• Ashley Smith Juarez has been named executive director of The Chartrand Foundation, launched in 2006 by the Chartrand family to help strengthen public education and early childhood initiatives throughout Duval County. Smith Juarez joined the foundation in 2008 as deputy director, leading grant research, development, monitoring and evaluation efforts. Smith Juarez succeeds Jeff Chartrand, who founded the family foundation and relocated from the area earlier this year.
• This is an eye-opener. CoreLogic data shows that in Jacksonville, 47 percent, or 155,487, of all residential properties with a mortgage were in negative equity, also called “underwater,” in the fourth quarter of 2010. An additional 4.8 percent, or 15,941, were in near negative equity. Negative equity means that borrowers owe more on their mortgages than their homes are worth. Negative equity can occur because of a decline in value, an increase in mortgage debt or a combination. Nationally, 11.1 million, or 23.1 percent, of all residential properties with a mortgage were in negative equity.
• The first Bubba Burger Grill in Jacksonville is tentatively scheduled to open by the end of April at the former home of the Times Grill at Beach and Hodges boulevards. The opening coincides with the Bubba Burger 250 NASCAR Nationwide Race at Richmond International Raceway April 29. Before the race, Bubba Burger will be a sponsor March 26 of the Mud Run MS Jacksonville.