• Look for some remodeling soon at Gus & Co. Shoe Repair on Laura Street. Plans include expanding into the adjoining space and adding a line of leather goods, including high-end briefcases and handbags for women.
• After some candidates were accused of politicizing the Opening of the Beaches parade last year, elected officials were barely visible at this year’s event. Only Sheriff John Rutherford and a couple of beach Council representatives took part in Sunday’s parade.
• This season’s hottest fashion accessory at the beach: cowboy hats, especially for women.
• In honor of his 80th birthday, the family of former St. Joe board member Russell B. Newton Jr. taped a video birthday card, featuring a cast of Jacksonville business and political heavyweights. Many of the appearances, including Mayor John Peyton’s, were videotaped two months ago in a marathon session at The River Club.
• Richard Danford, president of the Jacksonville Urban League, asked Mayor Peyton and City Council president Lad Daniels for help consolidating the effort of area non-profits. By combining resources, Danford said in a letter sent last week, groups like his could be more effective working toward better education and employment in the City’s urban core.
• Several City Council members, their staff and auditors will be participating in “Paint the Town” Thursday. As part of the program, the Council will be applying fresh coats of paints to nearly 40 homes on the Westside.