• Brian Albritton, 51, a partner with Holland & Knight, has been selected as the next U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, which stretches nearly 400 miles from Jacksonville to south of Naples. The Middle District is known as one of the busiest federal district courts in the U.S. Albritton replaces former U.S. Attorney Paul Perez who resigned in March, 2007. Interim U.S. Attorney Robert O’Neill did not apply for a permanent appointment.
• The Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association is collecting children’s Halloween costumes for donation to Community Connection of Jacksonville. New or gently used costumes can be dropped off at the office of Terrell Hogan located on the 8th Floor, Blackstone Building, 233 East Bay Street. Contact Katherine Naugle at [email protected] or (904)483-3830 for more information.
• According to the latest issue of Florida Trend magazine, the biggest law firm in Florida is Greenburg Traurig in Miami with 425 lawyers in the state and 1,775 worldwide. The highest-ranked Jacksonville firm is Rogers Towers at No. 22 with 90 lawyers on staff.
• The first annual Builders Care Halloween Bash on Oct. 31 at the Craig Air Center on St. Johns Bluff Road has sold 250 tickets according to Dalia Mousa, a public relations representative with Builders Care. But they’re not quite where they want to be. “We’d like to sell about 300 more tickets,” said Mousa. Attendees will have a chance to win round-trip air fare to the Bahamas. Raffle tickets cost $35. General admission is $25. It’s a costume party, so be sure to dress accordingly.
• Not just a pat on the back: For the past 22 years, Jackie Sikes has volunteered with St. Vincent’s Healthcare’s Emergency Pregnancy Services. Now she’s getting recognized for it – by President Bush. After being nominated for the President’s Volunteer Service Award, Sikes will be recognized by the Council on Service and Civic and Participation by receiving a congratulatory letter from Bush, a personalized certificate and a gold lapel pin signifying her lifetime dedication – over 6,000 hours worth.
• Former Council President Daniel Davis and Council member Johnny Gaffney are meeting today at 1:30 in Conference Room B to discuss community centers.