Before every show, Mufasa played by Darnell Abraham and 12-year-old Julian Villela, the young Simba, do their secret handshake.

It’s a moment to check in with each other and have some fun before the two Lion King stars who share an Orlando connection perform in what’s become one of most successful Broadway shows of all-time.

Julian, an Orlando sixth grader, has been traveling the country since October 2023 when he won the role as the cute and curious lion cub in the Broadway touring production.

Fast forward to a decade ago.

Abraham, who plays Simba’s wise father, was a Disney World performer.

Several times a day, he performed at Animal Kingdom’s Festival of the Lion King, a shorter, high-energy show inspired by the musical.

It feels like a full circle moment for Abraham, 39, to be cast in the Broadway musical and heading back to Orlando for The Lion King’s four-week run.

The Lion King will play April 23 – May 18 at downtown Orlando’s Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

“I’m feeling great. I’m so excited, and it’s going be so fun because all the people that I trained with and worked with and all my friends and family are going to come out and hopefully see the show,” said Julian, who attended First Academy in Orlando and starred at the Orlando Family Stage in elementary school.

What impresses Abraham about his younger co-star is his professionalism.

Not even a costume mishap in the middle of the show could mess up Julian’s rhythm.

Julian once felt the pins falling out of his wig in the scene where Simba disobeys his father and visits the elephant graveyard. As Simba was chased by the hyena, Julian felt the pins falling out of his wig. He could only keep it on for so long.

“I felt it slipping back … I just had to hold it in my hand,” Julian recalled. “And one of the stage managers … I saw him out of the corner of my eye, he was saying, ‘Throw the wig!’ … So I just threw it off stage.”

Welcome to live theater.

“There could be one million and one distractions on stage or even in the audience,” Abraham said. “But the fact that Julian is able to maintain focus and dedication and commitment to the scene just really speaks to the level of professionalism that this guy is bringing to the stage, show after show after show.”

The Lion King’s deep themes about the natural world, family and following your destiny bring people back to their childhood from when the movie first came out, said Abraham, who can hear the audience’s sniffles from the stage.

“There’s a timelessness and a timeliness to this show that continues to prove itself over and over,” he said.

It’s a story Abraham loves so much, he hopes to sneak back to Animal Kingdom to his old stomping grounds to see the Festival of the Lion King when he isn’t on stage in The Lion King himself.

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For pedestrians in Florida, looking both ways before crossing the street is sometimes just not enough.

Sen. Joe Gruters, a Sarasota Republican, filed SB 92 on Feb. 28 to make identifying drivers responsible for hit-and-runs easier for law enforcement. Gruters cited the bill as the Lilly Glaubach Act, which pays homage to the 13-year-old girl who was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver in Gruters’ district in 2022.

In Gainesville, the stories of Margaret Paxton and Sophia Lambert still echo throughout the University of Florida community.

Paxton and Lambert, who were both UF students at the time of their deaths, were killed in separate pedestrian crashes on University Avenue in December 2020 and January 2021, respectively. The driver who killed Paxton was charged with a hit-and-run and is currently serving a six-year prison sentence.

After Paxton and Lambert were killed, UF students took action. Florida Not One More was formed, a “student-led group united to pressure those in power to take action to make our roads safe,” according to the chapter’s Instagram.

Since its founding in 2021, the chapter has successfully advocated for a UF Student Government resolution commemorating Paxton and Lambert. The unanimous resolution also requires pedestrian safety to be taught during orientation at UF.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, in 2024, there were 692 fatalities from pedestrian crashes and 245 fatalities from hit-and-run crashes throughout the state.

For Senate Democratic Leader Jason Pizzo of Hollywood, passing the bill is a necessary step toward justice for the families of hit-and-run victims.

“While law enforcement was able to apprehend the suspects responsible for the deaths of Lilly Glaubach, the 13-year-old victim who this bill is named after, and Anthony Reznik, an 11-year-old boy who was similarly struck and killed in a hit-and-run in Sen. Pizzo’s district, this bill would further assist law enforcement in bringing justice to future victims and their families,” said Vincent Toranzo, a Pizzo staffer, in an email.

“Additionally, by creating a reporting mechanism for vehicle damages valued or exceeding $2,500, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement will be empowered to potentially assist local law enforcement agencies in solving hit-and-run cases.”

