Politics
Takeaways from Tallahassee — ‘You’re The Best, Around’
Being bright is one thing, but what about being among the best and brightest in the state? Well, then it’s time to play the Joe Esposito song.
This week, Florida State University named two faculty members from the College of Arts and Sciences as recipients of the Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor title — a peer-voted award and the highest honor a faculty member can receive at FSU, recognizing leadership that has shaped their fields and influenced generations of students.
This year’s recipients of the Lawton Award, established in 1957, are Professors Laura Reina of the Department of Physics and Brad Schmidt of the Department of Psychology.
“These scholars have made lasting contributions to their disciplines, brought distinction to Florida State University and shaped generations of students through their teaching and mentorship. Together, they represent excellence at the highest level through discovery, teaching and service,” said FSU President Richard McCullough.
Reina is an internationally recognized leader in high-energy theoretical particle physics whose research has helped scientists interpret data from major facilities such as the Large Hadron Collider.
“We study the fundamental constituents of everything. It’s about understanding the natural world at its most basic level,” said Reina.
She received her Ph.D. in high-energy theoretical physics from the International School for Advanced Studies in Trieste, Italy, in 1992 and joined FSU in 1998.
“Professor Reina would perfectly know how to challenge her students … always pushing them to excel in state-of-the-art problems,” said Fernando Febres Cordero, one of her former doctoral students and now a professor at Florida State.
Reina has also been elected a Fellow of the American Physical Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. She is a member of the Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine of Florida and a recipient of the Jesse W. Beams Award from the American Physical Society’s Southeastern Section.
A professor of mathematics at FSU, Paolo Aluffi, described her as “an international superstar.”
But this award takes two to tango.
Schmidt is a research professor and Chair of the Department of Psychology, as well as a leading scholar in clinical psychology whose work has helped shape the understanding and treatment of anxiety and related conditions.
“It’s an amazing honor, especially coming from such an esteemed group of faculty. It means a great deal to me,” Schmidt said.
His lab has completed numerous projects supported by the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Defense to help target and reduce risk for mental health disorders.
“It is not an overstatement to rank Brad among the most important anxiety disorders researchers in the world,” wrote Thomas Joiner, a professor of Psychology at Florida State.
But more importantly than research, Schmidt aims to be there for his students as a mentor, someone to look up to and collaborate with in his labs.
“Students are critical. Any award like this is not a solo pursuit. We couldn’t do this, not nearly at the rate that we’re able to without students,” Schmidt added.
“It [the Lawton Award] speaks to the respect they have earned across our academic community and to the impact they have made through their research, teaching and mentorship,” said FSU Provost Jim Clark on Reina and Schmidt’s recognition.
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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 –
Delayed — Florida’s Special Session, slated to start next week, will be pushed back a week but will be expanded to include more subjects, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Wednesday. The revised proclamation from the Governor’s Office stipulates that it will now run from April 28 through May 1, with three meaty topics to be considered: Congressional redistricting; consumer protections for artificial intelligence, known as the “AI Bill of Rights” during the Regular Session; and “medical freedom.” The former subject was the sole subject of the Special Session that was to begin next week.
Bobby Bowden Air — Out-of-town Gator fans coming to the Florida State University rivalry game will now fly into the Bobby Bowden-Tallahassee International Airport, DeSantis quipped, as he made the airport name change official. At a ceremony in Tallahassee, DeSantis signed SB 628, which renames several roads and facilities, including renaming the Tallahassee airport after legendary football coach Bobby Bowden. “I can think of no better person from this community that people have looked up to for decades to name the Tallahassee International Airport than after our renowned head coach of Florida State University,” DeSantis said. DeSantis often speaks reverently about the late Bowden, who won the National Championship at FSU in 1993 and 1999. DeSantis once said he would have named Bowden Lieutenant Governor if the coach were still alive.
New Chief — The Florida Supreme Court has unanimously selected John Couriel as its next Chief Justice, effective July 1. Couriel, who joined the high court in 2020 after being appointed by DeSantis, will succeed Chief Justice Carlos Muñiz, whose second term in the court’s top administrative post ends June 30. Muñiz will remain on the bench as an Associate Justice. “I am grateful to my colleagues for their trust and am indebted to the previous chief justices with whom I’ve served,” Couriel said in a news release. “I will do my best to serve the people of Florida as they so ably have.”
