As Florida observes National Family Caregivers Month, AARP Florida and Florida State University’s Claude Pepper Center are partnering to spotlight the growing realities of unpaid care across the state.

The organizations will co-host an in-person forum on Tuesday focused on the future of family caregiving in Florida. The event, running from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship in Tallahassee, will explore the emotional and economic pressures facing caregivers and present policy ideas to strengthen statewide support systems. A resource fair and networking hour will begin at 4 p.m., followed by presentations at 4:30 p.m.

The discussion comes as new AARP data outlines the scale of caregiving in Florida. According to Caregiving in the U.S. 2025: Caring Across States, about 24% of Florida adults — roughly 4.45 million people — serve as family caregivers, providing largely unpaid and unsupported care to older parents, spouses and loved ones. Their efforts represent an estimated $40 billion in unpaid care each year.

“When a loved one needs help, family members, friends and neighbors step up — that’s what we do,” said Jeff Johnson, AARP Florida State Director. “But too often, caregivers carry this responsibility alone, often putting their finances, health and jobs at risk. As our state population ages, the demand for care will only grow.”

On average, Florida’s family caregivers are 51 years old and care for someone 69 years old, most often a parent. About one-quarter are “sandwich generation” caregivers, supporting both older relatives and children under 18. One-third provide at least 40 hours of care per week, and another third have been caregiving for three years or longer.

The financial and emotional costs are considerable. Eight in 10 caregivers spend out of pocket to help meet loved ones’ needs, averaging $7,200 a year — about 25% of their income. More than half report financial setbacks such as taking on debt or struggling to afford essentials. Four in 10 experience high emotional stress, while nearly one-quarter say they feel isolated.

The upcoming forum will feature personal stories from caregivers, an overview of community resources, and policy discussions with elected officials and experts. AARP Florida and the Claude Pepper Center hope the event will serve as both an opportunity to hear stories from caregivers and a springboard for solutions ahead of the 2026 Legislative Session.

Attendance is open to the public and media, but advance registration is required due to limited seating. Additional information and caregiver tools can be found through AARP’s Family Caregiver Resource Guides and online Caregiving Hub.

___

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, Andrew Powell and the staff of Florida Politics.

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

— Take 5 —

More mudslinging — Less than a week after he bashed a package of proposed ballot questions House Republicans filed to lower or eliminate property taxes, Gov. Ron DeSantis unleashed a longer, more detailed criticism of the measures. None are any good, DeSantis said, and they have no chance of passing unless the House can distill the best parts of each into a single, clearly written, broadly appealing proposal. “They put out a bunch of proposals. They’re all milquetoast. There’s not one proposal that people would get excited about. Not one. They’re total half-measures, which is not what people are asking for. People want to be bold,” he said, adding that in the future, with multiple property tax proposals, it will cause “confusion on the ballot.”

TBD — As DeSantis and House Speaker Daniel Perez continue to debate how worthwhile and successful eight property tax relief proposals will be, Florida’s top accountants are looking into how they’d financially impact localities statewide. The answer is … to be determined. Number crunchers from the Governor’s Office, Senate, House and Office of Economic & Demographic Research convened this week for the first of multiple Revenue Impact Estimating Conference meetings on the subject. Those hoping to get numerical insights on how each of the proposed changes would affect homeowners and the budgets of their counties and cities surely came away disappointed.

Cutoff — Federal officials have said November benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will not be issued without new spending authority, a move that would interrupt aid relied upon by roughly 42 million people nationwide. Florida has not announced a state-funded bridge to keep benefits flowing, even as some states explore temporary measures to cover the gap. That leaves an estimated 3 million SNAP recipients in Florida at risk of losing assistance beginning Nov. 1. The pressure is acute across myriad localities across the Sunshine State.

Entering the ring? — Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, rumored to be considering a run for Governor, is set to hold an announcement rally next week, several media outlets are reporting. Demings will speak at 5 p.m., Nov. 6, at the Rosen Centre on International Drive. Demings, a Democrat, is term-limited as Orange County Mayor. He has a background in law enforcement, having served as the former Orange County Sheriff and the former Orlando Police Chief. Demings has been at odds with DeSantis and state Republicans over an audit and an immigration contract with the federal government that Demings felt pressured to sign in fear of being suspended from office by DeSantis. Meanwhile, Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, a Republican who had been expected to enter the race last month, told the media this week he is “still deciding.”

