “It’s time.” There are some easy ways to share any information you might have about the case. You can call 1-866-845-TIPS (8477) or dial **TIPS (star star 8477) on your mobile phone. Or you can download an app called P3 Tips, another safe, easy and free way to submit a tip. This is as easy as downloading the app, selecting your location, selecting what kind of crime you would like to report and then submitting. If your tip is found to be helpful in solving a crime, you could be eligible for a $3,000 reward. Copyright 2024 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved. John anchors at 9 a.m. on The Morning Show with Melanie Lawson and then jumps back into reporter mode after the show with the rest of the incredibly talented journalists at News4JAX. A Jacksonville native and proud University of North Florida alum, Francine Frazier has been with News4Jax since 2014 after spending nine years at The Florida Times-Union. Agrihoods are popping up as the latest development trend in Northeast Florida Green Cove Springs in Clay County will see two “agrihoods” coming to the area and bringing thousands of homes to keep up with population growth over the next few years are intended to be self-sustaining communities with schools These developments can include community gardens and native plants Agrihoods most often appear in communities with large undeveloped land or existing agricultural zoning They must then be developed to include housing while still incorporating an agricultural component of the neighborhood Saratoga Springs and Agricola are both planned agrihood developments for the Green Cove Springs area of Clay County in Northeast Florida Why are agrihoods becoming more popular?A 2018 report by the Urban Land Institute reported agrihood projects across 27 U.S large working farms as part of the development The main benefits of agrihoods include access to fresh a greater sense of community and social interaction increased property value and support for jobs and the local economy is another 1,200-acre development and features an organic farm What is Saratoga Springs?Saratoga Springs will be located west of Green Cove Springs and could bring as many as 4,489 homes to the area This development will be anchored by multiple working farms and include five neighborhoods Agricola plans include converting 3,145 acres of land into 4,000 residential units featuring a mix of single-family and multi-family homes and about 370 townhomes About 50% of the property will be set aside for open space 30 for its Saratoga Springs agrihood on 2,240 acres in Green Cove Springs in Clay County Construction on the Agricola property’s 3,100 acres but the Board of County Commissioners must approve the property to be rezoned from “agriculture” to “planned community” before it can join the agrihood trend How much will Saratoga Springs cost?Freehold bought the Saratoga Springs for $70.02 million in January No information about how much it will cost to develop the land is available yet Costs associated with developing Agricola have not yet been announced GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. – The driver of an SUV was killed and three other people were injured in a crash on U.S. 17 in Green Cove Springs Sunday afternoon, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The crash happened around 2 p.m. at the intersection with Bayard Street, according to FHP. Deputies said a 78-year-old woman driving a Toyota 4Runner was traveling northbound on US 17 in the left lane. At the same time, a Ford F-150 pickup truck was stopped in the southbound left turn lane. For unknown reasons, the woman veered into the southbound lanes. crashed with the pickup truck, and overturned, according to the FHP report. The woman, from Fleming Island, died at the hospital, deputies said. The 4Runner’s passengers, a 15-year-old girl from Fleming Island and a 55-year-old man from Gainesville, were transported to a hospital with serious injuries, according to the FHP report. The driver of the pickup truck, a 47-year-old man from Green Cove Springs, suffered minor injuries, deputies said. Marcela joined News4JAX in 2023. She grew up in Mexico and eventually moved to California to pursue her dream of becoming a journalist. Now, she is a proud San Diego State University alumna who has many years of experience in TV and digital journalism. proudly announces the launch of sales for Holstein Crossing a thoughtfully planned community of single-family homes in picturesque Green Cove Springs Holstein Crossing offers an exceptional opportunity for families to achieve their dream of homeownership in a vibrant and welcoming environment we're committed to helping families achieve their homeownership goals by offering high-quality homes at a great value in sought-after locations," said Randy Thrash "Holstein Crossing combines modern designs giving buyers a unique opportunity to enjoy both comfort and convenience." Holstein Crossing offers 8 open-concept floor plans Homes range from approximately 1,428 to 2,449 square feet and include three to five bedrooms and two to three baths The flexible layouts accommodate entertaining Highlights include spacious primary suites and additional versatile living areas designed for modern lifestyles Every home features Lennar's signature Everything's Included® program ensuring that the most sought-after upgrades are built into the base price and a variety of designer-selected finishes at no extra cost Residents of Holstein Crossing will appreciate family-friendly features such as a