• The City is working with the surviving nurses from Brewster Hospital in LaVilla in an attempt to learn about their experiences at the historic African American hospital. When the hospital is renovated later next year, their
stories may be compiled and incorporated into a display there.
• Speaking of Brewster, The City said it will be relocated about a block north in about three months. A medical complex is expected to be constructed at the existing site.
• Mayor John Peyton announced last week that as a result of severe storms and the recent flooding, certain residents and business owners may be eligible to apply for a U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest loans to help with any damages the storms may have caused. The loans range from $40,000 for renters to $1.5 million for businesses. The deadline for physical damage applications is Sept. 12 and April 13, 2006 for economic injury applications.
• The Mayor’s Cup at the Jacksonville Kennel Club has been scheduled for Aug. 12. Cocktails will be served at 7:00 p.m. Dinner will be served about an hour later.
• School children this year shouldn’t have any trouble keeping their pencils sharp. BroadBased Communications Inc., a Jacksonville marketing design and communications firm, has donated 11,000 pencil sharpeners to the Duval Public Schools Teacher Supply Depot, which will distribute them to public school teachers throughout the county.
• Peyton is certainly doing his part to help support Rally Jacksonville, his early literacy initiative. Peyton recently wrote the program a $1,019.94 check. Why the odd amount? There was an account left over from Peyton’s campaign with funds set aside for taxes and other expenses. When all the bills and taxes were paid, $1,019.94 was left over.
• The Jacksonville Suns hosted a big contingent from Starbucks during Wednesday’s business lunch game. The group showed up early for a meeting and tour of the ball park. The team also gave out sun screen to anyone who wanted it.
• Cecil Field has a new food service vendor: Subway.
• The Jessie Ball duPont Fund is doing its part to help Panhandle residents that were affected by Hurricane Dennis last weekend. The Fund donated $25,000 to the Salvation Army which will use the money to buy food and other necessities for Panhandle residents.
• To gain a few new younger fans, the Jacksonville Jaguars are hitting the streets starting Monday with a team sponsored ice cream truck. The Cool Catmobile will travel around Jacksonville most days between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. distributing Lemon Freze cups and Jags promotional items.