• New security cameras are being installed in the atrium at City Hall, but the City isn’t paying. A federal grant worth $87,000 is covering the cost of the new cameras, one of which rotates to cover the entire atrium or follow someone of interest.
• In response to additional recommendations by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and pursuant to the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, the Department of Parks, Recreation, Entertainment and Conservation has closed approximately 850 feet of beach at Huguenot Memorial Park on Heckscher Drive to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic through the end of the month. The action is required to protect a number of bird species nesting in the northern part of the park. With the exception of the 850-foot area, the remainder of the beach will still be accessible to pedestrians after hours. Anyone found disturbing birds or other park-dwelling animals may be subject to a fine up to $15,000. The park is currently open daily 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
• At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Mrs. Blanche Arrington Cobb and Mrs. Anna Sanders Williams will be honored for being the eldest active voters in Duval County. Both of the ladies are 107 years old and they have been casting ballots for more than 61 years – including 15 presidential elections – since registering to vote in 1946. “We have two living examples of what it truly means to express your voice through your vote and these ladies have done that,” said Supervisor of Elections Jerry Holland.
• Speaking of Council, it’s considering an ordinance that would extend the agreement between Jacksonville Fire & Rescue and Florida Community College at Jacksonville for the Jacksonville Fire Training Academy at the Beach Boulevard school. The two sides are working on a five-year deal.
• JEA and the City are looking to secure a $1 billion Electric System Revenue Bond. The money would go to the acquisition and construction of electrical upgrades throughout JEA.
• University Club Executive Chef Jason Demarotta has been chosen as one of 20 chefs in the country to be invited to attend the Culinary Institute of America’s most prestigious school, Greystone in Napa Valley, Calif. While there, Demarotta will attend classes and seminars taught by some of the most renowned chefs in the country at the Rudd Center for Professional Wine Studies, the Chuck Williams Flavor Center and the Ventura Menumasters Center for Research & Development.
• City Council member Michael Corrigan is sponsoring an ordinance that would rename a portion of Barrs Street in Riverside from Riverside Avenue to the St. Johns River “Shircliff Way” after Robert Shircliff. The legislation will require the waiver of a section of the City code regarding street names.
“Dance is bigger than the physical body. When you extend your arm, it doesn’t stop at the end of your fingers, because you’re dancing bigger than that; you’re dancing spirit.”
– Judith Jamison