• There are all sorts of conventions and now there’s one to bring Riverwalk advocates together. It’s here on Aug. 3 and people from cities throughout Florida will attend.
• The Times-Union Center is getting a 4,000-pound upgrade starting today. A group of faculty and students from Jacksonville University spent a year creating a large public glass and stainless steel sculpture called “Lyrical Light” as a gift to the city. The sculpture is 100 feet long and will be hung from the ceiling of the Uible Lobby, facing the St. Johns River. Installation begins today when the group will attach 600 cobalt blue glass horns.
• Jacksonville University’s basketball season tickets are on sale now and include the Arena games.
• Developer Paul Fletcher sent Mayor John Peyton a letter thanking him for his support on the Black Hammock Island issue with the understanding that Peyton has a lot on his plate these days. While Fletcher is confident the issue will be resolved and he’ll be able to proceed with his development, he also realizes a certain industry will do well no matter the outcome. “In the meantime, both sides are going to make their lawyers happy (and prosperous!),” said Fletcher.
• The folks at Amelia Island Plantation are so confident that our area is immune to hurricanes they are offering a “Storm Free Guarantee” to guests. If a hurricane warning for Amelia Island disrupts a guest’s stay, the resort will offer the same rates on a return trip anytime before March 3, 2007. On their return, guests will get a $100 credit on purchases at the resort’s restaurants, spa or gift shop.
• Jan Stringer has left the Chamber. She was the membership director for seven years.
• The fundraising drive at FM-89.9 is over. Now, it’s time for TV-7 to start their annual pledge drive. They always come up with a popular show to get your attention and this year it’s the Blue Man Group.
• The Chamber’s annual survey of Area Councils has been sent to members and they’re hoping for a better response than they got last year. 24 percent.
• More City Notes, page 4.
• The I.M. Sulzbacher Center’s annual “Transformations” event is set for Sept. 28 at The Florida Theatre. The event was started in 1999 as a way to honor those who have changed their lives so much. Organizers are hoping to raise $450,000 this year.
• LandMar has signed on as a sponsor of the annual paw print painting along Bay Street from Ocean Street to the stadium. The developers own The Shipyards project, so they’ll get their street decorated on Aug. 19.
• Steven Gard, a former enforcement attorney for the Securities and Exchange Commission and assistant attorney general for the State of Missouri, has opened an office in Ponte Vedra. The Atlanta-based firm of Gard Smiley & Bishop will focus on representing investors who have lost money as a result of fraud or negligence on behalf of their financial advisors.
• The law firm of Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe has added Ashley Greene and Amanda Ferrelle as associates.
• The City is in the process of transferring the maintenance of Hemming Plaza from its Public Works Department to Parks & Recreation.
• Canceled: the Chamber’s Business After Hours this month. Too many people out of town, they say.
• The Jacksonville Trial Lawyers Association is looking for more members. Scott Cleary, JTLA president, said he is “eager for new members,” specifically plaintiff attorneys.
• A new Mexican restaurant is coming to East Bay Street. The owners of El Rodeo in Orange Park leased the space last week and have begun work to convert the former Financial Printing location into a new lunch spot.
• The Florida Bar is seeking attorneys interested in serving on two new certification committees. Letters and resumes should be sent to the Bar by Sept. 1. Nine members each are needed for both the State and Federal Government and Administrative Practice Certification Committee and the Intellectual Property Law Certification Committee.
• Compass 2006, an all faith Women’s Conference, is Sept. 29-30 at the Crowne Plaza. The keynote speaker is Cynthia Montello. “There’s no doubt where my help comes from,” said Montello, who is a self-proclaimed evangelist, motivational speaker and women’s advocate. More information is available at www.compass2006jax.com.