The Clay County Beacon Podcast: Recent Episodes
Joshua Allen
The Clay County Beacon podcast brings you all of the news and information you need to stay up to date on what is happening in Clay County, Florida.
The final episode of season two of the Clay County Beacon podcast brings you a conversation with Cornelius Jones. Mr. Jones is running for the District 11 seat in the Florida House of Representatives.
In our conversation, we cover a wide array of topics, including:
- Covid mask and vaccine mandates
- Abortion laws
- How to bring more high-paying jobs to Clay County
- The affordable housing crisis
This interview is not an endorsement of any candidate. For more information on Cornelius, follow the links below.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonesforflorida
Twitter: https://twitter.com/corneliusdjones
Website: https://www.corneliusforflorida.com/
For more great coverage of news, people, and events in Clay County, please visit the Clay County Beacon at:
www.ClayBeacon.com
Season 2, Episode 10 features Ted Clark, who is on and will be re-elected to the Clay County Soil and Water Conservation District.
In our chat, Ted talks about why he believes the soil and water conservation district is important and what impacts it will have on the future of the county.
For more info about the Soil and Water Conservation District, you can visit their website here:
https://district.afcd.us/claysoilandwater/#:~:text=The%20mission%20of%20the%20Clay,soil%2C%20water%20and%20natural%20resources.
The summer of 2022 is heating up and so are the local races here in Clay County. Our latest episode brings you a conversation Leroy Edwards, who is running for the District 2 seat on the Clay County Board of County Commissioners.
In our conversation, you will hear Mr. Edwards discuss what motivates him to run, what he loves about living in Clay County, and what an ideal future for our area looks like.
As always, this interview is not an endorsement of any candidate.
For more information on Leroy Edwards' campaign, please visit his Facebook page here:
https://www.facebook.com/leroy.edwards.180
For more great coverage of news, people, and events in Clay County please visit the Clay County Beacon at:
www.ClayBeacon.com
Season two, episode eight of the Clay County Beacon podcast features a conversation with Connie Thomas. The former Mayor of Orange Park and long-time community advocate stops by to detail her latest effort to improve Clay County, the College Drive Initiative.
The project seeks to beautify and improve the College Drive area using a variety of approaches. The College Drive Initiative is set to have its first community event on April 22 at the Thrasher Horne Center.
For more information about the College Drive Initiative, please visit their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/collegedriveinitiative
In this episode, we sit down with Steven Kelley who is running for re-election to the Green cove Springs City Council. Steven describes how running the most famous business in town, Spring Park Coffee, lead to him getting involved in local politics.
This interview is not an endorsement of any candidate. For more information on Steven you can visit his campaign Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/stevenkelleyforgcs
For more great coverage of news, people, and events in Clay County please visit the Clay County Beacon at:
www.ClayBeacon.com
Episode 6 of Season 2 showcases Darren Stutts, a long-time business owner and resident of Green Cove Springs. Dareen is running for a seat on the Green Cove City Council.
During our conversation, Darren outlines his motivations for jumping into local politics and his vision for an ideal future for the city of Green Cove Springs.
This interview is not an endorsement of any candidate. For more information on Darren you can visit his campaign Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/370384834658859
For more great coverage of news, people, and events in Clay County please visit the Clay County Beacon at:
www.ClayBeacon.com
Alexandra Compere joins the podcast for episode 5 of season 2! In our conversation, Alexandra outlines her roots in the Clay County community and her motivation for running for the Board of County Commissioners!
This interview is not an endorsement of any candidate. For more information on Alexandra, check out her campaign Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/Compere4Commissioner
For more great coverage of news, people, and events in Clay County please visit the Clay County Beacon at:
www.ClayBeacon.com
This episode of the Clay County Beacon brings you, Ken Mudge. Ken is a long-time resident and business owner in Green Cove Springs who is running for a seat on the city council.
In our conversation, Ken outlines how running for office fulfills a promise he made years ago and what he hopes to accomplish if elected.