children's playground and a sparkling pond that enhances the area's natural beauty The community is also conveniently located near a variety of dining options with restaurants offering diverse cuisine to cater to different tastes and preferences making it easy for residents to enjoy a day out with friends and family Outdoor enthusiasts will love the abundance of parks including Spring Park and Ronnie Van Zant Memorial Park which offer beautiful green spaces and recreational opportunities Holstein Crossing is also just minutes from historic downtown Green Cove Springs where residents can explore unique local shops the community provides an easy commute to Jacksonville For more information on these new Holstein Crossing homes, visit the [www.lennar.com]community website or call 904-490-9082 Contact: Danielle ToccoVice President CommunicationsLennar Corporation[email protected]Direct Line: 949.789.1633 is now selling new single-family homes at Caldwell Lakes today announced the grand opening of the new Amenity Center at Stillwater Banking & Financial Services Residential Real Estate Real Estate Construction & Building Do not sell or share my personal information: Long-time Patrons – Marissa and Phil Vetter – Take the Helm at Popular Clay County BBQ Restaurant Jacksonville, FL  (RestaurantNews.com)  Marissa and Phil Vetter were first introduced to Woody’s Bar-B-Q more than 30 years ago when they lived in Jacksonville After moving to Green Cove Springs in 2003 they were thrilled to learn that the Classic Southern BBQ chain planned to open a location near them in 2012 the couple visited frequently to enjoy their favorite dishes – the Smokin’ Spare Ribs and the Slow-Smoked Jumbo Wings They soon became familiar faces on a first-name basis with the staff at the Clay County eatery When the Vetters learned that the corporate-owned restaurant might be up for sale they became the proud new owners of Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Green Cove Springs at 1301 N Orange Ave ‘Phil travels extensively in his role as District Manager with a rental equipment company and has the opportunity to frequent all sorts of restaurants,” said Marissa a housing counselor at Jacksonville Area Legal Aid tasked with saving homes from foreclosure in Clay “While he doesn’t have traditional restaurant management experience he has extensive experience in the business world in general and we both have a firm grasp of the dining experience that we enjoy We have always loved the food at Woody’s one that has withstood the test of time for brand awareness and food quality over the last 45 years We are excited to be a part of the Woody’s Bar-B-Q family and can’t wait to secure our stature as THE place for our community to come together to enjoy good food and good times.” Seeking the ideal place to raise their three daughters the small-town feel of Green Cove Springs is what drew the Vetter family there more than 20 years ago they believe it’s what will fuel their new restaurant’s success for years to come Marissa and Phil are at a stage of life where they’d love to give back to the community that has offered so much to their family They hope to craft a dining experience that the community will look forward to enjoying week after week The Vetters will be actively involved in the restaurant’s management and the continued pursuit of the full-time careers they love The couple is thankful for the support of the store manager Both have been in place at the Green Cove Springs eatery for five and twelve years “The support we have received from Woody’s Co-Founders “Because we have no prior restaurant business experience it is nice to have the name recognition of Woody’s Bar-B-Q and recipes that have been successful for decades We inherited a dedicated and loyal staff – many of whom are local to Green Cove and are invested in the restaurant’s success the staff’s dedication is something that really impressed us and was a big factor in our decision to purchase the restaurant They have gone above and beyond to help us with the transition We have also received an overwhelming response from the local community We appreciate the feedback and support of our loyal customers and those coming in for the first time.” the Vetters plan to give the restaurant a facelift in two phases The first will include the addition of several flatscreens for game-viewing events a redesign of the full bar to make it even more inviting and planters around the outdoor patio where guests can dine al fresco while enjoying views of the St The second phase will involve the addition of folding windows to create the feel of an open-air concept on beautiful days and incorporating a deck beneath a large oak in front of the restaurant for dining and live music Both Phil and Marissa list meeting the folks in the community as one of their favorite aspects of their new roles as restaurateurs Hoping to create a destination that offers something for everyone the new owners are genuinely excited to elevate Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Green Cove Springs to a place where families regularly dine together while enjoying their favorite foods The Vetters want to foster a welcoming environment where friends can’t wait to get together and watch their favorite sports teams or enjoy live music on the weekends They also view giving back to the community as a priority and look forward to honoring the achievements and celebrating the students who attend neighboring Clay County schools and we were very impressed with the quality of the