Tallahassee Reports, April 9, 2025

Tallahassee Reports

The Reports

Two City Commissioners question city agreement to cooperate with ICE officials related to enforcing immigration laws.

Page 1

Florida State University has announced plans to build an acute care hospital in Panama City Beach under the FSU Health name.

Page 1

Three months into 2025, total crime incidents have declined by 41.3% when compared to the same period in 2024.

Page 4

A TMH request to change the governing structure has resulted in a discussion about the ownership of the hospital.

Page 1

After leading the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce for 25 years, Sue Dick, the President and CEO, is stepping down at the end of this year.

Page 6

A U.S. district judge on Friday temporarily blocked a new Florida law aimed at cracking down on undocumented immigrants.

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The Capital Conservatives Club announced that Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey will be the guest speaker for their April 15th meeting.

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School Speed Zone Enforcement Begins on Kerry Forest, Tharpe Street

By Steve Stewart

According to the Tallahassee Police Department, as of March 31, the city’s school speed zone enforcement program went live at two school zones. The two school zones are Ruediger Elementary/Raa Middle School near North MLK Jr. Blvd. & W. Tharpe St. and Desoto Trail Elementary School on Kerry Forest Pkwy. The program came about after TPD, and the City’s Technology and Innovations Department completed a review of the program’s potential impact on public safety. A traf -

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By Steve Stewart

The response by the City of Tallahassee to a request from Tallahassee Memorial Hospital to change the hospital’s governance structure – which has been in place since 1979 - has resulted in a full-blown controversy involving some of the community’s most influential leaders.

Supporters of TMH accused Mayor Dailey and City Manager Reese Goad of secretly trying to coordinate the sale of TMH to Florida State University. However, City leaders explained the requested change by TMH warranted a detailed discussion about the future relationship between the city and TMH.

Also, Commissioner Jeremy Matlow took sides in the debate, accusing Mayor Dailey of trying to sell TMH, even though no such sale could take place without a vote of the full city commission.

The Controversy

The controversy was ignited after TMH requested the City restructure the hospital’s governance model and establish a new Health System Board. Under the proposed model, the new board would oversee the broader TMH health system, while the existing TMH Board would

continue to manage the hospital’s day-today operations.

City officials viewed this request as a significant change given the current healthcare landscape, the growth of TMH services and facilities, and TMH’s third party agreements with entities like FSU.

The roughly 3,500-word informational only agenda with six attachments, published days ahead of the city commission meeting contained 33 words that ended

FSU Announces Plans for ‘FSU Health’ Hospital in Panama City Beach

By Dara Kam The News Service of Florida

With the goal of improving access and innovation in health and health care in Northwest Florida, Florida State University has announced plans to build an acute care hospital in Panama City Beach under the FSU Health name.

Pending approval by the State of Florida, the plan paves the way to construct a state-of-the-art medical facility that will serve the residents of Bay and Walton counties. Bond financing for the project, estimated to be approximately $414 million, was approved Wednesday by the Florida Board of Governors, the 17-member board responsible for the operation and coordination of the state’s 12 public universities. The 13-member FSU Board of Trustees approved the bond financing in a meeting earlier in the day.

The university will partner with an operator, anticipated to be Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) pending approval by the City of Tallahassee, to lease and operate the new hospital. This arrangement will ensure long-term quality performance that aligns with growing community needs and innovative best practices.

“The new hospital is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service and quality care to the community,” FSU President Richard McCullough said. “We are creating a state-of-the-art fa-

up driving a narrative that fueled the controversy:

“As part of this analysis, staff will also explore the feasibility and potential advantages of a possible sale of the hospital, considering all available options and approaches and bringing back options and recommendations.”

This was complicated by a letter accompanying the agenda item from FSU President Richard McCullough which

cility that will meet the community’s needs, support local physicians, and prioritize an outstanding patient experience, enhancing the overall health and well-being of our residents.”

TMH President & CEO Mark O’Bryant underscored the importance of the partnership, stating, “This collaboration with FSU represents an exciting step forward in expanding high-quality health care services for Panama City Beach and the surrounding region. By combining our expertise and resources, we are ensuring this growing community has access to top-tier medical care, both now and in the future.”

FSU has received approximately 16.5 acres of land donated by The St. Joe Company for the hospital’s site at 1002 North Arnold Road at the intersection of Highway 79 and Philip Griffitts Senior Parkway. The new hospital will be located in the same medical district and adjacent to the new Medical Office Building which opened in July 2024.

The first phase of the hospital can accommodate up to 180 beds and will

By Steve Stewart

During the March 26 city commission meeting, Commissioner Jeremy Matlow and Commissioner Jack Porter questioned the decision by the Tallahassee Police Department to cooperate with the federal government with enforcing immigration laws.

On March 4, TPD signed an agreement which outlined a cooperative relationship and detailed the city’s commitment to helping Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The agreement allows local officers to carry out functions of an immigration officer such as the ability to interrogate any person believed to be an alien and arrest without a warrant any alien entering or attempting to unlawfully enter the United States.

The agreement was executed without consultation with elected officials.

Ahead of the March 26 meeting, media

Tallahassee Named 2025 All-America City Finalist

On April 2, Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey announced the community has been named a finalist for the 2025 All-America City Award. For over 75 years, the National Civic League’s All-America City Award has highlighted and celebrated outstanding civic innovation, recognizing communities that harness the power of local collaboration to drive meaningful change. Each year, only 10 communities earn this prestigious honor.

Tallahassee was first recognized as an All-America City in 1999 and earned it again in 2015.

“I am thrilled that Tallahassee has been selected as a finalist for the 2025 AllAmerica City Award,” Mayor John Dailey said. “We are a dynamic, forward-thinking community where passionate residents come together to create a sustainable future for all. Earning our third All-America City designation would be an incredible honor, and I’m excited to showcase Tallahassee’s strengths—our unique culture of collaboration and our shared dedication to continually enhancing the quality of life that makes us truly stand out.”

The focus of this year’s All-America City Award is on strengthening environmental sustainability through inclusive community engagement. “Communities thrive when all residents have a voice in the policies and decisions that shape their lives. This year’s finalists are leading the way by removing barriers to participation and implementing programs that foster sustainability, resilience, and inclusive engagement,” said Doug Linkhart, President of the National Civic League.

Finalists were selected through a rigorous review process conducted by an independent panel of experts. Cities were assessed based on criteria such as shared vision, citizen engagement, inclusivity and equity, collaboration, innovation and impact. The City of Tallahassee highlighted key community-driven initiatives including the Southside Action Plan, the expansion of the park system to 100 parks and the Clean Energy Plan.

A team of residents, nonprofit, business and govern-

ment leaders will join the 20 other finalist communities in Denver from June 27-29. Attendees will be immersed in a dynamic program featuring workshops, panel discussions and peer learning sessions led by national thought leaders and practitioners. Each community will present the story of their work to a jury of nationally recognized civic leaders. The event is every bit as much about learning and networking as it is about competing for the coveted

All-America City title. The 20 finalist communities span 12 states and range in size from 11,000 residents to nearly one million. Despite their differences, they share a commitment to empowering residents, fostering civic engagement and ensuring meaningful participation in local decision-making. 2025

All-America City finalist communities are Akron, Ohio; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Austin, Texas; Carrboro, North Carolina; Chelsea, Massachusetts; Delray Beach, Florida; Denver, Colorado; Fort Collins, Colorado; Hampton, Virginia; Jacksonville, North Carolina; Kinston, North Carolina; Leominster, Massachusetts; Memphis, Tennessee; Petaluma, California; Port St. Lucie, Florida; Seattle, Washington; Snyder, Texas; Statesboro, Georgia; Tallahassee, Florida; and Western Riverside Region, California.

"Annie" at Tallahassee's Young Actors Theatre

In its 50th Anniversary Season, Young Actors Theatre (YAT) recently announced Annie, a heartwarming and iconic musical, will run from April 4-13th. With its unforgettable music, including "Tomorrow" and "Hard Knock Life," Annie will leave audiences singing, smiling, and reflecting on the power of perseverance.

Presented by Prime Meridian Bank, the cast of Annie is uniquely multigenerational, boasting students from YAT’s audition-based company, as well as five dedicated “YAT Dads” who will take the stage alongside their children.

The role of “Daddy Warbucks” is shared by Carl Baum, father of Company Member Brooke, and Dr. Paul Marty, dad to the Company’s John and Evan, an alum of the program. Baum, a businessman like Warbucks with an MBA, knows there is no businesslike show business! The longtime YAT Dad also holds a BFA in Theatre from Jacksonville University and has numerous professional credits. Rather than feelings of stage fright or pre-show jitters, Baum is “excited to be onstage again as the iconic Oliver Warbucks,” and extends “gratitude to Young Actors Theatre and wishes the cast of Annie to break a leg!”

On the importance of performing arts education, Marty, a 17-year YAT Dad and FSU Associate Vice Provost

atre skills are life skills! Participating in theatre benefits young performers in so many ways, from giving them the confidence to perform in front of an audience to the ability to ‘take a note’ and improve their skills as they learn and grow.”

