Politics
Takeaways from Tallahassee — Kelley Green
Fore!
This Summer was a big one for First Tee–Tallahassee, as one of its own took home some gold. The youth development organization enables kids aged 7 to 13 from all backgrounds to build character strengths that empower them throughout their lives. It seamlessly integrates golf with a curriculum that creates active learning experiences to build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience, so that at the end of the day, they believe they can do anything.
This week, the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism’s STARS of the Spectrum Golf League held its tournament Tuesday and Wednesday at Harvest Hill Golf Course in Orchard Park, New York.
Ian Kelley of the First Tee–Tallahassee family received the “Dougie Jr. Award” at the event. The award goes to a player who leads by example and shows unwavering love, support and encouragement to those around them.
Kelley is a Chiles High School graduate from Tallahassee and a mentor and golf specialist for First Tee–Tallahassee. He even won a Special Olympics gold medal in golf in 2022.
The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism’s STARS of the Spectrum Golf League launched in 2023 with the goal of giving autistic golfers with a USGA handicap the opportunity to compete against one another nationally. The league currently has 17 golfers in rotation.
The Buffalo-area tournament this week included 11 golfers competing in person, including Kelley, several other returning STARS golfers and two golfers, Peyton Mattingly and Liam LaFrance, who made their STARS debuts.
The tour also offers scholarship prizes that can be used toward the golfers’ careers and goals in the sport. It was an emotional moment for everyone on the green, with Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation Executive Director Nick Savarese in tears as he presented the award to Ian. Kelley then followed with an equally touching moment of his own.
“First Tee–Tallahassee, this prestigious trophy is coming home where it belongs. Without our team, staff and coaches, I couldn’t have won this award. Thank you for all of your love, support and encouragement,” Kelley told the crowd.
Ian’s brother Joey was there to cheer him on and served as his caddie for the first time in their careers. Their parents and girlfriends were also there.
It was a family celebration all around for the Kelleys and First Tee–Tallahassee.
Kelley also serves as an “Ambassador for Golf” in the STARS of the Spectrum Golf Program with the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, alongside fellow ambassadors Peter Condon, Tyler Lagasse and Carter Bonas.
Kelley is also part of the Ernie Els Foundation for Autism. Outside his work with that organization and First Tee–Tallahassee, his goal is to become a certified golf coach and launch the Kelley Golf Academy as a 501(c)(3), where he could work hands-on with young people on the spectrum.
To see how you can help bring the beauty of golf to the next generation, visit First Tee–Tallahassee.
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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 —
Match set — The battle to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis has begun in earnest. Republican Byron Donalds earned roughly 48% of the vote in the GOP Primary. James Fishback and Paul Renner pledged their support, the nominee noted. Jay Collins congratulated Donalds on social media during the victory speech. Democrat David Jolly has even more effectively consolidated the party against competition that didn’t get traction. The end of the Primary sets up a contest between one candidate, who has to unite a party after being the target of vicious personal attacks from the field for months, and another candidate, who faces a massive resource and infrastructure disadvantage.
A twist — U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody continued her undefeated streak in elections Tuesday by coasting to victory in the Republican Primary. Moody had no serious threat in the GOP Primary. The Democratic side, however, brought a surprise that some are already painting as a gift to the appointed incumbent. Despite more than a 10-to-1 spending disadvantage, state Rep. Angie Nixon emerged victorious from a Democratic Primary against Alex Vindman. Vindman, who had raised millions for his campaign, quickly endorsed his Primary foe. Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin also made clear that the party will stand with Nixon.
Quick foray into politics — DeSantis said Kevin Guthrie resigned his position leading Florida’s Division of Emergency Management after it was announced he would be the running mate of Lt. Gov. Collins in the Governor’s race. DeSantis said Perdue, the current Secretary of Florida’s Department of Transportation, will be taking over Guthrie’s former role. While DeSantis said Guthrie did a “great job” managing a “robust” portfolio that included hurricane response, distribution of monoclonal antibody treatments during the pandemic, and immigration enforcement, he also affirmed that Guthrie made a choice that forced a change in leadership. Florida Politics obtained a text Guthrie sent to former co-workers, suggesting he had to leave suddenly and not by his own choice. “I knew my choice was a gamble and even a long shot,” Guthrie wrote. “But I never imagined that I would lose my job for being added.”
