• Attorney Elizabeth Oakes has founded The Law Offices of Elizabeth M. Oakes and opens today in the Bartram Executive Center on Racetrack Road in Julington Creek. Formerly of the Delegal Law Offices, where she has practiced since coming to Jacksonville in 2006, Oakes will specialize in labor and employment law and continue to focus on the rights of the employed and the unemployed.
• Attorneys John Duss IV, Theresa Kenney, Eliot Safer, Wade Hampton and William Joos have founded the law firm of Duss, Kenney, Safer, Hampton & Joos, P.A. The firm is located at 4348 Southpoint Blvd. Associate Kelley Presley is also employed by the firm.
• The Veterans Reintegration Center of Jacksonville is turning five this year and hosting a celebration to commemorate. It’ll be Nov. 14 at noon in the Clarion Hotel Airport, with tickets costing $45 per person. The nonprofit organization provides free social services and educational programs to help veterans transition from military to civilian life. For more information, call 647-1767.
• Recent good news came from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, as the organization notified Mayor John Peyton through the mail that it’s awarding a Recovery Act Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant to the city. The grant, close to $71,000, will be used for a “Beaches Analyst Project” that will help reduce crime and improve public safety.
• The Jacksonville Aviation Authority was recently recognized by Gov. Charlie Crist as being a leader in employing persons with disabilities. The organization was one of only eight to receive the Florida Exceptional Employer Award for its commitment to hiring and retaining disabled persons, as well as creating unique employment opportunities.