• A For Sale sign on the building housing Norm’s Pub and Post won’t affect the Oct. 31 grand opening, says proprietor Paul Boucher, who’s meeting with investors and a contractor tonight. He said he’s even thought about buying the building.
• The Super Bowl Host Committee is expected to unveil the official mascot for 2005 Super Bowl at the next Jags home game Oct. 5. It’s a pelican, we hear.
• A fleet of local attorneys took part in the MS150 bike ride last weekend from the World Golf Village to Daytona Beach and back . . . which actually makes it closer to the MS160. A partial list of those who took part includes State Attorney Harry Shorstein, Art Hernandez, Robert Devine, Michael Whalen, Susan Haag, Stephanie Hartley, Chad Roberts, Erica Novitsky, Mark Rosenblum and Vic Murray.
• JEA has received an Environmental Protection Agency National Clean Water Act Recognition Award. The annual awards recognize excellence in wastewater treatment plant management.
• The intersection at Liberty and Bay streets has been a dangerous one for State Attorney’s Office employees. A complaint to Mayor John Peyton said three workers from the office had been hit by cars at the crossing in just the past two years. Peyton forwarded the request for a “no turn on red” sign to Traffic Chief Fred Kyle.
• Jacksonville became a topic in Wednesday night’s debate featuring the California gubernatorial candidates. California State Sen. Tom McClintock said Fidelity National Bank relocated to Jacksonville because of our lack of state income tax and high auto registration fees, which he claims is driving businesses out of California.
• Portabella’s Gourmet Market in Berkman Plaza has added a pool table and video games to its upstairs dining room. Wine and beer is also being served nightly until 10 p.m.
• About 700 tickets have been purchased for tonight’s Black Expo 2003 Jazz Gala, but they’re not sold out yet. The gala is scheduled from 8 to 11 tonight at the Adam’s Mark Hotel. Tickets are available at the Osborn Center or by calling 727-7451.
• The Justice Coalition has helped capture 977 fugitives thanks to its community watch programs. The group expects to reach 1,000 captures by mid-October or early November, which is more than the long-running television show, “America’s Most Wanted.”