This interview is not an endorsement of any candidate. For more info on Ken Mudge and his campaign, please visit his campaign Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/kenmudge4citycouncil
For more great coverage of news, people, and events in Clay County please visit the Clay County Beacon at:
www.ClayBeacon.com
This episode of the Clay County Beacon podcast features a conversation with Michael Thomas Smith. Michael is running for Seat 4 on the Green Cove Springs City Council.
Michael outlines what drives his desire to serve on the city council and what he hopes to accomplish if elected.
This interview is not an endorsement of any candidate. For more information about John Hauber, please visit his campaign Facebook page at the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070399025058
For more great coverage of news, people, and events in Clay County please visit the Clay County Beacon at:
www.ClayBeacon.com
Just in time for Christmas, episode 2 of the Clay County Beacon Podcast season 2 is here!
In this episode we hear from Charles 'Chuck' Kirk, who recently filed for the District 1 seat of the Clay County School Board. Chuck, a former minor league baseball player, outlines his experiences with government schools and his motivations to seek public office.
For more information about Charles Kirk, please visit his campaign info page on the Clay County Supervisor of Elections website:
https://www.clayelections.gov/Candidates-Committees/Active-Candidates
For more great coverage of news, people, and events in Clay County please visit the Clay County Beacon at:
www.claybeacon.com
The Clay County Beacon Podcast is back for season two!
The first episode of this newly minted season brings you a conversation with Derek Chipoletti. Derek is a parent, educator and athletics coach with a passion for the public school system and opportunities it provides students and the community.
This interview is not an endorsement of any candidate. For more information on Derek Chipoletti, please visit the links below:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/chipolettiforclay
Website:
https://chipolettiforclay.com/
For more great coverage of news, people, and events in Clay County please visit the Clay County Beacon at:
www.claybeacon.com
Episode 35 of the Clay County Beacon features highlights the current push by progressive folks in Clay County to pressure the Clay County School Board. The progressives want the School Board to require all students and staff in county schools to wear a mask.
The hysteria surrounding the recent COVID surge in Clay County and beyond is setting up a potential battle over the rights of students in the county.
Clay County School District Youtube Page:
https://www.youtube.com/c/SchoolDistrictClayCountyFlorida/videos
Clay County Beacon:
www.ClayBeacon.com
Episode 34 of the Clay County Beacon Podcast features a conversation with Luis Miguel. Luis is a native of St Johns County who has recently launched a bid to oust Marco Rubio from the US Congress.
Luis has an extensive history working and covering the happenings in Washington. In this interview, he outlines his vision for serving in Congress and what he plans to accomplish if elected.
This interview is not an endorsement of any candidate. For more information on Luis Miguel, please visit the links below:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/luismiguelSJCFL
Website:
https://www.luismiguelforsenate.com
For more great coverage of news, people, and events in Clay County please visit the Clay County Beacon at:
www.claybeacon.com
Episode 33 of the Clay County Beacon podcast features David Theus, former Congressional Candidate and founder of PromoteClay.
David outlines what he learned during his run for Congress and how that experience overlaps with his passion for promoting local businesses via his successful PromoteClay, ClayEats, and EmployClay social media pages.
Mr. Theus also discusses his latest podcast project, Free Coffee
PromoteClay: https://www.facebook.com/promoteclay
ClayEats:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/clayeats
EmployClay:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/employclay
Free Coffee Podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/show/38709nSc44d3QoVEYO6UUI
Episode 32 of the Clay County Beacon Podcast brings Roland Mastandrea, a current member of the Orange Park town council. Roland joins the podcast to discuss his re-election campaign and his time on the town council.
The conversation touched on many things, including:
- Why Roland is running for re-election
- What motivates him to be part of the slog that is small-town government
- What makes Orange Park a great place to live
- How to manage growth while still retaining Orange Park's small-town atmosphere
- Orange Park Plaza
- Gambling in Orange Park and its future
This interview is not an endorsement of any candidate. For more information about Roland Mastandrea, please visit his campaign website at the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/RolandMastandreaForTownCouncil
For more great coverage of news, people, and events in Clay County please visit the Clay County Beacon at:
www.ClayBeacon.com
Episode 31 of the Clay County Beacon podcast feature Steve Hart, a Midwest native turned long-time Keystone Heights Resident and candidate for City Council.
