Tallahassee
The Leon County School Board voted unanimously to move forward with a tentative FY2025 budget which will result in a $10 million increase in local property tax revenue.
Page 12
FAMU University trustees unanimously approved a $400,000 contract for Tim Beard, the interim president.
Page 6
The PBA "slams" city commission candidates that attended a forum sponsored by an antipolice group.
Page 1
Equality Florida, a LGBTQ advocacy group, endorsed Jeremy Rogers in the race for a Leon County School Board seat.
Page 1
The June jobs report shows the Leon County unemployment rate jumped to 3.9%.
Page 10
A Florida Realtors group reported that Tallahassee MSA single-family sales were down 15.7% in June.
Page 10
J. Brent Pichard: The Property Tax Shell Game.
Page 8
The City of Tallahassee honored former Mayor John Marks by naming a building after him. Page 3
JetBlue Pulls Out of Tallahassee, Six Other Cities
By Steve Stewart
Not even reaching one year of facilitating flights in and out of Tallahassee International Airport (TLH), JetBlue announced they are pulling all flights from the Capital City.
Flights will cease completely on October 27 citing “underperformance and lack of customer demand.”
Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey stated that JetBlue still recognizes Tallahassee as an emerging market however they felt they needed to make this business decision now.
“JetBlue is doing a complete
By Steve Stewart
On July 29, the Florida Police Benevolent Association (PBA) Big Bend Chapter issued a press release condemning Tallahassee city commission candidates Jack Porter and Dot Inman-Johnson for attending a forum sponsored by the Tallahassee Community Action Committee (TCAC), a self-avowed socialist and anti-police group. TCAC members, as recently as this summer, have called TPD Chief Revell a murderer and labeled TPD officers “killer cops.”
The press release stated that the group is “a far left-wing activist group that proudly boasts on its website (www.tallycac. com) about its anti-law enforcement platform that vilifies police offi-
cers, refers to cops as killers, and seeks to defund the police.”
Big Bend PBA President Richard Murphy called on Porter and Johnson to immediately denounce the TCAC’s blatant vilification and demonization of the police.
However, both Porter and Inman-Johnson declined to distance themselves from the TCAC positions on law enforcement.
Porter responded to the PBA’s release by saying she stands “firmly behind” law enforcement, ensuring they have the resources they need to do their jobs.
Inman-Johnson told the Tallahassee Democrat the Big Bend PBA press release was "ridiculous" and a "stunt."
States Scramble After Title IX Ruling Related to Gender Identity
By Jim Saunders The News Service of Florida
Hours after a U.S. district judge ruled against them, Florida and three other states late Tuesday asked an appeals court to temporarily halt a new federal rule about sex-based discrimination in education programs.
Attorneys for Florida, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and other plaintiffs scrambled after U.S. District Judge Annemarie Carney Axon on Tuesday issued a 122-page decision that rejected a request for a preliminary injunction against the rule, which deals with Title IX, a landmark 1972 law that bars discrimination in education programs based on sex.
The court fight focuses heavily on a change that would extend Title IX regulations to apply to discrimination based on gender identity. The rule, finalized in April, is slated to take effect Thursday, attorneys for the plaintiffs wrote in the late-Tuesday filing at the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
The filing seeks an “administrative injunction” to temporarily halt federal officials from enforcing the rule while the plaintiffs’ attorneys prepare a more-detailed request to put the rule on hold. The states contend that the rule could force them to do such things as allow transgender students to use bathrooms that don’t match their sex assigned at birth.
“The regulations require a series of
radical changes at schools that take federal money,” the plaintiffs’ attorneys wrote.
But U.S. Department of Justice lawyers argued in a response Wednesday morning that the motion should be denied, saying that the plaintiffs “ask this (appeals) court for immediate injunctive relief barring defendants’ effectuation of portions of a regulation that is about to come into force — in essence, the very preliminary injunction that the district court properly exercised its discretion to decline to issue.”
Axon, an Alabama federal judge nominated to the bench by former President Donald Trump, said the plaintiffs had not provided adequate arguments to obtain a preliminary injunction.
“Plaintiffs must, among other things, establish a substantial likelihood of success on the claims advanced in their complaint to obtain a preliminary injunction from this court,” Axon wrote. “They failed to sustain that burden.”
In part, Axon wrote that the plaintiffs had not adequately backed up their claims that the Biden administration actions were arbitrary and capricious. The states have alleged violations of a law known as the Administrative Procedure Act.
“The court highlights that at later stages in these proceedings, more carefully developed legal arguments
Delilah Pierre, VicePresident TCAC: “we know this man (Chief Revell) is a homophobe, a transphobe and a killer cop who helped murder that 19-year-old boy in 1996....every single day…. there are people in the city who are cops who have murdered people..."
Commissioner Porter dismissed PBA's concerns as a "political attack" and said "I also understand there are people in our community that have a deep distrust of law enforcement."
By Tristyn Leigh
Leon County School Board candidate Jeremy Rogers recently announced his campaign for school board was endorsed by Equality Florida.
According to the organization’s website, Equality Florida “is the largest civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for Florida’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community.”
Rogers’ opponent – current school board member Laurie Cox – has been an advocate for parental rights and has spoken against a number Equality Florida policy positions.
In a statement provided to TR, Cox stated that “Equality Florida has for a long time been an influence in many school districts around the state pushing for LGBTQ rights in our schools and are not supportive of the Parental Rights in Education legislation. As a long-time teacher, I believe we as teachers have a responsibly to support all of our students and we as teachers should not use our classrooms for political or social activism causes. I strongly support parental rights and trans -
TNMC 16th Annual Jazz Showcase Concert
Presented by Thursday Night Music Club at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall - Florida State University, Tallahassee FL, August 8, 2024.
TNMC is a local big band and will perform classic and modern jazz, funk, rock, and Latin favorites, including original arrangements of popular jazz standards. Experience the Magic of Big Band Jazz! Get ready for a night of electrifying music! Join us for an unforgettable evening as the sensational local big band Thursday Night Music Club takes the stage for our 16th Annual Jazz Showcase. Experience modern hits and timeless classics reimagined in an exhilarating jazz format, featuring our two talented vocalists (Lisa Foltz and Fred Lee) who will captivate your evening. Join us at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall (222 S. Copeland Street) for an unforgettable night of big band jazz.
Community News
Whether you’re a lifelong jazz lover or new to the genre, this event is perfect for all music enthusiasts. Don’t miss out on this incredible night of live music. Grab your tickets now for just $15. Make it a date night with great music for a good cause. All profits from this show go back into running our community jazz ensemble. We donate our time (and musical talent) to community events, fundraisers, and educational events throughout the year. Find out more at thursdaynightmusicclub.org. Thursday Night Music Club 16th-Annual Jazz Showcase, Thursday, 8/8/24 at 7:30 pm inside Ruby Diamond Concert Hall (FSU), $15 general admission Purchase Tickets Online Other details: Doors open at 7 PM. Please contact tnmcband@gmail.com with questions or special situations.
Vintage Blues and Country from Hot Tamale at the Getaway Grille and Bar
Acoustic duo Hot Tamale will be performing vintage blues and country songs at the Getaway Grille on Friday Aug 9 from 7 to 10 PM. including Hank Williams, Leadbelly, Robert Johnson, Patsy Cline and Muddy Waters
Hot Tamale is known for their upbeat acoustic performances and their broad range of musical styles. Hot Tamale has performed at the Florida Folk Festival, the Quincy Music Theater, The Monticello Opera House, the Sopchoppy Opry, the Word of South Festival, the Chain of Parks Festival, The St. Marks Monarch Butterfly Festival, the Sopchoppy Worm Gruntin' Festival and many other events and venues for over 15 years.
The Many Lives of Andrew Young | Exhibition Opening
Presented by Thomasville Center for the Arts at Thomasville Center for the Arts, Thomasville Center for the Arts, 600 East Washington Street, Thomasville, GA 31792
Thomasville Center for the Arts Presents “The Many Lives of Andrew Young” Exhibition.
In honor of Andrew Young, and in partnership with the National Monument Foundation and Jack Hadley’s Black History Museum, the Thomasville Center for the Arts is proud to present the traveling exhibition, The Many Lives of Andrew Young.
Featuring photographs and narratives from the multifaceted life of Ambassador Andrew Young, this exhibition will highlight his journey from his personal life to his political career.
This event is free and open to the public. There will be light wine and refreshments served.
The Pyramid Players present Justice Rocks!
