Cooking is a valuable life skill, a great hobby, a delicious way to unwind, and the premise of a certain Hulu/FX “comedy” that has steamrolled the Emmys. You probably know the one. If not, where have you been the last three years?

For kids, cooking is also a hands-on lesson in following directions, time management, and the cultural mashup we all live in (and eat in). It also broadens a young person’s palate.

Fresh From Florida, the program run by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson to promote local food and in-season produce, has launched a new online course for families: Jr. Chef University.

Fresh flavors and kitchen adventures await, and who knows — this could spark the next Julia Child or Gordon Ramsay, minus the swearing and general rage. And if it doesn’t? Maybe your kid will finally appreciate your cooking… though realistically, that probably won’t happen until they’re living off dollar ramen in college.

The course is self-paced and designed for young aspiring chefs, with recipes centered on Florida-grown produce. It’s good for your body, the state’s economy, and farmers.

The program is taught by Chef Justin Timineri, an executive chef, author, TV personality, Florida’s official chef and culinary ambassador, and the winner of Food Network’s Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans in 2006. Two junior chef ambassadors, Chef Amy and Chef Addy, round out the team to show that anyone can cook — a lesson first delivered by Brad Bird’s Pixar classic Ratatouille.

“Junior Chef University: where cooking meets fun. We’ll teach you how to be more confident in the kitchen, all while whipping up delicious recipes, so grab your aprons and let’s get cooking,” Timineri said in the official launch video.

The first 300 families to register will receive a Jr. Chef Cooking Kit (two per household), including an apron, measuring tools, a spatula, a safety knife, a cutting board, food storage bags, and cookbooks. In other words, everything your college-age son didn’t have the first night he tried to make dinner.

Kits arrive in about two weeks. Families can also take a cooking knowledge quiz, find a full curriculum, download a produce guide, and print a certificate of completion on the Fresh From Florida website.

Food brings people together. Whether it’s memories, skills, bragging rights, or a spark of creativity, FDACS and Fresh From Florida are serving an easy invitation. Your future Thanksgiving sous-chef isn’t going to materialize on their own — especially while your significant other is glued to the NFL. This is your chance to make one.

For more information and to sign up, visit Fresh from Florida.

___

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—

Stay tuned … — With roughly two months to go until legislators begin the 2026 Legislative Session, Gov. Ron DeSantis reminds them that he still expects a new Congressional map as part of their work. “Stay tuned,” he posted to social media Thursday night, responding to a post paraphrasing House Speaker Daniel Perez’s position that redistricting is “not planned.” DeSantis has asserted repeatedly that he expects redistricting “this spring,” a move that would further cement GOP domination of the Congressional delegation. The state currently has a 20-8 Republican advantage in the Congressional delegation; with a map his office drew and coerced the Legislature into voting up after he nixed its first work product. He previously credited that map with the current GOP majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Undercut — A state appeals court has overturned the conviction of Nathan Hart, one of the first Floridians arrested by DeSantis’ election police unit in 2022, ruling that state prosecutors never had proper authority for the case. The Second District Court of Appeal found that the Office of Statewide Prosecution (OSP) lacked jurisdiction to charge Hart because his alleged crimes occurred only in Hillsborough County, not across multiple judicial circuits as required by the law at the time. The judges reversed his conviction for falsely affirming that he was eligible to vote in the 2020 presidential election and ordered the case dismissed. Hart, of Gibsonton, was among 19 people arrested in 2022 during a sweep that DeSantis touted as a crackdown on voter fraud. The arrests followed the creation of the Office of Election Crimes and Security, which was established following claims by President Donald Trump and other Republicans that widespread voter fraud marred the 2020 Election.

