• The County Courthouse is moving back to the discussion floor. City Council President Daniel Davis has called a special meeting at 5 p.m. Jan. 30 in the City Council Chambers to discuss options to construct the more than $400 million project. In Monday’s public notice, Davis states his goals for this first meeting are to “(1) narrow the possible courthouse construction options down to two or three, (2) discuss options regarding the renovations of the (old) Federal Courthouse and (3) explore possible public private partnerships for the surplus courthouse/city property.” He adds that he plans to follow this meeting with an action meeting before sending legislation to full council.
• Because of the high anticipated turnout, the Northeast Florida Regional Council has changed the venue of its “Water Supply Summit: The Future of the St. Johns River” from the University of North Florida to the St. Johns County Convention Center at the World Golf Village in St. Augustine. The event is still scheduled for 1-5 p.m. Jan. 25. The meeting is being held to engage local elected officials and build a consensus on proposals to divert as much as 260 million gallons of water a day from the St. Johns River and its tributaries to meet needs of growing development in Central Florida. The public is also invited.
• Of the 559,161 persons registered to vote in Duval County, 1,420 went to early voting sites on Monday, the first day a ballot could be cast in the Jan. 29 presidential preference primary election. The Supervisor of Elections Office at 105 E. Monroe St., the branch office at Gateway Mall and 12 public libraries are open for early voting seven days a week through Jan. 27. For locations and times, visit www.duvalelections.com.
• The Sandler Sales Institute of North Florida is hosting a workshop on “Building an Organization that Sells” from 8:30-11 a.m. Thursday at the Sandler Sales Institute, 8825 Perimeter Park Blvd., Suite 503. The workshop is for presidents, owners and company executives. Cost is $51 per person. Register online at www.SandlerSalesNF.com or call 949-1900.
• Downtown Vision Inc. has developed a database of more than 4,500 Downtown businesses and residents that is available for direct-mail promotions. While DVI won’t provide an electronic copy of the list itself, the organization can print labels provided by prospective advertisers. For details, call District Services Director Amy Harrell at 634-0303.
• The 2008 TELEmachus Awards, “A Celebration of Mentoring,” will be held Jan. 29 at 6 p.m. at the University of North Florida’s University Center. The annual event recognizes local individuals, businesses and organizations for their person-to-person efforts to nurture and empower youth and adults. Mentors attend free of charge, and supporters can sponsor and attend. For information or registration, call 244-2400 or visit www.mentoringconnection.org.
“In every building of Paris there is a concierge, to serve as a human watchdog. Whoever you are, she knows about you.”
– Maurice Chevalier’s Paris, NBC TV, March 6, 1957.