• The City is in the process of trying to extend the no-ski section of Durbin Creek. According to Parks Department Director Kelley Boree, the new section is about 700 yards farther than the existing zone, which starts at the creek’s head waters. Boree says most of the creek isn’t navigable.
• Looking to capitalize on the economic whirlwind that is “American Idol”, Visit Jacksonville is promoting special rates at over 30 area hotels. The Aug. 13 audition at Veterans Memorial Arena is sure to draw a crowd, if recent history is any indicator, especially because it’s the only audition location in the Southeast.
• WJCT recently announced additional cutbacks, citing a downturn in the economy among other factors. In the coming months, the television version of “Week in Review” will be canceled and the bimonthly WJCT Magazine will also be discontinued.
• As part of the changes at AM-1010, the station has acquired an FM frequency. As a result, former Jaguar Tom McManus will have his own show in the afternoon starting Aug. 4. He’s currently on air with Rick Ballou.
• Representatives from U.S. Sen Bill Nelson’s office will hold local office hours Thursday in the Atlantic Beach Commission Chamber from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Anyone who may need federal assistance with an issue is encouraged to stop by.
• Police and Fire Pension Fund Executive Director-Administrator John Keane has asked City Council President Ronnie Fussell to appoint Peter Sleiman to the Fund’s board of trustees for another two-year term. Sleiman is the brother of Landing owner Toney.
• Speaking of Council, member Mia Jones has resigned from the Land Use and Zoning Committee for the 2008-09 fiscal year. Jones, who is running for the State Legislature, cited the “enormous demands” being placed on her time.
• Local dentist Sol Brotman would like to fill the seat on the Jacksonville Port Authority’s board of directors recently vacated by Tony Nelson. Brotman is lobbying Mayor John Peyton. Nelson resigned and is under investigation by the FBI for a multitude of potential offenses.
• New method for dispersing the snail mail in the mayor’s office. Everything not meant specifically for Peyton gets a yellow “routing sheet” stapled to it. On the sheet are various members of the mayor’s office, support staff, media team and City directors. Former communications chief Susie Wiles used to hand-write where the mail should be directed.
• Jacksonville Community Council Inc. is holding a members only lunch learn Aug. 5 and the theme is transportation. JTA spokesman Mike Miller and First Coast Metropolitan Planning Organization Executive Director Denise Bunnewith are the guest speakers.
• The Main Library’s Center for Adult Learning is offering English classes for free. The number of students in the class is limited and no kids or visitors are allowed. Classes start Aug. 25. Call Tammy Owens at 630-2724 for more.
• Dr. Quinton White was the recipient of the Riverkeeper’s 2008 River Advocate Award. White is a marine biologist and dean at Jacksonville University and was recently named director of the school’s Marine Science Research Institute.
• Speaking of the Riverkeeper, Douglas Anderson School of the Arts student Andy Leverett won the organization’s first “Conserving Water to Save Our Rivers” public service announcement video contest. Leverett got $1,000 for his efforts.