TBD — Florida officials have tried and failed to regulate hemp products over the last three years. Now, Congress appears poised to take nearly all hemp-infused products off shelves nationwide. But at least one lawmaker central to last year’s hemp discussions voiced relief that the issue could be settled for now. “I’m encouraged to see the Senate include hemp-related language as this bill moves to the U.S. House,” said state Rep. Michelle Salzman, a Pensacola Republican. “My focus has always been on commonsense safeguards that protect Americans while supporting responsible industry. This is another step in that ongoing conversation, and I look forward to continued collaboration as the process moves forward.” Salzman headed up a working group last year that sought to negotiate a regulatory framework for hemp products in Florida. Still, the Senate and House ultimately could not agree on legislation.

Settled law — LGBTQ advocates and policymakers are cheering a decision by the Supreme Court not to reconsider legalizing marriage equality. That came months after the 10th anniversary of the Obergefell v. Hodges decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. A former Kentucky County Clerk of Court, Kim Davis, who later refused to issue certificates, asked the Supreme Court to reconsider the issue. But the court has now formally declined to do so. Equality Florida, the state’s most prominent LGBTQ advocacy group, expressed relief at the news. “The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to take up Kim Davis’ petition — meaning it will not revisit Obergefell v. Hodges, the landmark decision that made marriage equality the law of the land ten years ago,” reads a post from Equality Florida. “Once again, we proved that #LoveIsLouder.”

Kickoff coming — Rep. Kevin Steele is preparing to enter the race for Florida CFO with a campaign kickoff targeted for Jan. 7 or 8 in Tampa, according to a text invitation shared with supporters. The message urges backers to “gather as many friends and family as you can” for the launch, which is to feature U.S. Sen. Rick Scott as a special guest. Steele’s team is finalizing a venue, with two options under consideration — Armature Works and the historic Columbia Restaurant — and more details are expected soon. Steele, a Republican from Dade City who has served in the House since 2022, is poised to enter a GOP Primary that already includes incumbent CFO Blaise Ingoglia, whom DeSantis appointed last year after former CFO Jimmy Patronis ran successfully for a Congressional seat.

— Angler Increase —

Listen up, anglers. Never say the state hasn’t done anything for you.

Gov. DeSantis announced this week that he and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission have formally submitted an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick so Florida can manage recreational red snapper fishing in state and federal waters off the Atlantic Coast. If approved, the permit would take effect in 2026.

“State management and expansion of Gulf snapper season have been a major boon for our Gulf of America communities, allowing so many Floridians and visitors to enjoy the red snapper our waters have to offer,” DeSantis said. “Just as it has on the Gulf coast, Florida’s management of Atlantic Red Snapper fishing will boost local economies along our Atlantic coast, supporting tackle and bait shops, hotels, restaurants, and the entire recreational fishing community.”

The application, submitted to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, would allow Florida to implement a 39-day Atlantic Red Snapper season — a 1,850% increase from the current federal two-day window. The proposed season would run May 22 through June 20, followed by three separate three-day weekends in October (Oct. 2–4, 9–11 and 16–18).

“Florida has proven it can effectively and efficiently manage the Atlantic recreational red snapper fishery. Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, the state has expanded access for and delivered greater opportunities for anglers in the Gulf year after year — demonstrating a strong commitment to both conservation and the fishing community. We are excited and ready to bring this level of expertise to manage the Atlantic recreational red snapper fishery,” said Florida FWC Executive Director Roger Young.

More fishing days may not thrill the snapper population, but coastal economies welcome them. With 4 million registered anglers and 922,000 registered boats, plenty of people are ready to bring their wallets — and their rods — back to the Atlantic.

— Martin County sting —

Six suspected child predators were arrested in a multi-agency sting out of Martin County, with officials now seeking another dozen suspects.

Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek led a Thursday news conference at his office detailing an operation launched in mid-October that lasted three days as undercover detectives posed as minors on social media. While Martin County ran point, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Florida Attorney General’s OSP, the U.S. Department of State, Homeland Security and other agencies participated.

Budensiek said that between Oct. 15 and 17, his agents posed online as 14-year-old boys and girls.

