Takeaways from Tallahassee — Veterans Mean Business

As the nation gears up to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, a new program at Florida State University is helping veterans build the next chapter of their service through entrepreneurship.

This week, the FSU Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship graduated the first Leon County cohort of its Veteran Entrepreneurship Certificate Program, a partnership with Veterans Florida that provides veterans with training, mentorship and practical tools to turn business ideas into viable ventures.

Fourteen veterans completed the six-week Facilitated Business Modeling Program, which focuses on customer discovery, market validation and entrepreneurial decision-making. Participants ranged from aspiring entrepreneurs with early-stage concepts to business owners looking to refine and grow existing operations.

“Veterans bring an incredible combination of resilience, leadership and adaptability to entrepreneurship. What made this cohort especially exciting was watching participants build confidence in their ideas while also building a strong community around one another,” said Eric Liguori, associate dean for Research and External Relations at the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, who led the program.

The program combines workshops, mentoring and applied exercises designed to help participants evaluate opportunities and strengthen business concepts. Veterans also connected with local entrepreneurial resources and learned from FSU faculty members, including Susana Santos, Bill Lickson, Juliana Binhote, Doug Tatum and Melissa Robert.

“This partnership with Veterans Florida reflects the kind of community-centered impact happening every day in the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship. We are proud to support veterans and military-connected families as they pursue entrepreneurial opportunities that can create lasting economic and community impact across Florida,” said Susan Fiorito, dean of the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship.

Graduates received certificates of completion and are now eligible to join the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship’s statewide alum network of more than 2,700 Florida business owners.

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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—

To the voters — Floridians are one step closer to voting to lower homestead property taxes, a move that could put money in homeowners’ pockets even as county and city officials have warned of the effort wreaking havoc on local budgets. The Senate voted 30-9 to place HJR 1-F on the ballot, after it passed the House 75-26. The measure is a major priority of Gov. Ron DeSantis. If approved by at least 60% of voters in November, the constitutional amendment would lift homestead exemptions for those who own primary residences in the state by the end of this year to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, and tie further increases in the exemption to the Consumer Price Index. School taxes would not be subject to the increased exemption limit and would stay at $25,000.

Shipping out — He spent the past two years leading the Florida House, publicly battling DeSantis while moving the Legislature toward a more coequal footing. Now, House Speaker Daniel Perez may soon be South America-bound. President Donald Trump has nominated Perez as U.S. Ambassador to Brazil — the largest country in South America and one of the United States’ most significant trade and diplomatic partners in the region. The nomination was part of a broader batch of appointments Trump sent to the Senate, which also included four other Florida nominees for ambassador and federal law enforcement posts. Perez’s nomination comes just under nine months after the White House urged Perez to run for Florida Attorney General, an undertaking he declined to pursue that would have put him on a collision course with DeSantis appointee James Uthmeier.

Bowing out — Jerry Demings is suspending his campaign for Governor after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer this week. Demings said he only received the diagnosis on Monday, then told his children on Thursday that he was quitting the campaign. Demings said he plans on “running through the finish line” as Orange County Mayor and serving the remaining six months of his term. “In order for me to receive the treatment that I need, I am going to have to come off the campaign trail,” Demings said. “I have to let something go. I can’t continue to do my job as Mayor, take care of my family and run for Governor. So, I made a difficult decision.” Demings said he was optimistic about his prognosis, reminding the public that 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. The odds worsen for African American men, where it’s 1 in 4, Demings added.

Big bucks — Republican Byron Donalds has raised about $81.1 million for his run for Governor. Of that, $13.8 million came in just April and May. This continues a strong fundraising pattern for the Naples Congressman. The total includes money from both his official campaign and the Friends of Byron Donalds political committee. With early support from President Donald Trump, his campaign has consistently raised more money than other GOP candidates. The official campaign account, which has stricter contribution limits, has raised $9.2 million through May. About $2.13 million came after the first quarter. More than 8,812 people have donated to the official account. The Friends of Byron Donalds account has reported over $71.8 million in total, with $11.7 million raised in the last two months alone.

