• U.S. Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina has agreed to be the commencement speaker for the May 1 graduation ceremony at Edward Waters College. Mayor John Peyton has also been invited to speak by school President Claudette Williams.
• The Small Business Development Center at the University of North Florida will present a workshop on business plan basics Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. Topics include how to evaluate the feasibility of starting a business, how to develop a business plan and tips for securing bank financing. Cost is $40 in advance or $50 at the door. For more information or to register, call 620-2428. Since 1976 the SBC has helped more than 30,000 small businesses in North Florida with assistance through management advice and technical training at little or no cost to participants.
• One popular Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens exhibit will be open a little longer starting Saturday. Stingray Bay with Sharks! has been open since October and is normally only open weekends, but will be open daily from 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
• The legislative session kicks off next week, but there is still business in Tallahassee such as the Florida Chamber of Commerce’s Capitol Days. The event began Monday and ended yesterday with Gov. Charlie Crist meeting up with Florida Chamber members including Steve Halverson, Florida Chamber board of directors chair and Haskell Company president and CEO.