Takeaways from Tallahassee — Springtime for Tally

Spring is officially here, according to the calendar, Punxsutawney Phil and, most annoyingly, your sinuses.

And there’s nothing quite like Spring.

The season of new beginnings officially welcomes the start of MLB baseball, which saw Opening Day this Thursday; the epic tournament that is March Madness — go, Iowa — big blockbuster movie releases; and, of course, beach weather (then again, depending on where you are in Florida, that’s year-round).

But a highlight of the time of year for 850 residents is the Springtime Tallahassee tradition, which is this weekend. Since 1967, the communal event has celebrated Tallahassee’s history and spirit while also enjoying beautiful weather and even better music and food, and it is the definition of “southern charm.”

It’s one of the few events that brings people into Tallahassee besides FSU football and sketchy government work.

Springtime Tallahassee is one of the largest festivals in the southeastern United States and provides a massive economic impact for Leon County. About 20,000 out-of-town visitors are expected to attend and spend upward of $6 million, with 70% projected to go to local restaurants, shopping and lodging businesses. So, it’s a big commerce day for Leon County, to say the least.

The festivities kicked off Friday night at Kleman Plaza with the free Friday Night Music Festival. The Beer Garden, most importantly, opened at 5:30 p.m., and the tunes started at 6. Platinum record country-pop star Dylan Scott headlined and brought the energy, while rising country star Madden Metcalf played earlier. And, of course, the Tally local favorite Tobacco Rd Band rocked out, too.

But the big day for fun is Saturday.

The Springtime Jubilee in the Park starts at 9 a.m. Saturday and is open to family and friends of all ages. Check out the unique artisan arts and crafts for sale by local artists, or chow down on some grub at the food court, which will highlight a wide variety of international flavors available across town — no one is left out. Where else can you get grilled sweet corn, kettle corn, corn dogs, beer and Greek food all in the same spot?

There will also be live entertainment for all ages at both the Community Stage in McCarthy Park and the Jubilee Music Stage at College Street and Adams Street. Make sure to check out performances from the Tallahassee Ballet (insert cliché Timothée Chalamet joke here), Young Actors Theatre, Mau’oli’oli Dancers, the Rockstar Ravens Cheer Squad, Fryson Drum Academy, Capital Celtic Dancers and more.

But the belle of the ball (or, erm, festival) is the 58th annual Springtime Tallahassee Grand Parade, which will start at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. The parade will feature more than 100 participating units, including decorated floats, marching bands, dance groups and community organizations from across North Florida and the Southeast. It runs from Monroe Street (south of Brevard Street) and travels south through downtown, going by the Capitol before ending at Madison Street.

The first parade back in 1968 — fun fact — was made up of costumed participants and horse-drawn units. We’ve come a long way.

And excitingly enough, the 2026 Grand Marshal for the parade will be No. 1 New York Times bestselling author and FOX News Sunday anchor Shannon Bream.

Bream is a Tallahassee native and graduated with honors from Florida State University College of Law after earning her bachelor’s degree at Liberty University.

More than 70,000 spectators are expected to enjoy Springtime Tallahassee from across the capital city and the Big Bend area.

So what are you waiting for? The fun is happening right now. Enjoy spending time with your neighbors while taking in tolerable weather and a wide variety of food, music, performances and fun items to buy.

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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—

Upsets — Democrats came out on top in a pair of special elections held this week, with Brian Nathan winning the race for Senate District 14 in a remarkable upset of Republican Josie Tomkow and Emily Gregory besting Republican Jon Maples in House District 87, a Palm Beach seat that includes the President’s residence. While Nathan and Gregory will be in place for special sessions, they will be back on the ballot in November — and they’ll likely face the same opponents, too.

Signed — Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation providing nearly $31 million via a bipartisan amendment to restore eligibility to thousands of people who lost coverage in the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). With little fanfare and no ceremonial news conference, DeSantis signed HB 697, which addressed drug costs. But a bipartisan cohort of lawmakers also added an amendment to provide a stopgap to the Floridians losing their AIDS medication support. Because of federal funding cuts, Florida’s Department of Health (DOH) dropped the ADAP coverage threshold from 400% of the poverty level, a yearly income of $62,600, to 130% of the poverty level, or $20,345.

‘Not ripe’ — DeSantis continues to discuss his long-pending proposal to eliminate homestead property taxes. While he doesn’t think everyone in the House and Senate is on board, he’s still giving details of what can be expected when he finally calls a Special Session later this Spring. The plan has been gestating for months, which DeSantis attributes to the “strategy involved.” “We’ve been working on this for a long time,” DeSantis said. “Why would I produce something that is not ripe in terms of when we’re going to actually put it in front of the Legislature? I was born on a Tuesday, but not last Tuesday.” He also suggested that a staggered rollout may be the way to go.

