• Mayor John Peyton says he has a better understanding of Jacksonville politics entering year two in City Hall. He is certainly learning how to handle the politics of college football. This year’s Florida/Game brochure includes a welcoming letter from Peyton intended for visiting fans of both schools. Peyton concludes by writing: “I hope . . . your team wins!”
• Jaxport recently ushered through its 100,000th cruise ship passenger since it started regular cruise service in October 2003. According to the port, the number will be up to about 130,000 by the Sept. 30 close of the fiscal year.
• Attorney Jim Rinaman was mentioned recently in a national travel story about how Americans are treated in Spain. Seems he was the victim of a pickpocket.
• Singer Freddie Jackson’s July 20 concert at the Florida Theatre has been canceled. No word on when it will be rescheduled.
• Lynn Heider has been named news director for Ch. 30 and Ch. 47. Heider comes to Jacksonville from Cleveland where she served as news director of the ABC affiliate there. She begins her new job Aug. 2.
• The Ronald McDonald House has elected three new members to its board of directors. They are Joe Thompson, an architect with Greshem, Smith and Partners; Laurie Taylor, president and COO of CLC, Inc.; and Erica Paul, a community volunteer.
• Condolences to the family of Elsa McLintock, who was the receptionist at the Daily Record for the past couple of years. She passed away unexpectedly Monday afternoon.
• What’s going in the space formerly occupied by Ruby Tuesday’s at the Landing? Maybe nothing. According to Mike Tolbert, a consultant with Sleiman Enterprises, the space is being actively marketed, but it might remain vacant and used for Super Bowl-related events.
• Parking illegally in the 11 E. parking garage is a costly mistake. Word is, your car will be towed within minutes and it will cost over $200 to get it back.
• Despite an earlier confirmation, Mayor Peyton will not be speaking at a joint meeting for the Public Relations Society of America and the Florida Public Relations Association later this week. Peyton notified both groups Monday, saying he would be traveling to Washington, D.C. instead. Mayor’s office press secretary Heather Murphy will take his place.
• Reminder: the annual Summer Lunch Celebrity Serve is scheduled for noon today at the Bridge of Northeast Florida. Celebrity servers include City Council members Kevin Hyde, Suzanne Jenkins, Daniel Davis, Reggie Fullwood and Glorious Johnson; and Jacksonville Children’s Commission CEO Linda Lanier. The Summer Lunch Program serves nutritious lunches to more than 12,000 children daily at 231 sites across the city at no cost to parents. Parking for today’s event will be at the marked lots at 8th and Pearl streets.