• Jax Charity Auction has started releasing the names of the 16 area bachelors and bachelorettes up for auction this year. The final names will be released today at Maverick’s at the Landing, but so far there are a few attorneys, a JSO officer and a former employee of the City’s Office of Special Events. The auction is April 12 at Maverick’s from 6-9 p.m., with proceeds going to students at North Florida School. For more information, visit www.jaxcharityauction.com.
• Speaking of charity events, this year’s daniel charity golf outing at Timuquana Country Club drew more than 200 players who raised over $201,000 — the single largest fundraising event in daniel’s 124-year history. The team from the Stellar Group won the top net award while the team from Raymond James, which included tournament chair Alan Joyce, won the first place gross award for the second year in a row.
• City Council President Daniel Davis is among the many who have committed to participate in the inaugural “Trot for Tots” event. Set for April 5, the Downtown march was created to raise the awareness about North Florida’s infant mortality. In Jacksonville, the infant mortality rate among black residents is 14 percent. The event starts at 9:30 a.m. at Mt. Zion AME Church and ends at Hemming Plaza. Sponsors include The Haskell Company and Baptist Health Care.
• Speaking of Davis, when he rang the bell to open Tuesday’s Council meeting there wasn’t a quorum present, so he dispatched the Sergeant at Arms to find the tardy members who were still at the reception following the dedication of the Lynwood Roberts Room. Davis then turned to Council member and chaplain Clay Yarborough and said, “We don’t have to have a quorum for you to pray, so make it good.” Something worked. It was virtually unanimous among Council members before the meeting that it was predicted to be a marathon, but the agenda was complete and the meeting adjourned at 7:01 p.m.
• Also at this week’s Council meeting, Skot David Wilson stepped up to the podium to comment on several issues and Davis had an issue with his apparel. Wilson was wearing a t-shirt carrying the phrase, “I see dumb people.” Davis asked Wilson if he was trying to make a statement.
“A good memory is not as good as a ragged pen.”
– Chinese proverb