• The two have yet to meet, but City Chief Operating Officer Dan Kleman offered new Library Director Barbara Gubbin help in getting settled. Having just arrived himself from Tampa this year, Kleman told Gubbin that he knew what she was facing as a new hire. Gubbin is coming from Houston.
• Some subcontractors on the Duval County Courthouse project are complaining that they’re not getting paid since the City fired construction manager Cannon Design. The mayor’s office is looking into it.
• The Atlanta Bread Company has finally made an appearance downtown, but not quite like it was rumored — as a tenant at 11 E. The Java Junction will now serve Atlanta Bread Company bagels at its three downtown locations.
• The City Council has filed legislation to recognize the work of recently retired Supervisor of Elections John Stafford.
• City Council member Suzanne Jenkins wasn’t too pleased with Jerry Holland after he offered a bill that will allow downtown street vendors to stay in business during special events. Said Jenkins, who represents a good portion of downtown: “The least he could have done is notice a meeting with the district Council person to discuss it first. I guess he’s just trying to get elected to a new office and he needs to get his name out there.” Holland plans to run for the supervisor of elections job next month.
• Speaking of the upcoming special election, those who have to resign to run will get a few more days to think about it than originally announced. According to Florida Statues, elected officials who want to run for another office have to resign 10 days before the start of the qualifying period. This time, however, that day falls on a Saturday. Holland and others, including fellow Council member Faye Rustin won’t have to resign until the following Monday, Dec. 6.
• Scott Teagle, former chief of staff for Mayor John Peyton, is leading a decidedly more relaxed lifestyle since leaving City Hall earlier this month. Teagle said he plans to take a few months off before traveling to Canada to go skiing.
• The Jacksonville Port Authority’s 150 employees recently raised $38,907 during its annual drive to support local charities, the most ever by Jaxport in a single year and more than double the $19,200 raised in 2003.
• The St. Johns River City Band will host its Yuletide Swing holiday concert Thursday, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Florida Theatre. Tickets are $25.