• Last week, we reported work would soon begin again at Fuddruckers at the Landing. Monday morning, the sound of construction filled the riverside mall’s hallways as concrete was cut to install plumbing in the floor of the new kitchen area.
• The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens has special holiday hours for Christmas and New Year’s: Dec. 24 open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Dec. 25 closed, Dec. 31 open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Jan. 1 closed.
• City Council member Kevin Hyde has been nominated by Governor-Elect Charlie Crist to serve as his Secretary of the Department of Management Services. Council President Michael Corrigan said the Council supports Hyde and his new position and wishes him luck in Tallahassee. “We have experienced first hand Council member Hyde’s exceptional leadership and dedication to public service, and we regret the loss of his partnership and participation as a City Council member,” said Corrigan.
• Local artist Suzette Solano will showcase her artwork, titled “Two and a Half Days of Genesis,” at The Art Center: An Artists’ Cooperative from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Jan. 5. This is her first show at the gallery on Adams Street. Guests will enjoy music and hors d’oeuvres.
• If you have paid a long-distance telehone bill in the last three years, you are due a refund from the Internal Revenue Service. In 1898, a 3 percent federal telephone excise tax on long-distance calls was imposed to fund the Spanish-American War. After the conflict ended, the tax was still collected and the money went into the U.S. Treasury’s general fund. Those who file a tax return for 2006 can get a refund of long-distance excise tax paid and may either claim the actual amount of tax paid or a standard amount from $30 to $60 based on number of exemptions. For more info, visit www.irs.gov.