• Representatives from the Loop say there is a definite interest in opening downtown, but finding a suitable location has been somewhat difficult. “There is currently a franchise option that has been retained for downtown,” said a Loop spokesperson, “but right now we don’t have any specifics as to where or when we’ll be opening or making that kind announcement.”
• Take a closer look at the hot sauce at Firehouse Subs and you’ll notice something’s changed. Made in-house, the Hot Dat’l Pepper Sauce has been renamed for retired firefighter Robert Sorenson, the father of Firehouse’s founding partners. The new name: Captain Sorenson’s Dat’l Pepper Sauce.
• More Super Bowl: ESPN plans to broadcast its “SportsCenter” program from a set at the Friendship Fountains during Super Bowl week.
• Tiara Shoes & Accessories in the Elks Club Building on Laura Street is hosting a Grand Opening Celebration today from 5-7 p.m. The store opens to the public Tuesday.
• The Downtown Development Authority shared an award from the Florida Redevelopment Association with Bay Street developers. An appropriate move DDA leaders said, because the award recognized the public/private cooperation in forming the Bay Street Town Center Program. The JEDC is looking at Bay Street as a prototype for its support of commercial development.
• O.U.R Properties, Inc. expects to wrap up renovations to its string of East Adams Street commercial properties by December. Expect a certified public accountant to move in shortly after, taking up residence next door to the London Bridge Pub.
• Mauricio Botelho, president and CEO of Embraer, is the speaker at the Chamber’s Cornerstone luncheon Dec. 1. at the Adam’s Mark Hotel.
• Environmental litigation specialist Dan Richardson has joined Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A. law firm. Richardson has more than 30 years experience in environmental law. He has also served in the public sector as deputy general counsel for the Environmental Law Division for the City and environmental counsel for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
• Donald P. Hinson has been elected chair of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority board, succeeding Donna Harper.