• The City also adopted resolutions to honor both Circuit Court Judge Virginia Norton and former Public Defender Bill White. Norton worked for the City’s General Council Office as an assistant general counsel for nine years. White was unseated during the last election after 34 years at the Public Defenders Office.
• Circuit Court Judge Adrian Soud will be the first of four judges to be sworn in over the next two months. Soud’s investiture will be held Jan. 22 at 4 p.m. in Courtroom 4 at the Duval County Courthouse. Following the ceremony for the Fourth Judicial Circuit Judge, a reception will be held at the University Club.
• The battleship USS Constition is coming to Jacksonville. Also known as “Old Ironsides,” the 211-year-old, three-masted wood-hulled frigate will be moored near the Museum of Science & History on the Southbank Jan. 29 - Feb. 1 and free tours will be available. For details, visit www.themosh.org.
• Jacksonville University’s first Pioneer Football League Championship was also recognized by the City Council with a resolution congratulating the university located in Arlington. Head Coach Kerwin Bell guided his team to a 9-3 regular season record and the school’s first league championship. The chase for a second title begins Sept. 19 against Old Dominion.
• The Bridge of Northeast Florida turns 25 this year. The organization provides children of low income families with health, educational and social programs to build productive lives. The City Council honored the organization with a resolution to thank them for service to the community.
•The westbound lanes of the Wonderwood Connector at the Gin House Creek Bridge will be closed Monday, Jan. 19 and Tuesday, Jan. 20 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. for repaving. The eastbound lane will remain open. The detour route will be St. Johns Bluff to Monument Road to 9A to Merrill Road.
• Seven employees and one citizen will be recognized today by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office at the “Employee of the Year and Citizen of the Year 2009 Meritorious Awards Ceremony.” Police Officer of the Year is Detective Jared Reston, who works in the Career Criminal Unit. Corrections Officer of the Year is Nikki Parrish from the Montgomery Correctional Center. Patrice M. Georgeo works in Communications and will be receognized as Civilian Employee of the Year. Reserve Officer of the Year is William Hartley. Police Supervisor of the Year is Sgt. James Parker, who works in the Cold case Homicide Unit. Corrections/Civilian Supervisor of the Year is Corrections Sgt. Kenneth Westberry III, who works at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility. Assistant Chief Bobby Deal from Community Affairs and Special Events will receive the Six Pillars of Character Award and the 2009 Citizen of the Year is MaliVai Washington, founder of the MaliVai Washington Kids Foundation.
• A public information meeting regarding the final plans and transit improvements for Soutel Drive between Archery Avenue and Sibbald Road will be Thursday from 5–6:30 p.m. at the Charles Clark Community Center, 8793 Sibbald Road.