Ryan Johnson, who portrays President Roosevelt, echoes: “It's great to watch them enjoy themselves and know they're building a strong foundation for the future.” Johnson, a Distinguished Engineer at Broadcom and father of Company Members Nolan and Parker, furthers: “Theatre kids learn to handle pressure, think on their feet, and collaborate effectively. These are skills that prepare them for life beyond the stage, making them more adaptable and resilient in any situation.”

On his family, Dr. Allen Blay, Professor of Accounting at FSU and YAT Dad to sophomore twins Laney and Ansley, attests: “My girls have been doing this since they were five. I don't think you can understate the confidence they have gained from performing at YAT.” Blay, who plays a trustworthy aide to FDR, continues: “I wish all kids had the opportunity to participate in the arts in a meaningful way.”

Dr. Trevor Bryan, YAT Dad to Lorelei and Assistant Dean at FSU’s College of Business, shares: “The

class instruction, they then take that instruction and put in the work to actualize their goals.” As he takes on the role of President Roosevelt, Bryan notes: “In the last two months, I've seen firsthand the absolute talent, professionalism, and dedication of the entire cast as they prepare to share Annie with Tallahassee. I'm excited for everyone to see all the work these students have done and for them to get the applause they so richly deserve.”

In addition to these heartfelt family

and musical spectacle, complete with choreography by Broadway artists Lauren Haughton Gillis (Director of FSU’s Musical Theatre program) and Julie Kavanagh (of the Broadway Vocal Coach Aspire program), costumes by FAMU’s Dr. Evelyn D. Tyler, and direction and musical direction from YAT’s own Artistic Director, J. Scott Handley.

Tickets for Annie, April 4-13, start at $20 and are on sale now at YoungActorsTheatre.com.

Record-Breaking Year for Capital City Senior Games

The 16th annual Capital City Senior Games ended on last month.

A record-breaking 742 athletes (40 more than last year) participated in the popular, multi-week event that ran from Feb. 26 to March 23. They competed in 21 sports at 17 venues, including parks, community centers and golf courses.

Presented by the City of Tallahassee, the games help keep seniors active and healthy. When they began in 2010, 145 athletes participated. Randall Smith, who competes in the 5K and 10K cycling events in the 65-69 age group, was one of them, and he has not missed the Capital City Senior Games since. This year, sports enthusiasts from 50 cities in Florida registered for the games. The states of Alabama, Georgia, Indiana and Ohio were also represented. There were 330 women and 412 men.

Tallahassee is among 21 Florida cities that hold senior games, and according to the Florida Sports Foundation, it had the third highest participation.

“Congratulations to all the athletes!” Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey said. “What began as an event for our local community has grown significantly and earned the attention of seniors across the country who travel to our beautiful city for competition, cama-

raderie and fun. The success of this annual competition is a testament to our City’s Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Affairs staff who work hard every day to ensure our parks and programs are the best in the nation.”

The senior games are open to active adults ages 50 and older and feature competitions designed for all fitness levels. Nine of this year’s athletes were in their 90s. The oldest, Evangeline Steinmeier, will be 99 in June. She competed in bag toss. Don Rapp, 96, set a new record in the 100m track event. Sixty-four athletes were 80-89 years old. The five youngest athletes were 49 years old and will celebrate their 50th birthdays this year.

Of the 64 events, the most popular were pickleball doubles (144 participants), pickleball mixed doubles (104 participants), golf (100 participants), bag toss (85 participants), fun walk (75 participants), tennis doubles (60 participants), bowling singles (56 participants) and bench press (52 participants).

Among the many interesting athletes were 79-year-old Willie Jewel Vickers and 84-year-old Zoe Mansfield. Vickers, who registered for nine events, has participated since the second year of the Capital City Senior Games. The all-around athlete won several medals, and she broke

a 2013 record in the 80-84-year-old category for shot put. Vickers enjoys bag toss and bowling, but she loves bocce. She thinks she’ll add the javelin to her registration list next year. Mansfield is an avid powerlifter who has competed in the games since 2020. She took home the gold in dead lift and bench press. She’s not ruling out registering for additional sports in 2026.

The Capital City Senior Games kicked off with a Torch Run Opening Ceremony on Feb. 26 at Cascades Park. They were scheduled to end with a Celebration of Athletes featuring a dinner for participants and guests on March 18 at the Tallahassee Senior Center. While the dinner packed the auditorium with enthusiastic athletes, inclement weather delayed some of the athletic events, making March 23 the official finale of this year’s games. Nick Gandy, of the Florida Sports Foundation urged his fellow senior athletes to “keep practicing and stay active” until the next games. “We are never too old to go for the gold,” he said.

Organized by the City’s Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Affairs Department through its Senior Services division, the Capital City Senior Games are presented in partnership with Capital Health Plan, Audiology Associates of North Florida, Tallahassee Senior Center & Foundation, Tallahassee Friends of Our Parks Foundation, Leon County Government and Visit Tallahassee.

The Capital City Senior Games are sanctioned by the Florida Sports Foundation and give local athletes a chance to qualify for the Florida Senior Games State Championships and the National Senior Games.

Capital Conservatives to Host Mayor Dailey

The Capital Conservatives Club recently announced that Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey will be the guest speaker for the April 15th meeting.

The press release is provided below:

Mayor Dailey has dedicated his professional life to building strong, vibrant communities. He has had public service in his sights his entire life. As the son

of Dr. John Scott Dailey, the former Executive Director of the Florida Institute of Government and a former two-term Leon County School Board member, John could not have had a better role model to learn the value of just how effective quality leadership in government can be for our community.

He began his professional career working for the Florida League of Cities, represent-

ing over 400 municipal governments before the Florida Legislature and Administration. He also represented municipal governments across the nation before the U.S. Congress and Administration while working for the National League of Cities in Washington, D.C.

Mayor Dailey will update us on all the major events impacting our city. The sale or no sale of the hospital. How he

must deal with the split in the commission with certain commissioners opposing his every move. New growth and taxes. The challenges are many for our mayor. What would you like to ask him on Tuesday, April 15th?

The meeting will take place in the Elks Club at 276 North Magnolia Drive. There will be a dinner at 5:30pm followed by the monthly meeting from 6pm until 7pm.

Anyone is welcome to attend. Dinner is not mandatory but reservations are required if you intend to eat. Please contact Norm Mears at normmears1@ aol.com or 850-556-5827 by April 11th if you wish to make dinner reservations. For more information, you may contact us at 850-2511223.

Tallahassee Crime Incidents Continue to Fall in 2025

By Steve Stewart

Three months into 2025, crime incident data published daily by the Tallahassee Police Department shows that total crime incidents in 2025 have declined by 41.3% when compared to incident data from January thru March 2024. The drop was driven by a 45.1% decline in property crime.

The report comes after total crime incidents in 2024 declined by 9.2% when compared to incident data from 2023. The 2024 drop was driven by a 20.1% decline in violent crime.

The Numbers

The incident data -tabulated by TR – show that property crime incidents are down 45.1% and violent crime incidents are down 33.4% during the 3-month period. Property crimes encompass burglaries, thefts, and incidents of vandalism. Violent incidents include aggravated

assaults, armed robberies, and physical altercations.

A look at specific crimes (see table below) reveals the decrease in property crime was driven by a 64.6 decrease in commercial burglaries and a 42.4% decrease in residential burglaries. The

Florida Gaming Control Commission Partners with LCSO to Shut Down Three Illegal Casinos

By Staff

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida Gaming Control Commission and Leon County Sheriff’s Office recently conducted Operation Westside to shut down three illegal casinos in the Tallahassee area. Assistance from the Florida Highway Patrol and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations was also critical in carrying out the operation. Illegal slot machines and other illegal gambling machines, related equipment, and cash were seized from each location. Five arrests were also made.

Florida law strictly regulates gambling, with slot machines permitted only in licensed gaming facilities.

“While gambling is strictly regulated in Florida, illegal casinos continue to open and operate in our communities without regard for the law. Partnerships with law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal level are essential to ensure we keep Florida’s communities safe,” said Ross Marshman, Acting Executive Director of the Florida Gaming Control Commission.

“Sheriff McNeil’s leadership and the diligent efforts from the LCSO team were phenomenal in both the investigation and execution of Operation Westside. We are also thankful for the support of Colonel Howze and the Florida Highway Patrol in successfully and safely completing the operation, as well as the swift assistance from Homeland Security

casinos in our area, protecting our citizens from establishments that prey on their vulnerabilities and serve as breeding grounds for additional crimes,” said Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil. Collaborative law enforcement efforts, such as these, broaden our impact and strengthen our network.”

Inside these illegal establishments, $92,167.10 cash and 401 illegal gambling machines were seized by law enforcement personnel, as well as related equipment. Locations Included:

• Arcade 20, 6315 Blountstown Highway. Agents seized 95 illegal slot machines and 124 other illegal gambling machines, as well as $55,962.10 cash. A Notice to Appear (NTA) was issued to the manager for one count of Keeping a Gambling House and 86 counts of Possession of Slot Machines (first offense). A security guard was also issued an NTA for one count of Being an Agent/Employee of a Gambling House.

• Blount’s 4979, Inc., 4979 Blountstown Highway. Agents seized 118 illegal slot machines and $16,065 cash. The store

The store manager was also arrested for one count of Keeping a Gambling House and 64 counts of Possession of Slot Machines. Both are currently being detained by ICE.

