Recreation board apps available BY MARK J. CRAWFORD [email protected] Bradford County commissioners approved the first expenditure for Bradford Sports United, although it required some discussion. Board Chairman Danny Riddick brought the request to purchase $30,000 of clay to cover the ballfields at Starke’s Edwards Road park. The youth sports program is funded equally by the … Read more
Rep. Chuck Brannan delivered a detailed account of the significant financial support he helped secure for Starke and Bradford County throughout his legislative tenure. Brannan, reflecting on his years in the Florida House, described the process as “Christmas in September” for the community, highlighting the many projects and millions of dollars funneled into the area. … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] A St. Johns River Water Management District official told the district’s governing board that the Black Creek Water Resource Development Project is 97% complete, with only work at the project’s treatment facility in Camp Blanding remaining. The project consists of a 17-mile pipeline, pumps, and a treatment facility within the National … Read more
BY MELANIE CRABTREE Special to the Monitor The Athletic Leaders Council, known as the ALC, was a new club at Keystone Heights High School during the 2024-2025 school year. This year, council members intend to continue the program, making it even bigger and better for 2025-2026. All student athletes are welcome to join; the council … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] The City of Keystone Heights hosted a gathering of officials and business owners during a coffee and commerce meeting at the Dirty Palette art studio on South Lawrence Boulevard. The city’s events director, Drew Bell, and social media specialist Kathryn Wills led the discussion about how the city could help area … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] The public comment section of the Clay County School Board’s September 4 meeting contained several issues addressed in the past, like alleged inappropriate library books and teacher salaries. However, parents brought up new issues coinciding with the beginning of the school year, like smartphone apps the school system is using and … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] During their August 26 meeting, the Clay County Board of County Commissioners reviewed their proposed legislative priorities and appropriations requests for 2026, preparing for a September 30 delegation meeting with state lawmakers. The board discussed a palm card detailing the rankings, which they and other county supporters will use in Tallahassee … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] Residents of unincorporated Clay County will continue to pay $358 annually for trash pickup and disposal. The cost, which is billed to property owners on their property tax bills, is composed of a $96 disposal fee and a $262 collection assessment. During an August 27 public hearing about the assessments, no … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] An SUV crashed into the side of Tony’s Italian Restaurant in Starke late Tuesday morning, startling around 10 customers and a kitchen crew of six. Owner Tony Veliz said he was in the building around 11 a.m. when he heard the impact of the crash. “We just heard a big noise,” … Read more
BY CLIFF SMELLEY [email protected] Change doesn’t occur often at WEAG 106.3-FM in Starke. Consider the fact that in the station’s 68-year history, there have been only four on-air morning personalities. However, change is inevitable, and it will occur later this year when the station, pending Federal Communications Commission approval, is purchased by Florida Broadcast Media … Read more