Next stop, Miami-Dade — Florida’s ongoing audit of local government spending found its worst offender yet — Miami-Dade County — in terms of total dollars exceeding proper budgeting, CFO Blaise Ingoglia announced. Until this week, he said, the state’s DOGE initiative had uncovered $1.2 billion in wasteful spending across eight local governments. Adding DOGE’s numbers for Miami-Dade pushes the total past $1.5 billion. In the last fiscal year, Ingoglia said to a roomful of gasps Thursday at Florida International University’s Biscayne Bay Campus, Miami-Dade spends $302 million more than it should, even after accounting for inflation and population growth. Ingoglia added that, as a percentage, Manatee County still outspends all other local governments by inappropriate levels. “But this is an awfully big number,” he said. “This is the biggest number we have seen in raw dollars in the state of Florida.”

— Bright minds ban —

Immigration continues to dominate national headlines during this second Donald Trump administration, and in Florida, our own administration is taking similar steps that are sparking debate and controversy. Whether it’s “Alligator Alcatraz” or now H-1B visas, the pattern persists.

This week in Tampa, DeSantis directed the Florida Board of Governors to “crack down” on alleged H-1B visa abuse in higher education across the state. The H-1B classification allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers — typically for three years — in specialty occupations.

That directive came alongside an announcement that the Florida Department of Education is working with the U.S. Department of Education, the State University System and other partners to cancel or repurpose millions of dollars in diversity, equity and inclusion–related grants.

“Universities across the country are importing foreign workers on H-1B visas instead of hiring Americans who are qualified and available to do the job. We will not tolerate H-1B abuse in Florida institutions. That’s why I have directed the Florida Board of Governors to end this practice,” DeSantis said.

Florida will now require academic institutions to prioritize American graduates to prevent public universities — and by extension, taxpayers — from funding faculty and researchers from abroad. Since coordinating with the Department of Education, Florida has repurposed or canceled so-called “DEI-related grants” totaling more than $33 million.

That includes $1.5 million for “Challenging Anti-Black Racism in Civil and Environmental Engineering Curriculum” and another $1.5 million for promoting “historically marginalized students” in STEM fields.

As of June 30, 2025, more than 1,900 Florida employers were sponsoring about 7,200 H-1B visa holders, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services data.

Supporters of these programs argue that attracting top global talent enriches Florida’s universities and strengthens academic competitiveness. Not this administration — and apparently not either version of the DOE.

— Green groups in crosshairs —

Attorney General James Uthmeier is taking a leadership role among several southern states scrutinizing connections between environmental groups and large corporations.

Uthmeier has teamed up with Attorneys General from Texas, Georgia, Alabama and Louisiana who are raising questions about potential antitrust violations. Uthmeier and his counterparts have drafted letters saying they believe there is coordination between some companies and environmental activists over recycling practices.

“We have reason to believe that the policies of the Consumer Goods Forum, the Green Blue Institute and the U.S. Plastics Pact are hindering states’ economic prosperity by coordinating business behavior, which would constitute violations of Florida’s antitrust laws. We will not allow these activist organizations to push misguided policies that can’t win at the ballot box and inflate prices for Florida consumers,” Uthmeier said in a news release Wednesday.

“Radical environmental activists do not have the right, nor the avenue, to suppress business operations in our market.”

Uthmeier said the three groups he singled out are involved in efforts to regulate plastic production and packaging standards and identify recyclable material. The state’s top law enforcement official said those efforts could amount to restraining competition, increasing consumer costs and limiting choice.

He said he and his colleagues are asking the environmental groups to explain their market activities and to provide supporting documents detailing their approaches. Uthmeier added that if coordination exists between the groups and corporations, the activity raises serious questions about collusion and market manipulation.

— Medicaid Fraud Unit gets cred —

A special wing of the Florida Attorney General’s Office now has official status to help fight Medicaid rip-offs in the state.

Uthmeier announced the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) has earned formal accreditation. He said the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) approved the recognition for the Medicaid fraud team within the Florida Department of Legal Affairs.

The accreditation was awarded on Sanibel Island during the CFA’s Fall conference. The certification followed on-site assessments of the unit’s operations, which found no deficiencies.

