Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan has purchased an upscale hotel — just not one in Jacksonville.
Khan through various family holdings last week purchased the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto from an affiliate of Saudi Arabia-based Kingdom Holding Co. for $172 million.
He took immediate ownership last week of the 259-room facility that will continue to be managed by Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.
The hospitality company has 99 properties worldwide.
The deal expands Khan’s holdings in Canada, where he owns and operates 11 Flex-N-Gate facilities. He founded the automobile equipment supplier.
Oktoberfest tonight at Art Walk
It’s October, which means it's Oktoberfest at various venues around the city.
Art Walk will host its fourth annual Oktoberfest-themed evening tonight from 5-10 p.m.
Headquarters will be at Hemming Park and feature a traditional keg tapping, beer garden, contests and live music. The event is free, but tickets for a VIP package begin at $50.
The Main Library will host a “Just Brew It” beer-brewing presentation at 6:30 p.m. on the ground floor along with traveling exhibits in the building.
At Visit Jacksonville, attendees can paint with Yes You Canvas and learn about other Oktoberfest events.
For a full list of Art Walk venues and activities, visit iloveartwalk.com.
Biodiversity festival Saturday in Springfield at Klutho Park
The city, Groundwork Jacksonville, National Park Service and Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve will host an Explore Jacksonville Hogans Creek Biodiversity Festival at 10 a.m. Saturday at Klutho Park.
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, First Coast YMCA and Springfield Preservation and Revitalization will be among those on hand with environmentally themed activities for families to explore the outdoors.
The event also will feature a “bioblitz” led by scientists who will instruct people on how to identify, preserve and protect various species of plants, animals, birds and fish at the park.
Beaches Native Sun store earns honor
The Jacksonville Beach location of Native Sun Natural Foods Market was named the best new store of the year by New Hope Network, a leading media company in the natural-foods industry.
The award was announced in late September at the Natural Products Expo East in Baltimore.
It was presented to Aaron and Erica Gottlieb, who opened the first Native Sun location more than 20 years ago in Mandarin. There are three in Jacksonville.
Former Jacksonville Suns family launches foundation
Peter Bragan Jr. and his family owned the Jacksonville Suns for more than 30 years before selling and moving on after the 2015 season.
Bragan isn’t moving on from baseball, though.
He recently launched The Peter Bragan for Better Baseball Foundation, a nonprofit organized by him and his wife, Nancy.
It is designed to raise and provide funds for the betterment of the sport in Northeast Florida. Additionally, the nonprofit will provide scholarships.
The nonprofit will host its first fundraiser Nov. 29, a black-tie gala at 6:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront.
The event will honor Dan Jennings, the former general manager and manager of the Miami Marlins, and feature “The Pedro Roast” with local media.
For more information, visit peterbraganbbf.org.
JCPenney hiring 400 for holidays in Jacksonville
JCPenney is in the process of hiring 400 seasonal associates in the Jacksonville area.
Positions include customer service and support positions like cashiers, replenishment specialists, merchandise support and more. Seasonal workers receive a full associate discount of up to 25 percent off merchandise as well as flexible scheduling.
Hiring has begun with applicants able to see more information at jcpcareers.com. The company has stores in The Avenues, Regency Square and Orange Park malls.
Veteran Hollywood animation editor speaking at UNF
H. Lee Peterson has film credits that include “The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” “Pocahontas” and the “Madagascar” series.
Films utilizing the veteran animation editor have grossed more than $2 billion.
Peterson will share his story from 10-11:30 a.m. Oct. 13 at the University of North Florida as part of the college’s annual media week.
He started his career making music videos with artists such as Diana Ross, Rick Springfield and The Cars before moving to documentaries and ultimately working in animation for most major Hollywood studios.
Peterson’s discussion is free and open to the public. It will be in the Andrew Robinson Theater.
For more information about the event or a list of media week events, visit http://bit.ly/2dCBqS4.
JU aviation school receives key FAA certification status
Jacksonville University’s aviation school has received authorization by the Federal Aviation Administration to help make graduate pilots eligible for a distinct certificate in less time.
The administration now allows for a Restricted Air Transport Pilot Certification with 1,000 hours of flight time versus the traditional requirement of 1,500 hours.
The certificate allows a pilot to serve as a co-pilot until he or she can obtain the necessary 1,500 hours.
The change means JU’s program joins 80 others across the U.S. to offer the certificate.
The change impacts students who began this semester. A petition has been started to grandfather in students who began studies up to four years ago and remain in the program.
Chambers named to state development council
Cathy Chambers, JAXUSA Partnership senior vice president of strategy and business development, was elected chair of the Florida Economic Development Council for fiscal 2016-17.
She will lead the 22-member board in educating, advocating and connecting Florida’s economic development stakeholders. The role also makes her an ex officio member of the Enterprise Florida board led by Gov. Rick Scott.
Chambers has been with the council for more than seven years and served in various leadership roles.
She also has more than 20 years of experience working for chambers of commerce, regional economic development organizations and city governments.
FSCJ campuses hosting open houses this month
Florida State College at Jacksonville will open its doors to prospective students, parents and others for three nights this month as part of its 2016 Collegewide Open House.
Attendees can apply on-site, receive help filling out financial aid paperwork, learn about dual enrollment and meet faculty while there.
The Downtown Campus and Cecil and Nassau centers will be open Oct. 18. The North Campus and Deerwood Center will be available Oct. 19. The Kent and South campuses will host the event Oct. 20.
For more information, visit fscj.edu.