The Chamber of Commerce has purchased the parking lot next to its building on the east side and will merge it with their present – and very small – parking area. The lot has been the rumored site of a Courtyard by Marriott, but its destiny now will be to serve Chamber guests and staff.
One of the week’s most trumpeted celebrities, Snoop Dogg, left ‘em waiting in two cities. Not only was he late - or a no-show - for Jacksonville appearances, he was three hours late Friday night for a show at Orlando’s House of Blues.
One of Jacksonville radio’s most prominent figures has resigned. Advertising salesman Jack O’Brien has left AM-930 and its partner stations (you heard him on ads) but there’s no indication of his next stop. He’s also the voice you hear on the public address system at Florida Field in Gainesville.
The World Golf Village is on a roll but not all is perfect. Sam Snead’s Tavern folded (for the second time) and has been replaced by a steak house.
Jerry Moran has added another Italian restaurant to La Cena on Laura Street. This one is on Edgewood Avenue.
As soon as our hotels empty out from the football crowds, here come the stock cars. The Daytona races start this weekend with track and city officials predicting a record year.
Gov. Jeb Bush says he’s staying neutral in the next governor’s race but many of his key staff members already are making calls for Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings. She’s on the campaign trail, too, and will be here next month to meet with the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee.
The topic at the Chamber’s Feb. 17 Cornerstone luncheon: economic development and partnerships between the area counties. Major challenges that are expected in the next five years will also be discussed.
City Council member Sharon Copeland is chairing a special subcommittee that will review the City’s Fair Share process. Coming after Mayor John Peyton’s recent veto of a bill relating to that issue, Copeland said the committee has their work cut out for them. “We have a lot to look at,” Copeland said. “After what happened with the veto, it’s obvious that we need to make some changes to the system we have in place right now.”
The River Club’s new look must be impressive: they got 50 new members last month.
The Chamber’s annual Washington Trip will be May 17-19 with a limit of 45 people. The airport’s Michael Stewart will lead the visit which will include sessions with key congressional officials and staff members, plus you’ll stay at The Watergate Hotel. Not cheap, though: $1,600 per person.
If you see Rep. Corrine Brown, tell her to check the state’s annual list of unclaimed property. She has a $267 refund check waiting from the Orlando utility department, an old bank account with $100 left in it and an insurance refund of $50, all from an old campaign office.