Dealt a blow — U.S. District Judge Mark Walker found that a key provision of a 2023 Florida law conflicts with federal law and cannot be enforced against the United Faculty of Florida’s UF chapter and its members. The ruling preserves arbitration rights guaranteed under the union’s collective bargaining agreement. At issue was SB 266. The law, in part, barred faculty from appealing employment decisions on tenure, promotion, discipline, termination and other issues after a university President weighs in on the matter. The law explicitly prohibited arbitration, replacing it with a process critics described as one-sided. Walker concluded that the provision is preempted by the Federal Arbitration Act, which requires courts to enforce arbitration agreements.

Affirmed — An adjudicatory panel for the House Ethics Committee affirmed 25 of 27 charges against U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Miramar Democrat. There were only two charges that the panel did not affirm. One involved allegations that Petrogaz-Haiti, an energy company chiefly financed by the Haitian government, funneled impermissible corporate contributions to Cherfilus-McCormick’s campaign, and she had allowed it. The other accused, Cherfilus-McCormick, was accused of a lack of candor while scheduling interviews with Ethics investigators, then delaying meetings and ultimately refusing to meet. The full Ethics Committee will meet later to determine any appropriate sanctions, which could include expulsion.

— James Uthmeier tackles NFL —

Attorney General James Uthmeier wants to sideline the NFL’s rules aimed at promoting minority hires for head coaching jobs and top executive positions.

Uthmeier is targeting the league’s so-called “Rooney Rule,” which requires teams to interview at least two minority candidates before proceeding with hires for high-ranking roles. In a letter to the league and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Uthmeier demanded suspension of the rule and a response by May 1.

Uthmeier said the league is violating the Florida Civil Rights Act, enacted in 1992.

“The Rooney Rule violates Florida law, and it must stop,” Uthmeier said in a statement on X. “Professional sports are a visible example of a merit-based system, but through the Rooney Rule, the NFL requires its teams to use race-based hiring practices.”

The NFL describes its hiring policy as an effort to increase diversity among its top leadership.

“The Rooney Rule aims to increase the number of minorities hired in head coach, general manager, and executive positions. This diversity enriches the game and creates a more effective, quality organization from top to bottom,” the NFL’s explanation states.

Uthmeier said that needs to change — at least in Florida, where the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Miami Dolphins have been based for decades. Bucs Head Coach Todd Bowles is the only minority head coach among the Sunshine State teams. There are only four minority head coaches in the entire league.

There were 10 open head coaching jobs at the conclusion of this past NFL season. The Tennessee Titans made the only minority hire, with Robert Saleh filling their coaching vacancy.

— Drug-dealing duo get big time —

A husband-and-wife fentanyl trafficking team was sentenced to nearly a combined century behind bars for dealing the drug on the Gulf Coast.

Attorney General Uthmeier announced this week that Renee Stephens and Vincent Stephens are headed to prison for decades after being convicted on trafficking charges in Hillsborough County.

“This couple was not only profiting from pushing poison into our communities, but they were also doing it in the presence of a young, vulnerable child,” Uthmeier said in a news release. “These drug traffickers have proven multiple times that they have no regard for the law. I am grateful to Assistant Statewide Prosecutors Luis Aguila and Gianna Fina for ensuring they will spend a very long time behind bars.”

Vincent Stephens was already behind bars in Fall 2023 for a previous conviction, serving 20 years in prison on trafficking and firearms charges. Uthmeier’s Office said he contacted his wife and another inmate and began directing fentanyl trafficking operations while incarcerated, using Facebook messages.

Renee Stephens helped sell the drug from her apartment. Investigators say her young child was present at the residence as she conducted drug deals. A confidential informant tipped off investigators with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement about the trafficking activity.

In January, she was convicted of conspiracy to traffic more than 28 grams of fentanyl, two counts of trafficking 4 grams to 14 grams of fentanyl, three counts of unlawful use of a two-way communication device, three counts of trafficking in fentanyl, and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia. She was sentenced this week to 60 years in prison.

Her husband was convicted of conspiracy to traffic more than 28 grams of fentanyl and was sentenced to 30 years in prison, to be served consecutively to the sentence he was already serving.

— Drone wrongdoing —

A 36-year-old man was sentenced to 81 years in prison after being convicted of using drones to drop contraband to inmates in Florida detention facilities.

Uthmeier announced that Mario Brian Crawford was ordered to spend the next eight decades behind bars for delivering illegal goods. He was sentenced in the 1st Judicial Circuit in Escambia County.

