BY JENN SAMSEL [email protected] Two students from Keystone Heights Elementary School excelled in the local Spelling Bee championships. Memorizing 450 words in a short amount of time was no easy feat, but these Spelling Bee participants rose to the challenge. Fifth grader Bristol Wasdin secured first place, while sixth grader Ashlynn Frysinger took second, impressively … Read more
BY JENN SAMSEL [email protected] Few individuals dedicate as much time and effort to helping the community as Barbara Franklin. A resident of Keystone Heights and the owner of Keystone Heights Insurance, she was awarded the Board Director of the Year Award in December 2025. For the past eight years, Barbara has volunteered and served as … Read more
BY JENN SAMSEL [email protected] Each Year in Clay County, teachers and school-related employees are nominated by their peers for their exceptional commitment to their schools and communities, as well as their dedication to going above and beyond in their everyday lives. At the Thrasher-Horne Center in Clay County, teachers, family members, friends, and dedicated … Read more
BY JENN SAMSEL [email protected] The Keystone Heights Legacy 14U Fastpitch traveling team recently took to the streets of Keystone Heights to raise funds for this year’s softball World Series. The traveling team, composed mainly of Keystone Heights residents and players from Williston and Gainesville, is preparing for the World Series in July. The team consists … Read more
BY JENN SAMSEL [email protected] Despite the cold weather, windy conditions, and beautiful sunshine, people flocked from all over to relive history. Celebrating its 19th year, the Yesterday’s Festival at the Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park attracted over 900 attendees. Families had the opportunity to see cannons and muskets, meet Civil War reenactors, and … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] Clay County School District officials outlined the scope of a severe budget crisis during a lengthy workshop on January 27, revealing that the district is navigating financial challenges unlike any in its history. Superintendent David Broskie presented what he called a “financial renaissance” to the school board, detailing how multiple converging … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] Clay County commissioners unanimously approved an updated strategic plan on Tuesday, January 27, incorporating changes that expand health and safety goals while improving transparency in government operations. The plan, presented by Assistant County Manager Troy Nagle introduces several new performance indicators designed to measure county services more effectively over the next … Read more
The following individuals were recently arrested by local law enforcement officers in Bradford, Union, or Clay (Keystone Heights area) counties. All defendants are considered innocent until convicted in a court or until pleading guilty or no contest. Information in this report is from law enforcement agencies and court documents, which are public records. Bradford … Read more
BY CLIFF SMELLEY [email protected] Five placed first or second in helping the Keystone Heights High School girls weightlifting team win the Region 3-1A traditional championship on Jan. 31 at West Nassau High School. Keystone had 49 points in winning the program’s first regional title. The Indians finished 20 points ahead of runner-up West Nassau. Kyle … Read more
BY CLIFF SMELLEY [email protected] Despite being the eighth and final seed in the Region 1-3A playoffs, the Keystone Heights High School girls soccer team will host a quarterfinal match against South Walton on Monday, Feb. 2, at 7 p.m. The Indians (8-11-3) host a South Walton team that is ranked seventh in Class 3A. The … Read more
