• Mayor John Peyton has been wowing dinner guests with his skills on the piano. Mayor’s office spokesperson Heather Murphy said Peyton took lessons growing up and occasionally plays for guests on a grand piano inherited from his grandmother.
• The local Democrats are hosting statewide candidates when they visit and Monday you can meet Senate candidate Betty Castor. It’s a River Club luncheon for $35.
• New face in the mayor’s office: Latheria Shavers is replacing Sharon Edwards as the front desk receptionist. Edwards served on an interim basis and will now return to the Neighborhoods Department.
• Hurricane Isabel has postponed Mayor Peyton’s planned visit to the Enterprise Battle Group, now conducting training exercises off the coast of Florida. The mayor was to have gone out Tuesday and return today. The new schedule calls for a Saturday visit.
• Morton’s Steakhouse is adding a second Martini Night. Beginning Friday, the restaurant will host Martini Night on Wednesdays and Fridays from 5-7 p.m.
• Dreams Come True of Jacksonville, a non–profit organization that tries to fulfill wishes of seriously ill children, has asked Carnival Cruise Lines to help publicize its mission. On the night of the cruise line’s first departure from Jacksonville, Dreams requested cards bearing the organization’s logo and address be placed on passengers’ pillows.
• State Senate president Jim King told Mayor Peyton in a letter that he had received complaints about out-of-state contractors receiving “the lion’s share” of Better Jacksonville Plan construction dollars. “Some of those complaining voiced opinions that in a situation such as this, ‘home cooking’ would be of benefit!” King wrote. “I kind of agree.” Mayor’s office spokesperson Heather Murphy said Peyton “obviously supports local business participation,” but said bidding for the projects must be open to keep prices low and to stay compliant with federal law.
• The City is looking for funding to bring firefighter physical examinations in line with more thorough police exams. The City pays Baptist Medical Center $203 for each firefighter physical, while City police receive Life Scan examinations, featuring services like skin cancer screening and ultrasound exams, costing the City $310.
• The Chamber’s Leadership Trip to Dallas next month will have a record 162 participants.
• In town today: an advance party from the National Eye Institute to check out sites for their 2004 convention here for their Public Affairs Network, which will bring representatives of 80 or so medical schools to town.