Officials say Crawford used drones to drop contraband such as drugs, cellphones, SIM cards, charging cords, tobacco and razors to inmates. Facilities he targeted include Liberty Correctional Institution and Okaloosa Correctional Institution. He was arrested at his home by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office in March 2023.

“Our investigation is revealing he probably dropped drugs into dozens of other institutions,” Uthmeier said during a news conference in Milton.

Crawford was convicted of introduction or possession of contraband at a state facility, conspiracy to introduce or possess contraband at a state facility, trafficking in more than 10 grams of the stimulant cathinone, illegal use of a drone, and use of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony.

Several law enforcement agencies launched the investigation with help from the Federal Aviation Administration in 2022, after a drone carrying contraband crashed outside Century Correctional Institution near Pensacola. That investigation showed Crawford owned the drone, which helped officials link him to other drops at multiple correctional facilities.

— Farmer delight —

There hasn’t been a celebration this big for farmers since the original launch of FarmersOnly.com.

This week in Sebring, Gov. Ron DeSantis, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, legislative leaders and agriculture industry champions gathered in Highlands County to celebrate the signing of the 2026 Florida Farm Bill into law.

Sponsored by Sen. Keith Truenow and Rep. Danny Alvarez, SB 290 includes a broad range of initiatives aimed at making life easier for Florida farmers.

“The 2026 Florida Farm Bill is now law — protecting our farmers from government overreach, strengthening public safety, and preserving our natural resources and rural lands. I’m proud to stand alongside strong conservative leaders who understand that when you fight for freedom, family, and farmers, you’re fighting for Florida’s future,” Simpson said.

Highlights of SB 290 include allowing Florida farmers, ranchers and residents to use the farm and lawn care equipment of their choosing, such as gasoline-powered equipment; prohibiting high-density development on lands designated as rural, conservation or green space unless unanimously approved by local government; and making the Farmers Feeding Florida Program permanent so more agricultural products can go to food banks.

“Florida’s farm families are at the heart of our rural communities, and this bill honors their contributions. Programs like Farmers Feeding Florida are a real expression of our values: helping neighbors in need and lifting families with fresh, wholesome food. This legislation is another step toward the rural renaissance our state deserves, where opportunity thrives, and our heritage is protected,” said Senate President Ben Albritton.

Other provisions include prohibiting door-to-door commercial solicitation at properties with clearly posted “no solicitation” signs and making it a crime to possess, sell, distribute or use signal-jamming devices in Florida — a change aimed at improving public safety.

“This bill keeps government out of the way and lets Florida farmers do what they do best: produce for our state and country. I’m proud to work alongside Commissioner Simpson and my fellow bill sponsor in the Florida House, Representative Alvarez, to deliver laws that strengthen our communities and back the people who feed Florida,” added Truenow.

— More gravy for firefighters —

Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia dropped by Riverview and awarded $14 million to enhance firefighter safety and emergency response capabilities.

The funding is intended to help protect firefighters from harmful chemicals encountered during fires and ensure they have the equipment and infrastructure needed to support public safety.

“Supporting our first responders is not optional — It’s essential. Firefighters go out every single day to save lives, and often they are risking their own in the process. They must be equipped with the necessary protective gear and tools to meet the growing needs of their communities and to keep themselves safe,” Ingoglia said.

The $14 million includes funding from the Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Grant, the Firefighter Assistance Grant and allocations from the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget. The City of New Port Richey ($7,875), the City of St. Pete ($24,331.08), the City of Temple Terrace ($7,357.50), the City of Treasure Island ($34,575), Pasco County ($20,167.68) and the Pinellas Suncoast Fire & Rescue District ($18,844.24) received decontamination grants, while the City of Port Richey ($28,014) received funding through the assistance program.

“Firefighting has evolved over the years into a more dangerous profession than ever before. We have seen the long-term mental and physical impacts of this profession, reminding us that support is vital to continue doing what we do,” said Florida Professional Firefighters Regional Vice President Tim Pearson.

Budget funding also supports projects including Bartow Fire Rescue Station and training facility ($1,350,000), a Bartow front-line rescue truck ($1,050,000), the Responders First Wellness Program ($66,500), Hillsborough County fire rescue airboats and trailers ($263,153), Lake Wales Fire Station No. 3 ($3,000,000), Lakeland Fire Rescue Station No. 8 ($900,000), Pasco County Fire Rescue Station No. 4 ($3,400,000), a Port Richey fire engine replacement ($800,000) and St. Pete Beach Fire Station No. 22 ($3,000,000).

“Thank you, CFO Ingoglia, for showing up for the firefighting community and ensuring that we are well-equipped to do our jobs safely and securely. We appreciate your continued support,” added Jason Dougherty, Hillsborough Fire Chief.

