• The Jacksonville Transportation Authority is about to publish its fiscal year 2006 report and it reveals a record-breaking year for riding the bus. According to JTA Director of External Affairs Mike Miller, 10.5 million people got on the bus last year, a new passenger trip record. In 2005, the number of passenger trips was 9.8 million.
• Miller also said the JTA’s plan to use soy-based bio-diesel fuel has been postponed, partly due to falling gasoline prices and the JTA’s efforts to combine forces with the State to buy bio-diesel at a reduce rate based on volume. That means it will be a while longer before bus exhaust smells like French fries.
• Think you have problems keeping your Christmas tree at home watered? The Christmas tree at the Landing will absorb as many as 25 gallons of water per day, said Wayne Holden, general manager of Sugar Mountain Nursery. It shouldn’t be a big deal since the base of the Norwegian spruce from North Carolina is in a 500-gallon tub.
• No jets but perhaps ships. The mayor’s office Wednesday received a letter from the Department of the Navy informing the City that the U.S. Fleet Forces Command is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed homeporting of additional surface ships at Naval Station Mayport. According to the letter, additional ships may include cruisers, destroyers, frigates, amphibious assault ships, amphibious transport docks, dock landing ships and/or a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.
• State Sen. Jim King sent a letter to Kirby Green, executive director of the St. Johns River Water Management District, asking Green’s advice about a future budget request for septic tank remediation in Duval County. “Pick a number. $10 million? $15 million?” asked King.
• The 2006 Bank of America Symphony Showhouse in Springfield was a hit. Six thousand people toured the four homes built by SRG Homes & Neighborhoods. The event raised more than $100,000 for the Jacksonville Symphony Guild, which donates the net proceeds to the Symphony. Since 1972, the annual event has raised more than $3.5 million plus in-kind contributions of $2 million.