• Baseball season starts a little early this year at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville: Jacksonville U. has scheduled a game with Florida State on March 25. The Suns, by the way, open April 7 and the first daytime game is April 13.
• A transportation funding bill moving through the U.S. House of Representatives might be carrying some good news for local proponents of the Intelligent Transportation System. The $284 billion appropriation would create a “Congestion Relief Program” that closely resembles the ITS program championed locally by City Council member Lake Ray. ITS alerts drivers via electronic roadside signs of slow traffic and advises quicker routes.
• The mayor’s office has hired G. Michael “Mickey” Miller as the City’s chief financial officer. He’s been with the Orlando government for 25 years and will start April 11. Miller will manage the City’s Accounting, Treasury, Budget, Pension, Fleet Management, and Public Parking Divisions. The job has been vacant since the resignation of Walt Bussells late last year.
• Patrons at The Players Championship this year will have a little more access to the players. For the first time, fans will be allowed on the players’ end of the practice range. They added about 40 yards to the range as well, so only the really big hitters will be able to carry the entire 360-yard
distance.
• Dr. Robert Gibson of Gibson Chiropractic announced he would donate $100,000 to the mayor’s book drive and youth education program.
• Downtown jazz club Eclate continues to evolve. Word is the Bay Street establishment is now serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in addition to serving wine and showcasing live music.