— Waste: Foster the people —

Does the Chief Financial Officer like to hold press conferences and tell local governments they’re being wasteful? Does Pope XIV root for the White Sox? (Yes, in case you didn’t know.)

This week, CFO Ingoglia stopped by Lecanto to say Citrus County is overspending by more than $39 million in its General Fund budget and that the budget has grown by 72.8% over the past six years.

To right that wrong, Ingoglia is calling on county officials to offer substantial property tax relief and be more mindful of spending.

“We have now identified over $2 billion in reckless spending caused by local government officials who have forgotten that they are spending taxpayer funds. My role as CFO is to put an end to this irresponsible behavior by exposing wasteful spending to the taxpayers. Our analysis shows that property tax relief is very much possible and desperately needed,” Ingoglia said.

According to the Florida Agency for Fiscal Oversight, the county could lower its millage rate by 2.23 mills without affecting what it describes as essential services for residents.

“CFO Ingoglia continues to identify spending that greatly outpaces population and inflation growth in local governments across the state. Auditing local governments is the necessary first step toward right-sizing budgets and ultimately providing homeowners with meaningful property tax relief. We are proud to support the CFO in his call for responsible and transparent governance for Florida’s taxpayers,” said Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Jeff Kottkamp.

— Instagram of the week —

— Real deal —

The Florida Gaming Control Commission is holding public meetings across the state, with potential cardroom rule updates on the agenda.

Commission officials are urging licensed cardroom operators to attend the information-gathering sessions. Regulators are seeking input from professional, legal card dealers and operators to help guide improvements and modifications to current regulations.

“Broad participation in these sessions will help ensure that all perspectives are considered as FGCC reviews potential changes to … the Florida Administrative Code,” an FGCC news release said this week.

Officials are calling the meetings “All In” information-gathering sessions. One was already held in Tallahassee on Tuesday morning, but two remain. One will take place in Orlando on April 2 at the Hurston Building, Room N109, 400 W. Robinson St. The other will be held on May 7 at the Marriott Fort Lauderdale Airport in the Marina Room, 166 North Compass Way.

The potential revisions target Chapter 75-11 of the Florida Administrative Code, which covers cardroom game rules, cardroom operator licenses and duties of cardroom operators, among other stipulations.

— Offshore Services —

As Candace from the Emmy-winning Disney animated series would say: “You’re busted!”

This week, Florida Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky announced he is ordering the immediate suspension of a Florida health administrator, Mirra Health Care, for delegating claims processing services to unlicensed offshore entities in India and the Philippines.

Mirra Health has contracts with Florida health maintenance organizations to provide core administrative services affecting more than 23,000 Florida Medicare Advantage enrollees; regulators say that threatens the safety and welfare of residents and violates Florida’s Insurance Code.

“Mirra Health’s business practices are extremely reckless, especially when it comes to exposing the sensitive health information of vulnerable Florida residents. I am ordering an immediate suspension of the company’s certificate of authority, as the company’s actions are not competent or trustworthy. The Office of Insurance Regulation will continue to aggressively investigate this matter and stand up for the more than 23,000 enrollees impacted by this careless behavior,” Yaworsky said.

Contracts require that any delegated services receive written approval or notification to Florida HMOs, which Mirra Health failed to do. Additionally, when examined by the Office of Insurance Regulation, the company failed to produce all contracts, further violating state law. The exposed sensitive health information pertains to C-SNP, D-SNP and I-SNP participants.

The Office of Insurance Regulation’s final order states:

“Mirra Health’s business practices have created—and continue to create—ongoing, unauthorized exposure of sensitive claims and enrollment data to foreign entities beyond the Office’s regulatory reach and without any contractual mechanism for immediate termination, thereby depriving the Office and the Florida HMOs of the ability to protect these vulnerable residents.

— New scam unlocked —

When you think you’ve seen every trick, they pull another one out of the bag.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is warning Floridians about an ongoing fraudulent scheme using counterfeit court notices that falsely claim to originate from Florida county courts or related judicial offices and assert recipients have traffic or toll violations requiring immediate payment.

The fake notices often reference Florida Statutes and fabricated case numbers, include threats of license suspension, registration holds or default judgment, feature QR codes linked to payment portals and list false hearing dates or payment instructions.

Be aware.

None of these communications is issued by any Florida court, clerk’s office or state agency. As a reminder, no official government entity will request payment through QR codes, third-party links or unverified online platforms.

And just in case an older loved one needs the reminder; the department will not contact you via text message demanding payment or threatening suspension or arrest.

If you or a loved one receives a suspicious message, do not click any links or share personal or financial information, and report it immediately to the Federal Trade Commission and local law enforcement.

