Takeaways from Tallahassee — Same time next week?

After a Regular Session defined more by disagreement than accomplishment, House and Senate leaders ended another Special Session by passing a $114.5 billion budget.

Lawmakers gave final approval Friday to the spending plan, which came in below current-year spending levels while preserving more than $14 billion in reserves and authorizing additional debt reduction.

But while legislative leaders are touting restraint as the headline achievement, there was little of it to go around over the past couple of months, as lawmakers threw jabs across the rotunda without releasing so much as top-level allocations until May.

Rather than repeat last year’s nearly double-length Regular Session, the Legislature took a break — well, if greenlighting new maps counts as a break — and opted to return for a Special Session to hammer out their differences, despite the tense relations between chambers. The finished product followed the same script legislative leaders had been selling for weeks: affordability, fiscal discipline and long-term stability.

“Floridians expect their government to spend responsibly and prioritize the issues that matter most to families across our state,” said House Speaker Daniel Perez.

“For the second year in a row, the Florida House has led the charge in passing a budget that reduces spending while continuing to invest in public safety, education, environmental protection, healthcare, and infrastructure. We’ve maintained strong reserves, protected taxpayers, and ensured Florida remains in a strong financial position for the future.”

The budget indeed reduces spending, both in adjusted dollars and in the raw total — the final budget is roughly $600 million below the current year’s spending plan and maintains more than $8.6 billion in unallocated General Revenue reserves, alongside another $5.7 billion in the Budget Stabilization Fund.

“The best thing we can do to keep Florida affordable is to keep taxes low, limiting the financial burden taxes and regulations place on Florida’s families and businesses. To keep taxes low, the state government has to live within its means, pay down debt, and save for the future. The Senate, House and Gov. Ron DeSantis share these key principles and reflect the sound financial stewardship Floridians expect and deserve,” said Senate President Ben Albritton.

“Floridians are counting on us to maximize the use of their tax dollars by responsibly investing in key functions of government in a meaningful way, chief among these are education, healthcare, public safety, as well as our environmental, transportation, and clean water infrastructure. Through this budget, we are holding the line on spending, living within our means and striking the right balance between spending and saving.”

As Republicans hammered the fiscal responsibility message, Democrats echoed familiar criticisms over high spending on school vouchers and a lackadaisical approach to addressing the needs of families struggling to remain afloat as costs rise.

Another cloud hanging over Sine Die: lawmakers will need to wait another week before heading home.

Earlier this week, DeSantis called a Special Session starting Monday centered on advancing a ballot measure that could dramatically reshape the ways and means of local governments by ratcheting up the homestead limit over the next two years, before the Legislature would be “commanded” to create a schedule to eliminate homestead property taxes.

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 —

Special Session F? — Lawmakers will convene next week to consider a ballot amendment that would make sweeping changes to the state’s property tax system. DeSantis called the Special Session, which starts Monday, to consider his long-awaited proposal to curb and eventually eliminate homestead property taxes in the Sunshine State. Under the plan he outlined, the initial break for taxpayers would be raising the homestead limit to $150,000, beginning Jan. 1, 2027. Then by the beginning of 2028, the limit would be raised to $250,000. The Special Session, which is expected to run until June 3, will not include a call for new taxes to offset the decrease in collections local governments can count on.

6% off guns — The Legislature has approved a sales tax holiday for gun purchases and other items, but Democrats argued Floridians would prefer a break at the gas pump instead. The tax bill package (HB 7031-E), providing $272 million in relief, was approved by the House with an 88-11 vote and by the Senate with a 29-6 vote during the Special Session. Republicans said the bill was “building on the historic tax relief passed over the last several years that offers broad-based tax relief for families and seniors with a focus on tax-free essentials.” The state’s gas tax is roughly 40 cents per gallon, and gas prices recently hit an average of $4.23 per gallon in Florida. Meanwhile, the bill waives sales tax on hunting, fishing and camping items from Sept. 1 to Dec. 31. The bill also changes the dates for the permanent back-to-school sales tax holiday, setting it to run July 20 to Aug. 20 so families can shop before school starts.

Musical chairs — The Legislature will be missing a few familiar faces — and likely welcoming some back — next term. This week, Sens. Shevrin Jones and Tina Polsky both confirmed they will not seek re-election, with Jones seen as a likely entrant into the race to succeed U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, who announced she will not seek re-election in Florida’s 24th Congressional District. Already, Rep. Ashley Gantt has filed to fill his northeast Miami-Dade seat. Polsky didn’t indicate whether she would seek another office in her exit announcement, though shortly after her Palm Beach- and Broward-based seat came on the market, former Senate Democratic Leader Lauren Book announced she would launch a bid. She may face a challenger in Coral Springs Rep. Dan Daley, who said he has long planned to run for SD 30 and is now taking a “serious look” at it.

