Politics
Takeaways from Tallahassee — There’s No Place Like the Hill
The best party in town.
This Oct. 18-25, Florida A&M University (FAMU) Homecoming is back with the theme “There’s No Place Like the Hill,” drawing inspiration and spirit from the beloved Oscar-nominated film “The Wiz” — itself a reimagining of the classic “The Wizard of Oz” — and putting Rattler culture center stage.
FAMU Homecoming is a nationally revered celebration for students, alumni, and the Tallahassee community alike to come together once again and “ease on down the road.” There’s nothing quite like the FAMUly getting together for an event shaped by creativity, pride and love for that Green and Orange.
“Stepping into this role, I knew all eyes were on me, especially for homecoming,” said Caitlin Smith, Student Government Association vice president and Homecoming Committee Chair.
“We wanted to create a week that brings generations of Rattlers together and gives everyone a reason to reconnect with the place we call home. From the traditions we cherish to the new memories we’ll make, we wanted that FAMU pride to shine through every event. I truly hope that people see the hard work, commitment and true spirit throughout the week that I, along with my committee, created because, in the end, we want everyone to remember there’s truly no place like The Hill.”
The week’s activities kick off with the Coronation & Ball honoring Mister and Miss FAMU at 5:30 p.m. in Gaither Gym.
Head to the Quad for Market Monday or the “Taste of a Rattler: SGA Crab Boil” on Tuesday at 12 p.m. at the Will Packer Amphitheater, followed by the Fashion & Art Show at 7 p.m. in the Lawson Center.
The week continues with a pep rally, the Walmart 5K Run/Walk, Homecoming Convocation, FAMFest Homecoming, and the NPHC Step Show.
“Each year, thousands of Rattlers return to the Hill, bringing generations of memories, traditions, and an unwavering love for Florida A&M University. Homecoming is our opportunity to reconnect, celebrate our accomplishments, and strengthen our collective commitment to the future of this great institution. No matter where life takes us, the Hill will always be home. Together, we are moving FAMU forward, and together, we are FAMU forever,” said Brandi Tatum-Fedrick, the Senior Vice President for University Advancement, Strategic Partnerships and Innovation.
But for many, the crown jewel is the Homecoming Concert at 7 p.m. in the Lawson Center on Thursday. This year’s lineup includes Belly Gang Kushington, Grammy winner T.I., and Grammy nominees Summer Walker and Gunna — major star power and radio airplay with those four.
Saturday starts with the Homecoming Parade at 8 a.m. along a campus-wide route, followed by the Strike Zone Tailgate at 11 a.m. on Gibbs Lawn and the Rattler Walk at 12:40 p.m. at the Village Breezeway. Then it’s gridiron time as FAMU faces the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff at Bragg Memorial Stadium at 3 p.m.
Stick around for Sunday, though: FAMU volleyball plays Alcorn State at noon in the Lawson Center, and then you can be taken to church for a Gospel Concert at 4:30 p.m. in Lee Hall Auditorium.
Eight fun days of Rattlers from different generations calling The Hill home once again.
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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 —
POTUS comes to town — President Donald Trump will rally voters in his home state ahead of the Midterm Elections. The Commander-in-Chief will hold an event in Fort Myers on Oct. 23. A venue will be announced later, and tickets will be available online through the Republican National Committee. Doors will open for the rally at 10:30 a.m., with programming beginning around 12:30 p.m. Trump is expected to take the stage and address the crowd at 2 p.m. In Florida, Trump’s official state of residency, several competitive federal races are on the ballot this year. That includes a U.S. Senate race, where Republican U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody faces Democratic challenger Angie Nixon, as well as a nationally watched race for Governor between Republican U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds and Democrat David Jolly, a former Congressman. Polls show both races within the margin of error despite Republicans holding a large voter registration edge.
Meh — Yet another statewide poll shows unpromising numbers for a measure on the Nov. 3 ballot that would significantly hike homestead exemptions on property taxes, to the detriment of local government budgets. New survey figures from South Florida-based consulting firms EDGE Communications and MDW Communications show support for Amendment 3 at 50% — 10 percentage points shy of what it needs to pass. Twenty-seven percent of voters oppose the proposal, and 23% are undecided with less than three weeks until Election Day. EDGE and MDW’s findings on Amendment 3 agree with polling released this week by Associated Industries of Florida, which showed support at 53% among voters who read the measure’s full language.