“During the operation, 18 individuals took the bait,” Budensiek said.

Of the six already arrested, Budensiek said two are foreign nationals from Guatemala who were in the U.S. illegally, and one is from Egypt who is in the country on a student work visa and also teaching at a medical college in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Warrants are being issued for the other 12 suspects, most of whom are from Florida, with one from Texas and another from Connecticut.

“I think all these cases highlight that there are individuals from all over the world who are willing to travel to Martin County and take advantage of our youth,” Budensiek said.

Attorney General James Uthmeier said his OSP will aggressively pursue the cases.

“It’s sad and scary, but these guys are out there,” Uthmeier said. “These individuals thought they could hide behind a screen and get away with it. They were wrong.”

— Depot Duo duped —

Remember the Wet Bandits from Home Alone? Meet their match. It’s curtains for the “Depot Duo.”

Agriculture Commissioner Simpson announced the arrest of two Lithuanian men, Mantas Bulicas and Eimantas Bagdonas, for their role in an organized retail theft ring responsible for more than $1 million in losses to Home Depot stores nationwide.

“Florida will not tolerate organized retail theft or any criminal activity that threatens our businesses, our consumers, or our economy. Thanks to the outstanding work of our Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement and the cooperation of our local, state, and federal partners, these criminals have been stopped and will be held accountable,” Simpson said.

According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement, the pair traveled from city to city over short periods, purchasing high-value battery-powered tools with foreign Visa debit cards. They then removed the lithium batteries — rendering the tools useless — and returned the items to different Home Depot stores that were unaware of the scam.

Bulicas and Bagdonas were in Florida from Sept. 29–30 in Escambia and Okaloosa counties, where losses exceeded $3,500. FDACS and OALE opened the case after Home Depot Loss Prevention referred it on Oct. 3, 2025.

OALE Special Agents located the suspects in Englewood, Colorado. Working with the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, authorities apprehended them without incident on Nov. 5.

— Give it up for #24 —

Let the construction begin.

In Campbellton, Florida — a small town in Jackson County — Agriculture Commissioner Simpson, Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue, Jackson County Sheriff Donald L. Edenfield and local law enforcement officers broke ground on a new agricultural inspection station for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Located just south of the Alabama border on U.S. Highway 231, the facility will become the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement’s 24th inspection station. These stations help protect Florida from agricultural pests, unsafe food and criminal activity.

“Our Agricultural Law Enforcement officers are on the front lines defending Florida. Agricultural Law Enforcement officers are not just looking for bugs — they’re also looking for drugs and thugs. Thanks to Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature, we’re expanding our reach and strengthening our borders with this new inspection station and additional enforcement resources,” Simpson said.

Once completed, officers will patrol roadways entering from Georgia and Alabama while working alongside local law enforcement. OALE stations operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and sit along 19 major highways that serve as key entry and exit points for the state.

It’s a reminder that OALE is often the first line of defense against unwanted products and criminal activity reaching Florida. Jackson County also stands to benefit from the jobs created by the new construction.

Let’s hope the build moves faster than the Capitol renovations.

— Blazin’ Blaise —

The Chief Financial Officer also serves as the State Fire Marshal — and this week the heat was on, in the good way.

CFO and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia spent the week thanking the people who run headfirst into danger: Florida’s firefighters.

Ingoglia awarded more than $186,000 to three local fire departments — the Auburndale Fire Department, the Frostproof Fire Department and the Lakeland Fire Department. The funding comes from the Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Grant Program and the Firefighter Assistance Grant Program.

“While others run away from danger, firefighters run towards it to keep Florida families safe. As State Fire Marshal, it is my top priority to ensure that we are supporting Florida’s firefighters with the resources they need, whether they are on the job or off duty. When a Floridian is in need, a firefighter is there to help, and through these grant funds, our firefighters will be better equipped to respond to any emergency,” Ingoglia said.

The Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Grant Program, awarded through the Department of Financial Services, provides funding to support firefighter health and safety, including education, supplies and equipment to reduce exposure to cancer-causing chemicals.

The Firefighter Assistance Grant Program aims to improve emergency response capabilities for firefighters and their communities across firefighting, medical emergency and rescue operations.

“CFO Ingoglia continues to show his dedication to Florida’s firefighters by awarding money to local fire departments across the state. This funding allows for firefighters to better serve the citizens in their communities who rely on them every day, while also ensuring their own protection from cancer-causing chemicals,” said Trip Barrs, President of the Florida Fire Chiefs Association.

The Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Grant Program provided $12,313.25 to the Auburndale Fire Department and $34,575 to the Lakeland Fire Department. The Firefighter Assistance Grant Program provided $139,986.32 to the Frostproof Fire Department.

“This investment not only impacts firefighters, but it also gives peace of mind to our residents knowing that we are prepared to respond swiftly to emergencies,” said Jerry Riner, Frostproof Fire Chief.

— There’s an app for that —

Secretary of State Cord Byrd is rolling out the new Florida Main Street app just in time for Thanksgiving travel and Small Business Saturday.

The tool lets users explore Main Street communities across the state, offering listings for local businesses, events and historic points of interest. Byrd said the app allows travelers to build custom itineraries highlighting restaurants, shops, parks, theaters, murals and other landmarks.

Users can search by category — lodging, shopping, services, food and drink, and activities like concerts, parades and golf — with event dates, times and locations displayed in-app. Planned upgrades include statewide themed tours tied to America250FL and features focused on barbecue, breweries, cafés and coffee shops.

Florida Main Street communities currently include more than 3,600 active businesses and 983 restaurants. The app is now available on the App Store and Google Play.

— Instagram of the week —

— Stuff the Charger —

The giving season is here — whether you’re prepping for Thanksgiving or already hauling the Christmas tree out of storage. But for many families across Florida, the holidays mean going without. That’s where a little seasonal hope rolls in.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and the Florida Highway Patrol are asking Floridians to support their neighbors through the annual “Stuff the Charger” food drive. Through Nov. 30, they’re collecting canned goods, dried goods and other staples such as nuts, peanut butter, water and evaporated milk to help stock local food banks for the holidays.

“Floridians have always shown resilience and generosity, especially in times of need. By loading our Chargers with food donations, we are delivering hope into Florida homes and helping families embrace the holiday season with dignity and joy,” said FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner.

FLHSMV and FHP hope to make this the most successful year yet, and they’re encouraging donations of any size — a box of pasta, a can of soup, whatever someone can afford. One nonperishable item can make a real difference for a family.

“Join us in making a meaningful impact this holiday season by supporting our annual Stuff the Charger food drive. Your donations are essential in helping provide food to families in need, and together we can ensure that no Floridian goes without during this special time of year,” said FHP Colonel Gary Howze.

Anyone wishing to participate can drop off contributions at a local FHP station or contact their nearest FHP Public Affairs Officer for more information.

— Oyster season coming up —

Florida officials are now accepting applications for the 2026 oyster harvest in Apalachicola Bay, one of the state’s premier spots for landing the shellfish.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission began taking applications Monday and will continue through Dec. 16. The 2026 season runs Jan. 1 through Feb. 26.

Commercial harvesters must obtain a commercial endorsement from the state to participate in the fishery. The endorsement also secures eligibility for future seasons. Applicants must apply through the state’s commercial licensing system and meet several requirements, including holding an individual or crew saltwater products license and a shellfish endorsement. The state will also consider previous wild oyster landings in Apalachicola Bay from 2012 to 2020. Commercial applicants must be current Florida residents.

