• The new County Courthouse should top out near the end of May, said Better Jacksonville Plan Project Manager Dave Schneider. That’s when the exterior concrete work should be completed and the tallest point reached. Don’t look for the traditional topping-out tree, though. “They don’t do that anymore,” Schneider said.
• Former Mayor Ed Austin and developer Jack Demetree were honored Thursday night by NAIOP’s Northeast Florida chapter. Austin, who served as state attorney prior to his mayoral term, won the Jesse B. Smith Community Service Award. Demetree was given the Lifetime Achievement Award.
• Speaking of Austin, he recalled to the NAIOP members that while serving as state attorney, he was approached by a woman at a seafood restaurant. “You’re Ed Austin, the state attorney?” she asked. Yes, he responded. “You sent my husband to prison for five years,” she said. Uh-oh, he thought. She smiled. “Those were the happiest five years of my life.”... Austin’s mayoral term ended 15 years ago, although he remains visibly active in local business and political circles. Yet some memories have faded. Austin was grocery shopping not long ago when an older woman pulled her cart beside him with a question. “Didn’t you used to be somebody?”
• Look for Saft to break ground on its new battery plant at Cecil Commerce Center March 15. The $200 million project will bring about 280 jobs to the area.
• The MaliVai Washington Foundation is looking for volunteers to help with its TnT Spring Play Day. It’s April 24 and they need help with registration, tennis court monitors, score keepers and team leaders. Tennis experience isn’t necessary. If interested, contact Ashley at [email protected]. or 359-5437.
• Former Jacksonville University President Fran Kinne will mark her 52-year relationship with the Arlington university in September. Along the way she says she has served on hundreds of boards and recently suggested that Mayor John Peyton write a book about his eight years in office. “You do have something important to say to young men and women who are interested in public service,” she recently told him.
• The City is bringing back its “Starry Nights” and it starts April 10 with Styx accompanied by the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra at Metropolitan Park. Tony Award-winning artist Idina Menzel plays April 24. Those purchasing VIP and Preferred Seats can participate in the Table Decorating Contest at each concert. Ticket prices are $50 for VIP table seating, $35 for preferred seating and $15 for lawn seating. Day-of-show lawn seating is $20. Tickets can be purchased now at www.makeascenedowntown.com or by calling 354-5547.
• The Jacksonville Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and DOCOMOMO/US Florida, a conservation effort, is sponsoring a symposium and tour highlighting architecture from the recent past in Northeast Florida. It’s scheduled for 9 a.m. March 13 at the Cathedral of Faith at 2591 W. Beaver St. The lead presenter is architect Robert Broward, who worked with Frank Lloyd Wright and designed some of the area’s distinctive structures. A guided tour of several of Broward’s designs is $60 per person including lunch. For details, call 389-8421.