• The Duval Legislative Delegation organizational and general legislative hearing is scheduled for Nov. 14 at 2 p.m in City Council chambers. The purpose of the meeting is to elect a chair and vice chair and hear public discussion on general issues, legislation and appropriations. The deadline for filing local bills in noon Nov. 7. The delegation will hold a public hearing Jan. 12 at 2 p.m. in City Council chambers to discuss local bills.
• The Jacksonville Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association has elected its 2003-04 board of directors. They are Kim Deppe, president; Dawn Emerick, president-elect; Lanette Hart, immediate past president; Kelly King, treasurer; Angela Mack, secretary; Lucretia Simmons, vice president, programs; Laura Cagan, vice president, image; Erik Kaldor, vice president, accreditation; Joanna Buzar, vice president, student liaison; Sheila Allport, membership chair; Candy Bowen, communications chair; Eric Cravey, public relations/marketing chair; and Sophia Garcia, community service chair.
• The Museum of Science & History is hosting two nights dedicated to observing Mars and learning more about the planet. From 8:30 to 10 p.m. on Aug. 27 and 30, visitors to the museum will see a planetarium program, “The Mars Show,” and get a telescopic observation of Mars. During the last week of August, the Earth and Mars will be as close together as they have been in 60,000 years.
• City Council president Lad Daniels has been appointed to a four-year term on the First Coast Metropolitan Planning Commission.
• The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office will hold a public auction at 10 a.m. Friday at Alltel Stadium and Metro Park. Up for bid will be forfeited vehicles.
• The First Coast African American Chamber of Commerce is hosting a general membership and business-to-business meeting Sept. 5 from 6-8 p.m. at the Beaver Street Enterprise Center. To RSVP, call 358-9090.
• Downtown Vision, Inc.’s next meeting is scheduled for Thursday at One Shipyard Place. The meeting begins at 8:30 a.m. with a preview of The Shipyards project. At 9 a.m. the Downtown Development Authority and DVI will lead a bus tour of revitalization projects downtown. RSVP by Wednesday to 634-0303.