Tallahassee
At their next meeting , the Tallahassee City Commission will review information about the agreement between the federal government and the Tallahassee Police Department. Page 1
Despite documented operational concerns from around Florida, the City of Tallahassee has reported no major operational issues with the recently installed school zone speed camera program. Page 5
Florida A&M University athletics director Angela Suggs is now on administrative leave with pay. Page 5
During the Leon County Schools latest agenda review meeting, officials discussed the impact of future population growth in Northeast Leon County and how to pay for new schools. Page 1
Silver Airways abruptly ceased operations six months after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Page 9
Tallahassee elected officials have given up their proposed pursuit of eminent domain to stop a Circle K gas station slated to serve the new Canopy neighborhood. Page 5
The latest jobs report shows the Leon County May unemployment rate increased to 3.8%. Page 9
City to Review ICE Agreement with Tallahassee Police Department
By Steve Stewart
At their next meeting in August, the Tallahassee City Commission will review information about the agreement between the federal government and the Tallahassee Police Department related to the enforcement of immigration laws.
A recent immigration enforcement action on Gaines Street has reignited political tensions in Tallahassee over the city’s agreement with federal immigration authorities. At the center of the controversy is the city’s signing of a
By Steve Stewart
After several budget workshops, Tallahassee and Leon County governments have preliminarily approved approximately $1.6 billion in local government spending for FY 2026. The operating part of this spending plan accounts for approximately $1.26 billion, which is a 5.6% increase or $67 million over the adopted FY2025 operating budget. Where is the money coming from and where is it going?
The majority of the $67 million increase will be paid for by $21.5 million in new property taxes and a controversial $16 million increase in fire services fees Also, spending on law enforcement will increase by approximately $16 million.
Let’s take a look at the details. (On page 4 is a table detailing the prosped spending
changes for various operating funds.)
The City Budget
The city of Tallahassee has proposed an operating and capital budget for FY26 that includes $935.4 in operating funds and $285.6 million in capital spending for a total FY26 proposed budget of $1.2 billion.
The $935.4 million operating budget is allocated to enterprise funds ($709 million) and general government expenditure ($225.9 million).
Enterprise funds, which collect revenue based on fees include the electric utility ($373.3 million), water & sewer ($149.3 million), Fire Services ($74.1 million) and solid waste and stormwater ($63.8 million).
The projected FY 2026 city enterprise fund budget of $709 million is a 4.6% increase ($31.4 mil-
lion) over the FY2025 adopted expenditure of 677.7 million.
The Fire Services Fund accounts for $15 million of the $31.4 million increase in the enterprise funds.
The city’s FY 2026 general fund budget totals $225.9 million which is 7.4% ($15.5 million) more than the $210.4 million FY 2025.
The city's general fund includes the Tal-
Lawmakers Pass $115.1B Budget, End Session
By Jim Turner & Tom Urban
The News Service of Florida
TALLAHASSEE — One of the more-contentious legislative sessions in recent history came to a close late Monday as lawmakers approved a $115.1 billion budget for next fiscal year and prepared to send it to Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The Senate unanimously passed the spending plan (SB 2500), while the House approved it in a 103-2 vote. Lawmakers finished the annual session at 11:19 p.m. — more than six weeks after the scheduled May 2 end of the session.
“Here we are at the end of the long and winding road,” House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, said as the House convened Monday.
The budget, which will take effect with the July 1 start of the 2025-2026 fiscal year, remains subject to DeSantis vetoes. But it would be about $3.5 billion smaller than the budget for the current fiscal year and is less than a $115.6 plan that DeSantis proposed in early February.
Lawmakers also approved a $1.3 billion package of tax cuts, dominated by the elimination of a commerciallease tax that has long been a target of business lobbyists.
The budget includes moves ranging from paying down state debt to giving most employees pay raises. Sen. Ileana Garcia, a Miami Republican who chairs the Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Commit-
lahassee Police Department ($82.6 million), parks and recreation ($34.3 million), public infrastructure (roads and street construction and maintenance) $13.0 million), housing and community resilience, growth management, and other city services. On the revenue side, property taxes make up 35% of FY26 general fund revenues. With no increase in the millage
rate of 4.4200 mills, total property taxes for FY26 will be $77.9 million, an increase of approximately $6.2 million.
The City collects $26 million in sales tax sharing from the State, State Revenue Sharing ($10 million), and Half Cent Sales Tax ($16 million). The City also collects $29.8 million in public service taxes, including $7 million
tee, described the spending plan as “lean yet strategic.”
