• Jacksonville Economic Development Commission Executive Director Ron Barton is the guest speaker at Friday’s meeting of the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Downtown Council. It’s at 7:30 a.m. at River City Brewing Company.
• The Crowne Plaza will celebrate its one-year anniversary with an invitation-only party March 1.
• John Lehman, former Secretary of the Navy and the current chairman of Atlantic Marine Holding Company, is the guest speaker at the year’s first Cornerstone luncheon. It’s March 9 at the Hyatt. Cornerstone is the economic development division of the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce.
• A couple of Jacksonville projects were recognized at the 2007 Engineering Excellence Awards Competition. The restoration of JEA’s Unit No. 2 Natural Draft Cooling Tower at its Heckscher Drive power plant and the I-295/Blanding Boulevard interchange were both grand award winners. The awards are presented annually by the Florida Institute for Consulting Engineering.
• The PARC Group has added Lennar Homes to its list of developers of the Nocatee project. Lennar will develop 170 homesites in the Willowcove community. Construction will start in April with the first homes ready for occupancy by fall.
• Inside Golf owner Mary O’Donnell plans to reopen her virtual golf store Friday at 7 p.m. She originally opened the store across from Hemming Plaza but has moved to 1515 San Marco Blvd.
• The Outpatient Diabetes Education Program at Baptist Medical Center is being recognized for the second year by the American Diabetes Association for their educational services to the diabetic community. The program was last recognized in 2000 by the ADA.
• Correction: In a City Note yesterday, we listed the incorrect deadline for homeowners to apply for a Homestead Exemption. The correct deadline is March 1.
• Only City Council member Ronnie Fussell has officially entered the race for Council vice president, succeeding current VP Daniel Davis, who will likely take over as Council president July 1. However, three others – Art Graham, Mia Jones and Richard Clark — have expressed interest.
• Speaking of the Council president and vice president positions for next year, at least nine of the current Council members won’t be voting on the Council leadership due to term limits. According to Council Director Cheryl Brown, shortly after the May elections are declared official, she’ll call a meeting of the “new” Council, during which the next Council president and vice president will be elected.
• Because Supervisor of Elections Jerry Holland is also a candidate for office this spring, by Florida Election Law he’s not allow to serve on the Duval County Canvassing Board. Holland has recommended that Council President Michael Corrigan appoint Council member Gwen Yates to the Canvassing Board.