Reimbursements inbound — DeSantis said he has no doubt the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will continue to pay Florida back for housing suspected undocumented immigrants at Alligator Alcatraz. “We’re now already seeing reimbursements flowing down, and so that’s going to happen,” DeSantis said in Davie. While Florida has been approved for $608 million in reimbursement, only $58.2 million has been disbursed so far. “We’ve gotten some, we’ll get more. And so that whole talking point will just vanish,” DeSantis predicted. DeSantis doesn’t expect the media to report the reimbursements, the slow pace of which he attributes to the “timetable” when “dealing with FEMA,” which can take years to pay back money fronted by state governments for emergency response.

Explosive end — Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket exploded at Kennedy Space Center this week, with reports stating nobody was hurt in the blast. The rocket belonging to Amazon owner Jeff Bezos blew up Thursday night, shaking homes and turning the sky orange, The Associated Press reported. Blue Origin said its New Glenn rocket exploded during an engine-firing test conducted ahead of a satellite launch planned for next week. “It’s too early to know the root cause, but we’re already working to find it,” Bezos said via X. “Very rough day, but we’ll rebuild whatever needs rebuilding and get back to flying. It’s worth it.”

— History lessons —

This week, DeSantis recognized the winners of the America250FL art and essay contest, honoring students whose work highlighted Florida’s contributions to the nation ahead of next year’s 250th anniversary of American independence.

The contest invited students to submit original artwork and essays centered on the theme “Celebrating Florida’s Contributions to America.” Six elementary school students won scholarships through the art competition, while eight middle and high school students received scholarships through the essay contest.

At a reception at the Governor’s Mansion, DeSantis praised participants for demonstrating creativity and an appreciation for Florida’s history.

“I was proud to recognize these outstanding students for their hard work commemorating our nation’s semiquincentennial,” DeSantis said. “The creativity and thoughtfulness of these entries embody the very best of Florida’s students.”

Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoustas added, “America’s 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence is a time to honor and celebrate all that our country has accomplished. I commend the students who participated in the America250FL art and essay contests. Their submissions thoughtfully captured the ideals and vision of America’s Founding Fathers. I am proud to congratulate the winners on their outstanding work.”

The contest is one component of Florida’s broader America250FL initiative, which is organizing events and educational programming leading up to the nation’s 250th birthday in 2026. Winning entries highlighted topics ranging from tourism and agriculture to inventors, entrepreneurs and historical figures who helped shape both Florida and the country.

— A deep bench —

DeSantis put four of his appointees on judicial benches across Florida this month.

Cary A. “Bo” Hardee III of Madison was named to serve as a judge on Florida’s 3rd Judicial Circuit Court in North Florida. Hardee has operated his own law firm since 2011 and was previously a partner at Caminez and Hardee.

Hardee is filling a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Leandra Johnson.

Meanwhile, DeSantis appointed Brian Toti of The Villages to serve as a judge on Florida’s 5th Judicial Circuit Court. Toti is filling a newly created judgeship established by legislation passed by the Legislature in 2025 (SB 2508), which expanded the number of circuit court judges statewide.

Toti has served as an assistant state attorney in the 5th Circuit since 2023. He previously served as a prosecutor in the Ninth Judicial Circuit.

DeSantis also made two appointments to county courts. Shelby Senn of Wildwood was appointed to serve on the Sumter County Court bench.

Senn has been an assistant state attorney in the Fifth Judicial Circuit since 2017. Her appointment is also tied to the judicial expansion approved by lawmakers.

And Alicia Carothers of Panama City was appointed to serve on the Bay County Court. She is replacing Judge Shane Vann, who retired in late 2025.

Carothers has served as Bay County’s Deputy County Attorney since 2024 and previously worked as a prosecutor in Florida’s 14th Judicial Circuit.

— Treasure Coast crackdown —

Three men are facing multiple charges in connection with a retail theft crime ring that originated on the Treasure Coast.

Attorney General James Uthmeier announced this week that multiple law enforcement agencies broke up a theft ring that targeted hardware stores hit by smash-and-grab burglaries in Martin County. The crimes later expanded to other counties.

“This group of criminals carefully orchestrated thefts across at least thirteen counties to turn over illicit proceeds as quickly as possible,” Uthmeier said in a news release. “In Florida, our Organized Retail Theft Task Force will dismantle theft rings, keep retail costs low for consumers, and protect hard-working Floridians.”

Uthmeier and other law enforcement agencies launched the Task Force in November.