FWC is offering in-person assistance for commercial applicants at the Florida Department of Agriculture’s Apalachicola Shellfish Center, 260 Dr. Frederick S. Humphries St. Staff will be available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday this week, as well as Nov. 17–21, Nov. 24–25, Dec. 1–2, Dec. 9–10 and Dec. 15–16.

For recreational harvesters, the state is offering 245 permits for early next year. Those permits will be issued through a random lottery system for qualified applicants.

— Teach your children well —

Teach Florida drew about 1,200 people to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel in Hollywood on Sunday to advocate for funding and resources for Jewish schools.

Attendees traveled from multiple states and also joined the Annual Legislative Breakfast. Educators, community leaders and parents met with elected officials from across Florida and beyond, underscoring strong public support for Jewish schools.

Roughly 16,800 students attend Jewish day schools in the state. Teach Florida, an organization that advocates for school choice, has secured about $150 million annually through Universal School Choice. The group also created the Jewish Day School Security Grant, now totaling about $20 million per year, to help ensure student safety.

State Rep. Jennifer Canady, a Lakeland Republican and Chair of the House Education Committee, delivered the keynote address.

“Florida has become the national leader in educational choice, and your community and Teach Florida has been absolutely instrumental in that achievement,” Canady said. “Our family empowerment scholarship program and other school choice initiatives have opened the door for thousands of Jewish families to choose the education which aligns with your values.”

— Purple Heart schools —

Veterans Day earlier this week served as a reminder to thank those who sacrifice so much for our daily freedoms.

In that spirit, Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas announced that 451 schools have been recognized with the Purple Star School of Distinction designation, including 78 newly added schools and 124 that maintained their inaugural status. Within the Florida College System, 16 colleges earned the Collegiate Purple Star Campus designation, with seven new campuses joining this year.

The Purple Star Schools of Distinction program was signed into law in 2021 and honors schools that go above and beyond to support military-connected students and their families. The program debuted with 124 schools.

“Florida’s veterans, service members and military families make daily sacrifices to defend our freedom. Florida’s Purple Star Schools and Collegiate Purple Star Campuses remain steadfast in ensuring military families receive consistent, high-quality education no matter where they are stationed,” Kamoutsas said.

Districts also have an opportunity to earn recognition. The Florida Purple Star School District designation honors districts in which at least 75% of schools receive the Purple Star School of Distinction designation. Five districts had previously qualified, and a sixth, Florida Virtual School, joined them this year.

“As a veteran myself and wife of a Purple Heart recipient, I’ve seen firsthand the sacrifices military families make. Our Purple Star Schools and Campuses exemplify what it means to go above and beyond for military-connected students, ensuring that every child is supported and set up for success,” said Layla Collins, State Board of Education Member.

View the complete list of schools in the Purple Star Schools of Distinction here.

— Disney-FAMU pipeline —

The world is your oyster, and eight Rattlers are striking down the doors ahead of them to impress.

The Florida A&M University School of Journalism & Graphic Communication announced the eight students selected for the 2025–2026 cohort of the Disney Storytellers Fund.

Each student receives up to $10,000 a year in scholarships, an annual stipend and, most importantly, on-the-job training with top innovators in journalism, public relations and design across Disney’s media brands.

The cohort includes Seanna Miller (junior, journalism); Clarissa Elysee (junior, journalism); Venecia Easter (senior, public relations); Shayla Jones (junior, public relations); Trinity Olivier (junior, journalism); Andrew Watson (junior, graphic design); Terrill Smith (junior, graphic design); and Yulissa Garcia-Martinez (senior, graphic design).

“Students selected to join the Disney Storytellers Fund at FAMU demonstrate strong academic commitment and passion for multimedia journalism, communications and visual storytelling. These scholars have positioned themselves to benefit from the power of mentorship and field experience,” said Mira Lowe, FAMU SJGC Dean. “We are proud of their accomplishments and grateful to work with Disney to expose them to some of the industry’s top media experts and platforms.”

