• Given the recent decision by City Council to put to bid the next Trail Ridge Landfill contract, Waste Management has informed the City its most recent contract proposal is off the table. In a letter to Mayor John Peyton, Waste Management Area Vice President R. David McConnell, was complimentary of Peyton and his staff during negotiations the past two years. McConnell said the Council’s decision combined with a lawsuit were behind the decision. “These actions, together with the material passage of time and a lawsuit filed by a third party, among other things, have rendered our contract proposal as previously negotiated no longer valid,” said McConnell.
• Just in time for summer and escalating gas prices, Jax City Scooters on Ocean Street between Bay and Forsyth Streets is liquidating remaining inventory. Scooters can be purchased for as little as $800 plus tax and registration. The store will close at the end of May, said owner Ken Watson.
• Speaking of business awards, Availity, a local Internet-based health information network for administrative, financial and clinical services, recently received a “Small Business of the Year” award from the United Way of Northeast Florida. The annual award is presented to the local company that demonstrates a great commitment to the local nonprofit faction. Availity achieved the distinction through a 16.5 percent increase from 2008 in employee participation to the United Way campaign, a 39 percent increase in total contributions, including a total of $45,000 raised.
• Another item of summer interest, Neptune Beach is expecting an Island Girl Cigar Bar. A coming soon sign in the window of the space formerly occupied by Re/Max next to Mezza Luna is announcing the arrival.
• The curtain opens on the Jacksonville Film Festival Thursday, with the opening reception and film Downtown. “Like Dandelion Dust,” a drama about the meaning of parenting through the eyes of two different families, kicks off at the Florida Theatre at 8 p.m., with a VIP cocktail reception preceding it at Ivy Ultra Bar at 5:30 p.m. Additional films and panels will be held at other venues including 5 Points Theater, Museum of Science and History and the Landing. For tickets, show times and information, go to filmfestival.jacksonville.com.