‘100% BS’ — Lt. Gov. Jay Collins checked in from the road Thursday night to let Floridians know he wasn’t abandoning his campaign to replace DeSantis anytime soon, using evocative language to make his point. “There is a zero percent chance that I’m about to suspend my campaign,” the Tampa Republican tweeted. “That is in fact a 100% b——- rumor.” Speculation swirled that DeSantis’ second-in-command would suspend his campaign Thursday, in the wake of a canceled meet and greet in Cape Coral and “unforeseen circumstances” keeping him from Friday’s Central Florida Tiger Bay meeting. Often, canceled events preclude a candidate from withdrawing from a race, particularly when odds are long. Senior adviser John Cardillo had said that Collins’ rumored withdrawal was an “absolute lie” promulgated by rival second-tier campaigns.
Sharks are circling — House Speaker Mike Johnson said this week that the House should expel U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick but declined to say the same about U.S. Rep. Cory Mills. As a bipartisan group of lawmakers looks to push out multiple members with ethical violations, the Republican Speaker said the process has played out enough to know that Cherfilus-McCormick, a Miramar Democrat, must go. “I have been a jealous guardian of due process around here,” Johnson said. “I do think, certainly on Cherfilus-McCormick, the Ethics Committee has gone through all of its processes, and they found some alarming facts. I think the facts are indisputable at this point.”
— Glad for Everglades —
Big news for all true Floridians who want to see their backyard and its iconography protected and preserved.
This week, a man with fewer than 270 days left of being employed, Gov. Ron DeSantis joined the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in South Bay to announce that all federally funded contracts for the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir have now been fully executed, marking a Neil Armstrong-level step toward accelerating one of the most key components of Everglades restoration.
It also, most importantly, puts the project five years ahead of the original timeline.
“This milestone brings us a step closer to delivering on our commitment to restore the Everglades. The July 2025 agreement between the State of Florida and the federal government has made all this possible by cutting red tape with an all-hands-on-deck approach. This is a major victory for America’s Everglades and a testament to the progress our joint federal and state teams have made in just nine months,” said DeSantis.
The announcement from the Army Corps confirmed that all federally managed contracts necessary to meet the accelerated 2029 completion target are now in place and that all funding and needed resources will be secured through project completion, no matter who is in office.
“Everglades restoration is one of the most complex ecosystem efforts in the world, and progress like this only happens when we come together with a shared focus on solutions. By working with our federal partners and staying focused on results, we are accelerating restoration and ensuring this work continues moving forward,” added Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis Lambert.
This announcement builds on a Memorandum of Understanding reached last year that allows the State of Florida to take a leading role in executing federally funded components of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP).
“This project is a prime example of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ laser focus on maximizing the ability to deliver national infrastructure, and I’m so proud to help make this happen for America and the State of Florida,” stated Adam Telle, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works.
— Cyberfraud bust —
Attorney General James Uthmeier says investigators have broken up a cyberfraud operation that bilked a senior citizen out of $450,000.
Uthmeier, at a news conference, detailed an investigation that found an online scam in which the victim lost that money “in a matter of weeks.” He added that, as the Marion County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case involving online dating websites, they found a “digital wallet” that accounted for a substantial number of cryptocurrency-related rip-offs.
“We were able to identify over $5.4 million related to people that were scammed through these dating websites,” Uthmeier said. “Most of these Floridians, we’re going to get their money back.”
Uthmeier said he was surprised at the breadth of the cyberfraud operation, which involved victims in Florida and Massachusetts.
“This is the largest single cyberfraud operation not just in the state of Florida, but among all the states,” he said.
Uthmeier credited the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for developing cyberfraud investigative techniques. He encouraged other law enforcement agencies to contact Marion County investigators to learn their approaches and apply them.
Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods said the investigation showed that what appeared to be an online relationship turned into a bogus investment solicitation.
“It truly angers me that there are people in this world that have no problem making victims of citizens in our community,” Woods said. “Many times, these are senior citizens. Cyber scams and fraud may never go away, but in Marion County and in Florida, we will come after those who choose to do this.”