Last year’s cohort saw similar success. One example: Taylor Adams, a 2024–2025 participant who worked as a second-hour production intern for ABC’s Good Morning America and GMA3.

“I gained valuable skills in anchor producing for ‘GMA3,’ coordinating segments, and being able to adapt to the fast-paced world of live television. All that I have learned at my internship has strengthened my passion for storytelling and on-air production,” said the fourth-year journalism student.

Congratulations to this year’s Rattlers — now go convince Disney and the College Football Playoff Committee to give Tallahassee something else to cheer about.

— Navy Nole —

Salute to service — with music. And of course, that means FSU is involved.

Cayden Miller, a second-year Master of Music student in performance at Florida State University, has been selected for a euphonium position with the United States Navy Band, one of the nation’s most prestigious musical ensembles.

Miller has played the euphonium since sixth grade. He initially played trombone before his euphonium-playing parents convinced him to switch — the start of a trajectory that now leads to the country’s top military band.

“Premier military ensembles like the Navy Band represent the highest professional standards similar to major symphony orchestras, and the audition process is very similar — the FSU College of Music has a long tradition of placing students in these prestigious groups. Cayden will now join many other FSU alumni making music in our nation’s capital,” said Greg Jones, associate dean of the College of Music.

The Navy Band has performed at major national events for more than 95 years and regularly provides music for ceremonies, funerals, diplomatic visits and changes of command. Miller previously graduated from Indiana University in 2024, where he won the Brass Concerto Competition.

“We are tremendously proud of Cayden and his remarkable achievement. Winning a position with one of the world’s most respected military bands is a testament to his exceptional musicianship, dedication and hard work,” said Matthew Hightower, assistant professor of tuba and euphonium at FSU.

Earlier this year, Miller performed with FSU’s Tuba-Euphonium Octet, the Renegade 8, which traveled to Valencia, Spain, for the 2025 International Tuba-Euphonium Conference. He also competed as a semifinalist in the Artist Euphonium Solo Competition.

Miller credits FSU’s faculty with shaping his development.

“Coming down to Florida State, one of the things that was immediately apparent was the emphasis on professional development. One of the main things I realized at FSU was that I have to be excellent on all fronts, and I’ve improved since I got here,” he said.

“Dr. Hightower guided me to become more regimented and organized. During my time here, I’ve also realized I should try to be as good a person as I can be, because, after all, music is about people and connecting with people.”

Now cue the Battle Hymn of the Republic.

—A Doll’s House with TSC —

In the mood for live theater? Tallahassee State College has you covered this weekend and next.

TSC is inviting the community to experience Henrik Ibsen’s classic play A Doll’s House. The production, directed by James Alexander Bond, ran Nov. 13 and 14. Another showing is scheduled for today, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m. in Turner Auditorium, with a matinee set for Nov. 23 at 2 p.m.

For those unfamiliar with the story, the play is set in the 19th century; it follows Nora Helmer as she navigates the constraints of her marriage, her sense of identity and society’s expectations. Widely regarded as one of modern drama’s most influential works, it continues to resonate with audiences through its themes of self-discovery and independence.

This production features the talents of Kayla-Elizabeth Meyzen, Gerain Arias, Lavinia Ream, Aiden Kagy, Wyatt Kimsey, Kiera LaShay, Kinsley Revell, Cody Kiley, Daniel Brookins, Isaac Brookins and Luna Z. Justiniano-Claudio.

Tickets are free for TSC students, faculty and staff with a valid TSC ID. Pricing for general admission is available through the theatre department.

Whether you want to experience a classic for the first time, support emerging performers or enjoy a night at the theater, TSC is opening its doors to everyone.

— Leon County Gold —

Runners from across the nation and world will descend on our corner of Florida for the World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26, taking place Jan. 10, 2026, at Leon County’s Apalachee Regional Park.

And why does anyone run? For the bling, obviously — certainly not for health, hobby or competition. The design for the WXC Tallahassee 26 medal has officially been revealed.

