• Republican Party Chairman Mike Hightower — who’s also Mayor John Peyton’s re-election campaign manager — wants to squelch the rumor that Peyton is giving thought to foregoing a second term. “He has great expectations for his second term, big thought and big plans for when he’s re-elected,” said Hightower. “He’s working on a huge announcement about restoring the health of the river.”
• For those who would like to board a plane faster, the Hyatt has a Dell computer by the front desk that allows customers to print their airline boarding pass through Hyatt Fast Board. The program directly links to check-in Web sites of major domestic and international airlines. It also displays a list of airports and hotels.
• Leadership Jacksonville is holding its class of 2007 dinner at the University of North Florida’s University Center Aug. 10 from 6-9 p.m. It’s $30 and your reservation and payment are due by Aug. 4.
• One month from today the Jaguars open their preseason schedule in Miami against the Dolphins. TV-47 is covering the 7:30 p.m. kickoff.
• Speaking of the Jaguars, if you’re a betting person and think the Jaguars will be very good this year, there’s money to be made in Las Vegas. The gambling houses there say the Jags will be 9-7 and you can bet they’ll win more games. And, if you’re pessimistic, you can bet they’ll lose more, too.
• If you read yesterday’s Workspace on First Bank CEO and president Cindy Delaparte, you know that cookies can serve as important customer service tools. But which flavors get the best customer reviews? Delaparte said chocolate chip and sugar cookies are the most popular.
• Be careful driving around Downtown this week. The American Council of the Blind is having a meeting here and there are 850 blind people staying at the Hyatt. There are also 300 guide dogs and one guide miniature pony. They’ll be here through Saturday.
• The newest members of the Florida-Georgia Hall of Fame should be out soon. Mike Sullivan, Sports and Entertainment director for the JEDC, said to expect an announcement next Wednesday or Thursday.
• Jungle Runners Express coffee delivery no longer has a home Downtown. They’ve moved out of their location on Monroe Street inside Boomtown. The reasons why aren’t exactly clear, but local bloggers Ricotta Park and Urban Jacksonville have a slew of gossip posted about the debacle. Posts are from the bloggers themselves, anonymous parties and – supposedly – the owners of Boomtown and Jungle Runners. Both sides blame the other for the closure of the coffee delivery business.