WEDNESDAY September 18, 2019
Public legal notices begin on page 3
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Daily Record JACKSONVILLE
VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena gets sign to match
THE MATHIS REPORT
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BY MIKE MENDENHALL STAFF WRITER
With the drop of a curtain, the sign on the rebranded VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena was unveiled Tuesday in a ceremony outside the Downtown sports and entertainment venue. VyStar and the city reached the 15-year, $9.76 million naming-rights sponsorship deal in February. The Jacksonville-based credit union is paying the city a $525,000 licensing fee the first year to rebrand the arena with its name. The payment increases 3% per year to $794,110 in 2033. VyStar — founded in 1952 as Jax Navy Federal Credit Union at Naval Air Station Jacksonville — also will match up to
At workforce training announcement, governor says Fidelity “plans to expand here.”
to both veterans and VyStar members. Ticket presale promotions at the arena also will be extended to veterans. “Ever since the days of the old Veterans Memorial Coliseum, our city has made it a point to highlight the strong connection we have with the armed forces by having a premier Downtown event venue named in honor of those who have served,” Curry said. “We continue to strengthen that commitment right here today.” The Duval County Veterans Council is partnering with the city and VyStar to manage the donation trust fund. Duval County Veterans Council 2nd Vice Chairman David Trotti said his organization is finalizing the grant guidelines and plans to begin accepting applications in early January. “These funds will allow not-for-profit veterans service organizations to apply for grants ranging from $500 to $7,500 annually to provide for our veterans,” he said. “Our veterans understand the menSEE VYSTAR, PAGE 2
SEE MATHIS, PAGE 2
Photo by Mike Mendenhall
$50,000 annually collected at the arena through a concession veterans’ donation program. In addition, the credit union will make a one-time $50,000 contribution to a new veterans memorial to be placed in the arena or on its grounds. “VyStar was founded to support the financial needs of our military servicemen and women, civil service employees and their families. In support of that, we have had a long-standing commitment to sponsoring and participating in various military events, charity and other initiates each year,” said VyStar President and CEO Brian Wolfburg. “The partnership with the city of Jacksonville helps us solidify that legacy and supports long-term investment in Downtown Jacksonville,” Wolfburg said. Mayor Lenny Curry said arena attendees can make donations to “an approved” veterans program when they make a concessions purchase. The agreement makes discounted tickets, concessions and parking available
DeSantis comment a Sharp clue
Gov. Ron DeSantis provided another clue that Jacksonvillebased Fidelity National Information Services Inc. is Project Sharp, the international services company that wants to build a headquarters and create 500 jobs. “Mayor, I appreciate all your work here,” DeSantis told Mayor Lenny Curry on Monday at a JAX Chamber event announcing workforce training opportunities. “I appreciate a lot of the folks who have worked to bring jobs here. I know I talked with the folks from Fidelity about, you know, their plans to expand here,” DeSantis said. He did not elaborate. DeSantis was wrapping up his announcement about proposed financial technology – fintech – workforce training academies and grants when he mentioned the work of local officials in job creation, and referred to Fidelity. “We’ve had a lot of folks move down here, so that’s a good thing. So, today’s announcement should serve as a signal to people that we appreciate the jobs that
The new sign for VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena was unveiled in a ceremony Tuesday. The Jacksonville-based credit union reached a 15-year, $9.76 million naming rights deal with the city in February. More photos at JaxDailyRecord.com
The naming rights deal also includes concession veterans’ donation programs and a new memorial.
KAREN BRUNE MATHIS EDITOR
Permit for Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar The city issued a permit Monday for construction of the Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar at St. Johns Town Center. Embree Construction Group Inc. is the contractor for the $2.3 million project to build-out a bar, retail store, dining patios and other space at 4812 River City Drive, No. 137. Tommy Bahama announced in August that construction would start this fall and be completed by early 2020. The Tommy Bahama retail store will relocate across the street from 4813 River City Drive, Suite 107, to 4812 River City Drive in the former Brooks Brothers space.
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