Johnny Batista, 19, Roberto Hernandez-Castro, 39, and Roberto Aldana Ferrera, 31, are all suspected of orchestrating the crime ring. Batista is being held in the Palm Beach County Jail, while Ferrera was arrested in Georgia on unrelated charges and will be extradited to Florida when those cases are resolved. Hernandez-Castro is at large.

Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek said while the thefts originated in his county, they spread to hardware stores in Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, Orange, Polk, Brevard, Seminole, St. Lucie, Indian River, Duval, Sarasota and Pinellas counties. The burglaries largely focused on stealing high-end tools.

“Thanks to the relentless work of our detectives, what began as a local hardware store burglary investigation quickly uncovered a much larger criminal operation tied to more than 30 cases across the state of Florida,” Budensiek said.

Most of the stolen goods were transported to Miami-Dade County, where they were sold. The suspects are facing charges of racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering, burglary causing more than $1,000 in damage, multiple counts of grand theft and other burglary-related charges.

— Now: Not later —

The University of Miami Hurricanes may have had a good year, and Florida largely dodged major hurricane impacts last year. Still, luck isn’t something residents can count on when it comes to either football or the weather.

This week in Fort Lauderdale, CFO and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia made the fourth stop on his hurricane preparedness tour, sharing safety tips with residents ahead of the 2026 hurricane season, which begins Monday and runs through Nov. 30.

“With only one week to go until hurricane season starts, Floridians should take the time now to prepare their homes and their families before a storm appears on the radar. Taking proactive steps today can make all the difference when a storm is on the horizon,” Ingoglia said.

For the past several weeks, the Department of Financial Services’ Division of Consumer Services has traveled across the state, distributing preparedness information to Floridians and reaching more than 4,000 households.

“You cannot control the path or direction of a hurricane; however, you can control how prepared you are when the storm arrives. Do not wait until the last minute to be prepared. This can make all the difference when a hurricane shifts toward your region,” added Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie.

Before a storm strikes, officials encourage Floridians to review their home and flood insurance coverage, compare policy options, conduct a home inventory using photos and video, safeguard important documents in a waterproof container and keep cash on hand.

“The time to prepare is before the sky darkens. Stock up on supplies and resources now so you and your loved ones are ready when the storm comes,” said Clay Pacheco, Broward County’s Emergency Manager.

— School scheme stopped —

Just a reminder that in Florida, authorities take fraud seriously — and eventually, it catches up with you.

This week, Chief Financial Officer Ingoglia announced the arrests of Tamesha Smith and Amanda Tyson for allegedly receiving fraudulent reimbursements through the Step Up For Students Scholarship program. The program, administered through the Florida Department of Education, provides funding to eligible families for educational and therapeutic needs.

The Department of Financial Services’ Criminal Investigations Division (CID) arrested the two women after uncovering more than $21,000 in fraudulent claims.

“Those who try to manipulate scholarship programs aren’t only breaking the law, they are stealing opportunities from families and hard-working students wanting to strengthen their future. Florida scholarships are not a personal bank account; my office will continue to protect the taxpayers and ensure that greedy criminals are put behind bars,” Ingoglia said.

According to investigators, the CID Office of Fiscal Integrity found that Smith altered 12 receipts for tuition and training reimbursements after her son had already been withdrawn from school, fraudulently obtaining $13,390.

Investigators also determined that Tyson altered receipts for nine reimbursement requests and forged a doctor’s note to make her child eligible for a scholarship, resulting in $7,591.58 in improper payments.

Smith was arrested on May 5 and charged with grand theft, organized scheme to defraud, uttering a forged instrument and unlawful use of a two-way communications device. Tyson was arrested on May 4 and faces the same charges.

Ingoglia also released a video on social media discussing the case.

— Jobless jab —

Florida’s unemployment rate ticked up for the fourth straight month in April.

The jobless rate rose to 4.8% last month, according to FloridaCommerce, the state’s economic development bureau. That’s up slightly from the March figure of 4.7%.

The increase is part of a recent trend in Florida, with every month in 2026 bringing a rise in the unemployment rate.

Another notable development this year: Florida posted a higher unemployment rate than the national figure for the first time in about five years. The state’s April unemployment rate exceeded the national rate of 4.3%.

April’s jobless rate also marked a significant year-over-year increase. The April 2025 unemployment rate was 3.7%, 1.1 percentage points below the latest figure.

In total, 532,000 Floridians were out of work in April. The state has an estimated workforce of 11.15 million people, FloridaCommerce officials said.

About 10.03 million Floridians held jobs in nonagricultural industries. That’s an increase of about 40,500 jobs over the past month and 15,800 compared with April 2025.

