• According to Police and Fire Pension Fund Administrator/Executive Director John Keane, the stock market is making a nice comeback. After hitting a 2009 low in March, it has climbed back to levels last seen in October. He said the July returns were the best for a July in over 20 years.
• Good news for potential jurors in Duval County. Eighteen years have passed since a jury has been sequestered in Duval County, according to Mike Riley, assistant to the clerk of the Circuit Court.
• Assistant Public Defender Melina Buncome-Williams has been promoted to the Homicide Division in the 4th Judicial Circuit office. She becomes the first African-American female to serve as an Assistant Public Defender in Homicide in the Fourth Judicial Circuit under Matt Shirk. “After 12 years serving as an APD in Jacksonville and two years prior in the 17th Circuit Public Defender’s office, Melina is a true public servant who has done a tremendous job mastering the elements of criminal defense,” said Shirk. “She brings seasoned talent and new perspective to our Homicide Division and we, as well as our clients, are fortunate to have her.”
• The Landing is bringing in a lot of sand for the Labor Day Weekend, but exactly how much? Spokesperson Rachel Nudge says nearly 100 tons of sand from Huguenot Park will be brought and spread about a foot thick all over the courtyard. After the weekend, the sand will be used for fill at various locations around town. Last year, the Landing brought in about 78 tons.
• Speaking of the Landing, if you buy a gift basket from Sundrez worth $20 or more, they will deliver it Downtown for free.
• This year’s Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International big fundraiser, Miracles in the Moonlight Gala, is set for Oct. 3. This year’s “Fund a Cure” donations will go towards the Artificial Pancreas Project. For more on how to attend or just to donate to the cause, call 379-2101.
• In line with one of his proposed bills during the most recent legislative session, State Rep. Ronald “Doc” Renuart will participate in the dedication of a portion of State Road 9A as the Ronald W. Reagen Memorial Highway Aug. 27. The ceremony is at 10:30 a.m. in the lot on the southwest corner of U.S. 1 and Greenland Road.
• The grand opening of the Uptown Market — a new grocery and deli venture undertaken by Tony Allegretti and company in The Lofts at Third & Main project in Springfield — had an anticipated grand opening sometime in early August, but it’s been slightly delayed. Instead, look for it in September.
• New spot: The City is hosting the grand opening of its new Animal Care and Control facility Saturday from 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m. During the event, the new animal shelter at 2020 Forest St. will also be renamed and there will be special pet adoptions and a pet fair. The former location was at 2580 W. 1st St. off McDuff Avenue. For more information on the event, go to www.coj.net.
• The University of North Florida is hosting a Legal Studies Open House Wednesday at 6 p.m. Information on a career as a paralegal or legal secretary will be available. UNF is also offering a free law school admission test (LSAT) diagnostic exam Aug. 22 at 10 a.m. Admission for both events is free but you must register to attend by calling 620-4200.
• A portion of Forsyth Street will be closed Sept. 2 to allow for activities related to the George J. Wolfe Tribute Car Show hosted by the Florida Theatre. Forsyth Street will be closed between Ocean Street (to the west) and Newnan Street (to the east) from noon to 9 p.m. The detour route will be north on Ocean Street, east on Monroe Street, south on Newnan Street to Forsyth Street. Wolfe was the owner of Lucky’s Classic Cuts Barber Shop at The Carling and died last spring of heart disease. He was known for hosting car shows in front of his shop and at Hemming Plaza in conjunction with First Wednesday Art Walk. For event information call 355-2787.
• Area Dairy Queen restaurants will be teaming up with Children’s Miracle Network Thursday to benefit Shands Jacksonville and Wolfson Children’s Hospital. A portion of the sale of every Blizzard sold that day will go to Children’s Miracle Network, which purchases medical equipment and Child Life resources for the pediatric programs at both hospitals. Last year’s event raised over $12,000 and Dairy Queen, a national sponsor of Children’s Miracle Network, has raised more than $77 million for the organization.
• The Jacksonville chapter of the American Advertising Federation (AAF) has elected its 2009 Board of Directors: President, Kendall Barsin, Florida Theatre; Immediate Past President, Gayle Hart, Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair; Vice President of Programming, Caron Streibich, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida; Vice President of Membership, Tyler Morris, Independent Living Resource Center of N.E. Florida; Treasurer, Susan Waldeck, Scott-McRae Advertising; Secretary, Jamie Mackey, St. John & Partners; Government Affairs Chair, Rusty Winter, Cox Radio; Public Relations Chair, Patrick McSweeney, St. John & Partners; Communications Chair, Katie Berry, Florida Theatre; ADDY Awards Co-Chairs, Karen Brashear, Florida Times-Union; Gayle Hart, Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair; and Heather Smith, Scott-McRae Advertising; Education Co-Chairs, Celia Weeks, St. John & Partners and Tommy Hobin, Florida Times-Union; Social Chair, Chris Seely, The Robin Shepherd Group; Creative Chair, Jennifer Hankey, Florida Times-Union; Internet Chair, Shane Santiago, SBS Studios; Diversity Chair, Andrés Lacayo of BROOKSLACAYO; Public Service Chair, Shannon Hill, Jacksonville Film Festival.