In our discussion, Steve covers a wide range of topics about his candidacy including:
- Smart Growth Management
- Reinvigorating the tourism industry in Keystone
- How to be business-friendly while keeping a sense of small-town community
This interview is not an endorsement of any candidate. For more information about Steve Hart, please visit his campaign website at the link below:
https://vote4stevehart.com/
For more great coverage of news, people, and events in Clay County please visit the Clay County Beacon at:
www.ClayBeacon.com
Episode 30 of the Clay County Beacon podcast feature John Hauber, Orange Park native turned candidate for Orange Park Town Council.
In our discussion, John covers a wide range of topics about his candidacy and the town of Orange Park including:
- John Hauber's history of service to his community and country
- Hauber's ideas on how to smartly manage growth while maintaining a small-town feel
- Ways Orange Park can best serve all of its residents
This interview is not an endorsement of any candidate. For more information about John Hauber, please visit his campaign Facebook page at the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/JohnHauberSeat3
For more great coverage of news, people, and events in Clay County please visit the Clay County Beacon at:
www.ClayBeacon.com
Warning: This episode contains subjects of a mature nature that may not be suitable for younger listeners
Episode 29 of the Clay County Beacon podcast brings you a conversation with Zane Waits, founder of Wait's List. Via his organization Zane hunts and documents child predators, working with law enforcement to get them off of the street and behind bars.
Waits recently made headlines in Clay County when he confronted a local police officer.
For more great coverage of news, people, and events in Clay County please visit the Clay County Beacon at:
www.ClayBeacon.com
After a hiatus, the Clay County Beacon podcast is back!
In Episode 28, David Coughlin returns to the show to discuss the debacle that surrounds red light cameras in the state of Florida.
In this episode, we discuss the problematic nature of the use of red-light cameras, how they are used to fleece commuters and residents of Clay County, and the political obstacles that stand in the way of their removal.
For more great coverage of news, people, and events in Clay County please visit the Clay County Beacon at:
www.ClayBeacon.com
Episode 27 of the Clay County Beacon podcast brings you a conversation with Ken Willey, a Libertarian candidate for District 18 of the Florida State Senate.
This interview covers a wide range of topics, including:
- What is a Libertarian, exactly?
- How does Libertarian political philosophy differ Republicans and Democrats
- Ken's legislative priorities
- The proper role of government
- Gun laws as infringements on individual liberty
- Health care solutions in a free market
This interview is not an endorsement of any candidate, for more information on Ken Willey please visit his campaign Facebook page and website via the links below:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/WilleyForFLRep18
For more great coverage of news, people and events in Clay County please visit the Clay County Beacon at:
www.ClayBeacon.com
Beth Clark returns to the Clay County Beacon Podcast to discuss topics related to her run for the District 2 seat of the Clay County School Board. During the conversation with Mrs Clark we cover:
- Her preparations for the job of School Board member
- 1/2 cent sales tax
- Charter Schools
- the overburdening of classroom teachers
- How to budget for needed expenses without raising taxes
- COVID-19 Testing Data
- The role of schools in the mental health of staff
This interview is not an endorsement of any particular candidate. For more information on Beth Clark, please visit her campaign Facebook page via the link below.
https://www.facebook.com/VoteBethC/
For more great coverage of news, people, and events in Clay County please visit the Clay County Beacon at:
www.ClayBeacon.com
Episode 25 of the Clay County Beacon podcast features Carol Studdard, the incumbent running for re-election to the District 2 seat of the Clay County School Board.
