• The Hyatt is hosting a round-the-world tour of its revamped and remodeled bar and restaurant line-up March 2. The invites come with “passports” which allow guests to enjoy free drinks and hors d’oevres at each of the hotel’s four bars or restaurants.
• Movie lovers around Northeast Florida can feel like they are at the Kodak Theatre in L.A. at the Oscars on March 5 by attending a viewing party to benefit the Jacksonville Film Festival. The event will be held at the J. Johnson Gallery in Jacksonville Beach from 7:30 - 11:30 p.m. Guests can view the Oscars from multiple screens and have a chance to win various prizes throughout the night. For more information and tickets visit www.jacksonvillefilmfestival.com.
• Book lovers and bargain hunters can look forward to the Great Jacksonville Book Sale March 3-5 at the Fairgrounds in Exhibit Hall B. Parking is free and thousands of books will be on sale anywhere from 50 cents to $2. Last year the sale grossed $115,000.
• This year’s Celebrity Caring Chefs luncheon is March 16 and it’s a biggie — the 20th. It’s from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Osborn Center and costs $30. The event raises money for The Salvation Army and this year’s celebrity chefs include Gator Bowl President Rick Catlett, Coggin Automotive Group Chair Luther Chair, Jacksonville Suns President Peter Bragan Jr., Ch. 12/25 anchor Jeannie Blaylock, former mayors Ed Austin and Jake Godbold, Jaguars owners Wayne and Delores Weaver and a host of others.
• The Design Review Committee of the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission will meet Thursday at 2 p.m. in chambers on the 15th floor of the Annex. The DRC reviews the plans for many downtown projects before they reach the JEDC and City Council for approval.