The only dissenting votes on the budget were cast by Rep. Angie Nixon, D-Jacksonville, and Rep. Dotie Joseph, D-North Miami. While she voted for the budget, Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, said it represented “a lot of missed opportunities.”
“There was just so much time spent on conflict and controversy, that a lot of issues that would benefit working families got left behind,” Eskamani said.
The House and Senate could not reach agreement on a budget and tax cuts before the scheduled end of the 60-day session and returned this month to hash out their differences.
In addition to disagreements between the House and the Senate, Perez also has clashed this year with DeSantis. As an example, the House proposed cutting the state’s overall sales-tax rate, while DeSantis wanted to give property-tax rebates to homeowners.
Perez said he wouldn’t “shy away”
By Steve Stewart
During the Leon County Schools agenda review meeting held on Monday, June 16, officials discussed the impact of future population growth in Northeast Leon County on school infrastructure and how to pay for any new schools that may be required.
Information provided to the school board indicated that the Welaunee development is projected to have a minimum of 7,000 dwelling units.
School board member Alva Smith stressed that preparing for the influx of new students is crucial to avoid scenarios where parents seek private school options due to a lack of space or schools being over capacity.
Superintendent Hanna acknowledged the long-standing conversation about growth predominantly to the north and east of Tallahassee. While he agrees that land acquisition for new schools will eventually be necessary, he views it as premature currently because roads are not yet set.
He also expressed skepticism about the Department of Education’s student projection formula, noting that Leon County is one of the slowest-growing counties in Florida and that enrollment is declining due to voucher programs and private/ home schooling.
School board member Daryl Jones highlighted that private schools are already tracking these population growth trends, citing Holy Comforter’s location as an example. He emphasized the value of a
At its June meeting, the Tallahassee State College (TSC) District Board of Trustees unanimously approved a charter school application submitted by Charter Schools USA (CSUSA) to open the Innovation Academy of Excellence, a new public charter middle school. The approved application will now be submitted to the Florida Department of Education for final authorization.
The Innovation Academy of Excellence, which will be located on the TSC campus, is expected to open in August of this year. It will serve students in grades six through eight with a strong STEM focus, integrating ethical artificial intelligence tools and personalized learning plans. The middle school will offer high-performing eighth-grade
Community
students the opportunity to engage in dual enrollment with Tallahassee Collegiate Academy (TCA), providing early access to high school and college coursework.
“The Board is thrilled to approve the Innovation Academy of Excellence, which exemplifies our commitment to high standards, academic innovation, and student opportunity,” said Karen Moore. “Building from grades six through dual enrollment, this school will not only challenge students but also expand their pathways for success in college and career.”
CSUSA, under the governance of Renaissance Charter School, Inc., LLC, will oversee daily operations. Students will gain early exposure to college-level coursework through dual enrollment
Tallahassee’s Jessica Lowe-Minor is the new president of the League of Women Voters of Florida.
In her new role, she’s focused on fighting voter misinformation, expanding access to the ballot, and restoring trust in the elections process.
“I’m really excited to focus on things that everyday citizens can do to combat mis and disinformation and help our elections process run smoothly, help voters get registered and make sure that all Americans feel that they have the tools that they need to participate in our democracy fully,” Lowe-Minor says.
Lowe-Minor takes her place at the helm after the league has faced some questions about partisanship in the organization. In 2022, Sen. Corey Simon (R-Tallahassee) pulled out of a candidate forum hosted by the Tallahassee Democrat, WFSU and the local League of Women voters. In an ad paid for by his campaign, Simon called the league “overtly partisan.” Lowe-Minor rejects that claim. She says the league has a strong nonpartisan reputation.
with Tallahassee Collegiate Academy and will have access to career and technical education (CTE) pathways in high-demand fields such as cybersecurity, digital technology, and health sciences. This alignment with TCA and Tallahassee State College creates a seamless educational pipeline that prepares students for future academic and career success.
“We are very excited to be part of this groundbreaking approach to delivering educational options in an innovative way that meets the ever-changing needs of families,” said Jon Hage, CEO of Charter Schools USA (CSUSA). “This school is an important model for the future where the entire educational journey has built-in flexibility to meet students where they are and guide them in a way that allows them to meet all their goals academically, socially, and emotionally. Joining forces with Tallahassee State College and Tallahassee Collegiate Academy provides a unique early workforce development program using AI, project and place-based learning. We are preparing for the future in real time, preparing students as our world continues to change. We are grateful to the Florida Department of Education for their unwavering support of this forwardthinking endeavor.”
Leon County Continues Prep for World Cross Country Championships
“We do not provide financial support or any other type of support to political parties or to candidates,” Lowe-Minor says. “We do take positions on issues. I think that the positions that we take are often seen as pretty moderate and where many voters are and we welcome elected officials from all parties to adopt those positions and to work to help those positions become policy.”