This interview is not an endorsement of any candidate, for more information on Mrs. Studdard, please visit her campaign Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/studdard4schoolboard/
For more great coverage of news, people, and events in Clay County please visit the Clay County Beacon at:
www.ClayBeacon.com
Episode 24 of the Clay County Beacon podcast brings you Kevin Conner, a man who in recent weeks has begun to protest and advocate for issues and change here in Clay County. In this conversation, a wide range of topics is covered including:
- The difference between the Black Lives Matter ideal and Black Lives Matter organization
- Places in Clay County the KKK still exists
- The goal of a protest and why some people misconstrue historical figures' stances on violence and protests
- How conversations and community can lead to a better society
- The need for an honest look into the culture of policing in Clay County and the nation at large
For more great coverage of news, people and events in Clay County please visit the Clay County Beacon at:
www.ClayBeacon.com
Episode 23: Joe Dallas Millado is running a grassroots campaign for the Republican nomination in Florida's 3rd Congressional District. Joe believes that his campaign highlights the importance of sending citizens to serve in Washington. Joe highlights his previous experience in Washington and how he believes that will translate to success if elected.
This interview is not an endorsement of any candidate, for more information on Joe Dallas Millado please visit his campaign Facebook page and website via the links below:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Joe4Congress/
Website:
http://millado4congress.com/
For more great coverage of news, people and events in Clay County please visit the Clay County Beacon at:
www.ClayBeacon.com
Episode 22 of the Clay County Beacon Podcast features a conversation with Amy Pope Wells, who is running in the crowded Republican field for Florida's 3rd Congressional district. Amy lays out how her ties to Clay county, business experience, and association with state and federal politicians poise her for a successful stint in Congress.
This article is not an endorsement of any candidate. For more information on Amy Pope Wells, please check out her campaign website and Facebook page via the below links.
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/VoteAmyPopeWells/
Website:
https://amypopewells.com/
For more great coverage of news, people and events in Clay County please visit the Clay County Beacon at:
www.ClayBeacon.com
Episode 21 of the Clay County Beacon is here! In this episode you will hear from Diane Hutchings, current Clay County Commissioner turned candidate for Tax Collector. Diane lays out the case for her experience on the BCC and her business laying the groundwork for success as Tax Collector.
This interview is not an endorsement of any particular candidate. For more details about Diane Hutchings, please visit her campaign Facebook page and website via the links below.
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/hutchings.diane/
Website:
https://dianehutchings.com/
For more great coverage of news, people and events in Clay County please visit the Clay County Beacon at:
www.ClayBeacon.com
In Episode 20 of the Clay County Beacon podcast, Dr. James St. George outlines how his experience as a doctor will empower him to advocate for healthcare reform in Washington.
This interview is not an endorsement of any particular candidate. For more information on James St. George, please visit his campaign Facebook page and website vie the below links:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Drjamesstgeorge/
Website:
https://www.votestgeorge.com/
For more great coverage of news, people and events in Clay County please visit the Clay County Beacon at:
www.ClayBeacon.com
Episode 19 of the Clay County Beacon podcast brings you Jim Renninger, who is running for the District 3 seat on the Board of County Commissioners. Jim outlines his extensive military, private industry, and governmental experience in bringing about consensus in solving problems.
This interview is not an endorsement of any particular candidate. For more information on Jim Renninger, please visit his campaign Facebook page and website vie the below links:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ElectRenninger/
Website:
https://jim4clay.com/
For more great coverage of news, people and events in Clay County please visit the Clay County Beacon at:
www.ClayBeacon.com
Episode 18 of the Clay County Beacon Podcast features Mary Bolla, the incumbent for the Clay County School Board's District 4 seat.
Mary outlines her vast experience in the public and private sector and haw that has helped her navigate the complexities of governing a large budget and workforce.
This interview is not an endorsement of any particular candidate. For more information on Mary Bolla, please visit her campaign Facebook page and Campaign website via the links below.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaryBollaCampaign/
Website:
https://marybolla.com/
For more great coverage of news, people and events in Clay County please visit the Clay County Beacon at:
www.ClayBeacon.com
Episode 17 of the Clay County Beacon podcast brings you a conversation with Dr. Kristen Burke, who is running for the District 5 seat on the board of County Commissioners. Dr. Burke is a long time resident and business owner here in Clay County.
Dr. Burke talks about her time spent educating people about the Solite scandal, her efforts to prevent irresponsible development from happening on that property, and her overall agenda to shepherd the growth of the county if elected.