PTO — Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Perez issued a joint statement detailing extra “discretionary” holidays for legislative staffers. The official day off for Independence Day this year was already scheduled for July 3, the Friday before the holiday. But this year also marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. That played into the decision to provide some extra days off. “The last few months were filled with many late nights, early mornings, and weekends spent away from your homes and families,” the joint statement said. “As we all prepare to celebrate the momentous, historic occasion of the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we would like to provide some extra time off for legislative staff.” The additional days include July 1, 2 and 6. That means all offices of the Legislature will close at 5 p.m. on June 30 and will not reopen until 8 a.m. on July 7.

— Ready for anything? —

Hurricane season officially began this week, so those of you who haven’t prepped yet are being docked a letter grade … seriously, though, get it done.

DeSantis, Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie, Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue and Florida National Guard Maj. Gen. John Haas joined the chorus of officials urging preparedness during an annual emergency management training symposium.

The event doubled as the announcement of a new workforce development initiative aimed at ensuring Florida has enough trained emergency response professionals should a disaster strike.

Dubbed the Coalition for Operational Readiness in Education (CORE), the program will bring together emergency management agencies, educational institutions and private-sector partners to strengthen the state’s emergency management talent pipeline.

“We have made historic investments in infrastructure hardening and emergency management,” DeSantis said, adding that he was “proud to announce another step to ensure that Florida remains the national model for disaster preparedness and recovery.”

The announcement came during the third annual Florida Training for Emergency Management Symposium. This weeklong event brought together emergency managers, local officials, nonprofit organizations and private-sector stakeholders from around the state.

“Preparedness starts long before a storm forms,” Guthrie said. “Through training, collaboration, and education, we are building stronger, more resilient communities and ensuring emergency management professionals are equipped to respond when disasters occur.”

— Uthmeier gets real on AI —

Attorney General James Uthmeier has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, alleging the company misled the public about ChatGPT’s risks and failed to adequately warn users about potential harms.

Uthmeier announced the lawsuit during a news conference in Palm Beach County, saying the action is separate from an ongoing criminal investigation examining whether a suspect in the 2025 Florida State University mass shooting used ChatGPT before the attack.

“ChatGPT we know can be addictive,” Uthmeier said, arguing that young users are particularly vulnerable. “It aids them even if they are pursuing violence. It aids them even if they are engaging in criminal conduct.”

The 76-page complaint, filed in Florida’s 10th Judicial Circuit Court, accuses OpenAI of negligence, fraud, creating a public nuisance and violating Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.

“Because of defendants’ misrepresentations about ChatGPT and their careless introduction of ChatGPT to Florida and the world, mass shooters have been aided and abetted in deadly rampages, vulnerable people have been encouraged into suicide (and) professionals have suffered public humiliation,” the lawsuit states.

The complaint further alleges that Altman has engaged in a “pattern of deception and disregard for safety” and claims that OpenAI knew of ChatGPT’s dangers yet failed to address them adequately.

Among the lawsuit’s central allegations is that OpenAI failed to provide sufficient warnings about risks associated with ChatGPT despite being aware of potential harms to users.

— Land bank —

Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson is celebrating what he’s calling a “historic” win for Florida’s farmers, ranchers and conservationists.

The state budget passed by lawmakers last week included a record $425 million for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, a state program designed to protect agricultural lands by acquiring conservation easements that allow ag operations to continue while restricting future development.

Simpson has put substantial effort into boosting the program since he took office in 2023 — the program has preserved more than 234,000 acres statewide since its creation in 2001, more than 168,000 of which (72%) were added to the inventory under Simpson’s watch.

“I’m extremely grateful to Senate President Ben Albritton, House Speaker Daniel Perez, and the entire Florida Legislature for making a historic investment to save Florida’s irreplaceable farmland from development,” Simpson said, noting that many of the protected properties are located within the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

The budget includes $200 million for traditional land-preservation projects and another $225 million earmarked for larger properties exceeding 6,000 acres that have not previously received funding through the program. State officials say the two-pronged approach is intended to help preserve as many family farming operations as possible while also securing some of Florida’s largest remaining tracts of agricultural land.

