• Tuesday’s City Council Finance Committee meeting witnessed a testy exchange between members Glorious Johnson and Pat Lockett-Felder over Fresh Ministries’ request for start-up capital for its Beaver Street Enterprise Center. Johnson questioned whether the $250,000 was necessary after giving Fresh Ministries $190,000 last year. Lockett-Felder responded: “I’m here for the people, you’re tying their hands just because we say there’s duplication. We need duplication of what these folks are doing.” Johnson said the two would meet Sept. 11 to discuss the matter.
• When the City envisioned an employee workout center downtown, its construction required signed support from 10 percent of City employees. With only a month left to sign up, the list has only 160 signatures and was thought to be 80 names short of the 240 required. However, Council Auditor Richard Wallace said Tuesday the City employs closer to 800 people, which would mean the list already represents about 20 percent of City workers.
• Happy birthday to Rep. Ander Crenshaw, who celebrated Monday. Not quite yet, but he’s nearing the big six-oh.
• People really have to hunt to find something to gripe about. The new Publix commercial about the policeman coming home from the night shift, the one where his little daughter has breakfast waiting? The commercial was shot in California and watchdogs there claimed the cop put his gunbelt within reach of the little girl, which would be a state law violation because she’s obviously under 16. Publix claims there isn’t a gun on the belt.
• San Marco 1402 is now serving lunch weekdays from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• The king of shock rock is coming to the Florida Theatre. Alice Cooper, who is known for elaborate stage shows, will be here Sept. 28.
• With Dick Linn out as Neptune Beach city manager, one name has already surfaced as a possible replacement: Jimmy Jarboe, the former Atlantic Beach city manager who also has long-time family ties to the beach community.
• The Bud Zone at Alltel Stadium will be open at 6 p.m. Thursday for the NFL’s opening game festivities. Bud Zone patrons can park for free in Lot D.
• Ellen Siler, CEO of Hubbard House, has been appointed to the Commission on Marriage and Family Support Initiatives by Gov. Jeb Bush.
• JJ’s Cuisine and Wine in Ponte Vedra Beach is opening a second location. JJ’s Bistro De Paris is scheduled to open in the Shoppes at Village Walk on Gate Parkway in January.