• The ice cream shop in the middle of the first floor at Independent Square will expand its line of products when it expands. They’ll fill some of the gap left when the Downtown Enporium down the hall closed a few months ago, selling some sundries.
• Also at Independent: an internet company has leased space on the first floor.
• Need something extra from the JEA for the Super Bowl week? They ask that you get your request to them by next Monday.
• Looking for a non-Coors alternative to your Super Bowl entertainment options? Several owners of downtown bars and resturants not located within the designated Coors-sponsored Super Bowl entertainment areas have been talking about organizing and coordinating to create a “Miller Mile.”
• Three sea cows have been stolen and The Otis Smith Kids Foundation has put up a $2,500 reward if you can finger the thiefs. The latest theft was Thursday night, when the golfing manatee vanished from the lawn at the T-U Center.
• It will be the 28th renewal of the Gate River Run on March 12 and they’ve signed the first winner, Bill Rodgers, to come back for an autograph session. Also returning to visit is Todd Williams, the only five-time winner.
• There is more than one Barracuda team in our town. In addition to the hockey club, it’s the nickname of the YMCA kids’ swimming team.
• The Aetna building celebrates its 50th birthday this year. Most of you will remember it as the Prudential building, of course.
• Council member Glorious Johnson might have a career ahead of her as a journalist. Before President Bush arrived at FCCJ, Johnson took questions from reporters to relay to him. “I’ll ask him anything,” she said. Bush nipped her career as an interviewer in the bud, however. He didn’t take any questions. And Bush fundraiser Mike Hightower had a little fun with reporters Friday who were looking for answers on the future of Mayport Naval Station and the aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy. When asked about the “Kennedy,” Hightower responded. “You mean the senator from Massachussetts?”