• The Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association is collecting laundry baskets to donate to Community Connections, a community service organization that assists children and families of Jacksonville. Community Connections will fill the baskets with items to provide a family with a Thanksgiving dinner. Baskets can be dropped off at the law office of Naugle & Smith at 810 Margaret Street or Community Connections at the Florence N. Davis Center at 325 East Duval Street. For more information contact Katherine Schnauss Naugle at 483-3830.
• Florida Coastal School of Law’s Career Services Department will host the “Fourth Annual Starting Line Reception” from 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday on campus at 8787 Baypine Rd. The event provides first-year law students with an opportunity to interact with area law firms and ask questions as they plan their legal career path. For more information contact Ellen Sefton, director of career services at 680-7728.
• According to Lindsey Ballas, business development chief for the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission, the master developer for Cecil Commerce Center — Dallas-based Hillwood Investment Properties — could be on the job by the end of the first quarter of next year. The deal still requires JEDC and City Council approval.
• During Thursday’s meeting, the Jacksonville Waterways Commission approved legislation that will allow Jacksonville University to continue to study the habits of local manatees and conduct aerial counts each month. It will cost the City $25,000, with $12,500 coming from the Special Council Operating Contingency and the other $12,500 coming from the Mayor’s Executive Operating Contingency. Council must also OK the legislation.