• Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce Chair Mike Hightower was sporting a walking boot on his foot during Friday’s groundbreaking of the new marine science research institute at Jacksonville University, the result of a recent foot surgery. The boot has him thinking about a new profession. “I’m going to try to be the Jaguars punter,” said Hightower, pointing down to the bulky appendage.
• The Beauty Bar in Neptune Beach is no more. The owners of the high-end lotions and cosmetics store filed Ch. 7 bankruptcy last month.
• This year’s Blessing of the Fleet is set for April 5 at the Northbank Riverfront Park at 2 p.m. The event is put on by the City and the Captain’s Club.
• The American Lung Association will present its 11th Annual Oxygen Ball March 21 at Sawgrass with an aptly timed March Madness basketball theme. The national basketball tournament runs during the latter portion of this month, and it’s “just a different and neat idea” said ALA Regional Director Suzanne Crittenden. Tickets are $250 while tables of eight are $2,000. For more information, call 743-2933.
• Good news for those who use JTB to get to and from work. According to the Florida Department of Transportation, the widening and resurfacing project from Kernan Boulevard to San Pablo Road should be done this fall. The project will cost $27.7 million. Also done this fall should be the interchange at JTB and 9A, which will cost $83.8 million.
• Speaking of FDOT, the plan is to paint the Mathews Bridge starting in 2011 at a price tag of $14.4 million.
• City Council member Michael Corrigan has declined to serve as the chair of the North Florida TPO Regional Authority Committee. Corrigan cited his appointment Monday as chair of the Council Special Committee on City Pension Reform as his reason for being unable to serve.