RIP — Hurricane Isaias is blamed for six deaths in Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis said during a storm update. “We’re sad to say that,” DeSantis said, describing four new deaths: two people killed in a car crash at an intersection where the traffic signal wasn’t working and two who died after “disruptions to some of their medical treatment.” Officials previously disclosed two deaths in Escambia County: a woman killed when a tree fell on her home and a man who died after a generator ran inside his garage. DeSantis said the death toll has been higher in past storms and credited local officials for sounding the alarm for people to take the hurricane seriously. “I think people did take precautions and I think the local officials did a really good job of helping spread the word,” he said.
Whoops — When Lake County sent out vote-by-mail ballots in Florida’s 6th Congressional District, one qualified candidate’s name was missing from the ballot. Voters who received incomplete ballots are getting postcards explaining the mishap. “You are receiving this notice because the name of one of the candidates for Congressional District 6 was omitted from the ballot you previously received. The ballot you received should have included the name, Andrew Parrott (LPF). We apologize for this omission!” each card reads. Election officials then explain that anyone who wants to support Libertarian Andrew Parrott and vote by mail must request a new ballot from the Lake County Supervisor of Elections Office. They can provide it in person at the offices or mail it to voters’ homes.
Poopy water — Future toilet flushes in Florida won’t just clear the commode. They also could cool data centers, if Republican gubernatorial candidate Donalds has anything to say about it. During an event at a Christian school in Pinellas County, Donalds suggested data centers use reclaimed water instead of fresh water. “I’ve been talking with Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson. He’s been saying, well, if they do get built, why don’t we require them to use reclaimed water from the water treatment plants? That makes sense. Let them use the poopy water. Because we’re not doing anything with the poopy water anyway. So let them use it to cool servers,” Donalds said. Reclaimed water is already used industrially, so this isn’t an expansion of purpose. Donalds has been the more data-center-friendly candidate this cycle, a position Jolly, his Democratic opponent, has exploited.
— We Clean Up Nice —
♫♫ “Don’t you forget about me.” ♫♫
On Oct. 14, DeSantis announced that a $1 million investment through VISIT FLORIDA will soon support tourism recovery efforts in Northwest Florida following Hurricane Isaias. The funding will go to the Northwest Florida Tourism Council to resume its Northwest Florida Beaches marketing campaign, which has helped increase visitation and support local businesses throughout the Panhandle.
“Today, I was proud to announce that VISIT FLORIDA is awarding $1 million to the Northwest Florida Tourism Council to resume their successful marketing campaign following Hurricane Isaias,” DeSantis said.
“This investment comes from a dedicated disaster recovery budget that is set aside to help Florida’s tourism industry. The returns are proven to be great: For every dollar invested in this strategic tourism marketing effort in 2024-25, Northwest Florida generated $58.95 in total economic impact.”
The recovery campaign builds on a partnership between VISIT FLORIDA and the Northwest Florida Tourism Council, which represents eight Gulf Coast counties.
Recently, a similar marketing initiative, funded in part by Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc., generated more than 2 million additional visitors between 2024 and 2025, contributed $327 million in additional visitor spending, and supported nearly 3,000 jobs.
“When a community is ready to welcome visitors again after a storm, good marketing is essential. Our partnership with the Northwest Florida Tourism Council has built an effective Panhandle-focused campaign, and VISIT FLORIDA is stepping in to keep that work funded so Northwest Florida can recover quickly,” said Bryan Griffin, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA.
The $1 million will help fund the Northwest Florida Beaches brand campaign, highlighting the region’s beaches, outdoor recreation and unique visitor experiences. This year’s campaign will emphasize Fall and Winter drive-market travel and further support the most affected counties.
“On behalf of the Northwest Florida Tourism Council and the eight counties we proudly represent, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Gov. DeSantis and VISIT FLORIDA for their support following Hurricane Isaias. As our communities come together, we are confident in our ability to emerge stronger than ever, and look forward to welcoming visitors to experience the unforgettable adventures that make our region so unique,” added Matt Algarin, Tourism Director for Walton County and Northwest Florida Tourism Council Chair.
