• Downtown Vision, Inc. says at least seven new vendors will make their debut when the farmers market moves to Hemming Plaza at the end of the month. The new vendors will sell everything from homemade jewelry to specialty foods to orchids.
• Developer Mike Langton met with the mayor’s staff Wednesday to discuss plans for old Barnett Bank building. Langton, who wants to convert the building into loft apartments, office space and retail, said he wanted to gauge Mayor John Peyton’s interest — deemed “favorable” — and also to let the mayor and his staff meet his business partners. Langton has said previously City money will be “critical” in bringing the project on line. Langton also said he hoped local controversy surrounding The Shipyards wouldn’t hurt his chances of getting the City on board. “I’d hope each project is judged individually and on its own merit,” he said. “Besides, my books are open.”
• Ted Turner is bringing Ted’s Montana Grill, which features bison on its menu, to the Argyle area. The new restaurant will be located just south of I-295 at Blanding Boulevard.
• UNF president John Delaney is the speaker at Monday’s Rotary Club of Jacksonville meeting at the Omni.
• The law firm of Smith & Greene P.A. is hosting an open house at its office, 550 W. Water St., Suite 1150, April 23 from 4-7 p.m.
• U.S. Rep. Ander Crenshaw, the Chamber of Commerce and the Mayport and Jacksonville Navy League councils will host a luncheon for the Secretary of the Navy, Gordon England, April 20 at the Adam’s Mark Hotel.
• The mayor’s Asian American Advisory Board has some new members, including architect Tri Vu and attorney Thuy-Anh Nguyen, who will chair the board.
• When City Council president Lad Daniels noticed a vacancy on the mayor’s Council on Fitness and Well-Being, he quickly made a recommendation. Daniels said Council member Art Graham would be “a tremendous asset and contribute greatly to the group. No appointment has been made yet, but the mayor’s office will consider Graham.
• After donating $100,000 to the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, Blue Cross/Blue Shield has challenged the community to match it. One opportunity is coming up May 8 when the JSO will present its Starry Night at the Met concert, featuring favorites from Bernstein, Beethoven, Stravinsky and Sousa among others. A $500 donation snares a table for eight for the show.