But seven of Florida’s 10 major industries posted negative job growth over the past year. The finance industry saw a 1.6% decline, losing 10,900 jobs. Government employment fell by 0.7%, a loss of 8,100 positions. The trade, transportation and utilities sector recorded a 0.2% decline, shedding 3,800 jobs.

— Instagram of the week —

— DEI throwdown —

A Florida lawmaker is calling out a message posted on social media by the University of Florida that criticized diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs.

Fort Lauderdale Democratic Rep. Daryl Campbell sent a letter to UF interim President Donald W. Landry and assistant vice president for government relations Chris Emmanuel, raising questions about a message posted on the university’s official X account on May 22.

“DEI is discriminatory by design, antithetical to the purpose of a university, and incompatible with the pursuit of truth,” the social media post stated. “The University of Florida has already acted on that conviction.”

The message was directed at U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, who wrote on X that “Florida has led the fight to get discriminatory DEI out of our schools and universities.”

Campbell was not impressed by the exchange.

“The University of Florida’s random attack on diversity, equity, and inclusion raises serious questions about why a taxpayer-funded institution is meddling in politics instead of focusing on its mission,” Campbell said in a news release.

“For years, we’ve seen Florida’s government get more politicized while leaving the people further behind. UF’s statement is deeply disturbing, including its clear implication that those who succeed with the help of these programs don’t do so on their own merits.”

In his letter, Campbell demands that university leaders explain the attack on DEI programs and disclose whether state resources were used to support the university’s public stance.

— Read to research —

This week, Sen. Barbara Sharief and Rep. Lisa Dunkley celebrated after DeSantis signed legislation aimed at strengthening Florida’s uterine fibroid research database.

HB 327, sponsored by Dunkley in the House and carried by Sharief in the Senate, strengthens the state’s uterine fibroid research database by improving data collection, transparency and long-term research related to a condition that affects millions of women.

“Today marks an important step forward for women’s health in Florida. HB 327 helps ensure the uterine fibroid research database is properly implemented while supporting meaningful research, greater awareness, and better health outcomes for women across our state,” Sharief said.

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus, typically during a woman’s reproductive years. While some women experience no symptoms, others may experience pelvic pain or pressure, difficulty urinating, abdominal swelling and heavy or painful menstrual periods.

The bill takes effect July 1.

“Today, Florida took an important step forward in prioritizing women’s health and expanding access to better healthcare outcomes for women across our state. HB 327 establishes the Uterine Fibroids Research Database to strengthen research, improve early detection and treatment options, and help address the disparities that have impacted far too many women for generations,” Dunkley said.

“I am proud to have sponsored this legislation alongside Rep. Susan Valdés and Sen. Barbara Sharief to ensure women and families have access to better information, better care, and a stronger healthcare future in Florida.”

— Big bucks for Florida Poly —

Florida Polytechnic University is set to receive $29 million in the newly approved state budget, with lawmakers directing funding toward student success initiatives and continued campus expansion.

The funding package includes $19 million to support growth at the state’s youngest public university, helping Florida Poly expand programs and services to improve student outcomes as enrollment continues to climb.

Another $10 million is earmarked for the university’s planned Student Achievement Center, bringing total legislative support for the project to nearly $28 million. Once completed, the center will serve as a one-stop hub for academic support, career planning, professional development and student engagement services.

The proposed facility will span 138,400 square feet and carry an estimated price tag of $85 million.

“Florida Poly has become an important driver of student success and economic development in our region,” said Sen. Colleen Burton, whose district includes part of Polk County. “The Student Achievement Center will strengthen that role by providing students with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive in today’s fast-changing world.”

The funding is among the higher-profile higher education projects included in the 2026-27 spending plan approved by lawmakers Friday.

— Fuzzy math —

As lawmakers prepare to return to Tallahassee next week for a Special Session on property taxes, Sen. Brian Nathan is warning that DeSantis’ proposal could squeeze local governments while failing to take any weight off working families’ shoulders.

The Tampa Democrat characterized the Governor’s plan as “vague” and “rushed,” arguing it was crafted more for political messaging than for addressing the financial pressures facing homeowners. Nathan said eliminating or reducing property taxes without a clear replacement revenue source would leave local governments scrambling to fund schools, public hospitals and emergency services.

“This hasty proposal creates a massive funding hole for the local services our communities rely on, like public hospitals, first responders, and schools. That does not lower costs for families. It shifts the burden onto our local communities and leaves working Floridians facing higher bills when they are struggling to get by,” Nathan said.

The Legislature is expected to take up the Governor’s property tax proposal during next week’s Special Session, kicking off a five-month sprint that could fundamentally reshape local governments throughout Florida.