The medal was created by Rafeeq Curry, a 2008 U.S. Olympian and Florida State University Athletics Hall of Famer. His design reflects local culture, natural beauty and the unconquered spirit found in both athletic performance and Florida’s landscapes.

“I drew inspiration from the culture of Florida, cross country, and the flow state – that rare alignment where a clear goal meets a worthy challenge. The body and mind rise instinctively to meet it. It is the peak experience where athletes and artists perform at their highest level,” Curry said.

At the center of the medal is the WXC Tallahassee 26 logo, symbolizing the global reach of the sport. Etched waves along the bottom represent Florida’s geography — beaches, rivers, lakes and swamps. The ribbon features rising waves that build toward a sun, a nod to the state’s weather and the competitive spirit tied to it.

It has been more than 70 years since the World Athletics Cross Country Championships were held in the United States, let alone Florida. Leon County will now take the global stage, with the event broadcast to more than 70 countries.

Time to show the world what Leon County is made of — beautiful trails, kind people and, apparently, a very slick medal.

— TPD VR —

The future is here — and it’s reshaping how officers learn.

The Tallahassee Police Department announced this week that it is implementing a new virtual reality training system to strengthen officer preparedness and community engagement.

The program is funded through the 2024 Community Oriented Policing Services Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice.

“Investing in this technology reinforces our commitment to continuous improvement and community trust. Virtual reality training allows our officers to safely develop critical decision-making and communication skills in a realistic yet controlled environment. It is another step in ensuring we are delivering the highest standard of service to the citizens of Tallahassee,” said TPD Chief Lawrence Revell.

The VR system uses a wireless headset with hand-tracking technology, allowing officers to participate in realistic scenarios involving mental health crises, tactical decision-making and everyday community interactions.

The department will integrate the system into both new-officer and annual training. Visitors to the North Florida Fair can even try the headset themselves to see what virtual policing feels like.

TPD says the effort aligns with its mission to be “Here for you,” viewing VR training as a safe, modern tool to enhance officer skills and increase public safety.

— Keeper, runner —

Time for a stroll down movie lane here at Florida Politics.

After a historically slow October box office, Predator: Badlands delivered a much-needed jolt with a stronger-than-expected $40 million opening weekend. Regretting You landed in second with $6.7 million — an exceptionally small 8.9% drop, signaling strong word of mouth. In third was Black Phone 2 with $5.2 million, continuing a steady domestic run.

From action-comedy auteur-director Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Baby Driver, Hot Fuzz) comes “The Running Man,” a retelling of the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger film, both of which are based on Stephen King’s novel written under a pseudonym. Glenn Powell (Twisters, Top Gun: Maverick) takes over the lead as a man hunted by the entire world for a game show. Oscar nominee Colman Domingo (Sing Sing, Rustin) and BAFTA nominee Emilia Jones (CODA, Task) round out the cast. Reviews are mixed: 63% on Rotten Tomatoes, 6.8 on IMDb and 3.3 on Letterboxd — not disastrous, but far from Wright’s peak era with Simon Pegg.

“Now You See Me: Now You Don’t” marks the third installment in the magician-heist franchise that began in 2013. With Jon M. Chu tied up directing “Wicked,” Emmy nominee Ruben Fleischer (Zombieland, Venom) takes the wheel. The returning ensemble includes Oscar nominees Jesse Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson, Oscar winner Morgan Freeman, Dave Franco, and Isla Fisher. Newcomers include BAFTA nominee Dominic Sessa (The Holdovers), Oscar nominee Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl, Saltburn) and Justice Smith (Dungeons and Dragons, I Saw the TV Glow). Reviews — 58% Rotten Tomatoes, 6.2 IMDb, 3.2 Letterboxd — are right in line with the series’ usual lane.

