• The City turned on the streetlights in front of the Jacksonville Museum of Modern Art last week. Museum CEO Jane Craven had complained that the broken lights created a “dangerous environment.” Deputy Director of Public Works Ed Hall told Craven the lights will be replaced with historic fixtures as part of the Main Library project.
• Former Fire Chief Ray Alfred was spotted at City Hall Friday. Since he was replaced by Mayor John Peyton, Alfred has been busy doing consulting work. And he’s still involved in homeland security issues with a couple of national firefighter organizations.
• Attorney Grier Wells will serve another two-year term on The Florida Bar Board of Governors. He was elected without opposition.
• Even though Portabella’s closed its doors, and Jacksonville Concierge Services is on the way out, the Daryl Powers Salon at The Plaza has no intention of moving from the residential complex.
• The Florida-Georgia Blood Alliance is offering a special holiday promotion Dec. 22, 23, 24 and 26. Donate at any of their centers, and you will be entered to win a $100 gift card from Winn-Dixie. Drawings will occur daily.
• Four attorneys with Coffman, Coleman, Andrews & Grogan have been included in the 2004 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Pat Coleman, Bill Andrews, Mike Grogan and Eric Holshouser were recognized for achievements in labor and employment law. The Best Lawyers lists represent 30 specialties in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
• After circling City Hall several times looking for a place to park, The Salvation Army’ s emergency van was directed into the middle of Hemming Plaza by City officials. The van was there to provide assistance for homeless people affected by the cold weather.
• Mike Miller of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority probably could have had a successful career in the music copyrighting business. Miller, a musician in the 1960s, was in a band called The Kingsmen, but a group with the same name later had a hit with “Louie Louie.” Miller’s group then rechristened themselves The Reflections, but a band sharing that name later scored with “Romeo and Juliet.” Before finally breaking up in 1965, Miller and his group finally settled on The Citations, but half the band was going to law school.