• Don’t worry. Southern Strategy Group Managing Partner Deno Hicks is not in Scotland with his family being mugged. A scam email circulated Wednesday morning, allegedly from Hicks, taglined “URGENT HELP NEEDED!!!!!!!“ It said Hicks and his family had come “down here to Scotland” and were mugged in a park, losing their cash, credit card and cell phone. The mugger apparently didn’t take their passports, but Hicks needed cash. “I promise I’ll refund it once we get home.” The real Hicks is fine, but annoyed. “Unbelievable,” said Hicks, who was told his email account was hacked. He’s working on correcting it. “Lovely way to start off the day,” he said.
• Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, considered to be a candidate for the GOP presidential nomination in 2012, has requested to meet with City Council President Jack Webb April 8 at The River Club. Barbour is traveling around the country meeting with people to discuss issues facing the country and “would like to begin an active dialogue with the Jacksonville business community,” according to an email to Webb.
• Clara’s at the Cathedral says the menu for its weekly Friday lunch will feature tomato bisque and cream of vegetable soups, salads, entrees of chicken and sausage skewers, a cheeseburger bar and parmesan-crusted pollack. There are also lots of side dishes and desserts. Proceeds benefit the Clara White Mission. The cathedral is at 256 E. Church St. Downtown.
• The Downtown Council of the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce will hear from Kerri Stewart, City chief administrative officer, at its lunch meeting tomorrow at the Hyatt Downtown. Stewart is stepping in for Mayor John Peyton, who had been scheduled to speak. Details at www.downtowncouncil.org.