Skyway rides staying free through next year
The Skyway is staying free for riders.
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority board of directors approved the extension through Sept. 30, 2015, keeping it fare-free since Jan. 30, 2012.
During the free-fare period, the Skyway has had “significant ridership gains,” increasing its monthly average by 72 percent, with about 4,339 riders every weekday.
The 2.5-mile elevated monorail system connects Downtown to San Marco, crossing the St. Johns River to Kings Avenue on the Southbank.
Hours are 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, with weekend operation for special events.
For more information, visit jtafla.com.
Special House election dates set
The special election for state House District 13 has its dates in place.
Gov. Rick Scott set Dec. 16 as the primary election and Feb. 17 as the general election for the seat held by state Rep. Reggie Fullwood.
Qualifying is Oct. 21-22.
Fullwood appeared to be running unopposed before back-to-back errors by notaries public led to the Department of State disqualifying his candidacy.
City Council member Johnny Gaffney has said he will challenge Fullwood.
Supervisor of Elections Jerry Holland said legislation will be introduced Tuesday to budget $317,461 to pay for the special elections.
JAXBIZ to endorse Williams for sheriff
JAXBIZ, the nonpartisan political affiliate of the JAX Chamber, announced this morning it has endorsed Mike Williams for sheriff.
The organization interviewed the candidates for sheriff this year. JAXBIZ Chair Mike Hightower and chamber President and CEO Daniel Davis took part in the announcement at the BBVA Compass Training Center at the chamber’s Downtown headquarters.
Williams is one of seven candidates in the race and has the second highest fundraising total with $160,669. Jimmy Holderfield has raised $179,528.
Orange Park Mall has new retailers
Shoppers at the Orange Park Mall should see a few new retail selections, including one food option.
Simon, the mall’s parent company, announced that A&D Buffalo has joined the mall, in addition to Candy Junction and MetroPCS.
A&D Buffalo is a burgers, wings and fries spot in the food court. Candy Junction opened a kiosk and sells sweets and MetroPCS is a wireless service provider.
The mall has 120 stores.
Lapels opens new location
Lapels Dry Cleaning will open its second Florida location Sept. 20 at 1075 Oakleaf Plantation Parkway in Orange Park.
The environmentally friendly business will be owned by Mike and Carla Lane (pictured).
There also is a Lapels Dry Cleaning in Fleming Island.
The two plan to open five more in the future.
Hours are 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and noon-3 p.m. Sunday.
A grand opening is planned Oct. 11.
CBRE named leasing agent for BofA Tower
CBRE has been named the exclusive leasing agent for the Bank of America Tower.
The 42-story building at 50 N. Laura St. was purchased by California-based Hertz Investment Group for $88 million in July.
CBRE’s Lou Nutter and Billy Kuntz are representing the building.
Willowbranch Library remains closed
The Jacksonville Public Library suspended service at the Willowbranch Branch Library last week until further notice when the interior was flooded after heavy rains.
Those who have materials on hold can pick them up at the Murray Hill Branch. Patrons with materials from Willowbranch can drop them off at any branch location.
Of note, the branch is one of several on the chopping block as City Council members continue to have budget discussions leading to Tuesday’s final vote. The other two are Mandarin and Maxville.
Patrons can check Twitter @jaxlibrary or visit jaxpubliclibrary.org for updates.
Polednik, McMath join Chief Executive Program
Two Jacksonville art directors are among 50 executives to join The Chief Executive Program: Community and Culture.
Marcelle Polednik, director of the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville, and Hope McMath, director of The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, were selected for the program.
Over the next year, the executives will work with National Arts Strategies and each other to address the biggest challenges and lead change throughout the arts and culture sectors. Applications for the group were submitted by people in 32 states and 13 countries.
Past local participants include Maria Hane, Museum of Science & History director, and Tony Vecchio, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens executive director.
The 2014 program begins this month, with the yearlong program including three in-person educational events at Vanderbilt University, University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business and Sundance Resort.
JTA partners with Winn-Dixie, Walgreens for bus passes
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority and two local retailers are partnering to sell bus-ride options.
Walgreens will sell one- and three-day silver cards, while Winn-Dixie will have STAR, also known as Simply Tap and Ride, cards loaded with one-, three, seven- and 31-day passes.
Through the end of September, the $2 fee will be waived on the yellow STAR card.
In addition, ticket-vending machines with the waiver are at Rosa Parks Transit Station, Central and Convention Center skyway stations, Regency and Gateway transit hubs, and the Pearl and Water streets location.
The card contains a microchip and can be reloaded for up to three years.
For additional information, call (904) 630-3100.