The proposed controversial handoff of The Ringling Museum from Florida State University (FSU) to New College of Florida (NCF), the smallest public college in the state, poses a major threat to one of Florida’s most treasured historic cultural institutions.

This move would be tragically expensive, resulting in increased financial burdens for taxpayers without clear benefits.

Under FSU’s stewardship since 2000, The Ringling has flourished, attracting over 400,000 visitors annually and earning recognition as one of the nation’s top six museums in visitor satisfaction.

FSU has ensured fiscal stability, surpluses and reduced state funding requirements each year. In stark contrast, NCF has exhibited alarming financial mismanagement and governance issues. Allegations include misallocated taxpayer funds, substandard degree programs, artificially inflated enrollment numbers, and disproportionate funding per full-time equivalent student (FTES).

For instance, NCF reportedly spends $106,813 per FTES in funding and $78,174 per FTES in instructional costs. These figures — many times the state average — highlight inefficiencies and raise legitimate concerns over its ability to manage its own challenges, let alone a complex institution like The Ringling.

NCF’s governance changes have alienated alumni and diminished trust in the institution.

Benjamin Brown, Chair of the Alumni Association, recently resigned due to opaque financial reporting, concerns over the misallocation of endowment funds, and a lack of meaningful alumni participation in governance.

President Richard Corcoran’s leadership has also faced scrutiny for redirecting taxpayer funds toward athletics and recruiting international athletes at high costs. The proposed transfer jeopardizes The Ringling’s accreditation, operational stability, independence, and the integrity of its priceless collections and campus.

Since the proposal became public in February, donations and community commitment have plummeted significantly.

Experts estimate it could take at least a decade to rebuild donor trust — assuming assurances are made that such a takeover attempt will not recur.

FSU has transformed The Ringling from a distressed property into an internationally recognized cultural destination. Its robust infrastructure and expertise have allowed the museum to thrive while requiring less state funding annually.

Conversely, NCF lacks the financial stability and administrative capacity necessary to manage The Ringling effectively. Additionally, its strained relationship with the community further undermines its suitability as a steward for the museum.

This ill-conceived, backroom proposal risks undermining The Ringling’s community-serving focus — a quality severely lacking at NCF — and threatens its operational success achieved under FSU’s stewardship.

Transferring management to NCF would be costly and jeopardize one of Florida’s most cherished cultural institutions while placing it under an entity plagued by financial instability and governance issues.

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Nancy Parrish is the president of Citizens to Protect The Ringling and former Board Chair of The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art Foundation.

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The President of the Jacksonville City Council is ready to make his next political move.

Westside Republican Randy White is launching a campaign for Duval County Tax Collector. And appropriately enough, he announced the run on Tax Day.

“Public safety has always been my calling — and so has public service,” White said.

“As Fire Chief, I managed emergency operations on a citywide scale. As Council President, I’ve worked to deliver results and transparency for Jacksonville families. I’m running for Tax Collector because I can use my experience to bring the same professionalism, efficiency, and trust to the office that I’ve shown in my more than four decades of experience.”

Incumbent Jim Overton will be term-limited in 2027. White, a former Deputy Director Assistant Fire Chief and head of the Jacksonville Association of Fire Fighters, will be the instant establishment favorite to take over the position.

He already has Overton’s support.

“Serving as Tax Collector has been my great honor. This office demands innovative but steady leadership to earn and keep the taxpayer’s trust. Looking forward to the end of my public service, I can say without hesitation that Randy White is the right person to take on the next challenges of this position,” the incumbent said.

“Mr. White is qualified, honest, and capable. The citizens of Duval County know him and can trust him to do an outstanding job.”

Assuming an opponent emerges to challenge White, 2027’s will be the first competitive election for the post since 2019, when Overton defeated Democrat John Crescimbeni, getting more than 58% of the vote in an election where no Democrats ran for Mayor.

Speaking of Mayors, a former two-term Republican chief executive is endorsing early.

“Randy White has demonstrated proven leadership throughout his distinguished career,” said Mayor John Peyton.

“As Fire Chief during my time as Mayor, I saw firsthand his steady leadership and commitment to our city. His service as City Council President further reflects his dedication to public service. Randy is well prepared for this role and will serve as Tax Collector with professionalism, integrity, and experience.”

White had little trouble in his GOP stronghold district two years ago, getting more than 64% of the vote in the March “First Election” and precluding any need for a runoff.

In 2019, he got more than 67% of the vote against a Republican.

White was elected in a Special Election in 2018, and faced no competition in that contest.

He expects that his political experience will help with the learning curve should he be elected.

“I’ve spent my life answering the call to serve,” White said. “I know what it means to lead large teams, manage budgets, and make tough decisions that affect people’s daily lives. That’s exactly the kind of experience our next Tax Collector needs.”

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