Former Property Appraiser Jim Overton is back in the private sector and staying in real estate.
The former City Council president has joined ERA Davis & Linn for residential and commercial real estate.
Overton said he’s had his broker’s license for years and recently reactivated it. He plans to do a lot of relocation work with the company.
His most recent public service was as property appraiser for three terms, before he was term limited this year.
Budweiser Clydesdales coming to town
As part of the beer company’s 82nd anniversary, the renowned Budweiser Clydesdales will visit Jacksonville Nov. 24-29 at the Anheuser-Busch brewery.
The hitch team, red wagon and horses will parade around the brewery grounds, with guests able to interact with them and take photos.
Stable viewing will be at 10 a.m., with parades 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 25; 3 to 5 p.m. Nov. 27; and noon to 2 p.m. Nov. 28 and Nov. 29. The brewery is at 111 Busch Drive in North Jacksonville.
Equestrian Center goes to the dogs
The Jacksonville Equestrian Center recently hosted the AKC Pals & Paws Agility Trial, opening the 80-acre facility to various breeds of canines and their owners.
The dogs worked with their teams and handlers to complete obstacle courses. Dogs like Missy, above, a parti-colored cocker spaniel were recognized for their feats.
The Equestrian Center also hosts recreational events, festivals, concerts and weddings.
Purple Star Card replacing silver for young JTA riders
Youths who ride Jacksonville Transportation Authority buses are encouraged to buy a purple Star Card to receive a 31-day pass at a discounted rate.
Young riders ages 7-18 will be required to have the purple card with photo identification on the back to take advantage of the $30 rate, down from the standard $50 monthly fare.
“Our youth rely on public transit for trips to school, the library, part-time jobs, parks and more,” said JTA CEO Nathaniel Ford.
Those interested can get the cards Downtown at the Rosa Parks Transit Station. They should bring eligibility documents like a birth certificate and a photo or government-issued identification. Those between the ages of 7-14 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Hours have been extended from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday to accommodate passengers. The cards can be reloaded at JTA ticket vending machines or area Winn-Dixie stories.
Youth Silver Star tickets are no longer available for purchase, but will still be honored.
Advanced Disposal properly disposes of 2,500 flags
Advanced Disposal collected 2,500 flags across 18 states over the summer to properly retire the symbols.
Some of the flags were retired Saturday in a ceremony at Magnolia Cemetery in Orange Park. Each was done as stipulated by the U.S. Flag Code.
“What better way to show our appreciation than to respectfully retire these stars and stripes that may have seen brighter days,” said Richard Burke, Advanced Disposal CEO, in a news release.
All 226 Advanced Disposal locations collected worn, torn, old and faded flags from June 1 through Sept. 11. The largest was about 30 feet, while the smallest was about an inch.
The company plans to collect flags again next year. More information can be found at advanceddisposal.com/retireyourflag.
One Spark application period open until Jan. 29
Crowdfunding festival One Spark opened its application period for creators Monday.
Artists, educators, entrepreneurs, inventors, musicians and others are invited to apply by Jan. 29. The creator application is at onespark.com.
The 2016 edition of the Downtown festival will be April 7-9.
Ideas can be in any stage, but must have an operating budget of less than $1 million to qualify for entry.
New this year, creators will be grouped into categories and co-located in districts that give projects an opportunity to display and demonstrate in a more coordinated fashion. Each district will have up to 50 creators.
Also new, creators will be selected by a jury comprising local experts, industry leaders, investors and sponsors. Those selected for the festival will be announced Feb. 24.
Crowdfunding campaigns begin March 28.
Campbell and Doyle back on CareerSource board
Gov. Rick Scott has reappointed two Jacksonville residents to the CareerSource Florida board of directors.
Robert Campbell, 61, is an associate with Tison & Associates Inc. He’s reappointed for a term that ends July 6, 2018.
Kevin Doyle, 43, is a managing partner with Wexford Strategies and executive director of the Consumer Energy Alliance of Florida. His term ends March 21, 2018.
CareerSource Florida is a statewide network of career development professionals who work with Florida employers to find, develop and keep qualified talent. It also invests in programs to help businesses identify and grow the state’s talent pool.
Jacksonville University and University of North Florida make most military-friendly list
Both Jacksonville University and the University of North Florida are considered among the most military-friendly schools in the country, according to one group.
They both received “Military Friendly School” titles for 2016 by Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs, STEM Jobs SM and Military Spouse.
Institutions competed for the title by completing a survey of more than 100 questions covering 10 categories, like campus military support, graduation and employment outcomes and policies for military spouses.
Student veterans make up more than 10 percent of JU’s 4,000-plus enrollment, while UNF has more than 1,200 student veterans.
To see which schools made the list, visit militaryfriendly.com.
JU for the first time also has been designated a top school in the 2016 Military Advanced Education & Transition Guide to Colleges and Universities research study. The guide, released next month, measures best practices in military and veteran education at more than 600 institutions.
Tiger Bay hosting forum on congressional and legislative redistricting
With state legislative leaders deciding how to build district maps for state House and Senate seats along with those for U.S. Congress, Tiger Bay members will hear from two speakers to help navigate the issue.
At its next program, “What’s the Big Deal About Redistricting?” attendees will hear from Angela DeMonbreun, president of the Jacksonville First Coast League of Women Voters, and state Rep. Charles McBurney.
The group meets at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 20 at the University Club. Cost is $25, which includes a buffet lunch and parking.
Reservations are required; RSVP by Nov. 18. Call (904) 571-5337 for more information.