— 1492 —
Gov. DeSantis unveiled a statue of Christopher Columbus in Naples on Thursday, adding the explorer to Florida’s America250 commemoration ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
DeSantis used the ceremony to deliver an unqualified defense of Columbus, whose legacy has become a recurring flashpoint in disputes over how the United States commemorates European exploration and colonization.
“In the Free State of Florida, Christopher Columbus is a hero. End of story,” DeSantis said.
The Governor’s Office said the statue recognizes Columbus’ role in opening an era of Atlantic voyages that preceded Spanish exploration and settlement of Florida. Michele Mistò, Italy’s consul general in Miami, participated in the unveiling and connected the monument to Italian-American Heritage Month and the Italian community’s contributions to Florida.
The release pointed to Naples’ shared name with the Italian city as one reason the Southwest Florida community was a fitting home for the monument.
The statue is the latest piece of DeSantis’ America250 initiative. In February 2025, he announced plans to install statues of the Founding Fathers. The initiative has since expanded to include Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln, Calvin Coolidge, Ronald Reagan, Andrew Jackson and Lady Columbia.
— Rural cash —
Florida is distributing $27 million among 14 small and rural communities for infrastructure projects ranging from a grocery development in Chiefland to medical facilities in Calhoun County.
Gov. DeSantis announced the Rural Infrastructure Fund awards this week, presenting the spending as part of the state’s Hurricane Isaias recovery work and a broader effort to strengthen rural economies. The five largest individual grants account for nearly $15 million.
The City of Chiefland and Walton County will each receive $3.5 million. Chiefland’s award will support road, water and wastewater infrastructure for a planned 55,000-square-foot grocery development and additional outparcels. Walton’s will improve access to the Northwest Florida Commerce Park and add railroad-crossing signals.
Gulf County will receive $3 million for the design, permitting and construction of about seven miles of wastewater transmission lines and lift stations. Jefferson County was awarded $2.5 million for utility extensions, road access and stormwater improvements at its industrial park.
Calhoun County’s $2,497,933 award will pay for the purchase and renovation of a commercial building next to the new Calhoun Liberty Hospital campus. Plans call for primary care and specialty clinics as well as county EMS operations. The state expects the project to create about 33 full-time jobs.
Also receiving Rural Infrastructure Fund awards were Jackson, Washington, Franklin and Putnam counties; Chipley, Moore Haven and Tavares; the Town of Jay; and the Village of Indiantown.
Century separately received $499,500 through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to renovate a building for a potential tenant. FloridaCommerce said it received a record 141 applications seeking more than $193 million for the $27 million available through the rural infrastructure program.
— James Uthmeier disses Discord —
Attorney General Uthmeier has filed a lawsuit against Discord Inc., alleging the messaging platform deceived parents about its safety and failed to protect minors from sexual predators.
The 65-page complaint, filed in the 20th Judicial Circuit Court in Glades County, alleges Discord does not require proper age verification, leaving children at risk. Uthmeier announced the suit at a news conference Thursday.
“We’ve arrested more than 2,100 child predators in this state since I took office,” Uthmeier said.
“Again and again, their trail to our kids leads back to Discord. Discord told parents that safety is at the core of everything they do. That was false. It’s time for this app to get serious about protecting our children or face serious consequences.”
Uthmeier said the company, which bills itself as “all fun & games,” has not taken meaningful steps to verify users’ ages or keep adults posing as young people out of chats with minors.
Discord added an age assurance program in September.
But Uthmeier focused on incidents involving minors and predators on Discord in the past several years.
Uthmeier cited a 60-year-old St. Cloud man whom investigators found posing as a 14-year-old boy and contacting nearly 300 minors on the platform. He also pointed to a Highlands County case in which a 19-year-old man allegedly used Roblox to lure an 11-year-old girl from Miami-Dade County to Discord. Uthmeier said she was later sexually assaulted and kidnapped. That case prompted a lawsuit from the girl’s family.
Uthmeier’s complaint lists several other instances. The lawsuit follows a civil investigation he launched against Discord in March.
