Tallahassee Reports
Mayoral Moves. Dailey Out, Matlow In Speculation
By Steve Stewart
The controversy between the city and the county over the proposed 22% increase in fire services fees continues to escalate. P1
A U.S. District Judge issued a preliminary injunction preventing additional construction and bringing additional detainees to a Florida detention center. P1
Benjamin Lester Abberger III, who worked on the 1976 presidential campaign and worked as a Florida Cabinet aide, died on August 15, 2025. P3
The race for Tallahassee’s leadership mayor position took several twists and turns during the dog days of summer. P1
The city voted to take the preliminary steps to challenge the agreements between the city and ICE. P5
The Leon County School Board recently notified parents of changes to the use of cell phones on the campuses of K-12 schools. P5
The latest jobs report shows the Leon County July unemployment rate increased to 4.4%. P9
Longtime Florida State University police officer Jason Trumbower was sworn in as the university’s new chief of police. P4
Big Bend Cold Case Task Force Launches New Website
By Steve Stewart
The Big Bend Cold Case Task Force, a joint effort between the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD), Leon County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), and the State Attorney’s Office of the Second Judicial Circuit (SAO), has launched a new website to provide the public with access to information on unsolved cases in the region.
The website, Talgov.com/ ColdCaseTaskForce, is now the central hub for information on local cold cases, including
The race for Tallahassee’s leadership mayor position took several twists and turns during the dog days of the summer with Mayor Dailey finally announcing he would not seek re-election, City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow filing to seek the position, and increased chatter related to other candidates.
For months after the new year the assumption was Dailey would not seek another term. However, he had a brief change of heart and started telling supporters he would run before finally publicly announcing he would bow out.
In an exclusive interview with TR, Dailey cited time with family as one of the major factors in his decision not to run and said he thought it was time for
About Other Candidates Begin...... Again
new leadership.
In his formal statement Dailey said, “It is time to turn the page and for the voters of Tallahassee to choose a new Mayor to continue the incredible progress we have made over the last eight years.”
Dailey was seen by many moderates and business minded people
as the answer to stopping Matlow’s continued push to wrestle control of the city commission and push his progressive agenda. However, it appears Dailey reached a point in his decision making process when the “notMalow” label was not inspiring and even a bit insulting.
As soon as Matlow got wind of Dailey’s change of heart, he rushed to file the required paperwork on Monday, August 11, ahead of Dailey’s official announcement made later that day.
The traditional politi-
Sides Gear Up for Continued ‘Alcatraz’ Fight
By Jim Turner The News Service of Florida
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis isn’t backing away from a controversial immigrant-detention center in the Everglades after a federal judge ordered his administration to begin dismantling the facility, as environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe gear up for the next stage of the legal battle.
U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams on Thursday issued a preliminary injunction preventing additional construction and bringing additional detainees to the complex, which the state has dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz.” Williams also ordered the removal within 60 days of temporary fencing, detention-center lighting and such things as generators.
DeSantis’ lawyers quickly filed a notice of appealing Williams ruling to the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
DeSantis, speaking to reporters Friday morning, shrugged off Williams’ decision.
“We knew the minute this judge got the case, we knew exactly what she was going to do. This is not anything that was unexpected, but we will make sure to get the job done in the end,” he said.
The lawsuit, filed by Friends of the Everglades and the Center for Biological Diversity and joined by the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of
Florida, alleges that the DeSantis and Trump administrations failed to comply with a federal law that required an environmental-impact study before construction of the facility, which is adjacent to a remote airstrip known as the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport.
The tribe argued that the detention facility threatens its “traditional and religious ceremonies” in the surrounding Big Cypress National Preserve, where members have lived “since time immemorial.” The detention facility “is located in the heart of the tribe’s ancestral homelands where hundreds, if not thousands, of protected ceremonial and religious sites are located,” the tribe’s lawyers argued in a court document.
Curtis Osceola, an attorney who is senior policy adviser to tribal Chairman Talbert Cypress, told reporters Friday that the Miccosukees were “very, very excited and happy” with Williams’ order.
“We are still concerned because the psychic harm, the mental trauma that our children and our young adults are going to have to live with because of the imposition of this facility on their homelands will be felt for generations,” Osceola said.
Williams’ ruling said that the plaintiffs “identify a myriad of risks from the project to the wetlands and endangered species whose habitats include the area” around the facility.
“Plaintiffs also proved that runoff and wastewater discharge from
By Steve Stewart
cal collegiality among same party candidates would have afforded a two term mayor the space to exit the stage with a bit of fanfare. However, those days are clearly in the past. Matlow, who currently occupies a seat on the city commission which is up for election in 2026, saw an oppor-
Page 4
The controversy between the city and the county over the proposed 22% increase in fire services fees continues to escalate. Following a vote by the Leon County Commission to ignore the rate increase and a press conference by county commissioners Christian Caban and Bill Proctor, the city responded via a letter and through comments during the most recent city commission meeting.
The Leon County Vote
During a special meeting on August 12, the Leon County Commission voted 5-2, with Nick Maddox and Commissioner Carolyn Cummings voting no, to move forward with the same fire service fee as the previous year. The vote came after the county attorney advised that the city did not have the authority to impose a rate hike without the county’s approval.
"I’m proud of my colleagues for standing firm and refusing to rubber-stamp a 22%
Matlow Files Ahead of Dailey Announcement
Ryan LaMura Appointed COO at HCA Florida Capital Hospital
Community News
Tallahassee People on the Move
mental Services departments.
He also served as a co-ethics and compliance officer and supported hospital contract administration.
HCA Florida Capital Hospital recently announced the appointment of Ryan LaMura as chief operating officer at HCA Florida Capital Hospital.
“Ryan brings healthcare leadership experience and a proven track record in driving operational excellence,” said Dale Neely, CEO at HCA Florida Capital Hospital. “A dedicated leader, Ryan’s expertise will be invaluable.”
Prior to joining HCA Florida Capital Hospital, LaMura served as the vice president of operations for HCA Florida Ocala Hospital. In this role, he supported the Interventional Radiology, Diagnostic Radiology, Respiratory Therapy, Laboratory Services, Rehabilitation Therapy Services, Wound Care, Food & Nutrition Services, and Environ-
LaMura began his career in healthcare administration with Wellstar Health System at Kennestone Regional Medical Center in Marietta, Georgia, where he completed his administrative residency and held a variety of roles. He received his Master of Health Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University and a bachelor’s in political science and bioethics from the University of Virginia.
THF Welcomes John W. Stafford as Senior Manager in Tax Services
Thomas Howell Ferguson P.A. CPAs (THF), a leading professional accounting and advisory firm, recently announced the addition of John W. Stafford, CPA, CGMA as Senior Manager in the Tax Services Department.
John brings over 25 years of accounting experience, including 17+ years in public
accounting and 3+ years in executive financial roles as a Controller and CFO for national manufacturing firms. His well-rounded background includes extensive assurance work across industries such as not-for-profit, government, manufacturing, construction, and real estate. For the past nine years, John has specialized in tax, business advisory, and consulting services, making him a strategic asset for THF’s clients.
A licensed Certified Public Accountant in Florida and Chartered Global Management Accountant, John is an active member of the AICPA, FICPA, and Leadership Tallahassee. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Second Harvest of the Big Bend, Inc. and the Board of Governors for Leadership Tallahassee, among other community and professional leadership roles. John holds a B.S. in Account-
ing from the University of West Florida and completed graduate-level coursework at Florida State University.
Stearns Weaver Miller Welcomes Michael Willson Stearns Weaver Miller is recently announced that Michael Willson has joined the firm’s Tallahassee office, where he will focus his practice on Government Affairs, Administrative & Regulatory Law, and Environmental & Natural Resources.
Through these roles, Michael has developed a deep understanding of the state’s legislative and appropriations processes, regulatory frameworks, and agency operations. His work has involved direct collaboration with legislative staff, elected officials, executive branch leadership, and lobbyists across Florida.
“Michael’s background is a rare and valuable blend across three of our core practice areas in Tallahassee,” said Managing Director Rick Schatz. "His capabilities align perfectly with the direction and vision of our office. We’re excited to have him join the firm.”
Michael brings more than 15 years of experience in Florida state government, having served in a variety of influential roles. His past positions include Deputy Staff Director and General Counsel for the Appropriations Committee and Staff Attorney to both the Economic Affairs and Commerce Committees in the Florida House of Representatives. He also served as Policy Chief for environmental issues in the Executive Office of the Governor, and has experience working on permitting, regulatory compliance, and procurement matters at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).