Presented by Pyramid, Inc. at The Moon, Tallahassee FL
On Saturday, August 10, The Pyramid Players of Tallahassee Studios will take the stage at The Moon to present “Justice ROCKS!” Co-written by Pyramid Studios’ playwriting class, “Justice ROCKS” is a musical comedy so funny, it’s a crime! Watch as the drama unfolds when a popular rock star is accused of stealing a legendary guitar. Will his lawyer be able to clear his name or is he destined for a stint in the big house? Join us to find out! The doors open at 5 p.m. EST with a Pyramid-wide Art Show & Sale, a Silent Auction and a spread of hors d’oeuvres only our volunteers could pull off. Curtain is at 7 p.m. Admission is $10 per ticket. All tickets are general admission (first come, first serve), but seat savers will be available so you’ll have plenty of time to mix, mingle, browse and buy. Tickets will be available at the door or in advance at Pyramid Studios, 1910 Commonwealth Lane, Tallahassee.
C ommitte d. Trusted. L oc al.
City of Tallahassee Honors Former Mayor John Marks
By TR Staff
On Friday, July 26, the City of Tallahassee held a ceremony honoring former Mayor John Robert Marks III by naming a building after him.
On November 8, 2022, the Tallahassee City Commission voted unanimously to rename the Gemini Building in honor of former Tallahassee Mayor John R. Marks, III. Marks was first elected as mayor in 2003 and later re-elected in 2006 and 2010.
The honor was requested by former Congressman Al Lawson in a letter to the City Manager. The letter is provided below.
Lawson stated that “Mayor Mark’s legacy is deeply rooted in our community” and that “Marks was an exemplary
However, Dr. Erwin Jackson provided comment at the meeting via telephone and asked elected officials not to support the request.
Jackson sparred with Marks while he was mayor on several issues including a southside biomass project, the investigation into a non-profit that employed Marks, Marks’ relationship with Honeywell and the infamous “kill switch.”
The item presented to the Commission noted that “Mayor Marks championed many community initiatives, including the Gaines Street Revitalization Project; the development of College Town; the transformation of Cascades Park and FAMU Way; the recruitment of Danfoss Turbocor; and the creation of the Summit on Race, Culture,
Without comment, the city commission voted 5-0 to support the request.
The city press release announcing the ceremony, is provided below:
“As we celebrate our city’s bicentennial, how appropriate that we recognize Mayor Marks for his public service and dedication to innovating Tallahassee,” Mayor John Dailey said. “He is the longestserving mayor in Tallahassee’s history and, notably, holds the distinction of being the first African American elected to the position.”
During his tenure as mayor, many impactful initiatives came to fruition, including the revitalization of Gaines Street, the transformation of Cascades Park and FAMU Way, the recruitment of Danfoss Turbocor and the implementation of the Smart Grid
technology for utilities. Marks was among the first African Americans to attend Florida State University (1965) where he received his bachelor’s degree (1969) and J.D. (1972 Law). He served on the Florida Public Service Commission (1979-1987) and is the founder of the Jane and John Marks Foundation. An adjunct professor at both FSU and Florida A&M University, he has been recognized as an FSU Distinguished Graduate and inducted in the FSU Alumni Circle of Gold, FSU President’s Club and FAMU College of Education Gallery of Distinction. A distinguished Air Force ROTC graduate, Marks is a U.S. Air Force Vietnam era veteran JAG Officer (1972-1976) and was inducted in the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame. Among board appoint-
ments, Marks served 35 years on the Board of Directors of FBMC Benefits Management Co. and as president of the Florida League of Cities and League of Mayors. A life member of the NAACP, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and Sierra Club, with professional memberships in the American, National, Florida and Tallahassee Bar and Barristers associations and the American Law Institute, he was named a Florida Super Lawyer in 2006 and 2007. A graduate of Class XX of Leadership Florida, he is also a member of the Sigma Pi Phi Boulé.
He is married to Jane A. Marks, a psychotherapist and local television host. His son John Marks IV and daughterin-law Cristina are the parents of his grandchildren Elsa Julianna and John Robert.
Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Three to the TSC District Board of Trustees
By TR Staff
Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the reappointment of Jonathan Kilpatrick and Monte Stevens and the appointment of Monesia Brown to the Tallahassee State College District Board of Trustees.
“We applaud the Governor’s appointment of these community leaders to our District Board of Trustees,” said Dr. Jim Murdaugh, President of TSC. “Each has an impressive track record of public service, is a tremendous advocate of education, and values the mission of our College. I have no doubt they will be excellent champions for our students.”
Jonathan Kilpatrick was originally appointed to the Board in 2014 and is currently serving as chair. He is the founder and CEO of Trulight LLC, specializing in technology strategy, regulatory compliance, and cyber security. Kilpatrick has spent more than 30 years of his career leading innovative technology solutions, previously serving as the Chief Information Officer for the City of Tallahassee. Kilpatrick is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Florida Air National Guard serving as a Cyber Systems Officer. He is currently assigned to Joint Forces Headquarters in St. Augustine, Florida, where he serves as the cyber security advisor to Air National Guard State Staff. He also serves as the pastor of the First Baptist Church of St. Marks.
“I am deeply grateful for the Governor’s confidence in me,” said Kilpatrick. “I look forward to continuing the exceptional work at Tallahassee State College alongside my colleagues and am excited to welcome Trustee Brown to our Board.”
Monte Stevens is a Partner at The Southern Group. Previously, he was Deputy Chief of Staff at the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation and worked in legislative affairs at the Agency for Healthcare Administration and the Department of Financial Services. Stevens was a member of two national champion debate teams at the
University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science before earning a master’s degree in speech communication from Kansas State University. He was originally appointed to the board by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2021.
“I am honored by the Governor’s decision to allow me to continue my service on the Board,” said Stevens.
“Tallahassee State College stands as a top-tier institution and the College of Choice for our students. I am excited to collaborate with President Murdaugh and my fellow trustees to ensure our ongoing success.”
Monesia “Mone” Brown is Vice President of Government Relations for
North Highland, a global consultancy firm based out of Atlanta, Georgia. An attorney and consultant, her career has focused on legislative and executive branch matters such as economic development, state procurement, education, and more. Her experience spans emergency disaster response and recovery, corporate community investment, and managing corporate initiatives in Florida in partnership with state and local governments. Prior to joining North Highland, she served as director of Public Affairs and Government Relations for Walmart Inc. She also served as a member of the Florida State Board of Education from 2021 to 2024.
“Thank you to Governor DeSantis for this opportunity to serve at Tallahassee State College,” said Brown. “The College has such an outstanding reputation in our community as well as nationally. I am thrilled to join the District Board of Trustees and help continue that legacy of excellence.” Trustees are appointed to four-year terms. Appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
By Steve Stewart
Based on market conditions as of January 1, 2024, Leon County property owners will pay approximately $40 million more in property taxes to seven different taxing authorities in FY2025 when compared to FY 2024.
The tax increase is due to the increase in taxable property values in Leon County which increased approximately 10% from 2023 to 2024, with overall market values reflecting an increase of over 7.3%.
The table below – provided by the Leon County Property Appraiser’s Office – shows that Leon County Government will receive an additional $19 million in tax revenue, followed by the School Board which will receive $12.4 million.
Spencer Brass Discusses Background, Tallahassee Issues
By Tristyn Leigh
Spencer Brass, son of a Tampa City Police Officer and an agriculture teacher, is running for Florida House District 9 to make a difference on problems he sees in Tallahassee. Born and raised in Pasco County, Spencer moved to Tallahassee just over 3 years ago.
Brass is an entrepreneur with a diverse background. He attended pilot school and is now a real estate investor.
Brass says he has always had a passion for work, “I think I started my first business when I was 12, walking dogs”, he said during an appearance on The Steve Stewart Show. “It was actually kind of successful!”.
After Brass’s move to Tallahassee, he began to notice the homelessness problem around the Pensacola Street area
where his family owns property. Brass said the problem was prominently displayed and has really started to take a toll on businesses.
After years of talking to every elected official he could contact and working closely with the sheriff’s office to try and combat the problem, he says that “It became very apparent that significant funding is needed and that the political will power is needed so that we can address it for the good of everybody, including those who are experiencing homelessness”.
Brass said the problem would not fix itself; and the people who had been elected to fix it were letting the community down.
Other problems have been haunting Tallahassee from Brass’s view as well. The violent crime in Tallahassee hasn’t been fixed, even
with the mass amount of tax dollars that are being poured into local law enforcement. Spencer says the solution is to double down and continue to hire more officers to increase street presence, stating that, “having a [police] presence deters crime”.
