• The “State of Downtown” 2009 progress report by Downtown Vision and the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission says Downtown consists of 1,740 acres, with $1.7 billion in development completed or under way and $514 million proposed. It also has: 1,100 businesses, 51,000 employees, 2,365 residences, 91 restaurants, 23 bars and nightclubs, 2,153 hotel rooms and 3.29 miles of Riverwalk. There’s also 7.3 million square feet of commercial office and 12.5 million visits a year.
• Add one to the restaurant tally. There’s a construction crew at work on the first floor of Churchwell Lofts at Bay and Market streets to build out the “Olio” restaurant to open in September. It will offer a lunch menu of upscale soups, salads and sandwich.
• Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Director Jessica Deal said before the chamber’s City Council lunch Tuesday that she is leaving the chamber to join Advanced Disposal Services as Municipal Marketing Developer. Her last day at the chamber will be Thursday and she starts at Advanced Disposal on Monday. “You’ll have to learn to talk trash,” said NGI Senior Sales Executive J.D. Loudermill.
• Also at the Chamber-Council lunch, former Ch. 4 reporter and anchor Adam Landau attended in his new role as senior media and communications coordinator at Memorial Hospital/Memorial Health. And political strategist Teresa Eichner shared her new business card, “Voices, Votes & Victories Political Consulting.”
• Speaking of politics, the chamber’s Hob Nob event, where elected officials and candidates mingle with voters and constituents, is scheduled Aug. 12 at the Hyatt. More details to come.