• Good news for the Jacksonville Aviation Authority. Standard & Poor’s Rating Service has affirmed an investment grade of A- for the authority’s revenue bonds. The rating is based on the role of JIA as an origin and destination airport and its sound financial operations.
• The trustees of the Jessie Ball duPont Fund have awarded $300,000 to three organizations to help the people of Haiti. The Archdiocese of Miami got $150,000; the University of Miami got $100,000; and the American Red Cross got $50,000.
• There are still tickets available for this year’s NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the Arena March 19 and 21. There will also be a practice session March 18 that will be free and open to the public.
• Lemon Bar fans will be happy to hear the oceanfront bar in Neptune Beach may open as early as the first week of March, weather permitting.
• Visit Jacksonville has launched a new Web site, iJax.mobi, created specifically for users of mobile devices, allowing visitors clear access to information.
• The Jacksonville Economic Development Commission’s Office of Film and Television launched a new blog site. It was created to share news about the Jacksonville film production scene and will be updated regularly. Log on to filmjax.blogspot.com.
• The public is invited to the next State of the Port meeting Feb. 18 at 11:30 am. Port Authority CEO Rick Ferrin will discuss Jaxport: The Next Decade. The luncheon meeting is at the Cruise Terminal (9810 August Dr.) and costs $30 per person. Make reservations by Feb. 10 online at www.propellerclubjax.com, by e-mail at Brook- [email protected] or by calling 334-5028.
• Don’t forget, the second annual MS Mud Run Jacksonville is March 20 at Cecil Commerce Center. Entrants in last year’s event raised more than $125,000 for the North Florida Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS-NFL). The Mud Run is a 10k obstacle course race with most of the obstacles being surrounded by mud. Registration fees are $40 and each participant has a minimum fundraising goal of $100. For more visit www.nationalmssociety.org/FLN or call 332-6810.
• Ryder has informed the City it intends to close its facility on Kenan Drive. As of March 29, 67 employees of the logistics and transportation company will be laid off.
• The J. Johnson Gallery in Jacksonville Beach has partnered with the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville for the opening reception of a new exhibit, “Contemporary China.” It’s Friday from 6-8 p.m. with the Celebration Asia Dance Team performing at 7 p.m. A $20 donation will be collected at the door and will benefit the Cultural Council. For more details, visit www.jjohnsongallery.com.
• You have only until tomorrow at midnight to purchase tickets to Friday evening’s Community Connections Mardi Gras 2010 at The Carling for $35 by logging on to www.communityconnectionsjax.org. After that it’s $45 per person at the door. In addition to drinks, snacks and a DJ there’s a silent auction and an after party at Dos Gatos on Forsyth Street. All profits will benefit the Community Connections day care center. For details call 350-9949.
• The Florida Department of Transportation’s Safety Office has declared Friday “Crossing Guard Appreciation Day.” The designation recognizes the dedication of people who brave inclement weather and traffic to ensure a safe journey to and from school for children. FDOT also recognized the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office this year as the state’s Large Agency School Crossing Guard Program of the Year.