• City Council members Warren Alvarez and Suzanne Jenkins are co-sponsoring a bill with Council President Michael Corrigan that would eliminate the requirement that the Council president and the mayor exchange budget objectives every year. Instead, the bill proposes that “City objectives” be created by the first Council meeting in January.
• Leadership Jax is taking nominations for its class of 2008. The tuition is $3,000, which is lower than the actual cost of the class and it’s thanks to corporate sponsorship, endowments, fundraisers and others that help defray the costs associated with going through the class.
• The Police and Fire Pension Fund expects to complete the sale of the Laura Trio to the Kuhn Companies some time in January.
• Johnny’s Deli on Adams Street has a new name. It is now called John’s Deli and Sushi. After being closed for a few days, the restaurant opened with a new set up and the new menu items. The restaurant will begin serving sushi on Thursday.
• Tiara Shoes and Accessories on Laura Street is hosting a jewelry show that will run through Saturday. There is a wide variety of necklaces, bracelets and earrings for sale.
• It’s looking less like State Rep. Stan Jordan’s J-bill will make it to Tallahassee. The bill changes the format for selecting the City’s general counsel. Monday, the City Council Rules Committee approved a resolution that reflects unanimous opposition to the bill. It will go before the entire Council Tuesday night.
• The FCCJ Artist Series is collecting new, unwrapped toys throughout the month at the show “Menopause, The Musical.” All toys will go to children living or receiving care at the Hubbard House, a domestic abuse center. Toys can be dropped off now through Dec. 17, Wednesday-Saturday, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Sundays 1-2 p.m. and Saturdays 3-4 p.m. at the T-U Center.
• The Jacksonville Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Onyx Community Awards — hosted by Onyx Magazine and Winn-Dixie — are Jan. 27 at the Hyatt. The event will honor Humanitarian Award recipient and Jaguars owner Delores Barr Weaver and Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Rudolph McKissick Sr. The black tie gala is an effort of the LBS Foundation, Inc. to help spread awareness of Sickle Cell disease.
• St. Vincent’s has named Daniel Curran as its new Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Curran is a partner with the international accounting firm of KPMG LLP’s Healthcare practice and will start March 1. He’s replacing Jim Corrigan who is retiring,
• Mayoral spokesperson Susie Wiles has been asked by Gov.-elect Charlie Crist to serve on his transition team that will focus on the State’s Department of Children and Families.
• The smoothie bar on the first floor of Gold’s Gym on Forsyth Street is open. You can get fruit smoothies or protein shakes. The plan is to eventually add a small cafe inside and possibly have tables and chairs outside on the sidewalk.