• An international team of researchers led by neuroscientist Owen Ross at Mayo Clinic in Florida found a genetic variation they say protects against Parkinson’s disease. The study, published in the online Aug. 31 issue of Lancet Neurology, also reports the discovery of different variants of the same gene that double Parkinson’s risk in Caucasians and Asians. “The idea that Parkinson’s disease occurs mostly in a random sporadic fashion is changing,” says Ross at the clinic, in Jacksonville’s Southside.
• The Jacksonville Economic Development Commission plans to meet at 9 a.m. Thursday at City Hall in the mayor’s large conference room on the fourth floor.
• Jacksonville University Athletics and Baptist Health signed a three-year agreement making Baptist Health the official health care provider for JU Athletics. Dolphin student-athletes will have access to the full range of Baptist Health services. “Creating a partnership of this magnitude is sure to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of our student athletes,” said JU Athletic Director Alan Verlander. JU is continuing its relationship with Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute, an affiliate of Baptist Health, to provide student-athletes with care for injuries.
• Firehouse Subs CEO Don Fox presents “Franchise on Fire: The Firehouse Subs Success Story” to the Association for Corporate Growth North Florida chapter meeting Oct. 20. It’s 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Epping Forest Yacht Club. Information: 354-9600.
• The Clay County Chamber accepted the resignation of Chamber President Kellie Jo Kilberg, who submitted her letter of resignation Aug. 30. Kilberg, hired in January 2003, said in her letter that “it was time to move on; that a new person needs to build on the foundation that she, the chamber staff and the volunteers created during her tenure,” said a chamber news release. The board will meet to discuss the appointment of an interim president.