• The Duval County Democratic Party is yet another group urging Floridians to vote against the property tax reform amendment on the Jan. 29 ballot. According to a release, Travis Bridges, chair of the Duval County Democratic Executive Committee, says there is “overwhelming evidence by credible economists and government study groups that the proposed property tax amendment and its resulting budget cuts to government agencies and services will have dire consequences for all Florida citizens, compromising public safety, security and health and will have long-term consequences for education, economic development and quality of life.”
• New lunch spot on the way: The former Firehouse Subs location on Adams Street in the Police and Fire Pension Fund building will soon be the new home of Sideline Deli. New equipment is arriving daily, and expect the sandwich shop to open in about a month.
• Speaking of new food options, Jacksonville’s second Einstein Bagels location is going into the retail space on the first floor of 1661 Riverside. The bagel shop’s other location is Downtown in the Hyatt. The mixed-use development between Margaret and May streets offers both retail and residential space. Other tenants at 1661 Riverside include Zoe’s Kitchen, Smoothie King and Snap Fitness.
• The Jacksonville Suns have introduced a new gift card program that can be used anywhere credit cards are accepted at the Baseball Grounds. Fans can purchase tickets, Suns souvenirs and apparel from the Perfect Game Team Store or enjoy classic ballpark fare at the concession stands or a restaurant-style meal in the Sundowner Lounge. The cards can be purchased online, in the team store or by calling the front office. Cards are available in $5 increments with a $10 minimum value and can be reloaded for multiple uses. The Suns play a 140-game season from April through Labor Day and will open the 2008 season at home against the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx on April 3. For information, call 358-2846.
• Duval County cultural organizations interested in applying for public funding through the 2008-09 Cultural Service Grant Program must submit a preapplication to the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville by Feb. 25. The Cultural Council regrants funds made available through the City of Jacksonville’s Public Service Grant Program. More than 20 organizations were awarded over $2.5 million in 2007-08. Preapplication forms are available at www.culturalcouncil.org or by calling 358-3600.
• Florida residents are now able to renew their vehicle registration for up to two years as a result of a 2007 Legislative action. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and Florida Tax Collectors began allowing biennial registration on Jan. 1. All Duval County Tax Collector offices are processing biennial registrations.
“Should not every apartment in which man dwells be lofty enough to create some obscurity overhead, where flickering shadows may play at evening about the rafters?”
– Henry David Thoreau, U.S. philosopher, author, naturalist.