Since 2022, lawmakers have directed more than $1.1 billion to the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.

— Year of the Farmer —

The land conservation cash took top billing, but it was just one of many budget wins Simpson’s touting now that the budget’s wrapped.

The Agriculture Commissioner listed another $400 million in funding spread across wildfire response, citrus recovery, food security, veterinary medicine, aquaculture and agricultural education in a celebratory release, dubbing 2026 as “The Year of the Farmer.”

Among the largest line items is $193.4 million for Florida’s citrus industry, including funding for research, healthy rootstock production and infrastructure improvements at nurseries and packinghouses. The Florida Forest Service is slated to receive $132 million for wildfire suppression, mitigation and equipment purchases as the state continues grappling with drought-fueled blazes.

The budget also includes $38 million for Farmers Feeding Florida, which connects growers with food banks — it has already distributed more than 43 million pounds of food since it was jointly unveiled by Simpson and Albritton last year, and it was made permanent in the recently enacted 2026 Florida Farm Bill.

Another $42 million will support the expansion of the Bronson Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. Further down the list: $19 million for the Fresh From Florida marketing program, $4 million for oyster restoration projects and $1 million for Florida FFA scholarships.

“This year’s budget reflects a historic commitment by Senate President Albritton, House Speaker Perez, and the entire Florida Legislature to support Florida’s farmers — the people who quietly and humbly feed our communities, fuel our economy, and protect our natural resources,” Simpson said.

“Florida farmers faced a difficult year marked by devastating freezes, wildfires, and other serious challenges. In response, the Florida Legislature delivered a budget that makes 2026 The Year of the Farmer.”

— More Moola –

Giddy up to the Horse Capital of the World.

Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia awarded more than $166,000 in immigration enforcement funding to three local law enforcement agencies this week through the State Board of Immigration Enforcement.

The grants were announced in Ocala and distributed to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Bradford County Sheriff’s Office and the Town of Cross City. The funding reimburses local agencies for immigration enforcement activities conducted through partnerships with federal authorities.

“Under President Trump and Gov. DeSantis, we have cracked down on removing criminal illegal aliens off our streets. I am thankful for the dedication and tireless efforts of our law enforcement partners who have worked tirelessly to keep Floridians safe,” Ingoglia said.

The awards included $77,200 for the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office, $69,117 for the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and $20,000 for the Town of Cross City.

The funding is available through the State Board of Immigration Enforcement, which supports local participation in federal immigration enforcement efforts under Section 287(g) agreements that allow state and local agencies to partner with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

“Illegal immigration has impacted every community across the nation. The money awarded to my office by the State Board of Immigration Enforcement helps ensure the safety of our deputies by giving them the tools to do their jobs safely and efficiently,” said Billy Woods, Sheriff of Marion County.

Ingoglia serves on the State Board of Immigration Enforcement alongside Gov. Ron DeSantis, Uthmeier and Simpson.

— Instagram of the week —

—♫ Fishing for Fishies – KGLW ♫ —

Winner-winner, fish dinner?

This week, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s School Fishing Program announced the winners of its Fishing & Conservation Challenge.

Students from across the state completed projects focused on conservation and ethical angling, including cleaning up waterways, practicing catch and release, and passing on safe fishing practices to younger anglers.

“Programs like the School Fishing Program play an important role in developing the next generation of anglers. By supporting schools, we are giving students the opportunity to develop valuable fishing skills while building an understanding of conservation and stewardship,” said Jessica McCawley, director of Marine Fisheries Management.

“These experiences help Florida’s youth form meaningful connections with our aquatic resources, fostering a lifelong appreciation for fishing and inspiring future anglers to conserve these natural resources.”

Independence Classical Academy took home top honors, while Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy and David L. Anderson Middle School earned second and third place, respectively. Mud Hole Custom Tackle, Hobie Eyewear and Flambeau Outdoors provided prizes.