One example of a position LoweMinor says the league has taken recently is working against the socalled SAVE Act in Congress. She says under the proposal if someone’s name on their birth certificate is different from their driver’s license, they could face additional hurdles when it comes to registering to vote. She says married women are one of the groups most likely to be impacted.
For Lowe-Minor, a successful presidency will be measured by increased voter registration, higher turnout across the state, and a growing membership within the League of Women Voters of Florida.
Leon County Commissioners got an update this week on the 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championships (WXC). Apalachee Regional Park is set to host the event on January 10.
On July 14, 2022, Leon County was awarded the bid to host the 2026 WXC Championships. The WXC is considered the most prestigious cross-country event in the world. This world championship welcomes professional and amateur athletes from over 60 countries to compete on the largest cross-country stage every two years. This international competition has only been held in the United States twice, with Boston serving as the most recent domestic host in 1992.
In 2019, the WXC event was held in Aarhus, Denmark, and attracted over 500 runners from 63 different countries. In 2021, this biennial athletic competition was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The championship series was paused for two years moving the 2021 championship in Bathurst, Australia,
to February of 2023. Following the 2023 event in Australia, World Athletics moved back to hosting its championship races on even years to better align with the Olympic games.
Officials say the Tallahassee event is expected to come with an economic impact to the tune of 4.5 million dollars as athletes and spectators travel to the area.
“This is going to be unlike any event held at Apalachee Regional Park before,” said Kerri Post, Director of the Leon County Division of Tourism. “Our theme is bold and inspiring — welcoming the world to Florida.”
Planning for the event has been in motion since Leon County was awarded the bid in 2022. The Board of County Commissioners has allocated $500,000 in tourism funds to support execution, with more support expected.
Officials say tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and community events — including a fun run and fan experiences — will roll out as final preparations begin.
HCA Florida Capital Hospital recently presented a $15,000 donation to help provide food to families experiencing hunger, bringing the total to $23,000 since 2023. The financial support is part of a broader effort that has included more than 250 colleagues from HCA Florida Healthcare volunteering at the Second Harvest of the Big Bend over the past two years to help sort and pack food donations.
“The HCA Florida Healthcare family is committed to the care and improvement of human life, and Second Harvest of the Big Bend is a key partner in our mission through its vital work to provide healthy meals to families in need,” said Dale Neely, Chief Executive Officer, HCA Florida Capital Hospital. “We’re honored to support Second Harvest with today’s financial gift, as well as the service of our dedicated volunteers throughout the year.”
According to the press release,
By Staff
On June 20, Leon County Government celebrated the opening of the new Miccosukee Community Center at 15011 Cromartie Road.
The community center, located in the historic Concord School building, breathes new life into space while preserving the building’s charm and character
“This transformation of the historic Concord School marks an exciting new chapter for the Miccosukee community and Leon County as a whole,” said Leon County Commission Chairman and District 4 Commissioner Brian Welch. “Whether it’s for a community program, family celebration, or just neighbors coming together, the Miccosukee Community Center will serve as a vibrant community hub for genera-
one in eight people, and one in six children, in North Florida live in households that may be food insecure, which means not having enough nutritious food to have an active, healthy life.
“Every day, hundreds of thousands of our neighbors across North Florida face hunger. It takes a caring and committed community to ensure families have the nourishment they need while working to regain stability,” said Monique Ellsworth, Chief Executive Officer, Second Harvest of the Big Bend. “We’re deeply grateful for HCA Florida Healthcare’s longstanding partnership in this fight. They exemplify what it means to Show Up and support those who need us most.”
In 2024, HCA Florida Healthcare colleagues from 650 facilities volunteered more than 38,000 hours and committed nearly $1.2 million to community partner organizations in the Sunshine State.
tions to come.”
The Miccosukee Community Center features a 2,300-squarefoot community meeting space and warming kitchen, designed to bring residents together for any occasion. The warming kitchen includes a refrigerator, ice maker, and microwave. Additionally, the Center includes two multipurpose programming spaces, which can accommodate up to 32 people, that are available for community groups and organizations to reserve. Both programming spaces are equipped with audiovisual technology, tables, chairs, and computers.
and a 288-bed, acute-
ing every corner of our community,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. “By revitalizing this historic landmark, we are both preserving a vital piece of shared history and continuing our longstanding investment into the Miccosukee community.”
“This project reflects Leon County’s unwavering commitment to serv-
The Center will also serve as a centralized
hub for youth programming activated through a partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of the Big Bend.