Eugene Lamb Jr. Elected Chair of Tallahassee State College District Board of Trustees
The Tallahassee State College (TSC) District Board of Trustees elected Trustee Eugene Lamb, Jr. as the new Board Chair at its meeting on August 18. He succeeds Trustee Karen Moore. Longtime trustee Frank Messersmith was elected Vice-Chair. Trustee Lamb is known for deep-rooted connections to the College and community. Initially appointed in 2007 by Governor Charlie Crist, Lamb has since been reappointed to five consecutive terms by Governors Rick Scott and Ron DeSantis. This will be his fifth term as chair. Born and raised in Gadsden County, Lamb graduated from Northside High School and was the school’s first player named All-State in basketball. In the summer of 1967, while on break from college, he would jog from his home in Midway to Tallahassee each day to help lay the bricks of the first buildings on the then-Tallahassee Junior College campus, a testament to his enduring connection and work ethic. After his graduation from Dillard University, Lamb dedicated 30 years to teaching in Leon,
Gadsden, and Volusia counties. He coached basketball at Godby High School from 1975 to 1987. Lamb served as a Gadsden County Commissioner and a member of the Midway Council, where he was elected both mayor and mayor pro tem. Lamb’s leadership and service have been recognized at both the state and national levels. In 2023, he received the Southern Region Trustee Leadership Award from the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT), followed by being named Trustee of the Year in 2024 by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). He is also a proud member of the TSC Alumni and Friends Hall of Fame and the Dillard University Athletics Hall of Fame, underscoring his lasting impact both in
education and athletics.
“It is a privilege to step into this role and continue serving the College I have been connected to for most of my life,” Lamb said. “Trustee Karen Moore has provided steady and thoughtful leadership as Chair, and I am grateful for her dedication. Together, with my fellow trustees, I am committed to ensuring TSC remains the college of choice for our students and community.” Trustee Messersmith is among the Florida College System’s longest-serving trustees. Since his initial appointment by Governor Jeb Bush in 1999, he has been reappointed by Governors Charlie Crist, Rick Scott, and Ron DeSan tis. A former legislator and member
of the Florida Public Service Commission, he now specializes in legislative and regulatory consulting. Earlier in his career, he served a decade as a Deputy Sheriff in Palm Beach County, where he pioneered drug education and community relations programs.
“We are fortunate to have such experienced, dedicated leaders guiding our Board,” said Dr. Jim Murdaugh, President of Tallahassee State College. “With Trustee Lamb’s unwavering commitment to our College and community, and Trustee Messersmith’s
depth of public service and leadership experience, TSC is poised for continued momentum in serving our students and community.”
By Ashley Flete FAMU News
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida
A&M University officially opened the doors to its new 700-bed residence hall Venom Landing.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, Aug. 12, brought together students, alumni, faculty, and community leaders to celebrate the university’s newest housing development.
“This is more than just a building — it’s a bold step forward in our commitment to provide a vibrant, enriching, and supportive commu-
FAMU Celebrates the Opening of Venom Landing
nity for our students,” said FAMU’s 13th President Marva Johnson.
“With Venom Landing, we’re not just expanding housing; we’re creating a space where students can grow, connect, and achieve at the highest levels.”
With sleek architecture, state-ofthe-art amenities, and a convenient campus location, Venom Landing reflects the university’s vision for growth and student success.
Venom Landing’s 700-bed count boosts FAMU’s total on-campus housing from 2,700 to 3,400 beds — a significant leap that underscores the university’s expanding
By Margie Menzel WFSU
The Kearney Center emergency shelter is now providing medical care to its clients for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic.
The nonprofit Doctors United has a full clinic onsite at the Kearney Center. Practitioners will provide primary care to patients aged 13 and older.
The Center’s CEO, Sonya Wilson, says getting access to treatment will help give her clients more stability.
“We’ve got to go and treat those things first before they can go and function on a job and become self-sufficient,”
Wilson said. “And in doing so, it lets our community know and our clients know that we care about them. They’re important to us.”
Wilson says that will help many of the shelter’s clients get jobs and hold them.
“Your health, your mental health, your physical health and dentistry are critical to being able to go out and gain employment and be self-sustainable,” she said.
The nonprofit has re-outfitted Kearney’s medical facility, which now includes a lab.
What’s more, Wilson says, Doctors United will be leasing the space – helping the Kearney Center address its tight budget.
footprint. Former FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., said, “Venom Landing provides a space where students can truly feel at home, build meaningful connections with their peers, and excel academically.”
Robinson explained that research shows that students who live on campus are more likely to succeed. “This facility creates the ideal environment for both social and academic growth. It’s designed to support retention, engagement, and graduation for years to come,” he said.
Benjamin Lester Abberger III, who worked on the 1976 presidential campaign of U.S. Senator Lloyd Bentsen of Texas and worked as a Cabinet aide to Florida Treasurer and Insurance Commissioner Bill Gunter, died on August 15, 2025. He was 72.
He was born to Nancy Hardy Abberger and Benjamin Lester Abberger, Jr., M.D. on November 22, 1952, in Orlando. He attended Davidson College in North Carolina, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science.
In Tallahassee, Abberger owned B.L. Abberger and Co., a public affairs and investment banking concern, and was actively involved the community. He served as Chair of the Bach Parley, Habitat for Humanity, the Leroy Collins Leon County Library System, Horizon Communities (a faith-based prison ministry), the Tallahassee Urban Design Commission, and Health News Florida. Additionally, Lester served
on the Boards of Florida First Capital Finance Corporation, the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, and the Tallahassee Neighborhood Medical Center. He helped lead the effort of the Knight Creative Community Institute group whose Get Gaines Going initiative invigorated and redesigned the corridor between downtown Tallahassee, Florida State University, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, and
the airport. He is survived by his wife Amanda Leigh
and stepchildren Elizabeth
Sauer and Benjamin Storms Sauer, brothers John Albert Abberger (wife Gretchen Paxson Abberger and nieces Mary Ellen Abberger and Caroline Elizabeth Abberger), and William West Abberger (wife Mary Anne Koos). He is predeceased by brother Eric Hardy Abberger.
Stringer
Shipp
Jason Trumbower Sworn in as FSU’s New Chief of Police
By Amy Farnum-Patronis FSU News
In the historic Heritage Museum at Dodd Hall, surrounded by family, colleagues and university leaders, longtime Florida State University police officer Jason Trumbower was sworn in on Tuesday, August 12, as the university’s new chief of police.
Trumbower, a 26-year veteran of the FSU Police Department, was appointed as chief in April. He had served as interim chief since January and interim deputy chief for the 11 months prior. He graduated from FSU in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in criminology and played football under Coach Bobby Bowden in 1994 and 1995.
The ceremony drew a strong show of support from the community, with local law enforcement, the Tallahassee Fire Department, Mayor John
Dailey and Leon County Superintendent of Schools Rocky Hanna in attendance.
FSU President Richard McCullough opened the ceremony by welcoming guests and offering remarks on Trumbower’s appointment.
“I’d like to offer my gratitude to Chief Jason Trumbower for taking on this role,” McCullough said. “He has the knowledge, the experience and the respect of the entire department and law enforcement communities.”
Trumbower stepped into his role as chief just days before one of the university’s most difficult moments.
“On April 17, our campus faced a tragedy that shook us all,” McCullough said. “In that moment, Jason led with calm and courage. His officers responded swiftly and professionally. They protected our campus. They saved lives. And they helped restore a sense of
Mayoral
tunity to upstage his political foe one last time and he seized the moment without hesitation.
Matlow released a statement addressed to “Friends and neighbors." The tone and content of the announcement was much different than Matlow’s approach to governing over the last 3-4 years.
For example, in his campaign announcement he states, “I am uniquely qualified to bring our community together under a common vision and to seek collaboration with all that are willing to make Tallahassee a better place.”
However, Matlow has spent much of his time as a city commissioner dividing the community by financing and supporting campaigns with controversial messages against his colleagues in an effort to gain control of the city commission.
He has referred to the 40-year-old Blueprint Agency as a “sham” and filed a lawsuit against the Blueprint Agency’s
safety at a time we desperately needed it.”
McCullough continued to say what struck many in the aftermath was Trumbower’s compassion. He reached out to those affected, supported his officers and helped the campus begin the process of healing.
“That’s what leadership looks like. And that’s why he has my full confidence,” McCullough said. In his remarks, Trumbower said he was excited about the future.
“I can promise you three things for FSUPD moving forward: We’ll work hard to foster and build meaningful relationships throughout FSU, Tallahassee and nationwide; we’ll pursue and leverage technology to keep us relevant and effective in today’s world; and we’ll be a professional organization that always treats people the way that you want your own family treated.”
As chief, Trumbower
oversees a fully accredited law enforcement agency with about 90 sworn officers serving both the Tallahassee and Panama City campuses. His responsibilities include managing patrol operations, investigations, training and community engagement, as well as coordinating with local law enforcement and university departments. During his interim tenure, Trumbower led initiatives that reduced officer vacancy rates, expanded the department’s Field Training Team and launched the “Heads Up” pedestrian safety campaign in partnership with University Communications and the City of Tallahassee.
Moves. Dailey Out, Matlow In
Intergovernmental Management Committee (IMC) — consisting of City Manager Reese Goad and County Administrator Vince Long. A judge dismissed the lawsuit this year.