Gainesville-based personal injury lawyer Steven A. Bagen does not see the reporting mechanism as a fair measure.

“I would be tremendously concerned with the invasiveness of yet another database that invades everyone’s privacy,” said Bagen, who is the founder of Bagen Law and has been in private practice for over 40 years. “The number of times the database would work is microscopic, and I don’t believe it would be worth it in terms of its invasiveness and cost.”

Bagen said a mechanism already exists that allows law enforcement to communicate with repair shops regarding specific suspects or vehicles. He added that the vast majority of hit-and-run crashes in Florida go unsolved.

Pizzo sees how the bill can help crack down on uninsured motorists. According to Pizzo’s Office, 26% of Florida motorists are uninsured, a figure that Pizzo said is disastrous. The rate can be as high as 40% in Miami-Dade County alone.

“Removing uninsured motorists off our streets will not only make our roads safer but also lower insurance costs for Floridians,” his Office said.

Pizzo “voted for the bill and will continue to support this legislation because keeping our streets safe will always be his top priority,” Toranzo said.

Former Sen. Kevin Rader, a Boca Raton Democrat, agrees with Pizzo and wants hit-and-run drivers to be held accountable.

“Even though most hit-and-runs go unsolved, I think the Legislature needs to do whatever it can to increase the percentage of the drivers held responsible for these outrageous crimes,” Rader said. “Especially when there are pedestrians, let alone students, who are at significant risk.”

Regarding the reporting mechanism, Rader said that law enforcement should have all the tools necessary to curb hit-and-run drivers available to them.

The bill has received unanimous support from two committees in the Legislature: the Commerce and Tourism Committee and the Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment and General Government. According to Toranzo, it is expected the bill will continue to receive support from legislators should it proceed to a floor vote.

The bill is a welcome development for UF senior Joshua Perper. In 2023, Perper was behind the wheel when he was involved in a head-on collision with another vehicle. He said he was stopped at a red light when the other vehicle hit him while going about 40 mph.

After the crash, law enforcement arrived on the scene and facilitated the exchange of documents between the drivers once first responders moved the vehicles to the side of the road. Perper said he was grateful to law enforcement for the assistance.

Perper, who later sued the driver who hit him, was glad that he was not waiting months on end for crucial information that would have hindered his ability to seek recourse.

Perper said he supports the bill and wants the Legislature to take additional measures to improve safety for all people.

“Florida should have stronger legislation to protect hit-and-run victims, pedestrians and anyone who could be hurt by a motor vehicle,” Perper said. “We need to do what we can to make sure that deadly crashes already at this rate are not exponentially increasing.”

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While the Minecraft Movie’s box office rake may make this difficult to believe, the youth are, indeed, the future and it’s everyone’s duty to make sure rising generations have all the resources they need to succeed — both at being a kid and at living a healthy, fulfilling life well into adulthood.

This year is the 30th anniversary of “Children’s Week Florida” (I guess you could say it’s not so much a child anymore), which emphasizes the importance of ensuring all Florida children are healthy, ready to learn, and able to reach their full potential.

What can you expect during Children’s Week? First off … children! More of them than usual will be scurrying around the Capitol next week.

On their 30th birthday, Children’s Week has scheduled a full slate of activities in and around the Capitol area. On Monday from 3:15 — 3:45 p.m., join Erin Smeltzer of Humana and Rep. Dana Trabulsy alongside other legislators in the Capitol Rotunda for the “Celebration of the Hands.”

On Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., the talk of the town will be the Children’s Week advocacy dinner and awards ceremony being held in the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, where former Sen. Loranne Ausley will receive the “Chiles Advocate Award.” Early the next day, from 9:15 to 9:45 a.m., on the Capitol’s main steps will be the Children’s Day News Conference, where heavy hitters such as Senate President Ben Albritton, House Speaker Daniel Perez, Ausley, and Smeltzer are all scheduled to speak.

Literacy and reading are key to youth development. It will be in focus on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. when FSU and FAMU bring out some “local celebrities” (if we were to hazard a guess, it sounds like some fan-favorite Nole and Rattler athletes) to read to kids in the Capitol courtyard and for a ribbon-cutting for the “Storybook Garden.” The festivities conclude Friday with “Teen Day,” where from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., 100 youth from school districts across Florida will hear from different legislators about Florida history and the legislative process (let’s see how honest they are about their backroom dealings).

