Takeaways from Tallahassee — The Voice of an Era, Signing Off

Any sports fan living in Florida — regardless of allegiance — ought to know the name Gene Deckerhoff.

The radio play-by-play announcer is the definition of a living legend. He served as the voice of Florida State University football from 1979 to 2022 and called Tampa Bay Buccaneers games from 1989 through the end of the 2025 season — the franchise’s 50th. Sadly, no more “Touchdown, Tampa Bays!” are ringing through the speakers.

During his time behind the mic, Deckerhoff narrated three Seminole national championships and two Super Bowl wins with the Bucs. Plenty of highs. Plenty of heartbreak. All of it stamped with his voice.

To celebrate the close of his Buccaneers chapter, the Florida Sports Hall of Fame — which inducted him in 2000 — joined RSA Consulting Group, the Florida Sports Foundation, Ronald L. Book PA, and Pi Kappa Alpha to host a luncheon in his honor this week at the Governor’s Club.

It was a who’s who of the FSU and Bucs worlds, equal parts great conversation and great food. College football National Champion and Super Bowl Champion William “Bar None” Floyd, Deckerhoff’s color analyst since 2008, hosted the fireside chat filled with stories, highlights and plenty of laughs.

Floyd also reflected on how much Deckerhoff shaped him in the booth.

“Talking about the 2013 National Championship, you know, I was still trying to figure out my professionalism in the booth, as far as my antics. Kelvin Benjamin scores that touchdown and I jump up and I cannot stop moving around and jumping around and celebrating. And Gene is sitting here just picking up everything I knocked over, putting it back, like everything is normal and he’s still part of the game. But that’s why you are talking about a real pro,” said Floyd.

“Gene was still doing his thing while I was just acting like a fan in the stands, you know? So that’s what I love about this man right here. He taught me the broadcast. I always say Coach [Bobby Bowden] taught me a lot of things in my life, and so did Gene.”

FSU legend, National Champion, Heisman Trophy winner, 11-year NBA veteran and current FAMU Basketball coach Charlie Ward made a special appearance to pay his respects. Deckerhoff couldn’t resist a little QB pattern recognition.

“You see a pattern there? Ward, Weinke, Winston? All three last names started with a W. So, are we gonna go out and recruit a quarterback with a W!? Charlie, you got to talk to Coach Norvell now, we need a quarterback or a last name that starts with a W, like a William or Watson!”

Several others joined by video, including Chris Weinke — who Deckerhoff gently jabbed over his current role at Georgia Tech — along with Mike Alstott and LeRoy Butler of “Puntrooskie” fame.

And, of course, there was a message from former Bucs coach Jon Gruden: “There’s the dagger! Three, two, one. Touchdown! Alstott man! Up the gut!”

“You’re the best. You are the very best positive, upbeat, great announcer. We’re gonna miss you big time. The Buccaneers, the Seminoles, and your friend, John Gruden, we’re just not gonna be the same without you, Gene. God bless you, man. We love you so much, and we wish you the very, very best in your retirement.”

Deckerhoff worked alongside — and against — countless legends over the decades. Even rivals weren’t spared.

“Gator fans still think they won that game, but we scored four touchdowns, 28 points in the fourth quarter to come from behind and ‘beat’ the Gators,” Deckerhoff said, referring to the Choke at Doak. “Steve Spurrier never won a game in Tallahassee, Florida! And so, when Steve was my head coach of the Tampa Bay Bandits, with the old USFL, I made sure I reminded him of that.”

There’s a gap to fill for Tampa Bay fans, just as there was when he stepped away from the Seminoles. When the cannons fire after a Buccaneers score, it won’t quite sound the same.

Enjoy retirement, Gene.

___

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—

Next phase — Following the passage of the Senate’s spending plan on Friday and the House’s plan a day prior, Session is entering its next phase. On Friday, Senate President Ben Albritton named the chamber’s budget conferees, signaling that the chambers could be positioned to complete work this Legislative Session on time, a welcome prospect after the 2025 Session went into marathon overtime. There will still be alignment to hash out between the two chambers’ budgets, with the Senate’s $115 billion plan coming in well above the House’s more austere $113.6 billion plan.