Despite these inconsistencies, without a challenger that can pull together the conservative and moderate Democrat vote, Matlow will have the money and the support of passionate progressive followers to run a strong campaign.
Other Candidates
Early in the year, when it was assumed Dailey would not run, a number of names surfaced as potential candidates. With the latest developments and the official status of the Matlow campaign, potential challengers are again entering the discussion.
As of late, several sources have indicated that Bill Montford is giving serious consideration to running for mayor.
Montford, who is a Democrat, is a political legend in North
Florida and offers the steady hand that many feel is needed at city hall.
Montford has an extensive record as an educator and elected official. In 2010, he was elected to the Florida Senate from the 6th District and was the Senate Minority Whip for 2010-2012. In 2016, he was reelected with 67.4% of the vote.
Another name coming up is Loranne Ausley. Ausley is an attorney and Democrat. She served as a member of the Florida Senate from 2020 until her defeat in 2022. Previously, she represented the Tallahassee area in the Florida House of Representatives from 2000 to 2008 and then again from 2016 to 2020. Ausley was defeated for re-election in 2022 by Republican Corey Simon.
Ausley's father is Tallahassee attorney DuBose Ausley of the 75-year-old law firm of Ausley & McMullen, P.A.
She launched the designation of Whole Child Leon in 2003, a child advocacy group and was recently recognized
Leon County School Board Meeting Briefs: August 12, 2025
By Steve Stewart
Provided below are the news briefs from the August 12, 2025, Leon County School Board meeting. Items Considered by the Board
Item 19.01: The Board approved (5-0), following a public hearing, approval of amendments to Policy 5111.01 – Homeless Students, effective August 13, 2025. The policy revisions include additional definitions, the addition of a section addressing residency, and additional language regarding immediate enrollment of homeless students. A motion was made and approved to bring back a revised policy for a September workshop to explore changing the language from “homeless” to “unhoused” or “students experiencing homelessness” to reduce stigma and align with best practices, while adhering to the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
Item 19.02: The Board approved (5-0), following a public hearing, approval of New Policy 6325 – Procurement – Federal Grants/Funds, effective August 13, 2025. Procurement of all supplies, materials, equipment, and services paid for from Federal funds or District matching funds shall be made in accordance with all applicable Federal, State, and local statutes and/or regulations, the terms and conditions of the Federal grant, School Board policies, and administrative procedures.
Item 19.03: The Board approved (5-0) the Standard Services Contract (SSC) with Specialized Education Associates in the amount of $115,884.00. The Specialized Education Associates is a team of certified teachers for students with visual impairments and orientation and mobility disabilities. Specialized Education Associates will offer in-person assessment, instruction and conduct evaluations for the provision of the services, plan for and participate in Individualized Education Programs (IEP) meetings.
Item 19.04: The Board approved (50) the MOU between Leon County Schools and United Way Big Bend for 21st Century Community Learning Centers After school Program. In partnership with the United Way of the Big Bend, 21st CCLC program will provide academic and enrichment activities after school on Hartsfield, Apalachee, Riley, and Ruediger Elementary School campuses through the 2025-2026 school year.
Item 19.05: The Board approved (50) the South City Foundation, Wesson 2025-2026, Lease Agreement. The South City Foundation would like to lease a portion of Wesson School to offer quality early childcare to the South City Community. The childcare center will serve as a demonstration center for a future larger childcare center. The proposed childcare center will follow the principles of the Purpose-Built Model and will specifically serve the families that will follow the feeder pattern of Hartsfield, Fairview, and Rickards.
Item 19.06: The Board adopted (5-0) the By Laws for the Titan Advisory Committee. The vision of the Titan Advisory Council is to foster meaningful partnerships to promote program development for a regional impact. Educators, industry leaders, and the community will work together to ensure Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are aligned with current and emerging workforce demands, provide students with relevant skills and experiences, and promote lifelong career success. This vision supports the advancement and continuous improvement of the educational system at Lively Technical College (LTC).
The primary purpose of the Committee is to work collaboratively with community and business partners to ensure that the mission of LTC is carried forward with excellence. The Committee serves as a vital resource to LTC and the LTC Director, offering guidance and support to create a robust K-20 ecosystem.
as "a dedicated champion for Florida’s children," and named the 2025 recipient of the Chiles Advocate Award.
The award, given during Children’s Week Florida, is named in honor of the late Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles and his wife Rhea. It recognizes individuals who have "demonstrated exceptional advocacy for the well-being of children and families across the state and around the nation."
The Chamber Conference
The recent trip to the Tallahassee Chamber conference by Matlow has impacted the mayors race. His attendance was described by some as awkward and has added to the discussion about alternative candidates.
Ron Sachs, founder and chairman of Sachs Media who served two Florida governors as a senior communications executive and was recently presented with the Key to the
City of Tallahassee, voiced his desire for a candidate with a different approach to governing.
Sachs stated in an opinion article that “a problem-solving mentality reigns supreme among most folks here…That’s why our community needs residents and leaders who choose to work together – to prioritize calm, collegial cooperation over those who seem to delight in conflict, competition, and controversy.”
“For me, what we need in our next mayor, for example, is a person whose caliber of character is unquestioned. Rather than seeking a third term as Leon County Commissioner, Rick Minor needs to be encouraged and urged to run for mayor. His proven leadership in the public, private, and non-profit sectors involves a genuine leadership style that reflects the better, calm nature of most in our community,” said Sachs.
Tallahassee City Commission Meeting Briefs: August 20, 2025
By Steve Stewart
Provided below are the news briefs from the Tallahassee City Commission meeting held on August 20, 2025. Consent Agenda Approval. After pulling item 8.01, the remaining consent agenda items (8.02 through 8.08) were moved for approval and passed unanimously 5-0.
9.01: (PREVIOUSLY ITEM 8.01) The city commission voted 5-0 to accept two Department of Juvenile Justice Restorative Justice Grants for the Palmer Munroe Teen Center. These grants will provide the Teen Center with $511,500 in funding to continue the Community Connections Restorative Justice program for teens.
Appointments
10.01: The city commission voted 5-0 to reappoint Jeremy Floyd to Seat #3 on the Board of Adjustment and Appeals. His term will commence on August 20, 2025, and expire on June 30, 2028. This will be his final term.
The Board of Adjustment and Appeals, under the zoning, housing, building, plumbing, gas, and fire prevention codes (regulatory codes) of the City and County, has the powers and duties to hear and decide appeals, as set forth in the codes; to hear and decide variances for single-family and duplex dwelling units; and to perform such duties as may by ordinance be delegated to it, and which pertain to the above assigned powers.
10.02: (ITEM DELETED) Commission on the Status of Women & Girls Ratification of Appointment.
10.03: The city commission voted 5-0 to appoint Mayor Pro Tem Dianne Williams Cox to the Canopy Road Citizen Committee. The Canopy Road Citizen Committee functions as a standing committee that makes recommendations to the City and County Commissions on matters related to Canopy
Road Preservation. The Committee assists in coordinating the efforts of government, private sector, civic groups and individuals in an effort to protect, maintain, enhance, and where applicable, re-evaluate canopy roads.
10.04: The city commission voted 5-0 to make the following appoints to the Council on Culture and Arts: Seat #1 – Haiqiong Deng – whose term expires on September 30, 2025. Seat #2 – Brinda Pamulapati – whose term expires on September 30, 2025. Seat #3 – Carol Hill – whose term expires on September 30, 2025, is eligible for and interested in reappointment. Seat #4 –Hadley Peterson – whose term expires on September 30, 2025, is eligible but not interested in reappointment.
Policy Formation and Direction
12.01: (ITEM DELETED) Update on Current Use of Artificial Intelligence.
12.02: Madison Street Traffic Calming: This item is a follow-up from a June meeting issue related to citizen concerns about speeds and traffic in the Collegetown District. Staff presented findings on Madison Street, including impacts on emergency response and parking (34 spaces lost if closed). The options and discussions indicated that while bollards (barriers) might not be the ideal solution, there should be an ongoing conversation about pedestriancentric environments and balancing business needs with public safety in entertainment districts around the city. No vote was taken.
12.03: Administrative Approval of Final Plats: A new state law requires all final plats to be approved administratively, rather than by the City Commission, which was the historical practice. A resolution was proposed to comply with this law and passed 5-0. Mayor Dailey expressed dislike for this change but acknowledged the need to comply. A motion was passed for staff to provide email updates to the city commission on administratively approved plats.
City Commission Votes to Consider Challenging ICE Agreement in Court
By Steve Stewart
A motion by City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow requesting the city attorney to provide information on the steps required to challenge the legality of agreements between the city and ICE passed unanimously at the Wednesday city commission meeting. Matlow’s motion was preceded by an update from TPD Chief Revell related to the actions that are required under the 287 (g) agreement. Revell told the commissioners that one officer has completed training related to inputting data related to illegal immigrants that are arrested. Revell noted TPD officers do not
seek to determine the immigration status during traffic stops and do not participate in immigration enforcement actions.
