• A lack of parking constantly ranks as one of the top gripes about downtown, but at least those who find a place to park get a good deal on their space. According to Downtown Vision, Inc., and the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission, the City’s $7.60 daily parking rate is about half the national average of $13.45. For a month of reserved parking, Jacksonville commuters pay $118.40 on average, compared to $192.32 nationally.
• Atlanta architecture firm Perkins and Will has signaled its interest to the mayor’s office in putting together the new design on the new Duval County Courthouse. The firm has helped design other local projects such as additions to Shands and the Mayo Clinic and emphasized its past performance in bringing in its projects under budget. Mayor John Peyton pulled the plug on the previous design when he determined it couldn’t be built for anywhere near the original $190 million budget.
• It seems others besides City Council vice president Kevin Hyde are excited about the Chamber’s Alison Miller coming to work at City Hall. Said Council member Art Shad: “I think it’s great. You can never have too many attorneys over here.” Hyde and Miller are both lawyers.
• Apparently the City is prepared to back off the developers of the Plaza at Berkman when it comes to why an upscale restaurant promised when the City handed over millions to develop the waterfront highrise a few years ago never materialized. The City says they still would like to see a restaurant at the Plaza, but they’ll remain patient as long as developer DB Holdings keeps them informed of their efforts to make it happen. At one point Portabella’s was once located in Berkman, but closed after a couple of years.
• If the lobby at Mayor John Peyton’s office looks a little bare these days, there’s a good reason why. Paintings hanging on the wall are actually on loan from local artists. A large piece — “Heron at Alligator Point” — by Jim Draper was sold earlier this week.
• Jason Mudd & Associates Public Relations and Marketing at 200 E. Forsyth St. celebrated its second anniversary with big news. The company has merged with Vivid Media Concepts, an advertising agency founded in 2003 by Philip A. Alia. The announcement was made earlier this month at Jason Mudd & Associates’ anniversary party.
• The Cummer Museum is hosting Holiday Hoopla for Adults tonight from 6-9 p.m. There’ll be food, drink, live music and holiday art projects, including making wrapping paper and holiday cards.
• W.W. Gay will be the host sponsor for the Super Bowl Breakfast, featuring the Bart Starr Award, which rewards an NFL player who exhibits outstanding character and leadership on and off the field. Tickets are on sale for the event, which is scheduled for Feb. 5 from 8-10 a.m. at the Adam’s Mark Hotel. Call (800) 416-9473 for details.
• One more holiday note: the Jacksonville Suns are hosting their holiday party for season ticket holders and advertisers Dec. 21 at the Baseball Grounds.