Book ‘em — Palm Beach County Clerk Mike Caruso, a former state Representative and steady ally of Gov. DeSantis, has been arrested on charges related to child sexual abuse. Attorney General Uthmeier announced Caruso’s arrest, which he said resulted from “substantial assistance from (the Florida Department of Law Enforcement) and local law enforcement.” DeSantis suspended Caruso shortly after. The Governor’s Executive Order includes an attached arrest affidavit. Caruso has been charged with five felony counts: Kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, luring or enticing a child, and child abuse (mental injury). Upon being confronted about Caruso’s alleged misdeeds, Tracy Caruso said her husband could be arrested and that the matter was, in her words, a “life in jail kinda thing.”
The boot — U.S. Rep. Cory Mills got the boot, falling 47%-34% to former broadcaster Ryan Elijah in the CD 7 Republican Primary. Elijah entered seeking to capitalize on an expanding House Ethics Committee investigation, attempted censures and a pileup of personal scandals. The panel is examining whether Mills profited from defense contracts while serving in Congress, along with allegations involving two live-in girlfriends — including one who obtained a no-contact order after accusing him of threatening to release intimate images. Even President Donald Trump, who endorsed Mills in February, conspicuously declined to renew his blessing while re-upping every other Republican congressional incumbent. Mills had the seat, the title and Trump’s original endorsement. Elijah had four months. Voters supplied the boot.
— Daytona safety dreams —
Last week, DeSantis made his way down to the land of NASCAR, aka Daytona Beach, to announce an accelerated start to construction on a $56 million transportation project that, on paper, will bring significant safety and efficiency improvements to Clyde Morris Boulevard.
While there, the Governor also highlighted a partnership between the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University that is advancing emerging transportation technologies, specifically Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and autonomous vehicles.
“Great to be at Embry-Riddle today to highlight Florida’s leadership in advanced air mobility. I signed legislation last year to recognize AAM as an official mode of transportation in Florida. Now, we’re building the infrastructure to test these emerging technologies,” Gov. DeSantis said.
The infrastructure improvements include a pedestrian tunnel under Clyde Morris Boulevard just north of Embry-Riddle’s main entrance, raised medians along the 3-mile corridor, wider sidewalks and a new pedestrian crossing at Buccaneer Way.
At the end of the day, the construction should improve safety and mobility for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers along Clyde Morris Boulevard.
“Improvements to Clyde Morris Boulevard have been a top priority for this region for years,” FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue said. “Accelerating this project by two years will bring essential safety improvements to a very important corridor for Volusia County, Daytona Beach, and Embry-Riddle University.”
The project can move forward efficiently in part because of the state’s strong partnerships with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Volusia County and the City of Daytona Beach, each of which donated right-of-way to help speed up construction.
— First!!! —
Florida wasted no time answering the federal government’s latest higher-ed homework assignment.
DeSantis hand-delivered a joint statement signed by the presidents of all 28 Florida College System institutions and 12 State University System institutions to the U.S. Department of Education. According to the Governor’s Office, it makes Florida the first state to respond to Education Secretary Linda McMahon’s National Call to Action.
The federal initiative asks colleges and universities to publish commitments addressing merit-based admissions, free speech, affordability, academic rigor in the age of artificial intelligence, foreign influence and workforce needs by the end of 2026.
“We’ve ignored the noise and focused on merit, and the results speak for themselves,” DeSantis said.
FDOE also sent letters urging Florida’s private colleges and universities to follow suit. Forty public-system presidents, it appears, did not need a reminder.
— Elderly exploitation —
A Leesburg woman has been found guilty of bilking an elderly woman out of about $350,000, then using that money to buy property.
Attorney General Uthmeier announced that Kimberly Ruth Bitting was convicted of elderly exploitation. Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution oversaw the case that dates back a half-decade.