He is also interested in Tallahassee’s infrastructure, using the recent tornados as an example of what needs to change.
The city lost power to tens of millions of people and spent millions after the fact trying to repair the damage.
Brass says that moving the power lines underground is just one way that local infrastructure can be improved to better the lives of local people.
Spencer says that many politicians are too scared to talk about the real issues in Tallahassee, and don’t want to risk upsetting people and
losing an election. He spoke on how politicians are too divided and don’t focus on the issues at hand but rather their own agendas.
As a registered Republican, he believes that he can do more than his opponent, incumbent Democrat, Alison Tant.
“You’ve got to be in the majority to get things done”, Brass stated, bringing up the fact that the Florida Senate is majority Republican. Brass argued that those who are in the majority come home with better deals for their communities than those who aren’t.
Brass thinks that a fresh, young voice like his is what’s needed to revitalize the community, promising that he won’t be swayed by the political tide and will use his position to call out problems as they are and get things done because, “at the end of the day, that’s what an elected official’s job is to do. To be a representative, not a personal advocate”.
Police Union “Slams” Porter & Inman-Johnson for Attending Forum Sponsored by Anti-Police Group
PBA President Richard Murphy said, “It is absolutely appalling to us that a sitting City Commissioner and a candidate for City Commission, would publicly associate themselves with a group that blatantly lies about cops and vilifies our law enforcement officers, who risk their lives daily to keep the public safe.
Porter’s opponent Rudy Ferguson, and Inman-Johnson’s opponent, City Commissioner Curtis Richardson, did not attend the event.
Louis Dilbert, who is in the race with Porter and Ferguson, told TR he attended the event but was unaware of TCAC’s comments about law enforcement.
Porter’s Anti-Law Enforcement Positions
While on the city commission, Porter, along with City Commissioner Matlow have consistently promoted an antilaw enforcement narrative.
In December 2022 Taylor Biro, a member of the Citizens Police Review Board (CPRB), created a controversy by attending a CPRB meeting with a cup carrying an “Abolish Police” sticker.
Biro publicly admitted she was a police abolitionist. Biro said, “I have never shied away from wearing my values on my sleeve, or on my cup, and that’s why I have that sticker on there.”
The city commission voted 3-2 to remove Biro. Porter and
Matlow voted to keep Biro on the CPRB.
TR was the first to report that Porter serves in a leadership position with Local Progress, a national progressive group that supports defunding the police policies. She has attended at least three Local Progress conferences.
Most recently, Max Herrle, a campaign operative with ties to Porter and Matlow, promoted a story that a TPD officer planted evidence during a DUI stop.
The report gained national attention and was repeatedly promoted by Matlow. It turns out that the report by Herrle was full of misrepresentations.
A jury, after reviewing the evidence, found the defendant guilty. However, Matlow continued to promote the “planted evidence” narrative, as did TCAC.
After Chief Revell publicly defended the police officers, calling out those who pushed the false narrative, Porter responded during a city commission meeting saying, “I don’t feel safe personally when I think about the chief of police making disparaging comments about me.”
TCAC Leadership
Delilah Pierre is listed as the vice-president of TCAC. Pierre said of Police Chief Revell, “we know this man is a homophobe a transphobe and a killer cop who helped murder that 19-year-old boy in 1996, disgusting no basic
accountability.” Pierre continued, “every single day…. there are people in the city who are cops who have murdered people. Murdered people and they face no accountability and they’re probably on the same ads and posters you use to talk about police accountability, they’re probably hugging kids, killer cops in our damn City.”
Pierre closed her comments to the city commission with “there is a storm coming.”
TCAC's mission states, “We recognize that we live under a capitalist system fueled by imperialism and white supremacy that upholds itself via systemic oppression. We are dedicated to fighting this system in order to improve the lives and material conditions of all who suffer underneath it.”
Inman-Johnson told the Tallahassee Democrat the Big Bend PBA press release was "ridiculous" and a "stunt." She did not address the comments made by TCAC related to Chief Revell or the TPD officers,
The group, on their website and in public comments, refer to the three Tallahassee police officers, who have been involved in unfortunate shooting incidents in the line of duty, as murderers. All three of the incidents did not rise to the level of an indictment after a grand jury review. Pierre’s comments could be dismissed as the words of a frustrated community organizer, however, the comments
appear to have the support of some local leaders.
For example, when City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow was asked on The Steve Stewart Show if referring to a cleared police officer as a murderer was extreme, Matlow said, “I don’t agree. No.”
LCSO Names Deputy Davis Clarke and Deputy Travis Sailor as Employees of the Month
Deputy Davis Clarke started his career with the Leon County Sheriff's Office in 2017. He has served as a Uniform Patrol Deputy and a School Resource Deputy (SRD). Currently , he is assigned to School Resource at Leon High School Lieutenant Pepper Norrman nominated deputy Clarke, highlighting his diligence regarding a particular student. During the 2022-2023 school year, Deputy Clarke arrested a student for possessing a fire arm and illegal drugs on campus. The student was expelled and banned from all Leon County School properties and functions, In the 2023-2024 school year, the same student tried to enter Cox Stadium wile wearing a mask to conceal his identity.
Deputy Clarke recognized and arrested him for trespassing. Later, during high school graduations,
increased law enforcement presence was required due to previous altercations. Deputy Clarke, serving as one of the deputies in this detail, identified and arrested the same student again in a large crowd at the graduation event. Lieutenant Norrman praised Deputy Clarke's vigilance and dedication to safety, stating, "Deputy Clarke exemplifies vigilance and dedication to safety. His commitment to keeping everyone safe is commendable. I am thankful to be given an opportunity to supervises an individual like him. He makes what I do very easy. It is with great pleasure I nominate Deputy Clarke for Employee of the Month."
For his outstanding work and commitment to being ALLin, Deputy Davis Clarke is well-deserving of the July 2024 Sworn Law Enforcement Employee of the Month award.
Congratulations to detention deputy Travis Sailor on being named the Leon county sheriffs office detention employee of the month for July 2024.
Deputy Sailor join the Leon County Sheriffs Office (LCSO) in 2008 and has since served in various roles, including in Housing and Pathways. He was nominated for his honor by Sergeant Daniel Whaley, who praised Deputy Sailors dedication and community involvement. Sergeant Whaley highlighted deputy Sailors commitment to his duties and his active participation in community initiatives. A notable example is his involvement in the Honor Flight program, which honors veterans by ensuring their sacrifices are remembered and appreciated.
Deputy Sailor played a crucial role in the program success, helping to provide veterans with the recognition they deserve. Beyond his professional responsibilities, Deputy Sailor is a devoted family man and entrepreneur. He balances his fatherhood, managing three rental properties, and volunteering as a flag football coach for the City of Tallahassee. His ability to juggle these roles showcases his exceptional organization-
al skills and dedication to excellence.
Deputy Sailors contributions extend beyond his job description, embodying the spirit of community policing and civic engagement. His proactive involvement in initiatives that enhance the well-being of citizens exemplifies his genuine concern for others. Whether coordinating supplies or volunteering at community events, his efforts foster a sense of security and camaraderie within the community.
In recognition of his outstanding service, dedication, and professionalism, Deputy Travis Sailor is honored as the July 2020 for detention employee of the month. His tireless efforts and commitment to making a positive difference inspire his colleagues and community members alike, reflecting the core values and highest standards of the Leon County sheriffs office.
PBA From Front Page
Recently, members of the Tallahassee Community Action Committee spoke at the city commission meeting criticizng law enforcement and advocating for the Palestinian cause.
Spencer Brass will face incumbent Allison Tant in November in a race for House District 9.
By Steve Stewart
TPD Crime Incidents Down YTD, Robbery Down 18.0%
Through seven months of 2024, the number of crime incidents reported by the Tallahassee Police Department remain down when compared to 2023. The numbers show an increase in residential burglaries and a doubledigit decrease in robbery incidents.
TPD Incidents
The daily TPD incident reports indicate that the total number of crime incidents through July 31, 2024 are down 5.0% when compared to the same period in 2023.
TR’s last report indicated the total number of crime incidents were down 4.2% year-to-date (YTD).
The numbers show that property crime incidents were down 3.2% and violent crime incidents were down 8.7% during the period.
Property crimes encompass burglaries, thefts, incidents of vandalism, and violent offenses, including aggravated assaults, armed robberies, and physical altercations.