This interview is not an endorsement of any particular candidate. For more information on Kristen Burke, please visit her campaign Facebook page and Campaign website via the link below.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VoteKristenBurke/
Website: http://kristenburke.com/
For more great coverage of news, people and events in Clay County please visit the Clay County Beacon at:
www.ClayBeacon.com
Episode 16 of the Clay County Beacon podcast features a conversation with current Clay County Clerk of the Court, Tara Green.
Green lays out the role of the Clerk of the Court and how it impacts the daily lives of citizens in the county as well as the preparations her office has made to prepare for the changes mandated by Amendment 10.
This interview is not an endorsement of any particular candidate. For more information on Tara Green, please visit her campaign Facebook page and Campaign website via the link below.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreenForClerk/
Website:
www.GreenforClerk.com
For more great coverage of news, people and events in Clay County please visit the Clay County Beacon at:
www.ClayBeacon.com
Episode 15 of the Clay County Beacon podcast brings you a conversation with Connie Thomas. Connie highlights how her successful stint as the Mayor of Orange Park might translate to the County Commission and her ideas to ensure the people of the county have their voices heard by their governing officials.
This interview is not an endorsement of any particular candidate. For more information on Connie Thomas, please visit her campaign Facebook page and Campaign website via the link below.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/connieforclay/
Website: https://connieforclay.com/
For more great coverage of news, people and events in Clay County please visit the Clay County Beacon at:
www.ClayBeacon.com
Adam Christensen joins host Josh Allen on the 14th episode of the Clay Beacon podcast. Adam outlines his path from business owner to Congressional candidate and talks about ideas to decrease prescription drug prices and turn the internet into a public utility.
This interview is not an endorsement of any particular candidate. For more information on Adam Christensen, please visit his campaign Facebook page and Campaign website via the link below.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AC4Congress2020/
Website: https://www.forthemanynotjustme.com/
For more great coverage of news, people and events in Clay County please visit the Clay County Beacon at:
www.ClayBeacon.com
Episode 13 of the Clay County Beacon Podcast brings you a conversation with Mike Taylor. Mr. Taylor is in the running for Sheriff in Clay County, and in this conversation, he outlines changes he would make if elected.
This interview is not an endorsement of any particular candidate. For more information on Ben Carroll, please visit his campaign Facebook page and website vie the below links:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/miketaylorforsheriff/
Website:
https://www.miketaylorforsheriff.com/
Episode 12 of the Clay County Beacon podcast brings you a conversation with Kat Cammack, a former staff member of Congressman Ted Yoho turned candidate for Congress.
This article is not an endorsement of any candidate. For more information on Kat Cammack, please check out her campaign website and Facebook page via the below links.
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/KatCammack/
Website:
https://www.KatForCongress.com
For more great coverage of news, people and events in Clay County please visit the Clay County Beacon at:
www.ClayBeacon.com
This episode of the Clay County Beacon podcast features a conversation with David Coughlin, a Republican running for Clerk of the Court in Clay County.
This interview is not an endorsement of any candidate. For more information on David Coughlin please visit his Facebook page or campaign website via the links below:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/davecoughlinconstitutionalist/
Campaign Website:
https://votedavecoughlin.com/
For more great coverage of news, people and events in Clay County please visit the Clay County Beacon at:
www.ClayBeacon.com
The Clay County Beacon brings you an interview with Tom Wells, a Democrat running for Florida's 3rd Congressional District. Tom discusses his views on the government's role in preserving the environment and preventing/resolving global pandemics.
This interview is not an endorsement of any particular candidate. For more information on Tom Wells, please visit his campaign Facebook page and Campaign website via the link below.
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/TomWellsForCongress/
Website:
https://tomwellsforcongress.com/
For more great coverage of news, people and events in Clay County please visit the Clay County Beacon at:
www.ClayBeacon.com
The Clay County Beacon brings you a conversation with Ben Carroll. Mr. Carroll outlines his experience in law enforcement and how that experience feeds his vision for Clay County if elected.
