• The Blue Foundation for a Healthy Florida, Inc. awarded $925,000 to 16 non-profit organizations throughout Florida in its inaugural grant offerings. The Blue Foundation is the philanthropic affiliate of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida. Those receiving grants included Florida Academy of Family Physicians, $24,000; Sacred Heart Health System, $118,938; Florida State University School of Nursing, $37,000; Baker County Council on Aging, $32,076; MaliVai Washington Kids Foundation, $16,261; Hope Haven Children’s Clinic and Family Center, $17,255; Community Asthma Partnership, $25,000; University of Florida Department of Surgery Trauma/Critical Care, $26,550; Cardiovascular Center at Shands Jacksonville, $100,000; Seniors First, Inc., $50,060; PACE Center for Girls of Pinellas County, $81,000; Gulf Coast Community Care, $67,110; Education Foundation of Sarasota County, Inc., $5,000; Diabetes Coalition of St. Lucie County, Inc., $123,672; Family Central, Inc., $138,577 and the University of Miami School of Medicine Diabetes Research Institute, $62,501.
• Oceanside Bank has named Ann Van Voorst vice president retail operations; Julie Haynes vice president deposit operations; and Byron H. Googins assistant vice president, marketing and business development.
• The Museum of Science & History has a new holiday laser show, “Peter and the Wolf,” playing Dec. 24, 26, 28 and 31 at 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday throughout January at 4 p.m. Tickets are $3, not including museum admission. For information, cal 396-7062.
• Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra violinist Patrice Evans was one of five finalists to win a trip to Hawaii during a halftime promotion at the Jacksonville Jaguars-Green Bay Packers Monday Night game earlier this month.
• The FCCJ Artist Series is presenting Jackie Mason in “Much Ado About Everything” Jan. 22-27 at the Wilson Center for the Arts. For times and ticket prices, call 632-3373.
• First Guaranty Bank & Trust Company has opened its newest branch on Youngerman Circle in Argyle Village.