Investigators found victims in six different Florida counties and in Massachusetts. Some $700,000 recovered from the scams will be returned to Florida victims, and $1.3 million will be returned to victims in Massachusetts.
— Fraud Task Force —
Uthmeier is launching a new task force to crack down on individuals seeking to bilk the state out of funds designed to help vulnerable residents.
Uthmeier announced the Task Force on Public Assistance Fraud during a news conference in Tampa. The Attorney General said his office and other agencies are working together on the project to protect Medicaid and other programs.
“Potentially billions of dollars are going out and falling into the wrong hands,” Uthmeier said in Tampa. “They’re not just stealing from the government. They’re stealing from you. They’re stealing from the taxpayers.”
Uthmeier was flanked by representatives from several other agencies, including the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), and other Task Force partners.
“We are going to step up and kick it into a higher gear as we work to get back at fraudsters,” Uthmeier said.
Officials cited high-profile coverage over alleged Medicaid fraud in Minnesota, where Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has already charged several people in a scheme to defraud the government of $11 million.
AHCA Secretary Shevaun Harris said she is convinced the Task Force will help Florida avoid the embarrassing scandals seen in Minnesota.
“Throughout the country, Medicaid programs are being tested by sophisticated schemes, which are not only deceptive, but are highly coordinated, adaptive and, unfortunately, in some instances, successful,” Harris said.
— Women in agriculture —
Tony Award nominations and Emmy award nominations aren’t too far away — two of the infamous letters of EGOT — but how about award season, Florida style?
This week, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced the 2026 Woman of the Year in Agriculture. This year’s winner: LuJean Waters, a seventh-generation Florida cattle rancher, veterinarian, and owner of Heartland Large Animal Services, an ambulatory veterinary practice serving livestock producers across Central Florida.
That’s all on top of teaching multiple animal science and beef cattle production classes at Warner University in Lake Wales.
“Dr. LuJean Waters has dedicated her life to serving Florida agriculture and the people who keep it strong. She understands the responsibility that comes with feeding our state and protecting our agricultural heritage, and she is helping to ensure the next generation is ready to carry that forward. It is an honor to recognize her as the 2026 Woman of the Year in Agriculture,” Simpson said.
The Woman of the Year in Agriculture, sponsored by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in conjunction with the Florida State Fair Authority, has been bestowed on women who have made outstanding contributions to Florida agriculture since 1985. The award is presented during the annual Florida State Fair in Tampa.
This isn’t the first time Waters has made headlines. She previously made history as the first female President of the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association.
To this day, she remains active in advocating for and supporting producers and advancing animal health across Florida.
— Record-breaking booty —
In a pinch? Maybe some cash could be coming your way without having to pull a Jon Hamm in “Your Friends and Neighbors.”
This week, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia announced that a record-setting $92 million in unclaimed property was returned in March — breaking the $88 million record set just last month.
“Another record-breaking month demonstrates how hard our office is working to return lost financial assets to Floridians. Florida families could have extra money just waiting for them to claim before summertime. To check out if you have unclaimed property, please visit FLTreasureHunt.gov,” Ingoglia said.
Unclaimed property from the Department of Financial Services occurs when a financial asset becomes abandoned, unknown, lost, or inactive after a business, bank, or government entity has held it for 5 years. Common examples include dormant bank accounts, unclaimed insurance proceeds, stocks, dividends, uncashed checks, deposits, credit balances, and refunds.
And yes, unclaimed property can also include tangible items such as watches, jewelry, coins, currency, stamps, historical items, or anything else left in a safe-deposit box.
For March 2026, the unclaimed property returns break down as follows:
— Tampa/St. Pete: $24.3 million
— Orlando: $18.6 million
— Miami: $18 million
— West Palm Beach: $13.02 million
— Jacksonville: $5.9 million
— Fort Myers/Naples: $5 million
— Pensacola: $3.5 million
— Tallahassee: $2.4 million
— Panama City: $1.06 million
— Gainesville: $1 million
Now go to the link and happy hunting — maybe a new summer vacation you didn’t know about could be around the corner.
— Call me maybe —
Let’s all give a big thank you on the count of three — one, two, three: Thank you!