Sponsors helping to put on the show this year include The Association of Early Learning Conditions, Walmart, Molina Health Care and Age of Learning.

___

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 —

‘Bought and paid for’ — No more property taxes in Florida? It could happen, Ben Albritton says. This week, the Senate President detailed a plan to study and establish a framework to reduce or eliminate property taxes for Floridians’ primary homes. At the end of the study, based on its findings, lawmakers would craft a constitutional amendment for voter consideration during the 2026 General Election. The plan is part of a tax relief package (SPB 7034) Albritton unveiled this week that also includes a permanent end to sales taxes for clothing and shoes, and a renewal of several annual sales-tax holidays, freezes and credits. Those two provisions won’t require voter approval. But the massive impact of nixing property taxes calls for a broad consensus, Albritton said, and a vote by the people is necessary.

Nothing to see here — Gov. Ron DeSantis likens an eight-figure allocation to First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Hope Florida initiative to the topping on an ice cream sundae. “This was in addition to what they were getting. This is like a cherry on top where they agreed to make an additional contribution,” DeSantis said of the $10 million steered to the charity in a $67 million settlement between Medicaid managed care operator Centene and the state. The issue came up in Wednesday’s House Health Care Budget Subcommittee meeting. Chair Alex Andrade, a fellow Republican who has lately been at odds with the Governor on many issues, said the “$10 million transfer of funds … was probably illegal” and questioned the assertion from AHCA Secretary Shevaun Harris that the settlement wasn’t “taxpayer funds.”

Papers, please — Florida’s public universities and colleges have just two weeks to turn over six years’ worth of records on staffing, research and grant funding as part of the first formal information request under DeSantis’ newly mandated Department of Government Efficiency — a sweeping effort to identify “inefficiencies” in higher education. Institutions were instructed to submit a vast set of documents: every awarded grant application and agreement, all publicly available research or academic drafts, and a full accounting of all non-instructional staff positions — including job titles, salaries, and whether the roles are in-person, remote or hybrid. The data request, broken into two deadlines of April 18 and April 30, is the first significant operational move since DeSantis’ executive order in February creating Florida DOGE.

Outta here — Scott Yenor resigned as the University of West Florida’s Board of Trustees Chair, but his controversial nomination still haunts colleagues. The Senate Higher Education Appropriations Committee advanced three other DeSantis appointees to the Board. But all had to answer for votes to elevate Yenor to Board Chair at the school despite all saying they did not know his history of misogynistic and bigoted remarks. While Republicans on the Committee supported advancing the nominations to the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee, several questioned how any Trustee voted for Yenor to chair the Board based on his history of controversial remarks.

Kickoff countdown — Just over two months before Miami-Dade hosts the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup’s kickoff match, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel met with the association’s top official to discuss security matters. Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens will host 14 World Cup matches over the next two years. Half are FIFA Club World Cup matches pitting 32 top pro teams worldwide against one another, and half are FIFA World Cup games featuring national teams. While efforts are ongoing at the federal level to shore up any potential safety deficiencies across the country, there’s also work at the state level to do so in Florida. Last month, the House released its proposed budget for 2025, which contained a relatively small earmark — $500,000 — for Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz’s Office to cover extra security costs.

— All I do is win no matter what —

Time to pop the Champagne.

Gov. Ron DeSantis took a break from his ongoing feud with half the legislative branch to share a new milestone the state’s tourism industry achieved: Florida secured a record-breaking 15.5% share of the domestic vacation market in 2024.

“Florida is the world’s favorite place to visit. This record tourism results from policies prioritizing freedom, public safety and common sense,” said DeSantis.

“The 15.5% share is nearly a full point increase from 2023 and in state destinations and attractions like Disney World, Universal, iconic beach cities like Miami, Daytona and Tampa, winning clubs such as Inter Miami, the Florida Panthers, and Buccaneers for sports fans, and diverse and unique wildlife and skateparks throughout the state continue to be a driving factor for visitors.”

