• Look for Mayor John Peyton to be in New York City next month. According to New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Peyton has agreed to participate as a founding member of the Cities of Service coalition. The private kick off of the initiative is Sept. 10 at the Gracie Mansion in NYC followed by a press conference.
• Speaking of Peyton, he is going to bat on behalf of his Office of Inspector General. In a detailed letter to City Council President Richard Clark, Peyton outlines how and why the office was created and what it has accomplished the past two years. At last week’s budget hearings, Clark proposed to eliminate the office and save the City $1.1 million. The Council Finance Committee, after much debate, approved that recommendation.
• Speaking of Clark, he also brought up the idea of eliminating many of the City’s boards and commissions and asked for a list of all such groups for the Finance Committee to evaluate. Clark has since decided that task is better suited for the Council Rules Committee. The Finance Committee will only examine the budgets of the boards and commissions during the hearings, not the roles and functions.
• Good news for Sheriff John Rutherford. His request to have the grant period extended for his “Project Safe Neighborhoods” anti-gun initiative has been approved by the State’s Office of Criminal Justice Grants. The deadline was supposed to be Monday but is now Dec. 31.
• The Art Center at 111 E. Bay St. is hosting “The Artsy Bra Collection,” described as “one of a kind wearable works of art,” Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. A silent auction will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure, The Donna Foundation and the Art Center. Call 355-1757 for details.
• The Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce is heading to Kansas City for the 29th annual leadership trip October 6-8. The trip is taking a different approach than past leadership trip experiences by going back to its roots where the focus was on leadership. This year, Jacksonville’s top business and civic leaders will see first-hand how Kansas City leaders executed their vision that transformed their city into a thriving civic and business community. “This trip is not about just showing you attractive buildings and a great entertainment district. It’s about helping you see what can happen when leaders take charge and get involved to make change happen,” said Kelly Madden, wholesale market president, North Florida, Wachovia Bank and Chamber chair-elect.
• The Meninak Club of Jacksonville is rolling out a new mentoring program with a few students at Edward Waters College. It will be unveiled at its Sept. 21 “Mentoring Day” meeting and will match several students from college in different fields with a Meninak member in the business community in the similar field for guidance and advice. “We feel it has great potential,” said Meninak President Bunky Johnson.
• Missing the boat: The 2009 Southeast U.S. Boat Show originally scheduled for Sept. 16-20 at the Landing has been canceled.
• So nice they’re doing it twice: Seven of the 19 restaurants that took part in the recent “Eat Up Downtown” promotion are continuing the promotion this week. Chew, bb’s, Koja Sushi, Morton’s, River City Brewing Company, Vito’s Italian Cafe and the Wine Cellar will offer the $25 three-course deal at varying times. For menus and information, go to www.eatupdowntown.com.
• If you travel the Hart Bridge, you have probably noticed the middle of the bridge now has a visible glean to it. The repainting and structural repair began in February and is expected to be finished in Spring 2011.
• Correction: In an article on commercial leasing Tuesday, it was incorrectly reported that Parmenter Realty Partners had lowered its leases 6-7 percent. The company has reduced its expenses 6-7 percent to help serve its customers better.
• The Sulzbacher Center will get a financial boost soon, but it won’t be a typical grant or gift donation. Beginning Sunday and lasting 30 days, Cross Creek Restaurants will donate $1 from the sale of every “Pocket of Shrimp” sandwich — one of its most popular — to the nonprofit center. The sandwich is $6.99 and the restaurant is located at 850 Lane Ave.