• It’s the time of year when law firms and attorneys are recognized by various publications as being the “best” or “elite.” Locally, you will be hard-pressed to top Jeff Reagan of Regan, Zebouni & Walker. His recognitions include: 2008 Florida Trends Elite; 2008 Law and Politics Super lawyer and 2008 Best Lawyers in America. Also, Charles R. Walker Jr. was recognized as an Up and Coming 2008 Legal Elite.
• JTA is hosting a public hearing July 17 to share information and seek public comment on the Downtown Environmental Assessment and Preliminary Design Study including elements of the proposed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors along Broad and Jefferson streets. Two sessions will be held, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. in Committee Room A at City Hall.
• Christi Veleta, a program administrator for the City’s Environmental Protection Board, will spend eight days in Central Mexico on an Earthwatch Institute research trip. During the trip she’ll learn about animal migration between North America and South America.
• Cited as an unsafe structure by the City, Club TSI on Bay Street was forced to close its doors late last month. The bright orange official notice on the door says the building needs to be brought up to code or run the risk of being demolished. However, a handwritten sign next to the notice said repairs are being made and Club Manager of Bookings and Promotions Brendon Clark said the upgrades should take about a month.
• JEA has distributed its operating and capital budget for the 2008-09 fiscal year. According to the report, JEA will propose a budget of $1.75 billion with 2,158 full-time employees and 320,000 temporary hours.
• Jacksonville Beach will start its Summer Jazz Series Sunday at 5 p.m. This week’s headline act is Nelson Rangell.
• Up close and a bargain to boot: The Florida Ballet presents “Kids at the Ballet,” a program created for young audiences July 19 at the dance company’s studio at 33 E. State St. Selections include “Peter and the Wolf” and excerpts from classic and contemporary ballets performed just a few feet from the audience. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children.
• Jacksonville University is hosting a “vision luncheon” next Monday in the school’s Hall of Fame room at the Negaard Rowing Center. It’s at noon and school officials will talk about how to finance and build world-class athletic facilities. JU Director of Athletics Alan Verlander and Bill Gay of W.W. Gay are hosting the event.
• The American Cafe at the Jacksonville Landing now offers a pizza without the bread. The “Original New York Pasta Pie” has all the toppings people would find on a pizza, but everything is placed on top of a pile of penne pasta.
• City Council member and Jacksonville Waterways Commission Chair Bill Bishop is making good on his plan to review the city’s boating ordinance. He’s meeting with Waterways member Steve Nichols and Waterways Coordinator Jim Suber July 29 to begin talking about ways to possibly update and amend the ordinance.