“Illegal gambling poses serious risks in our communities, and patrons who gamble at these unlawful establishments have no guarantees of fair play or consumer protections, including collecting on their winnings. One of these three facilities in Operation Westside regularly refused to pay out money, and a patron thankfully reported this,” said Carl Herold, Florida Gaming Control Commission Director of Law Enforcement. “Our Gaming enforcement agents and law enforcement partners will continue to address illegal gambling to protect the safety of our communities,

Auto Burglary & Theft category –which accounts for approximately 55% of all property crimes – was down 41.1%.

The violent crime data shows that robbery incidents were down 39.1%, while assault & battery incidents were down 31.9%.

Fatal Shootings

Fatal shootings in 2025 are down when compared to 2024. During the first three months of 2024 there were 9 fatal shootings compared to 5 fatal shootings during the same 3-month period in 2025.

By Staff

Florida Highway Patrol recently announced that a traffic stop in Leon County led to the arrest and detainment of multiple people suspected of criminal activity and/or residing illegally in the U.S. According to an FHP post on X, the arrests happened after an FHP trooper pulled over a driver who was allegedly speeding and “recklessly endangering the public.”

The state agency said that once stopped, FHP identified the driver as a “suspected Latin Kings gang member,” and he was arrested on charges of driving without a license and with multiple open containers. FHP also arrested a passenger who the state agency said had a warrant in another area. “A passenger was wanted in St. Louis for DUI with injury,” the post said.

Five other people were taken into custody and turned over to the Tampa branch of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for allegedly residing illegally in the U.S., FHP wrote. The state agency stated the detainees were from Honduras and Mexico.

The arrests come approximately two months after an agreement between the state and the Department of Homeland Security. In early February, Governor Ron DeSantis announced a formal agreement between that allows FHP

City Approves $12 Million Contract for StarMetro Charging Stations

By Samuel Schaefer

At the March 26th meeting, the Tallahassee City Commission voted 5-0 to authorize the city manager to negotiate and execute StarMetro’s Bus Electrification Infrastructure Construction contract with Camber Operating Company, Inc. for $12,198,100. Camber Operating Company is based in Miami, Florida, and is devoted “to ending EV charging anxiety.” Camber is responsible for the construction and installation of over 1,500 DC chargers.

The agenda item noted that contracting with Camber Operating Company is a step towards achieving the goal of building greener buses. Also, the building of the EV chargers is in line with the City of Tallahassee’s

HEALTHCARE, From Front Page

stated FSU’s “interest in the potential establishment of an Academic Medical Center in Tallahassee.”

A letter from TMH was also attached to the agenda.

The letter from the TMH Board discusses the benefits of keeping local control of TMH operations and details the benefits of working with FSU on projects like the Academic Health Center.

In addition, TMH officials felt they were left out of an important meeting.

Stephanie Derzypolski, VP/ Chief Communications Officer for TMH told the local media that "When we saw this on the agenda and were not aware of any considerations around a potential or possible sale of the hospital, that....caught us off guard...Then when we heard some discussions were had

Five-Year Strategic Plan and clean energy resolutions.

Transportation Grant History

StarMetro completed a feasibility study on StarMetro Fleet Electrification Infrastructure in April 2022. The study included an analysis of routebased energy and charging optimization, equipment market, infrastructure, and yard layout assessments at StarMetro depots, utility grid interconnection assessments, the development of a renewable energy supply plan, an emergency backup power plan, and a financial analysis of the fleet conversion.

StarMetro used funding from the F.T.A. Section 5307 Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) for the

design phase of this project.

In 2023, the Tallahassee City Commission approved a resolution to accept a grant related to a U.S. Department of Transportation green energy program. The grant amount is up to $20,370,792 for a total project amount of $24,282,338 with match funding included. StarMetro’s grant application was for the purchase of eight batteryelectric buses (scalable to four) and infrastructure electrification.

The city officials noted the receipt and expenditure of this award is in accordance with the City’s 2019 Clean Energy Resolution and generally align with Objective 4E of the F.Y. 2020-2024 Strategic Plan to “ensure

A Healthcare Emergency

without us at the table ... That put us in a defensive posture."

Hospital Ownership

The hospital, which is now known as Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare, was founded by the city in 1949 and has since grown into an urban, nonprofit, community-based hospital serving a 21-county region across North Florida and South Georgia. The hospital has evolved from a city-operated entity into a nonprofitmanaged regional healthcare provider since transitioning to a lease-based model in 1979. Over the years, TMH has expanded its specialty care services, trauma capabilities, and regional footprint, aligning with national trends where independent hospitals integrate with larger health systems to

ensure financial stability and service expansion.

The City of Tallahassee owns the hospital’s land, buildings, and assets, while TMH operates the hospital as an independent nonprofit healthcare system under a long-term lease agreement. The City owns approximately 75 acres of land and approximately 2 million square feet of building space encompassed by TMH as the lessee.

The current governance structure requires elected officials to ratify board members, which has been a routine process.

The City Commission Meeting

Ahead of the March 26 city commission meeting, TMH officials and supporters

Leon County School Board Meeting Briefs: March 25, 2025

By Steve Stewart

Provided below are the news briefs from the March 25, 2025, Leon County School Board meeting.

Items Considered by the Board

Item 19.01, Item 1902, & Item 19.03: The Board voted unanimously, following a public hearing, to approve new policies 1500, 3500, & 4500, related to remote work guidelines for administrative, instructional and support staff, effective March 26, 2025.

Item 19.04: The Board voted unanimously to advertise new policy 7540.08 – Artificial Intelligence (AI), for a public hearing and adoption on May 13, 2025. The Superintendent is authorized to support the use of artificial intelligence technology when its use is consistent with the District’s mission, goals, and operational integrity.

Item 19.05: The Board voted unanimously to advertise new policy 5505 – Academic Honesty, for a public hearing and adoption on May 13, 2025.

Item 19.06: The Board voted unanimously to participate in the International Baccalaureate Bonus Program. Teachers are eligible to receive a $50 bonus for every student who has earned a score of “C” or higher on an International Baccalaureate Theory of Knowledge subject examination.

Item 19.07: The Board voted unanimously to approve the 2024-2025 EDEP Assistant Manager Pay Grade Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Leon County School District (LCS) and the Leon Educational Staff Professional Association (LESPA).

Item 19.08: The Board voted unanimously to approve the 2024-2025 Two Employee/Family Coverage MOU between the Leon County School District (LCS) and LESPA.

Item 19.09: The Board voted unanimously to approve the 2024-2026 Sick Leave Buy-Back MOU between

the Leon County School District (LCS) and LESPA.

Item 19.10: The Board voted unanimously to approve the 2025-2026 Paid Parental Leave MOU between the Leon County School District (LCS) and LESPA.

Item 19.11: The Board voted unanimously to approve the 2025-2026 Employee Childcare Assistance MOU between the Leon County School District (LCS) and LESPA.

Item 19.12: The Board voted unanimously to approve an issuance of a purchase order to North Florida Asphalt, Inc. for the Buck Lake Elementary School Site/Parking Improvements Project.

Item 19.13: The Board voted unanimously to approve the Verification of Florida Inventory of School Houses (FISH) Certification of Facilities Data.

Item 19.14: The Board voted unanimously to approve the Riley Elementary School Rezoning 5-Year Educational Plant Supplemental Survey for Leon County Schools Version 6.3.

Item 19.15: The Board voted to approve the Submittal of the School District of Leon County’s Tentative Five-year Facilities Work Plan for 2024-2025 to the Florida DOE.

Item 19.16: The Board voted unanimously to approve the third renewal option of CSI Contracting, Inc. Continuing Contracts for Professional Construction Management Consulting Services Continuing Contract (RFQ 480-2022).

Item 19.17: The Board voted unanimously to approve an issuance of a purchase order to Southland Rowe Roofing, Inc. for the Athletics Maintenance Building No. 3 Re-Roof Project.

Item 19.18: The Board voted unanimously to approve the revised 2024 –2025 and 2025 – 2026 regular school year calendars to include possible hazardous weather make-up days for the second semester.

public transit is accessible, efficient and equitable,” as well as Objective 3D-2, which states the City will increase its annual grant awards by 5 percent.

responded to media reports which characterized the upcoming meeting as focused on the sale of the hospital, but did not completely address the details related to the request for a change in the TMH governance structure. TMH public relation efforts were centered around the message, “ TMH is not for sale.”

At the meeting, speakers overwhelmingly told officials that they wanted TMH to remain a community hospital. The back and forth between the elected officials included Commissioners Matlow and Porter blaming Mayor Dailey and City Manager Reese Goad for a lack of transparency related to the issue.

Ahead of the meeting, Commissioner Matlow posted on Facebook, "While commissioners and the hospital were

kept in the dark, I learned this week that Mayor Dailey met with FSU weeks ago with a plan to 'deliver the hospital for Florida State."

Mayor Dailey responded to the criticism by stating the move by TMH to request a change in the governing structure deserved a detailed discussion.

Dailey added his responsibility was to protect the interest of the citizens of Tallahassee. He also noted that the sale of the hospital would take the full support of the city commission. The issue related to the change in governance structure will be voted on at the next city commission meeting scheduled for April 16.

