• When asked how Toney Sleiman’s request for low-interest loans to enhance retail shopping at the Landing could be reconciled with a housing-first downtown policy, Mayor John Peyton shot back, “It didn’t reconcile obviously, because we didn’t do that deal.” He said City help on the Landing would likely be restricted to building a parking garage and helping build a corridor from Laura Street through the shopping center to the St. Johns River.
• A grand jury has declined — for the moment — to hear testimony in The Shipyards dispute with the City. State Attorney Harry Shorstein says he’s willing to give the City and The Shipyards a chance to settle the dispute over millions in incentives TriLegacy received to develop the property.
• Martha V. Bruner, firm administrator for the law firm of Marks Gray, P.A., has earned the distinction of certified legal manager from the Association of Legal Administrators. There are only seven other certified legal managers in Florida and approximately 125 nationwide. Bruner has been with the firm since 1998.
• The Omni has a special treat for guests with dogs who visit the hotel. The pooch receives a gourmet dog biscuit upon check-in.
• Rush hour commuters with a lead foot might want to ease off the gas on the Arlington Expressway. Since a maintenance worker was killed a few weeks ago, the sheriff’s office has been cracking down on speeders.
• Big Jim sounded off Thursday morning for the first time in a few weeks. The steam whistle was silenced after complaints from residents at Cathedral Towers, but those differences appear to be resolved.
• Patrons of Gus & Co. Shoe Repair know it’s a rare occasion when owner Nick Kounoupas is not at the shop. He left work early Thursday to watch his native Greece play the Czech Republic soccer team in the semifinals of the European Championship. The tournament winner advances to the Olympics. Greece upset the Czechs, 1-0
• If you’ve got a friend working for Foley & Lardner, you’re in luck. The law firm has invited a select group of friends to watch the City’s fireworks display on July 4 from their Independent Square offices.
The Downtown Farmers Market has expanded and moved to Hemming Plaza. For details on how the move is working, pick up a copy of Downtown This Week, available today at various locations downtown.