• Gov. Charlie Crist has reappointed Jacksonville Sheriff John Rutherford and Fraternal Order of Police President Nelson Cuba to the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission. Their terms began Monday and end Aug. 1, 2013.
• In an effort to solicit public input on the City budget process, City Council President Richard Clark has directed the launch of a new electronic suggestion box. By e-mailing to [email protected] citizens can make recommendations for spending priorities and suggest cost saving ideas for consideration by the Council’s Finance Committee. “As Jacksonville faces its most difficult budget in many years it just makes sense to seek out as many good ideas as possible to help sharpen our focus and find every possible cost savings that may be available,” said Clark.
• The Jaguars opened training camp this week for their 15th season and will host their annual scrimmage in the stadium Saturday night at 7:30. Before the scrimmage, owner Wayne Weaver will honor those who have been season ticket holders for all 15 years. The ceremony is in the West Touchdown Club.
• Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital will hold an open house for its new administration building Aug. 20. The new building was designed to meet the United States Green Building Council Guidelines. It’s on University Boulevard South at the corner of Beach and University boulevards.
• The City will open the new Animal Care and Control Center on Forest Street Saturday.
• Child headed for college? The “Hope Credit” has been expanded and renamed the “American Opportunity Tax Credit” for 2009 and 2010. Taxpayers can claim up to $2,500 per student per year for the first four years of post-secondary education. The claims can be more generous than the “Lifetime Learning Credit” which is limited to $2,000 per return per year for all eligible students. For more information see IRS Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education at www.irs.gov or consult your tax professional.
• First Friday Lunch Bunch will meet Friday at 11 a.m. at Clara’s at The St. John’s Cathedral at 256 E. Church St. It’s an opportunity for artists, musicians, actors, dancers, photographers and arts enthusiasts to network over lunch prepared and served by the Clara White Mission School of Culinary Arts. View the menu at www.clarawhitemission.org. Cost is $10 per person and no RSVP is necessary.