‘Historic’ vote — In an 80-30 vote, the House approved a resolution placing a proposed constitutional amendment eliminating most property taxes on homesteaded properties onto the 2026 ballot. HJR 203 would exempt homestead property from all ad valorem taxes other than School District levies beginning January 2027 over the course of 10 years and would prohibit local governments from reducing total funding for law enforcement, firefighters and other first responders. House Speaker Daniel Perez framed the vote as a defining moment in the 2026 Session, calling it “the most aggressive legislation ever passed by a legislative chamber on property taxes in the history of the United States.” It remains to be seen whether the Senate will act on property taxes this Session or wait until a Special Session floated by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

PDJTIA — The Senate agreed to the House version of legislation preempting major commercial airport names to the state and naming Palm Beach International Airport for President Donald Trump. HB 919 would make the brand identity name change at PBI contingent on FAA approval and an agreement between Palm Beach County and Trump for the commercial use of his name. It would also pre-empt the names of major commercial airports in the state, all of which will remain as is except for the Palm Beach facility, which will be the President Donald J. Trump International Airport.

Righting wrongs — The Senate unanimously passed SB 694 to pay the Groveland Four’s surviving family members $4 million, years after Charles Greenlee, Walter Irvin, Samuel Shepherd and Ernest Thomas were fully exonerated. “For decades, the families carried the weight of wrongful convictions, wrongful incarcerations, and wrongful deaths. Decades of growing up without fathers, without brothers, without sons. Florida has since acknowledged the truth. Senate Bill 694 represents the final step,” said Sen. Lavon Bracy Davis, who sponsored the bill. The House companion bill (HB 6523) has not moved yet, however. House Speaker Daniel Perez did not respond to Florida Politics’ questions this week on the likelihood of the lower chamber advancing the bill.

Stand down — Rep. Kevin Steele will seek re-election to his state House seat instead of running for Chief Financial Officer. “After much prayer and reflection with my family, we have made the decision that I will seek re-election to Florida House District 55,” the Dade City Republican said. In November, Steele filed to challenge Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia for his Cabinet seat. The DataLink founder later loaned $5 million to his own campaign, a move he made after Trump’s political team encouraged him to run. But Steele said now he will bow out. He said the personal pressures of a statewide race as a father of four loomed large in his decision. HD 55 is contained entirely within Pasco County.

— Corruption cops clock in —

A new Public Corruption Unit has been established in Florida to crack down on public officials’ grift.

Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Thursday that the unit will identify, investigate and prosecute cases involving legislative appropriations and other public funds. The Public Corruption Unit is an offshoot of Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution.

“Our office is launching this unit to ensure taxpayer dollars are used for the taxpayers’ benefit — not special interests for political insiders or personal gain — (and) we will expose and prosecute anyone using a position of public trust for personal benefit,” Uthmeier said in a news release.

The Public Corruption Unit will not operate solely within the Attorney General’s Office. Uthmeier has teamed up with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Jason A. Reding Quinones said his agency will approach investigations with the unit aggressively.

“Public money belongs to the people of Florida, not to insiders, special interests, or anyone looking for a kickback,” Quinones said. “When bribery, extortion, embezzlement, or misuse of appropriations implicates federal law, we will investigate and prosecute without hesitation.”

The unit is not limited to future cases. Investigators have already been assigned to review legislative appropriations from the past two fiscal years.

— BMP checks on ice —

It was a chilly start to 2026 across the Sunshine State. Some green thumbs had to bring plants inside or cover them with blankets — so imagine farmers with crops and money on the line.

To help address the historic freezes and drought conditions agricultural workers have faced this year, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson issued an emergency order this week to support farmers, ranchers and growers.

Beginning Feb. 17, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services suspended certain Best Management Practices site visits that verify agricultural producers are complying with BMP standards.