Tallahassee City Commission Meeting Briefs: March 26, 2025

By Steve Stewart

Provided below are the news briefs from the Tallahassee City Commission meeting held on March 26, 2025.

Presentations

The City Commission presented four proclamations related to Women’s History Month, Maclay School Boys Soccer Team, Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month, and Leonard Hamilton, the former FSU men’s basketball coach.

The City Commission approved 12 Consent items.

Introduction of Ordinances

11.01 The City Commission voted to 5-0 to introduce an Ordinance No. 25-Z-05 amending the Official Zoning Map for 3.92 Acres Located at 2748 Pecan Road to change the zoning classification from Medium Density Residential (MR-1) to Urban Residential (R-4). The public hearing is scheduled for April 16, 2025.

11.02 The City Commission voted 5-0 to introduce Ordinance No. 25-O-07 related to the voluntary annexation petition for parcel ID: 14-18-21-0000050. The 43.5-acre parcel is located off of Meridian Road just north of the Summerbrooke neighborhood. The first and only public hearing is set for Wednesday, April 16, 2025. Prior to the public hearing, the Leon County Commission will vote on this application at their April 8, 2025, meeting.

Policy Formation and Direction 9.01 (Pulled from consent agenda) The City Commission voted 5-0 to approve the recommendation of an award for Landscape Maintenance Services to Rotolo Consultants, Inc. (IFB-028-25-LW).

12.01 The City Commission reviewed an informational item related to proposed changes in governance structure currently in place for Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare (TMH). A final vote on the proposal will take place at the April 16, 2025, city commission meeting.

12.02 The City Commission voted 5-0 to adopt Resolution No. 25-R-13 for a Florida Department of Transportation Public Transportation Grant Agree -

ment for the International Processing Facility Project at the Tallahassee International Airport — David Pollard, Aviation

12.03 The City Commission voted 5-0 to approve StarMetro’s Bus Electrification Infrastructure Construction contract with Camber Operating Company, Inc.

12.04 The City Commission voted 4-1 (Matlow in dissent) to approve Resolution Nos. 25-R-11 and 25-R-12 for Eminent Domain Action for Construction of the FAMU Way Phase IV Roadway Improvements.

Public Hearings

16.01 The City Commission voted 5-0 to hold first and only public hearing on Ordinance 25-Z-06 related to an amendment of the Official Zoning Map for 10.3 Acres located immediately south of Interstate 10, north of Portland Avenue, and Approximately 1,200 feet west of Old Bainbridge Road to change the Zoning Classification from the Single Family & Two-Family Residential (R-3) Zoning District to the Hudson Lakes Planned Unit Development (PUD) Zoning District. The PUD proposes a 255unit multi-family residential development.

16.02 The City Commission voted 5-0 to hold the first and only public hearing related to the adoption of the Amended FY 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan and the FY 2024-2025 Annual Action Plan. The amendment relates to $810,355 in funding provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to address the needs of individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness.

16.03 The City Commission voted 5-0 to hold the first of two public hearings on the development of the FY 2024-2029 Five Year Consolidated Plan, the FY 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan, and the FY 20252028 Local Housing Assistance Plan and schedule the Second and Final Public Hearing for June 11, 2025. A total of $4,460,079.00 is expected to be awarded for eligible activities in anticipation of federal and state grant reimbursements.

After 25 Years, Sue Dick Stepping Down as Tallahassee Chamber Leader

By Staff

After leading the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce for 25 years, Sue Dick, the President and CEO, is stepping down at the end of this year.

The organizations press release stated that Dick, “will be transitioning from the Chamber to explore new opportunities. Sue will continue to lead the Chamber until December 2025, ensuring a smooth and effective transition.”

“As I reflect on my time with the Chamber, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the incredible journey we have shared. The Chamber’s success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, board volunteers, members, and community partners. I am excited to see what the future holds and look forward to pursuing new ventures,” said Sue Dick.

The search for a new leader has already begun. Becky Tolnay of Tolnay Team Solutions has been identified as the independent consultant to lead a search committee and oversee the selection process.

ICE, From Front Page

Tallahassee Chamber press release:

The Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce announces that Sue Dick, who has dedicated 30 years to the organization, including 25 years as President and CEO, will be transitioning from the Chamber to explore new opportunities. Sue will continue to lead the Chamber until December 2025, ensuring a smooth and effective transition.

Named President after a national search in April of 2000, Sue was the first female President of the Chamber. Under her leadership, the Chamber has seen significant growth and success, making a lasting impact on the Tallahassee business community. Sue’s tenure has been marked by numerous achievements, including the expansion of membership, introduction of innovative programs, and strengthening of the Chamber’s role as a vital resource for local businesses. Her vision and dedication have been instrumental in shaping the Chamber’s success and fostering a thriving business

environment in Tallahassee.

“As I reflect on my time with the Chamber, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the incredible journey we have shared. The Chamber’s success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, board volunteers, members, and community partners. I am excited to see what the future holds and look forward to pursuing new ventures,” said Sue Dick.

Chairman of the Board Sha’Ron James added, “Sue’s leadership has been transformative for the Chamber and the Tallahassee business community. Her commitment to excellence and collaboration has set a high standard for all of us. We are grateful for her many years of service and look forward to continuing her legacy of growth and success.”

During her time as President, Sue has engaged in key initiatives, helped develop new programs, and strengthened the Chamber’s role as a trusted resource. Some of these accomplishments include:

• Creation of World Class Schools, Access Tallahassee, and the Greater Tallahassee Chamber Foundation, Inc.

• Championed the innovative North Florida Worlds of Work under the Tallahassee Chamber Talent and Workforce strategic priority

• Evolved Chamber programming to more than 400 events annually, including the two largest business events: Annual Community Conference and Annual Meeting

As the Chamber embarks on its search for a new President, Becky Tolnay of Tolnay Team Solutions has been identified as the independent consultant to lead the search committee and oversee the selection process. This ensures a thorough approach to finding the best candidate to continue the Chamber’s mission and build on the strong foundation established by Sue. Becky Tolnay works with organizations, agencies, and businesses to provide strategy

sessions, facilitation services, and strategic engagement. The search committee will be looking for visionary candidates with demonstrated Chamber leadership and/ or business experience in an executive role to ensure the continued success and expansion of the Chamber and its affiliate programs.

The Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Staff extends its deepest gratitude to Sue Dick for her exceptional service and unwavering commitment and look forward to seeing the new ventures and opportunities she will pursue.

Matlow, Porter Question TPD’s Cooperation with ICE

reports indicated that Porter and Matlow peppered the city manager with questions via email related to the issue. City Manager Reese Goad responded to Porter’s concerns about the agreement and indicated that the issue was vetted by TPD Chief Revell before signing the agreement.

The City Commission Meeting

The meeting did not feature a specific agenda item related to the issue; however, several public speakers asked the city to rescind the agreement. Some speakers argued that the city was not obligated by the law to cooperate with the federal government.

After the public speakers, during the commissioner discussion section of the meeting, the issue was first addressed by Commissioner Matlow who was interested in understanding the financial resources dedicated to facilitating the agreement.

Chief Revell said TPD will make one officer available for 40 hours of training related to the agreement and that the costs to the taxpayers are negligible. He said no resources currently in use to protect the citizens of Tallahassee will be reallocated to the tasks associated with the agreement.

Revell also explained that he vetted the agreement with TPD’s legal department and with the Florida Police

Chiefs Association and concluded it was the prudent thing to do.

Revell noted that TPD will be looking for violent felons and added, “We’re not going out knocking on doors. We’re not randomly going out, checking IDs. We're not going to do anything different than what we’ve been doing.

Chief Revell reassured Commissioner Matlow that TPD officers are not using racial profiling to enforce the parameters in the agreement.

Commissioner Porter focused on the process on how the city entered into the agreement and if there was legal requirement to sign the agreement.

Chief Revel reiterated that his decision was based on legal consultation related to the state law that was recently passed and the Governor’s executive order related to the issue.

City Attorney Amy Towman told Commissioner Porter that the state is interpreting the law as to require municipalities to enter into the agreements.

Commissioner Porter made a motion to have an informational item come back to the city commission related to the legal issues surrounding the signing of the agreement. The motion failed 3-2, with Porter and Matlow in favor and Dailey, Richardson and Williams-Cox against.

School Speed Zone Enforcement Begins on Kerry Forest, Tharpe Street

SPEED ZONE, From Front Page

fic study was conducted at Leon County public schools for one day during the proposed hours of enforcement. The study revealed that more than one hundred vehicles exceeded the posted speed limit by at least ten miles per hour. In all, more than 47,000 violations were observed during the study. It is anticipated that these violations will dramatically decrease with the initiation of the program.

Program History

On April 10, 2024, the Tallahassee City Commission voted unanimously to introduce a new ordinance regarding school speed zone enforcement and scheduled its first public hearing for April 24, 2024.

According to the agenda item, the ordinance was drafted in accordance with new statutory requirements to initiate the implementation of a school speed zone

Florida State Adding New Doak Jumbotrons

State university system leaders recently approved plans by Florida State University to expand renovations at Doak Campbell Stadium that will include a new Jumbotron scoreboard and to build a lacrosse complex for a women’s team.