Many of these scams also use AI-generated communications, so watch for anything that looks off or has that telltale “smudged” appearance.

— 23,000 plates and counting —

When it’s time to get a new license plate, know that your choice — while it may seem like a mix of bureaucracy and decoration — can make a real difference.

Today, the “Explore Our State Parks” specialty license plate is celebrating its fourth anniversary, with more than 23,000 sales that have helped fund statewide impacts such as battery-powered tools and machinery, water bottle refilling stations, e-bikes and a hybrid-electric river tour boat.

Created through a bipartisan effort in the Florida Legislature, the design was inspired by residents’ love for state parks and created by Florida-based artist Steve Leacock. It now ranks in the top 20% of all specialty license plates in the state.

“For so many years, we dreamed of a specialty license plate to celebrate and support our amazing state parks. Four years in, the reality has far surpassed the dream,” said Julia Gill Woodward, CEO of the Florida State Parks Foundation.

“It is simply incredible to look across the state and see all of the impacts, amenities and projects that would not have been possible without the license plate.”

Revenue from the plate funds the Foundation’s Greener Initiative, a campaign focused on sustainability and reducing each park’s environmental footprint. Projects include the “Great Blue Heron,” a fully accessible, hybrid-electric river tour boat at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park; 121 water bottle refilling stations across nearly 100 parks; 50 rugged e-bikes for park rangers; and 700 lighting fixtures upgraded to energy-efficient LEDs.

All of it aimed at making parks cleaner, more efficient and more enjoyable for visitors and staff alike.

“We want park visitors and supporters to know that when they purchase a license plate, they are making a real, tangible difference in their favorite parks. In just four years, the plate has had a positive effect on parks in every corner of the state, and our team is already laying the groundwork for the next wave of park projects in 2026 and beyond,” said Foundation Board President Matt Caldwell.

The plate was spearheaded by Rep. Allison Tant and former Sen. Dennis Baxley and saw a record-setting pre-order campaign in 2021, with more than 3,000 plates sold in just over a month.

“Our state parks are the best in the country, and purchasing a license plate is one of the best and easiest ways for all of us to support them. We’re proud to see the license plate on vehicles all over the state, and even prouder to see the impact that it has created in such a short time,” added Tant.

— Deepwater maps —

Ever wonder what’s underneath you when swimming in Florida’s waters? Look no further.

This week, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced it has reached a major milestone in its Florida Seafloor Mapping Initiative.

All airborne LiDAR data and most vessel-based sonar data have now been collected and will be used to map Florida’s coastal waters. Florida is the only state in the nation with a seafloor mapping effort at this scale, and when the initiative is complete, it will provide the most comprehensive map of the state’s seafloor ever created. The data is expected to be available to the public by Fall 2026.

“Florida’s coastline is one of our state’s greatest natural and economic assets, supporting millions of residents, tourism, commercial fisheries and critical infrastructure. Understanding the seafloor and the features that shape our coast helps us make smart decisions about protecting communities, strengthening resilience and investing taxpayer dollars where they will have the greatest impact,” said DEP Secretary Alexis Lambert.

What makes the initiative unique is its use of advanced technology to capture detailed bathymetric data across both shallow and deepwater environments. It combines airborne laser pulses with vessel-based multibeam sonar to map deeper waters in high resolution.

These maps will help identify offshore sand sources for beach nourishment, improve storm surge and flood modeling, and guide the protection and restoration of coral reefs and seagrass beds.

“Through FSMI, we have mapped more than 75,500 square kilometers using LiDAR and more than 64,000 square kilometers using sonar technologies. Before this initiative began, only about 25,600 square kilometers of Florida’s seafloor had been mapped,” added Florida Geographic Information Officer Kimberly Jackson.

“Today, we have mapped more than 14 times that amount, giving Florida an unprecedented understanding of its underwater landscape.”

— Liver research —

They’re helping put Tallahassee even more on the map — and not just because it’s the state capital.

A study led by Jamel Ali, an associate professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, was recently published in ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science, a scholarly journal of the American Chemical Society.

The research moves scientists closer to improving pharmaceutical drug safety testing by using a newly developed 3D liver cell model that may more accurately predict drug-induced liver toxicity than current methods.

“Our work involves innovative biomaterials that bring us closer to functional tissues that could transform patient care. There are hurdles ahead, but each breakthrough fuels our hope for the future of medicine. We want to build tissues that not only mimic the real human liver, but could one day save lives,” said Ali.

The liver’s primary role is to filter toxins, but some medications can cause severe damage — a condition known as hepatotoxicity. According to the FDA, developing and gaining approval for a new drug can cost between $1 billion and more than $2 billion.