Matlow’s motion also included a request for information on the status of a current lawsuit in South Miami related to 287 (g) agreements and to determine if there are ways for the city to participate in that lawsuit.
The South Miami lawsuit is seeking a ruling that the city is not obligated to enter a 287(g) agreement and that it would not be considered a sanctuary city — a designation that carries penalties — if it does not enter such an agreement.
Big Bend Cold Case Task Force Launches New Website
BIG BEND, From Front Page
case summaries, photos, and ways to submit tips. The site reflects the task force’s motto: “No Case Forgotten, No Truth Untold.”
Since its formation in 2023, the task force has made measurable progress in reviewing decadesold cases and uncovering new leads. Most notably: In 2024, task force members closed the region’s oldest unsolved homicide, the 1957 stabbing death of 27-year-old Dorothy Thomas, after confirming the primary suspect, Harry Barth, who died in 2019, was responsible for the murder. The case was closed through exceptional clearance.
Task force members have also renewed efforts into the 2014 disappearance of Leslie McCoy, who was last seen at age 47. McCoy would be 58
today. Her case has been revitalized and active follow-up is underway.
New leads and witnesses have been identified regarding the murder of Frank Owens that occurred on September 13, 2017, in Chattahoochee, FL. Owens, 66, was the victim of a homicide committed during a robbery. The investigation continues with task force members seeking additional leads from the public.
The newly launched website also makes it easier than ever for residents to share potentially crucial information. Each cold case listing includes contact details, and visitors can either speak directly with a detective at 850-410-7611 or submit anonymous tips to Crime Solvers at 850-574-TIPS.
Florida State Attorney General James Uthmeier recently filed a motion arguing that a Leon County circuit judge should dismiss the case, which the city of South Miami filed in March, a little more than a month after state lawmakers passed a package of changes to support President Donald Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigrants.
Tallahassee Officials Sign Agreement
At the center of the controversy is the city’s signing of a 287(g) agreement which was executed by the city manager and police chief as an administrative action, without city commission approval. The
agreement allows one TPD officer to assist with immigrationrelated arrests, particularly violent offenders. Critics, including Commissioner Jack Porter, object to the lack of transparency and want clarity on the city’s role in enforcing federal immigration laws. Porter is also interested in knowing if signing the agreement is legally required.
In response, Porter, along with Commissioner Jeremy Matlow and Mayor John Dailey, voted 3–2 vote back in June to bring the agreement back for further discussion.
City Responds to Leon County Commission’s Position on Fire Services Fee
FIRE SERVICE FEE, From Front Page
increase on our residents and small businesses," said Caban, who is spearheading the argument against the increase.
In a Facebook post, Commission Chairman Brian Welch wrote that the vote was about accountability and was not meant to be adversarial.
“As partners in local government, we have an obligation to work together with our colleagues at the City, in good faith, to provide cost effective services to our community,” Welch wrote. “Likewise, as County Commissioners, we have an obligation to our neighbors to ensure that we are collecting and spending tax dollars as responsibly as possible.”
The day after the county vote, Commissioners Caban and Proctor held a press conference at the county courthouse to discuss the vote and seek transparency related to the issue. Caban and Proctor noted the inconsistencies in how religious organizations pay the fee and also requested more information on costs
related to fire station construction.
Caban has repeatedly voiced expressed concern about the financial impact on constituents. "To say this is only a $5 increase is simply not true — some small businesses would be hit with thousands of dollars in new costs."
The City’s Response
The City of Tallahassee responded to the decisions by the Leon County Commission in a letter to County Manager Vince Long from City Manage Reese Goad.
In the letter, Goad said, “my recommendation to the City Commission will be to exercise its authority and increase the Fire Service Fees & Assessments for properties within the City limits commensurate with the fiscal impact associated with the current collective bargaining agreement and current staffing level of the Tallahassee Fire Department and to postpone the expansion of Station 15 and construction of Station 17 and all related
trucks and equipment.”
Following Goad’s letter, during the August 20 city commission meeting, City Commissioner Dianne Williams-Cox took a strong stand in the back and forth by acknowledging the controversy and saying it may be time for the city to end that agreement.
“It sounds like a divorce is pending. It sounds like it. If we can’t count on you to help us right now, when we need it to take care of our firefighters, I’m not sure we can depend on you in the future. At the end of these three years, it may be time to end this marriage,” Williams-Cox said.
Commissioner Matlow urged a compromise. However, Caban points out that the county proposed a compromise back in June, a compromise that the city rejected in a 5-0 vote.
The recommendation detailed in Goad's letter will be included on the City Commission’s budget item scheduled for September 3, 2025.
CRA Approves $1.5 Million in Street Pedestrian Improvements Along North Adams Street
By Casey Drayer
On Thursday, August 21st, the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) board voted 5-0 for the approval of the North Adams Street Pedestrian Improvement project. The approved $1.5 million project includes adding bump-outs to define parallel parking spaces, creating shorter connections between the crosswalks, and improving accessibility of the ramps located on North Adams Street. Proposed by the City’s Underground Utilities and Public Infrastructure (UUPI)
LCS Implements New Cell Phone Use Guidelines
The Leon County School Board recently notified parents of changes to the use of cell phones on the campuses of K-12 schools. In an email, titled “LCS Wireless Device Guidelines for Immediate Release”, LCS notified parents that the policy related to cell phone use has been updated to reflect the impact of a new state law.
A new law – HB 1105 –revises multiple components of Florida’s K–20 education system, including charter school funding and accountability, high school graduation requirements, school bus safety, student device use, and postsecondary program eligibility.
The bill establishes statewide restrictions on student cell phone use and creates a pilot to evaluate full-day prohibitions. The bill prohibits device use by elementary and middle school students during the school day, and prohibits high school use during instructional time, except as authorized, with teacher-designated storage areas and boardadopted usage zones.
The bill also requires the DOE to study full-day restric-
Department, the project aims to improve walkability and road safety from West Tennessee Street to Brevard Street, spanning four blocks.
The project focuses on the intersections on North Adams Street, given the existing sidewalks. By making the intersections tighter, the UUPI claims drivers will be forced to pay more attention to the crosswalks ahead, lessening the chances of pedestrian-vehicular accidents. In addition, due to the corners being sharper, vehicles must take the turn at a slower pace. The enlargement of the curb also provides
tions in high schools in six districts and submit a report with a model policy by December 1, 2026. The bill provides exceptions for medical or educational needs.
The LCS email includes various guidelines and parameters for enforcement. The guidelines note, “We believe that learning happens best when students are fully present – mentally, emotionally and socially. By reinforcing responsible use of technology, we are creating stronger conditions for success in every classroom across Leon County.”
Two Students Arrested with Weapons
Leon County deputies say a 15-year-old Godby High School student in the 9th grade was arrested for having a gun on campus. According to deputies, the student left the classroom without permission, telling the teacher he was leaving campus. The teacher immediately notified school administration.
The student was located by school staff and escorted to the office. Deputies say school administrators searched the student's book bag, finding a .45 caliber revolver and four bullets.
more space for the accessibility ramps to make smoother transitions along the road.
This project also aligns with the Downtown Community Redevelopment Plan, which aims to increase pedestrian mobility, create a cohesive design throughout the streetscape area, and support the objective of housing and neighborhood preservation.
While the project includes the intersections on Virginia, Carolina, Georgia, and Brevard streets, chair member Curtis Richardson raised the question of whether there would be safeguards at the in-
Local News Briefs
At Rickards High School, school administration received an anonymous tip that a 17-year-old student in 11th grade was in possession of a weapon at Rickards High. They say the student was removed from her classroom.
School administrators searched her belongings, finding a taser and pepper spray. The student said the items were for self-defense. She was arrested on two counts of weapon possession on school property.
Both students were taken to the juvenile assessment center.
City’s Inspector General Audit Earns Highest Marks in Peer Review
The City of Tallahassee Office of the Inspector General (OIG) successfully passed its triennial peer review of the audit function, earning the highest possible rating and confirming full compliance with all applicable professional auditing standards.
"This outstanding result reflects the dedication and professionalism of our audit staff," Dennis Sutton, Inspector General for the City of Tallahassee, said. "Combined with our recent accreditation by the Commission for
tersection of Adams and Tennessee Street. It was answered that they would discuss the possibility of tightening the intersection and identify whether some of the turn lanes are necessary.
The UUIP noted this would be a prime time to work on the project, due to North Adams Street being identified on the city’s road resurfacing list occurring in 2029. With the removal of asphalt to complete this project, there would not be as much to resurface in the future. Thus, suggesting the city would be saving money if the project is approved.
Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation for our investigative function, it demonstrates the overall excellence of the Office of Inspector General.”
The independent peer review was conducted through the Association of Local Government Auditors (ALGA) by a three-member team of experienced audit professionals, two from the City of Colorado Springs, Colo., and one from the City of El Paso, Texas.
