• The Jacksonville Symphony Association board’s invitation to Susan Smathers to join the board is a sign that the JSO’s financial restructuring could be working. The board had been reluctant to extend invitations to new board members because of the financial uncertainty surrounding the JSO. Board members, including Smathers, are being advised that they are expected to contribute. She’s the wife of former Secretary of State Bruce Smathers.
• Not everybody is thrilled with Mayor John Peyton’s decision to reconsider the demolition of the old Fuller Warren Bridge. Peyton is thinking about turning the half-demolished bridge into a fishing pier, but that plan could be costly and messy, according to Waterways Commission member Carter Bryan. In a letter, Bryan encouraged Peyton to look at other City fishing spots, saying “You will see dead fish heads, shrimp and trash everywhere.”
• The turnover at the top of the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission shouldn’t affect the City’s parking negotiations with the Landing. Those talks are going on directly with the mayor’s office.
• The Jacksonville Bar Association honors its founders on Wednesday at the first luncheon of the year. It’s at the Omni.
• JCCI Forward brings together the local think tank’s younger set and they’ll study things over a few brinks at their first ‘05 meeting on Jan. 25. It’s at Drayton’s in the Seminole Club.
• The circus is sending a few advance people to perform at MOSH on Saturday. Called “Science of the Circus,” they’ll have clowns, jugglers and balancing acts. The circus is here Jan. 26-29.
• Family Support Services has its officers for 2005: Dr. Dennis Lafer is president, Charles Brazil is vice president and Jane Anne Payne is secretary/treasurer.
• The Women in Business organization wants nominees for their annual awards. Categories are Entrepreneur, Franchisee, Corporate Leader and Pioneer, and the nomination form is at www.wbonfl.org.
• Orange Park author Nichel Anderson will have a book signing party at the Landing’s Southern Brewery on Feb. 19. The book is about ancient Egypt and they’re bringing some artifacts to lend some atmosphere.
• Monday’s 16th annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration in Hemming Plaza was co-sponsored by Jacksonville Area Legal Aid and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Foundation. The event, which has usually been sponsored solely by JALA, was co-sponsored this year due to higher than usual costs.
• Singer Jimmy Buffett isn’t coming until Feb. 21 but his loyal fans — they call themselves “Parrotheads” — are having an early pre-party this Sunday afternoon at the Landing. They’ll have prizes for the best decorated boats as well as best costume.
• Clerk of Court Jim Fuller is again a committee chairman at The Players Championship. He’ll be in charge of the shuttle buses when the golf tournament comes in late March.