• Attorney John Jolley is leaving the General Counsel’s Office for private practice. He’s joining Carla Miller’s firm after the first of the year.
• State Rep. Stan Jordan and and Mayor John Peyton will participate in a permitting workshop Dec. 18. City Council president Lad Daniels will host the workshop in Council chambers from 6-8 p.m. and will seek input from contractors on ways to streamline the City’s maligned permitting process.
• Susan Pardue, chair of the Jacksonville Symphony Players’ Association’s negotiating committee, asked Mayor Peyton, a former symphany board member, for help with requested cuts to the musicians’ salary, pensions and paid leaves. Pardue said the cuts would likely cost the symphony some of its best musicians and would discourage other musicians from coming here.
• The Salvation Army has moved its traditional angel tree toy drive into the digital age. Individuals can log onto www.AngelGivingTree.org to browse 100-plus toys for a child in any age group. Purchases can be made over the secure website and are shipped directly to the local Salvation Army branch for distribution to needy children.
• Speaking of The Salvation Army, a one-ounce American Eagle gold coin was found in one of the red kettles Tuesday morning. A note was found with the coin, explaining the generous donation.
• The law firm of Ford & Harrison has completed its move to the seventh floor of the Wachovia building.
• The Market Square shopping center in Riverside lost its first tenant — a beauty salon didn’t make it.
• On Friday, you might notice a familiar face in the choir performing at the Landing. It’s Christian Buckner from the General Counsel’s Office. Buckner, a soloist, regularly performs with the Pentecostal Sanctuary Choir.
• Major Indoor Soccer League Commissioner Steve Ryan asked Mayor Peyton for his “active support” to bring a MISL franchise to the Veterans Memorial Arena. Ryan said the inaugural game in Monterey, Mexico drew 15,000 fans. Peyton’s policy chief Steve Diebenow had a preliminary discussion with Ryan during a visit two months ago.
• JEA has a new media coordinator, former P.R. consultant Ron Whittington.
• The sign in Susie Wiles’ office cautions “No Whining.” “It doesn’t work,” said Mayor John Peyton’s chief of Communications and Special Initiatives. “But hope springs eternal.”
• Santa will join children for cookies and milk Saturday at the Museum of Science & History. There will also be lots of holiday music and crafts. Reservations are required. Call 396-MOSH, Ext. 230.