• Rumor has it that Starlings market, a landmark business in the heart of San Marco, is being sold to Matthew Medure, who owns Matthew’s Restaurant across the street. Starlings is on the corner of Hendricks Avenue and San Marco Boulevard.
• Mayor John Peyton has received mixed reviews for his decision to increase the new Duval County Courthouse construction budget to $268 million, but he has the support of some of the City’s heavy hitters. Preston Haskell’s letter of support showed up in the T-U the same day the paper’s front page reported the new number. One day later, a handwritten note from attorney Paul Harden congratulated Peyton for his leadership on the issue. “I know my buddy (former mayor John) Delaney left you with some tough decisions, but you’ve done a great job of maintaining priorities,” he said.
• Mayor Peyton plans to pay for the additional courthouse costs with new court fees and said one of his plan’s advantages would be that lawbreakers would pay for the cost overrun. But it sounds like State Attorney Harry Shorstein might not agree. While arguing Thursday against using a similar revenue stream to increase Teen Court’s budget, Shorstein told the City Council’s Finance Committee, “It’s all taxpayer money. Whether you take it from a speeder, from a drug dealer, whatever.”
• Former airport public relations director Michelle Branham has joined Pulte Homes as its “Lifestyle Director”for a big development at Florida 9A and Baymeadows Road East called Sweetwater by Del Webb.
• The state’s top lobbyist against next year’s military base closings will be Mayor Peyton’s guest this weekend at the City’s tribute to the Florida National Guard. Retired Navy Adm. Bob Natter said he would be back from Annapolis in time to attend events at the Landing on Saturday and the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville on Sunday.
• Avondale’s French restaurant, Crush, now has a website. Check it for regular updates, special events listings, a printable menu and wine list. It’s www.crushbistro.com.
• About 700 members of the Florida District of Kiwanis International will be holding their annual meeting Aug. 26-29 at the Adam’s Mark Hotel.
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