• City Council Finance Committee Chair Michael Corrigan has set the committee’s schedule to analyze Mayor John Peyton’s proposed 2008-09 budget. They’ll meet Aug. 14, Aug. 21 and Aug. 28 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (with an hour break for lunch) in the Council Chambers. The meetings are open to the public.
• Visit Jacksonville has launched its “Escape to Jacksonville” tourism initiative. The regional marketing drive aims to keep Jacksonville area folks in the Northeast Florida area this summer in what Visit Jacksonville bills as “staycations.” The initiative runs through Sept. 30 and is centered around an on-line game dubbed “JaxLibs.” Winners will get travel packages to area hotels and attractions. For more, log on to visitjacksonville.com.
• There’s a new president and CEO of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (America) Inc., the Tokyo-based shipping company setting up shop at the port. As of June 24, Noboru Kitzawa is running the company from its offices in Concord, Calif. Jacksonville Port Authority spokesperson Nancy Rubin said the change of leadership “doesn’t affect the deal” in any way.
• The City’s Animal Care and Control Division is hosting “Show Your Shelter Spirit” Saturday at its center on West First Street. During the daylong event, dogs and kittens or cats will be available for adoption at $20 off the regular rate. Dogs and puppies are $60 while cats are $40. The event will also feature giveaways that include gift certificates and a one-month gym membership.
• For the second year in a row, Downtown Vision Inc. and Downtown restaurants are preparing diners for a prix fixe feast. The “Eat Up Downtown” promotion is returning August 18–24 with 18 restaurants offering selected $25 three-course meals. With the exception of Dona Maria’s, all of last year’s restaurants are returning and will be joined by new additions Mongo’s Flat Hot Grill, Cafe 331 and bb’s. Additionally, for the first time, a members-only restaurant – the University Club – will be joining the promotion. According to DVI’s Pamela Elms, last year restaurants showed a 30 percent increase in revenue during the promotion. Participating restaurant menus are available at www.downtownvision.com.
• Trying on a different hat: Longtime real estate stalwart Wendell Davis is running for Clay County Commission Dist. 1. Davis has been with Watson Realty for many years, headed the company’s property management services and served as secretary and treasurer for the Florida Association of Realtors in his career.
• The City of Jacksonville Military Affairs, Veterans and Disabled Services Division has partnered with Brooks Health System and Independent Living Resource Center of Northeast Florida to host an event to help disabled people and their caregivers prepare for hurricane season. The second Annual Emergency Preparedness for Persons with Disabilities Conference is July 18 from beginning at 8 a.m. at the Osborn Center. Workshops include financial preparation, federal disaster assistance for individuals and preparedness for those with service animals. State Sen. Stephen Wise and Mayor John Peyton are scheduled to address the conference, which is free to the first 500 registrants. Call 399-8484 for information and registration.