• Vestcor President and CEO Mark Farrell sent an e-mail to Ron Barton, executive director of the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission, asking to set up a meeting regarding Starbucks taking over some of the empty retail space at 11 E. According to the e-mail Starbucks likes the location and has made an offer. Barton replied that since he was being asked to get involved, Starbucks must be looking for the City to provide some sort of financial assistance and that he’d need to know the details before the meeting.
• Mayor John Peyton will be on hand Thursday when the new Fire Station No. 35 opens. It’s on North Main Street.
• Per NFL mandate, the Jaguars met with the local media Tuesday in the Terrace Suite at Alltel. The best remark came from head coach Jack Del Rio after a question from the Times-Union’s Vito Stellino, who informed Del Rio that only two players in the past 25 years drafted 28th in the first round (the Jags’ pick Saturday) — Derrick Brooks and Darryl Green — proved to be good players. He also pointed out that New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick has said this isn’t a good year to draft late in the first round. Del Rio grinned, chuckled and said, “Once again Vito you have given me that half-empty feeling on life. You are consistent. Thank you.”
• Another interesting note about this weekend’s draft. Teams are only allowed to bring in college players for a workout pre-draft if the player’s hometown is that NFL city or their campus was in that NFL city. Explains why Texas quarterback Vince Young was able to work out recently for the Miami Dolphins. Young is from Miami.
• Florida Coastal School of Law is gearing up for its spring commencement ceremony with a gathering Thursday night called “Bask in the Glow 2006.” It’s a chance for seniors to get a taste of the real world before graduation and the last big event at the school’s current campus. FCSL is moving to Baymeadows this fall. Gets underway at 5 p.m. in the center courtyard.
• The annual Firehouse Subs men’s doubles tennis tournament is May 19-21 at Deerwood Country Club. There are four divisions including a seniors (over 55) division. Last year’s tourney raised $100,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and this year’s Firehouse is looking to up that to $125,000. The big charity match will feature Robin Sorenson and Stephen Joost taking on Ch. 12’s Dan Hicken and AM-1460’s Jeff Prosser. After the match, Firehouse will present $5,000 to the Police Athletic League on behalf of Hicken and Prosser. Sheriff John Rutherford is also scheduled to play. Organizers are still seeking players. Call 886-8300 for info.
• Condolences to Jacksonville Bar Association Executive Director Diane Gill. Her father, Emmett Smith passed away Monday. He was 87. The funeral is Thursday at 2 p.m. at Jacksonville Memorial Gardens in Orange Park.