“Accreditation is the gold standard in law enforcement,” Uthmeier said. “For the first time since its founding in 1994, our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit has earned CFA accreditation — and they did it without a single deficiency. That speaks volumes about the integrity, professionalism and dedication of our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and our shared commitment to protecting Florida’s seniors and taxpayers.”

The CFA serves as the primary accrediting body for law enforcement and corrections agencies in Florida. Most sheriff’s offices and police departments seek their approval to demonstrate adherence to professional standards and procedures.

— Farm Bill plows ahead —

As November arrives, Florida politicians are gearing up for their 2026 agendas — the start of Session is closer than it seems.

This week, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson is spotlighting SB 290, the 2026 Florida Farm Bill. Sponsored by Sen. Keith Truenow and Rep. Danny Alvarez, the measure aims to support and defend Florida’s farmers by restricting local governments from banning or prohibiting gasoline-powered farm and lawn care equipment.

The bill also includes provisions to protect first responders and the public from dangerous signal-jamming technology and to crack down on organized cheating on commercial driver’s license English proficiency exams.

“The 2026 Florida Farm Bill is about protecting freedom, family and Florida’s farmers. With the leadership of Senator Keith Truenow and Representative Danny Alvarez, this bill defends the people who feed our state and our nation while also protecting the public from dangerous and disruptive technologies, organized fraud and government overreach. Together, we’re strengthening the backbone of Florida’s economy and ensuring our state remains a place where freedom, family and farmers can thrive,” Simpson said.

The legislation also targets bad contractors by creating a “suspended vendor” list, imposing criminal penalties on contractors who fail to pay subcontractors or suppliers, and imposing fines for door-to-door commercial solicitation at homes displaying “No Solicitation” signs.

“Florida’s agriculture industry is the foundation of our economy and our way of life. The 2026 Florida Farm Bill, thanks to the leadership of Commissioner Simpson, ensures we protect and support that foundation while also strengthening public safety, defending property rights and keeping government out of the way of hardworking Floridians,” Truenow said.

For more information about the bill and the Commissioner, visit FDACS.gov.

— CFO For F3 —

This week in Orlando, the 2025 Future of Florida Forum (F3) and Florida Chamber Annual Meeting brought together Florida’s business, political, nonprofit and community leaders to discuss what’s needed to secure Florida’s future as a top-10 global economy.

During the first day, Chief Financial Officer Ingoglia took the stage to speak on the theme “Inspiring Florida: Shaping Florida’s Economic Future.”

Ingoglia told the crowd he and his team are focused on three priorities to boost affordability for Floridians and business owners: government waste, property taxes and insurance.

“We are being super, if not hyper-aggressive, when it comes to going out and tackling some of these issues,” Ingoglia said.

He added that he’s constantly looking for ways to balance Florida’s business-friendly environment with making the state an affordable place for families.

“Traditionally, the places that have the highest cost of living are the places that have the most coastline and the most sunshine, and traditionally, when you think of those places, you think of California and Hawaii. It is very, very difficult to make ends meet there. It is very difficult for businesses in these states,” Ingoglia said.

“The fact of the matter is, people are moving here to the state of Florida, so we actually have to work double hard to make sure that we are giving the American dream the opportunity to people, because people are moving from the high-regulatory, high-tax states, and they are settling here. We are almost a victim of our own success because we are doing such a fabulous job that we are attracting people from all the other states now.”

Ingoglia also criticized local governments for expanding their reach at taxpayers’ expense.

“Your local governments are not being good partners with you guys. They’re not being good partners for your family, they’re not being good partners with your business, because they are taking your property tax dollars and they are expanding the scope and the size of the government,” he said.

Ingoglia said his focus remains squarely on keeping Florida affordable.

— Yap for cash —

Who said it doesn’t pay to argue? This week, DeSantis announced some exciting news about the upcoming Ronald Reagan Florida Civics and Debate Initiative (FCDI) State Championship, set for April 5, 2026, at New College of Florida.

While in Sarasota, DeSantis revealed that the winner of the FCDI will receive $50,000 and a trophy named in honor of the recently assassinated conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. The second-place winner will receive a $25,000 scholarship, the two semifinalists will earn $15,000 each, and the four quarterfinalists will take home $10,000 scholarships.

“We have worked hard to make Florida the national model for civics education. The Florida Civics and Debate Initiative reflects our commitment to fostering students’ appreciation for America’s founding principles,” DeSantis said.