This is the sixth time Florida has broken its record in the DeSantis era, cementing some truths every Floridian already knows: The Sunshine State is the best spot for fellow Americans to kick back, drink some Cuba Libres, get burned to a crisp and relax.

—Serving service —

If Attorney General James Uthemier has clarified one thing in his brief tenure, it’s that Florida “backs the blue.” If the state of Florida had a pickup truck, it would have one of those stickers with the blue line through it.

This week, Uthemier continued the pro-cop message by announcing the “Distinguished Victim Services Award” recipients during the “National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Ceremony.”

Since 1981, the “National Crime Victims’ Rights Week” has helped citizens and advocates reflect on the commitment to serving crime victims.

“I’m honored to recognize several outstanding law enforcement officers and victim advocates who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to help victims of crime. Through their vital, selfless work, they are assisting victims and their families through their darkest days, as well as helping us make our home safe, strong and free,” said Uthmeier.

Detective Andrew Arteaga and Officer Shawn Crocker of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, along with Detective Sergeant Shawn Galarza of the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, received the Attorney General’s “Distinguished Victim Services Award.”

The following victim advocates received the “Distinguished Victim Services Award” from the AG: Tiffany Petro of Indian Harbour Beach and Satellite Beach Police Departments; The City of Miami Police Department’s Victim Advocate Services Unit — Ana Rodriguez, Vida Abril, Sharon Marbury-Vester, Osmaira Llaneras, and Ronia Williams; and Hilda Sagastume and Nicole Charbonier of the Coral Springs Police Department.

— Ring of fire —

For six months, “wildfire” has been ever-present in the lexicon.

While the West Coast has borne the brunt so far this year, that doesn’t mean Florida’s in the clear—“wildfire season” is just as real as hurricane season and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, along with the Florida Forest Service, spent “Florida Wildfire Awareness Week” reminding Floridians to take precautions and be prepared.

“Don’t wait until you see smoke in the air — create a defensible space around your yard, prepare your homes, make an emergency supply kit and obey local burn laws. Every fire prevented is one less fire we must respond to, which will help ensure the safety of our firefighters and our communities,” said Simpson.

The National Interagency Fire Center predicts an “above normal wildfire potential” for Florida’s wildfire season, which occurs during April, May and June. Since January alone, 1,000 wildfires have already burned up 51,000 acres across the state.

“Several factors could make this a busy wildfire season, including leftover debris from multiple hurricanes and forecasts calling for less rain this spring. I’m encouraging people to pay attention to the weather, especially wind, relative humidity and days since rain. Spring is here, and we need to be wildfire ready,” said Rick Dolan, Director of the Florida Forest Service.

The Florida Forest Service and Simpson encourage Floridians to visit BeWildfireReadyFL.com to learn how to protect their home, community and potentially their lives proactively.

— Instagram of the week —

— The week in appointments —

Alachua County School Board — DeSantis appointed Janine Plavac to the Alachua County School Board. Plavac is the Director of the Health Sciences Institute at St. Francis Catholic High School. She previously served as Chair of the Gainesville High School Advisory Council and the Alachua County Superintendent Search Committee. Plavac earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Miami.

Dixie County School Board — The Governor named John Duane Driggers Jr. to the Dixie County School Board. Driggers is a procurement forester for Domtar. He is the president of the Dixie County National FFA Organization Alumni. He is a Board member of the Suwannee River Fair, the Shired Island Hunting Club and the Dixie Horseman’s Association. Driggers earned his associate degree in forest management from Florida Gateway College.

— Paw patrol —

The Dog Days are doing the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) just right. And it’s good because they’re adding more dogs to the force.

The FHP graduated four new K-9 teams Tuesday from its academy in Tallahassee. The new K-9 units, with troopers, will join 22 other teams in the agency across the state. They are part of the Criminal Interdiction Unit, which provides an additional layer of security for residents and visitors.

The dogs and the troopers who handled them had to endure 800 hours of physical and classroom training. That specialized training included tactics for narcotic detection, criminal apprehension, handler protection, obedience, tracking and area searches, as well as searches of clothing and other articles.

“We proudly celebrate the graduation of four new FHP K-9 teams, a powerful addition to Florida’s commitment to safety. These highly trained teams will patrol our highways, ensuring that our communities remain secure and criminals are held accountable,” said Executive Director Dave Kerner. “Let this serve as a clear message: if you come to Florida with ill intentions, know that the Florida Highway Patrol is here standing in the way.”