— Hillsborough wins —

With the state budget headed to DeSantis’ desk, Rep. Danny Alvarez is highlighting more than $62 million in funding he helped secure for projects in Hillsborough County and across the state.

Among the largest appropriations is $25 million for the University of South Florida’s planned College of AI, Cybersecurity and Computing facility, a project supporters say will help strengthen Florida’s technology workforce and expand research opportunities in emerging fields.

The Hillsborough Republican also pointed to funding for water infrastructure, veterans services, workforce development programs, public safety initiatives and behavioral health programs, as well as support for agriculture and emergency management efforts.

“This budget proves you can govern conservatively while still delivering real results for your community,” Alvarez said.

“We protected taxpayers, funded core priorities, and secured more than $62 million for projects that strengthen our economy, support veterans and first responders, improve infrastructure, expand educational opportunity, and invest in the future of Hillsborough County. Florida continues to lead because we stay focused on the basics: fiscal discipline, public safety, economic freedom, and delivering for the people we represent.”

— Raising the stakes —

Practicing engineering without a license is becoming a bridge too far in Florida, where repeat offenders will soon be subject to a fine schedule with a substantially sharper gradient.

DeSantis has signed SB 800, sponsored by Sen. Debbie Mayfield and Rep. Lauren Melo, after the measure received broad bipartisan support during the Regular Session. The legislation increases penalties for repeat violations, with fines rising from $10,000 for a second offense to $25,000 for a fifth violation.

Supporters argued the change will help protect public safety by ensuring engineering work is performed by qualified professionals subject to state licensure requirements.

“Licensed engineers have a direct impact on public safety and quality of life across our state. By increasing penalties for unlicensed practice, this legislation reinforces the importance of professional licensure and helps ensure critical infrastructure projects are entrusted to qualified professionals,” Mayfield said.

The bill was a priority for the Florida Engineering Society and the American Council of Engineering Companies of Florida, which argued that stronger penalties were needed to discourage unlicensed practice.

“Passage of SB 800 signals the Legislature’s and Gov. DeSantis’ commitment to the public health, safety and welfare of all Floridians by increasing the penalties for practicing engineering without a license,” said FES President David Keough. “We commend the sponsors, Sen. Mayfield and Rep. Melo, for moving this legislation forward this year.”

The new law takes effect July 1.

— Gaetz glory —

The budget is the talk of the town, and one lawmaker … well, several … made sure to carve out room for local projects.

The $115 billion state budget awaiting final legislative approval contains funding for 22 local projects sponsored by Sen. Don Gaetz.

The largest beneficiary is the University of West Florida, which is slated to receive $8 million for infrastructure improvements supporting campus buildings, $1 million for cybersecurity initiatives and $250,000 to develop a digital credential program.

“In addition to obtaining increases in funding for public School Districts and parental empowerment scholarships and significant needed transportation projects, this $30 million for local initiatives is deeply gratifying. At a time when state spending is reduced for the second year in a row, I am very thankful that Senate and House negotiators saw the value in our proposals to benefit Northwest Florida,” Gaetz said.

Other projects highlighted by Gaetz include Re-Entry Alliance Pensacola, which received $750,000 to support recidivism reduction efforts; the Institute for Human & Machine Cognition, which secured $1 million; Crestview Robotics, $250,000; the National Flight Academy, $650,000; Pensacola Veterans and Families Mental Health, $750,000; Historic Pensacola, $250,000; and Pensacola Little Theatre, $646,000.

Gaetz also announced that Pensacola State College received $5 million for the South Santa Rosa Health Science and Nursing Center and $500,000 to expand military and veteran educational services.

Gaetz noted that local funding requests only make it into the budget with support from fellow lawmakers. He credited Sen. Jay Trumbull and Reps. Alex Andrade, Nathan Boyles, Patt Maney and Michelle Salzman with helping to secure funding for the projects.

— Double-checking —

Just making sure the adults around kids are who they say they are.

This week, DeSantis signed HB 1069, a measure sponsored by Rep. Dana Trabulsy and Rep. Christine Hunschofsky aimed at modernizing Florida’s background screening process and strengthening protections for children participating in youth sports.

And it does pretty much what the title suggests.

The bill updates Florida’s background screening laws by expanding access to criminal history checks for additional youth sports organizations and requiring coaches and other athletic personnel to undergo Level 2 background screenings.

“This bill is about continuing to close gaps and strengthening safeguards. Background screening laws exist to ensure that those placed in positions of trust meet the highest standards. If there’s a weakness in that system, it’s our duty to fix it, because the people at risk don’t get to choose who has access to them,” Trabulsy said.

