Jax Ale Trail marking anniversary with contest
Visit Jacksonville is celebrating its first year of the Jax Ale Trail and Craft Beer Passport throughout December.
Since its inception last year, more than 20,000 people have used their passports. Almost 900 craft beer enthusiasts from 39 states and five countries have completed the trek — 30 percent coming from out-of-town.
The promotion was created by Visit Jacksonville in partnership with eight Jacksonville craft breweries to promote the local industry.
For the rest of the month, Visit Jacksonville will highlight the “25 Beers of Jax” on social media, uncovering one each day and fans can win prizes.
Locals who have completed their passports and are spotted in their trail T-shirts during the month can receive prizes.
And those who use #JaxAleTrail while posting a photo of their trail prizes are entered to win an “ultimate Ale Trail swag basket.”
For more information, visit jaxaletrail.com.
Edward Waters College names new board members
Edward Waters College has added four members to its 23-member board of trustees.
They are:
• John Baker, Patriot Transportation Holding Inc. executive chairman and director
• Mark Lamping, Jacksonville Jaguars president
• John McGraw, The Donald C. McGraw Foundation president
• Bruce Taylor, Taylor Engineering Inc. chairman and CEO
“The new members add to the group’s diverse body of experienced leaders and philanthropists, which will greatly benefit the college,” said EWC President Nat Glover.
The group meets three times a year and is responsible for the legal and fiduciary decisions of the school.
That includes approving its mission, implementing strategic goals and approving an annual budget.
Georgia and Penn State in TaxSlayer Bowl
The Georgia Bulldogs will be making a second trip to Jacksonville this season. The Penn State Nittany Lions will be making their first trip back since 1976.
The two teams will square off Jan. 2 in the 71st edition of the TaxSlayer Bowl at EverBank Field.
The last time the two teams faced each other was the 1983 Sugar Bowl when they were competing for the national championship. Penn State won 27-23.
A speaker series luncheon event is scheduled for noon Thursday featuring both head coaches. Additional game-related events leading up to the game can be found at taxslayerbowl.com.
Scott makes slate of appointments, reappointments
Gov. Rick Scott made several appointments to state and Jacksonville agencies and organizations in the past week.
Teresa Davlantes and Frank Mackesy were reappointed to the Jacksonville Aviation Authority board.
Davlantes is executive director of the EPIC Program at Jacksonville University and will serve through Sept. 30, 2019.
Mackesy is director of public safety and chief of police at the University of North Florida. The former undersheriff’s term also expires Sept. 30, 2019.
The Jacksonville Port Authority board had two reappointments.
John Falconetti, chairman and CEO of Drummond Press, will serve through Sept. 30, 2019.
Ed Fleming also was reappointed for the same term. He is the retired president of Atlantic Marine.
Scott also appointed Theresa Graham to the state’s Tobacco Education and Use Prevention Council.
Graham is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty and succeeds Mae Waters for a term that ends June 30.
Night of Music and Dance Sunday at the beach
Jacksonville Beach’s Deck the Chairs — Night of Music and Dance will be 1:30-7:30 p.m. Sunday at the Sea Walk Pavilion.
Players by the Sea will kick things off at 1:30 p.m. with holiday performances, followed by Santa Claus arriving at 4:15 p.m. with the American Red Cross Lifesaving Corps truck. Music and dancing start at 4:30 p.m.
Awards for chair decorating will be presented at 7:30 p.m.
Deck the Chairs uses Red Cross lifeguard chairs as a foundation for holiday decorations. More than 40 chairs were decorated this year.
For information, visit deckthechairs.org.
Second Alley Sessions released
The Elbow and Downtown Vision Inc. released the second episode of The Alley Sessions, a YouTube series featuring interviews and performances by local artists. Sessions are hosted live in the alleys of Downtown’s entertainment district.
The new episode highlights Tambor, a local six-piece, jazz-inspired instrumental group sitting down with host Trey Hebron to discuss their influences and music. They then perform their song “Cauliflower.”
It can be seen at theelbowjax.com/alley-sessions.
FSCJ annual science festival in February
Florida State College at Jacksonville and The Foundation Academy are partnering to present the fourth annual Jacksonville Science Festival from Feb. 25-27.
The free three-day community event will promote science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics education in Jacksonville. It’ll be at FSCJ’s South Campus, 11901 Beach Blvd., and Downtown at Friendship Fountain Park.
The events will include booth presentations, food trucks, vendors and demonstrations by the Museum of Science and History. School field trips are encouraged.
For information, call (904) 493-3535.
The Foundation Academy is a private Pre-K through 12th grade academy that focuses on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.
Jones, Fant lead Duval Delegation
Northeast Florida legislators elected state Rep. Mia Jones as chair of the Duval Legislative Delegation for 2016 during a Monday meeting.
The Democrat is entering her final year in the House because of term limits.
The delegation also elected state Rep. Jay Fant as vice chair. Fant took part in his first session this year after being elected in August 2014.
Two Jacksonville companies adding U-Haul services
U-Haul Company of Florida added two neighborhood dealers in Jacksonville.
Blue Water Storage, 9119 Merrill Road, No. 63, will offer U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment, support rental items and in-store pickup for boxes.
Hours for rentals are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-4 p.m. Sunday. After-hours drop-off is available for customer convenience.
For reservations or information, call (904) 743-1209 or visit uhail.com.
Crosby Auto Center, 8908 Atlantic Blvd., Suite 1, will offer U-Haul trucks, towing equipment, pre-tow inspection, support rental items and in-store pickup for boxes.
Hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday. After-hours drop-off is available.
For reservations or information, call (904) 358-7529 or visit uhaul.com.