Researchers at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering used 3D clusters of liver cells, known as spheroids, made from a gelatin-based biomaterial to simulate the structure of human tissue better. This allows liver cells to form clusters that behave more like real liver tissue.

“This project, focused on developing a bioink for 3D printing healthy human liver tissue, marks a significant advance toward the future. By enabling the creation of functional human tissue outside the body, our work helps establish better liver models, reduces reliance on animal testing, and furthers the broader goal of tissue regeneration and personalized medicine,” said Mary Jean Savitsky, a fourth-year Ph.D. student in biomedical engineering at Florida State University who works with Ali’s group.

And while the findings are promising, challenges remain.

“Although these model systems represent a substantial step forward, there are still significant challenges ahead. It remains uncertain whether the complexities of human liver function can be fully replicated or if these systems will ultimately prove clinically effective for restoring liver function in patients,” added Ali.

“However, our ongoing research with human liver and other tissues, together with our innovative biomaterials, aims to create functional tissues that could one day be used in clinical practice.”

— Market update —

NAI TALCOR is hosting its 6th annual Commercial Real Estate Market Update on Monday at The Moon.

The annual event brings together local business leaders, developers, investors and industry professionals for a look at where Tallahassee’s growth is headed.

The event will focus on how population growth, new development projects and business expansion are shaping the capital city’s commercial landscape, with analysis on emerging opportunities and investment activity across office, retail, multifamily and industrial sectors.

Programming begins at 4:30 p.m. with a networking hour, followed by a market update presentation at 5:30 p.m. and additional networking through 7:30 p.m.

NAI TALCOR leadership and commercial real estate professionals, such as NAI Principal Ed Murray and executive commercial adviser Slaton Murray, will be on hand at the event.

— I choose you! —

“Wouldn’t you like to work a little closer to home? Actually, I would.”

Match Day — a nationwide celebration where graduating medical students learn where they will complete their residency or fellowship training — takes place on the third Friday in March each year. In 2026, that fell on March 20, and at Florida State University’s College of Medicine ceremony held at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall, future doctors got some good news.

Nearly half of the College of Medicine’s M.D. Class of 2026 will stay in Florida for the next phase of their training. Of the 115 students who participated in the National Resident Matching Program, 55 matched in Florida — about 47%.

“Having almost half of our class stay in Florida bodes well for the future, as Florida faces a serious physician shortage. Research has shown that almost half of all physicians establish their practices within 50 miles of where they completed their residencies,” said College of Medicine Dean Alma Littles.

More than 31% of students matched elsewhere in the Southeast, including Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. Including Florida, nearly 81% of the class will train in the Southeast.

By specialty, 28 students matched in internal medicine; 15 in psychiatry; 13 in pediatrics and surgery; and 12 in family medicine. Obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedic surgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and diagnostic radiology each saw four matches.

Four students are headed into military service — two in the Air Force and one each in the Army and Navy — with placements at military hospitals. One matched in urology through a specialty match administered by the American Urological Association, while another deferred participation to complete a year of research.

Class President Alycia Savage, a 10-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, shared an anecdote about her own “selection day” after completing flight training.

“I did not want to fly the MV-22 Osprey. But the Osprey, an aircraft that combines the vertical takeoff and landing of a helicopter with the speed and range of a turboprop plane, wanted me,” she said.

“More accurately, the Marine Corps needed Osprey pilots. I became who I am because of a path I didn’t choose.”

As she addressed the crowd, she encouraged classmates to embrace the moment. “So, whatever you felt today when you opened your envelope, feel it fully. Celebrate. Cry. Laugh. Feel the relief, the excitement. If needed, feel the disappointment, fear or uncertainty. And then, get to work.”

Savage will remain in Tallahassee for an FSU College of Medicine/Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare general surgery residency.

— Eagles’ new innovation hub —

Tallahassee State College students have a new academic playground to explore.

TSC knew that higher education requires some bigger investments, and this month the new Innovation Hub officially opened its doors with an exciting ribbon-cutting ceremony that saw college leaders, faculty, and community partners, and even Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins in attendance.

The $3.6 million project was made possible through Florida’s Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant (CAP) and took two years to complete. The Innovation Hub is located on the first floor of the TSC Library and is the creme de la creme of learning environments, purposefully built to give students hands-on experience with new and adapting technologies, along with workforce-driven skills, and a great area to discover/enjoy.

“The Innovation Hub is a space where ideas, industry, and education come together to move our state forward. We’re not just celebrating a moment. We’re celebrating more than a new space. It’s a vision,” said Collins.

