• Speaking of Lockett-Felder, it was fitting she rode in a car directly behind State Rep. Terry Fields. Lockett-Felder is term-limited and will seek Fields’ state seat in 2008.
• The Riverside Avenue YMCA has closed its snack bar and will go with vending machines for the moment.
• A biggie in the floral design business will be here Feb. 16 to speak to the Garden Club. He’s Dale Rohman and for $25 you’ll get luncheon and a lecture on springtime flowers.
• Mayor John Peyton’s 247-page campaign treasurer’s report is an interesting read, with many of the area’s most prominent people and businesses already contributing. Former Mayor and current UNF president John Delaney contributed as did former Mayor Jake Godbold, although his is through Godbold & Associates. Several from the mayor’s office gave the $500 maximum as did a few members of the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission. Corporation-wise, three jump out: LandMar, Gate Petroleum and its many subsidiaries and the PGA Tour. Even Peyton and his wife Kathryn are listed as $500 contributors.
• Those fretting over library hours of operation may get some help soon. City Council member Ronnie Fussell, chair of the library sub-committee, will meet with Council member Art Graham, representatives from the Council Auditor’s Office and Library Director Barbara Gubbin Thursday to discuss the extension of library operations. The meeting’s in Conference Room A on the fourth floor of City Hall at 11 a.m. and it’s open to the public.
• Speaking of Fussell, if a bill he’s sponsoring passes, sex offenders who are registered with the state will have to register locally twice a year and pay a $25 fee each time. Those failing to do so, will be charged with a Class D offense. According to the bill, there are 1,560 sexual offenders in Duval County.
• High-tech wagering is about to hit the friendly skies thanks to eFlyte, a software company in Independent Square. The firm has been developing and distributing video games for the in-flight entertainment systems on planes. According to CEO David Morgan, domestic carriers are bound by a lot of laws, so they’re about to launch the world’s first in-flight gambling system on two international carriers. “I’m not allowed to tell you who they are right now, but you’ve heard of them,” he said.