“This defendant systematically exploited a vulnerable senior widow grieving the loss of her husband, abusing a power of attorney to drain her life savings, purchase property for herself, and isolate her from family,” Uthmeier said in a news release.
“Florida will not tolerate those who prey on our elderly under the guise of caregiving or trust. I thank the Leesburg Police Department, Senior Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Taylor Chatting, and Special Counsel Ana Sacco for their outstanding work securing this conviction.”
Investigators found that Bitting secured power of attorney over the elderly victim, who was her neighbor, shortly after her husband passed away in August 2021. Then, Bitting used that power to write checks from the victim’s bank accounts for over a year and a half, transferring the money into her own and her daughter’s accounts.
Bitting also made several ATM withdrawals from the victim’s accounts, as recorded on surveillance video. Bitting transferred more funds from the victim into investment accounts.
Bitting then used $137,000 of the victim’s funds to buy two parcels of land in Calhoun County.
— Ag producers apply now —
Don’t dillydally, but there’s still a little more time.
On Thursday, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced that there will be an extension for Florida’s agricultural producers to apply for more than $600 million in disaster assistance related to impacts from the 2023 and 2024 hurricane seasons.
Florida producers now will have until the start of the new year — Jan. 1, 2027 — to apply for the Florida Block Grant Disaster Relief Program.
Those who are eligible can apply for funding to address infrastructure damage, market losses, citrus losses, and timber damage caused by recent hurricanes.
“Florida’s farmers are self-reliant and do not like to ask for help, but we encourage any producers who suffered damage or loss to apply to the Block Grant Disaster Relief Program. We have staff standing by to support producers with the application process and have streamlined the program to ensure that impacted producers can receive grant funding as quickly as possible. Extending the application deadline allows more producers to access this critical assistance to rebuild and recover,” said Simpson.
“Food security is a national security issue, and we will continue to do everything we can to support the men and women who feed our state and nation.”
Since applications opened, 600-plus producers have been approved for nearly $100 million in disaster relief grants. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has launched a centralized online information hub at blockgrant.fdacs.gov to help applicants with their documentation requirements and application details.
Applicants will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
— Fraud scheme arrests —
A Florida insurance agent and her husband have been charged with running an insurance fraud scheme that illegally garnered an estimated $382,000.
Chief Financial Officer Ingoglia announced that officials from the Department of Financial Services’ Criminal Investigations Division (CID) charged the couple after discovering several fraudulent life insurance policies. That involved submitting false Census records, employment information, life insurance enrollments and claims.
Christine Ann Nunzio and her husband, Phillip Salvatore Nunzio, were arrested this Summer. The allegations include an organized scheme to defraud, grand theft, insurance fraud, violation of the Florida Money Laundering Act and criminal use of deceased personal identification information.
“My office has been relentless in catching criminals who drive up costs for policyholders,” Ingoglia said in a press release.
“Insurance fraud doesn’t just impact insurance companies, but comes at the expense of every honest, hard-working Floridian. I want to thank my investigators for putting a stop to the Nunzios’ schemes and ensuring that their next date night will be in court.”
CID investigators say the husband-and-wife team owned a construction company and used it to generate bogus life insurance claims for people who were not employed there. They also used the names of four dead people to file claims.
Authorities say the people who were not employees of the company turned out to be family members of the couple, including Phillip Nunzio’s father.
— Fraud no baby —
The fraud-fighting CFO strikes again!
This week, Ingoglia highlighted the 45 arrests the state made in July amid ongoing efforts to combat fraud in Florida.
Arrests were made by the Department of Financial Services Criminal Investigations Division through the Bureau of Insurance Fraud, Bureau of Public Assistance Fraud, and the Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives Investigations.
“There is no safe place in Florida for criminals to hide. My office has continued to stay one step ahead to dismantle fraudulent schemes as fraudsters try to exploit Floridians time and time again. As we continue to highlight the hard work of my investigators, let this be another reminder that if you are stealing from Floridians, you will end up in handcuffs and behind bars,” Ingoglia said.