Because of freezes, drought and increased wildfire risk, the usual on-site verification process is borderline impractical — and in some cases nearly impossible — for many producers.

“This emergency order is a practical way to support our farmers, ranchers, and growers who are still dealing with the widespread and devastating impacts of historic freezes, statewide drought, and increasing wildfire activity. Florida’s farmers and ranchers are some of the toughest and most resilient people you will ever meet, but recent weather has brought significant crop loss, damage, and disruptions to operations,” Simpson said.

“This emergency order allows our producers to focus more on their immediate recovery and less on government regulations.”

Citrus, nursery, specialty fruit and nut, vegetable and agronomic crop, and sod producers in all Florida counties will have BMP implementation verification visits temporarily suspended.

FDACS typically conducts BMP verification site visits every two years on enrolled properties to ensure proper implementation of applicable practices.

— Policy canceled, cuffs issued —

No, you’re not in good hands. And no, like a good neighbor, these men weren’t there. Consider this your obligatory insurance-jingle moment.

This week, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia announced the arrest of licensed insurance agent Javier Gonzalez Jr. and Aliba Lamas Alvarez, who authorities say are residing in Florida illegally, for allegedly selling fraudulent insurance policies in Miami-Dade County. The arrests were made by the Department of Financial Services’ Criminal Investigation Division.

“My administration has a zero-tolerance policy for fraud, especially for fraud committed by criminal illegal aliens. Our law enforcement division will continue to put these fraudsters behind bars,” Ingoglia said.

Alvarez was charged with acting as an insurance agent without a license, an organized scheme to defraud and forgery. Gonzalez was charged with filing false and fraudulent insurance claims and an organized scheme to defraud.

Investigators identified 24 fraudulent commercial insurance policies for tow trucks. Authorities say the policies sold to vehicle owners contained inaccurate information to meet required insurance limits.

Both men were arrested in Miami-Dade County on Feb. 5.

Since taking office, Ingoglia and DFS law enforcement officers have arrested 60 individuals residing in Florida illegally and have pledged to continue collaborating with federal partners on additional arrests.

And look — turns out the CFO can generate headlines without a backdrop of orange traffic cones.

— American Hustle —

Anytime you’re making a big financial decision, it pays to double — even triple — check from whom you’re buying. And when it sounds too good to be true? It usually is.

This week, Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky ordered the extended auto warranty company American Dream Auto Protect to cease doing business in Florida for operating without a required license.

According to regulators, the company entered into motor vehicle service agreements with Florida residents without obtaining a license or approval from the Office of Insurance Regulation.

“The Office of Insurance Regulation takes reports of unlicensed activity seriously. Consumers should feel confident that their coverage purchased is legitimate and regulated. I urge consumers to do their research before entering into a contract and use our Office’s resources to guarantee products are from appropriately licensed entities. We will continue to blast any company that blatantly disregards state law and will strongly advise consumers to find a better option,” Yaworsky said.

American Dream must continue administering in-force warranties in compliance with Florida law, give consumers the option to cancel coverage and obtain a refund, pay claims as required, and notify customers by sending them a copy of the consent order and posting it on its website.

“Floridians have a right to know that when they entrust an insurance company with their money, that the company is acting in good faith. There is no excuse for defrauding Floridians. I have made it one of my core missions to be an advocate for policyholders, and I will continue to work with the Office of Insurance Regulation to hold bad actors accountable,” added CFO Ingoglia.

OIR issued the company a complaint and cease-and-desist order for engaging in unauthorized and unlicensed motor vehicle service warranty business in Florida.

American Dream reported nearly 900 in-force contracts and more than $2.2 million in unearned written premiums.

— Instagram of the week —

See more

— Corridor closes the gap —

Records are meant to be broken — especially when it comes to protecting land and wildlife.

This week, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced it secured the largest conservation easement in the 25-year history of Florida Forever. A total of 61,525 acres of working forestland within the Ocala-to-Osceola Wildlife Corridor in Baker and Union counties is now permanently protected.