“We are proud to partner with FWC on such an impactful, student-based program. This year’s competing students were truly engaged in conservation and preserving our waterways and natural resources,” said Anthony Youmans, Mud Hole Education Program Director.

Mud Hole Custom Tackle, based in Oviedo, is the world’s largest supplier of rod-building and tackle equipment and instruction.

— Trying your luck —

Money doesn’t play around. Especially the Lottery.

The Florida Lottery announced this week that Rohail Khan, a store clerk in Panama City, was arrested following an investigation by the agency’s Division of Security.

The case stemmed from a retailer compliance operation at Bay Food Mart, where investigators determined Khan allegedly failed to follow required procedures after processing a Scratch-Off compliance ticket designed to simulate a valid $1,000 winning ticket. Rather than returning the ticket and providing instructions on how to claim the prize, Khan allegedly kept both.

Investigators later discovered the ticket had been scanned through the Florida Lottery mobile app after the compliance operation concluded. Days later, an individual was arrested at Florida Lottery headquarters in Tallahassee while attempting to claim the prize.

According to investigators, Khan sold the ticket for $800, a direct violation of Florida law prohibiting the transfer or sale of Lottery prize claims.

“Retailers are entrusted with following strict procedures that protect players and ensure fairness in every Lottery transaction. When those procedures are disregarded for personal benefit, it compromises the system we rely on. Our Division of Security will continue conducting compliance operations and pursuing accountability wherever violations occur,” said Florida Lottery Acting Secretary Reginald Dixon.

Khan was charged with one count of dealing in stolen property and one count of unlawfully selling the right to claim a Lottery prize.

— Water we’re talking about —

The Public Service Commission this week approved new water rates for Water Oak Utility following a review of the utility’s operational needs, infrastructure conditions and extensive customer feedback.

Water Oak filed its application in June 2025, seeking a rate adjustment to support continued operations, address aging infrastructure and maintain reliable service for customers in Lake County.

“The Commission’s action today reflects the value of customer participation in our decision-making process,” said PSC Chair Gabriella Passidomo Smith.

“After carefully considering customer feedback and staff’s recommendations, the Commission approved rates that support the continued operation of the Utility while incorporating modifications that address concerns raised about its quality of service and management.”

As part of the review process, the PSC held a virtual customer meeting and received more than 300 written comments regarding the rate request and the quality of service provided by Water Oak.

The issue was first considered during the Commission’s April 7 conference. Commissioners ultimately approved staff recommendations, with modifications to address customer concerns.

The new rates will take effect after customers receive an official PSC-approved notice from the utility.

Water Oak provides water service to roughly 1,265 residential customers and 50 general service customers in Lake County. Its current rates were last established in 1986.

— Citrus leaders sweet on budget —

Florida Citrus Mutual is praising lawmakers for approving nearly $196 million in state funding aimed at helping the citrus industry recover from years of decline caused largely by citrus greening disease.

The lion’s share of the funding — $160 million — will go to the Citrus Research and Field Trials (CRAFT) Foundation, which was established in 2019 to combat Huanglongbing (HLB), better known as citrus greening. The disease has helped shrink Florida’s commercial citrus acreage from roughly 750,000 acres to about 430,000 acres, according to CRAFT estimates.

The funding will support new plantings, treatments and production methods while generating data intended to accelerate the industry’s recovery.

Florida Citrus Mutual Executive Vice President and CEO Matt Joyner said the investment provides growers with critical resources as they work to rebuild the state’s signature agricultural sector.

“The Florida Legislature’s nearly $196 million investment reinforces the state’s commitment to combat citrus greening, strengthen production and sustain the state’s iconic citrus industry,” Joyner said in a statement.

The funding package represents one of the largest recent investments in Florida’s citrus recovery efforts, giving growers additional tools in the long-running fight against the disease that has reshaped the industry over the past two decades.

— Insurance flood facts —

Florida is famously at risk of floods, and a new program aims to help residents deal with Mother Nature.

The Personal Insurance Federation of Florida (PIFF) is launching FloodReadyFlorida, a site to help residents prepare for floods. The website also provides outlines of flood risks and explains how to recover from disasters.

