Florida Trend | Florida's Business Authority

Northeast Florida Business Briefs - Jan. 2007

ALACHUA COUNTY -- A $84-million facility housing the UF Shands Cancer Center, the UF Genetics Institute, the Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research and the C.A. Pound Human Identification Laboratory has opened at the University of Florida.

ATLANTIC BEACH -- The city commission is considering an ordinance limiting new commercial buildings to 60,000 square feet. Neighboring Neptune Beach enacted a similar ban.

DUVAL COUNTY -- The Duval County school system is scrambling to find classroom space in a effort to meet the requirements of Florida's class size amendment. School officials are facing about $4 million in penalties because of class size violations in 26 of the county's 160 public schools.

JACKSONVILLE -- Jacksonville-based Firehouse Subs plans to open 35 stores in the Baltimore area over the next seven years.

? The Duval County Tourist Development Council approved $150,000 to fund a 40-member task force to determine if the city needs a new convention center.

NASSAU COUNTY -- Circuit Court Judge Brian Davis is leading an effort to establish a mental health court system in Nassau County. The change would allow the justice system to help mentally ill people who commit minor crimes get treatment instead of jail time.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH -- Global Axcess (OTC-GAXC) CEO Michael Dodak and President David Fann resigned after the company reported a loss of $722,000. George A. McQuain was named CEO.

? A $40-million renovation at the Tournament Players Club at Sawgrass will be ready for The Players Championship in May.

PUTNAM COUNTY -- The county approved five categories of impact fees -- school, transportation, fire department, emergency medical service and parks and recreation -- effective Feb. 1.