The suit alleges violations of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act and Florida’s law protecting children in online spaces. It also brings claims for negligence, negligent misrepresentation and public nuisance.
— Props for Public Integrity Unit —
Uthmeier is using the conviction of former Fort Pierce City Manager Nick Mimms to spotlight the work of his newly created Public Integrity Unit.
A jury in Fort Pierce found Mimms guilty of third-degree felony official misconduct. He is scheduled to be sentenced in the 19th Judicial Circuit Court on Dec. 11. Mimms was arrested about two years ago and initially faced an additional second-degree felony count of bid tampering, on which he was acquitted.
Uthmeier said at a news conference that he was not disappointed by the acquittal and was satisfied with the official misconduct conviction. He added that while the Fort Pierce case was launched before the Public Integrity Unit was established, the unit still played a role in the conviction.
“He will be punished for abusing his office,” Uthmeier said.
The case centers on the request-for-proposals process to sell two city-owned parcels near the Lincoln Theater. Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigators alleged that the process and language Mimms drafted favored Lincoln Park Young Professionals, a local nonprofit. Mimms’ niece sat on the nonprofit’s Board and was also a city employee, according to investigators.
“The facts made clear shenanigans took place to make sure that nonprofit ended up with the award and ultimately the City Manager covered it up,” Uthmeier said. “Law enforcement needs to hold public officials accountable.”
Uthmeier credited the Public Integrity Unit, which his office established in February, with helping secure the conviction. The unit investigates corruption among public officials.
— James Uthmeier ‘throws book’ at child predators —
At a news conference in Naples, Uthmeier detailed the steep penalties for three men who were convicted on multiple sex-offense charges.
“These cases are gut-wrenching,” Uthmeier said. “There were six individuals sharing hundreds and hundreds of images.”
Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution secured prison sentences totaling 79 years and six months for three of those convicted of child pornography offenses. Many of the cases began with online messages between the convicted men and children, often on social media platforms, Uthmeier said.
“If there are deviants out there that want to chat with minors … we are going to find them, and we are going to take them down,” Uthmeier said.
“We’re throwing the book at these predators. Our statewide prosecutors have already secured over 800 years in prison sentences for crimes against children (in previous cases). Predators should know that if they come after children, they will lose their freedom.”
The three sentenced to prison include:
— Robert Caesar Carrion, 43, of Cape Coral, sentenced to 28 years after being convicted on 25 counts of possession of child pornography.
— William Leroy Johnson Jr., 56, of Okeechobee, pleaded and was adjudicated guilty on 15 counts of possession of child pornography and sentenced to 27 years.
— Wayne Adams, 62, of Okeechobee, entered an open plea of no contest to 14 counts of possession of child pornography and was sentenced to 24 and a half years.
Others who’ve been convicted but are awaiting sentencing include Eduardo Antonio Arango Ruiz, 70, of Cape Coral, who was convicted of 20 counts of possession of child pornography and is set for sentencing on Nov. 2. And Chandler Christian Jones, 30, of Naples, who was convicted of possession of child sexual abuse material, soliciting a child and transmission of child pornography, is set for sentencing Nov. 12.
One other suspect, Jeffery Howard Oppold, 70, of Bonita Springs, is awaiting trial on charges of possession of child pornography.
— Loanly farmers in your area —
On Monday, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced that all Florida farmers, ranchers, and growers impacted by Hurricane Isaias can now apply for interest-free loans through the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program.
Eligible producers can apply for loans of up to $500,000 to restore, repair or replace damaged essential physical property, including fences, equipment and greenhouses, or to remove debris or restock aquaculture.
“Delivering immediate financial support to agricultural producers impacted by Hurricane Isaias is a critical first step to get them back on their feet. The Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program provides a start with immediate financial relief, ensuring that Florida’s farmers and ranchers begin to rebuild their buildings and infrastructure,” Simpson said.
To get some dough from the DeSantis administration, your damaged property must be in Baker, Bay, Calhoun, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Okaloosa, Pasco, Pinellas, Santa Rosa, Suwannee, Taylor, Walton, Wakulla or Washington counties.
Applicants are also encouraged to take photographs or video of any property damage and save all receipts for recovery efforts and supplies.
