• As the City considers what to do with Brooklyn, some have suggested that the Skyway be expanded to the neighborhood to connect it to downtown. But a City urban design consultant said the City would have to pay for it, and Riverside Avondale Preservation, Inc., “doesn’t want the Skyway under any circumstances to come to their neighborhood.”
• Florida Department of Transportation spokesman Mike Goldman says we had a couple of things wrong in our story Thursday about redevelopment in Brooklyn. He says the State never said it would move the retention ponds, which would cost “major, major money.” The State would enhance the ponds with landscaping, he said. Also, the State has to date spent about $37 million on the Riverside Avenue project: $25 million for right-of-way purchases; $11 million for construction costs; and $1.2 million for design work.
• Upon hearing school days that were canceled because of Hurricane Frances would be made up on holidays, including Veterans Day, Council member Lake Ray bristled. “Using (Veterans Day) where we honor and recognize our U.S. soldiers is a great disservice to all those who have fought and continue to fight for our country’s freedom.” Ray appealed to School Board chair Martha Barrett, telling her to “add my strong opposition on this matter to the record.”
• Yard debris from the recent storms is creating a windfall for local gardeners. The City is turning the debris into mulch, which is available free to anyone who wants it.
• Mayor John Peyton is planning to address the Duval County School Board Oct. 2 about his literacy initiative.
• Dr. Aaron Givens, chief of the City’s Veterans Services Division, left his job last week. No replacement has been selected, but Dan McCarthy, the City’s director of military affairs, has assumed many of Givens’ duties.
• Hampton Inn & Suites has opened its first suites hotel in Jacksonville. It’s located on Southside Boulevard in Tinseltown.
• The Jacksonville Urban League’s Equal Opportunity Luncheon is scheduled for Oct. 27 at the Adam’s Mark Hotel. Marc Morial, president/CEO of the National Urban League is the speaker.
• The Jacksonville & the Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau is hosting its annual luncheon Wednesday at the Radisson, beginning at 11:30 a.m.
• The Cowford Ball, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, is scheduled for Oct. 2 at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds. This year’s theme is ‘County Fair’ and includes homebaked pies, carnival games and a few farm animals. For ticket information, call 398-0537, Ext. 324.
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