This week, April 12-18, is National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week, a time to recognize the dedicated men and women of the Florida Highway Patrol who rock the headset 24 hours a day.
The week serves as a reminder that these public safety professionals are the intermediaries between the public and State Troopers, ensuring safety, speed, and effective communication.
“Our public safety telecommunicators are the first line of our first responders. They are the steady voice on the line when someone is experiencing one of the worst moments of their life, and their work ensures that our Troopers can respond quickly, safely and effectively. Handling around 3,700 calls every single day requires extraordinary skill and composure, and I am proud of these public safety professionals who carry out these lifesaving missions every day, 24 hours a day,” said Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Dave Kerner.
Hundreds of Florida Highway Patrol communications personnel work around the clock across seven Regional Communication Centers (Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Orlando-Sanford, Tampa, Miami, Fort Myers, and Lake Worth) to support emergencies. On average, 3,796 phone calls are handled every day, with more than 1.38 million calls annually.
“The Florida Highway Patrol could not fulfill its mission without the unwavering commitment of our communications personnel. Their ability to remain calm under pressure, gather critical information, and support Troopers in the field is essential to protecting the people of Florida. Last year alone, they helped guide our response to more than 947,000 calls for service — each one representing a moment when someone needed help, and they answered without hesitation,” said FHP Colonel Gary Howze.
“As we recognize National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week, we honor the individuals who stand ready, day and night, to serve as that steady voice in times of crisis.”
— ‘Too woke’ —
“Are we the baddies?”
This week, the State Board of Education decided to take decisive action to remove sociology courses from the general education course lists across the Florida College System (FCS), aligning it with the State University System Board of Governors, which recently removed sociology from general education requirements at Florida’s public universities.
“We made repeated efforts to steer Sociology back on course, but it remains a sinking ship. Florida will not lower its expectations for general education. Academic quality, rigor and foundational knowledge are nonnegotiable. When a course fails to meet those standards, we will act,” said Florida Department of Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas.
We wonder if he knows the definition of irony — a man in his position.
All of this stems from SB 266 (2023), which created section 1007.55, Florida Statutes, emphasizing that undergraduate students should take courses that promote and preserve the constitutional republic through traditional, historically accurate, and high-quality coursework. Which is exactly what you think it means.
“General education courses must be grounded in rigorous scholarship and the accurate teaching of history. They cannot be mired in ideology or used as vehicles for indoctrination. Today’s action draws a firm line; we will ensure every general education course meets the standards set forth in law without exception,” said Ryan Petty, Chair of the State Board of Education.
One giant step back for Florida schools, one large step forward for our next generation of plumbers who say school is woke anyway.
—Instagram of the Week –
— Vols week —
Time to get your Vols on — and we mean in the true historical sense, not the dying football program.
This upcoming week, April 19-25, is National Volunteer Week (because there truly is a day, week, or month for everything, it feels), and the Florida Lottery is gladly coming along to help out. The week is all about celebrating the individuals who dedicate their personal time and energy to building up and helping their communities.
The Florida Lottery has a vested interest in volunteering, as it’s an eligibility requirement for the Bright Futures Scholarship Program, which helps Florida students pursue higher education.
“Volunteering is more than just a requirement; it’s an opportunity for our students to make a meaningful impact in our communities. The Florida Lottery is proud to support the Bright Futures Scholarship Program, which not only helps students pursue higher education but also instills the values of service, responsibility, and community engagement,” said Acting Secretary of the Florida Lottery Reginald Dixon.
For 2025-2026 graduates to receive their Bright Futures awards, Florida Academic Scholars need 100 hours (volunteer, paid work, or a combination), Florida Medallion Scholars need 75 volunteer hours or 100 total hours (paid or combined), and Gold Seal Vocational/CAPE Scholars need 30 volunteer hours or 100 total hours (paid or combined).
All that work from students across Florida really adds up for the good of the state.
“National Volunteer Week is a reminder that even the smallest acts of service can have a lasting impact. We are proud to work alongside partners like the Florida Lottery to highlight the importance of service and inspire Floridians to get involved, give back, and strengthen their communities,” said CEO of Volunteer Florida Josie Tamayo.
— 42,000 where? —
“Not happy, Bob, not happy.”
