• The restaurant space at the Landing formerly occupied by Dona Maria’s Mexican restaurant will reopen Feb. 1 with new owners and similar cuisine. The family that operates the La Napolera chain of local Latin eateries is setting up shop. No word yet on the name.
• CSX CEO and President Michael Ward will be serving as the honorary chair at the Jewish Family & Community Services annual fundraise, “A Night in New York City,” Feb. 28 at the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville.
• The Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual meeting Jan. 22 from 6– 9 p.m. at the Florida Theatre. Featured will be a discussion regarding 2008 in review, the “Small Business Leader of the Year” award and the installation of 2009-10 chair Mike Hightower and the board of directors.
• Tickets for The Players Championship went on sale in December and a few consumer cost saving offers are available. Children under 16 years old receive free admission with a paying adult and free parking passes are being offered with early purchase orders. Family plans are also available. Go to www.pgatour.com/theplayers for more information.
• Dreams Come True, a nonprofit that provides dream wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses, will hold its 25th anniversary party at the Omni on Feb. 8 from 2– 4 p.m.
• The public is invited to witness the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama live on television Tuesday in the Hicks Auditorium at the Main Library. Plasma televisions will also be temporarily installed throughout the library for the event. The telecast will begin at noon and continue until after the 44th President of the United States has been administered the oath of office.
• The USS Constitution, aka “Old Ironsides” will not be berthed in Jacksonville this month as was noted yesterday – rather a contingent of sailors stationed on the historic vessel at its permanent berth in Boston will be here to fire a replica cannon and participate in other maritime warfare reenactments Jan. 29 - Feb. 1 at the Museum of Science & History.
• Thomas Jefferson isn’t the only former President who will log a stop at the Main Library in the next few weeks. The next deceased U. S. Chief Executive to make an appearance will be (an actor portraying) Abraham Lincoln. He’ll be there Feb. 4 at 6 p.m. in conjunction with First Wednesday Art Walk.