“One of the most important things Floridians can do is prepare for the possibility of flooding before a storm is on the radar. While hurricane categories are based on wind speed, water is often the deadliest hazard,” said Michael Carlson, president of PIFF.

“Experts note that flooding from storm surge and heavy rainfall causes far more deaths than wind alone, and flooding can occur hundreds of miles from the coast. Simply put: anywhere it rains, it can flood.”

PIFF officials note that the flood preparedness website has helpful guidance for all areas of Florida, not just the coastal regions. Flash floods often hit interior counties that have rivers, lakes and other bodies of water.

Flood damage can also result from tropical storms, hurricanes and slow-moving thunderstorms that move through areas normally considered outside of high-risk flood zones.

The new PIFF initiative covers several elements related to flooding, including information on flood insurance and where consumers can learn about available coverage options.

It also offers information on home hardening, mitigation and resilience measures that can help reduce damage.

— Behind the mask —

Florida A&M University is set to celebrate four decades of Black artistic expression this Summer with a new exhibition honoring Beth Turner, the longtime publisher and driving force behind Black Masks magazine.

Opening today and running through Aug. 29 at FAMU’s Foster Tanner Fine Arts Gallery, “Black Masks Exhibition: A 40-Year Celebration!” will showcase the publication’s legacy through “larger-than-life” reproductions of its most recognizable covers, archival materials and artifacts documenting Turner’s career and the magazine’s impact on artists and audiences alike.

The exhibit, organized by FAMU Essential Theatre, will occupy both floors of the gallery.

University officials say the exhibition is intended not only as a retrospective on Black Masks but also as a tribute to Turner’s role in elevating artists whose work might otherwise have gone unnoticed by mainstream outlets.

The celebration will begin with an opening reception at 4 p.m. today, bringing together artists, scholars, students and community members to reflect on Turner’s contributions and the publication’s cultural significance.

Organizers say the event will feature discussions of the magazine’s legacy and its continued relevance in documenting and promoting Black artistic expression.

The exhibition is free and open to the public throughout the Summer.

— Seminole surge —

Florida State University is receiving so many applications that it’s launching a new program to help the admissions department sift through the piles of paperwork.

Announced this week, Early Decision allows domestic first-year applicants seeking to start school in Summer or Fall 2027 to apply through a binding process, giving students who view FSU as their clear first choice the opportunity to receive admissions decisions earlier in their senior year.

The change comes after another banner year for the university’s admissions office, which saw a six-figure flood of applications for its most recent incoming class — the university says the 100,000-plus applicants last cycle represent a 48% increase in first-year applications over the past five years.

“Each year, more students tell us that FSU is their top-choice university, and they want to know how to indicate that on their admissions application,” said Hege Ferguson, assistant VP for undergraduate admissions. “Early Decision is a clear, transparent way to allow students to express that preference while giving them the benefit of an earlier admission decision and a streamlined application process.”

In Florida, the university claimed the No. 1 spots for student satisfaction and best value from The Princeton Review; it also topped the rest of the Sunshine State field in U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of best first-year experiences.

For the college-bound (and those ensuring they get their apps in): Early Decision will run concurrently with FSU’s existing non-binding Early Action option, which remains available exclusively to Florida residents. The deadline for both is Oct. 15, and decisions will be released Dec. 17. Students admitted through Early Decision must withdraw all other college applications and submit their enrollment deposit to FSU by Jan. 15.

More information on Early Decision is available here.

— Free Big Bend art exhibit —

Anyone who thinks Tallahassee is all football and politics might want to make room for a little art.

The Tallahassee State College Fine Art Gallery this week opened its Summer 2026 exhibition season with a showcase featuring works by members of the Gadsden Arts Center Artists’ Guild. The exhibit kicked off with a public reception on May 28.

The Guild brings together emerging and established regional artists dedicated to supporting and strengthening the arts across the 850.