education and the levels of care and concern they received from their teachers,” shared Marissa “All three have since graduated from the University of Florida in part due to their hard work and dedication but also to the teachers that they had we want to support our local schools by honoring and recognizing their outstanding teachers and students with gift certificates to Woody’s We hope one day to have a Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Green Cove Springs scholarship for high school students who worked in the restaurant industry during high school.” Media Contact:Yolanda Mills-MawmanWoody’s Bar-B-Q904-992-0556yolanda@woodys.com This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page bought 2,445 acres in Green Cove Springs for the development on Jan the master-planned development will feature acres of farmland “Residents will enjoy farm-to-table living with open spaces that encourage outdoor activities and a strong connection to nature With thoughtfully crafted homes and a vibrant community spirit Saratoga Springs promises to be a place like no other where modern living meets the beauty of rural Florida,” according to Freehold Communities Read the rest of this story on the Jacksonville Daily Record, a News4JAX news partner. Digital Executive Producer who has lived in Jacksonville for over 30 years and helps lead the News4JAX.com digital team. This website is unavailable in your location It appears you are attempting to access this website from a country outside of the United States therefore access cannot be granted at this time This work, From Naval Aviator to Commanding Officer, Green Cove Springs Native Proudly Serves in the Navy Reserve, by PO3 Gracie Lizada, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright CLAY COUNTY – While there is progress on one massive Clay County project Let’s start on County Road 209 in Green Cove Springs where a roadblock at the railroad tracks to Russell Road re-opened a few weeks ago That roadblock caused a massive traffic detour for Green Cove Springs drivers for several months the road is still down to one lane in sections as drivers have to wait for construction flaggers to let them through This is part of a project to widen 209 and Russell Road which stretches between Green Cove Springs and Lake Asbury and is part of the county’s fastest growing area the city of Green Cove Springs was hit with a $100,000 bill a pipe was discovered almost two feet underground that needs to be replaced The pipe is the responsibility of the city as it sits under its right of way and is the city’s financial responsibility the other (even more inconvenient) road closure recently started That’s County Road 220 west of College Drive It’s shut down until well into 2026 as drivers are detoured almost to Orange Park to get around it This is to build a new bridge in a $30 million project There are not really any good alternatives for a detour in the area and drivers will have to deal with it for more than a year If you want regular updates on road construction projects in Clay, the best website to get alerts from is: Road Projects | Clay County, FL Marissa and Phil Vetter were first introduced to Woody’s Bar-B-Q more than 30 years ago when they lived in Jacksonville We have also received an overwhelming response from the local community.  We appreciate the feedback and support of our loyal customers and those coming in for the first time.” The second phase will involve the addition of folding windows to create the feel of an open-air concept on beautiful days and incorporating a deck beneath a large oak in front of the restaurant for dining and live music.  The Vetters want to foster a welcoming environment where friends can’t wait to get together and watch their favorite sports teams or enjoy live music on the weekends.  They also view giving back to the community as a priority and look forward to honoring the achievements and celebrating the students who attend neighboring Clay County schools we want to support our local schools by honoring and recognizing their outstanding teachers and students with gift certificates to Woody’s.  We hope one day to have a Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Green Cove Springs scholarship for high school students who worked in the restaurant industry during high school.”  In addition to honoring local educators and students Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Green Cove Springs honors military members with a discount of 10% off their food ticket with valid ID and first responders with a discount of 50% off their food ticket with valid ID the Clay County restaurant was busy catering several events The Vetters welcome the opportunity to cater events of all sizes – no matter the season Catering reservations can be made by stopping by the restaurant or calling (904) 284-1014 BBQ fans are encouraged to visit www.Woodys.com to learn more about Woody’s Bar-B-Q They are also invited to follow the franchise’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/WoodysFranchiseSystems for news about upcoming promotions Industry News the #1 food tech platform for workplaces in the US today released new data about the workplace food opportunity at its 2025 Catering Growth Forum based on ezCater order data and survey insights from over 2,300 workplace food stakeholders show workplace food as a significant and growing revenue opportunity for restaurants Feature Dave & Buster’s Entertainment announced that it will nominate Allen R Lipman for election to its Board of