The tract connects Camp Blanding Military Reservation, Raiford Wildlife Management Area and Osceola National Forest, closing a major gap in a 100-mile, 1.6-million-acre network of public and private lands.

“Florida Forever was created to protect landscapes like this one. Conserving this single-owner tract in perpetuity strengthens landscape-scale connectivity while allowing the land to remain in active forest management that supports the local economy,” said DEP Secretary Alexis Lambert.

The easement protects thousands of acres of forested wetlands, floodplain forests, basin swamps and headwaters, helping support water quality, flood protection and aquifer recharge.

The conservation easement was acquired from timber giant Weyerhaeuser and approved by DeSantis and the Cabinet at a prior meeting.

“This is a simply tremendous outcome for everyone involved. Environmental stewardship is fundamental to our operations, and this conservation easement was a unique opportunity to support wildlife habitat and connectivity at a huge scale while also continuing to support the local forest economy,” said Alex Littlejohn, Director of Conservation for Weyerhaeuser.

“This is one of the largest conservation projects we have ever delivered, and we want to thank all our partners — including state leadership and DEP — for helping secure an agreement that will benefit Floridians for many years to come.”

— Sunshine showdown —

Do you like to stir things up? Argue just for the sake of it? Love playing the contrarian? Maybe you should’ve joined a school debate class.

To celebrate the semiquincentennial of America, Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas announced the winners of the inaugural Florida College System Sunshine State Debate. The competition highlighted the talent of approximately 100 students from institutions across the Florida College System, centered on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

“I was honored to announce the winners of the inaugural Sunshine State Debate,” Kamoutsas said.

“Throughout the competition, students’ mastery of civic discourse, thoughtful persuasion and a deep understanding of the constitutional ideals that shaped our nation were on display. Under Gov. DeSantis’ steadfast leadership, civics has become an essential component of every student’s education, and the Sunshine State Debate demonstrated Florida’s commitment to the values that formed our constitutional republic.”

A round of applause to Lillian Clay of North Florida College, who secured first place and a $1,500 scholarship. Justice Robinson of Hillsborough College came in second and received $1,000. The two semifinalists — Makenna Bradley of State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, and Andrea Manjaka of Hillsborough College — each received a $750 scholarship.

The scholarship funding was provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and the Florida Council of Resource Development. Clay will also receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the National Debate Championship in California to serve as a judge on behalf of the Ronald Reagan Foundation and Institute.

— Olustee echoes 162 years later —

If you’ve driven I-10 to or from Jacksonville, you’ve probably spotted the signs for Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park. It’s hard to miss.

The Battle of Olustee was the largest Civil War battle fought in Florida. The clash left 296 dead, roughly 2,000 wounded, and 514 captured or missing.

This past weekend marked 162 years since the Feb. 20, 1864, battle, as well as the nation’s 250th anniversary. The 49th annual Battle of Olustee reenactment ran Friday through Sunday, giving visitors a chance to walk the same ground where one of Florida’s most significant Civil War engagements unfolded.

“This weekend, visitors can experience history as it happened 162 years ago. From the sights and sounds to the stories of those who lived it, this reenactment brings America’s past to life in celebration of our 250th anniversary,” said Chuck Hatcher, Director of Florida State Parks.

More than 1,000 participants took part in this year’s reenactment, portraying both military and civilian life of the era. Visitors toured period camps, watched infantry and artillery drills and attended educational programs, alongside music, arts and crafts and historically accurate food.

And if you’ve never made the trip, you might consider waiting for the new Olustee Battlefield Museum, which recently broke ground nearby. The museum will feature indoor and outdoor exhibits tracing Florida’s role in the Civil War and the events leading up to the battle.

For more information about Florida’s role in 250 years of American history, including milestones such as the Battle of Olustee, visit America250FL.com.

— Safer stops, fairer sidelines —

Two bills sponsored by Miami Gardens Democratic Sen. Shevrin Jones cleared the Senate with unanimous votes this week.