The Bureau of Insurance Fraud’s investigations alone led to 22 arrests totaling $1.3 million in fraud, the largest of which added to $408,416 from a workers’ compensation fraud scheme allegedly conducted by Juan Carlos Roque Hernandez and Alma Torres Levia.
The Bureau of Public Assistance Fraud’s work led to 7 arrests this month, totaling $190,183 of fraudulently obtained public assistance benefits. And of those seven, Takila McKenzie fraudulently obtained $41,351 by concealing her income and making false statements — this was the highest amount of public assistance fraud in July for CID. This is all on top of 10 public assistance fraud cases, which were presented for criminal prosecution and totaled $205,059. Twenty-seven cases were referred for administrative action totaling $108,737.
Lastly, the Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives Investigations assisted in 16 arrests, resulting in a potential loss of $113,669.
Everyone had their hands full this past July, ensuring taxpayers aren’t getting the short end of the stick. CFO Ingoglia encourages anyone with knowledge of fraud to report it ASAP at FraudFreeFlorida.com.
— Instagram of the week —
— SunTrax & Sean —
Up, up, and away.
This week, the U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy visited SunTrax — the research and development hub for air and ground transportation innovation in Florida, whose AAM testing operations have been funded by the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) AAM and Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) Integration Pilot Program (eIPP).
The FDOT was one of eight projects chosen by the current Trump administration in March of this year to lay the groundwork for the safe integration of next-generation aircraft into the national airspace.
“SunTrax is a prime example of how USDOT is working with innovative states like Florida to ensure America leads the way in next-generation aviation technology. The work and research done here will radically redefine air transportation — from personal travel to emergency medicine — for years to come,” said Duffy.
SunTrax, developed and operated by FDOT, is home to the nation’s first dedicated AAM Aerial Test Track and a 212-acre aviation testing campus, and is headquartered on a 2.25-mile oval track, the only highway-speed testing site for autonomous vehicles (AVs) in the southeastern United States.
“The future is now at Florida’s SunTrax Ground and SunTrax Air with new transportation technologies that are rapidly transforming our industry,” added Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Perdue.
“With the vision of transportation leaders like Secretary Duffy, we’re taking action to position our country for the future of flying cars, and Florida’s SunTrax Air will set the stage for highways in the sky.”
— Million-dollar X-ing —
FDOT is preparing to make railroad warnings much harder to miss.
The agency announced this week that it secured a $356.1 million federal grant to upgrade up to 910 highway-rail grade crossings. Florida is kicking in $100 million, bringing the potential investment to $456.1 million.
Planned improvements include pedestrian warning systems, overhead signals, brighter lighting, double gates and LED-enhanced “DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS” signs. Some locations will also receive “ANOTHER TRAIN COMING” warnings for that nasty surprise on multitrack corridors.
“Making highway-railroad crossings safer is one of my top priorities as FRA Administrator,” said FRA Administrator David Fink. “Florida DOT’s initiative is a game-changing undertaking that will prevent hundreds of crashes and save lives. The Federal Railroad Administration looks forward to working with FDOT on this pioneering project.”
FDOT Secretary Perdue added, “This is truly a transformational opportunity for rail safety in Florida. FDOT’s bold and aggressive approach will improve safety and save lives for years to come. Thank you to FRA for supporting our vision with this funding and helping to accelerate these major improvements to rail corridors across the state.”
FDOT will prioritize crossings with the worst incident histories. In the meantime, FDOT is reminding everyone to keep off the tracks and always obey warning signals on rail corridors.
— Jobs, jobs, jobs —
The hot streak of declining new jobless filings this Summer in Florida continued into mid-August.
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) reports there were 5,470 first-time claims for the week ending Aug. 15. That’s a decrease of 327 from the week ending Aug. 8, when there were 5,797.
The latest DOL report is an extension of a relatively upbeat Summer that has seen claims declining most weeks in Florida. Even when there were upticks, they were minor, except for a notable spike right after Independence Day.
Florida’s decrease in new claims reflected the national picture. There were 172,080 filings nationally last week. That’s a decrease of 17,123, or a 9.1% drop. It’s a more significant decline than what DOL analysts had expected. Economists predicted a 6.4% decline, or a slide of 12,077.