If you’ve already been awarded funds for damages sustained from other recent hurricanes, you may still be eligible to apply for damages from this disaster. An applicant can receive only one loan per application period, no more than two during the 12 months starting with their first application, and no more than five in any three-year period.
In 2023, the Florida Legislature passed House Bill 1-C, providing $75 million to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for a revolving loan fund to help agriculture and aquaculture producers recover from natural disasters. In 2025, the Legislature approved an additional $40 million for the program.
Interested producers can learn more or apply here.
— Isaias info hub —
The C in CFO stands for Care.
Just 36 hours after Hurricane Isaias made landfall, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Blaise Ingoglia traveled to Destin to open the first Insurance Assistance Hub. His office said no such hub had ever been established more quickly after a hurricane.
The hub opened Sunday and remained open for several days this week, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., to help Floridians get back on track after Isaias.
“Floridians recovering from Hurricane Isaias should not have to navigate the insurance claims process alone. That is why my office has put our foot on the gas to establish an Insurance Assistance Hub that can provide residents across the Panhandle with the support they need during these challenging times. This resource will help policyholders navigate the claims process, get answers to their questions, and take the necessary steps to rebuild their homes and move forward,” Ingoglia said.
The Department of Financial Services and its Division of Consumer Services are hosting the Insurance Assistance Hub to help Floridians file storm-damage claims. Twelve insurance carriers attended on opening day, with more expected later in the week.
Representatives from the Division of Consumer Services were also on site to answer questions.
If you couldn’t attend in person but have questions, call 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236) or visit the Division of Consumer Services website.
— Instagram of the week —
— IGNITE Open House —
On Oct. 21, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., swing by the IGNITE Tallahassee Open House + Innovation Expo at 1729 W. Paul Dirac Drive as part of FSU Discovery Days.
This open house/expo will give guests a front-row seat to the resources, success stories and investment strategies available at this business incubator. The facilities are state-of-the-art, and the halls are buzzing with expert mentorship, commercialization support, and a vibrant community that helps turn early-stage technology into real-world products and solutions.
The open house offers a full slate of activities, including the State of IGNITE-FSU, with updates from IGNITE leadership, and “Startup Spotlight at IGNITE!”—a block featuring IGNITE Tallahassee companies Piersica, Phusion AI, SafePath App, Feel With Me, SeraphFlora, and SCOFile.
There’s also “iCREATE: Innovation Experience for Undergrads,” featuring students from the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering delivering their own elevator pitches, an eye-opening panel discussion, and the presentation of TiE Tampa Bay’s ARTISAN Student Pitch Award.
The program will end with lunch. And yes, breakfast is provided earlier in the day.
Later that day, the Discovery Challenge runs from 3 to 5 p.m. at FSU’s Herbert Wertheim College of Business, where various FSU startups compete in a “Shark Tank”-style pitch competition for up to $100,000 in cash prizes.
If this sounds up your alley, visit the event website to register. Registration is free and open to everyone.
— Shark Tank —
Five Florida State University startups will enter FSU’s version of “Shark Tank” next week, with a $50,000 grand prize on the line and ventures spanning cancer therapeutics, food safety, and volleyball.
The fourth annual Discovery Challenge will feature Esperance Biotech, Cryton Biosciences, Radical Solutions Corp., Assay Obsession and CourtSense. FSU says the companies’ work ranges from cancer therapeutics and salmonella testing to technology designed for the volleyball court.
Founders from each company will pitch their businesses to a judging panel that the university says includes venture capitalists and CEOs from around the country. One company will take the $50,000 top prize. Audience members will have a say through a separate People’s Choice Award, voting for the venture they believe can go the distance.
The competition is part of FSU Discovery Days. It will run from 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday at FSU’s Herbert Wertheim College of Business, 402 W. Gaines St. in Tallahassee.
— NAPA bound —
Two professors at Florida State University’s Reubin O’D. Askew School of Public Administration & Policy have been elected fellows of the National Academy of Public Administration.
Keon-Hyung Lee, the Arnold L. & Priscilla Moss Greenfield Endowed Professor, and Hongtao Yi, a professor who holds the Reubin O’D. Askew Eminent Scholar Chair, join more than 1,000 fellows in the academy. FSU describes the fellowship as one of the field’s highest honors.