The space was designed by BKJ Architecture and constructed by Southern Standard Construction and showcases five specialized learning spaces that aim to support various workforce fields in high demand. The space was designed with the idea of bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications, allowing TSC students to apply what they’ve been learning in the classroom to advanced technologies in an open, stress-free, collaborative space.

The space’s open layout allows and even encourages interdisciplinary collaboration too, bringing different majors and students together to excel wherever they are working, and is a mirror of workspaces in today’s world.

“This space represents exactly where higher education needs to go. Students learn best by doing, and the Innovation Hub gives them the tools to experiment, collaborate, and develop the skills employers need right now,” added TSC President Jim Murdaugh.

— All about that bass —

Leon County will host the kickoff event for the 2026 Kayak Adventure Series, presented by GoPro, this weekend. The two-day tournament, jokingly branded “TallaBassee,” is expected to draw hundreds of anglers and spectators to the area’s lakes, streams and rivers.

The competition is open to anglers nationwide and features multiple divisions, including individual, team and high school categories for participants 18 and under. The tournament follows a catch-photo-release format, with competitors aiming to land the five longest bass over two days of competition.

“Launching the 2026 Kayak Adventure Series in Leon County further underscores our county’s commitment to becoming a destination of choice for high-caliber outdoor competitions. We are eager to demonstrate our region’s capability as a premier host for national sporting events and look forward to the momentum this partnership creates for our local economy,” said Leon County Commission Chair Christian Caban.

The heart of the competition will take place at Lake Talquin, a renowned fishery that helps position Leon County as a prime destination for competitive kayak fishing. With the Ochlockonee River nearby and Lake Iamonia also in play, the region offers a range of environments — from blackwater rivers to spring-fed runs lined with lily pads — allowing anglers to match conditions to their strategy and skill set.

Unlike traditional large-boat tournaments that stick to a single body of water, the Kayak Adventure Series allows competitors to fish multiple approved waterways.

“Big thanks to our County Tourism team and all of our partners whose dedication continues to bring world-class sporting events of every kind to Leon County — whether by land or by sea,” added Leon County Administrator Vincent Long.

“From the World Athletics Cross Country Championships at Apalachee Regional Park to the inaugural ‘TallaBassee’ kayak fishing tournament, our community’s natural assets and our staff’s commitment to excellence are putting Leon County on the national stage.”

The top angler will earn prize money, points toward the Kayak Adventure Series Angler of the Year standings, and a feature in Kayak Angler Magazine.

For more information, visit KayakAdventureSeries.com.

— 41 —

Make it 41 in a row (not that we’re counting or anything …).

This week, the City of Tallahassee received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, the highest honor from the Government Finance Officers Association. It marks the 41st consecutive year the city has earned the distinction, reflecting its commitment to lofty standards in governmental budgeting.

A big congratulations all-around.

The city also earned top marks for its Financial Policies and Capital Program, achieving the highest possible score across all criteria.

“Receiving this national recognition for the City’s budget, following a thorough review by a panel of independent reviewers, reflects the exceptional work of staff and our continued commitment to fiscal transparency. The City of Tallahassee continues to set the standard for excellence in public service,” said Deputy City Manager Karen Jumonville.

The Government Finance Officers Association promotes excellence in public finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources and research to more than 22,500 members and communities. To earn the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, Tallahassee had to meet or exceed nationally recognized standards evaluating how well its budget functions as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide and communication tool. The budget must be rated “proficient” in all four categories and meet 14 mandatory criteria.

To view the award-winning budget and learn more about the city’s fiscal stewardship, visit Talgov.com/Budget.

41 down. Let us know when they hit 50.

— Save the date —

Attorney Daryl D. Parks is set to officially launch his campaign for Tallahassee Mayor with an event on Monday at Parkview at Cascades.

The kickoff runs from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the South Gadsden Street venue and will mark Parks’ formal entry into the race as the field for the capital city’s next Mayor continues to take shape.

Parks, a nationally recognized attorney, business owner and longtime Tallahassee community leader, is pitching his candidacy as an effort to build a stronger, more inclusive future for the city.

The campaign launch event is open to the public. More information is available through the campaign.

— Mario is right around the corner —

It’s kino time.

The start of 2026 has been good to the box office, and it continues to trend upward as Ryan Gosling’s sci-fi/comedy “Project Hail Mary” exceeded all trade projections and opened to a whopping $81 million domestically, a massive feat for a non-sequel or heavily known IP. Gosling also recently shouted out the local Tallahassee bakery, The Cake Shop, for having “the most incredible Pop-Tarts” while on Seth Meyers promoting the film.

“Hoppers” continues to be a success story for Disney/Pixar with word-of-mouth, while the four-hour-long Hindi film “Dhurandhar the Revenge” saw $10 million at the domestic box office.

