• One lesson learned from The Florida Bar’s annual convention in Orlando: Be careful what you say around federal marshals. A pair of Daily Record reporters were overheard plotting how to “get” U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy after he gave the convention’s keynote address. The reporters were just trying to figure out how to get a picture and an interview, but the marshals, who served as Kennedy’s security detail, kept a close eye on them for the rest of the day.
• Speaking of Kennedy, he said that entering college students he interviewed in Poland had a better understanding of the U.S. Constitution than did graduating students in America. The reason? “They want to know about it. They want it for themselves,” he said.
• Jacksonville attorney Hank Coxe enjoyed one of Friday’s biggest honors, being sworn in as president-elect of the Florida Bar, but he was helpless as former Florida Supreme Court Judge Major Harding skewered him during Coxe’s introduction. Among other barbs, Harding said former State Attorney Ed Austin discovered Coxe during a visit to a Shell gas station. “Austin recognized the skill and efficiency with which Hank distributed gas,” said Harding. “And Coxe took the job. Some said he saw the coming era of the self-service gas station.” Coxe couldn’t give a rebuttal as the president-elect doesn’t speak during the ceremony.
• The Florida Coastal School of Law will hold its monthly FCSL Alumni Association meeting on Tuesday, July 5 at the Mudville Grill on Beach Boulevard. The social begins at 6:30 p.m. More info: Rachel McClelland at 354-3645 or [email protected].
• Changes keep coming in the Jacksonville U. athletic department. Sports Information Director Jamie Zeitz is the latest to resign.
• Mayor John Peyton will do some varied proclaiming this week. Coming to his offices on Thursday will be groups to get an official proclamation and their photos, and include people advocating a cure for Neurofibromatosis, awareness of the dangers of fire ants, Asian Pacific American Month, the National Association of Insurance Women and Architecture Week.
• Congratulations to Blue Cross Blue Shield Lobbyist Mike Hightower. He’s been invited to participate in an upcoming Leadership Florida course. “It’s an honor, but I’m sure I’ll be the oldest person there,” Hightower joked.
• Legislation appropriating $30,000 from various City public parking accounts has been passed by the City Council. Those dollars will go towards operating the recently-opened parking garage next to the new Main Library.
• CB Richard Ellis Managing Director Jim Citrano is the recipient of the 2005 Community Leader of the Year by the Arthritis Foundation of Northeast Florida. Citrano, a longtime member of the Downtown Development Authority, will be honored at the Eighth Annual Community Leader of the Year Award Dinner on Oct. 14 at the Jacksonville Marriott.