While property crimes are down YTD, a closer look shows that residential burglaries are up 3.2% when compared to the same period in 2023.
The decrease in property crime is being driven by a 5.6% decrease in auto related incidents and a 4.7% decrease in commercial burglaries.
The violent crime data during the period shows that robbery incidents were down 18.0%, while assault & battery incidents were down 5.5%.
Fatal Shootings
During this period, there have been 16 fatal shootings in 2024, compared to 10 fatal shooting deaths in 2023. However, records show the rate of fatal shootings increased dramatically in 2023 from August 1 through December 31, with 13 fatal shootings.
TR will continue to provide an update to the crime incident report.
JetBlue Pulls Out of Tallahassee, Six Other Cities
JETBLUE, From Front Page
restructure across all of their markets and unfortunately the TLH flight is one that is withdrawing,” Dailey said.
In addition to Tallahassee, JetBlue is ending service in Charlotte, Minneapolis-St. Paul, San Antonio, Hollywood Burbank Airport, Palm Springs International Airport, and Pointe-a-Pitre International Airport (PTP) in Guadeloupe.
“JetBlue identified TLH as a great emerging market. We know that and we’re going to have other opportunities from other airlines as well.”
Tallahassee City Commissioner Jack Porter stated she felt “blindsided” by the
move and blamed other city commissioners saying their actions caused Tallahassee to be in a worse position for businesses wanting to come to Tallahassee.
“Wise management and common sense government instead of tax increases and giveaways is the way forward towards a better business climate,” Porter wrote.
Tallahassee City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow similarly questioned the decision to build a new road to the airport for $140 million all the while “we just lost JetBlue.” JetBlue Prioritizing Florida, Not Tallahassee
Despite cutting all flights from TLH, JetBlue said they are still working to facilitate more new routes, but they will primarily be along the East Coast. Their emphasis is connecting New England to South Florida.
Some of the new flights include: Buffalo, NY to Palm Beach, FL, Providence, RI to Fort Myers, FL, Providence, RI to Tampa, FL, Portland, ME to Orlando, FL, Boston, MA to Orlando, FL, and Boston, MA to Fort Lauderdale, FL.
JetBlue is calling these moves “strategic changes” hoping to grow their footprint as well as “invest and
grow across New England.”
The JetBlue retreat from TLH comes as overall passenger traffic is up at TLH. The latest year-over-year passenger traffic for TLH during June was up nearly 10 percent. Similarly, the calendar year-to-date comparison, January through June, shows passenger traffic is up 15.7 percent in 2024 when compared to 2023. American Airlines has carved success out for themselves as the year-over-year metric from June 2023 to June 2024 saw a 10.8 percent increase in passenger traffic with Tallahassee City
Equality Florida Endorses Rogers for School Board, Laurie Cox Responds
EQUALITY, From Front Page
parency, making sure parents know what is going on in the classrooms.”
Equality Florida & Leon County Schools
Equality Florida was a driving force behind the creation of the first LGBTQ Guide in Leon County Schools in 2016 & 2017. The guide included a controversial provision that encouraged teachers and administrators to keep information related to gender issues from parents.
The provision came to light when documents indicated that administrators at Deer
Lake Elementary School keep information about a student gender transition plan from the student’s parents.
After this controversy and the passage of state laws addressing the issue, Leon County Schools updated the guide. In addition, emails provided to Tallahassee Reports in 2021 verified that Equality Florida influenced decisions made by Montford Middle School officials related to a controversial campaign to identify classrooms as safe places for
“Equality Florida has for a long time been an influence in many school districts around the state pushing for LGBTQ rights in our schools and are not supportive of the Parental Rights in Education legislation. As a long-time teacher, I believe we as teachers have a responsibly to support all of our students and we as teachers should not use our classrooms for political or social activism causes.
- Laurie Cox
certain students.
Current Equality Florida initiatives include ensuring “school counselors, social workers, or other mental health professionals implement a support plan for
transgender and gender nonbinary students, including but not limited to affirming pronouns and name, substitute teacher notification, knowledge of gender affirmed unofficial documents
Manager Reese Goad saying American has found the “sweet spot.”
“American has found a really good market,” Goad said. “They fly direct to (Washington) DC, to Charlotte, to Miami, to Dallas … They found the sweet spot. They’re flying mostly around 100seat planes.”
Goad was also insistent that JetBlue’s withdrawal is not an indictment on the airport itself saying the airport couldn’t have done anything differently to keep JetBlue from making their decision. He echoed Dailey’s sentiment that “we’ll get another airline.”
such as student badges, etc. and equitable restroom, locker room and field trip procedures.”
Equality Florida also encourages school officials to “Respect the confidentiality of all students, especially LGBTQ youth who may not be out at home or in the community.”
Rogers told TR that he would be opposed to any policy that encouraged administrators to keep information about children from their parents.
Deadline to Apply for SBA Physical Disaster Loans Approaching in Leon County
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding businesses, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters in Florida affected by the severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes on May 10 to apply for physical damage disaster loans by the Aug. 16 deadline. Those affected by the disaster should not wait to settle with their insurance company before applying for a disaster loan.
The disaster declaration covers Leon County, which is eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA. Small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs): Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Liberty and Wakulla in Florida; and Grady and Thomas in Georgia.
For more information and to apply online visit SBA. gov/Disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email
DisasterCustomerService@
SBA.gov for information on SBA disaster assistance. Submit completed loan applications to SBA no later than Aug. 16, 2024. The deadline to submit economic injury applications is March 17, 2025.
Celebrate National Night Out with TPD
The annual initiative known as National Night Out strives to foster stronger connections between law enforcement and citizens within the community. To commemorate this year's occasion, the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) will be hosting a free community event at Cascades Park on Tuesday, Aug. 6, from 6-8 p.m. National Night Out will cater to families. Attendees can expect music, delicious food (while supplies last), and enjoyable moments with their beloved first responder families. Multiple agencies will join forces at this year’s event, including the Tallahassee Fire Department, Leon County Sheriff's Office, Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Department of Law Enforcement Capitol Police, Florida Department of Corrections, Emergency Medical Services, City of Talla-
hassee Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Affairs, and Mission BBQ.
"Every year we look forward to a night out in the community with our local first responder family. National Night Out is a great opportunity for residents to get to know the people who serve them every day," said Chief Lawrence Revell.
Since its inception in 1984, National Night Out has witnessed tremendous growth, with participation expanding from 2.5 million Americans in 400 communities across 23 states to over 30 million people in excess of 10,000 communities spanning all 50 states.
Leon County Schools Highlights Changes in Security
Leon County Schools (LCS) recently provided an update related to school security. Jimmy Williams, Chief Safety, Security & Emergency Management for LCS noted in an email that a new Florida Law (HB 1473) has come into effect requiring that “all campus access doors, gates, and other access points shall remain closed and locked at all times.”
Williams said this means the current practice of securing school campuses
during the school day will now be required whenever students are on campus, including afternoon and evening events. For elementary schools, not much will change since there is a single point of entry for visitors at all elementary schools.
For middle schools, there may be some changes and restrictions to how visitors access the school afterhours as LCS complies with these new state requirements.
The biggest impact will be on the high schools as the campuses are very large and busy with many afterhour activities during the school year. Visitors may encounter new ways to enter campus and notice the movement on campus will be restricted in accordance with state regulations.
Williams concluding by stating, “Our schools are working diligently to comply with the new law that goes into effect on August 1. We ask for patience as we begin implementing these new procedures and communicate the process to our school communities.”
Interim FAMU President Contract Approved
Florida A&M University trustees on Tuesday
unanimously approved a $400,000 contract for Timothy Beard, a retired president of Pasco-Hernando State College who will take over Monday as interim president of FAMU. The contract will require Beard by the end of August to set goals for his tenure. If the goals are reached, he can receive a 15 percent performance bonus.
Beard is expected to serve as interim president for 12 months or until Florida A&M hires a permanent president. Beard cannot apply or be considered for the permanent post.
Saying he’s “a product of this great institution” and that his daughters went to the school, Beard thanked the Board of Trustees for having confidence in him to lead Florida A&M from its current “good place” to one that is “better.” Beard, who served as Pasco-Hernando State College president from 2015 to January 2024, also spent 14 years in faculty and administrative positions at Florida A&M, the state’s only historically Black public university. Beard will replace President Larry Robinson, whose last day will be Sunday, after the summer graduation ceremony on Friday.