Yesterday, the Joint Legislative Budget Committee met to consider amendments to Florida’s 2025-26 budget, including amendment (EOG #B2026-0582), which addressed a funding change for Florida’s KidCare program — expanded by state law three years ago.
Funnily enough, it has yet to be implemented by the AHCA. A failure, to say the least.
That KidCare expansion would provide health care to roughly 42,000 children, and with the state yet to implement it, Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman openly opposed the budget amendment and later issued the following statement:
“I’m extremely troubled by the state’s refusal to implement the KidCare expansion. AHCA has spent three years making excuses and spending taxpayer dollars on legal fees trying to resist the implementation of that law, when they could be helping struggling Florida families by taking care of vulnerable children.”
She added, “AHCA and the Governor’s Office continue to dodge responsibility for this public policy failure, which has left 42,000 Florida children with either unaffordable or barely affordable health insurance options in the middle of an affordability crisis. Until they implement the law we passed to cover those kids, I can’t in good conscience support a budget amendment that puts money into reserves instead of actually helping Floridians. Our kids deserve better.”
— Basketball time —
Summertime is slowly creeping its head around the corner, and we can already feel its presence temperature-wise (don’t worry, it’s just getting started).
Which means it’s time to find some activities to get the little ones out of the house — or at least give them something to look forward to during the typical Monday-Friday 9-to-5.
This week, the Tallahassee Police Athletic League announced it is now accepting applications for the 2026 youth basketball summer league. The league promises to offer youth the opportunity to grow their skills on and off the court with the guidance of dedicated adults who help develop self-esteem, skills, respect, and general basketball technique.
The program also aims to help youth understand the role law enforcement can serve in the community. The season runs from June 1 to July 29, with all games played at the City of Tallahassee’s Jack McLean Community Center (700 Paul Russell Road) every Monday and Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m.
The league is open to ages 10-15. Registration forms can be found here. There is a $40 fee to sign up.
— Reid rocks Rattlers —
Everyone’s favorite Florida J-school is at it again, giving students once-in-a-lifetime conversations.
Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (SJGC) welcomed Emmy-winning journalist Jacque Reid, lead anchor of BET Nightly News from 2001-2005 and current co-host of the NBC affiliate New York Live.
Reid has worked in radio, television, and digital media for decades and aimed to prepare students for the ever-changing landscape they are entering — especially in these dark times for the First Amendment.
“The way the industry is now, I think I see a lot of people not trusting the media anymore, which is also making it harder to get in the industry,” Reid said.
But more importantly, she spoke on adaptability and emphasized the importance of being a versatile journalist able to work across platforms and handle various digital tasks — while noting that excellent writing and research remain the backbone of the industry.
“Be an industry insider, learn as many skills as you can, because that will take you through your years in this business. Knowing how to do credible research and storytelling is essential in this business. Learn how to write but also learn how to be on camera. Learn how to produce, edit and shoot. The more abilities you possess, the more opportunities you will generate for yourself.”
Reid also welcomed writer and music journalist Touré, known for his work on MSNBC’s “The Cycle,” his nonfiction books, and serving on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominating committee — a pretty special company to hear from, in person or virtually.
She ended on the note of staying true to yourself and never putting your morals aside.
“Know who you are and what you stand for. That will direct the choices you make in your professional life.”
— Book it —
Despite the actions of certain parents and politicians here in Florida, books are still an effective way to expand your imagination, broaden your intellectual horizons, discover new worlds and ideas, and provide plain old entertainment.
And we’re sure you’ve seen those “Little Free Libraries” before — the small, see-through boxes about the size of a large mailbox. Maybe you’ve spotted them at a park, in your neighborhood, at a community center, or just in the media.
Well, you can add Florida State University (FSU) to that worldwide group.
This week, FSU joined the global movement of community-driven book sharing with the installation of a Little Free Library on campus. The philosophy of “take a book, share a book” applies with these weatherproof kiosks, which help build community through literacy and are made possible through a collaborative effort between FSU Libraries and the FSU Student Union Board, with the shared goal of encouraging leisure reading in a low-pressure, accessible way.
“We are all about increasing access and connecting with students where they actually live and gather, and this little free library is a great extension of our mission because it creates a unique connection where you’re taking part in another person’s experience when you take a book,” said Crystal Matthews, FSU Libraries student engagement librarian.