The review evaluated the OIG audit policies, procedures and completed audit work and determined that the OIG audit operations fully conform to the Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS) issued by the U.S. Government Accountability Office and the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing established by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).
FAMU Foundation will Supplement Salaries on Johnson’s Leadership Team
The Florida A&M University Foundation has agreed to supplement the salaries of President Marva Johnson’s leadership team. The move comes at the expense of the school’s famed Marching 100
The City of Tallahassee is also investing in new water and sewer utility services located underneath sections of North Adams Street, granting the opportunity for design improvements while the road is already under construction. The preliminary timeline for the project is as follows: design from Spring 2026 to Fall 2027, bidding in Winter 2027, and beginning construction in Spring 2028. After construction is completed, the city will then resurface North Adams Street in 2029.
band. But officials say that cut is just temporary.
Under a new budget passed during a special meeting Tuesday, foundation members agreed to shift about $400,000 dollars that had been earmarked for the band and instead allocating $300,000 to executive compensation and $100,000 to the Office of the President for fundraising. Officials say the University’s budget will make up for the cut to the band. During the meeting, Johnson said she and Chief Financial Officer Nichole Murray are committed to funding the band at full capacity. The shift is happening because of a state law that says Florida’s public universities can only pay salaries of up to $200,000 to university presidents and $250,000 to university executives. Johnson earns $650,000 plus housing and car allowances, a 3 percent annual raise, and a guaranteed faculty post when her presidency ends. But right now, the foundation is only paying $35,500 toward Johnson’s salary package, because the legislature agreed to allow the FAMU Board of Trustees to allocate money for her salary – just one time –from the university’s operating expenses.
Florida Jobless Rate Stays at 3.7 Percent
By Jim Turner The News Service of Florida
TALLAHASSEE — Florida’s unemployment rate held at 3.7 percent in July, with a state economist saying demand remains high for workers.
“The number of job openings is up from the same point in the year before,” Jimmy Heckman, chief of workforce statistics and economic research at the Florida Department of Commerce, said Friday. “So, we are really seeing strong demand for labor, which will give opportunities to unemployed Floridians.”
The unemployment rate also was 3.7 percent in April, May and June. A monthly report released Friday by the Department of Commerce
said 417,000 people qualified as unemployed in July, up 2,000 from June. The labor force increased by 3,000 to 11.196 million.
Florida’s jobless rate in July 2024 was 3.4 percent.
The number of unemployed people increased by 35,000 from July 2024 to last month, while the labor force grew by 25,000, according to the Department of Commerce report.
Private-sector employment increased by 5,700 in July, after dropping by 21,000 jobs in June. Heckman said while “that’s something that we’re watching,” no industries have showed sharp declines.
“We’ve seen job growth decline one month and bounce back somewhat in the next month,” Heckman said. “So,
we are going to continue to watch that, as we go forward.”
The national unemployment rate in July was 4.2 percent, up from 4.1 percent a month earlier.
Among broad categories listed in the Florida report, employment in the “financial activities” sector increased by 5,200 jobs in July. That category includes such things as finance, insurance and real-estate jobs. Employment in the “leisure and hospitality” sector increased by 1,600 jobs.
Meanwhile, employment in the construction sector dipped by 1,000 jobs, after declining by 1,600 positions in June, according to the report.
Across the state, the lowest unemployment rate in July remained in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach
Undocumented Truck Driver Arrested for Vehicular Homicide in St. Lucie County
By Jay Waagmeester
The Florida Phoenix
Florida state troopers have charged a truck driver with three counts of vehicular manslaughter following a crash in St. Lucie County last week.
The truck driver, Harjinder Singh, entered the United States illegally in 2018, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Singh holds a California commercial driver’s license, the department said.
The three people inside a minivan died after crashing into a semi truck driven by Singh, who “recklessly, and without regard for the safety of others, attempted to execute a U-Turn utilizing an unauthorized location,” the department said in a news release.
The crash occurred on the Florida Turnpike near Fort Pierce.
Troopers, citing a 287(g) agreement allowing them to act for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, issued a detainer for Singh.
On Fox & Friends, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said the crash “shows how dangerous the open-border policies under Obama and Biden have been that have continued to wreak havoc on communi-
ties across the country.”
Singh, Florida officials allege, crossed the U.S.-Mexico border in 2018, during President Donald Trump’s first term in the White House.
“The actions taken by the Defendant while operating a commercial tractor-trailer are both shocking and criminal,” FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner said in a news release. “Three people lost their lives as a result of his recklessness, and countless friends and family members will experience the pain of their loss forever.”
A count of vehicular homicide in Florida can bring a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
“He will no longer be able to damage and destroy the lives of Floridians and visitors. At the conclusion of his state charges, he will be deported,” Kerner said.
Newsweek reported that Singh is an Indian national and that the three people who died were a 37-year-old from Pompano Beach, 54-year-old from Miami, and the van driver, a 30-year-old from Florida City. The driver died at a hospital and the two others died at the scene.
Singh was arrested in California by U.S. Marshals on Saturday, Newsweek also reported.
Sides Gear Up for Continued ‘Alcatraz’ Fight
ALCATRAZ From Front Page the camp risks polluting the water supply in the Miccosukee Reserved Area — where 80 percent of tribe members reside — just a few miles downstream” from the facility “and beyond,” the judge’s order said.
The tribe also showed “ongoing harms” to its “enjoyment of the preserved areas due to the project’s industrial lighting, noise, traffic and security perimeter,” she added.
Williams also pointed to other issues that affected the tribe, including fencing that has cut off entry points to the preserve.
Tribal members “have lost access to the off-road trails leading into the BCNP (Big Cypress National Preserve) lands for hunting and other activities due to the camp’s operations … Furthermore, tribal members had previously harvested plants from the areas directly adjacent to the … site for ceremonial and medicinal purposes, but the camp’s new human activity erodes the cultural significance of the plant life,” Williams wrote.
Osceola said the tribe wasn’t consulted in the run-up to the facility’s construction.
The judge’s order “really vindicates the tribe’s rights, and we will continue to defend our sovereignty and our homelands,” Osceola said
Friday. “Chairman Cypress wanted me to add that, when it comes to our homelands, there is no compromise and we will continue to fight.”
Osceola acknowledged that the state is appealing Williams’ decision.
“We are prepared to go all the way to the Supreme Court. This is not the first time the tribe has been in a fight like this. It probably won’t be the last, but we are prepared to fight and we are prepared to win,” he added.
The lawsuit, filed in the federal Southern District of Florida, alleges violations of the National Environmental Policy Act, a federal law that requires evaluating potential environmental impacts before such a project can move forward. Part of that process requires time to allow members of the public to make comments on potential projects.
The state’s decision to move forward with the complex without conducting an environmental study was intended “to avoid all that and to make a statement on immigration,” Osceola said.
“Instead what they did was, made a bold statement about how we are willing to sacrifice the government for politics. I think that was something that really stood out to the tribe and something that we had to fight,” he added.
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metropolitan statistical area at 3.4 percent, up from 3.2 percent in June. Within that region, the rate in the MiamiMiami-Beach-Kendall area was at 2.8 percent.
The July rate was 3.9 percent in the Crestview-FortWalton Beach-Destin and Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford areas. The Panama City-Panama City Beach and Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater regions were at 4.1 percent.
The Jacksonville area was at 4.2 percent. The Naples-Marco Island and Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville areas were at 4.3 percent. TheTallahassee, Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent and North Port-BradentonSarasota areas were at 4.4 percent. The Cape Coral-Fort Myers
area was at 4.5 percent, the Port St. Lucie area was at 4.6 percent, and the DeltonaDaytona Beach-Ormond Beach and Gainesville areas were at 4.7 percent.
The highest rate in the state was 7.1 percent in the metropolitan statistical area that includes The Villages and Wildwood. The area was at 6.9 percent in June.
The Homosassa Springs area was at 6.2 percent in July, the Sebring area was at 6 percent, and the Punta Gorda area was at 5.1 percent. The Ocala, Lakeland-Winter Haven and Sebastian-Vero Beach areas were at 5 percent. The statewide rate is seasonally adjusted, while the metro rates are not adjusted.
Thrasher Remembered as ‘Servant Leader’
By Dara Kam The News Service of Florida
TALLAHASSEE — Legislative leaders, a state Supreme Court justice and a former governor were among a host of heavyweights who paid homage Tuesday to “the epitome of a servant leader,” former Florida State University President and former House Speaker John Thrasher.
Several hundred people gathered at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall on the Florida State campus for a celebration of life event honoring Thrasher, who died May 30 at age 81 after a battle with cancer.
Thrasher, whose public-service career spanned three decades and who often referred to himself as “a country lawyer from Clay County,” served in the House and Senate before being tapped in 2014 as president of FSU, where he had earned his bachelor and law degrees.
Thrasher was “an honest, hard-working man,” his widow, Jean, told a rapt audience Tuesday.