SB 418 creates the “Blue Envelope Program,” directing the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to develop specialized envelopes for drivers with autism spectrum disorder. The envelopes would provide a clear visual cue to officers during traffic stops that the driver may have specific communication needs.

“As we’ve seen in other states, the Blue Envelope Program is a straightforward and effective tool designed to assist officers and emergency personnel in recognizing and adapting their approach to traffic stops. This will help our police and emergency service personnel identify individuals’ needs and limit misunderstandings. Now more than ever, we must promote empathy, understanding, and patience to keep all Floridians safe,” Jones said.

SB 178 allows coaches to contribute up to $15,000 per team per year, provided all contributions are made in good faith and reported to the FHSAA. Nicknamed the “Teddy Bridgewater Bill,” it follows the now-Tampa Bay Buccaneers backup quarterback’s suspension from his coaching duties at Miami Northwestern High School for providing what were deemed “impermissible benefits” to athletes.

Bridgewater’s explanation was simple: he gave a student an Uber ride home so they wouldn’t need to walk through a dangerous neighborhood at night. No good deed goes unpunished, right? Under SB 178, not in circumstances like that.

“Coaches often act as mentors and vital supports for young people; this bill provides them the flexibility to support student well-being while maintaining strong accountability. No coach should ever be penalized for stepping up to protect the well-being of a student athlete. This legislation will help protect student athletes and ensure accountability, fairness, and flexibility,” Jones said.

— Looking out for the old dogs —

It’s no shocker that Florida has its fair share of older residents. And they need care and attention just as much as anyone else.

This week, LeadingAge Southeast — an association founded in 1963 that serves senior living providers across parts of the Southeast — praised the Senate and the House for including funding for nursing home care, community-based services, workforce education and affordable housing in their budget proposals.

“We appreciate the Legislature’s continued commitment to strengthening care for older adults, particularly the decision to make these nursing home investments recurring and tied to quality outcomes. These proposals reflect a clear understanding that sustained investment is necessary to support high-quality care, and we are grateful for that recognition,” said LeadingAge Southeast President and CEO Steve Bahmer.

“As the budget process continues, we look forward to working with the Legislature to ensure long-term, predictable funding that fully supports providers serving Florida’s most vulnerable residents.”

Among the budget highlights drawing praise are nursing home funding increases — more than $82 million recurring in the House proposal and $68 million recurring in the Senate proposal.

The Home & Community-Based Services increases include $3 million for the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative, $4 million for Community Care for the Elderly and $3.5 million for Home Care for the Elderly.

LeadingAge Southeast also applauded full funding of the Sadowski Housing Trust Funds and continued support of SHIP and SAIL programs aimed at expanding and preserving affordable housing options for older adults in Florida.

— Reid x Rattlers —

Everyone in the Panhandle knows how strong the J-school at Florida A&M University is, and it’s little things like this that prove why.

This week, the FAMU School of Journalism & Graphic Communication announced that Emmy-winning journalist Jacque Reid will serve as the Hearst Visiting Guest Lecturer for the Spring 2026 semester. The program brings accomplished professionals to campus to teach, mentor and engage with Rattler students.

Reid will mentor SJGC’s juniors and seniors, helping prepare them for the evolving journalism landscape through her four-part series, “How to Be an Independent Journalist.”

“We are proud to have our students benefit from the talent and passion that Jacque brings to every project she takes on. As we continue to experience shifts in the industry and advancements in how news and information are presented, it is critical that we equip our students with the tools they need to thrive,” said FAMU SJGC Dean Mira Lowe.

Reid has worked across a range of platforms, including NBC, CNN, ABC and BET, and has contributed to “The Tom Joyner Morning Show.” She is also the creator and host of “The Jacque Reid Experience” podcast.

She co-hosts the “Reid This Reid That” podcast with fellow journalist Joy-Ann Reid, founder and CEO of Vegan Sexy Cool, a vegan lifestyle brand.

