• The Jacksonville Children’s Commission was to receive NFL funding to help build its headquarters on A. Phillip Randolph Boulevard. The league provides youth education grants to organizations within Super Bowl cities However, Pam Paul, the JCC’s director of community and government relations, said the league instead partnered with the Boys and Girls Clubs. The JCC will use bond money to build their building.
• Council member Sharon Copeland said the City’s proposed deal with the Jaguars to renovate AllTel Stadium hasn’t exactly been generating a lot of popular support. “I keep hearing from constituents who want to know when we’re going to stop pouring money into this money pit,” said Copeland. She said the Council would take the time to properly review the deal. “We’re not going to be backed into a corner on this one,” she said. Council member Jerry Holland said the City should be aware of the precedent the stadium deal sets. He said Jacksonville Suns owner Peter Bragan Jr. has also approached the City about stadium improvements.
• The Players Championship has sold out for the 16th consecutive year. Tournament Executive Director Brian Goin credited strong corporate sales with helping sell the event out. Tickets for practice rounds running today through Wednesday are still available for $30. Call 285-7888 for practice round tickets or to reserve tickets for next year. The tournament starts Thursday and runs through Sunday.
• The Tourist Development Council gave $15,000 to help promote Sail Jacksonville Thursday despite a request from event organizers for $50,000. TDC chair Lad Daniels said the $35,000 funding gap will be likely be filled by reserves from the City Council and the Mayor John Peyton’s office.
• Steve Rohan, an attorney for the City Council, has been recommended to replace John Jolly as the City’s Ethics Officer. Jolly left the post earlier this year to enter into private practice. Rohan will retain his current duties.
• Jacksonville Association of Defense Counsel will meet Today, on the first floor of the Haskell Building on Riverside Ave. beginning at 5:30 p.m. Call Jeri O’Hara for more information at 346-3166.
• The Jacksonville Zoo has again received its accreditation by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association. Accreditation hinges on the zoo’s level of care, veterinary programs, conservation, safety and meeting overall industry standards. The zoo has maintained continuous accreditation since 1987.
• A proposed amendment affecting the City Council’s current majority action policy has been recommended for approval despite numerous deferrals. Council member Art Shad, who is sponsoring the bill, was reportedly tired of seeing it languish in committee and either wanted to see it pass or finally laid to rest. The bill would reduce the number of votes needed to pass a bill, providing Council members have abstained because of a professional conflict.