State News
‘NIL’ Deals Approved for High School Athletes
By Jim Turner
The News Service of Florida
High school athletes in Florida, just like their college counterparts, will be able to make money off the field through endorsements and other kinds of deals.
While saying additional protections are needed, the State Board of Education on Wednesday ratified a plan approved last month by the Florida High School Athletic Association that will allow high school athletes to get paid through name, image and likeness, or “NIL,” deals.
Board of Education Chairman Ben Gibson said the athletic association, which regulates high-school sports, must prioritize the protection of student-athletes, most of whom will be minors.
“This could be a great opportunity for some studentathletes, but we want to make sure they do it in a manner that they are protected and not exploited,” Gibson said.
The plan, which overhauls a section of the association’s bylaws that govern “amateurism,” will allow student-athletes to brand themselves for
By Jim Saunders The News Service of Florida
TALLAHASSEE — Fac-
ing potential First Amendment challenges, Florida has proposed details about how it will carry out a new law aimed at keeping children off social-media platforms and blocking minors from accessing online pornography.
Attorney General Ashley Moody’s office on Tuesday published three proposed rules that include addressing one of the most closely watched issues in the law: age verification.
House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, made a priority of passing the law (HB 3) during this year’s legislative session, citing what he said are harms to children from social media. Technology industry groups have argued that parts of the law, including its age-verification requirements, would violate First Amendment rights.
The law, which will take effect Jan. 1, seeks to prevent children under age 16 from opening social-media accounts on at least some platforms — though it would
GENDER, From Front Page
and the benefit of a fuller evidentiary record might yield a different result,” Axon wrote. “But the court declines to exercise its discretion to grant the extraordinary relief (a preliminary injunction) plaintiffs have requested.”
The rule and the lawsuit, which was filed in April in the federal Northern District of Alabama, came amid numerous moves by Florida and other Republican-led states in recent years to pass laws and regulations about LGBTQ people. For example, states have prevented transgender students from using school bathrooms that don’t match their sex assigned at birth and
commercial endorsements, promotional activities and through social media.
High schools won’t be able to use promises of NIL deals to recruit players.
State Education Commissioner Manny Diaz said the bylaw changes were “not taken lightly” and warned against companies trying to use NIL deals that “circumvent the process and take advantage of our students.”
Board member Esther Byrd suggested the association require students to register when participating in NIL deals.
“I am very concerned about the bad actors,” Byrd said. “Obviously, they have already popped up. We know it is coming. We know they don’t care about our rules, and they are going to do what they want to do.”
Craig Damon, executive director of the association, said bylaws continue to be updated, noting that issues involving what are known as “collectives” were amended this week in reaction to a national group found recruiting and collecting money in multiple states including Florida.
allow parents to give consent for 14- and 15-year-olds to have accounts. Children under 14 could not open accounts. It also requires age verification to try to prevent minors under age 18 from having access to online pornographic sites. The social-media restrictions have drawn most of the attention, and the law largely puts the onus on platforms to verify the ages of users. It says that “knowing or reckless” violations could lead to the attorney general’s office filing lawsuits against platforms for unfair and deceptive trade practices. Also, platforms could face lawsuits filed on behalf of minors.
One of proposed rules published Tuesday says that willful “disregard of a person’s age constitutes a knowing or reckless violation” of the social-media restrictions.
“A social media platform willfully disregards a person’s age if it, based on the facts or circumstance readily available to the respondent (platform), should reasonably have been aroused to question whether the person was a child and thereafter failed to perform reasonable age verification,”
blocked or restricted treatments such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy for people with gender dysphoria.
The lawsuit alleges, in part, that the Biden administration overstepped its legal authority in extending the Title IX regulations to apply to discrimination based on gender identity. It also contends that the rule would clash with the states’ decisions.
“The rule conflicts with many of the state plaintiffs’ laws that govern public institutions of higher education and primary and secondary education, including laws involving harassment, bathrooms, sports, parental rights and
Damon said that for most students, an NIL deal would be equal to having an afterschool job, while at the college level “you see studentathletes getting compensated for their name being on a roster.”
“We don’t foresee kids making hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars off this,” Damon said. “However, there will be that 1 percent of elite athletes that possibly may have that opportunity. But for the majority of our studentathletes, it will be something local with a local business.”
The association plans to post online videos to share information with parents and students about how NIL deals operate, Damon said.
NIL deals have helped transform college athletics across the country in recent years. Florida lawmakers approved NIL regulations in 2021 that were revised last year to allow universities to become more involved in the process.
As part of the high-school bylaws, student-athletes and their families will be encouraged to seek legal counsel and tax advice when considering NIL activities.
the proposed rule says.
The proposal adds that the attorney general’s office will “not find willful disregard of a person’s age has occurred if a social media platform establishes it has utilized a reasonable age verification method with respect to all who access the social media platform and that reasonable age verification method determined that the person was not a child unless the social media platform later obtained actual knowledge that the person was a child and failed to act.”
The proposed rules also address what is described as “reasonable parental verification” that could come into play, for instance, if parents want to consent for 14- and 15-year-old children to have access to social-media platforms.
One of the rules defines reasonable parental verification as “any method that is reasonably calculated at determining that a person is a parent of a child that also verifies the age and identity of that parent by commercially reasonable means.”
That could include methods such as platforms requesting from children the names, ad-
more,” the lawsuit said. “The rule thus impedes the state plaintiffs’ sovereign authority to enforce and administer their laws and creates pressure on the state plaintiffs to change their laws and practices.”
But in a brief filed in district court, Justice Department attorneys wrote that a preliminary injunction “would significantly harm the government’s interests in preventing such discrimination.”
“Sex discrimination in educational environments has devastating consequences, including the effects of harassment based on sexual orientation and gender identity,” the Justice Department brief said.
High school athletes would still be prohibited from being paid for on-field activities, hiring agents and receiving awards unapproved by the athletic association.
Also, student-athletes who transfer after starting a sport will be prohibited in most cases from securing NIL agreements during that season.
Students won’t be able to use their team uniforms, logos, mascots or any other identifiers of their schools as part of NIL deals. Also, deals would have to end when students graduate from high school and would have to
dresses, phone numbers and email addresses of parents; contacting the people whose names were provided by the children to seek information and confirmation; and “utilizing any commercially reasonable method regularly used by the government or business to verify” parents’ identities and ages. The law, which Gov. Ron DeSantis signed in late March, does not identify social-media platforms that would be affected by the restrictions. But it includes a definition of such platforms, with criteria related to such things as algorithms, “addictive features” and allowing users to view the content or activities of other users.
Renner and other key supporters of the law argue that social-media companies have created addictive platforms that harm children’s mental health and can lead to sexual predators communicating with minors. But critics, including tech-industry groups, have argued the bill is unconstitutional and pointed to courts blocking similar legislation in other states.
Before DeSantis signed the law, the tech-industry group
In the motion filed late Tuesday at the Atlanta-based appeals court, attorneys for the plaintiffs said courts in other judicial districts and circuits across the country have issued preliminary injunctions against the rule. The motion said an administrative injunction is needed to “preserve the status quo” and cited such things as costs of complying with the rule.
hold harmless schools, school districts and the athletic association from liability.
Students will be prohibited from endorsing services during school-sponsored events or athletic activities and can’t enter into deals tied to adult entertainment, gambling, firearms, tobacco, marijuana or NIL collectives.
Violations will result in warnings for first offenses. Second offenses would result in student-athletes being ineligible to represent schools for one year. Third offenses could lead to student-athletes being barred from competing throughout their time in high school.
NetChoice sent a letter to him that contended the measure was unconstitutional for a series of reasons, including its age-verification requirements.
“Age-verification schemes for the internet are blatantly unconstitutional,” Carl Szabo, the organization’s vice president and general counsel, wrote in the March 7 letter. “Because the internet is home to significant amounts of First Amendment speech, users should not be forced to forfeit their anonymity in order to access it.”
As DeSantis signed the law in March, Renner said he expected NetChoice to file a lawsuit. But Renner, an attorney, expressed confidence that the state would win in court and cited dangers of social media to children.
“This is an issue where we can no longer stand on the sidelines because of what we know,” he said.
Tuesday’s publishing of the proposed rules in the Florida Administrative Register could lead to a hearing before the rules are finalized. Rules are commonly used in state government to flesh out details after laws pass.
“Here, the rule upends the status quo by requiring schools to digest hundreds of pages of new regulations, change their policies, train their employees, and much more,” the motion said. “The rule itself estimates that compliance will cost millions.”
But Justice Department attorneys said the plaintiffs had known since April that the rule was slated to take effect Aug. 1.