“He cared about others. He cared about the way he treated them. He treated them with respect and dignity,” she said. “He set a good example. I just called him a sweet man. You know, he was sweet. He was sweet to me all the time. … So what I really want to say is, because I know he’s here with us, I was so proud to be your wife. I love you and thank you for being a partner for 60 years.”
During his tenure in the Legislature, Thrasher, a Republican, was a close ally of former Gov. Jeb Bush and helped carry out Bush’s overhaul of the state’s education system that included a controversial school-grading system and rigorous testing of student performance.
Bush on Tuesday attributed many of his successes as governor to Thrasher, crediting the former speaker for “the biggest suite of reforms in K-12 history,” helping to carry out changes in the legal system and expanding state spending on land preservation, among other things.
The former governor contrasted the current political landscape to the era when he and Thrasher were two of Florida’s most powerful men.
“We now live in a world where owning the other side through social media and going on cable news is the way that you measure your sense of accomplishment. Well, I thank God I got to work with John Thrasher in an era of getting stuff done,” Bush said.
Thrasher, a Vietnam veteran, “was the epitome of a servant leader,” Bush added.
“For a guy as successful in everything he did — a warrior, a school board member, a lobbyist, chairman of the Republican Party, legislator, speaker of the House, president of his beloved FSU — John Thrasher had one of the smallest egos, not just among politicians, which are known for ego, but out of everyone,” Bush said. “He took the blame, even if it wasn’t his fault. He was a giver, not a taker. He mentored people, including me and many other people gathered here today. He was tough, but always kind-hearted.”
FSU President Richard McCollough called his predecessor “a giant in Florida politics and a true statesman” who “loved and adored Florida State.” Thrasher “credited three things” for his success in life, McCollough said: “God, Jean, and FSU. In that order.”
Thrasher became speaker in 1998, the same year Bush was first elected — and as Republicans cemented what remains a dominance of state government. Thrasher’s bid to become FSU president initially drew some opposition, in part, because of his lack of an academic background and his partisanship.
But Thrasher, who as a lawmaker took numerous steps to support the university, such as helping start its medical school, quickly won over many of his critics.
Ed Burr, a former longtime FSU trustee, called Thrasher “a man, a real man, a man’s man, and a true leader of people.”
Thrasher attended his final FSU football game as president sitting among the students and fans, Burr said.
“He embraced the moment, and really it reflected the way he led this university, sort of shoulder-to-shoulder with the people, not from a podium or a skybox. And he loved the experience,” he said.
Thrasher frequently called his stint at Florida State “the best job ever,” according to many people who knew him. Tuesday’s event, which lasted more than two hours, was interspersed with tears and laughter and numerous reflections on Thrasher’s faith.
Among the people in the crowd were Senate President Ben Albritton, RWauchula; former House Speaker Will Weatherford; former Senate President Jim Scott; Florida Supreme Court Justice Charles Canady and his wife, Rep. Jennifer Canady, R-Lakeland; former Senate President Jeff Atwater; former U.S. Rep. Al Lawson, D-Tallahassee; state university system Chancellor Ray Rodrigues; and Florida Atlantic University President Adam Hasner.
Florida State University’s Marching 100 capped the celebration with a rousing rendition of the school’s song, “Hymn to the Garnet and Gold.”
Former House Speaker Allan Bense, who was elected to the House when Thrasher was speaker, was chairman of FSU’s Board of Trustees when Thrasher was selected as president.
“We took some bullets, but I told everyone John Thrasher will be a great president. He understands people, how to deal with people. He understands the political process, and he’s a heck of a fundraiser,” Bense told The News Service of Florida at Tuesday’s event. He said Thrasher showed “such leadership” following a school shooting on campus a year after becoming president.
Bense said he and Thrasher stepped into a private room and embraced after the state Board of Governors approved the former speaker as FSU’s president.
“We were both sobbing. I was crying my eyes out. He was, too. We had to wait about 10 minutes to leave because our eyes were all red,” Bense said, laughing. “I didn’t just like John Thrasher. I loved John Thrasher. He was a good man. I hope people say that Allan Bense was a good man.”
Bush advised younger people to emulate Thrasher in their relationships, their faith and their approach to life.
“Strive to have a servant’s heart in all that you do, no matter your vocation. Serving others will give your life much more purpose and meaning than you can imagine. Be like John Thrasher. Be humble. Humility means sharing credit, serving without accolades, staying grounded when successful, and learning from the inevitable failures of life. Strive to be like John Thrasher,” Bush said.
Julie Weinberg, one of Thrasher’s two daughters, relayed an anecdote highlighting her father’s affinity for his alma mater and the long-running rivalry between his school and the University of Florida. She recalled her father’s reaction when she introduced him to the UF grad who later became her husband.
“He said, ‘Julie, I’d rather you date a Democrat than a Gator,’” Weinberg recalled.
By Timothy S. Goeglein
In 1965, the late Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan wrote: “The role of the family in shaping character and ability is so pervasive as to be easily overlooked. The family is the basic social unit of American life; it is the basic socializing unit. By and large, adult conduct in society is learned as a child.”
Sixty years later, Moynihan’s words still ring true, as evidenced in a new report by Nicholas Zill of the Institute for Family Studies.
While Zill examines the phenomenon of “grade inflation”—with more students in elementary, middle, and secondary schools receiving A grades (and in many cases undeserved in order to keep parents and administrators happy), he also found that those students raised in intact, married homes were more likely to receive A’s than those raised in single-parent, step-parent, cohabitating, or in some cases relative or nonrelative guardian homes.
This is not surprising, as Moynihan pointed out so eloquently, because family structure is perhaps the most important factor in a child’s success, or lack of success, in life. Without such structure,
Opinion/Analysis
How Family Structure Leads to Academic Success
children suffer. Even Rahm Emanuel, the liberal former mayor of Chicago, understands this. After a particularly violent weekend in his city, he said:
“This may not be politically correct, but I know the power of what faith and family can do. ... Our kids need that structure.”
But unfortunately, politicians, activists, and social commentators leave out the critical role married parents play in helping their children succeed in school and in life.
The breakdown of the nuclear family in American society is, in fact, the primary reason the gulf between the “haves” and “have-nots” has widened over the past 50 years.
Robert Rector of The Heritage Foundation pointed this out when he wrote in 2010 that the breakdown in marriage and the rise of outof-wedlock births resulted in a society of castes. He found that in the top half of society, married, college-educated couples raise children, while in the bottom half are children raised by single mothers with a high school degree or less.
And as Zill discovered, that gap is continuing to widen. From 1996 to 2019, the odds of a child from an intact fam-
ily doing better academically than one from a fragmented family increased from 1.45 to 1.68—a “statistically significant change”—with 60 percent of children from married families receiving “mostly A” grades compared to 47 percent of those in non-intact families.
Better grades result in better opportunities—whether it be getting into college or seeking employment. On the other hand, lower grades
families were more likely to get emails sent to them about schoolwork and conduct concerns than those from married families.
And fragmented homes tend to lessen the overall effectiveness of schools. George Will perhaps put it best when he wrote that “the best predictor of a school’s performance is the quality of the family life” from which the children come.
He states that this includes
“This may not be politically correct, but I know the power of what faith and family can do. ... Our kids need that structure.” Rahm Emanuel, former Chicago mayor.
tend to continue the cycle of economic and societal despair that negatively impacts so many young people today.
For instance, harking back to Moynihan’s prophetic words that the family is the basic socializing unit of American life and affects adult conduct, Zill found that students from non-intact homes tend to have more disciplinary issues than those from married homes.
He reports that parents or guardians of students raised in unmarried or fragmented
the quality and quantity of reading material children have access to in the home, the amount of electronic entertainment children are subjected to, the amount of homework performed there, and, in his words, “most important—the number of parents in the home.”
He concludes, “Family disintegration is the stubborn fact that severely limits the efficacy of even the best education policies.”
Married parents tend to be more involved in their
child’s education and overall lives—and when parents are involved, children are more likely to succeed.
Children cannot benefit from their parents’ involvement in their education if there is no parent capable of being involved—either because the parent is absent or because a single parent is struggling to keep the house functioning on a basic level and does not have the time or mental space to be highly engaged in their child’s education.
Children need structure— the structure intact families provide. If we want all children to succeed, and not just those from functioning families with married parents, we will need a rejuvenated national commitment to the renewal, preservation, and strengthening of families and parenting.
That is how upward, rather than downward, mobility will occur and create productive citizens, along with better and more effective schools, in the future.
Timothy S. Goeglein is vice president of external and government relations at Focus on the Family in Washington, D.C.
Joe Gruters: From ‘Golden Ticket’ to Republican National Committee Chair
By: Christine Sexton Florida Phoenix
ATLANTA — Here comes another Florida Man.
A Florida resident already sits in the White House, surrounded by many top aides and federal officials who hail from the Sunshine State.
On Friday, the Republican National Committee unanimously voted to elevate state Sen. Joe Gruters, a longtime supporter of President Donald Trump who has a strained relationship with Gov. Ron DeSantis, to the post of RNC chair.
