Jacksonville Jaguars President Mark Lamping has received a five-year contract extension, the team announced last week.
Lamping oversees all business operations for the Jaguars and has been president since arriving in Jacksonville in 2012. Since then, he’s directed the team’s front office restructure and led initiatives for increased fan engagement, ticket sales and branding.
“Mark has impressively served the Jaguars and, by extension, the National Football League since I introduced him as our new team president in early 2012,” Jaguars owner Shad Khan said in a news release. ”Our business performance over the past three years has been remarkable under Mark, and his commitment to the Jacksonville community has been nothing short of spectacular.”
Before joining the Jaguars, Lamping was the president and CEO of MetLife Stadium, home of the New York Jets and New York Giants.
OneJax to host teen leadership program
OneJax is now accepting application for teens entering 10th through 12th grades for its Metrotown Institute, a four-day program that promotes respect and understanding across race, religion, sexual orientation and other categories.
OneJax is an institute of the University of North Florida.
The Metrotown Institute will be 8 a.m.-5 p.m. June 22-24 and from 8 a.m-9 p.m. June 25 at Riverside Presbyterian Church, 849 Park St., in Riverside.
The program brings students together “to explore living successfully in an increasingly diverse and interdependent world,” according to a news release. Participants will share ideas and feelings, discover their talents and experience diverse issues while there.
Students must be referred to the program or endorsed by a sponsor, which can be a parent, teacher, counselor, clergy or community leader. Those interested should call OneJax at (904) 620-1529.
The program is designed for 50 students, with registration fee of $150 each. The price includes lunch and snacks as well as dinner the final night. Sponsors are encouraged to help students raise money, though no one will be prevented from participating because they can’t pay.
Students must complete an application to be considered, with additional information at onejax.org.
Argyle Branch library to mark decade of service
The Jacksonville Public Library is marking the 10th anniversary of opening the Argyle Branch Library with a community celebration from 3-5 p.m. Saturday.
The library is providing crafts and a puppet show for children along with refreshments, door prizes and an opportunity to meet with community groups.
Also taking place is a display of local artist George Miller, who in February was named by Gov. Rick Scott as Florida’s featured artist for Black History Month.
For more information, visit jaxpubliclibrary.org.
Household hazardous waste collection Saturday
The city’s Solid Waste Division is hosting a free household hazardous and electronic waste collection from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Saturday at Blue Cypress Park in Arlington.
Examples of electronic waste include televisions, computer monitors, keyboards, printers, DVDs, mobile phones, pagers and power tools. Hazardous waste includes paint, varnish, paint thinner, household and car batteries and drain cleaners.
There are four more collection events scheduled throughout the city through June, with the next being April 11 at Mandarin Park.
Sierra Club awards conservation honor to UNF professor
University of North Florida professor David Jaffee received recognition from the Sierra Club for his efforts in protection, preservation and conservation of environmental assets.
Jaffee, a Ponte Vedra resident and professor of sociology, anthropology and social work, has worked on The Ports Project at UNF, which was designed to provide Jacksonville resident with critical and research-based understanding of an urban economy revolving around port logistics. He’s been an outspoken critic of some of the studies used for backing deepening the St. Johns River for port activity.
“It’s rare to find a person with technical and academic expertise who is willing to step into the environmental advocacy area,” said Janet Stanko, Sierra Club of Northeast Florida chair, in a news release.
The recognition came during the Mayor’s Environmental Luncheon recently held at the Jacksonville Zoo, where 33 groups and individuals were recognized.
Papa Murphy’s completes local acquisitions
Papa Murphy’s, the retailer known for take-and-bake pizza, recently completed acquisitions of existing franchise stores in Jacksonville. The move be used as a springboard for expansion throughout the Southeast, the company announced.
The company has 1,400 stores in 38 states. Ken Calwell, company president and CEO, said in a news release that there is “tremendous opportunity” in the local market and the company looked forward to opening more stores in town.
As part of the expansion, Papa Murphy’s is hosting promotion this week of a large pepperoni pizza with the purchase of any other pizza at regular price. The deal runs through Saturday.