• Jacksonville attorney Mary Bridgman continues to flourish in her career as a writer. She recently received two “Royal Palm Literary Awards” from the Florida Writers Association (FWA) for her entries, “Snakes Alive” and “Growing up without Ken.” Both won first place for unpublished short story and published creative nonfiction, respectively. The literary competition is a service of the FWA established to recognize excellence in members’ published and unpublished works while providing blind, objective, and constructive written assessments for all entrants. FWA is a statewide nonprofit trade association with about 1,000 members.
• Interviews will be conducted of applicants for an open seat on the bench in the Fourth Judicial Circuit Tuesday at the Duval County Courthouse. Interviews of the 24 candidates are scheduled from 8:20 a.m. until 5 p.m. and are open to the public. Applications for the vacancy that will be created by the retirement of Circuit Court Judge Michael Weatherby, who will step down in February 2010, will be accepted until Friday.
• Mayor John Peyton recently sent an e-mail blast soliciting citizens’ support to bring a World Cup soccer match to Jacksonville. He predicts an economic impact of as much as $500 million and the creation of as many as 8,000 new jobs as part of preparations to host games. Peyton asks that everyone go to www.gousabid.com/jacksonville and sign the petition supporting Jacksonville’s desire to host the event.
• Longtime Jacksonville attorney and Consolidation historian Homer Humphries has finished his new book. “Recollections of the Rebirth of a City” is about Consolidation and how it came about. You can check it out, or buy it, at www.highpitchedhum.net.
• Lewis, Longman & Walker attorney Joseph Ullo Jr. recently became registered at practice in front of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. He’s the second attorney in his firm to earn such designation.
• Smith Hulsey & Busey has hired four new attorneys: Zachry Lever, Jessica Jackson, J.C. Van Lierop and Zachary Warren.
• During its recent annual meeting, officials of child-serving agency daniel announced five new trustees to two of its three governing boards. Gregory Gentek will begin his term as chair of the daniel Memorial Foundation, with Cate Cheevers, Julie Covington and Lafayette Cope joining the 17-member board. James Thompson will join the six-member daniel Memorial Properties board of trustees.
• The Greater Jacksonville Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction is having a networking and business expo, “Building Better Business Connections,” tomorrow at 6 p.m. at the New Orleans Cafe on San Jose Boulevard. The cost is $15 with hors d’oeuvres provided and a cash bar. RSVP to 941-915-6234.