• The Jacksonville Economic Development Commission is looking for interns. Representatives have already spoken to the University of North Florida about sending over some of their best and brightest students.
• The Downtown Development Authority’s future is limited, but before the authority is shelved it will review the Landing land sale. JEDC Executive Director Ron Barton has called a special meeting for the DDA in early January.
• The City will put up glowing light trees at three downtown locations from Dec. 30 to January 2. The tree-shaped strings of lights aren’t just for decoration, they light up high-traffic areas of downtown during New Years Eve and for the Gator Bowl events. The light trees will go up: on Coastline Drive between the Landing and Newnan Street; on Pearl Street between Water Street and the river; and on Hogan Street between Water Street and the river.
• Good early year slate of speakers for the Chamber’s Downtown Council. Blueprint for Prosperity Executive Director, Jarik Conrad, will host a roundtable discussion on Jan. 6; new School Board Superintendent Joseph Wise is scheduled for Feb. 3; and Jacksonville Economic Development Commission Executive Director, Ron Barton, will be at the Feb. 17 meeting.
• The old Ryan’s Steakhouse on Atlantic Boulevard in Neptune Beach, which has been closed for a couple of years now, is no more. It was demolished Monday.
• Speaking of Neptune Beach, the America’s Best Inn is being converted into a Days Inn.
• One more from the beach where a battle will be waged in Atlantic Beach over its recent decision to put a moratorium on new residential construction, especially the practice of subdividing lots. A lawsuit has been filed against the City of Atlantic Beach over one lot in Selva Marina.
• Casa Marina Hotel & Restaurant in Jacksonville Beach will have the spotlight sometime in May. The dating show ElimiDate enters its 5th television season with the Casa Marina as one of the upcoming locales to air in 2006. The Penthouse Martini Bar was the chosen spot “with a view of the romantic Atlantic.” The segment was shot this month and features five people including one available single and four suitors.
• The Arc Jacksonville, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons with developmental disabilities in Duval County, recently name its 2006 Board of Directors. Ira Wittenstein of Merrill Lynch, will serve as board chairman for 2006. Other officers include: Wally Patzke, Jr., of Florida Rock Industries, vice chairman; Helen Werking of Riverside Foundation, Inc., secretary; Debbie Johnson, treasurer; and Stevan Gutos, Specialty Disease Management and immediate past president.
• Nelson Cuba has been re-elected president of the Jacksonville FOP Lodge 5-30. The rest of the executive board consists of: Robbie Freitas, 1st vice president; Lonnie Miller Jr., 2nd vice president; Steve Amos, secretary; and David Kilcrease, treasurer.
• Give the Twisted Martini credit for some creative marketing. The Landing’s martini bar has a contest going among downtown hotels. The concierge that sends the most business the bar’s way gets a free VIP party at the Twisted Martini. Marketing Director Steve Anderson said so far it’s a dead heat between the Omni and the Hyatt to claim the prize.
• Speaking of the Twisted Martini, don’t be surprised if a Louisville fan stops you and asks directions to the bar. The Cardinals will be in town to play in the Jan. 2 Toyota Gator Bowl. In preparation, the Twisted Martini has been advertising in Louisville’s student paper.
• The reorganized Jacksonville parks system is expected to include a “Friendraiser” position. No, that’s not a misprint. The Friendraiser will recruit, train and coordinate volunteers to keep their efforts in line with the goals of the park system as a whole.
• Ty Welch, one of Mayor John Peyton’s security detail, is leaving to go back to school. Howard Maltz, deputy general counsel, has suggested officer Robert Lyle as his replacement while John Tucker of Foley & Lardner has submitted officer Willie Alligood’s name.
• Next year’s Jazz Festival will be April 7-9.