Established in 1967 and chartered by Congress, NAPA provides nonpartisan expert advice to federal, state and local governments as well as government entities abroad. Its fellows include former Cabinet officers, members of Congress, Governors, Mayors, state lawmakers, scholars, business executives, nonprofit leaders and public administrators.
NAPA evaluates candidates for their contributions to public administration and public policy. A nominating committee reviews hundreds of candidates and sends recommendations to the full fellowship, whose members vote on each nominee.
Lee’s research includes health services administration, health finance, health policy analysis and performance management. He earned his doctorate in public administration from the University of Southern California in 2002.
Yi, who earned his doctorate in public administration from FSU in 2012, studies public administration, public policy, energy and environmental policy and network governance.
Lee and Yi will be inducted during NAPA’s 2026 National Conference, scheduled for Nov. 8-10 in Washington. As fellows, they will have opportunities to serve on academy panels and expert working groups and participate in public meetings.
— Florida’s role in the Revolution —
Maybe not one of the original 13 colonies, but still important in the beginning chapters of the book called America. In the author’s notes at the start.
On Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. (when you are potentially reading this, so hurry on over!), Leon County Government is welcoming the whole 850 and surrounding community to partake in the next edition of the award-winning “Library Lecture Series” with the timely topic of Florida and the South in the American Revolution. The lecture takes place at the Leon County Main Library, 200 W. Park Ave.
Close your eyes and imagine the year 1776, but instead of focusing on Boston, NYC, and Philly (the lead actors in this story), notice the background characters: Florida and the American South. It might surprise you.
With top-notch storytelling and historical insight, attendees will quickly discover how this broader regional history deepens our understanding of the struggle for American independence and casts it in a new light.
The program will be led by Roger Smith, a published historian and adjunct professor of history at the University of Florida and a nationally recognized speaker on Revolutionary War history. For TV viewers, Smith served as a consultant for the popular AMC television series “Turn: Washington’s Spies” and appeared in the PBS documentary “Secrets of the Dead: The Secrets of Spanish Florida.”
And yes, the program is free and open to all ages and levels of history knowledge.
This lecture is also part of Leon County’s America250 initiatives, which commemorate the United States’ 250th anniversary.
The Leon County Library Lecture Series launched in 2017 and has since featured dozens of local, regional, and national speakers to engage and inspire the community with thoughtful discussions about topics in the arts and sciences.
— Little care bag —
The Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) announced this week that it is expanding its “Approach with Care” initiative, which will equip officers and community service technicians with sensory bags designed to support safer, more effective interactions with individuals with autism and other sensory needs.
On Oct. 14, TPD joined community partners to assemble sensory bags that will be given to every officer and community service technician to assist during encounters with individuals who are more likely to be overwhelmed by lights, sounds, unfamiliar environments or other sensory stimuli.
“Understanding is important, but what we do with that understanding matters even more. From the beginning, Chief (Lawrence) Revell has supported our efforts to make sure officers have the training and resources they need to better serve individuals with autism and their families. These bags are another tool that can help create a calmer, safer interaction for someone who may experience the world differently, and another step in our commitment to meeting people where they are,” stated Deputy Chief Jeff Mahoney, who himself is the father of a young autistic son.
Under the “Approach with Care” program, TPD will also provide in-person training to strengthen officers’ understanding of autism and equip them with strategies to communicate and respond more effectively.
The bags were made possible in part by support from local community partners Midtown Print and Whataburger.
“For families of individuals with autism, knowing that first responders are taking steps to better understand and prepare for these interactions matters,” said Catherine Zenko with the FSU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities.
“This initiative brings together training, practical resources and community collaboration in a way that can help officers feel more prepared and families feel more supported.”
— Sensibility, Street Fighter, Whalefall, & Elizabeth Holmes —
You know and love Jane Austen’s book, and you’ve seen the Oscar-winning 1995 film starring Emma Thompson (who won an Oscar for the adaptation) and directed by the ever-underrated, Oscar-winning Ang Lee. “Sense and Sensibility” is getting the big-screen treatment again with this 2026 turn directed by Georgia Oakley and written by Diana Reid. This time around, the leads are Emmy nominee Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles, with George MacKay also in the cast. This drama puts the Dashwood sisters’ relationship front and center, which some critics love, and others have mixed feelings about. It has a 76% on Rotten Tomatoes, a 7.2 on IMDb, and a 3.9/5 on Letterboxd.
