• The Florida Federal Judicial Nominating Commission is seeking applicants for two U.S. District Court judges for the Middle District of Florida. Two current U.S. District Court judges will take senior status next August, thus creating two vacancies. Applications must be postmarked by Nov. 2. For more, call 407-423-3200.
• Attorney Kevin Cook has become a member of the law firm of Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe. He is also the president of the Young Lawyers section of the Jacksonville Bar. There are now 13 members of the firm that dates back to 1865.
• The law firm of Foley & Lardner is offering an executive briefing session on growth management. It’s Oct. 2 at the Main Library from 8-10 a.m. Foley & Lardner’s Bob Rhodes and City Planning Director Brad Thoburn will lead the discussion. The session is free. For more, call Honey Campagna at 407-244-7124.
• The Association of Nigerian in Jacksonville will recognize the 47th anniversary of Nigerian independence Saturday. The group has invited Mayor John Peyton to the party.
• Kirby Green, executive director of the St. Johns Water Management District, has declined Mayor John Peyton’s appointment to the Stormwater Advisory Committee. Green said there may be a conflict of interest since he deals with the City on several issues.
• Jacksonville Public Library’s Florida Collection presents “A Bold New Revolution” in October, including an exhibit at the Main Library featuring vintage photographs from the Florida Times-Union celebrating the 39th anniversary of the city’s consolidated government. “Images of Consolidation” opens at 5 p.m. Oct. 3 and runs through Oct. 31. Also at the Main Library on Oct. 6, Dr. James B. Crooks will moderate a panel discussion on the politics of consolidation featuring Nancie Crabb, Willye Dennis and James Rinaman. For more information, call 630-2410.
• The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) launched a Career Academy last Thursday at A. Philip Randolph High School. Mayor John Peyton, JFRD Director Dan Kleman, FCCJ President Dr. Steven Wallace, Duval County School Board Member Brenda Priestly Jackson and A. Philip Randolph principal Rhonda Motley were all there to greet student and parents at an open house celebrating the new JFRD High School Career Academy.
• Correction: The Daily Record received more complete data for last Friday’s story on property value petitions after deadline. According to the Value Adjustment Board, more than 3,700 petitions were filed in 2006 with only 28 receiving rulings resulting in exemptions granted or reduced assessments. Those rulings reduced the taxable land value by more than $9.7 million resulting in an adjustment of $188,904. Also, the board expects that well over 3,000 petitions were filed this year.
“Men decide far more problems by hate, love, lust, rage, sorrow, joy, hope, fear, illusion, or some other inward emotion than by reality, authority, any legal standard, judicial precedent, or statute.”
– Marcus Tullius Cicero