• According to high ranking sources at City Hall, the search for a new dean at Florida Coastal School of Law is down to one name: General Counsel Rick Mullaney. The other five candidates have been eliminated, and Mullaney is mulling a salary offer. He is expected to make a decision by the middle of next week.
• A big-time law firm — Tampa-based Fowler White Boggs Banker — has opened a local office. Thomas C. Dearing, formerly a partner with LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, is the managing shareholder. He’s joined by shareholders John P. Marino and E.K. Cottrell and associate Bethany Vause. Fowler White is a full-service firm with an international client base.
• Clerk of Court Jim Fuller continues to move up in the hierarchy of The Players Championship. He’ll chair one of the toughest committees this year: parking.
• Hot talk around downtown: Los Angeles Lakers basketball star Shaquille O’Neal has purchased the penthouse at The Plaza at Berkman so he’ll have a place to host a Super Bowl party.
• A local attorney is headed to Washington, D.C. to argue a case before the U.S. Supreme Court. John Mills of Mills & Carlin, was appointed to handle the case of Daniel Benitez, a Cuban citizen who served eight years for armed robbery. After his release from prison, the U.S. Government took him into custody and ordered him deported. However, the Cuba would not accept him. He remains in custody even though he completed his sentence, and he is challenging his indefinite detention.
• Morris Communications, parent company of the T-U, is bringing a new fashion magazine to town. The company has purchased Skirt magazine, which is currently based in Charleston , S.C., and plans to change its format to a style similar to Water’s Edge.
• Former Tax Collector Lynwood Roberts, along with Al Kinard and Ed Witt, are the hosts for the BBQ & Western Dance Feb. 21 at the St. Augustine Rod & Gun Club. Tickets are $50 and the proceeds benefit the Vision is Priceless Council.
• London Bridge Pub now offers American food on its menu, including hamburgers and other “Yank” dishes.
• The 2004 Earth Day Committee is accepting applications from organizations interested in having booths or displays at the 2004 Earth Day Ecology Fair at the Landing. The event will be held April 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Booths promoting environmental educational material and “eco-friendly” crafts or jewelry are all welcome. Info.: 353-1188, Ext. 7020.