The scholarships are funded in part by philanthropist Patricia Duggan of Clearwater, along with the Florida Prepaid Foundation, which matched the donations. The winner and runner-up will also be invited to attend the National Ronald Reagan Presidential Debate in California.

“Florida is modeling for the nation the impact of comprehensive civics education. With the addition of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Debate into FCDI, students have even more opportunities to showcase their civics knowledge while engaging in respectful discourse. Through FCDI and the Civics Literacy Excellence Initiatives, we are ensuring the next generation understands our founding principles and is equipped to preserve them through active civic participation,” said Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas.

Since the DeSantis administration began, FCDI has grown from 59 teams in 11 districts to 330 teams across every School District in the state.

— Instagram of the week —

— Folksy —

Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd announced Thursday that Pedro Zepeda will be the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Florida Folk Heritage Award.

The award recognizes exceptional folk artists and cultural advocates who have made significant contributions to preserving and celebrating Florida’s unique folklife traditions. The award will be formally presented to Zepeda during a special ceremony held alongside the induction into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame.

“The Florida Department of State is proud to honor Pedro for his commitment to preserving and advancing the art of Seminole dugout canoes,” Byrd said. “His contributions have led to a greater appreciation and recognition of Seminole traditional arts and artists in our state.”

Zepeda specializes in a variety of traditional Seminole arts and is a master folk artist who grew up in a conventional Seminole community. Many of his art forms were taught to him by experienced tribal members, including his grandmother, Tahama Osceola; his brother, Brian Zepeda; and Medicine Man Ingram Billie Jr.

Working as a cultural advocate and educator, Zepeda has focused much of his career on the art of Seminole-style dugout canoe carving, using only naturally fallen Cypress trees and an adze, which is a traditional hand tool primarily used in woodworking.

Outside of his art and work as an educator at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki museum, which began in 2005, Zepeda presents at conferences and other events across the nation on aspects of Seminole culture.

Zepeda’s work has been showcased at the Collier County Museum, History Fort Lauderdale, and HistoryMiami Museum. He has performed demonstrations at the Florida Folk Festival, the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, and was the 2019 Artist-In-Residence at HistoryMiami.

— Florida port proud —

The 2025 Future of Florida Forum at the Florida Chamber of Commerce annual meeting this week in Orlando featured a key panel discussion on the future of America’s Most Capable Ports: Moving People & Goods.

Hosted by Colton Madill, the Chamber’s Director of Economic Development, Innovation and Infrastructure Policy, the onstage discussion quickly turned to Florida’s growing influence among U.S. ports.

Nick Primrose, Chief of Regulatory Compliance at JAXPORT in Northeast Florida, said the state’s unique geography positions it to become the most influential logistics and transportation hub in the country.

“You look at the map of the United States and Florida just sticks out — we’re just jutting out into the water,” Primrose said. “We’re the closest state to the Panama Canal, where all that cargo moves from Asia and Southeast Asia ports. And obviously, we’re consumers of all those goods.”

He added that Florida’s ports will play an even more prominent role in the coming years because of population growth in the Southeastern U.S. and are in “a really prime location to capture all that cargo. From a transit time, to be the first state out of the Panama Canal, means quicker access to rail and road and airports.”

Primrose said Florida’s scale and population make its influence inevitable.

“We’re really well situated,” he said. “If you look at the population growth in the United States, we’re booming … Florida’s going to play a prime role because we have all those ports in a prime location.”

Juan Carlos Liscano, vice president of Miami Hub Operations for American Airlines, agreed, noting that the airline is the largest in Florida with 20,000 employees statewide.

Liscano said American is already planning for the growth, adding new flights only after considering the economic impact on the surrounding area.

— FWF FTW —

The Florida Wildlife Federation (FWF) is recognizing Sen. Gayle Harrell and Rep. John Snyder for their leadership in efforts to protect state lands from inappropriate development.

The two lawmakers have earned the 2025 State Parks Champion Award in Palm Beach in recognition of their leadership on the State Park Preservation Act, which passed the Legislature unanimously last Session and was signed into law by DeSantis on May 22. The FWF honored Harrell and Snyder on Oct. 21.

The legislation was introduced following public concern over proposed golf courses and “resort-style developments” within nine state parks. The law safeguards 175 Florida state parks against incompatible uses and guarantees public participation in any future management changes.

