• Another jazz note: The St. Johns River City Band High School Jazz All-Stars will have a special guest trumpet player when they perform at the Jazz Festival May 23 at noon at the Landing. Jacksonville Jaguar Montell Owens has been working on his “chops” with the 20-member youth ensemble which is funded by grants from Blue Cross Blue Shield North Florida and the Cultural Council.
• The South Jacksonville Republican Club meets Saturday at the Golden Corral restaurant on San Jose Boulevard south of I-295. Breakfast begins at 9:30 a.m. followed by the meeting at 10 a.m. with guest speaker Randy McDaniels, leader of ACT Jacksonville, who will provide an update on Islamic operations in America. Also, a new club treasurer will be elected at the meeting. For information call 880-4148.
• International Cafe on Hogan Street is now serving tacos twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays.
• The North Florida Land Trust is hosting a two-hour cruise on the St. Johns River Monday evening. The boat will leave at 6 p.m. from the dock near the Crowne Plaza Hotel on the Southbank. Dinner will be served by Ashley Street Catering, the Clara White Mission’s culinary training program and a cash bar will be available. Tickets are $35 per person or $65 per couple and must be purchased in advance by calling 827-9870.
• It’s no secret that mayor’s office receptionist Alice Newman doesn’t just like to bowl, she’s good. In fact, Newman recently won both the individual and team titles at the River City Women’s Bowling Tournament. In a three-game series, with her handicap Newman rolled a 707 and she paired with Norma Brice to roll a 1,370. Won more than a few bucks, too.
• According to Stephen Gauthier of the Government Finance Officers Association in Washington, D.C., the City has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from GFOA. The award was for the 2007-08 fiscal year.
• Marketing/advertising firm Spark, Inc. has devised a unique way to drum up business. It’s basically a referral service. For every customer you, yes you, refer to Spark that spends $4,000 (with provisions) with Spark, you get a check for $500. And, there is no limit to the number of referrals you can provide.
• Winn-Dixie is sponsoring this year’s Seamark Ranch Spring Round-up. It’s May 2 at Seamark Ranch from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 288-8885 for more info.
• Speaking of sponsorships, MPS Group has lent their name to the May 3 “An Evening of Taste” at Matthew’s of San Marco. The event will raise money for Children’s Home Society of Florida. For more on the event and ticket information, call 493-7739.