The university in 2023 issued $265 million in bonds for stadium renovations, with the project focused on renovations to seating on the west side of the stadium and in the south end zone. The state university system’s Board of Governors on Wednesday approved changing a bond resolution to use $25 million of the money for the scoreboard and other work. The $25 million would come from projected savings during the project.

In 2022, the Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency voted to allocate $20 million to Florida State University for improvements to Doak Campbell Stadium. Separately, the board approved $12 million from FSU funds for an internal loan to construct a new 1,000-seat lacrosse complex that could bring an-

enforcement program at identified Leon County public school locations within the City limits to enhance public safety. Additionally, the new law allows municipalities to utilize automated speed detection systems, and the cost of the program will be supported by the fines.

The implementation of the school zone speed zone program will require a public awareness campaign prior to

the commencement of enforcement activities, a thirtyday warning period on all violations during the public awareness campaign, as well as signage notifying motorist that speed detection systems are in use.

Previously, on April 28, 2023, the Florida Legislature passed, and the Governor signed “Enforcement of School Speed Zone Limits” into law, which became effective on July 1, 2023. The

Local News Briefs

other NCAA-level sport for female student athletes.

TPCA Closes After 30 Years

Tallahassee Primary Care Associates is closing after nearly 30 years. The practice has sent a letter to its patients announcing the closure.

The letter stated, “For nearly 30 years, Tallahassee Primary Care Associates (TPCA) has had the pleasure of providing high quality, evidence-based healthcare to you and our community. We sincerely appreciate your loyalty and trust in us. Recently, we have made the very difficult decision to close our TPCA practice effective April 25, 2025.”

Patients were encouraged to contact their physician’s office if they have any questions.

It’s not a complete surprise. TPCA announced in January that it would be “undergoing some restructuring and changes. Select physicians have announced their departure and other departures may also take place.”

At that time, the practice assured patients their medical records will remain secure and accessible.

In addition, the press release noted that “some of TPCA’s ancillary services will be transitioning and no longer offered. This includes the laboratory located at TPCA’s headquarters and the Diagnostic Services Center. TPCA’s onsite laboratory will be ending services as of February 28, 2025, and you will be directed to another laboratory for all future laboratory related needs.”

City to Pursue Eminent Domain Action Related to Circle K Project

At the March 26 Tallahassee City Commission meeting, after several public speakers, Mayor Dailey announced the city would pursue eminent domain action related to a Circle K development planned for the Canopy neighborhood at the corner of Dempsey Mayo and Welaunee Blvd.

After concerns were voiced by homeowners over the last year, city officials attempted to resolve the issue by purchasing the property to use for a public purpose. However, Circle K recently posted a comment on social media indicating their desire to move forward with the project.

The controversy came

about due to amendments to the zoning laws related to the Canopy development which were approved in 2021. The amendments allow one of the uses of the commercial property in question to be a gas station.

Impacted homeowners discovered the application for the Circle K gas station that would be located within 50-60 feet from homes in the neighborhood and have voiced concerns during several city commission meetings over the last year.

City commissioners, who were surprised to find out about the situation related to the zoning laws, vowed to address the issue.

TSC Announces New Name of HCA Simulation Lab

Tallahassee State College (TSC) has officially named one of its state-of-the-art simulation centers the HCA Florida Healthcare Simulation Center.

Housed within the Ghazvini Center for Healthcare Education, the simulation center offers immersive, hands-on training in a variety of realistic clinical environments. This advanced facility equips healthcare students with the skills

purpose of the law is to make Florida’s school zones safer by changing drivers’ behavior in and around school zones. The law allows for violations of more than ten miles per hour over the applicable speed limit in school zones when children are going to or from school, and during the entirety of the school day to result in a notice of violation fine of $100 mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle.

and confidence needed to deliver safe, high-quality patient care.

The naming reflects a powerful partnership between TSC and HCA Florida Healthcare which invested $500,000 in the facility.

The Ghazvini Center for Healthcare Education, located near Tallahassee’s medical corridor, is a hub for leading-edge healthcare training. The 85,000-square-foot facility is home to TSC’s flagship programs in nursing, respiratory therapy, and surgical technology. The center fosters a hands-on learning environment where students gain the practical skills and experience needed to excel in their careers.

The press release noted the “partnership underscores a shared commitment to advancing healthcare education. Together, TSC and HCA Florida Healthcare are investing in the future—preparing the next generation of nurses enter the field with confidence, competence, and a deep dedication to serving their communities.”

State News

House Speaker Calls for Sales-Tax Cut

By Jim Turner

The News Service of Florida

TALLAHASSEE — House

Speaker Daniel Perez recently said he wants to lower the state’s sales-tax rate, trimming revenue by almost $5 billion a year.

Perez, R-Miami, told House members he has directed Ways & Means Chairman Wyman Duggan, R-Jacksonville, to produce a bill next week that would lower the rate from 6 percent to 5.25 percent.

“This will not be a temporary measure; a stunt or a tax holiday. This will be a permanent, recurring tax reduction,” Perez said.

Since taking their powerful positions in November, Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, have warned lawmakers about a need to slow spending. At least in part, that is because federal money that flooded into the state during the COVID-19 pandemic has dried up.

Perez said the sales-tax

proposal is tied to efforts to reduce state agency spending.

“We cannot spend our way out of a spending problem. We must remove the temptation to spend,” Perez said.

House and Senate budget panels this week have released initial spending proposals for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, which will start July 1. The House and Senate ultimately will have to negotiate a final budget in the coming weeks.

Albritton spokesman Katie Betta said in an email

Wednesday that the two leaders have shared views on the budget, including concerns about spending on recurring programs, and that the president looks forward to reviewing the House proposal.

“The Senate budget prioritizes broad-based tax relief, debt repayment and reserves, while reducing per-capita spending,” Betta said. “The president has tremendous respect for the speaker and looks forward to partnering with the House on a significant, broad-based tax relief package to make sure Florida

families can keep more of the money they earn.”

Without a state income tax, Florida relies heavily on sales taxes to fund programs such as schools, health care and prisons. While the state has a 6 percent rate, many counties have higher rates through what is known as a “discretionary” sales tax.

Perez’s comments Wednesday came after Gov. Ron DeSantis and many lawmakers have called during this year’s legislative session for reducing — or possibly even eliminating — property taxes. Critics of such property-tax ideas have said they could force increasing sales taxes to make up the lost revenue.

In a budget proposal released Feb. 3, DeSantis called for $2.2 billion in tax cuts that mostly would come through the elimination over two years of a tax that businesses pay on commercial leases, a move long sought by business groups. He’s also called for a return of sales tax “holidays” on school supplies, recreational items, hurricane

Judge Halts New Florida Immigration Law

By Jim Saunders The News Service of Florida

TALLAHASSEE — Pointing to the federal government’s power to regulate immigration, a U.S. district judge Friday temporarily blocked a new Florida law aimed at cracking down on undocumented immigrants.

Miami-based Judge Kathleen Williams issued a 14-page decision granting a request for a temporary restraining order against the law, which the Republicancontrolled Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis approved in February. The law created state crimes for undocumented immigrants who enter or re-enter Florida.

Williams issued the temporary restraining order two days after the Florida Immigrant Coalition, the Farmworker Association of Florida and two individual plaintiffs filed the lawsuit alleging, in part, that the law violates what is known as the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution because immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility.

Williams wrote that the plaintiffs “persuasively posit that SB 4-C (the law) unlawfully encroaches” on federal power to control immigration. She also cited details of the law, such as

its requirements that people convicted of illegally entering the state face nine-month prison terms and longer sentences for subsequent convictions.

“First, it gives state officials authority to prosecute illegal entry or reentry in cases where federal actors may choose not to,” the judge wrote. “Even when federal officials choose to commence dual prosecutions under both laws, (SB 4-C’s) mandatory detention provision limits federal law enforcement discretion to recommend pre-trial release and obstructs federal courts’ ability to conduct proceedings requiring defendants’ presence. Additionally, SB 4-C requires mandatory prison sentences for state law violations where the INA (the federal Immigration and Nationality Act) allows for a fine or probation for the equivalent federal crime.”

A temporary restraining order is generally limited to 14 days, and Williams scheduled an April 18 hearing on the plaintiffs’ request for a preliminary injunction, which could block the law while the case continues to play out.

The lawsuit also alleges a violation of the Constitution’s Commerce Clause because it “impermissibly regulates people’s

supplies, and for ammunition and firearms.

As part of budget negotiations, the House and Senate are expected to reach a deal on a tax-cut package.

Perez gave a brief overview Wednesday of the House budget proposal, which he said will be lower than the $116.5 billion budget in the current fiscal year and DeSantis’ proposed $115.6 billion budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

“For the first time since the Great Recession, we will roll out a budget that actually spends less money than we did in the prior fiscal year,” Perez said. “Of course, the special interests will say the sky is falling and the world is ending. But it won’t, and it’s not. They have lost sight of the difference between our state’s needs and their wants.”

After Perez announced his sales-tax proposal, the House unanimously voted to override four of DeSantis’ budget vetoes from the current year’s spending plan. Those vetoes totaled $4.74 million. It was not immediately clear wheth-

entry into Florida, and it imposes unacceptable burdens on interstate and foreign commerce.”

