New banking option in Callahan

VyStar Credit Union plans to open a second Nassau County branch location at the southwest corner of Third Street and US 1 in Callahan. According to a press release, VyStar officials will break ground at the site by the end of this year.

The 4,500 square foot full service branch, which is scheduled to open in mid-2009, will be equipped with teller stations, member service offices and an online banking station. The new branch will also feature ATMs, drive-thru lanes and safe deposit boxes. The building will take approximately 180 days to construct.

"We are very enthusiastic about offering VyStar services to the Callahan community," said Terry West Vystar Credit Union's president and CEO. "Several of our members have resided in Callahan for some time, and they have encouraged us to open an office here."

MSD seats to be filled

Five of the seven seats on the Ponte Vedra Municipal Service District (MSD) Board of Trustees will be up for election this fall. Two seats, 3 and 5, have been vacant for several months. Those spots are to be filled temporarily by gubernatorial appointments, but then must be filled in the next election with terms expiring in two years when seats 3 and 5 would normally be up for election, along with Seats 1 and 7 in 2010. The MSD seats are typically four-year terms.

This fall, seat 2, held by Rob Becker, will be up for election, but Becker may not run again due to term limits. Seats 4 and 6 are also up for election, and incumbents Bob Reesh and Gary Jurenovich, respectively, are eligible to run again, but have not indicated if they will.

JU announces new dean for business school

The new dean of Jacksonville University's business school is Joseph McCann. McCann, the former dean the University of Tampa's business school, will take the spot formerly held by Jan Duggar, who joined the Davis College of Business in 2004 and will stay on as faculty.

"We have hired a respected academician and a proven university administrator," Chuck Wodehouse, chair of the DCOB Advisory Committee, said in a news release. "Under his leadership, we expect the DCOB to build on its excellent history of producing graduates who succeed at the highest levels of business."

McCann is the author of various internationally recognized and award-winning books and articles.

Fire department raffle

Nassau Oaks Volunteer Fire Department is raffling the choice of a Remington Model Sevel Bolt-action .270 with a Bushnell scope or $500 cash. The drawing will be held September 6, 2008. The winner will be notified, and a background check will be required to receive the gun. Tickets are $1 each. Anyone interested in buying or selling the tickets should contact Paula Stuart at 879-0150.

Ponte Vedra Ducks Unlimited Banquet

Please join us at the Ponte Vedra Ducks Unlimited Banquet, Thursday May 29th, 2008 at the Ponte Vedra Outpost. Doors open at 6:00 pm. Dinner & Auction begin at 7:00 pm. Advanced ticket purchase is $100.00* (Purchased after May 19th, price is $125.00) * Ticket Price includes a Ducks Unlimited Membership and Ducks Unlimited magazine; dinner of quail and pork roast; open bar; Ducks Unlimited hat and a gun raffle door prize. To purchase tickets, please contact Stephen Rosasco at srosasco@bellsouth.net or 904-502-6987.

Bradford farmers market

June 7, 2008 -- Crafters welcome! This is a great time to shop for Fathers Day gifts. If you want to sell crafts at this event you must bring your EIN paperwork, crafts that were made within 75 miles of the Market site, $10 booth fee and arrive for set up by 7:00 AM. Vendors arriving after 7:30 AM will not be allowed to set up. You'll also have to sign and agree to the rules of the Market.

 

JTA will offer a Summer Youth Pass special

Two month passes for June and July will be offered for $30 and three month passes, to include August, will be $45. Both options offer unlimited rides on any JTA bus, trolley or the Skyway. JTA is offering the passes to help teens travel around town during the summer months. The Summer Youth pass is for students 12-18 years old.

No pass will be needed to ride the weekend Beaches trolley that will begin service on June 27. The trolley will offer free rides along 3rd Street and 1st Street between Butler Boulevard and Atlantic Boulevard.

Passes can be purchased online at http://www.jtafla.com or in person at JTA Administration Building or the Rosa L. Parks/FCCJ Transit Station. For more information call 904-630-3100.

Sunshine Bus offering free rides

In celebration of National Older American’s Month, the Sunshine Bus Company is offering free rides to the entire St. Johns County community every Saturday throughout the month of May. The Sunshine Bus Company is St. Johns County’s public transportation service and is available to all riders regardless of age. So hop on by yourself or bring a friend along for the ride! Call (904) 209-3716 for more information.

City of Keystone Heights seeks volunteers

The Community Redevelopment Agency is receiving applications for volunteers to work on its Advisory Board. The Board assists the Community Redevelopment Agency with the implementation of the community redevelopment projects for Keystone Heights. Applications are available at city hall and will be received until 4:30 pm, May 30, 2008 at city hall, 555 S. Lawrence Blvd, Keystone Heights, Florida. It is anticipated that volunteers will be appointed at the June 16, 2008 City Council meeting. For more information at 352-473-4807.

Carpools/Vanpools available

First Coast Commuter Services invites you to try carpooling to work as a way to save on gas costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Carpools are comprised of 2-4 people who take turns driving their own cars. Vanpools are comprised of 7-15 people who ride to and from work in an employer or employee-sponsored van.

Pool participants who register with First Coast Metropolitan Planning Organization are eligible for the "Emergency Ride Home" program, in which you get a free taxi ride in the event of an emergency.

For information, visit www.cooltopool.com or call 904-306-7500.

Business briefs reports what’s happening to local and area businesses. Items can include mergers, relocations, office and store openings, honor and awards, promotions, personnel changes, or business events. Send information to  news@northfloridanewsdaily.com Photographs must be clearly labeled and must be jpg format. You can also mail information to Theus Media Group, P.O. Box 1900, Glen St. Mary, FL 32040