“In the intervening three months, the status quo has always been that the rule would go into effect and that plaintiffs would have to comply,” Justice Department attorneys wrote in Wednesday’s response. “If plaintiffs waited until yesterday afternoon to begin their compliance efforts, that is an emergency entirely of their own making.”
The lawsuit names as defendants the U.S. Department of Education and Education Secretary Miguel Cardona.
President/Publisher: Kathy Stewart
Editor: Steve Stewart
Contributing Writers: Steve Stewart, Tristyn Leigh, Kate Stewart
Social Media and Data Analysis: Robert Stewart
Tallahassee Reports is a project of Red Hills Journalism Foundation Inc. and publishes reports on local government, politics, consumer affairs, business and public policy. Red Hills Journalism Foundation Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
The Tallahassee Reports print newspaper is published twice each month. For advertising information, you can visit tallahasseereports.com for our latest rate sheet or call us directly at 850-766-6207.
By: J. Brent Pichard
“The art of taxation consists of plucking the goose so as to obtain the most feathers with the least hissing.”
-Jean-Baptiste Colbert
The Property Tax Shell Game
The amount of property taxes paid directly by property owners and indirectly by renters and consumers is a function of two components: 1) the market value of each taxable property (which is a function of increasing or decreasing market values); and, 2) the property millage rate (which is set by elected representatives; or, in the case of the Children’s Services Council, unelected board members.) Most citizens understand increasing and decreasing property values but few understand the millage rate and its interplay with property taxes.
Local politicians are fond of using the property tax millage rate as evidence of their low tax policies. Afterall, the base millage rate has barely budged since General Lafayette owned the seven hills of Tallahassee. Consider the math.
Let’s say you own a property that is assessed, for tax purposes, at $100,000
dollars and the millage rate for calculating your property tax is 3 mills or $3 per thousand of assessed value. Since you have 100 units of a thousand, your property tax for that year would be $300 (100 units of a thousand times $3 per thousand).
During the following year, your town has grown; newcomers are creating demand for homes and rental units and property values are on the increase. The local tax assessor looks over all the sales that have taken place and determines that the assessed value of houses and rental units should be increased to reflect the escalating value of real estate. Let’s say the taxable value of your rental unit increases from $100,000 up to $125,000. You now have 125 units of one thousand. If the millage rate stays at 3 mils, you will now pay $375 which is a 25% increase in your taxes even though the millage rate did not increase.
Most politicians and CSC board members will point to the unchanged millage rate as evidence of their fiscal responsibility and low tax policies. When you show them your two cancelled checks – one for $300 last year and one for $375 this year – they will feign surprise and say they didn’t have anything to do with that. The
market and the tax assessor must have done that. If you dare to ask why they didn’t lower the millage rate so your taxes would, in fact, not go up, that is when the vast unmet needs of so many of your fellow citizens will take center stage; needs that can only be met if government has additional resources to “invest” in the community (that’s code for raising taxes.)
Property taxes affect everyone –without exception. When assessed values and/or millage rates go up, it takes money out of the pockets of the rich, the poor and everyone in between. It takes money out of the pockets of homeowners and renters. It takes money out of the pockets of shoppers as business owners raise their prices to cover the increase in their property taxes.
Another trick the politicians use is to separate a government service that used to be a part of the property tax “bundle” of services (or general fund) and give that service its own millage rate: emergency medical service, children’s services council, water management district, sewer, refuse collection, stormwater and fire – each with its own separate millage rate or fee. Another trick is to cut a service but keep charging you the same or higher rates.
Remember when they used to roll your garbage containers to the street? Then one day they made you do that for them and without lowering the cost of the service. That was a hidden tax increase.
This past year, your combined property millage rate for city, county and segregated services was 19.3495 mills or about $20 per $1,000 of assessed property value. Those numbers will continue to grow. Government is always looking for ways to quietly increase its revenues while minimizing hissing from taxpayers. There is an inverse relationship between increasing taxes and personal freedom. As taxes go up, your freedom to use your money in pursuit of your own happiness must go down. When was the last time you heard a politician run on a platform of lowering taxes and shrinking government so as to leave more money – thus more individual freedom – in the pockets of those who earned it?
Property Tax Fact Check: Porter Supported Property Tax Increase Until Police Needed More Funding
By: Steve Stewart
In the final weeks leading up to the August 20 election, City Commissioner Jack Porter and her supporters are trying hard to convince voters she is against tax increases, despite her public comments supporting a tax increase. In a recent campaign text message, Porter told voters she “voted against the tax increase three times.” The message referred to the city property tax increase approved in 2023. However, the public record indicates she supported raising city property taxes until it was revealed additional funding would be allocated to the Tallahassee Police Department.
The Public Record
On February 10, 2023, the Tallahassee Democrat reported that “City Commissioner Jack Porter said the city should consider raising its tax rate in the coming years to account for the need for more services and increased costs” and she “noted how over the last 20 years the millage rate has only increased incrementally.”
“Sometimes the needs are not being met where maybe they used to be met by the federal government or the state government and it might not be fair, but cities have to step in,” she said.
When asked what the new tax revenue would fund, Porter stated, “an across-the-board
minimum wage increase to $15 an hour, small scale events to be held at city parks, light
However, just months after Porter’s comments on property taxes, a proposal was made to
“There is so much that we know that is leading to that increase in crime and I don’t believe the police budget or the police are equipped to handle in the best way,” Porter said. “I think alternatives would be investing in our housing, investing in our social services, investing in mental health services.”
- Jack Porter
Sept. 27, 2023, WCTV
snacks at City Commission meetings and for a social worker to be hired to help with housing case management and other issues.”
increase the property tax to increase the Tallahassee Police Department’s budget by $9.5 million to address the spike in violent crime. The new fund-
National News Briefs
ing would support an additional 20 new officers and provide investment for advanced video software and artificial intelligence technology. Porter and her colleague, Commissioner Jeremy Matlow, voted no on the proposal. According to WCTV, Porter said she did not want to fund TPD. “There is so much that we know that is leading to that increase in crime and I don’t believe the police budget or the police are equipped to handle in the best way,” Porter said. “I think alternatives would be investing in our housing, investing in our social services, investing in mental health services.”
Biden proposes Changes to Supreme Court
President Joe Biden recently proposed a set of changes to the US Supreme Court, including creating an enforceable code of conduct and setting term limits for justices—a departure from the current lifetime tenure. Capping each justice’s term to 18 years could reduce the chances of a single president shaping the country’s highest court, according to Biden.
The outgoing president also proposed an amendment to the US Constitution that would overturn the Supreme Court’s recent decision giving former President Donald Trump some immunity from criminal prosecution for actions taken while in office. Two-thirds of the House and Senate must propose constitutional amendments, which three-quarters of state legislatures must then ratify. The proposal is unlikely to be enacted.
Separately, former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows asked the Supreme Court to intervene in his criminal election interference case in Fulton County, Georgia. Meadows cited the court’s Trump immunity ruling as part of his request.
Drug Kingpins Captured US authorities have arrested 76-year-old Mexican drug lord Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada
and one of the sons of jailed cartel leader Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. The capture came after a high-ranking cartel member tricked Zambada into flying into El Paso, Texas, unwittingly. The US had offered a reward of up to $15M for information leading to Zambada's arrest. El Chapo's son, Joaquín Guzmán López, happened to be on the same plane, and both were taken into custody.
El Mayo and El Chapo founded the Sinaloa cartel 30 years ago, which has since become one of Mexico's most powerful drug organizations and an international crime syndicate. Mexico's Sinaloa and rival Jalisco cartels are seen as the groups dominating the illicit US fentanyl market, often using homemade recipes. The arrests represent the latest hit to the Sinaloa cartel. El Chapo has been serving a life sentence in a Colorado prison since 2019, while his other son, Ovidio Guzmán López, faces drug charges after being extradited to the US last year.
NAR: Existing-Home Sales
Slipped 5.4% in June
Existing-home sales fell in June as the median sales price climbed to the highest price ever recorded for the second consecutive month, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. All
four major U.S. regions posted sales declines. Year-over-year, sales waned in the Northeast, Midwest and South but were unchanged in the West.
Total existing-home sales –completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops – receded 5.4% from May to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.89 million in June. Year-overyear, sales also dropped 5.4% (down from 4.11 million in June 2023).
“We're seeing a slow shift from a seller's market to a buyer's market,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “Homes are sitting on the market a bit longer, and sellers are receiving fewer offers. More buyers are insisting on home inspections and appraisals, and inventory is definitively rising on a national basis.”