Hunschofsky added, “When parents sign their children up for sports, they should have confidence that strong safeguards are in place. These should be safe places for children to learn, grow, and thrive. Strong and consistent background check requirements are an important part of protecting our kids.”

The law takes effect July 1.

— Healthy budget —

The Florida Hospital Association is praising the Legislature’s approval of nearly $49 billion in healthcare funding in the 2026-27 state budget, saying the spending plan will strengthen access to care and support the state’s healthcare workforce.

The association spent much of the Session advocating for many of the funding priorities included in the budget and applauded state leaders for supporting workforce development, rural health initiatives, maternal health programs and services for vulnerable Floridians.

“Florida’s healthcare system is evolving. To continue providing outstanding care as the demand for services grows, it’s vital that we invest in our state’s healthcare workforce, rural and maternal health initiatives and safety-net services. We are grateful to Senate President Ben Albritton, Speaker Daniel Perez and the many Senators and representatives who have championed these critical resources for the benefit of Floridians,” FHA President and CEO Mary Mayhew said.

Among the highlights in the 2026-27 budget are continued funding for the Rural Health Transformation Program, an additional $1.7 billion to support projected growth in Florida’s Medicaid and KidCare programs and $38.4 million to expand the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).

“Floridians should have access to timely, high-quality care regardless of where they live or the barriers they may face,” Mayhew continued. “These investments strengthen the foundation of Florida’s healthcare system to serve patients and improve health outcomes across Florida communities.”

— Behavioral boost —

The Florida Behavioral Health Association is lauding lawmakers for safeguarding mental health and substance use disorder services in the new budget.

“With this investment in Florida’s community mental health and substance use disorder services, providers can continue to offer the full continuum of behavioral healthcare to individuals and families,” said FBHA President and CEO Melanie Brown Woofter.

“In a tight budget year when difficult decisions had to be made, these increases to mental health and substance use services drive home the message that the well-being of all Floridians remains critically important.”

The spending plan includes a $5 million boost for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, $7 million for Central Receiving Facilities and nearly $10 million for additional community treatment beds.

Lawmakers also continued directing opioid settlement funds toward treatment and recovery efforts, added $15 million for the Statewide Inpatient Psychiatric Program for children and approved a 5% rate increase for certain substance use treatment providers.

— All that jazz —

It’s time for a Rattler to take a bite out of the Big Apple.

2025 Florida A&M University graduate Gamaliel Harris, a Fort Walton Beach native, recently received the email of a lifetime.

“I’m looking at it like, ‘Oh shoot, is this what I think it is?’ My heart just sank.”

On March 31, a day earlier than expected, Harris learned he had been accepted into The Juilliard School’s graduate jazz studies program. The news quickly sparked a family FaceTime celebration.

And the Rattler has one school to thank: The Hill.

“Juilliard was always a dream of mine. But I didn’t think it would actually be possible until everything happened at FAMU.”

The 2025 graduate earned a degree in pre-physical therapy and originally planned to pursue a healthcare career while keeping music as a passion on the side. But that changed after Harris and the FAMU Jazz Ensemble competed at the Jazz at Lincoln Center and Virginia Arts Festival HBCU Jazz Festival in Norfolk, Virginia.

Competing against performers from 11 historically Black colleges and universities, the ensemble earned top honors.

Harris also stood out individually, earning Outstanding Trombonist and the festival’s Overall Outstanding Soloist Award. It was there that Jazz at Lincoln Center Artistic Director Wynton Marsalis offered some life-changing advice.

“He told me I was ready to go on the road. Then he told me I should apply to Juilliard.”

For FAMU Associate Professor of Music and Director of Jazz Robert Griffin, the recognition reinforced what he already knew about Harris’ talent.

“Gamaliel will be an asset to any ensemble or performing situation into which he is selected at Juilliard. I have no doubt that he will achieve his goal and become successful in the music world.”

Harris hopes his story encourages fellow Rattlers and other dreamers to keep pursuing ambitious goals.

“Believe in yourself and believe in your ability. Put in the work, trust the process and know that your hard work won’t go in vain.”

— Art for all —

This reminds us of the underrated Academy Award-nominated film “Sing Sing,” which explored the transformative power of art in prison settings.

Now, Florida State University Professor of Art Therapy and Director of the Institute for Arts & Art Therapy, with the Imprisoned Dave Gussak, is bringing that conversation to a new audience through “Creativity Unconfined,” a podcast examining how arts programs are changing the lives of incarcerated individuals.

Gussak said the podcast is intended to raise awareness about the impact of arts programs in prisons and encourage others to get involved.

