Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan keeps increasing his wealth, enough to move up on the list of richest people in the world.
Khan ranks No. 360 in the world at $4.5 billion, tied with seven others, according to the latest Forbes ranking released this week. The magazine says the team’s value jumped 15 percent to $965 million last year. Last year, Khan’s worth was $4.3 billion.
The magazine’s list is led by Microsoft founder Bill Gates, who is worth $79.3 billion.
University of North Florida releases economic study
The University of North Florida released a $400,000 study through the St. Johns Water Management District that focuses on the economic value of the St. Johns River to Florida residents.
The study was funded through the Legislature and included economists from the University of Florida, University of Central Florida, Indiana University and the Malmoral Group.
Some highlights:
• Wetlands along the river annually remove 188,000 metric tons of nitrogen, which would cost up to $122 billion to do via wastewater treatment.
• Those wetlands also provide an economic value of $3 billion to reducing flooding during major events. Riverfront properties in Clay, Duval, Putnam and St. Johns counties increased in value by $944 million because of the location.
•The water taken out for consumption and irrigation annually is worth $70 million.
For the full study, visit http://bit.ly/1DQjme6.
Scott reappoints Smith to state housing corporation
Gov. Rick Scott has reappointed Bernard Smith to the Florida Housing Finance Corp.
Smith is president of Smith & Young Co. and is reappointed for a term that ends Nov. 13, 2018.
The corporation was created by the Legislature more than 30 years ago to assist in providing a range of affordable housing opportunities for Florida residents.
Free People opening this month
Fashion brand Free People is opening March 13 at the St. Johns Town Center.
The first 50 customers will receive a tote bag. Light refreshments will be served and stylists will be on hand to give in-store styling sessions.
The retailer is known for its bohemian on-trend fashion styles. The Jacksonville location is at 4818 River City Drive, No. 107.
Concerned Taxpayers endorse in council, supervisor races; deadlock on Bishop and Curry
The Concerned Taxpayers of Duval County this week came out with its endorsements for the first election on March 24.
“We ask for nothing more than scrupulous honesty and loyalty to the best interests of our city,” according to the news release.
There are no endorsements for the mayoral or sheriff’s races. The group was deadlocked on Bill Bishop and Lenny Curry in the mayor’s race.
The number of qualified candidates in the sheriff’s race prevented the group from reaching consensus, the group said. Both races will be reconsidered for the general election.
The endorsements:
• Supervisor of Elections: Tracie Davis
• City Council At-Large Group 1: Anna Brosche
• Council At-Large Group 2: John Crescimbeni
• Council At-Large Group 3: Geoff “Jeff” Youngblood
• Council At-Large Group 4: Greg Anderson
• Council At-Large Group 5: Sam Newby
• Council District 1: Mike Anania
• Council District 2: Al Ferraro
• Council District 3: James Nealis
• Council District 4: Ryan Taylor
• Council District 6: Connie Benham (the group’s vice president)
• Council District 9: Glorious Johnson
• Council District 12: Abner Davis
• Council District 14: Jason Tetlak
Barbara Moulding retiring from Leadership Jacksonville
Leadership Jacksonville adult program coordinator Barbara Moulding is retiring when the current class ends in the spring.
“Barbara has done an outstanding job for Leadership Jacksonville for more than 10 years, bringing quality programs to each class,” said Jill Langford Dame, Leadership Jacksonville executive director, in a news release. “Barbara has worked with a large and diverse group of volunteers to select class participants, plan retreats and create dynamic programs every year.”
She joined the organization in 2004 and was a 1998 graduate of Leadership Jacksonville. She’s also past president of the Jacksonville Women’s Network and has served on the boards of Theatre Jacksonville and North Florida Multiple Sclerosis.
Leadership Jacksonville was created in 1976 to educate, connect and inspire leaders to strengthen the community. Leadership Jacksonville adult program coordinator Barbara Moulding is retiring when the current class ends in the spring.
“Barbara has done an outstanding job for Leadership Jacksonville for more than 10 years, bringing quality programs to each class,” said Jill Langford Dame, Leadership Jacksonville executive director, in a news release. “Barbara has worked with a large and diverse group of volunteers to select class participants, plan retreats and create dynamic programs every year.”
She joined the organization in 2004 and was a 1998 graduate of Leadership Jacksonville. She’s also past president of the Jacksonville Women’s Network and has served on the boards of Theatre Jacksonville and North Florida Multiple Sclerosis.
Leadership Jacksonville was created in 1976 to educate, connect and inspire leaders to strengthen the community.
UNF offering EcoCamp and Youth Sports and Fitness camp in summer
While it’s still technically winter, it’s not too early to look toward summer.
The University of North Florida is doing just that, offering a Youth Sports and Fitness camp along with an EcoCamp.
It will be the 34th year for the youth fitness camp for children ages 5-14, which begins June 8 and ends Aug. 7. The camp uses UNF facilities like the student union, the arena, student wellness complex and more for different sports and entertainment.
The cost is $195 per week per camper for the general public. Cost for UNF students is $145 per week and others associated with the university. A 10 percent discount is available for multiple children and active military.
EcoCamp is an outdoor camp held 9 a.m.-4 p.m. June 8-July 31 for children ages 6-14. Cost is $200 per week for the general public and $185 for UNF faculty, staff and students.
For more information on both, visit unf.edu/recreation/camps.
Jacksonville University professor earns Top 25 academic books of 2014 designation
Jacksonville University sociologist Nathan Rosseau’s “Society Explained” has been named one of the Top 25 academic books of 2014, according to the American Library Association.
The book was one of about 7,000 reviewed by the group for the list.
“Rousseau has written the clearest and most direct introduction to sociology this reviewer has read since beginning higher education in 1979,” Michael Micheam, a Valdosta State University sociology professor, said in his review.
Rousseau is an associate professor in sociology in JU’s social sciences division. He said in a news release he was “quite surprised” with the honor.
“I hope my next book does as well,” he said.