While Williams based her decision on the Supremacy Clause issue, she wrote that the plaintiffs’ “Commerce Clause analysis also supports their request” for a temporary restraining order.

Lawmakers passed the measure during a February special session, saying they were trying to help carry out President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. SB 4-C was one of two immigration bills passed during the special session.

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of the plaintiffs by lawyers from the American Civil Liberties Union and Americans for Immigrant Justice, did not target the other new law. The state has not filed arguments in the case.

“The court’s order halts a dangerous and discriminatory law that sought to criminalize people for simply moving within the United States,” Bacardi Jackson, executive director of the ACLU of Florida, said in a statement late Friday. “Florida’s leaders may want to score political points by targeting immigrants, but the Constitution doesn’t allow it. We’ll continue fighting until SB 4-C is struck down permanently.”

DeSantis Says 7,800 Officers Have Taken State Recruitment Bonuses

By The Center Square

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said on Wednesday that 7,800 law enforcement officers have taken advantage of the state’s recruitment bonus program since its launch in 2022.

The two-term Republican governor made the remarks at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in Ocala in central Florida, where the latest round of bonuses were disbursed. According to state officials, 660 bonuses have been provided to law enforcement recruits statewide.

“The recruitment bonuses that my deputies will receive aren’t just a check, but a statement,” Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods said at the news conference. “It tells the men and women in uniform that their choice to serve and protect matters. That commitment and sacrifice are seen and valued by the highest leadership in this state.”

Woods also said he’s sent a recruiter to New York to hire new deputies with the bonuses providing a powerful incentive.

“I had him plant a flag right there, on their front door steps and said ‘hire them as they walk out the

door,'” Woods said.

The $53 million program provides a one-time, $5,000 bonus after taxes to newly employed officers that choose to practice law enforcement in Florida.

According to state officials, 1,700 officers from 49 states and two territories have relocated to the Sunshine State. Five hundred of them have come from California, Illinois and New York, states that DeSantis said are “anti-police.”

“We’re a law and order state, we’re going to support law enforcement people that wear the uniform,” DeSantis said. “We’re going to make sure our laws are enforced and we’re never going to let the inmates run the asylum in the state.

“But you have the backdrop for a number of years recently where other states and cities around the country were doing the opposite, they were blaming law enforcement, treating them poorly with lax laws that benefited repeat offenders, you saw their cities decay as a result of this. Prosecutors wouldn’t prosecute crimes and that’s created a situation that’s intolerable to a lot of people.”

er the Senate also will vote to override the vetoes.

The four vetoed items were $140,000 for the Florida Senior Veterans in Crisis Fund; $2.5 million for a Rockledge water-treatment project; $1 million for an automated staffing, time management and scheduling system; and $1.104 million for a sewer and water project in Baldwin.

Betta said Albritton is gathering input and “will make a final decision regarding taking up the additional veto overrides when the bill returns from the House.”

During a special session in February, the House and Senate overrode a DeSantis veto of $57 million for “legislative support services” — the first time the Legislature has overridden a DeSantis veto during his six years as governor.

After DeSantis vetoed the $57 million last year, the Legislature had to dip into reserves to avoid firing employees or shutting down operations.

offer a broad range of healthcare services, including emergency medicine, general surgery, and diagnostic imaging. In addition, the agreement outlines the development of specialized service lines such as cardiac care, neurology, and orthopedics.

“Access to quality health care is essential for the well-being of all residents in Northwest Florida,” said Jorge Gonzalez, president, CEO & chairman of The St. Joe Company. “FSU Health meeting a critical need for more health care options in tandem with education and research opportunities for students is transformative for the region.”

A key component of the plan is the Academic Clinical Collaboration Agreement, which will govern future clinical research and medical education programs at the hospital. This partnership will create opportunities for FSU’s graduate medical education initiatives and improve the much-needed talent development of health care professionals in the region.

“I’m thrilled to hear that FSU, in collaboration with Tallahassee Memorial Hospital and The St. Joe Company, has announced their intention to expand access to health care in Northwest Florida with a new hospital in Panama City Beach,” said U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn, who represents Bay and 15 other counties in Florida’s 2nd Congressional District. “FSU and Tallahassee Memorial have a proven track record of improving health care outcomes across the communities they serve. This new facility represents the beginning of another outstanding chapter of collaboration between these organizations that will benefit the entire Bay County community.”

The project is the next phase in FSU’s longstanding commitment to improving health care in North Florida.

Notable milestones include the launch of FSU Health in 2022 and construction of an academic health center on the Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare campus, which is set to open in 2026.

“We are proud to be part of this region’s future, and we look forward to opening the doors to a new era of health care that will benefit families and communities for generations to come,” McCullough said.

The construction of the new Panama City Beach hospital is set to begin soon, with a targeted opening date in 2028.

President/Publisher: Kathy Stewart

Editor: Steve Stewart

Contributing Writers: Steve Stewart, Maddox Goodman, Samuel Schaefer, Kate Stewart

Social Media and Data Analysis: Robert Stewart

Bill Cotterell: We’re in for a Fun Race

A Republican primary between Byron Donalds and Casey DeSantis would be divisive and expensive.

By Bill Cotterell, The News Service of Florida

Florida’s campaign for governor next year looks like the most interesting race we’ve seen in 40 years. In some ways, it mirrors 1986. Only this time, it’s the Republicans who run everything and — instead of being an emerging force — the Florida Democratic Party may well have its last chance to salvage some relevancy.

The cast of characters, at least at the moment, is fascinating.

We have Southwest Florida Congressman Byron Donalds, who has President Donald Trump’s early endorsement to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis. To get the GOP nomination, Donalds will probably have to get past the governor’s wife, Casey DeSantis, in what would likely be the most divisive and expensive primary campaign the Republicans have ever seen.

And if former Congressman Matt Gaetz gets into it, the nastiness quotient rises exponentially. The Panhandle politician has shown his skills as a bare-knuckle brawler — as

former U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy can attest — but his list of governmental accomplishments is not long. And there’s that unpleasantness from his short-lived bid for U.S. attorney general. Donalds is seeking to become the first Black governor, and Black candidates have never won a statewide race in Florida, unless you want to count a Supreme Court justice who’d already been appointed to a vacancy, back when members were elected in competitive races.

Former Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum came close against DeSantis in 2018, but close is still second-best.

Race is probably not the disadvantage it’s been in the past. Trump’s endorsement should go a long way in offsetting doubts among Republicans, as Donalds has established a solid MAGA record since first getting elected to Congress in 2020.

But will Trump — who’s carried Florida three times by increasing margins — be as strong in 18 months as he is now? Could his backing be an embarrassment by then?

A president’s party normally

gets clobbered in the middle of his second term, but there are many unique factors about Trump — and Florida. And besides, the Democrats are in such disarray, nationally and in-state, normal rules don’t apply.

And would DeSantis, who’s dominated state government for six years and got nearly 60 percent of the vote when he won re-election, be able to transfer some of that popularity to his wife?

She’s been coy about running, like most potential candidates at this stage of the contest, but Casey DeSantis is well-respected in the party. Meanwhile, her husband has been pointedly saying that while Donalds has been getting a lot of national attention, you don’t see his name on any Florida initiatives.

The governor recently launched a potentially historychanging initiative — the prospect of eliminating property taxes. That’s only at the study-commission stage in the Legislature. But if there’s a constitutional amendment on next year’s ballot to eliminate property taxes, it could overshadow everything else.

Donalds has also endorsed the concept, which fits nicely with the Republican view that you never really own your home if you have to write a check to the local government every year. Even if an amendment falls short of 60 percent public approval, putting one on the ballot would strategically upstage the Democrats, who would have to come out against it. “We want to cut your taxes and they don’t” is not a bad slogan for the GOP.

The Democratic Party is still a recognized entity in Florida politics, but just barely. It holds no statewide elected offices and is lopsidedly outnumbered in the Legislature. Other than speaking out in committee and floor debates, or holding news conferences in the Capitol rotunda, Democrats are mainly spectators in the legislative session.

This is not a posture that attracts campaign contributions or major attention on issues.

Coincidentally, the Democrats are pretty much where the Republicans were 40 years ago. In 1986, Democrats had Attorney General Jim Smith, Senate President Harry

Johnston and State Rep. Steve Pajcic running for governor. Pajcic won a runoff but lost to former Tampa Mayor Bob Martinez, an ex-Democrat. It was the start of the Democratic decline.

Now, state Senate Minority Leader Jason Pizzo appears to be the frontrunner among Democrats, if there is such a thing, and he’d like to pull the party back from the far left. Some Democrats hope former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham, who lost the nomination to Gillum in 2018, could try again.

And the most novel alternative is former Republican Congressman David Jolly, a never-Trumper who told Politico Florida he’s considering a run for governor. Like Donalds, Jolly is a familiar face in TV panel discussions. But have the Democrats fallen so far that they’d nominate a former Republican, even a well-known one? Somebody ask Charlie Crist.

Bill Cotterell is a retired Capitol reporter for United Press International and the Tallahassee Democrat. He can be reached at wrcott43@aol.com.

Commissioner Brian Welch Explains History Behind NE Development

By Steve Stewart

There has been a lot of discussion about the recent announcement related to the permitting of two restaurants near Chiles High School off of Thomasville Road. The projects include a Waffle House and a Culvers. The initial announcement stimulated a lot of discussion about growth and development and resulted in approximately 400 comments on a social media post by Leon County Commissioner Brian Welch. The project is located in Welch’s district.

