• New restaurants opening near JIA: an Outback Steakhouse and a Hooters. Officials from the airport authority say they hear a Longhorn Steakhouse may not be far behind.
• Mayor John Peyton will no longer have to present a parking pass when leaving Jacksonville International Airport’s courtesy parking. The Jacksonville Airport Authority has made a special exception to its policy, allowing Peyton access with just his driver’s license. The JAA said the privilege was extended to Peyton as a thank you for helping promote the City and JIA.
• Downtown Development Authority managing director Al Battle says “all indications” point toward Berkman Plaza developer DB Holdings LLC proceeding with plans to build the downtown development’s second tower as planned. The Atlanta developer sold the first tower July 25.
• The efforts to convert Gilman Paper Co.’s fancy White Oak Plantation into an exclusive golf resort/conference center continue. Reaching the goal of 60 members is still a bit down the road, but the new owners hope to have 40 by year’s end. It’s off I-95 in the Yulee area.
• That new Ch. 4 reporter, Lauren Nimnicht? She’s the daughter of Cadillac dealer Ed Nimnicht.
• Taste the Music, a wine tasting and musical event to benefit the St. Johns River City Band, is set for Sept. 12. Over 100 different wines will be available for sipping. Tickets for the event, which is being held at the Aetna Building at 841 Prudential Dr., start at $25.
• H. Franklin Perritt Jr. of the law firm of Marks Gray has received the Joseph Metzger Outstanding Achievement award, which recognizes lifetime achievement, years of community service and impeccable ethics and professionalism.
• Can’t get much more descriptive than this: Off the Chain Bail Bonds has opened here.
• Looking for something to read? National Public Radio compiled a list of books suggested by independent booksellers around the country on its website, www. npr.org. Included are suggestions by Rona Brinlee, who owns The Book Mark in Atlantic Beach.