“I’m incredibly excited to bring together leading voices from across the field for conversations about emerging research and personal stories about the impacts of art and art therapy in prison settings. My hope for this podcast is that it can be a space that’s welcoming and informative not only for therapy practitioners, but for anyone — including corrections professionals, community activists and artists, and of course, formerly incarcerated individuals and loved ones,” Gussak said.

The podcast also features a pair of Noles behind the scenes, with Florida State art therapy graduate students Malea Burroughs and Sydney Nichols serving as producers.

The first eight episodes will be available May 31 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube, with new episodes released on Mondays.

Early guests include Chris Fausto Cabrera, an artist and activist who credits art and writing with helping him survive 21 years in a Minnesota prison, and Antonio Espinosa, a former correctional officer who became an advocate for safer prison environments through the arts after the death of his partner during a prison altercation.

For more information about the Institute for Arts & Art Therapy with the Imprisoned and its mission, visit AATI.fsu.edu. Supporters can also make contributions through the program’s fundraising page.

— Emergency course —

It’s no secret that living in Florida means dealing with the occasional emergency or natural disaster. Tallahassee State College is hoping to prepare the next generation of responders.

This week, TSC announced the launch of a new Associate of Science degree program in Emergency Administration and Management designed to prepare students for careers helping organizations and communities prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies and disasters.

The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to serve in front-line and leadership roles across emergency management, public safety, homeland security and related fields.

“The need for skilled professionals who can lead during crises will only continue to grow,” said Nick Vick, Dean of Applied Sciences and Technology at TSC.

“This new degree program will prepare the next generation of emergency management leaders to respond with confidence and guide organizations and communities through recovery.”

The curriculum covers the full cycle of emergency management, including hazard analysis, disaster planning, recovery operations, interagency coordination and resource management — all critical components of effective emergency response and community resilience.

Graduates will be prepared to pursue careers with local, state and federal emergency management agencies, healthcare systems, law enforcement and public safety organizations, nonprofit disaster relief groups and private-sector emergency preparedness operations.

College officials said the program reflects TSC’s commitment to developing a workforce equipped to meet the evolving needs of Florida’s communities and employers.

— Housing coalition confirmed —

House time — but not the kind that diagnoses sarcoidosis.

On Friday, the Sadowski Coalition, a nonpartisan group of more than 40 statewide organizations focused on affordable housing, released a statement thanking the Florida Legislature for fully funding Florida’s State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) and State Apartment Incentive Loan (SAIL) programs in the 2026-27 budget.

The coalition, founded in 1991, advocates for dedicated funding to support affordable housing efforts across the state.

In a statement, Mark Hendrickson, facilitator of the Sadowski Coalition and Executive Director of the Florida Association of Local Housing Finance Authorities, said the funding commitment will help address Florida’s affordability challenges.

“Thank you, Florida lawmakers, for fully funding Florida’s successful SHIP and SAIL programs in the fiscal year 2026-27 budget. By doing so, lawmakers used our state’s most effective and proven programs to help address affordability, helping to keep Florida strong and competitive. This means that the $165.7 million set aside for the SHIP program and the $70.8 million set aside for the SAIL program will go directly toward creating homes that are affordable for Floridians throughout the state of Florida,” Hendrickson said.

The statement continued: “I especially want to recognize our legislative leaders, including the appropriations chairs in both chambers, for investing all the money designated for housing into these tried-and-true programs that continue to deliver for Floridians in need.”

“Affordability is top of mind – for families, the state’s workforce, veterans, seniors, and so many others – and lawmakers this year continued to address this issue for Floridians with their continued commitment to fully funding the SHIP and SAIL programs.”

For more information about the Sadowski Coalition, visit SadowskiCoalition.org.

— End of watch —

Memorial Day was Monday, but this week Tallahassee paused to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community.

On Thursday, the Tallahassee Police Department held its annual Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony in front of TPD headquarters on Seventh Avenue.

The ceremony recognizes fallen law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. As the department commemorates its bicentennial year in 2026, it also serves as a reminder of the generations of officers who have served and protected the Tallahassee community over the past 200 years.

“This ceremony is an opportunity to pause and remember the sacrifice and service of those who gave everything in the line of duty. As we reflect on TPD’s bicentennial year, we also honor the legacy of the men and women whose commitment to this profession helped shape our department and community,” said TPD Chief Lawrence Revell.

During the event, which was open to the public, TPD’s Honor Guard lowered the flags to half-staff in remembrance of the fallen.

— Backrooms vs. Obsession —

Escape time with the movies.

