Night Trolley launches Jan. 3
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority will begin its Night Trolley service in Riverside and Avondale on Jan. 3. The services will run 6 p.m.- 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday January through June on the first weekend of the month. An initial event in September (above) had more than 500 riders, according to a news release. The service will feature stops throughout the residential and commercial districts, including Five Points, Park and King streets, the Shoppes of Avondale, the Brewery District and Stockton and College streets. Unlimited-ride single-day passes can be purchased in advance for $4 at the Riverside Arts Market on Dec. 21 and several businesses in the Riverside-Avondale neighborhood. One-ride passes can be purchased for $1.50, exact change only. Route information will be available at trolley.jaxmob.com. For more information, contact Carmen Godwin, [email protected].
Bostwick Building hearing date set
A court hearing on the city's foreclosure complaint against the Bostwick Building owners has been set for 11 a.m. Jan. 27. The date was scheduled almost two weeks after the city filed a motion seeking an expedited process. City Council on Nov. 26 voted to make the 101 E. Bay St. building a historic landmark and deny the owners a permit to demolish the building. The next day, the city filed to foreclose on the building to recoup more than $60,000 code compliance fines.
Duggan to lead NAIOP in 2014
NAIOP of Northeast Florida recently named Wyman Duggan (right) of Rogers Towers as president of the organization for 2014. The organization is the region's commercial real estate authority and trade association.
Peter Anderson of Patillo Industrial Real Estate was named president-elect, Christian Harden of NAI Hallmark Partners was named vice president of public affairs and Dave White of BBVA Compass was named treasurer.
In addition, directors were named to events and tasks of the organization and will work with members throughout the year to carry out the organization's mission of industry networking and education. More information about the 2014 board is available at naiopnefl.com
JU fall commencement has almost 400 grads
Jacksonville University's fall commencement on Saturday had almost 400 graduates, one of the school's largest fall commencements. The keynote address was provided by Tracy Connors, a retired Navy captain who accepted two honorary degrees. JU awarded 80 master's degrees and 308 bachelor's degrees. It was the first fall commencement ceremony presided over by JU President Tim Cost.
TPO board elects 2014 leadership
The North Florida Transportation Planning Organization has elected St. Augustine Commissioner Nancy Sikes-Kline as its 2014 chairwoman. She succeeds Nassau County Commissioner Danny Leeper, who held the position for the past two years.
Jacksonville City Council member Doyle Carter was elected vice chairman and Clay County Commissioner Diane Hutchings was elected treasurer.
In addition, two organization committees elected their leadership for the coming year.
Jeff Beck, Clay County engineering department, was elected chairman of the Technical Coordinating Committee and Bernie O'Conner was re-elected chairman of the Citizens Advisory Committee.
EWC named 'Champion of Character'
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics named Edwards Waters College one of the top five schools to receive the 2012-13 Champions of Character Five Star Institution Award. Graded on a scorecard, schools earn points based on exceptional student-athlete grade point averages and no ejections during competition throughout the year.
Edward Waters tied for third place with California State University-Maritime. The program is intended to create an environment of competition through integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership.
Downtown Investment Authority meets today
The next meeting of the Downtown Investment Authority is 5 p.m. today in the Lynwood Roberts Room at City Hall, 117 W. Duval St. The agenda includes adopting a resolution supporting a Downtown retail enhancement plan; spending $100,000 for tenant improvements at 120 E. Forsyth St.; and an update on the renovation plans at the Jacksonville Landing. For more information, call (904) 255-7567.
Mumford elected to Paul Davis Restoration roles
Marguerite Mumford, owner of Paul Davis Restoration of North Florida, was elected as president of the company's District 1 that includes 24 locally owned franchise offices in Florida. She also was chosen as president of the organization's national executive committee for 2015. As District 1 president, she will oversee activities with franchise office owners and review voting on company programs, services and policies with franchisor Paul Davis Restoration Inc. As committee president, she will oversee owners who serve as representatives from the eight geographic districts in the network. Paul Davis Restoration is a national franchisor of restoration services for residential and commercial properties.
City hosts monthly veterans seminar
The City's Military Affairs, Veterans and Disabled Services department will host its monthly free career and employment counseling seminar from 3-6 p.m. Thursday at City Hall, Suite 120. The event is for veterans and active-duty military interested in career counseling, resume assistance, interview preparation, translation of military skills to civilian jobs and more. The seminars are provided by Incepture Inc. For information, call (904) 630-2489.
Roy picked to state board
Gov. Rick Scott has appointed Michael Roy to the Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board. Roy, of Jacksonville, is vice president of Lampe, Roy & Associates Inc. and succeeds Joni Herndon for a term that ends Oct. 31, 2017. The nine-member board is headquartered in Orlando and enforces real estate appraiser license law and can pass rules to implement its authority.
Jacksonville investment firms merge
Two longtime Jacksonville independent wealth management companies have merged. Retirement Strategies Inc. has acquired Collins Capital Management Inc. Staff from both companies will move into the larger Retirement Strategies offices early next year. Retirement Strategies will turn 20 in January, while Collins Capital has been in business since 2002. Both companies will work at their individual Southside offices while negotiations and new space build-out are complete.