In a brief acceptance speech, Gruters thanked Trump for his support and focused on party unity, stressing that the future “isn’t about one person.”
“The midterms are ahead, where we must expand our majority in the House the Senate and continue electing Republicans nationwide, and then we march towards the presidential election where the stakes cannot be higher,” he said.
“The Democrats want open borders, socialist policies, and weak leadership. We want strong families, secure communities, and American greatness. That’s why we must unite, innovate, and work harder than before.”
Gruters, a former chair of the Republican Party of Florida who has served as RNC treasurer, was handpicked by Trump after RNC chair
U.S. Supreme Court Rules on NIH Research Grant Case
On August 21st, the Supreme Court set aside a lower court’s ruling, allowing the Trump administration to cancel hundreds of millions of dollars in National Institutes of Health grants that addressed diversity, equity and inclusion issues.
The 5-4 ruling narrowly divided the court, with Chief Justice John Roberts, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Justice Elena Kagan and Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson dissenting from their colleagues.
The Trump administration originally requested the Supreme Court to intervene in the case in July, when Solicitor General D. John Sauer filed an application arguing “the district court lacked jurisdiction to order the government to pay out some $783 million in terminated grants.”
Sauer wrote the case was similar to one the Supreme Court had ruled on earlier this year, determining that a district court erred when it blocked “the Department of Education from terminating DEI-related grants.” Target CEO Switch
Target CEO Brian Cornell is stepping down in February after 11 years at the helm. The news came as the retailer
Michael Whatley announced he was stepping down to run for a U.S. Senate seat in North Carolina.
Whatley, who introduced Gruters to the gathering, credited him for turning Florida from a purple to a red state. Gruters led the state party from 2019 to 2023 as the number of Republican voters surpassed that of Democrats.
In an interview with the Florida Phoenix Thursday, Gruters said his main focus is to help Trump maintain majorities in both the House and Senate during the mid-term elections.
“I’m 100% completely focused on supporting the president, his mission, his vision, and making sure that we’re successful in midterms,” Gruters said.
Gruters takes the reins as Trump pushes for the elimination of mail-in voting and while rival states controlled by Republicans and Democrats engage in tit-for-tat redistricting, especially Texas and California. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has been pushing the state Legislature to look at drawing a new congressional map. His party already controls 20 of Florida’s 28 congressional seats.
“We don’t need redistricting to hold on to the majorities in the House and Senate,” Gruters said. “We’re going to win because the president is committed to winning. I think that we have the right messaging. I think we have the right coalitions.”
Gruters plans to remain in the Flori-
da Senate while heading the RNC and said he was therefore barred against discussing any redistricting effort in Florida. The Florida Constitution includes “Fair Districts” amendments that say legislators cannot redraw maps for partisan gain. Some Florida Republicans have maintained that they could gain several seats if they make changes to existing districts.
‘Gold standard,’ ‘golden ticket’
On mail-in voting, Gruters called Florida’s system, which allows it, the “gold standard.” It’s a position DeSantis also takes.
But Gruters did not question Trump’s push to get rid of it. He also said the RNC would be “aggressive” with litigation to preserve “election integrity.”
“We’re here to make the president successful,” Gruters said. “And I think what the president’s looking for is to make sure that we protect the vote.”
While Gruters and DeSantis share the same position on Florida’s mail-in voting, the men routinely have been at odds.
Gruters was one of a minority of Republicans in the Legislature who endorsed Donald Trump over DeSantis early in the GOP presidential primary in 2023. Gruters in the 2024 election supported Amendment 3 to legalize recreational marijuana, while DeSantis aggressively and successfully lobbied for its defeat. Gruters spon-
National News Briefs
reported falling or flat sales for the 11th consecutive quarter, with profits down 19% from a year ago.
Annual sales increased over 40% under Cornell from 2018 to 2021—fueled partly by pandemic-era spending sprees— but have largely flatlined since inflation began surging about four years ago (see historical inflation). Roughly half of Target's sales are nonessential spending, while most business for competitors like Walmart and Costco comes from groceries. Tariffs have added pressure, with imports accounting for about half of Target's merchandise, compared to one-third of Walmart's and Costco's. Target also faced backlash over LGBTQthemed products in 2023 and its retreat from DEI initiatives this year.
Incoming CEO and current COO Michael Fiddelke outlined three priorities: trendier merchandise, better service, and greater technology adoption. Analysts, who favored an external hire, criticized the appointment. Target shares fell roughly 6% yesterday.
Three out of Four Metro Areas Posted Home Price Increases in Second Quarter of 2025
Seventy-five percent of metro markets (170 out of 228)
registered home price gains in the second quarter of 2025, according to the National Association of REALTORS®' Metropolitan Median Area Prices and Affordability and Housing Affordability Index. This is down from 83% in the first quarter. Five percent of metro areas recorded doubledigit price gains in the second quarter, down from 11% in the first quarter of 2025.
The national median singlefamily existing-home price grew 1.7% year-over-year to $429,400 – a record high. In the first quarter, the national median price increased 3.4% year-over-year.
Median existing single-family home price by region (yearover-year change): Northeast:
$527,200 (+6.1%), Midwest: $328,800 (+3.5%), West: $646,100 (+0.6%), South: $376,300 (No change).
"Home prices have been rising faster in the Midwest, due to affordability, and the Northeast, due to limited inventory," said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. "The South region – especially Florida and Texas – is experiencing a price correction due to the increase in new home construction in recent years."
"Home sales and the homeownership rate are underperforming relative to job growth,"
sored legislation quashing governors’ oversight of immigration policy that the Legislature passed in January but DeSantis vetoed. Gruters’ elevation to national leadership will have ripple effects in Florida’s elections. He says he’s got Trump’s endorsement, a coveted “golden ticket” that he could have cashed in had he continued his planned run for state chief financial officer. DeSantis recently appointed another state senator, Blaise Ingoglia, to that Florida Cabinet post. In appointing Ingoglia, DeSantis criticized Gruters as insufficiently conservative for GOP voters. He told reporters in July, “If George Washington rose from the dead and came back and tapped me on the shoulder and said, ‘Will you appoint Joe Gruters CFO?’ my response would be ‘No.’ “ Gruters insisted during the interview that he would have prevailed in a primary against Ingoglia had he pushed ahead. “At the end of the day, I had the president,” Gruters said. “People don’t like this comment, but I had the golden ticket. And I’m sure George Washington appreciates the fact that I’m going to be chairman. If he was alive, he’d be cheering for me as chairman of the party, because we’re going to win and we’re going to win big.”
added Yun. "There have been over 7 million net job additions compared to the pre-COVID peak. However, elevated mortgage rates have kept home sales below pre-COVID levels. The homeownership rate has fallen by a full percentage point since early 2023."
"If interest rates decline, the strongest release of pent-up housing demand is likely to occur in states with significant job growth in recent years, such as Idaho, Utah, the Carolinas, Florida, and Texas." Amazon Grocery Expansion Amazon recently announced that it has expanded same-day grocery delivery to more than 1,000 US cities, with plans to reach more than 2,300 by the end of the year. Prime members get free delivery for orders $25 and up (with a $2.99 fee for smaller orders).
Amazon’s gross sales last year topped $100B from more than 150 million US customers. However, the company lags Walmart in grocery sales, with Walmart able to make same-day deliveries to more than 90% of the country. With stagnant growth in its cloud computing business, Amazon has redoubled efforts to capture more of the US grocery delivery market, which it values at $800B, experimenting with storing fresh food at
delivery hubs. Amazon has also expanded offerings in recent years to include prescriptions, telehealth visits, and used cars.
Shares of Instacart, DoorDash, and Walmart dropped on the news
John Bolton Under FBI Investigation
On Friday, October 23rd, the FBI executed a court-authorized search of the Maryland home and Washington, DC, office of John Bolton, a first-term Trump administration national security adviser turned critic of the president. The raid was reportedly part of an investigation into whether Bolton mishandled classified information. Bolton has not been arrested or charged with any crimes as of this writing. After his time as President Donald Trump’s national security adviser from April 2018 to September 2019, Bolton wrote a memoir critical of Trump's administration. The Justice Department under Trump unsuccessfully opened a lawsuit and criminal investigation to block the book’s 2020 release on the grounds that the book contained classified material. Regarding yesterday's raid, Trump told reporters he had no prior knowledge of the operation.
Leon Adds Jobs in July, Unemployment Rate Creeps Up
The latest jobs report shows the Leon County July unemployment rate increased to 4.4%. The June unemployment rate was 4.3%.
The 4.4% unemployment rate is the highest reported in Leon County since August 2021 when the unemployment rate was 4.4%. The U.S. July unemployment rate came in at 4.3%, while the Florida rate was reported as 4.1%
The number of jobs in Leon County increased in July by 525 when compared to the June jobs report. There were 158,737 people working in Leon County in July compared to June’s revised employ -
ment number of 158,212.
The size of the workforce increased in July. There were 166,128 people in the workforce in July, up 877 from the 165,251 reported in June.
