• U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson has invited Mayor John Peyton, City Council members and others to a meet-and-greet breakfast Friday at the University Club.
• Elaine Brown will chair Jacksonville Community Council Inc.’s study, “Recession Recovery and Beyond: Job Creation, Employment and Improving Northeast Florida’s Competitiveness.” Brown, a former City Council member, is incoming president of the Northeast Florida Regional Council.
• After five years as one of Downtown’s most popular night spots, The Twisted Martini at the Landing is closed. A source close to the club said the space will undergo a complete rebranding and will reopen, possibly as a “jungle-themed river cafe.”
• The campaign to bring the retired U.S. Navy guided missile destroyer USS Charles F. Adams to a permanent berth on the Southbank gained another ally. Holland & Knight partner Dan Bean, immediate past president of The Jacksonville Bar Association, served aboard the vessel and has pledged his support. The Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association is raising funds to turn the warship into a museum and entertainment venue. An ordinance to confirm the City’s support will be introduced to City Council Tuesday.
• Early voting starts today in Duval County for the Aug. 24 election. Voting times are 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 1-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday through Aug. 22 at the main elections office Downtown and the branch office on Norwood Avenue, along with the Beaches, Highlands, Southeast, Mandarin, South Mandarin, Webb-Wesconnett, Regency and West Regional libraries.
• The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida monthly health fair Aug. 14 will have a scholastic feel in honor of “Back to School” season. From 10 a.m.-4 p.m., free health screenings are available at the St. Johns Town Center location. For more information, visit www.floridablue.com.
• The Eighth Annual Jacksonville Film Festival takes place Oct. 14-17. This year’s screenings will include an African American Spotlight, Viva Cinema and Indie USA.
• Stellar hired Steven Hawkins as director of its Automation Services department. Before joining Stellar, he worked as director of business development for RWD Technologies. Hawkins is a graduate of Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.