Students who complete the four-part masterclass will receive a certificate of completion and will be eligible for a special Summer internship.

— Magnets, microscopes, magic —

The rumored protector of Tallahassee against hurricanes — or so the legend goes — is opening its doors Saturday.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, better known as the MagLab, will host its free, family-friendly 2026 Open House at 1800 E. Paul Dirac Drive. This year’s twist: literary classics meet cutting-edge science.

Open House is the one day each year visitors can go behind the scenes to see labs typically closed to the public, take in one-of-a-kind demonstrations and witness firsthand the physics, chemistry, biology and engineering research happening year-round.

“Open House is the MagLab’s marquee event where we celebrate our cutting-edge research, amazing staff, and the incredible support of our community, while inspiring the next generation of scientists. Visitors of all ages will be engrossed, entertained, excited and inspired,” said MagLab Director Kathleen Amm.

This year’s literary tie-ins include an “Alice in Wonderland” themed lab where kids can don a real lab coat; “Seussical Science,” featuring magnetic fields and quantum mechanics inspired by Theodor Geisel; and “Harry Potter’s Chamber of Micro-Secrets,” where visitors can see the power of electron microscopes.

The event will also feature a short-story reading by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Robert Olen Butler, bringing science and storytelling together under one roof.

“Great books and inspiring science both begin with curiosity and wonder. It’s a perfect combination. We can’t wait to share the joy of learning and discovery with our community through books and stories we all know and love,” Amm said.

Fan favorites are back as well, including the Junkyard Magnet, Potato Launcher, Quarter Shrinker, Rocket Cars and Einstein’s Ice Cream made with ultra-cold liquid nitrogen.

If nothing else, it’s a chance to see the magnets that allegedly keep hurricanes at bay. We’re kidding. Mostly.

— Debate dynasty —

What’s a dynasty? The Han. The Habsburgs. Maybe the Patriots from 2001-2019. The Bulls of the ’90s. The Warriors in the mid-2010s. The Dodgers are even trying to buy one in real time.

But Tallahassee State College deserves a mention, too.

This week, the TSC Speech and Debate Team earned the Overall Team Sweepstakes title at the Florida College System Activities Association State Tournament, securing its 10th consecutive state championship.

That’s what? A 10-peat? It also marks TSC’s 26th FCSAA victory in the past 28 years.

“This team represents everything collegiate speech and debate is meant to be. Their success is not just about winning titles; it’s about the growth, leadership, and confidence they develop along the way. I am so proud of what they’ve accomplished and excited to see them continue building on this extraordinary legacy,” said faculty adviser John Schultz.

TSC competed against major programs across the Florida College System and won state championships in 12 of 13 events, with every team member earning at least one award. In total, the team secured 43 honors.

Leading the charge was Lillyana Humphreys, who was named Top Overall Speaker and won state titles in Extemporaneous Speaking and After-Dinner Speaking. She also tied for the IPDA Debate title with teammate Jackson Hopkins.

The team now heads into additional regional and national competitions looking to extend the streak.

— Capitol city, middle of pack —

Tallahassee may be home to the Legislature, the Governor’s Mansion, Florida State University and Florida A&M, but a new study says it lags behind other state capitals.

WalletHub, a personal finance firm, recently released its annual ranking of the best state capitals to live in. Tallahassee landed at No. 30.

Analysts compared 48 factors, including affordability, economic stability, quality of life, education and health care, to calculate a state capital index score.

Austin, Texas, finished first with a score of 64.17, ranking No. 1 in both economic well-being and quality of education and health. Austin was fourth in affordability and 10th in quality of life.

Raleigh, North Carolina, came in second, followed by Atlanta at No. 3, Madison, Wisconsin, at No. 4, and Boise, Idaho, at No. 5.

“A state’s capital city is more than just the seat of its government — it’s also often the center of its economic activity. Some state capitals boast incredible job markets, high average salaries, world-class universities, and an abundance of attractions,” said Chip Lupo, an economic analyst for WalletHub.

