• Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer is taking an interesting approach to combating violent crime not just in his town, but across the state. Dyer has invited several mayors and police chiefs— including our John Peyton and Sheriff John Rutherford— to meet in Orlando as part of Dyer’s “Safe Cities Summit.” No firm date yet, but Dyer has proposed two days in late October and two in early November.
• Defending champion Stephen Ames will be on hand Oct. 23 when the PGA Tour holds its Players Championship “Giving Back” luncheon at the Hyatt. PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem is hosting the sixth annual luncheon during which proceeds from the previous year’s tournament are given to local charities and non-profits.
• Katharine Berry, the Florida Theatre’s new executive assistant, became familiar with the theater well before she was offered a job. Berry, a dancer and a recent graduate of the University of North Florida, danced on Florida Theatre’s stage when her dance performances were held there about 10 years ago.
• Perhaps the oldest birthday bash in the area is set for Nov. 9 when the Marine Corps will hold its 231st Marine Corps Birthday Ball at the Hyatt. Cocktails are at 6 p.m. followed by a ceremony and dinner. The military folks are expected in their uniforms and it’s formal attire for the civilians.
• Blue Cross Blue Shield lobbyist and local Republican Party Chair Mike Hightower has landed on yet another board. Gov. Jeb. Bush appointed Hightower to the Florida Sports Foundation board where he’s joined by several others from across the state including Shaun King, a back-up quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts.
• All those schoolchildren were Downtown this week for the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra’s J.M. Family Enterprises Young People’s Concert. More than 15,000 fourth and fifth graders from area counties are Downtown to learn how composers relate stories through music.
• Camarda Financial Advisors has opened a new office in Ponte Vedra Beach. The new branch office is located at 166 A1A North.
• Two former Jacksonville Suns players have been honored by the L.A. Dodgers as the organization’s Minor League Pitcher and Player of the Year. Mark Alexander was named Pitcher of the Year. He played the 2006 season. First baseman James Loney was named Player of the Year. He played in 2004 and 2005 and Loney is currently on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster.
• The Jacksonville Senior Games start Monday and run through next Sunday. Anyone 50 or older is invited to participate in any of the 14 events that include bowling, swimming, croquet, golf and several others. You can pick up a registration form at the Mary L. Singleton Center or at City Hall in the Adult Services Division office.