Total housing inventory registered at the end of June was 1.32 million units, up 3.1% from May and 23.4% from one year ago (1.07 million). Unsold inventory sits at a 4.1-month supply at the current sales pace, up from 3.7 months in May and 3.1 months in June 2023. The last time unsold inventory posted a four-month supply was May 2020 (4.5 months).
The median existing-home price for all housing types in June was $426,900, an all-time high and an increase
of 4.1% from one year ago ($410,100). All four U.S. regions registered price gains.
“Even as the median home price reached a new record high, further large accelerations are unlikely,” Yun added. “Supply and demand dynamics are nearing a balanced market condition. The months supply of inventory reached its highest level in more than four years.”
Meta Settlement
Meta Platforms Inc. has agreed to a $1.4B settlement with the state of Texas over its use of facial recognition technology, marking the largest privacy-related payment to a single state. The lawsuit, filed in 2022, accused Meta of violating Texas privacy laws by collecting and storing biometric data without proper user consent. The case centered on Facebook's "Tag Suggestions" feature, which used billions of biometric identifiers contained in uploaded photos and videos on Facebook without customers’ consent. The state’s biometric privacy law, which allows damages of up to $25K per violation, prohibits companies from capturing biometric identifiers without informing users and obtaining their consent. The news comes as the state continues to press a separate biometric data lawsuit against Alphabet.
Meta settled a similar $650M class-action lawsuit in 2021 with Illinois for violating the state’s biometric privacy law. Meta stopped using the technology in 2021.
Park Fire Rages On
The Park Fire continues to burn across Northern California, becoming the sixth-largest wildfire in the state's history and the largest active blaze in the US. The fire has burned 373,357 acres and is 14% contained as of this writing. Authorities have confirmed over 100 buildings have been destroyed, with no reported fatalities.
The rapid spread of the fire, which was deliberately started last week, has been attributed to abundant dry vegetation and an exceptionally hot summer, with temperatures in the area averaging 12 degrees above normal. While slightly cooler temperatures this week have moderated the fire's intensity, temperatures are forecast to reach above 100 degrees by the end of this week.
Smoke is affecting air quality across multiple states and is expected to reach as far as the Dakotas and Nebraska. The state has seen 4,574 fires this year, burning 726,667 acres—a 2,744% increase from the same period last year.
J. Brent Pichard was born and raised in Tallahassee. He is a USAF Veteran, Retired Real Estate Broker and Bank Trust Officer.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24
FROM 10 A.M. - 2:30 P.M.
LEON COUNTY MAIN LIBRARY • 200 WEST PARK AVENUE
Join us for an unforgettable experience during our 6th annual CosmicCon: Here Be Dragons.
Dive into a vibrant world of fantasy, comics, and fandoms with a variety of exciting programs for all ages. Throughout the event, explore hands-on activities, interactive sessions, cosplay competitions, scavenger hunts, and themed book displays. Come dressed as your favorite character and be part of the fun.
Don’t miss out on this spectacular celebration of all things geek.
Learn more at LeonCountyLibrary.org/CosmicCon
Thursday, September 12, at 7:30 a.m. Woodville
Join Leon County for the annual 9/11 Day of Remembrance and Service. Nearly 60 County employees, community partners, and citizen volunteers will honor a local veteran by completing various housing repair and beautification projects, including exterior home painting, landscaping, soft washing, and more. Register to volunteer at LeonCountyFL.gov/DayOfService
Tourism Event Grant Cycle Now Open
Do you have an event between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025, that will attract out-of-town visitors? You may be eligible for funding through the 20242025 Leon County Division of Tourism (Visit Tallahassee) event grant program. The application deadline is Thursday, August 22, 2024, at 5 p.m. Apply now at VisitTallahassee.com/Grants.
Leon County Land Use Policy for Heir Property
Land Use Policy
2.1.9 outlines provisions for subdividing property for family heirs in the exurban area of Leon County. This policy allows property owners to create family heir subdivisions, ensuring your legacy can be passed down to direct relatives for homestead use, regardless of existing density regulations. For more information on Land Use Policy 2.1.9 Family Heir Subdivisions, contact the Leon County Development Services Division at 850-606-1300 or visit their website at LeonCountyFL.gov/DSEM.
Apply to Serve on Children’s Services Council
Approved by voters during the November 2020 General Election, the Children’s Services Council (CSC) functions to provide children with early learning and reading skills, development, treatment, preventative and other children’s services.
Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply to serve on the council by Friday, August 23, at LeonCountyFL.gov/CSCApplication.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
FROM 11 A.M. - 12 P.M. LEON COUNTY MAIN LIBRARY
In recognition of the Tallahassee-Leon County Bicentennial celebration, join Leon County Government for a lively discussion with local author Doug Alderson about the founding of the county and city.
Go back to 1824, when the county and city were established, to learn about the fascinating events that led to the creation of Florida’s capital county and gain a deeper understanding of the roots that shaped our community into the vibrant place it is today.
Learn more at LeonCountyFL.gov/GetEngaged
BICENTENNIAL BACKYARD BUCKET LIST CONTINUES IN AUGUST
upport local businesses and explore your community with the Bicentennial Backyard Bucket List Challenge. Now through August, visit a “bucket list” of local businesses and attractions and check in through the Visit Tallahassee mobile app. Each check in earns participants one entry to the contest, while 10, 15, and 20 entries earn separate prizes. At the end of the campaign, one grand prize winner will be awarded a two-night staycation that includes hotel accommodations, meals, and activities. A web-based option for entry is also available.
LEARN MORE AT VisitTallahassee.com/Bicentennial-Backyard-Bucket-List
Learn How to Qualify for a Mortgage
Join Leon County and Envision Credit Union for the next exciting topic in our ongoing Family Financial Education Series, "How to Qualify for a Mortgage.” Learn what factors lenders consider when reviewing mortgage applications and tips for how to make your application stronger. Food will be served, and attendees will have the chance to win prizes.
LAKE JACKSON BRANCH LIBRARY
Saturday, August 17, from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
EASTSIDE BRANCH LIBRARY Thursday, August 29, from 5:30-7 p.m.
WOODVILLE BRANCH LIBRARY
Saturday, August 31, from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
This series rotates between library locations. View the library's calendar for more details: LeonCountyLibrary.org/FFS
DEADLINE: AUGUST 19
Jobs, Labor Force Increase in June, Unemployment Rate Jumps to 3.9%
The latest job report shows that Leon County added 914 jobs in June when compared to last month. There were 156,671 people working in Leon County in June compared to May’s revised employment number of 155,680.
The June unemployment rate increased to 3.9% from the 3.2% reported last month due to a significant increase in people looking for work. The number of people in the workforce increased from 160,835 in May to 163,010 in June.
Jun-22Jun-23Jun-24Chg
One year ago, the June 2023 unemployment rate was 3.4%.
Year Over Year Comparisons
The Leon County Jobs Report, provided below, shows the number of people working in June 2024 was 2,466 more than in June, 2023. The June labor force – those looking for jobs – came in at 163,010 which was 3,301 more than the number 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 to employment levels for the month of June back to 2021.
Tallahassee MSA Single-Family Sales Down 15.7% in June
The Florida Realtors June 2024 report on single-family sales activity shows there were 23,183 transactions, down 11.1% when compared to June 2023.
Year-to Date (YTD) numbers show that single – family sales transactions were down 2.9% six months into 2024 when compared to last year.
On the pricing front, the June median sales price was $427,000, up 1.7% when compared to one year ago. The YTD numbers show a median sales price of $423,694, up 3.3%.
The report shows that there were 327 June single-family sales in the Tallahassee MSA, down 15.7% when compared to last year. The median sales price was $340,000, unchanged from June 2023.
YTD numbers show there have
been 1,781 single-family transactions in the Tallahassee MSA through June, down 5.9%. The median sales price during this period was up 3.1%, to $330,000.
From a state perspective, all 22 MSA’s reported a decline in June transactions when compared to one year ago. For YTD comparisons, only five MSA’s reported an increase in sales transaction. Those MSA’s were Cape Coral-Fort Myers (0.3%), Sarasota (1.2%), Ocala (5.3%), Punta Gorda (12.8%) and The Villages (7.2%).
YTD median price comparisons through June, show price decreases in three MSA’s, Cape Coral-Fort Myers (-5.0%), Fort Walton Beach-Destin (-2.4%) and Panama City (3.8%).
