• The Jacksonville Port Authority’s 141 employees have raised a record $45,328 during their annual charity drive to benefit the United Way of Northeast Florida and Community Charities of Florida. Over the last three years, JPA employees have donated a combined $116,000 to the two organizations. This year’s checks were presented to representatives of both organizations Monday during the Port Authority’s Board of Directors meeting.
• Speaking of the Port, its board of directors has approved a new 25-year lease with APM Terminals North America, one of the port’s largest tenants. The company, including its predecessor formerly known as SeaLand Service, has provided stevedoring and terminal operations services at the port since 1960. In 2005, APM handled 1.4 million tons of cargo, the most of any single tenant, and generated more than $3.5 million in revenue.
• The FCCJ Artist Series is also helping Second Harvest’s efforts to collect food. Through the end of November, you can get a $5 discount on a ticket for “Menopause the Musical” at the T-U Center if you’ll bring a can of food with you when you see the show. Donations will be accepted beginning an hour before curtain at every performance. For information, call 632-3200.
• Speaking of the Artist Series, Disney’s “The Lion King” is coming in March and tickets will go on sale at the T-U Center Saturday morning at 7 a.m., three hours before they will be available through Ticketmaster. Free parking will be available in the CSX lot across the street beginning at 5 a.m. There will also be free coffee and donuts for early risers. Ticket prices range from $28.50 - $75 including facility fees and service charges.
• Funding for the St. Johns Ferry is in serious jeopardy and a resolution has been drawn up asking the City to step in where necessary. The resolution is sponsored by the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce and is co-authored by Chamber Chair Ed Burr, Chamber President Wally Lee and Beaches Chamber Chair John Meserve.