“This exhibition celebrates the incredible depth of artistic talent found throughout our region. The Gadsden Arts Artists Guild brings together artists working in a wide range of styles and media, creating an exhibit that invites visitors to explore new perspectives, discover unexpected connections, and experience the power of visual storytelling,” said Donmetrie Clark, Dean of Communications and Humanities at Tallahassee State College.

“We are proud to share their work with the Tallahassee State College community and the public.”

The Guild works to connect artists with one another and with audiences while fostering creativity and cultural enrichment throughout North Florida and South Georgia.

The exhibition runs through July 2. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and campus parking are free.

— Beyond your block —

Turns out you can celebrate America’s 250th anniversary while discovering a few new local favorites.

Leon County is running its “Beyond Your Block: America250 Edition” promotion through July 4, encouraging residents and visitors to explore restaurants, breweries, shops, museums, parks and other attractions throughout the community.

This year’s challenge also highlights six America250FL Road Trip stops located in Leon County, giving participants a chance to learn a little history while earning points toward prizes.

Using the Visit Tallahassee app, participants can complete challenges and earn points by visiting featured locations. Leon County’s six official America250FL Road Trip sites are worth 50 points each.

The first 50 participants to earn 250 points will receive a limited-edition Tallahassee America 250 commemorative T-shirt. Each location visited during the campaign also counts as an entry into a grand-prize drawing for a two-night Tallahassee staycation package that includes hotel accommodations and tickets to local attractions.

To participate, download the Visit Tallahassee app and select the “Challenges” tab.

— Be ready, Tally —

Hurricane season is here, and the capital city is encouraging residents to get prepared before the first storm appears on the radar.

The City of Tallahassee is offering its online PREP guide — Plan for Readiness and Emergency Preparedness — at Talgov.com/PREP, along with free community workshops focused on storm readiness.

The next workshop is scheduled for June 16 from 6-8 p.m. at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Thomasville Road.

Forecasters with NOAA’s National Weather Service predict the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season will produce between eight and 14 named storms, including one to three major hurricanes of Category 3 strength or higher.

“As hurricane season begins, we encourage everyone to take steps now to be ready for whatever the season may bring. We have faced storms before, and each one reminds us that preparation makes a difference,” said Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey.

“Review your emergency plan, gather essential supplies and sign up for local emergency alerts. While the City is ready to provide essential services before, during and after a storm, we all have a role to play. By preparing today, we can help protect our loved ones, support our neighbors and keep our Tallahassee strong and resilient throughout hurricane season.”

In the event of severe weather, residents can use the free DigiTally app to report and track power outages, downed trees and other storm-related issues.

— Masters of the Scary Cape —

Come one, come all to the cinema corner.

“Backrooms” overperformed what trades were projecting and opened to $81 million, putting it on track to become A24’s highest-grossing film to date while “Obsession” is still on an impressive run of its own, scoring $24 million in its third weekend, a 14% increase from week two and joins Steven Spielberg’s “E.T.” as the only Summer wide release to have an increase in box office from week two to three. Disney’s “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” is also making history: it’s the first Star Wars film to open No. 1 at the box office and not hold on to the top spot in its second week. Ouch.

Onto the new.

“Masters of the Universe” is a remake of the original 1987 “He-Man” movie and is directed by Oscar nominee Travis Knight, known for his stop motion work such as “Kubo and the Two Strings” and “ParaNorman.” The film stars Emmy nominee Idris Elba, Oscar winner Jared Leto and comedy icon Alison Brie. But Nicholas Galitzine, who fans might recognize from “The Idea of You,” or “Bottoms,” steps into the shoes of Dolph Lundgren, the original He-Man and evil Russian boxer from “Rocky IV.” But how is the clear cash-grab attempt by the toy company Mattel, after the success of the Oscar-winning film “Barbie,” playing out? Surprisingly not terrible. It is currently at 67% on Rotten Tomatoes (87% audience), a 7.1 IMDb, and a 3.2 on Letterboxd. Maybe this will launch a new generation of He-Man fans.