If action comedies and Oceans-style trickery aren’t your thing, maybe something scarier hits the spot. Director Osgood Perkins (Longlegs, The Monkey, The Blackcoat’s Daughter), son of horror legend Anthony Perkins, returns with Keeper. Written by Nick Lepard, it stars Emmy winner Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black, Perry Mason, Stronger) and Rossif Sutherland as a couple on an anniversary trip haunted by a cabin’s dark past. With 67% on Rotten Tomatoes, 6.2 on IMDb and 2.9 on Letterboxd, it’s a solid pick for horror fans.

On the home front, Netflix dropped “Being Eddie” on Friday — a new portrait of comedy legend Oscar nominee Eddie Murphy, directed by Oscar-winning editor Angus Wall. Unless you’re a serious Murphy devotee, reactions suggest it’s fine but not essential: 58% Rotten Tomatoes, 7.0 IMDb, 3.4 Letterboxd.

If none of that hits, Apple TV+ released Pluribus, the newest series from legendary showrunner/writer/director Vince Gilligan — the mind behind “Breaking Bad,” “The X-Files” and “Better Call Saul.” It stars Emmy nominee Rhea Seehorn, familiar to Saul fans, alongside Karolina Wydra (True Blood, Europa Report). The series follows a world overtaken by a mysterious wave of forced happiness, with Seehorn’s character the only one immune. Critics and audiences are raving, so climb aboard before the internet inevitably turns contrarian.

— Capitol Directions —

DeSantis’ GC Office — Down arrow — Can’t they get someone other than Ted Veerman’s Mom to write the Executive Orders?

Jay Collins — Down arrow — It’s clear he has not lived in Florida long enough to remember the last time someone announced for Governor using a helicopter.

Rick Scott — Up arrow — Sometimes, revenge is a dish best served after a decade on simmer.

Taryn Fenske — Down arrow — Nothing like saying “we’re not involved” and then immediately proving you absolutely are.

Josie Tomkow — Double up arrow — SD 14 cleared so fast she might as well have been handed the starter pistol and the trophy.

Melanie Griffin — Up arrow — Something tells us she’ll be in elected office soon enough.

Communism — Down arrow — Tallahassee finally took a bold stand against an ideology that has been dead longer than half the Legislature has been alive.

Tina Certain — Up arrow — For somehow managing to keep a straight face.

Redistricting — Down arrow — The only process slower than drawing a map is admitting they might someday draw a map.

Alexis Calatayud — Up arrow — Nice to see someone building a brand on working across the aisle instead of yelling across it.

Stan McClain — Down arrow — Someone tell him he doesn’t need to treat every Confederate statue like it’s part of a hostage negotiation.

Bugra Demirel — Down arrow — Came at Allison Tant sideways and got turned into an example. Grow Up Tallahassee is calling.

Chris Dorworth — Down arrow — The Governors Club has seen some things, but even it has limits.

George Levesque — Up arrow — GrayRobinson hands him the keys to the Tallahassee office because, honestly, who else knows the terrain better?

Juan Porras — Up arrow — Juiced Miami-Dade’s Lincoln Day Dinner numbers and capped it by introducing Byron Donalds. That’s how you run a room.

Shannon Shepp — Up arrow — Higher volumes, better fruit, no hurricanes — the kind of citrus season you actually frame on the wall.

Second Harvest — Up arrow — While everyone else is arguing online, they’re the ones making sure families get fed.

Sugarcane Farmers — Up arrow — Florida’s cane growers didn’t just talk about resilience — they provided the routing and account numbers.

Mike Watkins — Up arrow — You help kids for decades, and suddenly the East Room wants your expertise. Funny how that works.

WFSU — Down arrow — “Uninterrupted service” is code for everything but the staff staying intact.

Ethan Pritchard — Up arrow — From ICU to the sideline in one season. That’s grit you can’t coach.

Roy Hardemon — Prayer hands — RIP to a Liberty City son who never stopped fighting for his community.