Directors Existing Board members, Michael Griffith, Gail Mandel and Jennifer Storms have notified the Company that they will not stand for reelection at the Company’s 2025 annual meeting of shareholders the industry-leading AI-powered location engine that powers over 30,000 restaurants and retailers worldwide is excited to announce the launch of its Marketing Suite which is designed to help companies drive incremental revenue by engaging guests at distinct points during the customer journey In an era where consumer attention is fleeting and irrelevant messaging is […] This milestone gives millions of Android users a seamless way to discover and book reservations at over 20,000 restaurants Android users now have in-app access to key Resy features like Notify Bob Evans Farmhouse Kitchen announced the arrival of fresh flavors with their new seasonal menu items lunch and dinner items feature high-quality ingredients like vine-ripened hand-picked strawberries and USDA choice beef steak tips These spring offerings are now available in all Bob Evans restaurants and are perfect for the […] sidewalks and landscaping have been completed on Walnut Street in Green Cove Springs the result of months of work to make the street more friendly to pedestrians and traffic The stretch of Walnut Street from Palmetto Avenue to Orange Avenue will have a “soft” reopening at 5 p.m The Walnut Street Redesign is the first of a number of projects in the city’s long-range redevelopment plans designed to make downtown more of a destination paid with federal pandemic aid and tax revenue in the past two budgets with the aim to maximize parking but also increase sidewalk space for outdoor sales or dining There are no high curbs; the brick street paving is separated from the new sidewalks by shallow gutters Improvements also include two 10-foot-wide driving lanes and an 8-foot parallel parking lane on the north side A 15-foot-wide sidewalk joins improved landscaping and an outlined crosswalk The second phase will include Walnut Street from Magnolia Avenue to the St That phase is estimated to cost $2.7 million and will include a 15-foot sidewalk from the front of Clay Theatre to the curb Existing sidewalks and curbs will be replaced at Walnut Street and Orange Avenue City officials are seeking sources of funding for the next phase which will take about six months to complete when funded By Ric Anderson - Jacksonville Daily Record The six-story hotel and two-story parking deck are planned on two facing lots in Brooklyn Those who served and died in the Vietnam War will be honored at ceremonies this week in Jacksonville and Green Cove Springs The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 designates every March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day At 9 a.m. Thursday, one memorial will be held at the Jacksonville National Cemetery to honor the 58,000 men and women who died in that war. The event on the city’s Northside includes a keynote speech from a Vietnam War veteran A 1 p.m. Friday, a commemoration will be held at the Jacksonville Naval Museum pier next to the USS Orleck, a Navy destroyer that fought in the Vietnam War Retired General Gary Beard is the guest speaker Admission is $8.86 per person including the ship and museum.  Then at 10 a.m. Saturday, Clay County will honor the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War at the TAPS monument The ceremony honors the county’s Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice By Mike Mendenhall will see a 3.7% increase in overall utility bills as JEA raises water and electric rates – A Green Cove Springs boy battling brain cancer now has a brand-new playset thanks to a local charity A simple smile by 7-year-old Dean while going back and forth on his new swing spoke volumes Dean is battling brain cancer but spent early Thursday afternoon enjoying his new playset built by volunteers with a charity called Roc Solid Foundation “He is just so happy,” Fidler said of her son “It would be nice to have an area where we know it is safe for him to come and be able to play outside.” Dean was diagnosed with a brain tumor in late February this year after having severe headaches in January Fidler said Dean had brain surgery to remove the tumor but that robbed him of his ability to walk and speak which she says he is working to learn again But Fidler said the surgery did not take Dean’s joy “He is just the strongest kid I know because he always has a smile on his face,” she said Even when he needs to be accessed through his port he just looks at you and smiles while you do it.” More than a dozen volunteers with Roc Solid Foundation and Amazon who sponsored the build spent just shy of three hours putting it together Roc Solid Foundation is a charity that builds playsets for children with cancer all across the country The playset build for Dean has a rock wall She said there is no greater feeling than to see how kids like Dean react to their new playset and the little girl climbed on the rock wall Just the ability to change a life in three hours of time “We have not been able to take [Dean] to any parks recently,” Fidler said because it is hard to find accessible things for him It just means the world because he will be able to be on the special swing that he will be able to swing in.” That all changes now for this special kid who loves his bubbles The Roc Solid Foundation is on a mission to build 30 playsets over the next three days That includes building one Friday morning for a 4-year-old who has leukemia in Glen Saint Mary