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February 21-27, 2019
Mathis Report: Island Wing Co. moving into TGI Fridays space PAGE 4
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JACKSONVILLE
Record & Observer City reaches deal on Landing
‘HERE’S WHAT Record & Observer I KNOW THAT WE MUST DO’ Record & Observer JACKSONVILLE
JACKSONVILLE
City Council must approve $18 million agreement to take possession of Downtown shopping center.
JAXUSA Partnership President Aundra Wallace says JACKSONVILLE becoming “a talent magnet” is the key to the region’s growth.
Record & Observer BY DAVID CAWTON ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry announced Wednesday that the city has come to an $18 million settlement agreement with Sleiman Enterprises Inc. that will give the city possession of the Jacksonville Landing. In a joint statement, Curry and Sleiman President Toney Sleiman announced they had come to an agreement “by which the Jacksonville Landing and the property at its location would see their best and highest use realized. Both parties agree that with the future of Jacksonville shining so bright, now is the time to forge this path forward.” The deal includes the city paying Sleiman subsidiary Jacksonville Landing Investments LLC
BY KAREN BRUNE MATHIS EDITOR
O
ne of the most important economic incentives in recruiting jobs is who you bring to
the table. It’s not only who can provide a location for a new business, or which organization can assist with permitting or what group can arrange incentives. It’s much larger. It’s the workforce. “Become a talent magnet,” JAXUSA Partnership President Aundra Wallace insists for the region. “Talent is going to be key over the next five years of everything that we do.” On Oct. 1, Wallace took over as head of JAXUSA, the JAX Chamber’s economic development division, after serving as CEO of the Downtown Investment Authority since 2013. “Millennials and Gen Z are making lifestyle decisions, ‘this is where I want to live.’ And the companies are chasing them,” SEE WALLACE, PAGE 8
SEE LANDING, PAGE 8
File image Photo by Dede Smith
JAXUSA Partnership President Aundra Wallace took over the job Oct. 1 after serviing as CEO of the Downtown Investment Authority since 2013.
Cawton Report: JTA selling land for AC Skinner apartments PAGE 9 Basch Report: Shutdown delays Fidelity’s deal for Stewart PAGE 6 OBSERVER MEDIA GROUP
A deal with Sleiman Enterprises Inc. will give the city possession of the Jacksonville Landing.
LAW & THE COURTS
18 candidates apply for judicial seat Plus: Chili cook-off results. PAGES 10,11 VOLUME 1, NO. 38 • ONE SECTION