Alhambra kicks off 5th season under new ownership
Just before the Gala Grand Opening of its holiday show Friday, the Alhambra Theatre & Dining kicked off its fifth season under new ownership. The 2014 season begins Dec. 28 and features shows such as "The Color Purple," "Shrek the Musical," and Alfred Hitchcock's "The 39 Steps." The Alhambra begins its 47th season overall. Above from left, Bill Barnett; Craig Smith, managing partner; Fraser Burns; and Karl Frisch.
Riggs named PGA Tour Volunteer of the Year
The PGA Tour has named Darlene Riggs its 2013 Volunteer of the Year for her dedication to The Players. Riggs has operated the event's volunteer dining services for 28 years and was chosen for the award among 30,000 volunteers. Riggs and her team prepare and serve breakfast and lunch to more than 2,000 volunteers with 30,000 meals served over a two-week period. She handles delivery, plans, cooks, cleans and manages. Riggs (at right) received the award from Andy Pazder, PGA Tour executive vice president and chief of operations.
Decorated trees at JIA benefit Dreams Come True
More than 30 decorated trees are on display at Jacksonville International Airport near TSA screening and ticketing counters and travelers have the opportunity to vote on their favorite. Votes cost a $1 donation, with proceeds benefiting Dreams Come True, the local nonprofit dedicated to fulfilling the dreams of children with life-threatening illnesses. The contest was started and run by the Jacksonville International Airport Management Council.
Vestcor developing student housing at FPU
Jacksonville-based The Vestcor Cos. has been awarded a contract by Florida Polytechnic University to build the school's first residence hall. The 90,000-square-foot building will be completed by the time classes start at the Lakeland-based university in the fall. Florida Poly will issue a 50-year land lease to Vestcor and the company will be responsible for financing, designing, building, furnishing, operating and maintaining the facility.
Dore moderates NBI judicial forum
Jacksonville attorney Dennis Dore served as a moderator for the recent National Business Institute "As Judges See It: Top Mistakes Attorneys Make in Civil Litigation" judicial forum. The one-day seminar explored what attorneys must know about court procedures, keys to successful pretrial conferences, issues that should be resolved without the judge's involvement, legal ethics and more. Dore is a partner with the local office of Kelley Kronenberg.
Harper named JTA board chair
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority board of directors elected Donna Harper as chair for 2014. Harper is CEO of Systems Logics Co. LLC. She was appointed in 2010 by Gov. Charlie Crist and reappointed by Gov. Rick Scott. She previously served on the board from 1999-2007, including two years as chair. She succeeds Ed Burr and assumes the role Jan. 1. Other officers elected were Scott McCaleb as vice chair, Isaiah Rumlin as secretary and Greg Evans as treasurer.
Arlington Council hosts holiday lunch
The Arlington Council of the JAX Chamber hosts its annual holiday luncheon at 11:30 a.m. today at Terry Parker High School. Students in the school's culinary department, led by Ginger Stehlin, will cater the event, with proceeds going to the department. School board member Cheryl Grymes will be guest speaker. The council is the longest established division of the chamber and supports the Arlington and Regency areas.
Subaru of Jacksonville donates $15,000
As part of the national manufacturer's "Share the Love" event, Subaru of Jacksonville donated $5,000 in toys and $10,000 to benefit the Jacksonville Children's Christmas Party. The event provides toys to children who otherwise might not receive gifts during the holiday season. Purchased toys are being stored at the dealership and will be delivered to the Saturday event. It is from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Prime Osborn Center.
Area schools among best for teacher education
The College Database has named the University of North Florida to its list of top colleges in the state for teacher education. The new list, "Top Colleges in Florida: Shaping the Next Generation," highlights institutions that produced the most education graduates during the 2012 school year. UNF ranked in the top 10 among local Florida colleges. Jacksonville University was No. 18, Flagler College, No. 25, and Edward Waters College was ranked No. 44.
Spencer named Jacksonville Bank president
Jacksonville Bancorp Inc. ended a nearly six-month search for a new CEO on Tuesday by announcing the appointment of Kendall Spencer as president and chief executive officer.
Spencer was also named CEO of the company's subsidiary, The Jacksonville Bank.
Spencer, 61, has more than 30 years of experience in the industry, including executive roles with Jacksonville-based Barnett Banks Inc.
Most recently, he was executive vice president and senior commercial banker at Gainesville-based Florida Citizens Bank.
Spencer succeeds Stephen Green, who resigned as CEO of Jacksonville Bancorp in June after only one year on the job.
Jacksonville Bancorp Chairman Donald Glisson, who had been serving as interim principal executive officer while the company searched for a new CEO, was named executive chairman of the company.
City department, Lee unveil new tennis courts
The city's Parks and Recreation Department, City Council member Denise Lee and the Julius Guinyard Tennis Association unveiled four youth tennis courts at Clanzel T. Brown Park last week. The United States Tennis Association provided $20,000 to assist in converting a standard court at the park into four youth-appropriate courts with permanent fencing, nets and center straps that will allow youth ages 10 and under to learn the sport. The city funded the remaining $44,000 for the project that also featured resurfacing on other courts. The project is open to the public.