JonathanBennett's blog

Hello all-

I'm back, after a plenty long absence. Since it's been so long, I have a bit of explaining to do. First off, let's talk about the spammers.

The biggest problem has to do with the age of MyClaySun.com. The software running this site is now 3 years old (yes, it's been 3 years since MCS launched) and that allows for all sorts of new bug and spammers to get into the system. It's a lot like our home computer. You know how they say to upgrade your antivirus every few months?

MyClaySun.com is in that position - it's been 3 years since we've upgraded our antivirus.

Good morning all (and Happy Holidays)

A quick note - we seem to be the victim of some username hacker - hundreds of usernames have been created in the last few hours, and their profile pages have been filled with porn.

I have disabled the "Who's new" and "Who's Online" on the right side of the page (all that's left is "Recent Comments") so that you don't accidentally click on one of those names.

Also, you will not be able to access your profile pages or add photos to your blog until this mess is figured out.

I will keep you updated. Feel free to e--mail me if you have any questions 

A few photo galleries from this weekend's action- enjoy!

Fleming Island v. Episcopal football

Orange Park v. Lee football

Ridgeview football

Golden Eagles Band

Dearest MCS'ers-

I want to thank all of you for your patience and cooperation through was has been an interesting time here on MCS.com.

As you all know, the political season swamped most of the attention here on the site. Much of it was very heated and, frankly, some of it was not very useful. However, most of the time we allowed people to speak their mind because MCS.com is meant for everyone in Clay County - and both sides of every issue. With the primaries over, that tide has ebbed.

The biggest issue at the moment seems to be Clay County Animal Control. One particular person seems to have endless energies against the CCAC and has been told not to post on MCS any more. And as you've noticed, that person continues to return. At the moment we have no way to permanently block this person. Trust me, we're working on a solution, but on the internet, if you're determined enough to do something, you'll do it.

All-

We are almost finished with our round of Clay County candidate video interviews, and many of them are now available on MyClaySun.com/video

In case you can't find a particular candidate there, all videos are also on Jacksonville.Activote.com 

For a bit of background, we invited all candidates who are running opposed in the primary elections on Aug. 26th to the Times-Union for video interviews. We (well, I) asked each candidate three questions - all candidates in the same race received the same questions and there were no time limits for their responses.

Our live blog with Sheriff Rick Beseler is tonight from 7-8 p.m.

The format will be the same as our previous blogs with Gary Newman and Mike Taylor; one hour, and a mix of user-generated and staff-generated questions.

If you will not be able to tune in, feel free to add your questions on this blog and we will add your questions to the mix.

A reminder:

Clay County sheriff candidate Gary Newman will be at the My Clay Sun offices tonight for a live blog from 7-8 p.m.

The format will be the exact same as last night's. You will have a chance to ask questions to Mr. Newman.

Sheriff Rick Beseler will join us August 12th (next Tuesday), also from 7-8 p.m. 

A reminder:

Tonight is the live blog with Clay County sheriff candidate Mike Taylor.

Mr. Taylor will be with us from 7-8 p.m.

My Clay Sun will be moderating the live blog and asking the questions, however, you will have the opportunity to ask your own. Of course, all user-submitted questions will be moderated before going live.

Look for the blog on the front page named "Live Blog - Mike Taylor" to follow along. 

All-

In addition to the sheriff candidate's live blog interview on MCS.com, we have invited all of the clay couny candidates in for video interviews at the Times-Union building.

*note - we invited only those up for the Aug. 26 primary elections, so candidates who automatically advance to the Nov. 4 general elections were not included in this round of video interviews* 

We will be asking each candidate 3 questions at these video interviews and we want your input. Here are the race and candidates we have asked in. If you have any questions for these candidates just reply with a comment and make sure to specify which candidate or race.

All-

We will be hosting a series of live blogs with the three Clay County sheriff candidates. Here is the schedule:

Mike Taylor will be here August 5th from 7-8 p.m.

Gary Newman will be here August 6th from 7-8 p.m.

Rick Beseler will be here August 12th 7-8 p.m.

On the date and times listed above, we will be live blogging with the respective candidate. In other words, this coming Tuesday from 7-8 p.m., Mike Taylor and the MCS staff will be sitting down together and you can follow along here on the site.