FWF Board Member Bobbie Lindsay and Douglas Buck hosted the reception. While celebrating the victory, FWF President and CEO Sarah Gledhill noted the organization’s advocacy continues as it prepares for the 2026 Legislative Session.

— Recycling heroes —

The Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation has announced the winners of the 2025 Recycling Champions Awards.

The awards recognize companies, organizations, government entities, and individuals who have made a significant impact in advancing recycling and sustainability across Florida.

The 2025 Recycling Champions include:

The Florida Bar Book Recycling Program — an initiative that recycles outdated Florida Statutes, law books and printed materials. Almost half a million pounds of books have been recycled since its inception.

Novolex — Through its Convenient Recycling Access Program at Publix and other Florida grocers, as well as its Bag2Bag® initiative, Novolex repurposes returned plastic bags into resin used to make new packaging products and plastic bags.

Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) — Leading by example, OCPS fosters sustainability and environmental responsibility among its students. OCPS runs a “Tough on Trash” initiative that conducts hands-on experiments to measure and reduce student waste. OCPS has also piloted a food scrap composting program at 21 schools, turning 512,000 pounds of food into nutrient-rich soil.

Naples Airport Authority (NAA) — The NAA and its Fixed-Base Operator, Naples Aviation, have integrated environmental sustainability into their everyday operations. Through its Environmental Sustainability in Aviation initiative, NAA reduces greenhouse gas emissions, improves air quality, and enhances the resilience of airport operations through its Transformative Fuel Initiative and the use of electric vehicles in its fleets.

St. Lucie County Solid Waste Division — Through its Recycle Rangers program, St. Lucie County Solid Waste Division has expanded education on recycling and fostered engagement across the community, helping to make recycling fun, memorable, and accessible.

Award winners will present their programs during Florida Recycles Day on Nov. 13, 2025, at Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland.

For further details and registration, visit www.flrecycling.org.

— Honoring innovation —

The South Walton County Mosquito District of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, was honored at the fourth Annual Innovate Awards by T-Mobile held at Gartner® IT Symposium/Xpo™ in Orlando last week.

Formerly known as the Unconventional Awards, the newly named Innovate Awards spotlight businesses and public sector organizations across the U.S. that harness advanced connectivity to drive meaningful outcomes.

District Director Darrin Dunwald was presented with the Tipping Point Designation by New York Times bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell.

The South Walton Mosquito District was honored for launching the Florida Panhandle’s first-ever drone-powered mosquito control program.

Using T-Mobile 5G, the district has now set a new standard for sustainable health, cutting treatment times by 75%, reducing chemical use, and optimizing resource allocation through geographic information systems mapping.

The initiative helps increase efficiency to safeguard communities and further showcases the potential of using advanced connectivity in public service. The Tipping Point Designation includes a $30,000 charitable donation to the district’s choice.

“T-Mobile 5G is more than technology — it’s a foundation that allows bold ideas to come to life,” said Gladwell. “This year’s winners are proof that when organizations have reliable, high-speed connectivity, they can reimagine industries, protect communities and create entirely new possibilities.”

Mo Katibeh, Chief Marketing Officer at T-Mobile for Business, said customers are pushing the boundaries of 5G, which in turn is transforming businesses and strengthening communities.

“The Innovate Awards celebrate the real-world business outcomes being driven on America’s best mobile network — and the bold innovators shaping the future,” Katibeh said.

—Shoe game —

Sneakerheads, this one’s for you. And in the world of fashion and culture, of course, Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University is involved.

FAMU recently celebrated its collaboration with Nike, honoring HBCUs. Now in its sixth year, the partnership has produced the newest shoe: Nike’s 2025 Yardrunners 6.0 Air Max 95. The brand calls it its most ambitious release yet, featuring four distinct Air Max 95 designs, each dedicated to a different HBCU.

“The Nike Yardrunners partnership and the release of the Air Max 95 FAMU Edition represent far more than just a shoe. They stand as a powerful symbol of legacy, culture and innovation,” said Brandi Tatum Fedrick, executive director of the FAMU Foundation.

“This historic collaboration honors the enduring spirit of Florida A&M University, where style meets purpose, and inspires the next generation of Rattlers to dream boldly, walk proudly and carry FAMU’s legacy with them every step of the way.”

