JTA starts service from Black Creek to Downtown
Clay County residents can now ride public transportation from one of the fastest growing areas in Clay County to Downtown Jacksonville. The Jacksonville Transportation Authority began its X4 Regional Express commuter service Monday from the Black Creek Park-n-Ride lot in Clay County into Downtown Jacksonville.
The lot is at County Road 220 and Sleepy Hollow Road.
"There are many Clay County residents who work in and around Downtown Jacksonville. We're excited to offer a new, cost-effective and convenient travel option to get people to their jobs," said Brad Thoburn, JTA's vice president of long-range planning. "The X4 Regional Express bus route is designed to provide commuters with more direct and efficient service to and from Downtown."
On weekdays, the service bus will leave the Black Creek Park-and-Ride lot at 6:17 a.m. and 6:47 a.m. with limited stops to Downtown Jacksonville. Return trips will leave Downtown Jacksonville at 4:52 p.m. and 5:22 p.m.
For information, call (904) 630-3100 or visit jtafla.com.
Gatling joins CBRE industrial team
CBRE has announced that Bobby Gatling joined the company's industrial services group in Jacksonville. He will focus on industrial landlord and tenant representation along with owner-occupier and investment sales. He joins from Newmark Grubb Phoenix Realty, where he brokered about $113 million in deals since 2005. He received the "Industrial Sale of the Year, 2012" award by NAIOP Northeast Florida chapter and received "Top Broker" distinctions from Newmark for several years.
USS Adams group receives $10,000 boost
Two local businessmen presented a $10,000 check to the Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association recently to bring the naval warship to the city as a museum. Bruce Brownell, managing director for Fulcrum Partners, and Joe Kenney, founder and CEO of Commercial Services, made the donation after hearing plans to bring the USS Charles F. Adams to the Shipyards, according to an association news release. The group is fundraising to bring the ship to Jacksonville and has an anticipated opening date later this year.
New swim facility planned
North Florida Swimming, a year-round swim team of about 275 members, is partnering with The Inman Co. to raise funds for a new Indoor Swimming Complex. The announcement coincides with the recent closure of the University of North Florida Aquatic Center. It will be an indoor, private facility to serve the Southside and Intracoastal West areas. Plans include a 50-meter competition pool and 25-yard teaching pool. The facility will offer swim lessons, masters and triathlon training, water safety courses, senior citizen fitness and rehab class and Special Olympic events. For information and giving opportunities, contact Mark Watson at northfloridaswimming.com.
Kane named to UNF position
The University of North Florida has announced Jennifer Kane as the school's faculty athletics representative. She began the role Jan. 1. Kane is chair of the university's department of leadership, school counseling and sports management in the college of education and human services, which she has held since 2011.
Terrell Hogan firm offers free presentations on distracted driving
It's a new year, but the message about distracted driving remains the same from Terrell Hogan.
The local law firm is offering free educational presentations about the dangers and consequences of calling or texting while driving. Distracted driving accidents claimed 3,328 lives and hurt another 421,000 people in 2012, said Wayne Hogan, firm president. The presentations also talk about strategies to combat distracted driving and the legal and business consequences, such as civil liability, productivity loss, property damage, brand damage and criminal charges. To request a presentation, visit terrellhogan.com/speakers-bureau or call (904) 722-2228.
Prudential Network Realty expands creative division
Prudential Network Realty expanded its in-house Creative Services Department. The department offers agents website development and graphics, brochures, advertisements and e-marketing materials. The additions include:
• Michelle Claudio as corporate marketing and public relations director. She will lead the company's corporate communications, marketing, efforts and social media.
• Marisa Mariano as corporate marketing and social media coordinator. Mariano is a social media professional who will use Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Pinterest, among others, for developing brands or business.
• Bekkah Clifford as graphic designer. Clifford is an award-winning writer and graphic artist who has worked in the real estate, public relations and nonprofit sectors.
• Jose Cruz as web developer. Cruz's expertise includes definition, design, development, deployment and environment testing for the web.
• Rebecca Pasko as graphic designer. Before joining in 2007, Pasko published Jax Islander, and will help agents develop personal marketing styles.
"In today's real estate market, consumer expect their Realtor to have a comprehensive marketing plan in place to achieve the greatest reach," said Christy Budnick, Prudential executive vice president of residential real estate.
JaxPort launches awareness campaign
The Jacksonville Port Authority began a 30-day campaign Jan. 2 to increase awareness of the importance of the port and trade-related activities for Northeast Florida economic success. The campaign includes highlighting one fact each day through the end of the month. "Our goal is to inform and enlighten as many people as possible about the significance of port-related activities and the impact on employment in the region," said JaxPort CEO Brian Taylor. The facts are available via the authority's @jaxport Twitter account and Facebook page.
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