Written by Laura Christmas

MIDDLEBURG, Fla — Clay County leaders will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Animal Services building on May 27 at 9:00 AM, and the community is welcome to attend.

Thanks to a partnership between the County, Chewy Health, and Lincoln Memorial University, this new facility will have more opportunities for generations to come. Details on this forward-thinking collaboration between the public, private, and educational sectors will be made at the groundbreaking. County leaders will also announce how animal lovers can be part of the building's legacy for years to come.

Parking: Ceremony parking is at Paul C. Armstrong Park, and you may take a complimentary JTA shuttle, or walk the short distance to the ceremony location at the JTA Park-n-Ride lot on CR 220.

Background: The new building, which will replace the current shelter, will be built at the corner of Sleepy Hollow Road and County Road 220 in Middleburg. It will increase capacity and allow for more programs and services to help Clay County’s animals. This new building has been in the works for years, and is a milestone not only for county leaders, but also the community.

The needs for services and programs have outpaced the county’s current shelter, located off State Road 16 in Green Cove Springs. During major storms, the shelter runs the risk of flooding from nearby Black Creek. However, while Clay County Animal Services has outgrown its space, the shelter continues to meet the state’s criteria of a no-kill shelter.

Announcement to leave a legacy: County leaders will make an announcement about a new opportunity that allows our community - and all animal lovers - to leave their mark on the new building and make an impact. This opportunity will be announced during the ceremony. Stay tuned to the Newsroom and social media after the ceremony for more details.