Tallahassee earned a state capital index score of 49.56. Its ranking for quality of education and health was stronger at No. 16, and for quality of life, it came in at No. 18.

However, Tallahassee’s economic well-being ranked No. 37, and the city placed No. 34 for affordability.

— O’Steen, oh yah! —

Last week, County Attorney Chasity O’Steen received the Tallahassee Bar Association’s 2026 Martha Barnett Women Lawyers of Achievement Award during the TBA’s Past Presidents’ Reception & Awards Dinner, and Leon County Government couldn’t be more proud of one of its own earning the honor.

“On behalf of the Board and the entire community, I want to congratulate Chasity O’Steen on this well-earned honor. Her counsel is consistently steady, principled, and focused on serving the public interest. Our community and our organization benefit every day from her integrity and leadership,” said Leon County Commission Chair Christian Caban.

The Martha Barnett Women Lawyers of Achievement Award was created by the Tallahassee Bar Association to recognize the talents and accomplishments of women lawyers in Florida’s Second Judicial Circuit who demonstrate professional excellence, leadership, mentorship and lasting contributions to the legal community.

“I am grateful to the Tallahassee Bar Association for this recognition. It is a privilege to serve Leon County, and I’m thankful for the dedicated colleagues and elected leaders I have the opportunity to support in advancing the work of our community,” said O’Steen.

Before joining Leon County, O’Steen served in senior legal leadership roles for the State of Florida, including as General Counsel for the Departments of Management Services and Financial Services.

She has also held leadership roles in the legal community, serving as President of Tallahassee Women Lawyers and as a member of the 2nd Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee and the 2nd Judicial Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission.

“We’re proud of Chasity and grateful for the way she serves Leon County. She’s a valuable and trusted leader within our County team — always prepared, always principled, and always focused on the public interest. This award is a fitting recognition of the respect she has earned and the difference she makes every day,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent Long.

— ‘You are here’ —

Tallahassee is an underrated scene in the state — and the country as a whole — when it comes to the arts. Tallahassee State College is helping build that reputation in the 850 for residents, students, and visitors alike.

This week, TSC unveiled a solo exhibition by artist, educator and Tallahassee local Julie Baroody titled “You Are Here,” with an opening reception on Thursday.

“Having a faculty artist exhibit in the Fine Art Gallery creates a meaningful learning experience for our students, allowing them to see firsthand how professional artistic practice evolves. ‘You Are Here’ exemplifies how our arts programming connects classroom learning with real-world creative work,” said the Dean of Communications and Humanities at TSC, Donmetrie Clark.

Baroody has taught art and jewelry making at TSC since 2000. She earned her MFA from Florida State University and explores the crossroads of patterns, layering and color in her work, utilizing repetition, structure and variation drawn from everyday influences, perceptions and thoughts. The goal is to help viewers draw inspiration from the natural world — and the one they create in their own minds.

The exhibition is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 1 to 4 p.m., and the show runs through March 26. Parking on campus is free.

— How to Make a Psycho Elvis Presley —

Movie mania time.

The King is infectious — just ask Oscar nominee Austin Butler, who couldn’t shake the Presley accent for a year after “Elvis” came out in 2022. Well, the director of that film, Australian auteur Oscar nominee Baz Luhrmann, is back with “EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert,” a new concert documentary shot for IMAX that showcases never-before-seen footage alongside jaw-dropping restorations of older known footage of Mr. Elvis Presley himself.

The film is sure to showcase Luhrmann’s over-the-top, in-your-face editing and direction. Add in music and a beautiful Technicolor film? We’re in. Critics and fans seem to agree. The 90-minute concert documentary has a 97% on Rotten Tomatoes (99% audience), an 8.4 on IMDB, and a 3.9 on IMDB.

“How to Make a Killing” is a new A24 comedy thriller starring Glen Powell and Emmy nominee Margaret Qualley about a man disowned at birth by a wealthy family who aims to get his inheritance, no matter how many siblings or relatives stand in his way. This movie just feels like a recession indicator. John Patton Ford writes and directs the 105-minute-long film, and it is mixed at best: 48% on Rotten Tomatoes and 3.4 on Letterboxd.

