• The Jacksonville Port Authority released its 2008 annual report this week. According to the report, the Port Authority earned $42.4 million in operating revenue, a 6.2 percent increase over 2007. This is the eighth year in a row the Port Authority has reported an increase in operating revenue.
• Speaking of the Port’s annual report, a significantly fewer number of people took cruises out of Jacksonville in 2008 — 76,474 as opposed to 129,838 in 2007. However, that reduction is thanks to two things: the retirement of the Carnival “Celebration” in May and the five-month gap before the Carnival “Fascination” began sailing out of Jacksonville in September.
• Linking in: The Chamber’s 2009 Business & Career Expo is May 27 at the Osborn Center from 1–7 p.m. More than 250 vendors will showcase their services to an expected crowd of more than 2,000 people. Admission is free.
• Mary Tappouni, president of Breaking Ground Contracting, will be recognized as the 2009 Small Business Person of the Year in Florida by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s North Florida District Office during the 17th Annual Small Business Week & Lender Awards Celebration. The ceremony is hosted by the Small Business Development Center at the University of North Florida and is April 30 from 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
• One local elementary school is up for a pretty big distinction. Mandarin Oaks is one of 18 from across the U.S. named as a finalist for the Intel Schools of Distinction honor. The program recognizes schools that excel in math and science learning skills and demonstrate 21st century learning environments. Winners will be named May 5.
• Cruisin’ art: In addition to a St. Johns River Cruise the North Florida Land Trust is having Monday evening, the organization is also raffling off a Jacksonville native’s artwork. A print from C. Ford Riley will be available to one lucky winner, with raffle tickets going for $25. The cruise will feature a two-hour sunset boat tour of the river along with informational sessions about Jacksonville’s water history, restoration and conservation efforts along with dinner from Ashley Street Catering, the Clara White MIssion’s culinary training program. For more information about the cruise and accompanying raffle, call Bonnie Barnes at 827-9870.