“Scary Movie” (it’s technically Scary Movie 6, but who’s counting?) is hotboxing its way into theaters and sees all the stars — Anna Faris, Regina Hall, and Chris Elliott included — from the series returning along with it. Notably, the Wayans Brothers are back in the driver’s seat. The film promises to hold no punches and cross every line. The movie is at roughly the same level as the other Scary Movies, aside from the first, with 28% on Rotten Tomatoes (69% audience), a 5.9 on IMDb, and a 2.7 on Letterbox. If you are a fan of the series, you know these are actually solid numbers.

Finally, there’s “Power Ballad,” the new film from critically acclaimed director John Carney, which sees him tread the familiar waters of comedy with diegetic music. The film stars Emmy nominee and man who has never aged Paul Rudd (”Ant-Man,” “Anchorman”) and Grammy nominee Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers. The film follows the story of a washed-up wedding singer who accuses a fading boy band star of stealing his song. The film has an 85% on Rotten Tomatoes, a 7.0 on IMDb, and a 3.3 on Letterboxd. If it is anything like Carney’s previous films, this film will probably get an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song.

And for the at-home crowd, if you aren’t watching the NBA or NHL finals, you might be interested in Apple TV’s latest premiere, “Cape Fear.” This is the third telling of the iconic story of Max Cady, who seeks revenge against a lawyer and his unwitting family for being unjustly imprisoned. This time around, instead of Robert De Niro in the chilling role, for which he received an Oscar nomination, it’s Academy Award winner Javier Bardem. If he is even tapping into a tiny percentage of Anton Chigurh, we are sure his performance is terrifying. The show is produced by Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese, who also directed the 90s film.

— Capitol Directions —

Ron DeSantis — Crossways arrow — Wanted Rome. Got Gaul.

Byron Donalds — Up arrow — Somewhere, a campaign consultant is billing six figures to explain why $81 million isn’t that much.

Taxing the rich — Up arrow — Grover Norquist is reading the transcript and becoming increasingly concerned.

Special districts — Crossways arrow — Florida is about to discover whether flood control passes the scream test.

Jeff Brandes — Up arrow — He’s discussing the blast radius while everyone else debates the explosion.

Sam Garrison, Jim Boyd, Jay Trumbull — Up arrow — There hasn’t been a triumvirate this well-meaning since Caesar, Pompey and Crassus. Let’s hope it ends differently.

Legislative staff — Up arrow — Just when they thought it couldn’t get any worse, leadership issued a memo … and totally redeemed themselves.

Daniel Perez — Up arrow — Cada macaco no seu galho. The Speaker respectfully declined.

Doug Holder — Up arrow — Greg Steube won the Primary, but Holder won the long game.

Bulgaria — Down arrow — Sofia’s gonna love it when Rob Schenck comes to visit.

Lindsay Cross — Crossways arrow — Another blue-chipper lost to the transfer portal.

Adam Anderson — Up arrow — Rare diseases are rare. Legislators who keep showing up for them are rarer.

Andrew Mackintosh — Up arrow — Ben loves him; Weida praised him; Jim is probably bringing him back. I guess mine is the minority opinion.

Bob Rommel — Down arrow — Bringing an ostrich to a turkey fight lacked imagination.

Anthony Sabatini — Down arrow — A lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client. The judge didn’t reach that question.

Precipitation — Up arrow — It’s polling at 100% among firefighters.

ChatGPT — Down arrow — The lawsuit is polling better than the property tax amendment. Read that twice.

Roblox — Down arrow — James Uthmeier is two clicks away from a two-hour Hbomberguy video.

Screwworm — Down arrow — Proof that evolution occasionally loses the plot.

Teen takeovers — Down arrow — The Discord mods have badges now.

Moez Limayem — Up arrow — Can somebody get this man some hazard pay?

Christopher Ligori — Up arrow — Reputation is currency. His is still appreciating.

Darryl Willie — Down arrow — The Attorney General is conducting an exit interview.

Florida Trib — Up arrow — It’s easier to complain about local journalism than build it.

FSU Football — Down arrow — Mike Norvell’s hottest recruiter remains Wisconsin.

Oranges — Up arrow — The comeback tour is getting some juice.