Four Hospitalized, Cause Under Investigation in Clay County Home Explosion

Clay County Fire Rescue responded to a home explosion on Sycamore Way Monday evening, resulting in the hospitalization of two adults and two children. While the exact cause remains under investigation, preliminary indications suggest an apparent gas explosion. The State Fire Marshal is currently on scene and will be conductingContinue Reading

Clay County Sheriff’s Office Bailiff Arrested for Grand Theft and Fraud

A now former bailiff with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office has been arrested following an investigation into allegations of forged military leave documents and fraudulent compensation. Johnathon Jones, who had been employed as a bailiff, was arrested Monday, April 21, 2025, and charged with grand theft and schemes to defraud.Continue Reading

Speeding Stop Leads to Major Drug Bust in Clay County

A routine traffic stop for speeding in Clay County resulted in the arrest of two Jacksonville residents on multiple drug trafficking charges. Over the weekend, Clay County Deputy Gelsomino and his trainee stopped a vehicle traveling 62 mph in a 45 mph zone near Creighton Rd. During the stop, deputiesContinue Reading

Child Exploitation Investigation Results in Middleburg Arrest

Charles Peter Browne, 42, of Middleburg, was arrested on March 19, 2025, on one count of Custodial Sexual Battery following an investigation by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit.   The CCSO SWAT Unit executed a search warrant at a residence on Lazy AcresContinue Reading