This interview is not an endorsement of any particular candidate. For more information on Ben Carroll, please visit his campaign Facebook page and website vie the below links:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/CarrollForSheriff/
Website:
https://carrollforsheriff.com/
For more great coverage of news, people and events in Clay County please visit the Clay County Beacon at:
www.ClayBeacon.com
In this episode of the Clay County Beacon Podcast you will hear from Tyler Groves, write-in candidate for Superintendent of Clay County Schools.
This interview is not an endorsement of any particular candidate
For more great coverage of news, people and events in Clay County please visit the Clay County Beacon at:
www.ClayBeacon.com
Clay County native and current County Commissioner Gavin Rollins speaks about his candidacy for Florida's 3rd Congressional District and how his experience in government and the military have equipped him to serve in Washinton.
This interview is not an endorsement of any particular candidate. For more information on Gavin Rollins, please visit his campaign Facebook page and Campaign website via the link below.
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/gavinbrollins/
Website:
https://gavinrollins.com/
For more great coverage of news, people and events in Clay County please visit the Clay County Beacon at:
www.ClayBeacon.com
Dr. Aaron Knowles lays out his ideas for the Clay County School District and the reasons he thinks he is the best candidate in the race for the District 2 School Board seat.
This interview is not an endorsement of any particular candidate. For more information on Aaron Knowles, please visit his campaign Facebook page via the link below.
https://www.facebook.com/Aaron-Knowles-for-School-Board-112022910482561
For more great coverage of news, people and events in Clay County please visit the Clay County Beacon at:
www.ClayBeacon.com
Former Superintendent turned Superintendent Candidate Charlie Van Zant outlines his views on teacher pay, leadership, and what he has learned from his previous stint as Superintendent of Clay County Schools.
This interview is not an endorsement of any candidate. For more information on Charlie Van Zant, you can visit his campaign website or Facebook page via the links below.
Campaign Website:
https://www.charlievanzant.com/
Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/pg/VanZantForClay
For coverage of news and events in Clay County, visit www.ClayBeacon.com
Episode four of the Clay County Beacon podcast brings you an interview with a candidate for Clay County Commissioner District 4, Betsy Condon. Mrs. Condon outlines her experience, qualifications, and vision for managing Clay County's exploding growth.
This interview is not an endorsement of any candidate. For more information on Betsy Condon, you can visit her campaign website or Facebook page via the links below.
Campaign Website:
https://betsycondon.com/
Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/BetsyDistrict4/
For coverage of news and events in Clay County, visit www.ClayBeacon.com
This episode of the Clay County Beacon Podcast Josh Allen interview Beth Clark, a candidate for Clay County School Board District 2. Beth Clark is a long time resident and member of the business community in Clay County. In this interview, you will hear Beth lay out her views on what she feels she can contribute to Clay County if elected to the Schoool Board.
This interview is not an endorsement of any particular candidate. For more information on Beth Clark, please visit her campaign Facebook page via the link below.
https://www.facebook.com/VoteBethC/
For more great coverage of news, people and events in Clay County please visit the Clay County Beacon at:
www.ClayBeacon.com
Episode two of the Clay County Beacon podcast brings you an interview with a candidate for Clay County Sheriff, Michelle Cook. Cook outlines her experience and qualifications and her vision for the Clay County Sheriff's office.
This interview is not an endorsement of any candidate. For more information on Michelle Cook you can visit her campaign website or Facebook page via the links below.
Campaign Website:
www.votemichellecook.com
Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/VoteMichelleCook/
For coverage of news and events in Clay County, visit www.ClayBeacon.com
In the inaugural episode of the Clay County Beacon Podcast, Josh Allen speaks with Superintendent Candidate Melanie Wright. Melanie outlines her view on a variety of subjects pertinent to education and Clay County.
This interview is not an endorsement of any candidate. If you would like more information on Melanie Wright, you can visit her campaign website and Facebook page via the links below:
Website:
https://www.wrightforclayschools.com/?fbclid=IwAR126maGBB26qwhX7jcwBmr1OTg0ntyJSp-V3ZRV2euNdpQ86vXmxR6R8X8
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/WrightforClay/
For more coverage of news and politics in Clay County, please visit our website:
www.claybeacon.com