Jacksonville University will host its first Women in Leadership Conference from 12:30-5:30 p.m. Friday with a “Lean In To Leadership” theme. It will be at the Davis College of Business on campus.
State Attorney Angela Corey, Olympic gold medalist and Title IX advocate Nancy Hogshead-Makar, Afghanistan’s Ariana Television Senior Vice President Fatema Bayat and ambassadaor Marilyn McAfee are among the event’s speakers and panelists.
The event is designed to connect JU women with each other and provide an opportunity to learn from several accomplished local women.
DDRB workshop is Thursday
The Downtown Development Review Board will hold a workshop at 2 p.m. Thursday in Exam Room No. 1 on the mezzanine at City Hall. The subject of the workshop is “Design Criteria.” For more information, call Jim Klement at (904) 630-2689.
Builders expo is March 27
The Northeast Florida Builders Association will host its annual construction and trade expo from 3-7 p.m. March 27 at the University of North Florida Herbert University Center. Admission is free and the event is open to the public. More than 40 exhibits will be on display, with registration still underway. For more information, visit nefba.com.
Dodson back at State Attorney's Office
Attorney Patricia Dodson has returned to the State Attorney’s Office as a managing director. She previously served as an assistant state attorney in the 4th Circuit from 1993-97 before working in the private sector at Terrell Hogan for nearly 15 years. As managing director, Dodson will be responsible for overseeing the office’s move into the old Federal Courthouse, training new assistant state attorneys and will help run the office. She is a graduate of the University of North Florida and Nova University Law School.
Jaguars pick Bono's as team's official barbecue
The Jacksonville Jaguars now have an official Southern staple. The team announced that locally owned Bono’s Pit Bar-B-Q is the team’s official barbecue and will sell the goods at Jaguars home games starting this year. The company also will have in-store promotions with players and fans.
CBRE group arranged Hyatt sale
CBRE Hotels, a specialized advisory group within the commercial real estate company, arranged the sale of the Hyatt Downtown when it was sold last month. Christian Charre, Paul Weimer and Natalie Castillo were the group’s professionals involved with assistance from Patrick Arangjo, Jack Howard, Kurt Altvater and Dave Dorros of the CBRE National Loan Sale Advisory Group.
New names added to 2015 elections lineup
The first days of March brought several new filings for 2015 local elections. As of Wednesday morning, Ken Jefferson and Rob Schoonover have filed to succeed Sheriff John Rutherford, officially making it six in the race. Although Property Appraiser Jim Overton will file this week for mayor, Omega Allen has done so. City Council races also have new entrants. Joyce Morgan has joined Mike Anania in the race for District 1, Lisa King has joined several others for District 2 and incumbent Lori Boyer has filed for her District 5 seat, among others who have filed. Those who have been in races prior to March will have to file financials by Monday.
City releases Bower-related text messages
Update from an earlier story: JEA board member Peter Bower ultimately was confirmed by City Council in late February to serve a second term, but not without hesitance from Mayor Alvin Brown.
Bower’s confirmation with a council committee was held up Feb. 17 at the request of Brown’s administration after City Council liaison Teresa Eichner received text messages from Mia Jones, city boards and commissions director. After a public records request, those texts were provided to the Daily Record.
The night before the committee meeting, Eichner asked about Bower’s attendance percentage from his first term because Bower indicated he was going to be at the meeting. Typically, reappointments only show if attendance is below 75 percent.
But, with 100 percent attendance, Bower was in the clear except that Brown sought the deferral after a disagreement over an idea for JEA to contribute an additional $40 million annually to help solve the city’s pension woes. Jones’ text during the meeting told Eichner to “defer him.”
Eichner responded that it would be “difficult” after the committee members saw him and asked if there was a reason, but Jones provided no answer. The appointment was deferred that morning but Brown ultimately decided to let it through.
EverBank offering NFL Draft sweepstakes
Two Jacksonville Jaguars fans might be feeling a draft in early May. EverBank is offering a sweepstakes to give fans a chance to win a trip to New York City to attend the 2014 NFL Draft on May 8. The grand prize winner will receive two draft passes, round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations and ground transportation. Other fans will receive NFL.com gift cards. Winners will be chosen randomly. No purchase or banking affiliation is required. For information, visit EverBank.com/draft.
Library hosting spring break events
When Duval County Public Schools are on spring break March 17-21, the Jacksonville Public Library will provide several educational programs for children and teens. They include movies, teen gaming, arts and crafts, a luau party, balloon twisting, origami and St. Patrick’s Day activities. For a full list of activities and suggested reading list, visit jaxpubliclibrary.org/schoolbreakresources.
Envirothon set for Thursday
The Duval Soil and Water Conservation District is sponsoring the Fred B. Miller Jr. “Envirothon,” a competition among high school students, from 8 a.m.-noon Thursday at the Diamond D Ranch, 5903 Solomon Road. The national environmental education program for recognition and scholarships will have winners represent their county at the state level. State winners will advance to an international competition. Categories focus on soils and land use, aquatic ecology, forestry and wildlife, along with a current environmental issue. For more information, contact Carlton Higginbotham at (904) 210-7035.The Downtown Investment Authority’s Experience Committee scheduled its next meeting at 4 p.m. Friday in the Lynwood Roberts Room at City Hall. For more information, contact Karen Underwood at (904) 630-3492.