• Former City chief legal officer Fred D. Franklin Jr. is returning to Rogers Towers law firm as a shareholder, specializing in commercial and negligence litigation. Franklin served as general counsel from 1995-97.
• Circuit Court Judge Brad Stetson is the guest speaker at today’s Jacksonville Christian Legal Society luncheon. It begins at 12:15 p.m. at Sterlings of Downtown.
• Happy anniversary to Matheny Jaguar. The automobile company is being honored today by Jaguar North America for 30 years as the automaker’s Jacksonville dealership.
• Looks like the City is ahead of the curve when it comes to educating its residents about the Earned Income Tax Credit. The U.S. Conference of Mayors executive director, Tom Cochran, sent Mayor John Peyton a letter this week, informing him about a nationwide campaign to promote the credit, which could return thousands to low–income families. The letter came a little late. The City launched its own promotional campaign two months ago.
• Jim Moseley Jr., president of the Jacksonville Bar Association, interrupted Thursday’s Founder’s Day luncheon to announce that the U.S. Courthouse at Jacksonville “has been evacuated for the day.” (Pause) “A water main broke.” (Longer pause) “It’s under warranty.”
• U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown will hold public hearings on the recent merger between Bank of America and Fleet Bank. Brown said she wants to determine the impact on minority communities. Specifically, Brown wants to know how the merger will effect Bank of America’s commitment to Community Reinvestment loans, which have had an impact in Springfield.
• Mayor Peyton will join Rep. Corrine Brown Tuesday morning to dedicate the 1601 N. Main St. Post Office in the name of Jacksonville civil rights leader Eddie Mae Steward, who led legal efforts that resulted in the integration of Duval County Schools in 1971. Brown passed a House bill in November 2003 to name the post office after her.
• The Golf Channel will bring its Drive, Chip and Putt Junior Challenge to University of North Florida Feb. 21. Competitors’ long and short games will be tested, with winners from four age groups receiving apparel and equipment and a chance to go the regional championships. The first 250 children aged 7 to 14 to arrive will be selected to compete.
• Terrance Webb is the newest hire at the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville. Webb, who served as an aide to former City Council member Gwen Chandler, will serve as an information specialist. He starts next week.