Recently, Commissioner Welch posted a timeline related to the projects to provide some “context about the deliberate and thoughtful nature of our local planning efforts.”

In his post Welch notes that “As Leon County continues to grow, questions about development—especially near schools and residential neighborhoods—are understandable and expected.”

Welch’s comments about the permitting process related to the projects is provided below:

While construction activity may seem sudden, the truth is that this growth is the result of over three decades of deliberate planning, coordination, public oversight and private investment.

The history of this site dates back

Stocks Drop

Stocks dropped significantly on Friday, with major players reacting to the aftereffects of President Donald Trump’s broad reciprocal tariffs. The market movement is in response to one of the president's key promises made during the campaign—to tackle what has been perceived as unfair trade practices, potentially nudging manufacturers to return to the US.

Major stock indexes dropped during regular trading (S&P 500 -4.8%, Dow -4.0, Nasdaq -6.0%), largely on fears of higher costs for importing goods. Administration officials have argued the temporary economic pain will be offset by manufacturers choosing to relocate—or at least relocate supply chains—to the US.

Several major companies with manufacturing supply chains in the hardest-hit countries saw their shares slide. Some of the biggest drops include Nike (-14%), Apple (-9%), and Deckers Outdoor (-14%).

Trump has remained open to using the trade taxes as negotiating levers.

to the early 1990s, when the property was zoned Agricultural, allowing for low-density uses like farming, singlefamily homes, churches, and schools. This began to change in 1997, when Harry Middlebrooks deeded approximately 70 acres to Leon County, which later became the site for Chiles High School. That same year, the Urban Services Area (USA) was extended to include the school site, signaling that the area would soon have access to infrastructure like water, sewer, and roads needed to support more intensive development.

In 1998, Leon County entered into an agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the Leon County School Board to build a regional stormwater facility and frontage road to serve the school. This infrastructure—funded in part by FDOT—laid the groundwork for future development. That same year, construction transforming Thomasville Road from a rural two-lane roadway, to a major six lane principal arterial was taking place.

In 2000, the County adopted the Bradfordville Sector Plan, which introduced more detailed planning for growth in the area, including the establishment of zoning overlays and land use guidance around the intersection of Thomasville Road and Bannerman Road. This plan was created to guide

Alzheimer's Blood Test

growth in a way that encourages compact, walkable communities. One of its key successes is Bannerman Crossings, a walkable, mixed-use town center that brings together shops, restaurants, and offices and residences in a compact space. This type of development offers several benefits: it helps reduce traffic by promoting walking and shorter trips and makes better use of infrastructure.

The next major step came in 2020, when both the Board of County Commissioners and the City Commission approved a Future Land Use Map amendment, changing the designation of the subject property from Rural to Bradfordville Mixed Use, and extending the USA to include it. Importantly, Talquin Electric Cooperative confirmed that water and sewer service were available—and committed to expanding capacity if needed. The Leon County School Board also unanimously supported the USA expansion. Rather than immediately developing the site, the property owner chose a more customized and community-sensitive path by pursuing a Planned Unit Development (PUD).

Between April and September 2021, the proposed Bradfordville Hills PUD was reviewed by staff and the Development Review Committee and later received unanimous approval from the Planning Commission. The Board of County Commissioners approved the

National News Briefs

Researchers have developed a blood test that diagnoses Alzheimer's disease and measures its progression with 92% accuracy. The breakthrough offers a potential tool to accurately diagnose the disease while tailoring treatments to an individual's specific disease stage.

Unlike existing blood tests that only aid in diagnosis, the new test can distinguish between early- and late-stage Alzheimer's and differentiate it from other causes of cognitive impairment. The test identifies levels of MTBR-tau243, a protein that indicates toxic tau accumulation in the brain, correlating with Alzheimer's severity. Researchers found patients with non-Alzheimer's cognitive impairment showed normal levels of the protein, while patients with mild cognitive symptoms from Alzheimer's showed elevated tau protein levels, and those in the dementia phase showed levels up to 200 times higher.

Alzheimer's affects nearly 7 million Americans. Accumulations of molecules known as amyloid beta plaques and misfolded tau proteins are believed to play a key role.

Existing-Home Sales Decreased Rebound in February

Existing-home sales ascended in February, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. For both monthly and year-over-year sales, two major U.S. regions experienced growth, one region remained stable and the other registered a decline.

Total existing-home sales –completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops – progressed 4.2% from January to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.26 million in February. Year-overyear, sales slid 1.2% (down from 4.31 million in February 2024).

"Home buyers are slowly entering the market," said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. "Mortgage rates have not changed much, but more inventory and choices are releasing pent-up housing demand."

Total housing inventory registered at the end of February was 1.24 million units, up 5.1% from January and 17% from one year ago (1.06 million). Unsold inventory sits at a 3.5-month supply at the

PUD in December 2021.Development will advance in phases and will ultimately provide a much-needed variety of housing to serve multi-generations of families and workforce options to support area businesses, as well as additional office and restaurant commercial uses – all supported by appropriate infrastructure.

This development reflects a model that Leon County strives to follow: intentional growth supported by infrastructure, guided by long-range planning, and informed by public engagement. Every step—land use changes, USA expansion, zoning, stormwater planning, and site-specific approvals— followed a transparent, public process.

The area around Chiles High School is growing, but it is not doing so haphazardly. It is developing as planned, in accordance with the County’s vision for responsible, well-supported growth. This is not just new construction—it’s a case study in how decades of careful planning can shape a thriving, connected, and well-served community.

I hope this provides you with a better understanding of the deliberate and decades-long planning process that is undertaken when new growth is contemplated. This is an example of smart, responsible growth management that serves our community and generates tax revenue to support social services and quality of life improvements.

current sales pace, identical to January and up from 3.0 months in February 2024.

"On a technical note, raw sales in February were down 5.2% from last year, which was a leap year with one extra day of business," Yun added. "However, after adjusting for this effect, combined with the winter seasonal factors, the momentum for home sales is flashing encouraging signs."

The median existing-home price for all housing types in February was $398,400, up 3.8% from one year ago ($383,800). All four U.S. regions registered price increases.

"Each one percentage point gain in home price translates into an approximately $350 billion increase in housing equity for American property owners," Yun said. "That means a gain of nearly $1.3 trillion in home value appreciation at a time when the current stock market is undergoing a correction. Moreover, the ongoing housing shortage, coupled with historically low mortgage default rates, implies a solid foundation for home values."

Actor Val Kilmer Dies

Actor Val Kilmer, whose many credits include leading roles as Batman and the Doors’ Jim Morrison, died yesterday from complications of pneumonia, according to a statement from his daughter. A 2014 throat cancer diagnosis and years of treatment had led to the loss of his voice. He was 65.

Born New Year’s Eve 1959, Kilmer grew up in Los Angeles and became one of the youngest students admitted to Juilliard’s acting program at age 17. In 1983, he made his Broadway debut in “Slab Boys” alongside Sean Penn and Kevin Bacon, going on to play a mix of theatrical roles, including Hamlet. Regarded by colleagues as an eccentric, Kilmer would perform in more than 60 films including “Top Gun,” “Tombstone,” and “The Saint."

A fascination with American humorist Mark Twain led the actor to write and perform in a solo play on the writer, “Citizen Twain,” amid a broader hiatus from Hollywood in the 2010s.

Leon County Unemployment Rate Ticks Up in February

The latest employment report shows that the number of jobs in Leon County remained unchanged in February when compared to January. There were 161,030 people working in Leon County in February compared to January’s revised employment number of 161,081, a decline of 51 jobs. The February unemployment rate came in at 3.8%, up from the 3.7% reported last month. The

There were 167,338 people in the workforce in February, up from 167,336 reported in January.

Year Over Year Comparisons

The Leon County Jobs Report, provided below, shows the number of people working in February 2025 was 840 more than in February 2024. The February labor force – those looking for jobs – came in at 167,338 which was 2,008 more than the number reported one year ago. The January unemployment rate of 3.7% is up from the 3.2% reported one year ago.

size of the workforce also remained unchanged.

The chart to the right shows the monthly level of jobs in Leon County over the last 37 months with a 12-month average trend line.

Airport Traffic Starts 2025 Trending Down

The latest information from the Tallahassee International Airport shows the February 2025 passenger traffic decreased 1.1% when compared to traffic one year ago. The number of passengers was down 804 from the 71,745 reported during February 2024 to 70,941 in February 2025. The calendar year-to-date comparison, January through February, shows passenger traffic is down 3.95% in 2025 when compared to 2024.

Relative to 2024, the Passenger Traffic Report shows year-over-year passenger counts in February were down 6.2% for American Airlines, up 10.9% for the Delta Group and up 184.6% for Silver Airways.

Service provider Jet Blue ended service in November, 2024.

The graph to the right shows the annualized number of passengers for the last 37-months. The highlighted numbers on the graph indicate the annual traffic during the month of November over the last four years.

The annual rate of passengers at TIA in February 2025 – 957,795 – is up 9.21% when compared to one year ago (876,999). The annualized number of passengers is calculated by summing the previous 12 months of traffic.

