Developers break ground at Atlantic Beach Country Club
Area leaders, developers and some of the youngest members of Atlantic Beach Country Club helped mark the start of a new golf course community last week. Atlantic Beach Partners will transform 170 acres after it purchased the former Selva Marina Country Club. The project will cost about $22 million for a new 12,000-square-foot clubhouse, junior Olympic-size pool, tennis courts and an 18-hole golf course. Last month, the group announced its preferred builders for the 178 home sites.
Nominations wanted for Mayor’s Commission on Status of Women
The Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women is accepting nominations to recognize women who have made lasting contributions to the Jacksonville community. The winners will be recognized at a breakfast at the University of North Florida’s Student Union, with this year’s theme being “Standing Strong, Standing Together: Jacksonville Women Working to Create a Stronger Community.” Nomination forms are available at coj.net/mcsw and can be requested via email at [email protected]. The nomination deadline is 5 p.m. Friday.
Matt Galnor named VP at JAX Chamber
Matt Galnor, a former journalist and Baptist Health corporate communications specialist, will join the JAX Chamber as vice president of public affairs. He will oversee communications for the chamber and have a role in developing the JAXBIZ political action committee, especially during elections. He begins in March.
Wells Fargo names new North Florida regional president
Wells Fargo has named Kelly Smith regional president for its North Florida region, 19 counties from the Pandhandle to Volusia County. Smith succeeds Scott Coble, who was named lead region president for Florida. Smith will report to Coble and be based in Jacksonville. She is a 10-year veteran with the bank and most recently served as area president in Reading, Pa., where she was responsible for customer experience and performance in 51 retail branches and more than 450 employees.
Vitti, Chartrand headline JU forum on education
The Jacksonville University Public Policy Institute will host an “Education Policy: Why it Matters” forum from 6-8:30 p.m. Tuesday at the JU Davis College of Business. The forum will feature Gary Chartrand, Florida State Board of Education chair, and Nikolai Vitti, Duval County School Board superintendent, and feature presentations on education policy, including school grades and choice, teacher evaluation and classroom funding. For information, contact Rick Mullaney, institute director, at [email protected].
Alyson Lee joins LeeValent Group
Alyson Shutts Lee has joined LeeValent Group as vice president of client relations. Lee, wife of LeeValent group founder Wally Lee and a former Jacksonville University corporate communications director, will assist with program support by working with clients and integrating them into the community. Wally Lee and Anna Valent, former JAX Chamber officials, created the company in June.
Clerk of courts to host Valentine’s Day Ceremony
The Clerk of Courts will host its second annual Valentine’s Day Wedding Ceremony on Feb. 14, when couples will participate in one service on the staircase of the seven-story atrium lobby. Clerk of Court Ronnie Fussell (left) will again officiate, as he did last year. Ceremony fees are prepaid, but couples still have to purchase a marriage license. Deputy clerks will provide photography. Couples who still would like to be a part of the event have until Tuesday to sign up. The ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. For more information, call Charlie Broward at (904) 255-1997.
Riverkeeper program offers rain barrel discounts
The St. Johns Riverkeeper is offering rain barrels and compost bins at a discount for the next several weeks. Rain barrels that normally retail for $109 can be purchased for $70. Compost bins will be sold at the same price, or both can be purchased for $130. Barrels and bins can be picked up between 10 a.m.-noon March 1 at The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. The sale takes place in conjunction with the museum’s annual community day and plant sale. For more information, visit stjohnsriverkeeper.org.
Courthouse committee to meet Monday
The city Courthouse Oversight Special Committee will meet at 10:30 a.m. Monday in the Council Chamber at City Hall. The meeting will feature updates on the courthouse and renovations to the federal courthouse for use by the State Attorney’s Office.
JTA announces community groups schedule
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority will meet quarterly with Community Advisory Groups to gain feedback and recommendations on how to better provide services for customers. Topics will include how the authority is perceived, transportation ideas, priorities and the Bus Rapid Transit system. The first meeting will be 6-7:30 p.m. Saturday for the Southeast area at St. Vincent’s Hospital, 4201 Belfort Road, in Auditorium C. For the full schedule, visit jtafla.com.
’Art is for Lovers’ tonight
The First Wednesday Art Walk is 5-9 p.m. tonight Downtown with a February theme of “Art is for Lovers.” Hemming Plaza will be the headquarters and feature Valentine’s Day-themed activities, including marriages, a “Single Mingle” and children-friendly arts and crafts. Venues around Downtown will feature art, food and entertainment. For a map and detailed venue listings, visit jacksonvilleartwalk.com
2014 JNC nominations extended
Deadlines to nominate attorneys for two lawyer vacancies for each of the 26 Judicial Nominating Commissions, including those locally, across the state have been extended to 5:30 p.m. March 21. Each appointee will serve a four-year term that commences July 1. Applicants must practice law, be a resident of the jurisdiction they wish to serve and comply with state financial disclosure laws. The commission reviews judicial candidates and provides names to the governor for consideration of filling vacancies. For information on how to apply, visit floridabar.org.
McDonald joins Client Focused Media
Client Focused Media has hired Tiffany McDonald to lead the firm’s digital marketing efforts. She has seven years of experience with businesses and nonprofits and expertise in social media, search engine optimization and marketing.