FAMU, Spelman College, Norfolk State University and Morehouse College were the HBCUs selected, and FAMU’s shoe features orange and green tones with a reptile texture. The unveiling event, hosted by FAMU alumni Melanie Mitchell and Caitlin Davi, brought high energy to a crowd of sneaker fans.

The highlight of the celebration — besides the shoes, of course — was a live performance from Tallahassee’s own Luh Tyler, a rapper and singer with 2.4 million monthly listeners on Spotify and a breakout hit, “2 Slippery,” boasting more than 62 million streams.

The shoes are available through Nike’s SNKRS app and select Hibbett Sports retailers in Tallahassee, retailing for about $200.

“The Nike Yardrunners activation served as an event that went beyond its purpose to honor HBCU traditions and artistic expression. The activation provided our campus and community with a chance to meet each other while participating in activities that matched the vibrant atmosphere of our university,” said Kennedy Williams, vice president of the Student Government Association.

“I loved getting a pair of the new FAMU Yardrunner shoe release. I’m extremely happy to see Nike continue to show up for HBCUs.”

—You on the Moors Now—

Who said classic literature couldn’t be fun or lively — besides you in your high school English class all those years ago?

Florida State University’s School of Theatre is staging a production of You on the Moors Now, a play by Jaclyn Backhaus that reimagines literature’s most iconic heroines. Elizabeth Bennet, Catherine Earnshaw, Jane Eyre and Jo March in this romp decide they will no longer adhere to society’s rules.

For anyone who needs an AP Lit refresher, those are the leads from Pride and Prejudice, Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre and Little Women.

Performances began Halloween night at The Lab Theatre (502 S. Copeland St.) and run through Nov. 9.

“This play dives into the deconstruction and reconstruction of self, love and society, asking: Who defines us? What do we stand for? What happens when we step into the unknown? With humor, absurdity and heart, You on the Moors Now transforms the romantic tropes of 19th-century literature into a modern battlefield of ideas — reminding us that some truths, and some questions, are timeless,” said director Jasmine Bracey.

The starring roles belong to FSU School of Theatre students Onyekachi Anyagaligbo (Elizabeth Bennet), Caitlyn Hagney (Cathy), Charlotte Fletcher (Jane Eyre) and Brooke Culp (Jo March). Bracey directs, with production design by Anna Grigo, costumes by Makenzie Vaughan, and lighting design by Naiomy Pérez Del Valle.

“William Shakespeare wrote, ‘All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.’ This show takes that idea and pulls it apart — examining the tension between the roles we’re assigned and the people we’re becoming,” Bracey said.

For a good laugh and a fresh take on the classics, tickets are available at tickets.theatre.fsu.edu. For more information about the program, visit theatre.fsu.edu.

— Working with (and for) you —

Workspaces and bosses want to ensure they don’t have constant turnover when hiring employees. And Tallahassee State College (TSC) is letting the world know how to be not only an effective place to work, but one of the best.

This week, TSC earned national recognition from The National Association for Business Resources (NABR), which announced TSC is one of the “Best and Brightest Companies to Work For” in the nation. Only 10% of applicants earned a spot on this list, putting TSC in high regard amongst all industries, not just education.

“Being named one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For is a tremendous honor and a reflection of TSC’s culture. When we take care of our employees, they can fully focus on what matters most, the success of our students,” said Jim Murdaugh, the president of TSC.

This is the fourth year in a row TSC has earned this honor, spanning back to 2022. The NABR selects winners based on a variety of factors, including research-driven evaluations of the workplace, employee pay/benefits, career development and staff retention, compensation, employee enrichment, and the workforce’s role in the community and its engagement with it.

The honor reflects TSC’s position at the forefront of innovation, employee engagement, and excellent HR practices. Congratulations to TSC, especially to the top faculty and staff who make working at TSC a little better for all the professors and employees every day.

— Super-fun! —

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s Tallahassee Movie Night!

On Nov. 8, get the family together, grab your significant other — or in this case, bring your dog — because the 2025 global phenomenon Superman (2025) is coming to Cascades Park for all to enjoy, free of charge. The super-puppy Krypto will also make an appearance. All ages are welcome.

The excitement starts at 5 p.m. with a variety of events, including a costume contest. So, grab your best bald cap for Nicholas Hoult’s spin on Lex Luthor, or channel your inner punk-rocker as David Corenswet’s embodiment of hope — Clark Kent himself.

