• The Women’s Board of Wolfson Children’s Hospital has created the Larry J. Freeman Endowment for Education in honor of Freeman’s retirement this month after 34 years as administrator of Wolfson Children’s Hospital.
• With 2011 just around the corner, The Women’s Board of Wolfson Children’s Hospital put its chairs in place for next year’s fundraising programs. Beth Langley and Connie Phillips will chair the 2011-12 Florida Forum and Grace Sarber and Sue Stepp will chair the 2011 Art & Antiques Show.
• Metro Diner has been a San Marco landmark, even appearing on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives,” but fans of the restaurant will soon be able to double their options. Construction on a second restaurant began in Mandarin at The Shops at Julington Creek. It’s expected to be completed in the spring.
• State Sen. John Thrasher, a St. Augustine Republican who represents District 8, will be busy in October when FOX News and the Republican Party of Florida, which he chairs, plan to host a presidential debate in Orlando. “We are excited that once again Florida Republicans will play a very prominent role in determining our next nominee and next president,’’ said Thrasher. The debate is expected to attract the top 2012 Republican contenders for president of the United States. The Orlando location has not been determined.