• Supervisor of Elections John Stafford remains hospitalized after being admitted three weeks ago when his blood pressure began to drop. Last week, he was placed in the Intensive Care Unit after he experienced trouble breathing. His condition has stabilized, but a release date is uncertain.
• The City Council staff is looking for help with the installation ceremony for Elaine Brown and Kevin Hyde as Council president and vice president. This is the first time the Council Chambers will host the event, and the staff needs help with seating, handing out programs and parking among other logistical concerns.
• Add ADT Security to the list of people, media, judges and private companies with suggestions for Mayor John Peyton on how to keep down costs on the new Duval County Courthouse. The security firm offered to engineer and design the security system at no cost. Design costs for the security and fire alarm systems could run into hundreds of thousands of dollars, according to Bob Dale, ADT senior vice president.
• The JEDC Sports and Entertainment Board will kick off festivities for this Saturday’s launch of The Great Race with a reception tonight at Timaquana Country Club.
• Construction is nearing the finish line on the SunTrust Bank branch in Independent Square. It’s scheduled to open in July.
• Ray Rodriguez, owner of the Real Estate Strategy Center, is teaming with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to help protect vacant home sites against the theft of appliances and other building materials. Rodriguez will help provide logistical support and serve as a liaison with the local building community.
• The Kentucky Fried Chicken on Main Street in Springfield was closed Tuesday by the Department of Health. The sign on the door listed public health and safety issues as the reasons. The restaurant reopend late Wednesday.