Star Wars kicked off Memorial Day weekend with “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu,” which opened domestically to $82 million — not horrible, but not what Disney was hoping for … maybe blame mediocre reviews. But what could’ve taken a bigger slice of the pie was “Obsession,” which snagged $24 million. That’s a nearly 40% box office increase in week two, a feat only one other Summer release has managed. Impressive for a $1 million movie.

The horror film has picked up massive steam with younger audiences being fueled by online hype and word-of-mouth, but the big release this weekend is trying to make a move into the same space. Or a liminal one, at least …

“Backrooms” is the newest YouTuber-turned-director project directed by 20-year-old Kane Parsons. The young auteur’s claim to fame is “The Backrooms,” an online series in which he handled everything from VFX and writing to acting, directing, and lore development. The series centers on the latent fear of being in an eerie, liminal space where you know you don’t belong. Think of a transitional room, such as a hallway or a waiting room — there’s nothing inherently evil or scary about them, but they can still induce some weird feelings. Whether that resonates or not, the trend is real, especially among the online horror crowd.

Starring Oscar nominees Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve, the film has a 89% on Rotten Tomatoes (73% audience), a 7.2 on IMDb, and a 3.5 on Letterboxd. Some naysayers questioned whether the sub-21-year-old really directed the film, but the cast was quick to shut down those rumors. The film has the potential to be a big Summer box office sleeper.

Horror isn’t the only name in the game. This weekend also brings the debut of the family comedy “The Breadwinner,” starring stand-up comic and Grammy winner Nate Bargatze. The film, directed by Emmy winner Eric Appel, aims to capture that early-2000s dad-comedy vibe, and it even reflects the critical spirit of those movies, with 22% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 6.4 on IMDb.

The most notable thing about the film appears to be the “Nate Rate,” with Bargatze pushing the studio to slash ticket prices. We don’t hate the idea … we wish it were for a better movie, though.

And then there’s one of the biggest dad movies ever with “Pressure,” the true story about the 72 hours before D-Day with General and future President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Captain James Stagg planning the amphibious invasion. The film stars Oscar winners Brendan Fraser and Kerry Condon alongside Emmy nominee Andrew Scott. It has an 86% on Rotten Tomatoes, a 7.5 on IMDb, and a 3.5 on Letterboxd.

For the at-home crowd, Oscar nominee and man who can’t say Idina Menzel’s name right, John Travolta’s directorial debut is here, based on his own memoir, “Propeller One-Way Night Coach.” It’s only about an hour long and aims to capture a nostalgic film look and feel. It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival before filtering down to Apple TV, with 54% on Rotten Tomatoes. Also on tap: “The Four Seasons” season 2 hits Netflix, and “Spider-Noir” is starting its first season. Inspired by the joke and character from “Into the Spider-Verse,” it stars Oscar-winning Nicolas Cage in the titular role. It’s streaming on Prime in classic noir … and, yes, color too.

— Campaign directions —

Ron DeSantis — Up arrow — Another congressional map challenge just met M. Bison on one quarter.

Byron Donalds — Up arrow — “Complete and Total” auto-renews unless canceled by subscriber.

Jay Collins — Down arrow — Glad to see we’ve arrived at bargaining.

State agencies — Down arrow — Every agency is hoping the red tag is in somebody else’s locker.

Schools — Down arrow — Unfortunately, the sawdust meatball pilot program proved cost-prohibitive.

Communism — Up arrow — Slavoj Žižek just became eligible for a rural county grant.

Pushaw Bot Army — Up arrow — Her flying monkeys have new poop to throw at the keyboards.

Ashley Moody — Up arrow — Red Pokédex complete. On to blue.

Blaise Ingoglia — Up arrow — Having an opponent is good. Having perpetual candidate Annette Taddeo is excellent.

Leela Gray — Crossways arrow — n=2, but the null hypothesis looks tired.

Jared Moskowitz — Up arrow — Some people see a warning label. Emergency managers see a work order.

Kevin Steele — Up arrow — Most candidates start with yard signs.

DWS — Down arrow — “I found my special purpose.”

Pia Dandiya — Up arrow — New district. Same guest list.

Frederica Wilson — Down arrow — So it wasn’t a “crazy rumor” after all.

Gilbert vs. Jones — Up arrow — Get us the popcorn.

Lauren Book — Up arrow — Some people leave politics. Some just take a lap.

Tina Polsky — Clapping hands — Logging off is an underrated skill.

Chris Nocco— Call the print shop. The host committee went full duplex.

Joe Neunder — Down arrow — Who are you gonna believe, Joe or your lying eyes?

Jared Leone — Down arrow — Someone owes the Wayback Machine a hefty contribution.

Marya Uribe — Down arrow — “I support an election.” entered the witness protection program.