Green Cove Springs News

Leave it to the irreverent First Coast Ham Jam, which once staged beer belly contests, to find a way to put barbecue, cars, camels, disco, cute babies, beer and a band called the Kentucky Headhunters all in one place.

ELKIN a ' A Florida man died yesterday when he drove his pickup the wrong way on U.S. 21 near Interstate 77 in Elkin and collided with a tractor-trailer, the N.C. Highway Patrol said.

Mel Ferrotta and her mother, Mildred Jackovich, of Green Cove Springs, were among those helped last year by the Hope Fund.WILL DICKEYThe Times-Union Will Dickey A year ago, Mel Ferrotta couldn't even walk around on the plywood floors of her trailer.

Here are the area Thanksgiving holiday government office closings and waste pickup changes: Clay County County government offices will be closed Thursday and Friday.

FOR MORE INFORMATION and to view a complete list of Animal Care and Control's adoptable pets, go to www.clayanimal.petfinder.com . TO DONATE Send donations for the Clay County Animal Welfare Fund to CatBugs Pet Rescue Inc.

Clay County jail officials receive a reaccreditation certificate from representatives of the Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission.

Take Stock in Children, which helps low-income students with tutoring, counseling, advocacy and scholarships, is recruiting new Clay County mentors.

Photos by BETH REESE CRAVEY/Staff A Clay County Animal Care and Control resident outside for a walk greets a pal still inside at the shelter's adoption festival Sunday.

Florida Highway Patrol investigators said John Herbert, 50, of Green Cove Springs was in critical condition Sunday morning after being hit by an SUV while riding his motorcycle.

Each Saturday, the Times-Union's pet blog, Cold Noses, is featuring pets available for adoption at area shelters.

Provided by Ray Zerba The Golden Raintree is a fast-growing tree that spreads seeds easily.

Two children and a man have been found dead in an upscale gated community in north Florida.

Two children and a man have been found dead in an upscale gated community in north Florida.

First Coast Crime Stoppers announced enhanced rewards Monday in the search for Somer Thompson's killer and a Riverside rapist, while a fresh reward has been offered in the slaying of a construction worker in Jacksonville.

About 75 people waited outside Jacksonville Memory Gardens cemetery for Somer Thompson's funeral procession to arrive, which it did around 12:30. Just before 12:20, police started blocking off the streets around Wells and Blanding, and Kingsley and Blanding so that they could only be accessed by the funeral procession.

JACKSONVILLE - As President Obama prepares for a visit to Jacksonville's Mayport Naval Air Station, Rep.

The Duval County Health Department has confirmed the county's 13th death from the H1N1 swine flu.

Sam Thompson was at the Tuesday funeral and burial of his daughter Somer. He traveled almost 500 miles from North Carolina to help bury his child.

The Clay County Health Department will hold special free clinics Wednesday and Thursday for individuals seeking the nasal mist H1N1 vaccine.

A man is recovering after he fell in a void tank space on a tug boat Wednesday afternoon.