The library operates on the honor system, and FSU hopes to develop an outreach program that doesn’t carry the pressure of a traditional academic setting, allowing students and faculty alike to bond over the simple pleasure of reading — and to step away from their busy, chaotic lives to talk about a novel they just enjoyed or recommend.
“On a large campus, building this kind of community is vital; I’ve seen students walk into our events stressed by exams and projects, telling us that having these resources available at the perfect time means the world to them,” said Emily Lopez, FSU Libraries student engagement coordinator.
The library has been added to the Little Free Library world map and joins an existing location at the FSU Panama City campus.
“Reading is such a powerful way of sharing ideas, and having a place on campus where you can shrink this large environment down to pick up a favorite story or even a textbook makes the university feel a lot more like home,” added Jules Johannemann, Chair of the FSU Union Board.
The one rule: don’t add any Ayn Rand, because no one wants to pick that up.
— 2026 edition of The Eyrie —
Who said FSU was the only artsy-fartsy school in town?
This week, Tallahassee State College unveiled the new edition of “The Eyrie,” its award-winning literary and arts magazine, at the Fine and Performing Arts Center (FPAC) on the school’s main campus.
The event was open to the public and continues to celebrate creativity and talent within the TSC community. It marks the publication’s 45th edition.
“Each edition of the Eyrie is a reflection of students finding their voices and trusting them enough to be heard. I am endlessly proud of the care, creativity, and courage our students bring to this work, and deeply grateful for the support that makes this experience possible year after year,” said Nicolette Constantino, an English professor at TSC and the magazine’s faculty adviser.
“To see their writing and artwork recognized — both on campus and in the wider community — is a powerful reminder of why spaces like this matter.”
Founded in 1981 — the year Hi Infidelity by REO Speedwagon was the No. 1 album — The Eyrie showcases creative work from students, alumni, faculty, and staff who believe in the power, tradition, and excellence of literary and visual arts.
The magazine features a range of work, including poetry, fiction, nonfiction, photography, and visual art, guided by the motto “quality, good taste, and creativity.” So, what are you waiting for? Make sure to grab a copy — it’s free for all College personnel and available to students upon request.
Check out previous publications of “The Eyrie” here and make sure to follow them on Instagram @eyriemagtsc.
— Health care happening —
Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) and the TMH Foundation are drawing major entertainment to their annual Golden Gala.
Recording artist Teddy Swims will be the featured performer at the 42nd annual Golden Gala, set for April 23. Swims will provide a private concert for attendees at the TMH event at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center in Tallahassee. The philanthropic event will focus on mental health this year and support the expansion of behavioral health services, as well as the group’s partnership with the Apalachee Center mental health services facility.
Landing Swims (born Jaten Dimsdale) for the event is a coup for TMH. Swims has skyrocketed across multiple musical genres, including rhythm and blues, country, soul, and pop. He’s notched hits with songs such as “Lose Control,” “The Door,” and other tracks from his debut album I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 1).
“For more than four decades, the Golden Gala has united our community in support of the future of health care,” said Nigel Allen, TMH Foundation president and chief advancement officer. “We’re celebrating the power of music to heal, connect and spark conversation about mental health. Just as Teddy shares his journey through music, the Gala brings our community together to expand services – ensuring families and individuals across our region have access to compassionate, comprehensive care.”
— No low-rent Florida —
Florida cities are among the worst places to find affordable rental properties in America, according to a new study.
In an analysis of American cities published by WalletHub, no Florida cities cracked the top 100 for affordable rental prices. Jacksonville was the most affordable market in the state, finishing No. 125 nationally.
WalletHub analysts examined median annual gross rent among 182 cities across the U.S. and compared that to each area’s median household income. Analysts then developed a rental affordability score by determining the percentage of household income required to cover rent.
Jacksonville, the highest-ranked Florida city, posted an overall score of 46.1, requiring 25.16% of the median household income to cover rental expenses.
St. Petersburg was the next Sunshine State city on the list at No. 153, with an overall score of 39.14. St. Pete requires 26.54% of household income to pay for rent, per WalletHub.
