• The final mayoral campaign tallies are in. Republican John Peyton officially raised $2,536,843 while Democrat Nat Glover raised $844,466.91.
• Speaking of campaign reports, soft money totals are in, too. The Republican Party donated $99,520 (JEDC chair and insurance company owner Tom Petway kicked in $10,000 as did retired car dealership owner Luther Coggin, Jacksonville Greyhound Racing, Orthodontic Education Company, Barco-Duval Inc., Brothers Five of Jacksonville and England, Thims & Miller, Inc.). The Democratic Party topped that with $445,943 (Ed Baker donated $75,000, attorneys Gary and Steve Pajcic — who ran the Nat Glover campaign — kicked in $50,000 each as did their law firm and Brown Terrell partner Wayne Hogan donated $125,000 of his own money.)
• According to the latest sales status report, three companies have put in bids to purchase the naming rights at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville: Maxwell House (bid $300,000), CSX Transportation ($300,000) and Roto-Rooter, ($350,000).
• The eternal flame at the Veterans Wall will be turned off soon. With the implosion of the Coliseum set for June 26, City officials will need to turn the gas to the flame off as soon after Memorial Day as possible. No word on when the flame will be relit.
• The FCCJ Broadway series schedule features “Mamma Mia” and “42nd Street” (as we told you a few weeks ago,) plus a nice surprise for everyone: “The Producers” is on next year’s lineup.
• Much Ado About Books co-chair Bea Walker reports this year’s event raised $90,000. The money is tabbed for children’s books.
• The JCCI is on the prowl to get more attendance at its “forum on ethics” this week. They’re aiming at the 25-45 set and are bringing in keynote speakers to go with breakout sessions. It starts with a Thursday dinner, then all day Friday. The price is $40 for non-members and $25 for members.
• The stadium improvements have a long way to go but there are signs of progress — for instance, one of the escalators in the South end zone is now covered.
• Girls Inc. is sponsoring the 2003 Girl’s Rights Week and it culminates Friday with a luncheon at the Osborn Center from 11:30 a.m-1 p.m. The guest of honor is Joyce Roche, national president of Girls Inc. Locally, the committee is chaired by the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission’s Karen Nasrallah.
• Nice letter from former Mayor Jake Godbold to Mayor John Delaney commending Delaney on his eight years in office. “I am so impressed by what you have accomplished during your two terms as mayor of our great city,” wrote Godbold. “As I know and you know, it is not always easy to accomplish your visions.” Also thanked Delaney for allowing him and his wife Jean to use the mayor’s box at the June 14 Suns game.
• Henrietta’s, a new restaurant at Ninth and Main streets, will be holding a soft opening today. The Springfield eatery will be open for lunch and dinner.
• The giant OakLeaf Plantation will get another shopping center soon. Sleiman Enterprises has signed on to develop a center to go with the Publix-anchored center that’s under construction. The 6,400-acre development straddles the Duval-Clay county line.