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 $415,000 to a high of $726,000. The average sales price for these transactions was calculated to
be $576,293. Reviewing another popular measure of home value, the dollar per square foot ($/SqFt) shows a range starting with a low of 170.8 $/SqFt to a high of 267.3 $/SqFt. The average $SqFt was calculated to be 223.9 $/SqFt.
Current homes listed for sale in Ox Bottom range from $299,000 to $599,000.
For more information on real estate sales in Leon county and overall economic conditions, visit TallahasseeReports.com.
Local Sports
Record Number Of Athletes, Coaches With FSU Ties Shine On Olympic Stage
More than two dozen athletes and coaches with connections to Florida State University are representing 17 different countries during the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, which run from July 23 to Aug. 8 after nearly a year delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Twenty-five athletes with FSU ties — 23 alumni and two current student-athletes — are among more than 11,000 Olympians competing during the Games. That’s a record number of athletes with FSU connections in an Olympic year and extends a streak of at least one Seminole competing in the Summer Games since 1972.
The current student-athletes competing in Tokyo are swimmer Izaak Bastian and soccer player Gabby Carle. A rising senior from Nassau, Bahamas, Bastian is representing his home country in the men’s 100-meter and 200-meter breaststroke events. He set FSU records in both events last season. Carle, a native of Quebec, is a member of the Canadian women’s soccer team. Also a rising senior, she has started every game of her FSU career and helped the Seminoles win the 2018 NCAA title.
On the coaching side, four current FSU coaches and a
FSU OLYMPIAN LIST
Diving Katrina Young, Women’s 10M platform (USA)
Head Diving Coach John Proctor, Coach (USA)
Swimming
Izaak Bastian, Men’s 100m breast (Bahamas)
Julio Horrego, Men’s 100m breast (Honduras)
Ida Hulkko, Women’s 100m breast (Finland)
Emir Muratovic, Men’s 100m free (Bosnia & Herzegovina)
Beach Volleyball
Nick Lucena, alumnus and former volunteer assistant coach (USA)
Assistant Beach Volleyball Coach Jason Lochhead, Coach (USA)
Women’s Soccer
Gabby Carle (Canada)
Casey (Short) Kruger (USA)
Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach Morinao Imaizumi, Assistant Coach (Japan)
Softball
Kaleigh Rafter (Canada)
Head Softball Lonni Alameda, Pitching Coach (Canada)
Track & Field
former student-athlete are on the sidelines in Tokyo. Head Softball Coach Lonni Alameda is serving as the pitching coach for Canada’s softball team and Head Diving Coach John Proctor is working with Team USA. Assistant Beach Volleyball Coach Jason Lochhead is on Team USA’s men’s beach volleyball coaching staff and Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach Morinao Imaizumi is an assistant for Team Japan. Former FSU men’s basketball player Luke Loucks is an assistant coach for the Nigerian men’s squad.
Zak Seddon (Great Britain)
Kimmy Williams (Jamaica)
Linden Hall (Australia)
Istvan Szogi (Hungary)
Alonzo Russell (Bahamas)
Kevin Borlee (Belgium)
Jonathan Borlee (Belgium)
Anne Zagre (Belgium)
Susan Krumins (The Netherlands)
Andrew Coscoran (Ireland)
Kemar Hyman (Cayman Islands)
Mulern “Meme” Jean (Haiti)
Women’s Basketball
Leonor Rodrgiuez (Spain)
Maria Conde (Spain)
Women’s Golf
Matilda Castren (Finland)
Kim Metraux (Switzerland)
Men’s Basketball
Luke Loucks, alumnus, Assistant Coach (Nigeria)
Two Tallahassee Babe Ruth Teams Finish Regional Play
By Kate Stewart
The 13U and 16U Tallahassee Babe Ruth baseball teams, who qualified for Southeastern Regional play, recently finished their post-season runs. The 13U team hosted the regional play in Tallahassee from July 23-28 with games being played at the Chiles High School baseball facility. The 13U regional tournament featured six teams. The tournament began with pool play (two three team pools) and concluded with single elimination bracket play.
The Tallahassee 13U team won their pool with a 2-0 record. The team defeated Greenville ENC 4-0 and then outscored Augusta VA 15-3.
In bracket play, the 13U team advanced to the finals by defeating Augusta VA 6-2. In the finals, Tallahassee faced Altamonte
SFL and jumped out to 3-0 lead before falling behind 4-3 late in the game. With a bid to the Babe Ruth World Series at stake, the team managed to tie the contest at 4, but ended up losing 6-4. Head coach Mike Harrison told WCTV, “These young men have only been together for a couple weeks. For them to get to know together at the way we like to play it, I’m very very proud of these guys.”
The 16U team traveled to Sarasota, Florida to compete with 9 teams at the Sam Fleishman Regional Sports Complex. The team went 1-1 during pool play, defeating Manassas VA 6-5 before losing to Sarasota 14-8. In single elimination bracket play, the Tallahassee 16U team lost their first game to Sarasota, 4-2.
Tallahassee 13U Babe Ruth team plays regional playoff game at Chiles High School baseball field.
Leon County Schools
Leon County School Board Meeting Briefs: July 30, 2024
By Tristyn Leigh
Below are the Leon County School news briefs from the July 30, 2024, meeting.
The Board heard comments from Pineview Elementary School Principal Carmen Conner. Pineview went from letter grade “C” to an “A” for the first time in school history.
The Board heard comments from Nims Middle School Principal Dr. Bolden. Nims Middle School received a “B” performance grade for the first time in school history.
Superintendent Hanna announced the retirement of Dr. Kelvin Norton, Director, Division of Prevention & Intervention Services, and that Rusty Edwards would replace Dr. Norton.
The Board voted unanimously to adopt Superintendent Hanna’s proposed $666 million FY 2025 tentative budget.
Board member Alva Smith made a motion to explore the range of services that could be provided to the Board by a construction attorney. The motion failed 4-1.
The Board voted 5-0 to adopt the newly created Discipline Matrix. The Discipline Matrix is a tool for administrators to respond
appropriately when students have committed behavioral infractions, per the Student Code of Conduct. This tool is designed to offer consistency at all levels across Leon County Schools so that students are disciplined appropriately from school to school when their behavior requires punishment beyond the classroom. This Matrix provides progressive disciplinary actions to address multiple behaviors. Any suspension over five (5) days must have the approval of district administration.
The Board voted unanimously to advertise amendments to Policy 9700 for a public hearing and adoption on September 10, 2024. The Policy revisions include the addition of a section regarding Patriotic Organizations. It also addresses the use of District assets as it pertains to solicitation of funds and guidelines referencing surveys and questionnaires.
The Board voted unanimously to advertise amendments to Policy 8405 – School Safety and Security – for a public hearing and adoption on September 10, 2024. Revisions to the policy include the use of the Florida Harm Prevention and Threat Management Model and the Florida Harm Prevention and Threat Management Instrument. It also addresses the mainte -
nance of Threat Assessment Records in accordance with Policy and Florida law.
The Board voted unanimously to approve a Short Form Agreement with Pennoni Associates, Inc., for Structural Engineering Consulting Services for district wide structural inspections for the public bleachers at Elementary, Middle, and High Schools in the Leon County School District and Capital/Cox Stadium and other work related as directed in the amount of $31,230.
The Board voted unanimously to approve the Negotiated Fee/Guaranteed Maximum Price Contract which reflects an amount of $13,558,319.00, between the Owner and the Construction Manager Childers Construction Co. for Construction Manager Services for Griffin Middle School Phase 1A New Cafeteria Project (RFQ 2482024).
Superintendent Hanna commented on the new teacher boot camp designed to get first year teachers ready for the new school year and updated the Board on work at Godby High School on damage caused by recent flooding.
LCS Local Tax Revenue to Increase by $10 Million, Enrollment Declines
On July 30, the Leon County School Board voted unanimously to approve the district’s $666 million tentative spending plan, with the final board approval scheduled for September 10. The budget documents show – as with other local government entities – that the Leon County School Board is projected to receive approximately $10 million more in property tax revenue in FY 2025 than in FY2024 due to the increase in Leon County property values.
Last year, local property taxes yielded $136.2 mil -
lion, for FY2025 the tax revenue will increase to $146.4 million.
According to officials, the number of students in the public school system continues to decline. The numbers declined to 31,769 in 2023-24 from 32,212 in 2022-23. Over the last five years, the district has lost 2,578 students.
The tentative budget calls for spending on staffing to increase from $184 million to $201 million.