— Working for families —

Miami Gardens Democratic Sen. Shevrin Jones and North Miami Beach Democratic Rep. Wallace Aristide proposed bills (SB 1158/HB 1331) that would implement a program to help fix Florida’s cost burden and inequitable tax code.

The bills would create a Working Floridians Tax Rebate (WFTR) set at 20% of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The program would provide tax relief to over 2 million workers and households, including over 2 million children.

The WFTR program would increase a worker’s or family’s EITC, with an estimated average state rebate of $580, and ensure that the tax benefits only go to Florida residents.

According to Jones, despite Florida lawmakers submitting proposals to eliminate property taxes, offer one-time rebates on homesteads or broad sales-tax reductions, a targeted, fiscally responsible approach tailored to working Floridians has been missing from the conversation.

“Our state’s inequitable tax code is a problem, especially for Floridians already struggling to make ends meet,” Jones said. “As the tax relief discussion continues to unfold, we urge our colleagues to include the Working Floridians Tax Rebate program as part of a broader tax relief package.”

Aristide said the legislation responds to the growing economic pressures on Florida residents. The WFTR would be worth $1.2 billion.

“This initiative is designed to provide direct financial relief to low- and moderate-income Floridians by offering a 20% state-based supplement to the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC),” Aristide said. “By strategically distributing resources, the program delivers essential assistance without placing an unsustainable burden on the state’s fiscal health or jeopardizing vital public services.”

— Stand at attention in the Capitol! —

Sallllute! It’s a lot easier these days to do that when entering the Florida Capitol since kiosks honoring U.S. military veterans are on the grounds.

Sen. Gayle Harrell, a Stuart Republican, helped to see that the kiosks were established in the building housing the Florida Legislature. With help from the Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association, Harrell oversaw the installation of the Veterans Museum kiosks inside the Capitol building Tuesday.

The interactive kiosks allow visitors to engage with video stories and exhibits from the Florida Veteran Hall of Fame inductees.

“Our veterans have sacrificed so much for this country and for the freedoms that every American holds dear,” said Harrell. “I am so proud of the collaborative effort between the Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association and the state of Florida to amplify the stories of Florida’s veterans, especially those in the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame. These kiosks will play a vital role in educating future generations of Floridians on the true meaning of service.”

— For the birds —

A Senate Committee is shaking things up with the Florida state bird! Lawmakers just gave the thumbs-up to a plan to ditch the mockingbird (our bird since 1927) because, let’s face it, it’s not just ours.

Instead of picking a single alternative, the Committee got clever: the iconic Flamingo would become the official State Bird, and the unique Florida Scrub Jay (found only in the Sunshine State!) would be named State Songbird.

Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez summed it up nicely, asking if people picture a plain mockingbird or a bright flamingo when they think of Florida. She says it’s about showcasing what’s “truly Floridian.”

The bill’s not final yet — it’s off to the Rules Committee next.

— Sunshine Genetics Act —

Tarpon Springs Rep. Adam Anderson’s “Sunshine Genetics Act” (HB 907) will advance to the House floor. It carried unanimous support during its passage through committees.

The bill would establish an opt-in newborn screening program at Florida State University, capable of diagnosing more than 600 disorders at birth. An amendment to the bill welcomed additions to the Sunshine Genetics Consortium Board, including Florida International University and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

“We’re thrilled to bring FIU and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital into this groundbreaking effort,” Anderson said. “This collaboration unites some of Florida’s brightest minds and most compassionate hearts, amplifying our ability to ease parents’ worries and give every child the strongest start in life. Together, we’re building a lifeline for families and saving lives one diagnosis at a time.”

Former Lieutenant Governor and FIU Interim President Jeanette Nuñez said the university is grateful to be part of the Sunshine Genetics Consortium.

“We are committed to significantly investing in health research and partnerships to improve health outcomes and enhance health care in the state of Florida,” Nuñez said. “In fact, FIU recently announced a strategic partnership with Nicklaus Children’s Hospital to create the region’s only pediatric academic hospital that will enhance expert pediatric medicine in South Florida and across our state and country.”