The annual comparison also showed a significant downturn in claims. There were 194,217 new filings for the comparable week in 2025 across the country.
The drop in claims also comes as Florida’s unemployment rate begins to stabilize after increasing for most of the past year and a half. June saw a 4.7% jobless figure, according to FloridaCommerce, the state’s economic development bureau. That was down from the May figure of 4.8%, which was the same as April’s.
— Lawson goes Green —
Former U.S. Rep. Al Lawson is backing Amanda Marie Green in Florida’s 2nd Congressional District, giving the newly minted Democratic nominee a boost.
Green won a four-way Democratic Primary on Tuesday and will face Republican Austin Rogers in November. The endorsement adds some old-school North Florida muscle as her campaign trades an intraparty contest for a general-election sprint across the sprawling 16-county District.
“Amanda has put in the work to earn the trust of people across North Florida, as we saw clearly in the Primary, and I am proud to endorse her campaign for Congress,” Lawson said. “She understands that representing this District means showing up for every community — urban and rural — and fighting for the issues that affect people’s everyday lives.”
Lawson would know the mileage. He spent nearly three decades in the Florida Legislature before serving six years in Congress, and he sat on the House Agriculture Committee throughout his Washington tenure.
“I have tremendous respect for the relationships he built and the service he gave to this region,” Green said. “To have someone with his history and perspective believe I’m ready to carry North Florida’s voice forward is an incredible honor.”
Green still has a Republican-leaning District to cross, but Lawson has a well-worn road map for her.
— Floating metal —
Art across generations. Beginning Aug. 27, the Florida State University (FSU) Museum of Fine Arts (MoFA) will present “Floating Metal: UNDERcurrents In My Father’s Garden.” The new immersive performance exhibition brings together the work of two artists and FSU faculty members — Ed Love and his daughter Nia.
Conceived by FSU School of Dance Professor and Guggenheim-winning choreographer Love and co-curator Benin Ford, “Floating Metal” brings Love’s choreography and dance films into conversation with the work of her father, who was also a Guggenheim recipient and celebrated member of the Black Arts Movement.
Love was known for transforming discarded scrap metal into powerful sculptures. He served as an FSU professor of visual arts from 1990 until his death in 1999.
“One of the central ideas of ‘Floating Metal: UNDERcurrents In My Father’s Garden’ is that our understanding of an artist is never complete. Knowledge unfolds as new works, memories, archives, relationships, and perspectives are brought into conversation. By looking at Ed Love’s work through the experience of Nia Love’s performances and video installations, we can revisit the past with new information and see the present differently. We are excited to share this experience with the Tallahassee community,” Kaylee Spencer, Director of the MoFA, said.
The exhibition will showcase dance, live jazz music and video projections, including the first presentation of images from Love’s 1988 “Beloved” series alongside a selection of his metal sculptures commemorating Black historical figures.
“My father sent me forth to do the dance. What happened to tear us apart is not a small thing. It all crosses the seas, estuaries and rivers. Floating Metal recalls and continues this movement. It is a prayer of memory and healing, and a message of invention and rupture,” Love said.
Love will perform at the museum Aug. 27-29 as part of the exhibition. Performances are free and open to the public, but reservations are required. Free tickets are available here.
A free public opening reception will also be held at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 3.
— FSU future lawyers —
This week, the FSU College of Law welcomed its most academically accomplished entering class yet, the Class of 2029. FSU Law also celebrates its 60th anniversary and sets a new law school record with a median LSAT score of 169.
Not to mention the median undergraduate GPA of 3.93 among the 116-member class.
“The academic strength of this incoming class reflects the remarkable momentum we are seeing at FSU Law. These students had many options when choosing where to pursue their legal education, and we are thrilled they chose Florida State. We look forward to seeing what they contribute to our classrooms, our community and, ultimately, the legal profession,” said Erin O’Hara O’Connor, dean of the FSU College of Law.