Food vendors will be on-site offering dinner options, snacks and treats. Complimentary popcorn will be available while supplies last. Seating is first-come, first-served, so plan accordingly if you want the best spot. Tallahassee residents are encouraged to bring blankets for hill seating.

If you haven’t seen James Gunn’s cinematic reboot of the DC Universe (and don’t have HBO), this is your chance to catch it on the biggest screen possible. The film is packed with action and carries a PG-13 rating, so parents and guardians should take note before bringing young children.

For more information, visit Talgov.com/Park. The film, produced on a $225 million budget, earned $615 million worldwide — now it’s being offered for free as a post-Halloween treat for the 850.

— Self-Bugonia —

Movie time. Let’s get right into what’s what in new releases.

From five-time Academy Award nominee and master of the bizarre Yorgos Lanthimos (Poor Things, The Favourite, The Lobster) comes his latest collaboration with two-time Oscar winner Emma Stone (La La Land, Poor Things, Easy A) and the criminally underrated Oscar nominee Jesse Plemons (The Power of the Dog, Civil War, Breaking Bad).

The film, “Bugonia,” follows two men driven by a wild conspiracy who kidnap a powerful CEO because they believe she’s an alien. Of course, Lanthimos is involved in this. The film marks the fourth full-length collaboration between Stone and Lanthimos. It’s already being hailed as a critical darling, with an 89% score on Rotten Tomatoes (83% with audiences), a 7.7 on IMDb and a 4.0 on Letterboxd. Watch out — this awards-season favorite could easily find itself in Best Picture and acting categories. But if this is your first Lanthimos film, buckle up — you’re in for a strange ride.

On the spooky side, helping ease that post-Halloween lull, there’s “Self-Help,” a new horror film about a daughter trying to free her mother from a community with unsettling, cultlike undertones. Co-written and directed by Erik Bloomquist, it stars Landry Bender (Looking for Alaska, The Sitter), Jake Weber (Dawn of the Dead [2004], Meet Joe Black) and Amy Hargreaves (Homeland, Blue Ruin). It’s earning strong reviews — 87% on Rotten Tomatoes, 7.0 on IMDb and 3.1 on Letterboxd — suggesting it’s a solid choice for a late-season scare.

And at home this week, Prime Video debuts “Hedda,” a reimagining of Henrik Ibsen’s classic play. Written and directed by Nia DaCosta (Candyman [2021], The Marvels, Little Woods), the film stars Tessa Thompson (Passing, Thor: Ragnarok, Creed) and Nina Hoss (Tár, A Most Wanted Man, Barbara). The sleek new adaptation is drawing rave reviews, with a 91% on Rotten Tomatoes and 3.4 on Letterboxd — and may finally earn Thompson the Oscar attention many thought she deserved for “Passing.”

— Capitol Directions —

DeSantis vs. Perez — Down arrow — Who else is already over ‘Stupid’ vs. ‘small and petty.’

Jay Collins — Down arrow — werewaiting.gif

David Jolly — Down arrow — Jerry Demings says hello. The rest of the party says, “good luck with that.”

Blaise Ingoglia — Up arrow — Backed by 60 Sheriffs. Call it a full arrest of doubt.

James Uthmeier — Crossways arrow — Probably not a great sign when “order in the court” comes with live ammo.

Larry Keefe — Crossways arrow — “Planned transition?” And Tallahassee’s humidity is “strategic moisture.”

Doug Broxson — Crossways arrow — From Senate Chair to Board of Governors. The revolving door is still spinning.

Legislative Democrats — Up arrow — Moral clarity: achieved, for once.

Florida Civics and Debate Initiative — Up arrow — Arguing for cash now comes with a $50K Kirk kicker.

Jon Maples — Up arrow — Cue the victory lap music.

Smart & Safe Florida — Up arrow — Suing the state to make it follow its own rules. High time … literally.

Florida Chamber — Up arrow — F3 nailed it again. Facts, data, vision … and plenty left for a sequel.

Sunshine Health — Down arrow —Cutting kids’ care, cashing billion-dollar checks. Cloudy with no chance of conscience.

TECO — Up arrow — Hurricane tested, server approved.

Candy corn makers — Up arrow — Eleven months of peace before the hate resumes.

Chris Latvala — Prayer hands — Home again. Hallelujah.