Matthew A. Love, president and CEO of Nicklaus Children’s Health System, highlighted the power of partnership.

“It’s a privilege to unite with such exceptional institutions for a cause this vital,” Love said. “This consortium is a bold step forward, blending expertise and innovation to lift the burden from families and ensure every child has the best shot at a healthy, thriving life — not just in South Florida, but across the state and beyond.”

—Removing Roadblocks —

The House passed a measure Wednesday that seeks to make it easier for licensed foster families to relocate within the state.

Tallahassee Democratic Rep. Gallop Franklin presented legislation (HB 989) that would help ensure continuity of care for foster children while eliminating unnecessary administrative barriers.

Presently, foster families must reapply for a license if they decide to relocate to another area in the state, leading to delays and bureaucratic hurdles that can disrupt the children in their care.

The legislation aims to streamline the licensure process for locating foster families while maintaining Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) oversight to ensure child safety and compliance with licensing requirements.

Franklin said the bill removes roadblocks that can hinder a child being placed in care.

“Florida’s foster parents have heroically stepped in to provide safe, loving homes for children in crisis,” Franklin said. “This bill removes bureaucratic roadblocks that disrupt these placements and helps foster families continue their mission, no matter where in Florida they move.”

As of January, DCF reported that almost 7,000 licensed foster families across the state care for some of the Sunshine State’s most vulnerable children.

Sen. Shevrin Jones is sponsoring the companion bill (SB 1174) in the Florida Senate, which was presented to the Senate Health and Human Services Appropriations Committee on Thursday.

— Rattler’s gambit —

Chess is one of the world’s oldest games and has been a symbol of intellect and the epitome of “one step ahead” for time immemorial. So, when one wins in a field of skilled competitors, it’s a pretty big deal.

Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU) has a chance to do just that this weekend.

Today and tomorrow, the FAMU chess team competes in the prestigious “HBCU Chess Tournament” at Morehouse College in Atlanta, where 10 students will be repping the Rattlers.

The tournament will see some of the brightest minds currently enrolled at historically Black colleges and universities come together to engage in intellectual, strategic battles — and, we assume, have some fun, too.

“Chess has always been more than just a game; it’s a discipline that teaches patience, resilience and critical thinking. FAMU’s participation in this tournament represents our commitment to intellectual excellence and our ability to compete on a national level,” said Daaim Shabazz, FAMU professor, chess club adviser and founder of “The Chess Drum.”

Taking the win in Atlanta would be monumental for the FAMU chess team not only because they see themselves as a family and want to see each other thrive and succeed to the highest degree but also because it would give them the opportunity to showcase that Rattlers are the best in any field, be it academics, athletics or strategy.

“Winning this tournament would be monumental. It would send a message that our institutions produce top-tier intellectuals who can compete on any stage,” Shabazz said.

We at Florida Politics hope for a FAMU win. If it happens, we promise to pretend we know what is happening next time we watch “The Queen’s Gambit.”

— FSU can handle the truth —

Anyone living in the capital city of Tallahassee long enough has had their fair share of garnet and gold exposure (whether they want it or not) and is familiar with Florida State University’s deep roots in the community.

And anyone working in legal circles in Florida is familiar with the game FSU Law has on the court (having the Capitol and Florida Bar in your backyard might help with that).

This week, FSU Law touted another resume booster.

According to U.S. News and World Report’s annual survey of the nation’s top public and private law schools, Florida State University College of Law is ranked No. 38 overall, jumping 10 spots from last year, and shares the ranking with Emory University, University of California-Irvine, Fordham University and … well, well, well … the University of Florida.

The College of Law is ranked No. 17 among public law schools and sits in the Top 25 among public law schools in eight specialties.

“This is our highest ranking ever, and we are incredibly proud to see our efforts being recognized. We have risen 18 spots over the past two years, which underscores the strength of our world-class faculty, our robust legal curriculum and our top-notch student support services. I also want to thank the university’s commitment to investing in our student success — we’re thrilled to see these efforts reflected in our rankings,” said Dean of the FSU College of Law, Erin O’Hara O’Connor.

So if you’re an aspiring law student struggling to decide between UF and FSU, you can’t go wrong … although FSU is inarguably closer to the action in the Capitol and some of the state’s most consequential courts.