This year, the College of Law received a whopping 3,265 applications, a 20% increase from 2025, with only 13.7% of applicants admitted, making it one of the most cutthroat entering classes in FSU Law’s history. Recently, U.S. News & World Report ranked FSU Law No. 34 overall and No. 14 among public law schools, and the Princeton Review listed FSU as the No. 1 Best Value Law School, No. 4 for Best Student Quality of Life, and No. 6 for Best Professors.
“We are incredibly proud of the Class of 2029. Their academic credentials are exceptional, but that tells only part of their story. They bring experiences and perspectives from across the country and around the world, along with a genuine enthusiasm for becoming part of the FSU Law community. We are excited to watch them learn from one another and see the many ways they will contribute during their time here,” said Jessica Dworkin, dean of admissions at FSU Law.
This class has representation from 28 U.S. states and includes 11 international students. Additionally, 28% of the students are from outside Florida, and 88% are first-generation law school students.
Class orientation began on Aug. 17, and the first day of classes is Monday.
— 1 Fall Show for TSC —
“Turns out Amy’s beloved ‘Pride and Prejudice’ is a flawless masterpiece — he’s got too much pride, she’s got too much prejudice … It just works.”
This week, Tallahassee State College (TSC) and Theater TSC announced plans to present “Pride and Prejudice” this Fall. Auditions will be held at 7 p.m. on Sept. 8 and 9 at Turner Auditorium. Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Nov. 12-14 and Nov. 20-21, with a 2 p.m. matinee Nov. 22.
“We have heard clearly how much theater means to members of our campus and community, and we are pleased to move forward with Pride and Prejudice this Fall. We hope that enthusiasm translates into strong participation at auditions and full audiences in November,” TSC Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Calandra Stringer said.
TSC originally had two theatrical productions slated for the Fall semester, but after thoroughly reviewing student participation and available resources, the college decided to move forward with one Fall show to provide the strongest experience for participants, students, faculty and audience members alike.
The TSC Foundation continues to provide financial support to Theater TSC to help make this and future productions possible.
“TSC has a long-standing commitment to the arts, both on our campus and throughout our community. We are proud to provide opportunities for our students to participate in the performing arts and to support the organizations and events that contribute so much to Tallahassee’s cultural community,” TSC President Jim Murdaugh said.
TSC continues to serve as the presenting sponsor of the Word of South Festival, as it has since the festival’s inception, while also supporting Opening Nights, Southern Shakespeare Company, Gadsden Arts and the Council on Culture & Arts (COCA).
Tickets for Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” will go on sale in September.
In the meantime, either reread the book or give Joe Wright’s film, which earned four Academy Award nominations, another watch.
— The King of Monsters in Leon —
“♫♫ Oh no, there goes Tokyo! ♫♫”
One of cinema’s most beloved kaiju, the atomic breath-blasting mega lizard (Dino? Iguana? Marine creature? Whatever he is) is getting a special showcase from the Leon County Government.
Leon County is inviting members of the community of all ages to its next installment of the award-winning Library Lecture Series, “King of the Monsters: How Godzilla Conquered the World,” which will take place this Saturday from 11 a.m. to noon at the Leon County Main Library, 200 West Park Avenue.
The program is part of this year’s “CosmicCon 2026: Sirens, Sailors, and Sea Monsters,” the Leon County Public Library’s annual celebration of science fiction, fantasy, comics, gaming, and pop culture. And that is from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., featuring plenty of fun presentations (not just Godzilla-related), hands-on activities, cosplay, crafts, and interactive experiences for all ages.
”Godzilla’s seven-decade journey is a fascinating example of how a story can cross borders and generations,” said Leon County Public Library Director Pamela Monroe.
“As we celebrate the tenth year of our Library Lecture Series and the eighth annual CosmicCon, we’re proud to offer our community opportunities to learn something new while celebrating the creativity and culture that make these traditions so enduring.”
Ever since 1954 and the atomic bomb testing that created the “King of Monsters,” this dino-like beast has been a staple of the big screen, spawning countless fans from all over the world, as well as too many movies and TV shows to count.
