Lights, Sirens and Action: Clay County holds annual ‘Touch-a-Truck’ event

Jenn Samsel, WJXT Content Gatherer, Jacksonville

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – Over the weekend, Clay County held its annual Touch-a-Truck: What Moves Clay event, which allowed families to interact with county officials, employees, and volunteers while checking out various trucks and even a helicopter.

Kids were given stickers and trinkets and learned about services, heavy machinery, and various vehicles, including fire trucks and police cars.

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“This is the perfect event for families to “touch” and experience emergency vehicles and to learn all about the different groups and programs that make our county great," said Jessica Barreto, senior multimedia and public information officer.

In addition, there were food trucks, free giveaways, outdoor activities, and a plethora of organizations to help inform residents about available resources.

Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook said the event is one of her yearly favorites.

“This is one of my personal favorite events because it’s really an opportunity to have a good interaction, especially with the younger people,” said Sheriff Cook

According to county officials, the event, which has been running for the past three years, allows the county to showcase its partnerships and enables its residents to “come together as one team.”

“When our residents need us, one of the unique things that we have here in Clay is that we all come together as one team, and this event showcases those partnerships,” said County Director of Communications Laura Christmas.

Even Clay County Commissioner Mike Celle was partaking in the event.

“There are all kinds of people, and we have all types of trucks. Anything that moves, all types of vehicles that are all here, and the real theme of what we do is making people aware of all the different departments and how they help with the county. We appreciate all their support.” said Clay County Commission Mike Celle.

The event, originally scheduled for September, was postponed due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla.