What’s your favorite film about the circus? There’s no shortage of options. Maybe it’s the undeniably catchy “The Greatest Showman.” Or the tearjerker “Water for Elephants.” Perhaps Cecil B. DeMille’s “The Greatest Show on Earth,” a Best Picture winner that grossed $440 million domestically when adjusted for inflation — about $15 million more than 2025’s biggest box office hit, “A Minecraft Movie.”

The common thread? Every one of those films draws inspiration, directly or indirectly, from the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. In the case of The Greatest Show on Earth, it was literally about that traveling spectacle.

Founded in Baraboo, Wisconsin, in 1884 by five of seven brothers born to a German immigrant family, Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Shows began touring the nation, rapidly growing in popularity and absorbing smaller circuses and properties along the way. In 1906, James Anthony Bailey — the other half of Barnum & Bailey — died. The following year, stockholders sold Barnum and Bailey Ltd. to the Ringlings for $400,000, roughly $14 million today.

That deal launched the joint-name circus empire and the “Circus Kings” dynasty, which became a permanent fixture in American cultural history.

One of those brothers, John Ringling, widely regarded as the group’s leader, handled bookings, travel, and public appearances. In 1907, he married Mable Burton, and together they became investors, art collectors, and patrons of finer things. Their shared passion ultimately led to the creation of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art as a lasting legacy.

They chose Sarasota as its home, believing the city would provide the perfect backdrop for an Italian-inspired art museum — a judgment history has been kind to.

Fast forward to 2026. The Ringling is now Florida’s official art museum and has shared stewardship with Florida State University for the past 25 years. This year marks the Silver Jubilee — a milestone worth celebrating, particularly at a time when the arts can feel undervalued.

Over the last quarter century, FSU has led major restoration projects, expanded the estate, and significantly increased public access and engagement.

“We are grateful for the steadfast stewardship of The Ringling by Florida State University these past 25 years. Their support has allowed us to flourish and advance our mission to serve as the legacy of John and Mable Ringling and to inspire, educate, and entertain,” said Steven High, Executive Director of The Ringling.

“We look forward to our continued partnership and success together in the years to come.”

Since stewardship began, the museum has added 12,500 works to its collection — compared to just 8,000 previously — while growing its endowment from $4 million to $65 million. The Ca’ d’Zan, the Ringlings’ historic mansion, was also fully restored in a $15 million effort.

“Today, The Ringling is one of the largest university-based art museums in the U.S. It is a testament to the power of partnership and collaboration between the state, the university, and the vibrant Sarasota and Manatee communities — a partnership that preserves history, inspires learning, and keeps the arts alive for generations to come,” said Jim Clark, Provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs at FSU.

The museum welcomes about 45,000 visitors annually and remains a public asset owned by all Floridians. FSU has also overseen construction of new visitor centers, on-site dining options, the Johnson-Blalock Education Center, the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Center for Asian Art — showcasing more than 3,000 years of history — and the Kolter-Coville Glass Pavilion, a standout collection of studio glass.

If you’ve never made the trip to the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, you’re missing out. Here’s to another 25 years — and many more — of shared stewardship with FSU.

___

Coming up, the usual assortment of news, intel, and observations from the week that was in Florida’s capital city by Peter Schorsch, Drew Wilson, Drew Dixon, Liam Fineout and the staff of Florida Politics.

But first, the “Takeaway 5” — the Top 5 stories from the week that was:

—Take 5—

Lean budget — If preliminary comments from Sen. Ed Hooper and Rep. Lawrence McClure are an accurate indication, the next fiscal year budget will be anywhere from $1 billion to $4 billion less than the current fiscal year. That offers a glimmer of hope that a repeat of the 2025 Legislative Session’s long overtime can be averted. The budget chiefs for their respective chambers for the second and final Legislative Session, Hooper and McClure will lead budget negotiations and largely control the state’s purse strings. For now, at least, they seem largely in lockstep on reining in COVID-era spending levels. “There’s no federal COVID money coming into the coffers,” Hooper reminded. “We’re now adjusting our expectations back to 2018/2019 numbers.” To put that into perspective, the approved budget that year was less than $89 billion. The current fiscal year’s approved budget was more than $117 billion, about the same amount Gov. Ron DeSantis has called for in his proposed budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

Who knows? — House Speaker Daniel Perez opened the 2026 Legislative Session by casting the chamber’s activities last year as a part of a necessary transition shaped by internal fights, bruising negotiations and a public rupture with Gov. DeSantis. The Miami Republican also used the moment to reflect on the volatility of the 2025 Session, when, in his telling, the House “found (its) voice” and “insisted on our independence.” On the most recent flashpoint, redistricting, the Governor this month called for a Special Session in April to redraw congressional lines — markedly later than when Perez views as ideal. As for what will happen with that undertaking and many other hot-button issues the Legislature faces this year, it’s anyone’s guess, the Speaker said. “Honestly, I don’t know what is going to happen,” he said. “That’s OK, because the journey is the best part.”

Greatest hits — In his final State of the State address as Governor, a defiant Ron DeSantis defended the controversial Hope Florida charity and proclaimed that he has delivered “big results” during his time in office. “We have set the standard for the rest of the country to follow. We are the Free State of Florida,” DeSantis said in his 30-minute speech addressing lawmakers on the opening day of the 2026 Session. DeSantis urged the Legislature to pass bills on illegal immigration, eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion programs, expanding gun rights and supporting the state’s rural areas. “My message is simple. Get the bills to my desk,” DeSantis said. “In the spirit of 1776, I’m happy to put my John Hancock on those pieces of legislation.”

Finally … — After months of deliberation, Lt. Gov. Jay Collins is officially entering the race for Governor. “I’m running for Governor because leadership is forged under pressure, not in soundbites. I served over 23 years in the United States military, mainly as a Green Beret, where accountability is real, decisions have consequences, and service comes before self. That experience shaped how I lead and why I believe public office is a public trust,” Collins said in a Monday announcement. Collins has roughly $900,000 in his political committee, Quiet Professionals FL. These are credible fundraising levels for a Florida Senate race. That said, his entry into the race will find him competing for the Republican nomination against candidates with deeper war chests to date, at a time when questions have been raised about how strong the DeSantis political operation’s fundraising is so late in his second term.

The boot — DeSantis declined to renominate his once loyal ally, former House Speaker José Oliva, to an influential state Board that oversees Florida’s public university system. In a press release sent out just before his State of the State address started Tuesday, DeSantis named four new appointments and two reappointments to the State University System’s Board of Governors (BOG). Missing in the press release was any mention of Oliva, whose prior term ended Jan. 6. Oliva was a DeSantis defender who had even been rumored to be on DeSantis’ list of Lieutenant Governor choices before DeSantis picked Collins. But Oliva clashed with DeSantis as the BOG voted on a new Chair in November.

— Rate relief rocks —

This week, everyone’s favorite former collegiate baseball player and Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, announced that massive statewide insurance rate relief is on the way for Florida homeowners.

The upcoming spring 2026 policy renewal will result in large premium reductions for Citizens Property Insurance (CPI) policyholders across Florida. On average, CPI policyholders are set to receive an 8.7% reduction.

“Floridians are seeing rate reductions in both auto and homeowners insurance across the state, with additional relief coming soon. The reductions in Citizens Insurance rates are the most significant in recent memory. Premiums are lowering because we’ve enacted real reforms and withstood the pressure to reverse course,” DeSantis said.

“We will hold firm in our commitment not to go back to the broken insurance market of the past.”

South Florida homeowners saw some of the biggest reductions. In Broward County, around 27,000 homes will see an average reduction of 14.1%, with Miami-Dade close behind at 14.0% for roughly 42,000 homes. Palm Beach County’s 26,000 homes will receive an average reduction of 11.9%, while Monroe County’s approximately 1,000 homes are seeing an average reduction of 11.3%.

“We are seeing nothing but good news across all data points for Florida’s auto and home insurance markets,” said Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky.

“I am hopeful that these reforms will not be repealed and that we will continue to be dogged in our efforts to improve the everyday conditions for Floridians.”

— Uthmeier’s Nassau notes —

Attorney General James Uthmeier has issued a critical opinion stating that Nassau County cannot jack up impact-fee increases beyond the limits set by Florida law simply because its population has grown substantially over the past half-decade.

Uthmeier said in a news release that he received a request to examine potential additional impact fees amid growth in the First Coast county. Rep. Richard Gentry, a DeBary Republican, requested the Attorney General’s opinion.

Nassau County has about 103,000 residents, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates, representing roughly a 17% increase since 2020.

Nassau County Commissioners approved impact-fee increases in December, citing the rapid growth of the municipality as “extraordinary circumstances.” In some cases, which amounted to a 50% increase in impact fees over a four-year period, in multiple phases, according to a report in the Fernandina Observer.

Florida law allows counties to increase impact fees beyond 50% if “extraordinary circumstances” exist. Impact fees are assessed by local governments on developers to offset the effects new buildings and developments have on local services, such as infrastructure, schools, and public safety.

Uthmeier said in his three-page opinion sent to Gentry that Nassau County does not meet the threshold for raising impact fees at the rate approved in December.

Gentry’s Dec. 17 letter to Uthmeier argued that Nassau County’s interpretation of the law was off base.

“The interpretation is deeply flawed,” Gentry said bluntly.

Gentry added that his motivation for seeking the opinion was rooted in concern that counties could begin usurping the authority of the Legislature, which crafts state law.

“Nassau County’s interpretation of this statute would undermine the Legislature’s intent and open the door to arbitrary fee hikes statewide,” Gentry wrote. “I urge your office to confirm that Nassau County cannot lawfully exceed the statutory cap.”

Uthmeier agreed with Gentry.

“The steady, albeit heightened, increase in population of 17% over the previous five years does not qualify as ‘extraordinary circumstances,’” Uthmeier said.

— Sink or swim —

Uthmeier announced that he has filed a lawsuit against major American competitive swimming organizations, alleging discrimination against women by allowing transgender competitors.

The legal action alleges that U.S. Masters Swimming (USMS) and the Florida Association and Local Masters Swim Committee Inc., both regional affiliates of USMS, are “deceiving consumers by allowing men to compete in women’s swimming events that are advertised as female-only.”

Uthmeier published a statement on the lawsuit, which was filed in the 12th Judicial Circuit of Florida in Sarasota County.

“Men have real physical advantages in strength, speed and endurance,” Uthmeier said in the video statement posted on X. “When they’re allowed into women’s races, they take medals, rankings and opportunities away from female athletes who have trained for their entire lives for a fair shot.”

USMS is based in Sarasota and is an athletic organization that promotes competitive swimming throughout the United States.

“USMS itself concedes that its policy still allows men who merely ‘identify’ or ‘express’ themselves as women to compete in women’s swimming competitions. And importantly, the new policy does not actually prevent men who identify as women from earning recognition in women’s swimming competitions,” the 39-page lawsuit said.

Uthmeier said the policy violates Florida law.

“U.S. Master’s Swimming still advertises women’s divisions while allowing men to compete in them. That is deceptive, and it violates Florida law,” Uthmeier said in his recorded message. “We gave them the chance to fix it and they refused.”

Uthmeier sent a written demand in July to USMS asking that the organization block transgender athletes from competing in women’s events.

— Pesky solicitors get popped —

No more door-to-door soliciting for these pesky pests. Pun intended.

On Thursday, Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced that the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) shut down an illegal door-to-door pest control sales operation that was preying on Floridians.

The investigation found that 30 employees conducted unlicensed pest control activities. Mira Home LLC hired Grit Marketing LLC to conduct door-to-door sales and execute pest control contracts on their behalf. Mira Home also obtained Pest Control Identification Cards for independent contractors through Grit Marketing, all of which violated state law.

Mira Home LLC was fined $36,000, and Grit Marketing LLC has been banned from engaging in any pest control activity or sales in Florida after illegally soliciting more than 600 pest control contracts.

“One of my top responsibilities as Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture is protecting Florida’s consumers, and that includes cracking down on illegal door-to-door sales operations and those operating outside the law. I encourage all Floridians to be wary of high-pressure, door-to-door sales tactics, to verify that a pest control company and its employees are properly licensed before signing any contract, and to report any suspicious activity to FDACS,” Simpson said.

The violations occurred between March 3, 2025, and March 11, 2025, during which more than 600 pest control contracts were solicited on behalf of Mira Home, a licensed company. However, the independent contractors conducting the solicitations were not.

To further address issues like this, Simpson has proposed SB 290, the “2026 Florida Farm Bill,” which includes a provision allowing Floridians to officially post “No Commercial Solicitation” signs at their homes or businesses. Which we can get behind. No more guilt-tripping from the Girl Scouts.

— Ingoglia’s immigrant agenda —

It’s been a chilly past few days in the 850 — probably a sign that Session is officially kicking off this week (our condolences). With that, the Capitol crowd in Tallahassee is making sure legislative proposals are moving.

That includes Florida’s Chief Financial Officer.

This week, CFO Blaise Ingoglia announced that SB 1380 and HB 1307 have been filed by Sen. Jonathan Martin and Rep. Berny Jacques on his behalf, aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration in Florida.

“We must continue the fight against illegal immigration and put an end to the harm that has come to law-abiding citizens at the hands of illegal immigrants who should have never been in our country in the first place. With this legislation, we will build on Florida’s strong stance against illegal immigration, and we will create even more deterrents for illegal immigrants trying to enter our state,” Ingoglia said.

Among the major highlights — or lowlights, depending on who you ask — the bills would prohibit commercial driver’s license instruction and testing in any language other than English, remove illegal immigrants as covered employees under the Workers’ Compensation statute, require companies to use E-Verify when submitting a Workers’ Compensation claim, and bar illegal immigrant IDs from being used to access bank accounts at state-chartered financial institutions or to obtain cashier’s checks.

The proposal would also require insurance companies to accept fault if an illegal immigrant they insure is involved in a car accident.

Ingoglia is making clear he is taking an aggressive posture on illegal immigration, aligning himself fully with ICE enforcement and putting those priorities into statute.

— ICE cold cash —

ICE just keeps getting that sweet, cold cash from the Chief Financial Officer.

This week, CFO Ingoglia traveled to Winter Haven to award $1.7 million to support local law enforcement agencies assisting with immigration enforcement efforts. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, Hardee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Port Richey Police Department were among the recipients.

“Local law enforcement agencies throughout Florida work tirelessly to protect Floridians. Because of the crisis caused by reckless border policies of the Biden Administration, our local law enforcement agencies have stepped up to assist with immigration enforcement efforts and help to deport dangerous criminal illegal aliens out of our country. It is because of their efforts that Florida leads the nation in immigration enforcement. We must keep our foot on the gas to continue our efforts to protect Floridians from criminal illegal aliens,” Ingoglia said.

The funding is made possible through 287(g) agreements and the State Board of Immigration Enforcement. Of the total, $1,006,985.10 went to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office; $321,112.30 to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office; $283,389.68 to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office; $135,560 to the Hardee County Sheriff’s Office; and $32,850 to the Port Richey Police Department.

“The illegal immigration crisis has been a problem for far too long. Thanks to the efforts of our Governor and our CFO during his time as a legislator, we now have the resources necessary to support our federal partners,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.

“As our deputies work to arrest and transport criminal illegal aliens, they must have the tools to do their job safely and effectively. I want to thank CFO Ingoglia for his dedication to prioritizing the needs of our deputies as they protect and serve the Polk County community.”

— Instagram of the week —

— Distinguished service —

U.S. District Judge Amanda Arnold Sansone has been named the recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Federal Judicial Service Award, recognizing outstanding and sustained public service with a focus on support for pro bono legal work.

The award will be presented by Chief Justice Carlos G. Muñiz during a Jan. 22 ceremony at the Florida Supreme Court, which will be livestreamed on Facebook, WFSU: Gavel to Gavel and the Florida Channel.

Sansone, who serves on the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida in Tampa, was cited for her long-standing commitment to the judiciary, the legal profession, and the broader community. In addition to her courtroom duties, she has played a leading role in overseeing pro se law clinic programs, supporting the Federal Reentry Program, and promoting pro bono representation in prisoner cases.

The ceremony will also recognize pro bono contributions from individuals, law firms, voluntary bars, judicial circuits, and young lawyers’ organizations.

— High school grad numbers high —

Ladies and gentlemen, the numbers are in, and they are looking great for Florida high school students. In fact, the best ever — just don’t look too closely at how much the bar has been lowered over the years.

This week, during the State of the State, DeSantis announced that Florida’s high school graduation rate reached 92.2% for the 2024-25 school year. That marks the highest graduation rate in state history and a 2.5% increase from the year prior. Not too shabby.

“Florida’s historic graduation rate reflects the power of Governor DeSantis’ strong leadership, clear expectations, and unwavering commitment to student success. These achievements demonstrate what can be accomplished when we uphold rigorous standards, provide robust support to schools and prepare every student for success beyond graduation,” said Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas.

Some of the raw numbers include a 5.6 percentage point increase for English Language Learners, up 13.3% since the 2021-22 school year; a 3.9% increase in graduation rates for African American students; a 2.6% increase for Hispanic students; and a 2.3% bump for students with disabilities.

Students classified as “economically disadvantaged” also saw a 3.3% increase, bringing the gain to 6.4% since the 2021-22 school year. Records have been broken. Let’s see if they eventually crack 93%.

For more information about graduation rates and data, visit DOE’s website.

— FDLE suicide research—

Mental health is human health, and one commonly underserved area in mental health research involves active and former law enforcement and corrections professionals. Some significant developments have occurred on that front.

This week, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) announced the publication of its first peer-reviewed scholarly study aimed at advancing understanding of suicide trends among active and former law enforcement and corrections professionals.

The findings were published in Policing: An International Journal under the title “Measuring Suicide Among Active and Former Sworn Law Enforcement Personnel: A State Level, Proof of Concept Methodology,” which was accepted on Nov. 17, 2025.

“This research represents a major step forward in understanding the full scope of this issue. By developing a method that other states can use, we are helping build the foundation for a more accurate and unified understanding of officer suicide nationwide,” said FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass.

“For the first time, we can see a more complete picture of Florida’s active and former certified officers who died by suicide, which is essential as we work to support the men and women who serve our state.”

The research resulted in the first peer-reviewed method for accurately identifying suicides among former sworn officers, an area previously considered a blind spot. It also established a state-level approach to support nationwide reporting consistency, along with a framework for a national surveillance strategy should other states opt to participate in shared data collection.

— Moving forward —

SB 54, sponsored by Sen. Barbara Sharief, advanced this week through its second Committee stop in the Appropriations Committee on Criminal Justice.

The measure focuses on procedures tied to information collection and reporting following incidents of life-threatening violence. Among its provisions, the bill addresses medical examiner reporting requirements and expands training for certain public safety and school personnel related to substances that may affect cognitive function.

As written, the legislation also establishes new processes for documenting toxicology findings in cases involving suspected violent offenders and outlines when certain medical records may be shared with law enforcement. Additional sections require substance-related training for school safety specialists and safe-school officers.

SB 54 will now move on to its next Committee of reference — it had been slotted for Rules but is currently pending reference review. If ultimately approved by the Legislature, the bill would take effect July 1, 2026.

— Smithsonian strike strike strike—

Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University continues to show what it means to raise the bar — not just as a student body or an HBCU, but as a community as a whole.

On Jan. 16, to celebrate the legacy of HBCUs, “At the Vanguard: Making and Saving History at HBCUs” launched at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) in Washington, D.C. The exhibition prominently showcases FAMU’s history and selections from its archival collections, alongside materials from four other HBCUs: Clark Atlanta University, Jackson State University, Texas Southern University, and Tuskegee University.

“This exhibition honors the legacy of HBCUs as cultural and educational powerhouses. Through these collections from our partner institutions, we see the breadth of Black intellectual excellence, activism and artistic achievement, reinforcing the vital role HBCUs play in shaping American history,” said the museum’s acting director, Shanita Brackett, in an official release announcing the exhibition.

Since opening in 2016, the museum — which spans more than 400,000 square feet — has welcomed more than 13 million visitors. Among the FAMU artifacts on display is a vegetable garden program brochure from the 1960s tied to the FAMU Cooperative Extension Tractor Clinic, a project that helped meet the needs of local farmers through hands-on skills training and demonstrations.

One of the most notable items featured in the exhibition is a rare color video of inventor and agricultural scientist George Washington Carver, one of only a few such recordings known to exist.

The exhibition will remain open through July 19, 2026. More information about the exhibit is available here.

— FSU Day at Capitol—

Planning on being at the Capitol this Wednesday? Well, good. Listen up — and go Noles.

Jan. 21 marks the annual “FSU Day” at the Capitol. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., visitors are invited to explore exhibits from Florida State University’s colleges, academic departments, and programs, with displays spread throughout the second- and third-floor rotundas of the Florida Capitol.

Be sure to step outside between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., when a pep rally will take place between the Old and New Capitol buildings. The rally will feature remarks from FSU President Richard McCullough, live performances by FSU’s pep band, Seminole Sound, appearances by FSU cheerleaders, and plenty of crowd energy. For the fourth year in a row, Jeff Culhane will serve as the official master of ceremonies.

When activities at the Capitol wrap up, the celebration continues. As part of FSU’s 175th anniversary, attendees can take part in the Legacy Walk, which will include free swag, a photo-op station, cupcakes, and special guests.

The night before, the FSU Office of Governmental Relations and the FSU Student Government Association will co-host “Seminole Evening on Adams” from 5 to 7 p.m. at Eve on Adams. The event is open to those interested in seeing FSU student leaders welcome attendees, state legislators, and other guests.

All events are free, open to the public, and garnet-and-gold attire is strongly encouraged. Be there — or be square. Or worse, an annoying Gator or Cane.

— Make Magnolia Dr. great again —

Tallahassee drivers — your prayers have been answered, depending on your daily route.

On Friday afternoon, Magnolia Drive between Pontiac Drive and Diamond Street reopened as part of Phase II of the Magnolia Drive Multi-Use Trail Project.

The $9 million renovation, funded by the Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency, includes new trail and sidewalk connections, improved lighting, upgraded underground utilities, and stormwater improvements designed to enhance safety and reliability.

“Reopening Magnolia Drive restores a critical connection for residents and commuters while delivering the safety upgrades and long-term infrastructure improvements. This project is about more than a roadway — it’s about building a safer, more resilient South Magnolia corridor for everyone who travels it,” said Leon County Commission Chair Christian Caban.

For Leon County, this marks just Phase II, with Phase III expected to follow. The next phase is slated to bring improvements from Diamond Street to Apalachee Parkway. As traffic returns, drivers are urged to remain alert for pedestrians and cyclists using the new sidewalks and paths, which may take some time to get used to.

“We truly appreciate the patience our neighbors have shown during the construction. Now that Magnolia Drive is open, our community benefits from a safer and more efficient corridor, especially for children on their way to school. Thank you for enduring the inconvenience; together, we’ve paved the way for a safer future,” said Leon County Vice Chair David O’Keefe.

To learn more about the Magnolia Drive Multi-Use Trail Project, visit LeonCountyFL.gov/Magnolia.

“This project delivers meaningful improvements to the South Magnolia corridor: rebuilding the roadway while modernizing stormwater and underground utilities, and adding safer options for people walking and biking,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent Long.

— Tallahassee creeper —

Not a good look for a former Tallahassee resident, but a strong one for the justice system.

This week, officials announced that Gabriel Michael Stoelze, 26, of Port St. Lucie, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison. Stoelze pleaded guilty in federal court to attempting to entice or persuade a minor to engage in sexual activity, distribution of child pornography, and receipt of child pornography.

“It is one of our highest duties to protect our children from the predations of sex offenders like this defendant, so I applaud the outstanding investigative work by our state and federal law enforcement partners to identify and catch this offender,” said John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, who announced the sentence.

“My office will continue to prosecute these sick individuals with the full force of the law and seek maximum punishment for their disgusting crimes to keep our children safe, both online and in our communities.”

Court documents show that in 2024, the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) received CyberTips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children based on information provided by social media platforms.

Records indicate that someone living in Tallahassee uploaded child pornography to social media servers while also sending files to other users. Investigators determined that Stoelze was communicating with users as young as 14 and attempting to arrange sexual encounters in person.

“The Tallahassee Police Department will continue to use every investigative tool available to protect children and uphold the safety of our community,” said Lawrence Revell, Chief of the TPD.

Law enforcement later searched a residence and discovered evidence that Stoelze sent and received child pornography through an online application.

“There is no safe haven for anyone who preys on children. The FBI will continue to aggressively investigate these crimes, which inflict irreparable harm and lasting trauma to the victims. This case highlights the critical partnership between our agents and state law enforcement partners and ensures there is one less predator victimizing the most innocent and vulnerable members of our community,” said Jason Carley, the FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge of the case.

When Stoelze is released from prison, he will be subject to a lifetime term of supervised release.

— Family Dollar Four busted—

No need to fear — the “Family Dollar Four” have been brought to justice.

This week, the TPD announced the arrest of four individuals from Texas in connection with a string of multi-state burglaries targeting Family Dollar stores across the South. The arrests were made in part using License Plate Reader (LPR) technology.

Robert Chalk, 23; Tyler Foster, 21; Daylon Malcom, 24; and Jylen William, 25, were charged with burglary of a structure (two counts), possession of burglary tools, and criminal mischief.

“Staying vigilant and being able to quickly identify crime trends is essential to keeping our community safe. By leveraging technology, real-time data, and advanced investigative tools, our officers and detectives can identify patterns, share information quickly, and act decisively,” said TPD Chief Revell.

“This case is a perfect example of how we can address problems head-on. Let this be a message: Tallahassee is not the place to come to commit crimes and then leave. Through a combination of technology, analytics, and strong partnerships, our officers, detectives, analysts, and partners will find you, and you will be held accountable.”

On Jan. 12, TPD was notified by the Pensacola Police Department (PPD) of the burglary spree targeting Family Dollar locations. Working quickly with PPD, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC), and using LPR technology, officers took the suspects into custody after observing criminal activity and preventing them from leaving a parking lot.

— 28 Years: The Rip’s Wire —

Off to the cinemas we go.

Coming in first this past weekend was “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” which scorched the box office with $22 million (yet haters still pretend people don’t like these films), bringing its domestic total to $349 million. “Primate” did decently for a January horror film, let alone one about a killer ape, and came in second with $11 million, and right behind with $11 million as well was “The Housemaid,” which has slowly proved it had legs in this holiday season, now start of 2026. Word-of-mouth people — the biggest thing Hollywood can’t predict.

Onto the new goods. Fans of the “28 Days Later” franchise didn’t have to wait long. Last year, with the critical and financial success of “28 Years Later,” it wasn’t shocking that the studio went through with the trilogy plans and released “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,” which was filmed at the same time as the previous film and picks up right where the last one leaves off. Alex Garland returns as the writer (“Annihilation,” “Civil War,” “Ex Machina”) along with the cast of Jack O’Connell, Oscar nominee Ralph Fiennes, and Alfie Williams. But this time, director Nia DaCosta (“Candyman,” “The Marvels,” “Hedda”) is in the director’s chair, not Oscar-winning Danny Boyle. Critics are loving it, though. 94% on Rotten Tomatoes, 7.8 on IMDB, and a 4.0 is really promising, especially for the fourth film in a franchise about zombies in the U.K.

On the visually striking side, but don’t get it twisted, it’s R-rated, is the animated film from Japan, “All You Need is Kill.” The film follows a “Groundhog Day”- style time-loop plot about a young woman during an alien invasion, who keeps dying until she crosses paths with a shy young man stuck in the cycle, too. It’s bloody, it’s sci-fi, it’s action-packed, and it’s less than 90 minutes. Sitting at a 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, 6.6 on IMDB, and a 3.4 on Letterboxd, that’s pretty good in our books.

For those looking for something a little bit more artistic or “cinema”-esque there’s Oscar nominee Gus Van Sant’s (“Goodwill Hunting,” “Milk,” “Elephant”) “Dead Man’s Wire” which is true story about Tony Kiritsis when he took the president of a mortgage company hostage in 1977 with a sawed off shotgun wired with a “dead man’s wire” from the trigger to Tony’s neck. The film stars Darce Montgomery (“Stranger Things,” “Elvis” “Power Rangers”) Bill Skarsgard (“It,” “Nosferatu,” “John Wick: Chapter 4”) and Oscar winner Al Pacino (“The Godfather,” “Serpico” “Dick Tracy”). The film is being praised as Gus Van Sant’s best work in years and is sitting at 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, 7.0 on IMDb, and 3.5 on Letterboxd.

And for those staying at home watching the NFL playoffs this weekend, great choice, but maybe in between the games, you can check out “The Rip,” the new Netflix action film from Oscar-winning duo Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. TheJoe Carnahan (“Smokin’ Aces,” “The Grey,” “The A-Team”) co-written and directed movie is loosely based on a true story about a group of Miami cops that discover a stash of millions in cash which turns to distrust and hijinks. Portions of the film were actually filmed in Miami. Notable faces like Oscar nominee Steven Yeun (“Beef,” “Minari,” “Nope”)Teyana Taylor (“One Battle After Another,” “A Thousand and One” “Coming 2 America”) and Emmy winner Kyle Chandler (“Friday Night Lights,” “Super 8,” “Wolf of Wall Street”) round out the cast. It’s getting good reviews, especially for a streamer-released action film, with an 85% on Rotten Tomatoes (77% with audience) and a 3.4 on Letterboxd, which is more than respectable.

And if you’re a big Game of Thrones fan, even after the disastrous 2019 ending, HBO just dropped another spin-off series in “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” which is set 1,000 years before the events of the critically acclaimed books and show. It has 87% on Rotten Tomatoes and drops on Sunday.

Happy watching.

— Capitol Directions —

CIVILITY — Down arrow — It’s optional.
RON DESANTIS — Down arrow — Was it his last State of the State, or his first State of the Self?
JAY COLLINS, PART 1 — Down arrow — Turn autocorrect back on.
JAY COLLINS, PART 2 — Down arrow — 404: Campaign launch not found.
JAMES FISHBACK — Down arrow — Ragebait doesn’t pay.
PAUL RENNER — Up arrow — An actual campaign, not performance art.
WILTON SIMPSON — Up arrow — He’s focused on farmers, food, and fundamentals — and the White House is watching.
ANASTASIOS KAMOUTSAS — Up arrow — Graduation rates ticked up. We’ll take the win.
JOSÉ OLIVA — Down arrow — ‘It’s not personal, Sonny. It’s strictly business.’
EVAN POWER — Up arrow — Day one entry, day one endorsements.
BEN ALBRITTON — Crossways arrow — He says he’s not a King, then wastes no time crowning his top priority.
DANIEL PEREZ — Up arrow — The only one honest enough to say the quiet part out loud: who knows what’s going to happen?
JOSIE TOMKOW, JON MAPLES — Up arrow — And now we wait.
FLORIDA HOUSE — Double up arrow — Passed meaningful legislation right out of the gate. As Jay Collins says, ‘Leadership is forged under pressure, not in soundbites.’
JAY TRUMBULL — Up arrow — A reminder for DOH: Someone is watching.
LORI BERMAN, FENTRICE DRISKELL — Up arrow — ‘Dems in disarray’ didn’t show up this week.
ADAM ANDERSON, SHANE ABBOTT — Up arrow — Moving the chains for student athletes and coaches.
SAM GRECO — Up arrow — Smart, steady, and unflappable on a difficult issue. This is how a freshman becomes a star.
FIONA MCFARLAND — Up arrow — Accountability but make it statutory.
VANESSA OLIVER — Up arrow — Got it out of the House in week one. Senate, your move.
JENNA PERSONS MULICKA — Up arrow — She doesn’t negotiate with terrorists.
JASON SHOAF — Up arrow — He reminded the FMA that the HOB isn’t the OR.
DANA TRABULSY — Up arrow — She rejected the notion that ‘there isn’t enough justice to go around.’
MAGA MEG WEINBERGER — Up arrow — She secured the Donald J. Trump Airport and was there with him at the ribbon cutting.
ABORTION LEGISLATION — Down arrow — Creates more lawsuits, lowers health care access. Sounds like a lose-lose.
DANIELLE MAROLF — Down arrow — In DeSantis’ Florida, you can win by losing.
FLORIDA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE — Up arrow — They know how to fill a room with substance.
DUKE ENERGY FLORIDA — Up arrow — Customers are getting a little relief ahead of schedule.
AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION — Down arrow — See ya!
NEW COLLEGE OF FLORIDA — Up arrow — The experiment is gaining traction.
SHANNON SHEPP — Down arrow — Florida oranges are the Pittsburg Post-Gazette of the citrus industry.
UBER — Up arrow — If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
ASSOCIATED PRESS — Down arrow — Is it the 49-state strategy now?
NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA — Down arrow — ‘Rebuilding’ is putting it mildly.
DEPRESSION — Up arrow — Anyone else notice the astroturf squares sinking into the House garage?
VESTIBULEs — Up arrow — Remember standing outside in the winter during the Florida Association of Every-Fucking-Person-Day on the Hill waiting to pass the metal detectors?
ALLISON AUBUCHON — Bumblebee — This is a rebrand done right.
GOVERNOR’S INN — Down arrow — Renovations timed for maximum inconvenience.
HAYWARD HOUSE — Up arrow — Caviar service in Tallahassee. Respect.
MR. BOTANA SR. — Halo — He mattered here, and the House knew it.