But you know what’s not a coin flip? “Psycho Killer,” the new film starring BAFTA winner Georgina Campbell and Malcom McDowell. The horror film, directed by longtime producer and Emmy nominee Gavin Polone, currently has a 0% on Rotten Tomatoes (37% audience), a 5.1 on IMDb, and a 2.2 on Letterboxd. One Florida Politics staff member said they saw a preroll ad for the movie on YouTube. As best we can tell, that was the film’s entire marketing budget. This one has tax write-off written all over it.

And if none of that is speaking to you, maybe check out “Being Gordon Ramsey,” a new episodic documentary from Netflix that follows the famously irritable chef, which has a 67% on Rotten Tomatoes. There’s also season three of “The Night Agent” on Netflix, starring Gabriel Basso and with an 80% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Or you can take a risk on Apple TV+ with season two of “The Last Thing He Told Me,” the whodunit suspense TV show starring Emmy nominee and Ms. “What’s In Your Wallet?” herself, Jennifer Garner.

— Capitol Directions —

SPRING BREAK — Down arrow — You didn’t actually book a trip, did you? Fool me once — see you in Conference.

RON DESANTIS – Down arrow – While the First Lady is trying to Make America Healthy Again, he’s asking for seconds (and thirds) at your local diner.

CASEY DESANTIS — Down arrow — exposingfoodtoxins.geocities.com.

JAMES UTHMEIER — Crossways arrow — What happens when the first person reported to Uthmeier’s new witch-hunt hotline is … James Uthmeier?

BLAISE INGOGLIA — Up arrow — Sometimes the hardest part of a campaign is the other guy leaving.

KEVIN STEELE — Down arrow — We haven’t had a worse cock tease since 10th grade.

RICK SCOTT — Down arrow — Fortunately for Steele’s #1 booster, Florida DOGE has no jurisdiction over a U.S. Senator.

BRYAN GRIFFIN — Up arrow —143.3 million reasons to keep the marketing budget.

DEPT. OF HEALTH — Down arrow — Sunshine Law, meet the blackout invoice.

FLORIDA HOUSE — Up arrow — Don’t expect the Mansion to send flowers, but at least they passed a property tax proposal.

SUB-APROPS CHAIRS – Down arrow – In NBA parlance, you’d be put down for a ‘DNP-CD.’

JIM BOYD — Up arrow — Mangroves 1. Cruise port 0.

SHEV JONES — Crossways arrow — Designated to be designated. Progress is progress.

LAVON BRACY DAVIS — Up arrow — Her first Senate bill gets Florida $4 million closer to righting a 75-year-old wrong.

NICK DICEGLE — Crossways arrow — He tried.

DEBBIE MAYFIELD, MEG WEINBERGER — Up arrow — From lawsuit to leisure path. That escalated … nicely.

JENNA PERSONS-MULICKA — Down arrow — Solving fraud the hard way: hypothetically.

DATA CENTERS — Crossways — Floridians first. Jurisdiction pending.

HOME-HARDENING — Down arrow — They didn’t have to refill it … so they didn’t.

TEDDY BRIDGEWATER — Up arrow — Good quarterback, good coach, apparently a pretty effective lobbyist too.

WEIGHT MGMT. PILOT PROGRAM — Crossways — Too big to kill?

BEACHGOERS — Up arrow — That’s a lot of sunscreen money for someone who’s not even running yet.

KALSHI — Crossways arrow — Where do prediction markets end and gambling begins?

DAN DALEY’S BIRTHDAY — Up arrow — One of few Tallahassee gatherings where everyone shows up and no one expenses it.

MARVA JOHNSON — Up arrow — When the room matters, so does being in it.

JOHN SOWINSKI — Up arrow — Roma videt.

PENGUINS — Up arrow — Cold operators. No small talk, just fish counts.