Local Business Briefs

2025 Firms to Watch

HCA Florida Capital Hospital Acquires Intuitive da Vinci 5® Surgical System

HCA Florida Capital Hospital is pleased to announce the recent acquisition of the Intuitive da Vinci 5® surgical system, designed with the goal of further advancing technology used in minimally invasive care.

The Da Vinci 5, Intuitive’s most advanced and integrated platform is designed to transform surgery to enable better outcomes, efficiency, and actionable insights that include:

• Improved accuracy and precision

• Next-generation 3D display and image processing First-of-its-kind forcesensing technology

• Meaningful throughput and workflow enhancements

• Expanded computing power and advanced data capabilities

The system can be used for minimally invasive surgical procedures for urology, gynecology, thoracic, and general surgeries.

Aegis Named a Gator 100 Fastest Growing Business

Aegis was recently named one of the 2025 University of Florida’s Gator 100, recognizing the company as one of the fastestgrowing businesses in the world led by University of Florida alumni. Alumni from

• Greater surgeon comfort According to, national medical director of robotics for HCA Healthcare, Thomas Payne says, “HCA Healthcare now employs about 20 different robotic platforms across its centers, or a total of 934 robots as of March. The robots have helped perform more than 1 million surgical procedures at HCA Healthcare facilities, a milestone reached last year.”

UF have established and led some of the fastestgrowing businesses globally, and the UF Alumni Association proudly recognizes these remarkable entrepreneurs through the Gator100 program. This prestigious initiative celebrates their entrepreneurial spirit and achievements by inviting honorees back to campus for an annual two-day unique experience. Aegis CEO, Blake Dowling, had this to say about the recognition. “For our growth in new markets like Gainesville, with our larger staff, and new HQ, to be acknowledged by UF is something special. It is an awesome year for Aegis Nation, and we are honored to be among these other 99 high performing businesses around the world. We owe this one to our clients who trust us with their technology every day, Go Gators”.

James Moore Named One of Accounting Today’s

For the third year in a row, James Moore & Company has been named a Firm to Watch and a Regional Leader by Accounting Today.

The leading information resource for public accountants nationwide, Accounting Today cited James Moore as one of 45 firms across the nation that bear watching (coming in at number 14 on the Firms to Watch list). This selection is based on revenues and growth, with Accounting Today noting that some companies previously named to the list are now among the top 100 accounting firms in the country.

The organization also cited James Moore as one of the top accounting firms in the Gulf Coast region, an area that includes the states of Florida, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi.

The firm recorded 6.89% growth in 2024 to place it at

number 8 in the region.

“In the three years in which we’ve been named a Firm to Watch, we’ve moved up in standing every year,” said firm CEO Suzanne Forbes. “This steady growth and progression up the ranks has been possible through our commitment to thoughtful strategies, embracing new technologies and processes, providing the highest level of service for our clients, and focusing on a culture that embraces the unique skills of our team.”

James Moore, founded in 1964, is a business consulting firm with offices in Daytona Beach, DeLand, Gainesville, Ocala and Tallahassee, Florida. The firm specializes in providing tax, auditing, accounting and controllership, data analytics, human resources, technology and wealth management services to clients nationwide.

Two Leon County Track & Field Athletes Set State Records at FSU Relay

By Robert Stewart

On Mar. 27-28, Florida State University (FSU) hosted a two-day track & field meet that featured some of the best high school athletes in the country. Two notable performances from the meet included Jason Atwood from Chiles and Journee Belcher from Rickards. Both Leon County athletes not only set FSU Relay records in their respected event but state records as well.

Jason Atwood – Boys Discus State champion and Chiles athlete Jason Atwood (Sr.) went into the FSU Relay Meet second all-time in

the state of Florida and second in the country for the 2025 season in the discus throwing event with a personal best of 62.86 meters. On his fifth attempt of the event, Atwood had a record-breaking throw covering 66.02 meters. This not only put him number one in the state for all-time, but also in the top 10 in the country for all-time as well. The previous state record was 63.72 meters and was set by New Symrna Beach thrower Tim Beauchamp. The soon to be Florida State Seminole athlete, has the rest of his senior season to improve on his record and has one more chance to bring home another state title later in the season.

Chiles Leads Leon County Girls Flag Football Rankings

By Robert Stewart

Listed below are the six flag football teams in Leon County ranked by record and strength of schedule according to MaxPreps.

Chiles (9-4) sits at the top of the rankings coming off of a close game with Navarre (8-5) losing 15-6. This loss snapped the Timberwolves’ four game win streak and gave them their fourth loss of the season. Looking ahead, Chiles plays their last regular season game against Rickards at home on Apr. 8.

Coming in second in the Leon County rankings, Florida High (103) is coming off of a dominant win against Sandalwood (6-6) with a final score of 33-7. The Seminoles have two games left in their regular season with Lecanto (6-7) on Apr. 7 and Bradford (9-1) on Apr. 8. Third in the Leon County Rankings, Lincoln continued their six game win streak with a 19-6 win against Suwannee on Apr. 4. Their last game of the regular season will be an away game against Wakulla (8-3) on Apr. 7.

Journee Belcher – Girls High Jump Rickards high jumper, Journee Belcher, entered the FSU Relay’s with a personal record of 1.78 meters which is currently the 2025 Florida record. This past weekend, Belcher improved on her PR reaching a height of 1.8 meters. This mark not only beat the FSU Relay record of 1.7 meters but also moved her into 2nd place all-time in the Florida record book.

with his high school coach, John Hernandez.

Lincoln Baseball Defeats Top Ranked Buchholz, 9-2

By Robert Stewart

On Apr. 5, the Lincoln Baseball team (14-9) hosted Buchholz (21-1) for their first and only meeting of the regular season in Tallahassee. Coming into the matchup, Buchholz was undefeated with 21 wins and ranked 5th in the state and 10th nationally according to MaxPreps.

Lincoln, ranked 34th in the state, was the clear underdog trying to put an end to a tough four game losing streak. The Trojans ended up shocking the Bobcats giving them their first loss of the season with a convincing 10-4

win. The Bobcats struck first with Buchholz taking a 2-0 lead in the first inning. Lincoln could not get anything going offensively but their defense kept them in the game not giving up a run for four straight innings.

Lincoln then found the spark they needed in the fifth inning scoring nine runs going up 9-2 heading into the sixth inning. Buchholz put two more runs on the board, but it wasn’t enough to cover the damage done in the previous inning. Lincoln won the game 10-5 giving Buchholz what could be there only loss of the season.

PHOTO: Jake Atwood, committed to FSU,

Lincoln Alum Myles Bailey Makes Impact on FSU Baseball Team

By Robert Stewart

Former Lincoln standout and freshman first baseman Myles Bailey has played a significant role in Florida State’s success in the first half of the 2025 college baseball season. The Seminoles currently boast a record of 25-5 and have notable wins against teams including Notre Dame and Florida. FSU is currently ranked fourth in multiple polls including the USA Today Coaches Poll and D1 Baseball’s top 25. Of the 28 games that Bailey has played in this season, his best performance was against the University of North Florida (UNF) on Mar. 3. During the Seminoles’ 10-1 victory against the Ospreys, Bailey recorded two homeruns on four at bats and three RBIs.

Bailey has had a very good year statistically with a batting average of .347 with 34 hits on 98 at bats with nine of those being home runs.

While playing high school baseball at

Lincoln for four years, Bailey claimed many accolades including winning the Big Bend Player of The Year award, being named Perfect Game AllAmerican and Baseball Factory AllAmerican and was invited to the draft combine. During his Lincoln career, Bailey hit .329 with 27 hits, 13 singles, six doubles, one triple, seven home runs, 22 RBIs, and scored 34 runs.

Bailey also had an on-base percentage of .533 and a slugging percentage of .683.

FSU Drops Season’s First Series

By Seminoles.com

The No. 4 Florida State baseball team lost its first series of the 2025 season with a 17-2 defeat to Wake Forest in eight innings on Sunday afternoon at Dick Howser Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida.

FSU entered the weekend having won its first seven series to open the campaign, including three consecutive in the ACC. Off to its best ACC start in nearly 10 years, this is the first time the team has lost back-to-back games in 2025.

In a matchup between two of the top five teams in the conference standings, the Seminoles (25-6, 8-4 ACC) were held to two runs on five hits with two errors. The Demon Deacons (23-10, 9-6 ACC) scored 17 runs on 16 hits with no errors.

Junior shortstop Alex Lodise and

Leon County High School Scoreboard

junior second baseman Drew Faurot both had two hits and an RBI in the contest. Lodise added a run scored.

Sophomore left-handed starter Wes Mendes suffered his first loss of the season and falls to 4-1. He allowed seven runs on five hits with three strikeouts in 4.0 innings.

The Seminoles went ahead 1-0 in the first inning on a two-out RBI single by Faurot to score Lodise. The next inning, it was Lodise who singled home freshman catcher Hunter Carns to make it 2-0.

In the fifth, the Demon Deacons scored seven runs on six hits. WF was retired in order in the sixth and a double play stranded one in the seventh. Wake added six in the eighth on three RBI singles to extend its lead to 17-2.

Florida State travels to in-state rival Florida on Tuesday, April 8.