• Jacksonville-based Fidelity National Information Services Inc. is the subject of what would be the largest leveraged buyout since the credit crises began three years ago, reports The Wall Street Journal. A group of private equity firms, led by Blackstone Group LP, are in talks to buy the financial data-processing company, the Journal says. It reports that the deal could still fall apart, but also said those involved say there’s urgency to complete it within a week or so.
• Bankruptcy filings in Jacksonville and throughout the Middle District of Florida rose again in April, according to figures released this week by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Jacksonville bankruptcy filings for the first four months of the year rose almost 8 percent from last year to 3,822. The filings for the Middle District, covering Jacksonville, Orlando and Tampa, rose 18 percent. Filings are at a record since 2006, following 2005 changes in bankruptcy laws designed to make it more difficult to file.
• Asking “what can I do to help” after watching news of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico? Options to help are Volunteer Florida, which is organized by the Governor’s Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service (www.VolunteerFlorida.org), and BP has set up a toll-free information line, 866-448-5816. In addition, potential volunteers can call to learn about the training required to work in oil spill cleanup operations.
• The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens set a record for attendance for the month of April. The attraction welcomed 108,270 visitors last month, and the previous record was 99,025 set in 2008 after opening Stingray Bay. This weekend, the Zoo will have a Mother’s Day special. Moms get in free May 9 after printing a coupon from www.jacksonvillezoo.org.
• In recognition of National Preservation Month, the Jacksonville Historic Preservation Commission honored 17 projects and services Thursday evening. Among the winners: the rehabilitation of the Haverty’s Building/Jake M. Godbold City Hall Annex; MetroJacksonville.com for coverage of local history and urban neighborhoods; a video on the History of Riverside Avondale; a historic marker program for Arlington and Durkeeville; Bill Cesery for 3rd and Main in Springfield; a World War II Oral History Project by the Jacksonville Historical Society and West Rotary of Jacksonville; and overall preservation service awards for historian Edward A. Mueller and architect Robert Broward. Council members Michael Corrigan and Warren Jones were recognized for contributions toward the preservation of the Lake Shore Subdivision Gates.
• Homeless children from the Sulzbacher Center will pick flowers this evening for Mother’s Day at Jackson Square Community Garden. They will return to the center to create bouquets to present to their moms on Sunday. Jackson Square is at 2554 Philips Highway and the garden provides fresh produce to the Sulzbacher kitchen and offers field trips for the children.