Fort Lauderdale ranked No. 155 with a score of 37.84, requiring 26.76% of income to cover rental costs. Tallahassee, meanwhile, ranked No. 158.
Bismarck, North Dakota, topped the list with a perfect score of 100. Only 15.29% of the median annual household income is required to cover rent costs.
Miami ranked last in the country at No. 182, requiring 33.77% of annual household income to cover rent. Orlando was No. 175 out of 182, and Pembroke Pines was No. 174.
— No burn for you —
Hold your horses — and various burnings.
This past weekend, Leon County extended its local state of emergency and countywide burn ban, which initially went into effect March 27, through Friday at 5 p.m.
The main reason: to help protect the community as it navigates severe drought conditions that can escalate wildfire activity throughout the Big Bend region — which no one wants.
“Drought conditions in Leon County have not improved, and wildfire activity across the state continues to intensify — including in neighboring Liberty and Gadsden counties. Extending the burn ban is the right call until fire experts confirm conditions have changed,” said Leon County Commission Chair Christian Caban.
“I want to thank our residents for their continued patience and our first responders for the work they are doing in dangerous conditions. We will lift this ban as soon as it is safe to do so.”
Since the declaration on March 27, fire risk conditions have continued to intensify. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, all of Leon County and much of the Big Bend region is classified in Exceptional (D4) drought — the worst conditions in more than 20 years.
Part of this is because Leon County has received more than a foot below average rainfall since August of last year, leaving much of the landscape drier than usual.
All violations of the temporary burn ban are subject to enforcement under applicable County ordinances and state law, including fines and other penalties.
And of course, if anyone notices an unattended fire or signs of wildfire, call 911 immediately.
— Youth leadership camp —
This summer, your kids have the opportunity to grow as young leaders among their peers. Next thing you know, they’re getting scouted by the best schools in the country for college.
This week, the Tallahassee Police Department announced that the 23rd annual Drug Education for Youth (DEFY) Summer Leadership Camp will take place July 20-24 at Florida A&M Developmental Research School (FAMU DRS), to build the next group of confident, respectful leaders.
DEFY is free, weeklong, and open to children ages 9 to 12, focusing on decision-making, character building, healthy lifestyles, and community engagement.
Camp runs from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day, with lunch provided. Activities include drug resistance, self-esteem, teamwork, physical fitness, and goal-setting — along with opportunities to build connections with peers, mentors, and Tallahassee Police Department officers offering guidance and encouragement.
Applications are open now at talgov.com/DEFY and will be accepted through July 8 or until capacity is reached.
For questions, contact Major Danielle Davis at 850-363-3658 or [email protected]. For more information on youth programs offered by the Tallahassee Police Department, visit Talgov.com/Police.
What are you waiting for? Sounds like a cheap and meaningful way to get the kids out of your hair during the dog days of summer.
— Mummy, Mary, Margo, and Beef —
Here’s your weekly scoop on all things movies and streaming.
March and April continue to be fantastic for the domestic box office as “The Super Mario Galaxy” sees an additional $68 million in gold coins collected (that’s a lot of extra lives), and the more mature properties such as “Project Hail Mary” and “The Drama” overperform with $24 and $8.7, respectively. There’s something for everyone right now!
This week’s headliners are also not the “sexiest,” per se, again because Mario is still chilling in his green pipe, and a music biopic about the king of pop, entitled “Michael,” comes out next week. Really stuck between a rock and a hard place here.
So, there’s “Lee Cronin’s The Mummy,” a new body horror from, well, you guessed it, Lee Cronin. Now if, like most of America, you’re thinking “who the hell is Lee Cronin” well, he’s the director of “Evil Dead Rise,” which was a box office success in 2023, and “The Hole in the Ground” a slow-burn cult classic that put him on the map. Now the real reason his name is in the title comes down to one thing: Google. The marketing of this film would’ve been doomed if it were just called “The Mummy,” as that could be a reference to the Oscar-nominated swashbuckling dark comedy with Brendan Fraser, the Universal Pictures classic starring that guy whom Bela Lugosi hated. The film stars Jack Reynor and Laia Costa and follows a journalist whose daughter disappears in the desert without a trace, only to return eight years later not the same person. It’s getting mixed reviews with a 49% on Rotten Tomatoes (79% audience score), a 6.6 on IMDb, and a 3.0 on Letterboxd.
