• The announcement that City Council member Kevin Hyde will join Governor-elect Charlie Crist’s office means the upcoming City elections will produce the biggest turnover in the Jacksonville City Council since consolidation in 1968. Nine Council members are term-limited and can’t run, Hyde is leaving for Tallahassee and Council member Sharon Copeland isn’t seeking re-election.
• For the past nine years, the number of women-owned companies in Florida has grown by 84 percent, the highest rate of any state, according to a survey from the Center of Women’s Business Research. The survey found women own 51 percent or more of 553,296 companies in Florida.
• At the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting next month, they’ll make several big announcements including the 2007 board of directors (Florida Community College at Jacksonville President Dr. Steve Wallace will take over as Chamber chair) and the “Small Business Leader of the Year.” The Jan. 11 meeting is the 122nd for the Chamber.
• Unlike homeowners’ insurance, Florida workers’ compensation insurance rates are scheduled to fall statewide by an average of 15.7 percent effective Jan. 1. The Florida Insurance Commission reported per industry group, the rate drop will be 15.4 percent for manufacturing, 16 percent for contracting, 16.2 percent for office and clerical, 15.3 percent for goods and services and 15.7 percent for miscellaneous other industry sectors. The decrease is the fourth consecutive annual rate drop since the State Legislature reformed the workers’ compensation system in 2003.
• The Northeast Florida office of the Trust for Public Land has moved to Riverside. The new office is on Park Street and the new number is 358-2729. The TPL is a national nonprofit land conservation organization that conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, historic sites, rural lands and other natural areas. It was founded in 1972.
• Rediscovering the American Dream — the Northeast Florida Association of Realtor’s 2007 Installation of Officers and Awards Gala — is 11:30 a.m. Jan. 12 at the Jacksonville Marriott. Reservations are required. Contact Melanie Green at 394-9494 for more information.
• More from NEFAR: The organization’s Community Affairs Task Force is preparing for its 2007 Realtors Ramp It Up! program. The group’s 2007 goal is to build 40 wheelchair ramps throughout NEFAR’s coverage area. NEFAR is looking for volunteers to help build ramps on Fridays in January. Call 537-0865 if you want to assist.
• This year’s Jacksonville Film Festival will include a segment called “The Talkies” and on May 19 writer/director John Waters will be in town to provide commentary on his film “1981 Polyester.” Waters has written several avant garde films, of which “Hairspray” is probably the best known: The film was turned into a hit musical on Broadway. Tickets for the “talkies” event will cost $35.
• The Blue Angels have set their schedule for 2007, the group’s 61st year of flying. Over several months, the Navy jets will perform 66 demonstrations at 35 air shows all over the country. They’ll be in town Nov. 3-4 when the beaches host the Sea and Sky Spectacular.