— The final frontier —

Do you ever look up at the stars and become mesmerized? Or maybe the recent IMAX re-release of “Interstellar” has you on a space kick that includes going down Wikipedia rabbit holes for hours.

If that sounds like you, then come on down to Florida State University on Thursday at 7 p.m. as there will be a lecture open to the public delivered by Adam Riess, a Nobel laureate, on “The Surprising Expansion History of the Universe” in the auditorium of the Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science Building.

Reiss is a professor of Physics and Astronomy at Johns Hopkins University and aims to explain how he and his team discovered the potential acceleration of the universe and how the nature of “dark energy” remains a significant challenge in astrophysics. The event is a part of the “Dirac Lectures,” which celebrate the memory of Paul Dirac, the late Nobel Laureate and FSU physics faculty member.

“We are honored to welcome Professor Riess to Florida State for this exciting talk. His discovery that the universe is expanding at an ever-increasing rate is a profound contribution to our understanding of astrophysics,” said Jorge Piekarewicz, a professor in the Department of Physics at FSU.

Alongside Riess, David Schlegel, the senior scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, will present his “3D Cosmic Maps from DESI and Future Redshift Surveys,” and Licia Verde, professor at the University of Barcelona, will present her lecture on “ΛCDM Status.” Both recently had their research featured in The New York Times.

—Michelin Florida Man —

Do you have any old tires sitting around and don’t feel like making a swing (or maybe you already have a tire-swing, and let’s be honest, is one enough)? Well, from now through May 16, Leon County is having its “Tire Amnesty Days,” which allow Leon County citizens to dispose of old tires free of charge.

The end goal is to reduce the mosquito population in the county. Experts say that one improperly stored tire can become the equivalent of a swingers club for mosquitoes and a breeding ground, resulting in thousands of mosquitoes that could ultimately carry diseases such as Zika, West Nile, and dengue fever, aka the things that nobody wants to catch.

The 2024 “Tire Amnesty Days” saw over 37 tons of tires collected, recycled and repurposed for playgrounds. Leon county residents with a valid ID can drop off 25 of their tires for free at the following locations: Leon County Solid Waste Facility, 7550 Apalachee Parkway; Woodville Rural Waste Center, 549 Henry Jones Road; Fort Braden Rural Waste Center, 2485 East Joe Thomas Road; and Miccosukee Rural Waste Center, 13051 Miccosukee Road.

The hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, go to LeonCountyFL.gov/Mosquito.

— So-so surf sessions —

Bring some sunblock to the beach this weekend between the Big Bend and the Panhandle because sunbathing is probably going to be the order of the day. Some swimming in the waters might be refreshing, but any surfing is likely going to be fairly limited.

But it should be pretty solid conditions for standup paddleboarding or kayaking because surface conditions in the Gulf will return to pretty placid conditions, though not devoid of some possibility of waves. The National Weather Service marine forecast for the Gulf calls for seas of less than 3 feet for Saturday with winds about 5 to 10 knots, and they’ll be coming out of the east. That will create a cross wind on the beaches of areas such as Apalachee Bay.

Still, some small waves could be snagged by longboarders on Saturday, and chances increase for rideable surf on Sunday with winds increasing to 10 to 15 knots and a modest increase in seas to 2 to 4 feet. But Sunday seas will be bumpy with those winds coming directly onshore out of the due south direction.

Indeed, it is nothing to get professional surf photographers ready to catch action in motion. However, there is a reasonable possibility of minor bumps in the surf, which would serve as a refresher or a beginning shot at waves. It could still be worthwhile, but there’s nothing to bank on this weekend. And don’t forget, you can always catch up-to-date Gulf conditions on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Gulf weather buoy 42036, which is about 112 miles northwest of Tampa. Data is updated on an hourly basis.

— Easter egg hunt fun —

As the classic “Veggie Tales” tune goes: “The bunny, the bunny, yeah, I love the bunny, I gave everything that I had for the bunny.”

Easter is right around the corner, and despite being the biggest religious holiday of the year for Christians, when you’re under the age of 11, the most important parts are the chocolate, peeps and Easter egg hunts … and, as stretch goal, being the lucky kid who finds the golden egg, securing bragging rights for the rest of Spring.