On the more popcorn-blockbuster side, “Street Fighter” is another video game adaptation hitting cinemas, this time brought to life by director Kitao Sakurai. The film is getting negative reviews, with a 41% on Rotten Tomatoes, but audiences rate it a little higher: 6.1 on IMDb and 3.0/5 on Letterboxd. The biggest complaints are the inconsistent tone, strange humor, and overreliance on CGI, but on the bright side, some of the actors seem to know the assignment and are hamming it up. The fighting is entertaining and reminds viewers of the games.
For something a little more thrilling, check out “Whalefall.” It stars Austin Abrams — who is having a big year as the star of “Resident Evil” — and Oscar nominee Josh Brolin. The film is directed and co-written by Brian Duffield, whose Hulu alien film “No One Will Save You” was underseen by the masses but is a solid watch. This story follows a scuba diver who, while looking for his father’s remains, is eaten by an 80-foot, 60-ton sperm whale. Yikes. The movie, which runs less than 110 minutes, is being well received, especially given how goofy the trailers made it look, with a 71% on Rotten Tomatoes, a 6.6 on IMDb, and a 3.3/5 on Letterboxd. Abrams might be a legendary scream king in the making with this, RE, and “Weapons” from last year too. All excellent picks already under his belt.
And the strangest and most peculiar wide release in a long time is A24’s new pseudo-documentary “You Can See Everything”, which is co-directed by Emmy nominee auteur/deeply unsettling comedian Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim, who just a month ago gave the world his film “Primetime.” Well, this film offers never-before-seen, unfiltered access to notorious Theranos founder Holmes 34 days before she is sent to prison. It looks dark, funny, confusing, surreal, and truly bizarre. The film is being met with widespread acclaim and borderline pandemonium from the film community. Some in Hollywood are talking about a Best Picture nomination — something a documentary has never pulled off. The 3-hour film has a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, a 7.7 on IMDb, and a 4.3/5 on Letterboxd.
— Capitol Directions —
Ron DeSantis — Crossway arrow — Who exactly was briefing whom?
Jared Perdue — Up Arrow — Big ‘Kevin who?’ energy.
Jay Collins — Down Arrow — Missing from the Panhandle, present and accounted for on cable news.
Henry Mack — Down Arrow — Before FHP breaks down the doors, could somebody turn the lights on?
Romi White — Up Arrow — Told DeSantis officials fear his retribution. She’ll test the theory from an undisclosed location.
Shane Abbott — Up Arrow — Chainsaw in one hand, grant money in the other. That’s how you cut through recovery.
D.C. Reeves — Up Arrow — Pensacola lost power, not the plot.
Airbnb — Up Arrow — Terrible weather, excellent host.
The Donalds family — Up Arrow — Next on ‘House Hunters: Tallahassee,’ with a $20 million renovation budget.
Poopy water — Up Arrow — At last, a plan to cool the cloud with yesterday’s flush.
Christopher Columbus — Crossways Arrow — Three days after Columbus Day. Even his statue got lost.
GOP messaging — Down Arrow — Keep calling it socialism. To voters priced out of capitalism, it may sound like a sales pitch.
Angie Nixon — Dollar Sign — The revolution will be fully funded.
Gwen Graham — Up Arrow — Bob started the workdays. Gwen put the tradition on the grid.
Lee County delegation — Up Arrow — Making county warlords carry their own fiefdoms.
Discord — Down Arrow — Accused of hands-off moderation, now facing hands-on litigation.
Florida’s Voice — Down Arrow — It’s called Florida’s Voice, not Florida’s Logical Conclusion.
Gregory Tony — Up Arrow — Credit where it’s due and blood where it’s needed.
Lake County elections — Down Arrow — Complete ballots are available upon the voter’s affirmative consent.
Stone crabs — Up Arrow — Welcome back. Your sacrifice will be honored with mustard sauce.
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