Those who attend will learn all about Godzilla’s massive impact on the world of entertainment and the unique role he’s played in bridging the cinematic traditions of Japan and the United States.
The program is free and open to all ages. Since 2017, the Leon County Library Lecture Series has featured dozens of local, regional, and national speakers who actively engage and inspire the community with their thoughtful discussions on topics in the arts and sciences.
— Operation Lighthouse —
On Monday, the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) informed the public of its partnership with the Protecting Children’s Innocence Task Force and the results of “Operation Lighthouse” — a highly coordinated human trafficking initiative focused on identifying potential victims, providing support services and holding offenders accountable.
The task force was made up of TPD, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with additional support from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
“Operation Lighthouse demonstrates the importance of working together to combat a crime that often occurs in the shadows,” stated Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell.
“Our mission is not only to hold those who exploit others accountable, but also to help victims recognize that there is hope beyond trafficking. Through the dedication of our investigators, victim advocates and law enforcement partners, we will continue working to protect the vulnerable and bring those responsible to justice.”
Operation Lighthouse began on May 27 of this year, with investigative efforts and follow-ups that continued until Aug. 3. During the operation, investigators identified approximately 140 potential victims and made in-person contact with 22 of them. Of those that were able to be contacted, 14 of them exhibited indicators consistent with human trafficking. As a result of the operation, seven human trafficking-related arrests and eight additional felony arrests for crimes associated with the investigation came to light.
“Operation Lighthouse is a strong example of what can happen when law enforcement agencies work together with the right resources and support. We’re proud to stand alongside these agencies in protecting vulnerable individuals and holding offenders accountable,” said Katie Yaryan, Executive Director, Protecting Children’s Innocence Task Force.
Anyone with any information about suspected human trafficking in Tallahassee can contact TPD at 850-891-4200 or remain anonymous by contacting Big Bend Crime Solvers at 850-574-TIPS (8477).
— Tony, Insidious, Mutiny —
The Summer movie season is wrapping up, but we still have your what’s what for all things big- and little-screen this weekend.
On to the new releases.
From eclectic comedian and filmmaker Matt Johnson of “Nirvana the Band the Show the Movie” fame and “BlackBerry” comes his next docudrama/biopic, which he co-writes and directs, about the one Summer a 19-year-old wannabe writer, Anthony Bourdain, travels to Provincetown and stumbles into the world of a kitchen … and you know the rest. Starring BAFTA nominees Dominic Sessa (“The Holdovers”) and Emilia Jones (“CODA”) and in a touching supporting turn Oscar nominee Antonio Banderas (“The Mask of Zoro”) as well, the film is being met to acclaim from critics and audiences alike for its humor, acting, pacing, and unique approach to focusing on one moment in time instead of trying to tell the entire complicated story of Mr. Parts Unknown himself.
The film has a 94% on Rotten Tomatoes (92% audience), a 7.5 on IMDb, and a 3.9 on Letterboxd. Who knows, in a world where people thought Sessa was snubbed for “The Holdovers,” maybe he can get that coveted “Oscar nominee” by his name in about 4 months.
In the never-ending series given to us by 21st-century horror mastermind James Wan, comes the 6th film in the Insidious series — “Insidious: Out of the Further.” Directed and co-written by Jacob Chase (“Come Play”), the film follows Gemma, a young mother raising her daughter in the house she grew up in, who discovers she can travel into The Further and bring things back from it into reality. Starring Amelia Eve (“The Haunting of Bly Manor”) and Lin Shaye (“Dead End”), the film is actually being met with not-too-horrible reviews, considering it’s the sixth in the series.
Currently at 59% on Rotten Tomatoes (the 2nd-highest rating behind the original), a 6.3 on IMDb, and a 2.9 on Letterboxd, the film is being praised for some of its practical and creative scares — specifically around the dentist, so don’t say you weren’t warned — and a more in-touch family story like the original.
