• Four new judges will officially begin their careers during the first full week in January, but their instructors at the Judges College may have their hands full keeping the class focused. Judge-elects Jim Daniel, Jeff Morrow, Virginia Norton and Adrian Soud all attended the University of Florida Levin College of Law and they will be in Tallahassee when the Gators and Sooners will play in the BCS National Championship game in Miami Jan. 8.
• Coker, Schickel, Sorenson & Posgay partner Jake Schickel was re-elected to the Florida Bar Board of Governors to represent the Fourth Judicial Circuit.
• When Plaza III The Steakhouse at the Hyatt reopens Dec. 26 after the Christmas holiday, the restaurant will no longer be open for lunch. Co-owner J. Bard McLean said the move is an effort to focus on the dinner trade, parties, special events and catering. Dinner hours are from 5 p.m. seven days a week with happy hour in the lounge until 7 p.m.
• Local marketing firm Spark sent out a unique holiday card this year: “Happy St. Patrick’s Day.” Inside: “Some say our innovative work is ahead of its time. Since we’re helping our clients grow as if the recession has already ended, perhaps they’re right. Best O’Luck on a healthy and prosperous 2009.”
• Eddie Farah of Farah & Farah was recently awarded the Spartans at Thermopylae Award from the Jacksonville Trial Lawyers group of the Florida Justice Association. Farah was presented the award by former Florida Bar President Howard Coker on behalf of the FJA.
• Carol Hill, senior vice president of real estate operations for Prudential Network Realty, has been named president-elect of the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors for 2009.
• The Orange Park Kennel Club could attract some Nebraska Cornhusker fans when they come to Jacksonville to watch their team play the Clemson Tigers in the Gator Bowl on New Years Day. One of the greyhounds running at the track is named Gil’s Bo Pelini, after the Nebraska head coach.
• During his retirement ceremony Thursday, Circuit Court Judge Bernard Nachman revealed, jokingly, why he has such a strong bond with his grandchildren, “We both have a common enemy, their parents.”
• In other Nachman news, his Judicial Assistant, Jennie Prather, will work with Circuit Court Judge Jim Daniel after Judge Nachman officially retires January 5.
• The Chamber’s 22nd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast is set, with Dr. Mae Jemison slated to be the speaker for the Jan. 9 event. Jemison was the first African-American woman in space. The event will be held at the Prime Osborn, with tickets $15 for individuals. For more information, go to www.myjaxchamber.com.