• Business author and efficiency expert James Womack came to Jacksonville to give the keynote address at Tuesday’s Regional Workforce Summit, but he ended up getting a close look inside City Hall. An informal meet and greet with Mayor John Peyton turned into a two-hour conversation and an invitation for Womack to attend Peyton’s staff meeting. Womack also attended the Tuesday City Council meeting, which caused Council President Kevin Hyde some concern about having an efficiency expert in the audience. “If we strip away the unnecessary procedures and work, we’ll be down to 30-minute meetings,” he joked.
• Speaking of the Workforce Summit, School Board member Tommy Hazouri caused quite a stir when he showed up sporting a full beard. Peyton even noted the beard in his introductory remarks.
• Henry Lee Anstead, former chief justice of the Florida Supreme Court, will be the guest speaker at Florida Coastal School of Law’s Issue 2006 Forum Friday from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Anstead will talk about “the role and responsibility of lawyers in protecting judicial jurisprudence.”
• It’s only appropriate that CSX is sponsoring this weekend’s $1 train rides at the zoo. The rides begin and end at the zoo’s two new train stations near the main entrance. Usually, the rides are $4 for adults and $2 for kids.
• Former Jags head coach Tom Coughlin may be leading New York’s football Giants these days, but his presence is still felt around town. Tickets to the Feb. 17 Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Wine Tasting Gala are on sale at the Florida Theatre box office. They’re $65 in advance and $75 at the door
• City Council member Art Graham is tapping his Dist. 13 reserves for about $65,000 for two Neptune Beach projects: upgrades at the Neptune Beach Elementary playground ($40,000) and the resurfacing of the basketball and tennis courts at Jarboe Park ($24,880).
• Duval Delegation Chair Tony Hill has called a Jan. 20 meeting of the entire delegation for the purpose of holding a public hearing on proposed J-bills that may go before the state legislature during the upcoming legislative session. The meeting is at 2 p.m. in City Council chambers and it’s open to the public. Monday is the deadline for anyone wishing to be placed on the meeting’s agenda.
• University of North Florida prez and former Mayor John Delaney will host this year’s United Way Tribute to Community Champions luncheon Feb. 7 at the Arena. The 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. event will honor local companies, organizations, community leaders and volunteers that helped make the 2005 United Way campaign a success.
• Mayor John Peyton will be the inaugural recipient of the “Children’s Champion Award” at a Feb. 28 ceremony at the Main Library. The award, presented by Episcopal Children’s Services, will recognize Peyton for his work on behalf of kids, particularly the Mayor’s Book Club, Peyton’s early literacy initiative.
• The San Marco Preservation Society’s traditional 12th Night supper is set for Monday at 6:30 p.m. in Preservation Hall.
• The Kesler Mentoring Connection will present the TELEmachus Awards from 6 - 8:30 p.m. Jan. 24 at the University Center at the University of North Florida. Jacksonville Jaguars radio announcer Brian Sexton will serve as master of ceremonies. The event will honor those who give their time, talent and heart to make a meaningful impression in the lives of youths and adults through mentoring. Cost is $100 per plate for non-mentors.There is no charge for mentors. For more information or questions, call (904)224-2400.