The last big theatrical release is “Mutiny,” the next paycheck that Jason Statham of the “Fast and Furious” series made sure to cash. Directed by Jean-François Richet (“Plane”), the film follows a man who witnesses his billionaire industrialist boss murdered in front of him and is set up to take the fall for the crime, leaving him on the run in an international conspiracy. You know exactly what you’re getting here, and this epic dad action film is either very much for you or very much not. It has a 51% on Rotten Tomatoes, a 5.7 on IMDb, and a 2.7 on Letterboxd. But with a 95-minute runtime, at least they aren’t trying your patience.
And at home this week, season three of the Emmy-winning comedy travel documentary show “Conan O’Brien Must Go” is back on HBO Max, and this season sees legendary comedian, Emmy winner, and man statistically mentioned travel to India, the Netherlands, Morocco, and the Philippines. And yes, fan favorite Jordan Schlansky returns as well. It currently has 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Happy watching!
— Capitol Directions —
Mike Caruso — Double Down arrow — Enjoy Hell. But first, enjoy prison.
Governor’s Office — Down arrow — The redaction team may return to their vestibule forthwith.
Kevin Guthrie — Down arrow — No purchase necessary. Employment void upon acceptance.
Voting by mail — Crossways arrow — If it’s good enough for POTUS, isn’t it good enough for the rest of us?
Supervisors of Elections — Up arrow — Proudly celebrating 26 years of trauma-informed election administration.
Byron Donalds — Up arrow — Crassus revived decimation. Donalds buried the other nine.
Team Donalds — Up arrow — For Ryan Smith, Brad Herold and Chris Hudson, patience is a virtue.
Ashley Moody — Up arrow — If you want a tough race, well, there’s always the People’s Marathon.
Bullhorns — Up arrow — Apparently six D-cells in series beats $16M.
Rachel Vindman — Down arrow — Wait! Who is going to tell Florida women What Not to Wear this Fall?
James Uthmeier — Up arrow — Turns out plain English is industrial-strength turd polish.
Jay Collins — Down arrow — Too bad an F-3575 won’t forward a quarter of your mail to the Governor’s Mansion.
Wilton Simpson — Up arrow — Campaign doomstack confirmed. 67 counties painted — and a sincere thank you to whoever hid the “Raze” button.
Annette Taddeo — Up arrow — First audit finding: Florida Democrats’ biggest number wasn’t at the top of the ticket.
Brice Barnes — Crossways arrow — Look on the bright side: You have two years to make the Independence Landing fantasy more convincing.
Evan Power — Down arrow — We didn’t know the Complete and Total came in bronze.
Mike Haridopolos — Crossways arrow — Victory has a thousand fathers. This one called NOTUS to establish paternity.
Chase Brannan — Down arrow — Phaethon got the chariot. Chase couldn’t get Dad’s House seat out of park.
Lucia Báez-Geller — Up arrow — She’s going to kick all of that butt.
Kelly Ann Walker — Down arrow — Daddy handed her the keys and she drove it straight into somebody else’s divorce.
Matlow and Co. — Up arrow — Outspent and outmailed, but not outvoted.
Meta — Up arrow — Tertiary benefit: Michele Rayner now has time to double Horizon Worlds’ DAU.
David Johnson — Up arrow — Chief just pulled off a Bros to the Close LASO. No notes.
Brett Doster — Up arrow — Bruno Barreiro, Mery Lopez-Palma, Marshall Rawson, and Yoni Anijar approve of this arrow.
Elijah Manley — Down arrow — Did NDTC merge with ISIL?
Beth Matuga — Up arrow — Two establishment candidates walked into a woodchipper. A Senator and finalist walked out.
Jared Rosenstein — Up arrow — Outrageous, egregious, preposterous — and devastatingly well pleaded.
Lauren Book — Up arrow — How many Marsy’s Law quick-reference guides shall she pack for Session?
Fred Karlinsky — Up arrow — Ron Book wasn’t the only top lobbyist in the Best Lawyers rundown.
Florida Assoc. of Counties — Down arrow — “Bringing vengeance?” “Bringing it all!”
Medical freedom — Down arrow — Lawmakers balked. Consultants sighed. This talking point has achieved herd immunity.
Disney — Up arrow — Dark Kingdom is already in Tallahassee. Your move, Imagineers.
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