• Big-city growth is heading north in Florida. Investment banker Ben Bishop told the Association for Corporate Growth on Thursday that of the 20 fastest-growing metro areas in the state, the only areas of 1 million-plus people who made the cut were Orlando and Jacksonville. Jacksonville’s population is projected to grow 7.2 percent through 2013, behind Orlando at 8.1 percent. Palm Coast, with 92,000 residents, leads with a 38 percent projected increase. “You don’t see Tampa, Fort Lauderdale or Palm Beach,” Bishop said.
• The Cecil Field Spaceport has become the newest member of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation. Cecil Field is the second member from Florida, joining Space Florida at Kennedy Space Center. The organization represents spaceports nationwide. As a member, Cecil Field Spaceport has also joined the CSF Spaceports Council, a group that cooperates on issues of common interest, such as airspace access.
• According to the U.S. Census Bureau, slightly more than 72 percent of U.S. households believed to be occupied mailed back their 2010 Census forms, the same rate as in 2000.
• For those interested in the progress of State Road 9B, it has an official website. At www.sr9b.com, you can look at the history, maps and frequently asked questions in addition to the eventual weekly updates and construction status.
• NAS Jacksonville hosts a P-3C Orion Aircraft Transfer Ceremony to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan this morning. It is part of the U.S. Navy Foreign Military Sales Program. Among those participating will be Brig. Gen. Thomas Masiello and Husain Haqqani, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Masiello is Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Plans, Programs and Operations.
• The Northeast Florida Area Local American Postal Workers Union is holding an “informational picket” 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday in front of the general mail facility on Kings Road. According to the organization’s president, Doris Orr-Richardson, the group seeks support of HB 173 authored by U.S. Rep. Sam Graves of Missouri. The bill pushes for the continued delivery of mail six days a week.