• U.S. Rep. John Mica will be the featured speaker June 8 when the Urban Land Institute North Florida presents “Infrastructure 2011: A Strategic Priority” to discuss topics about metropolitan and regional transportation. The program is 1:30-5:30 p.m. at the University of North Florida University Center. Mica will discuss federal transportation funding and how state and local governments might be affected. The program also includes a panel discussion to be moderated by Michael Cavendish, chair of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority and Regional Transportation Study Commission. For more information, visit www.northflorida.uli.org.
• The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of North Florida hired Elaine Fowler as development manager to lead major special events for Northeast Florida and the Panhandle area. Fowler previously was district promotions coordinator and theatre manager for the Regal Entertainment Group, where she worked with community agencies and events and handled media partnership throughout her Southeast district.
• Remote access to City Council email is not currently available because of upgrades being made to the City of Jacksonville website. The website currently states: “This system option is currently unavailable due to technology adjustments in progress.” City Council emails can still be viewed by contacting a Council member or filing a public records request, said Cheryl Brown, Council secretary. No word on how long the email will be unavailable at www.coj.net.
• The St. Johns County Republican Party and Chair Harlan Mason announced that the 2011 Lincoln - Reagan Day Celebration May 24 will feature former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania. Santorum has formed an exploratory committee and is considering a run for president in 2012. Also headlining the evening program will be former Florida Rep. Adam Hasner, who has filed to seek the Republican nomination to challenge Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012.
• Jacksonville Aviation Authority officials, business and City leaders will all be on hand Thursday at Jacksonville International Airport to celebrate JetBlue’s inaugural direct service flight from Jacksonville to San Juan, Puerto Rico. JetBlue Vice President Scott Lawrence is scheduled to attend as well. Festivities start at 8 a.m. with live music and first flight is at 10:30 a.m., complete with a water cannon salute.
• The Jacksonville Public Library appointed Richard Mott as manager of strategic initiatives. Mott will identify and lead initiatives for service delivery, efficiency and customer satisfaction. He also will manage planning initiatives for the system. He has worked for the library for almost eight years, most recently as training manager.
• Fort Clinch State Park in Fernandina Beach will host a Memorial Day Weekend program May 28-29 in honor of the men and women who served in World War II. Visitors can explore military displays, view memorabilia and learn about the uniforms, weapons, vehicles and lifestyle of those who were part of the war during the 1940s. For information, call (904) 277-7274 or visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.
• The City and the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra have canceled Starry Nights featuring The Four Tops scheduled for Saturday because of low ticket sales. Tickets will be refunded at their original purchase price. If purchased through the JSYM box office, call 354-5547. For tickets purchased through Jacksonville.com Daily Deal, email [email protected].