• The idea of adding an aircraft carrier to Mayport Naval Station is appealing to the Jacksonville Port Authority. “We are delighted for the community. It helps us in a very good way in that they (the Navy) will do a little of the dredging. That costs a lot of money and any help is welcome,” said Port Authority Director of Communications and Public Relations Nancy Rubin. She said the carrier will not affect the Port’s plans for a cruise terminal at Mayport.
• The Jacksonville Transportation Authority has climbed to a new peak. It reached over one million passenger trips in October, the largest monthly passenger trip number in 10 years and a 14 percent increase from October 2007.
• Artist Pete Helow has opened a studio in the WJCT building adjacent to Metropolitan Park. Helow specializes in executive portraits, PR head shots and family portraits.
• United States Gypsum Company, Inc. has announced it intends to close its Evergreen Avenue production facility. According to Plant Manager Mike Favo, the closure is effective Dec. 31 and will affect 133 jobs.