Do you feel that? The tension? Hollywood is afraid to release anything this weekend. All because a little-known movie called “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” is opening April 1, meaning anything that comes out this weekend will probably get eaten alive next week, as the Illumination animated film is projected to bring in $1 billion-plus. Godspeed.

So audiences this week are stuck with the leftovers, or scraps if you will, as Hollywood and theaters prepare for the inevitable craze.

So what do we have?

“They Will Kill You,” a new comedy/horror starring Emmy nominee Zazie Beetz (“Deadpool 2,” “Atlanta”) and Oscar winner Patricia Arquette (“Boyhood,” “Lost Highway”), is brave enough to test the waters this week and follows a desperate woman who takes a job as a housekeeper in a NYC high-rise, unaware of the building’s history of disappearances. The film is receiving decent reviews: a 72% on Rotten Tomatoes, 6.5 on IMDb, and a 3.0 on Letterboxd. The film is directed and co-written by Kirill Sokolov and is being specifically praised for its stylish direction and a balls-to-the-wall performance by Beetz. If you want a good, tension-filled, fun time with an auteur vision and grounded acting, this might be for you.

The other big release this weekend is “The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist.” The film is co-directed by Oscar winner Daniel Roher, most known for his Academy Award-winning “Navalny,” and produced by Oscar winner Daniel Kwan, the co-writer and director of the Best Picture-winning film “Everything Everywhere All At Once.” The doc follows a father as he navigates the insanity of the AI world and the bubble we live in. The film is being well received, with its topical themes and comedic tone, and has an 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, a 7.5 on IMDB, and a 3.4 on Letterboxd.

And for those looking to enjoy what TV has to offer, season two of one of Marvel’s darkest heroes, “Daredevil: Born Again,” just dropped on Disney+ and has a 95% on Rotten Tomatoes. Emmy nominee Vincent D’Onofrio and Charlie Cox continue to beef over vigilantes, NYC, and Hell’s Kitchen.

Or you can check out the “last” season of Emmy winner Lisa Kudrow’s “The Comeback” on HBO Max. After first airing in 2005 and being pulled, then coming back in 2014 and being pulled, the third time’s the charm: the series is getting its best reviews ever, sitting at 96% on Rotten Tomatoes for the show about the B-list sitcom star desperate to revive her career.

— Capitol Directions —

Ron DeSantis — Crossways arrow — Call it the DeSantis Corollary: When our prickish, self-absorbed Governor isn’t on the ballot, his endorsement is.

Jay Collins — Down arrow — No one asked you for your help in your old district. What does that say about August?

David Jolly — Up arrow — If he can’t raise a couple mil by Memorial Day, then he’s doing it wrong.

James Uthmeier — Crossways arrow — Opposing the ‘Rooney Rule’ may look like the right call at first. So did the Jags paying Bortles.

Brian Nathan — Up arrow — There’s nothing wrong with being the Marty Huggins of Florida politics.

Emily Gregory — Up arrow — Her calls get returned now.

FHRCC — Crossways arrow — Tom Brady did not win every Super Bowl. House Republicans will not win every Special Election.

FRSCC — Down arrow — For the first time in a long time, it feels like Republican Senators are not all singing from the same hymn sheet.

Tracie Davis, Christine Hunschofsky — Up arrow — Y’all just had to go and raise expectations, didn’t you?

Josie Tomkow, Jon Maples — Crossways arrow — Capitol Directions is issuing an immediate stay of judgment. A final ruling is expected in November.

Cassidy Whitaker — Up arrow — She called it months ago. And she delivered.

Ruth’s List — Up arrow — Christina Diamond picked the right fight.

Joel Rudman — Down arrow — He’s lucky Sabs exists because, like Kip Winger and Vinnie Vincent, one of them is the joke and the other’s just next.

The Carusos — Down arrow — Just STFU for a minute, please.

Mail ballots — Up arrow — Good enough for 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

Redistricting — Crossways arrow — Dummymander it up, fam.

South Tampa — Crossways arrow — Tuesday proved again, you’re either from SOG or you’re not from SOG.

AIDS patients — Up arrow — Help restored. It’s not like that detour wasn’t completely avoidable or anything.

Sociology — Down arrow — Why couldn’t they do this to CHM 2210?

Marion Hammer — Crossways arrow — Is this real life or Act 2 of ‘Estranged’?

Ryan Smith — Up arrow — AAPC knows talent when it sees it.

Christian Ulvert — Up arrow — And they can read a scoreboard, too.

Bruce Ritchie — Up arrow — Knew the beat cold, always a pro. The press corps is losing a real one.