• The second annual Amelia Island “Christmas on Centre” celebration will be held on Dec. 5-6. Attendees can tour seven private homes and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church decked out in holiday garb on the grand tour for $20 or just the church for $5. St. Peter’s on Centre Street is the headquarters for the tour. Strolling carolers, designer trees, gingerbread houses, classic model trains, games and Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus will be a part of the celebration. All proceeds go to support the Amelia Island Museum of History. For more information call tour coordinator Thea Seagraves at 261-7378 or go to www.ameliamuseum.org.
• The Jacksonville Ice & Sportsplex, a newly combined 100,000-square-foot sports and meeting space off Phillips Highway, is open for business. The land combines the existing ice rink, formerly Jacksonville Ice, with the Metro Square Office Park and offers sports programming – including continued hockey and figure skating – with space suited for corporate or private functions. The first show at the venue is “A Snow Day” holiday ice show Dec. 13. For more information go to www.jaxiceandsports.com.
• Ken Jefferson, senior public information officer for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, will be relocating to the JSO’s Office of Special Events Unit starting Monday. “Though there were times of contention, I realize it was all for the sake of ‘getting the story,’” said Jefferson, who was “excited” about the change.
• The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has launched a new program for mothers and their babies or toddlers from age nine months to two years. “Kiddy Paws” is designed to facilitate early communication through the use of sign language. Classes will be held Tuesday and Thursday mornings through Feb. 26. For details, visit www.jacksonvillezoo.org.
• Keep it in your pocket: Jax Federal Credit Union has posted a new policy on cell phones in its branches. Customers are no longer allowed to use their phones while standing in line to allow tellers to be able to ask questions in order to complete transactions.
• One of only 32: Jaguars linebacker Mike Peterson has been selected to receive the President’s Volunteer Service Award. One player from each team is recognized by the White House for his commitment to the local community in terms of promoting health and fitness to young people. Peterson was nominated for his free youth football camps in Jacksonville and his hometown of Alachua, Fl. More than 250 youngsters ages eight-17 participate each year.
• From the Nov. 21 Urban Land Institute of North Florida’s “Going Regional” series: “Mobility Check: The Reality of Regional Transportation,” was just the first of three such meetings as part of the Realty Check First Coast envisioning series. According to Rob Palmer, assistant chair of ULI of North Florida, the next discussion will focus on land use and sustainability and will take place in February. The last discussion before the May 21 alternative growth scenario exercise will be in April and feature a discussion on how Jacksonville deals with a regional context.