The City of Tallahassee is putting on free Easter egg hunts for the community on April 19 for kids looking to get in on the fun.

Starting at 9 a.m. and running through 11 a.m. at the Messer Park Sports Complex is the “Eggs-tradordinary Easter Egg Hunt,” designed for children with special needs. The first hunt begins at 9:15 a.m. and is designed for children with varying abilities. The next starts at 9:30 a.m. and is geared toward children with visual impairments, who will get to use their ears to find the eggs. The next block is at 10 a.m. for children who need to use mobility devices, and it will feature magnetic eggs to hunt on a rubberized field. The final session starts at 10:15 a.m. for children with sensory sensitivities who need a calmer and quieter environment.

Then, later in the day, at Meyers Park, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., is the Easter egg hunt open to kids under 10 and their families. Bunny-filled activities will occur from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., with the official hunt starting at 2:30 p.m. Children should bring their baskets. And yes, the man of the hour himself, the Easter Bunny (who did you think we were talking about?), will be making a special appearance.

Those interested in helping are encouraged to contact Jennifer Carter at [email protected]. Otherwise, may the odds ever be in your favor … and if they aren’t, get a delicious bunny back home!

— Capitol Directions —

CASEY DESANTIS — Down arrow — When the book is penned, will Dixon write that this was the week the First Lady lost the ‘26 Primary?

HOPE FLORIDA — Down arrow — It is, fittingly, living on a prayer.

ALEX GLORIOSO & LAWRENCE MOWER — Up arrow — They’re turning over the stones … and boy there are a lot of ‘em.

ALEX ANDRADE — Up arrow — No fair! AHCA thought he was ‘new’ to this whole health care budget thing!

SHEVAUN HARRIS — Crossways arrow — Blink twice if they’re holding you hostage.

BYRON DONALDS — Up arrow — At this rate we might as well call it the 2025 Primary.

JAMES UTHMEIER — Up arrow — Welcome to the high-stakes table, challengers.

WESLEY BROOKS — Down arrow — Jimmy basically gave you a swirly on his first day of school.

BEN ALBRITTON — Up arrow — When you’re at service this Palm Sunday, remember to read Matthew 5:9.

LORI BERMAN — Up arrow — Helping domestic violence victims is a massive win in our books and for survivors statewide.

JENNIFER BRADLEY — Up arrow — You can, indeed, be tough on crime and still have a heart.

ALEXIS CALATAYUD — Down arrow — Can’t wait for UNF PORL’s inaugural generic vibe check of the electorate.

DON GAETZ — Up arrow — Seeing Gardiner’s and McKay’s names gave us the nostalgia hit we were looking for. Thanks, Senator.

KEITH TRUENOW — Up arrow — It’s looking like a good harvest this year.

JASON PIZZO — Up arrow — As the whispers of an entire budget veto override grow louder, the leader of the Minority Party finds himself in the catbird seat.

MICHELLE SALZMAN — Up arrow — Dunking on Sabs never gets old.

CENTENE — Down arrow — They poured kerosene all over this dumpster fire of a pre-campaign.

FEEDING FLORIDA — Up arrow — Not today, DOGE. ‘Tell them to bring me my money!’

FRIENDS OF THE EVERGLADES — Down arrow — Nothing says ‘real Florida’ like sodded over wetlands and a misty haze of non-potable water.

HOSPITALS — Down arrow — Whose Cheerios did they piss into to draw all this heat from the House?

FJA — Crossways arrow — Y’all were winning in the first half, but have your issues stalled?

TLH — Down arrow — The numbers prove what we already knew: Real Tallahasseeans fly out of ATL or JAX.

UWF — Up arrow — Hit the road Scott! And don’t ya’ come back no more!

ETHICS COMMISSION — Crossways — Ethics Commission:Ethics::M4L:Liberty. Take from that what you will.

ALLISON CARVAJAL — Up arrow — Meanwhile, she just powerlifted autonomous practice for mental health APRN’s.

GARY FARMER — Down arrow — On brand.

SHANNON SHEPP — Up arrow — Getting to see a line go up was a refreshing change of pace this week.

SCRUB JAY — Crossways arrow — Make it a duet if you want, just get that freaking mockingbird out of here already.

RED HILLS STRATEGIES — Up arrow — Nice new digs!

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