Year Over Year Comparisons
The Leon County Jobs Report, provided below, shows the number of people working in July 2025 was 410 more than in July 2024. The July labor force – those looking for jobs – came in at 166,128 which was 1,391 more than the number reported one year ago.
The July unemployment rate of 4.4% is up from the 3.9% reported one year ago.
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. The highlighted numbers relate
James Moore Named Top 200 Public Accounting Firm
James Moore & Co., P.L. (James Moore) recently announce the firm has once again been recognized by INSIDE Public Accounting (IPA) as one of the nation’s top 200 public accounting firms.
This is the 16th straight year that James Moore has made IPA’s annual list, with the firm moving up four spots from last year to land at number 112. Several hundred accounting firms nationwide participated in this year’s survey. James Moore is one of just seven Florida-based firms that made the top 200.
The annual IPA rankings are known as one of the most thorough, complete and accurate sets of rankings and trends. Established in 1987 by The Platt Group, INSIDE Public Accounting (IPA) has ranked the top 200 U.S. public accounting firms since 2010.
James Moore, founded in 1964, is a
consulting firm that helps organizations across the United States meet their operational and financial goals. The firm offers tax, auditing and accounting and controllership services to its clients, along with comprehensive support in human resources, technology, digital solutions and wealth management. James Moore’s team is comprised of seasoned professionals with decades of experience in their respective fields. The firm serves industry leaders in construction, healthcare, higher education and collegiate athletics, manufacturing, state and local government, nonprofit and real estate sectors. Learn more at www.jmco.com.
The Talent Development Council Launches Online Hub
The Talent Development Council has launched TLHTalent.com, the Capital Region’s first centralized online hub connecting career seekers, employers, and community resources.
TLH Talent offers a one-stop destination for industry spotlights, training opportunities, job boards, and essential support services like transportation and childcare assistance, all aimed at building a stronger local talent pipeline.
“This platform fills a critical gap by unifying our community’s resources and showcasing the depth of opportunity in our local economy,” said Corrie Melton, Vice President of Membership & Talent Development at the Chamber.
The Talent Development Council (TDC) is a regional partnership aligning workforce development with local economic needs, ensuring individuals have access to meaningful work and businesses have the talent they need to thrive. Explore the site and see how TLH Talent is building the region’s workforce of tomorrow at TLHTalent.com.
Applications Open for FSU’s
Program
Florida State University’s Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship (JMI) is accepting applications for the Leon Entrepreneurship and Adversity Program (LEAP). LEAP provides participants with world-class training, coaching and networking opportunities. By equipping participants with the tools and resources needed to overcome adversity and build sustainable ventures, the program fosters economic opportunity and empowers individuals to change their lives through entrepreneurship.
The program is designed to help individuals facing economic or personal hardship start or grow their own businesses in the Big Bend region, including Leon, Gadsden and Wakulla counties.
The program is ideal for those living in
challenging economic circumstances, desiring to start or grow a business and committed to improving their lives and communities.
The cost of the program is $500, however, scholarships of $475 are available for anyone with financial need. Applications are now open and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until Sept. 27, 2025. Space is limited and interested individuals are encouraged to apply early. Apply today at jimmoraninstitute.fsu.edu/ leap. For more information, contact JMI at jmi@fsu.edu or call (850) 644-3372. The Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship cultivates, trains and inspires entrepreneurial leaders through world-class executive education, applied training, public recognition and leading-edge research.
to employment levels for the month of July
The table above lists the most recent single family home sales in the Ox Bottom Manor neighborhood. The sales information is from the Leon County Property Appraiser.
The Ox Bottom Manor community is located about nine miles north of Florida's Capital in the rolling hills and canopy roads of northeast Leon County. Many of the homes were built in the 1990's.
The table above list 15 recent transactions with sale prices ranging from a low of $510,000 to a high of $742,500. The average sales price for these transactions was calculated to be $589,867.
Reviewing another popular measure of home value, the dollar per square foot ($/SqFt) shows a range starting
Current homes listed for sale in Ox Bottom range from $470,000 to $775,000. For more information on real estate sales in Leon county and overall economic conditions, visit TallahasseeReports.com.
Fall Sports Preview: Volleyball Lincoln Trojans Defeats
By Robert Stewart
With the Chiles volleyball team coming off an historic 25-1 season and bringing back the 2024 5A state title to Tallahassee, the Timberwolves are the team to beat in the 2025 season. Although they have notable players leaving to play collegiately, the Timberwolves will retain power on the outside with several returning hitters. The biggest holes to fill will be on the back row as Holly Sanders and Kate Stewart contributed 524 digs in their senior years.
Florida High could also be factor in the Leon County rankings as they are coming off of a successful season, losing in the 3A state semifinal championship match and returning kill leader Hunter Cook.
Chiles finished the 2024 season ranked at the top of Leon County with a record of 25-1. Following the Timberwolves, Florida High finished ranked second with a record of 18-9
and Leon finished third with a record of 13-13.
Notable returning players for the Timberwolves include setter Natalie Gibson, outside hitters Lindsay Smith (190 kills) and outside hitter and setter Eva Goodson (296 kills). Gibson had 743 assists in the 2024 season surpassing 2000 assists for her high school career and plans to add to that number with a successful senior year.
Notable returning players for the Florida High Seminoles include outside hitter Hunter Cook, setter Olivia Woods and outside hitter Addison Mayernick. Cook led Florida High in kills last year finishing the season with 360 kills on 878 attempts.
Notable returning players for the Lions include setter Riley Knipple, middle Londyn Hatcher, and defensive specialist Jessica Campbell. Knipple led the team in assists finishing the year with 397.
Leon County Hosts 25 Teams for High School Cross Country Meet
By Robert Stewart
On Aug. 23rd, the first cross country meet of the high school season took place at Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park in Tallahassee featuring ten schools from Leon County. Those schools included Leon, Lincoln, Maclay, St. JPII, Rickards, Godby, Christ Classical Academy (CCA), Community Leadership Academy (CLA) , Tallahassee Classical School (TCS) and Community Christian School (CCS).
Notable Leon County results from the varsity boys 5000 meter race included Rickards’ Jamarin Lane (Sr.) finishing 6th with a time of 17:52.30,
Godby’s Erick Garcia (Jr.) finishing 7th with a time of 17:56.90 and CCS’s Jeremy Collier (Sr.) finishing 11th with a time of 18:24.00. Notabale team finishes include Leon in 4th place with 96 points and CCS in 5th place with 104 points.
Notable Leon County results from the varsity girls 5000 meter race included Leon’s Tatum Hendon (So.) finishing 6th with a time of 23:16.80, Leon’s Clifton Lewis (Sr.) finishing 9th with a time of 23:30.40 and Brixton Menendez (Fr.) finishing 17th with a time of 24:32.50. Notable team finishes include Leon placing 3rd with 105 points.
By Robert Stewart
Niceville in Football Opener
On Aug. 22nd, the Lincoln Trojans football team (1-0) opened their regular season with a game against the Niceville Eagles (0-1) at Chiles High School. These two teams last saw each other in the 2024-2025 regional finals, a game won by Niceville, 31-10. While there are multiple changes to both teams for the 2025 season, one of the most significant is Lincoln’s new starting quarterback, Taylor Jacobs who moved over from Chiles.
After the Trojans stopped Niceville on their opening drive, Lincoln found the end zone on only two passing plays, jumping to a 7-0 start in the first quarter. After going back and forth, Niceville started to pick up momentum stringing a drive together as the first quarter expired.
After a Niceville touchdown at the beginning of the second quarter, Jacobs threw his second interception of the night which led to a thirty-yard touchdown pass, putting Niceville up 15-7 with 7:22 left in first half. With the half coming to a close, Jacobs completed a long touchdown pass on the run to limit Niceville’s lead to 15-13 at halftime.
Lincoln started off the second half much like they did the first with a
touchdown pass taking the lead at 19-15. After both offenses exchanged multiple touchdowns, the Lincoln defense came up with a crucial fumble recovery to stop the Eagles with 5:39 left in the game. Lincoln kicker Thomas Arnold helped seal the deal as he converted a clutch field goal to put the Trojans up 36-29 with two minutes to go. With the game on the line, the Trojan defense came up with a stop giving Lincoln their first win of the 2025 regular season.
Notable performances for Lincoln included quarterback Taylor Jacobs Jr (Sr.) with 318 passing yards on 23 completions and three passing touchdowns, wide receiver Kabran Paul (Sr.) with 71 yards on five receptions and two touchdowns and wide receiver Maliek Denmark (Sr.) with 178 yards on nine receptions and one touchdown.
Other Leon County Football Scores: Chiles lost an away game to Dothan 17-42, Florida High beat Dunnelon 17-14 at home, Rickards won an away game against Godby 41-34, Maclay beat Jefferson County at home 31-6, NFC lost a home game to Chipley 7-20, and FAMU DRS lost a home game to Abbeville Christian Academy 6-44