The other big release this weekend is “Mother May,” an epic music drama that stars Academy Award winner Anne Hathaway (”Les Misérables” “The Devil Wears Prada”) and two-time Emmy winner Michaela Coel (”I May Destroy You,” “Mr. & Mrs. Smith”) that follows a pop star who reunites with her estranged best friend and former costume designer before her big comeback performance. The film is directed by the visually breathtaking auteur David Lowry (”The Green Knight,” “A Ghost Story”) who, when he isn’t being a yes-man for Disney, makes some pretty interesting films. It’s also got original music from Grammy darlings Charlie XCX, Jack Antonoff, and FKA Twigs. The film is receiving warm reviews, with a 72% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 3.2 on Letterboxd.
On the television side of things, the eight-time Emmy-winning show, just from its first season alone, “Beef,” is back with its second season on Netflix. Creator-writer-director Lee Sung Jin returns this time with a new stacked cast in three-time Academy Award nominee Carey Mulligan (”Promising Young Woman,” “The Great Gatsby”), Emmy nominee Oscar Isaac (”Frankenstein” “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”) and Golden Globe nominees Cailee Spaney from “Alien: Romulus” fame and Charles Melton, who’s most known from the CW Archie TV show “Riverdale.” Oh, and not to mention Oscar winner Youn Yuh-jung from the beautifully touching “Minari.” The second season follows the same theme/premise of an argument, or “beef,” that occurs. This time, though, instead of a road-rage incident, it’s between two couples who work at a country club. The second season has an 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 8.0 rating on IMDb.
And Apple TV (which, credit where it’s due, is on a hot streak right now), is giving us “Margo’s Got Money Troubles,” a new dark comedy starring Oscar nominee Elle Fanning (”A Complete Unknown,” “Sentimental Value”) three-time Oscar nominee Michelle Pfeiffer (”The Fabulous Baker Boys,” “Hairspray”) and Emmy winner Nick Offerman most known from “Parks & Recreation” and “The Last of Us.” The show follows a young mother who starts an OnlyFans account after receiving advice from her estranged pro-wrestling father. It has a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a 94% rating from audiences, and a 7.0 rating on IMDb.
— Capitol Directions —
Ron DeSantis — Crossways arrow — So, it’s ‘I don’t support giving taxpayer dollars to sports stadiums … asterisk?’
Jay Collins — Down arrow — Is he the Chuck Norris of Florida politics or the Michael Spinks of gubernatorial candidates?
James Fishback — Down arrow — Anyone know an election lawyer who works for free?
USF — Down arrow — We can’t think of a worse scenario to play the “just following orders” card.
Jose Javier Rodriguez — Up arrow — So you’re saying there’s a chance?
Alex Kelly — Up arrow — Fine, let him cook.
Everglades restoration — Down arrow — Yeah, it’s ahead of schedule, but how much more blood will Ron squeeze out of that turnip?
Ft. Meade — Down arrow — That’s a nice data center you got there. It’d be a shame if anything happened to it.
FWC leadership — Down arrow — Was that an affidavit or the script for Rashomon II?
John Couriel — Up arrow — Hail to the Chief!
Carol Marbin Miller — Up arrow — She doesn’t write “circle back later” stories.
Florida TaxWatch — Up arrow — They know how to program an event and their booking agent has an incredible eye for talent.
OIR — Up arrow — Leave it to the insurance wonks to put on an event that’s both premium and full coverage.
Conservation Florida — Up arrow — Even the wildlife showed up to their annual bash.
Amanda M. Green — Up arrow — Her campaign finance report delivered. And she did too.
Anthropic — Up arrow — Claude’s upgrading from 4.7 Opus to 4.8 Vortec, courtesy of Marlene Williams.
Calvin Coolidge — Crossways arrow — The statue looks like it’s perpetually trying to walk out of frame. Nailed it.
Angela Dempsey — Crossways arrow — Tempus regit actum.
Hotel seekers — Down arrow — Special Session into graduation weekend — pack earplugs, Ambien, and some canned ‘congrats’ lines for the over-packed elevator.
Florida State — Prayer hands — Stay strong, Noles.