• The Florida League of Cities contacted the mayor’s office last week with some helpful suggestions for Mayor John Peyton’s speech at the Republican National Convention. Just one problem: Peyton was never scheduled to speak. The League of Cities apparently got some bad information from the State Republican Party.
• A meeting to formally organize the Hispanic Bar Association of Northeast Florida is scheduled for Sept. 21 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the law offices of Rogers Towers. There is no cost for the luncheon, which is open to all lawyers, judges and law students interested in membership. A traditional Cuban/Latin lunch will be served courtesy of Rogers Towers. RSVP to Tatiana Salvador, 398-3911, by Sept. 17.
• Opponents of a six-lane Riverside Avenue say the extra lanes will encourage people to drive too fast, endangering pedestrians. The FDOT has told them a 35 mile per hour speed limit will be enforced but some aren’t convinced. “If you give people a highway, they’re going to drive like it’s a highway,” said Kay Ehas, an administrator in the property appraiser’s office who has been an outspoken critic of the road expansion.
• A free community barbecue will accompany the unveiling of the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile unit from noon to 2 p.m. Monday at A. Philip Randolph Heritage Park. City Council member Pat Lockett-Felder and Ronald McDonald are scheduled to attend. The state-of-the-art pediatric health care unit houses two patient examination rooms, a lab, reception area and medical record area.
• Foley & Lardner law firm has received a 2004 CIO 100 award given annually by CIO magazine. The CIO 100 recognizes the top 100 companies worldwide that have demonstrated positive business performance by creating an integrated enterprise with technologies and processes that improve efficiency and cost effectiveness.
• The St. Vincent’s Medical Center’s Festival of Hearts — a prelude to the First Coast American Heart Walk — is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today on the area of the grounds bordering the St. Johns River. The event aims to increase the money raised by St. Vincent’s for the Sept. 18 Heart Walk.
• Edward Waters College will hold a groundbreaking Sept. 8 for its new Community Sports and Music Complex. Mayor Peyton will be on hand to help dedicate the complex.
• Ch. 25 will start picking up ABC News’ “Good Morning America” on weekends, starting Saturday. And they’ll add an early local show on Sunday, giving Charlene Shirk double weekend duty.