There’s more fallout from Monday’s Republican Executive Committee vote to endorse Lenny Curry.
During the meeting, Jesse Wilson — a Bill Bishop supporter and former Republican City Council candidate — was “singled out and publicly ejected” from the event, according to a letter Bishop's campaign manager, Rob Storey, sent Robin Lumb, the Republican Party of Duval County chair.
He was accused of “clandestine reporting” for Folio Weekly, Storey went on to write. He goes on to request Lumb apologize to Wilson.
“The management of yesterday’s REC meeting, I think you will agree, was not our finest hour,” Storey wrote.
During the meeting, an initial vote to endorse Curry fell short, which would have meant the committee issued no endorsement. Instead, a second vote was taken and included three members who had timely filled out the necessary paperwork.
Silver Airways adding nonstop from Jacksonville to Pensacola
Silver Airways is launching nonstop service between Jacksonville International Airport and Pensacola International Airport beginning March 19. The flights will operate weekdays.
As part of the service, the company is offering introductory fares from $69 (one way, including taxes and fees) through Thursday, for travel March 19-May 22.
In February, the airline is increasing its number of flights between Jacksonville and Fort Lauderdale to four times daily on weekdays.
“The community’s continued support of Silver’s intra-state service is essential to ensure customers have greater access to more of Florida’s business and leisure destinations,” said Steve Grossman, Jacksonville Aviation Authority executive director and CEO, in a news release.
For details and reservations, visit silverairways.com
Spohrer to receive Equal Justice Award from JALA
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid will recognize attorney Bob Spohrer as the 2014 Equal Justice Award recipient at the 16th Annual Robert J. Beckham Equal Justice Awards Celebration tonight at the Omni Hotel.
Spohrer is a senior partner at Spohrer & Dodd and a longtime community volunteer and advocate for legal aid.
He is among several receiving recognition during the event, which is headlined by Bryan Stevenson, founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative.
The annual event celebrates pro bono service, philanthropy and dedication to fairness and equality.
Tickets are $100 and include cocktails and dinner. For more information, call (904) 224-1557. Proceeds benefit JALA.
Ronald McDonald House to expand
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Jacksonville will announce expansion details of its San Marco facility in the coming weeks.
The goal is to increase capacity from 30 to 54 rooms and add communal space. A news conference is planned for 2 p.m. Jan. 29 to announce details along with a $13 million capital campaign.
Last year, the organization served as a “home-away-from-home” to more than 1,100 families who traveled to Jacksonville to access pediatric medical care at area hospitals. With expansion of medical tourism, the hope is to expand.
For more information, visit rmhcjacksonville.org.
Harry Frisch to headline JAX Chamber Small Business Breakfast
The second annual Small Business Breakfast hosted by the JAX Chamber will have a keynote address by Harry Frisch, chairman of Beaver Street Fisheries.
The 8-9:30 a.m. event Jan. 29 at the Prime Osborn Convention Center also will be the chance for the organization to recognize the 2015 Small Business Leaders of the Year and announce the overall winner.
Cost is $35 for chamber members, $50 for non-members. Tables of eight are available. For more information, call Ashley Lyon at (904) 366-6638.
DoubleTree hotel at airport reopening today after renovations
The DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Airport will celebrate the completion of its multimillion-dollar renovation and reopening today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The hotel is 200 yards from the main terminal of the airport and formerly was an independent hotel. The renovations include design updates through the hotel and guest rooms.
The 201-room hotel has a dining and pool bar, 24-hour fitness center and 11,000 square feet of meeting space. It’s owned by Jax Airport Hotel LLC, and managed by Pyramid Hotel Group.
HabiJax officer receives affordable housing award
Roger Cortie, chief operating officer for Habitat for Humanity of Jacksonville, received the Bill Soforenko Affordable Housing Award.
Cortie joined HabiJax in 2003 as a senior builder and was promoted to director of construction. Last year, he was named chief operating officer and oversees the organization’s day-to-day operations.
Before joining, he held supervisory positions with national homebuilding companies after serving in the U.S. Navy.
“Roger is a valued employee and we are grateful for his dedication and the knowledge he brings to the HabiJax organization,” said Mary Kay O’Rourke, HabiJax president and CEO, in a news release.
Memorial Hospital expanding psychiatric services
Memorial Hospital has expanded specialized care for older adults through additional psychiatric service.
The hospital began serving patients in The Senior Pavilion, a 14-bed inpatient geriatric behavioral health unit within the hospital. The staff includes physicians trained in geriatric medicine.
The facility features daily sessions with psychiatrists, group and individual therapy sessions, assistance with transitional resources and medication management. Life stress, depression, anxiety disorders, life trauma and mood disorders are among the afflictions treated.
For more information, visit memorialhospitaljax.com.