“This center provides a safe and engaging place for community youth to play, learn, and grow.,” said Kacy Dennis, CEO and Director of the Boys & Girls Club of the Big Bend.
TPD Chief Revell was recently honored with the Florida Police Chiefs Association (FPCA) President’s Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership and service to the law enforcement community.
In addition, Revell was officially sworn in as the 2nd Vice President of the FPCA.
The FPCA is one of the largest state police chiefs associations in the United States. It is composed of more than 1000 of the state’s top law enforcement executives and members. FPCA serves municipal police departments, airport police, college and university police, tribal police, railroad and port authority police, private business and security firms, as well as federal, state and county law enforcement agencies. The FPCA has members representing every region of the state.
HCA Florida Capital Hospital is a fully-accredited healthcare facility with more than 1,400 employees and 500+ providers
care hospital that offers 24/7 Emergency Services in Leon and Gadsden Counties.
Leon County School Board Meeting Briefs: June 17, 2025
By Steve Stewart
Provided below are the news briefs from the June 17, 2025, Leon County School Board meeting. Board members Cox and Jones were not present. Items Considered by the Board
Item 19.01: Superintendent Hanna scheduled a public hearing for the instructional materials adoption of the Personal Financial Literacy and Money Management Committee recommendation.
Iten 19.02: The Leon County School Board (Smith, Wood, Nicolas) voted unanimously to adopt a New Policy 7540.08, related to Artificial Intelligence (AI), effective June 18, 2025.
Item 19.03: The Leon County School Board voted unanimously for the approval of New Policy 5505, related to Academic Honesty, effective June 18, 2025.
Item 19.04: The Leon County School Board voted unanimously to approve amendments to Policy 7510, related to the Use of District Facilities, effective June 18, 2025. The revisions define the term “District Facilities” and adjust the rental fees.
Item 19.05: The Leon County School Board voted unanimously approved amendments to Policy 0169.1, related to the Public Participation at Board Meetings, effective June 18, 2025.
Item 19.06: The Leon County School Board voted unanimously to approve amendments to Policy 8651, related to Board-Owned Vehicles, effective June 18, 2025. The amendments state “a needs analysis shall be conducted when a new or replacement vehicle is requested.”
Item 19.07: The Leon County School Board voted unanimously to advertise amend-
ments to Policy 3419 related to Group Health Plans, for a public hearing and adoption on July 29, 2025. The revisions include additional language regarding insurance eligibility, and Family and Medical Leave Act premiums.
Item 19.08: The Leon County School Board voted unanimously to advertise amendments to Policy 4419, related to Group Health Plans, for a public hearing and adoption on July 29, 2025.
Item 19.09: The Leon County School Board voted unanimously to advertise amendments to Policy 1419, related to Group Health Plans, for a public hearing and adoption on July 29, 2025.
Item 19.10: The Leon County School Board voted unanimously to advertise an amendment to Policy 1600 Classification Specifications for a public hearing and adoption on July 29, 2025. The amendment will
create a new position and job description for Project Manager, Roofing in Maintenance.
Item 19.11: The Leon County School Board voted unanimously to waive the requirement of Policy 7250, Naming of School and District Facilities, to name the Lincoln High School Basketball Court after Coach Paul O’Halloran and the Football Field after Coach David Wilson.
Item 19.12: The Leon County School Board voted unanimously to approve the 2025 – 2026 agreement between the Leon County School Board and the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and World Class Schools of Leon County, Inc.
Item 19.13: The Leon County School Board voted to approve a settlement to resolve a lawsuit related to an automobile accident in the amount of $75,000.
Item 19.14: The Leon County School Board voted unanimously to approve premiums for insurance coverage in an amount not to exceed $2,501,556.
Item 19.15: The Leon County School Board voted unanimously to approve the 20252028 Magic School, Inc. and Leon County School District Contract. The contract will provide access to Magic School AI for every employee and student in Leon County Schools over a three-year period for $310,800.
Item 19.16: The Leon County School Board voted unanimously to approve the 20252026 Health Insurance Rates up 8%.
Item 19.17: The Leon County School Board voted unanimously to delay a decision related to a lawsuit against Renaissance Charter School, Inc. until the full board is present for a vote.
City, County Proposes $1.6 Billion in FY2026 Spending
From Front Page
from Communication Services taxes, which replaced individual City franchise fees for using City rights-of-way. These revenues are 13.3% of General Fund revenues.
The city commission will hold the first FY26 budget hearing on September 3, 2025. The final hearing will be held on September 17, 2025.
The Leon County Budget
The FY 2026 preliminary budget totals $404.0 million which is a 6.9%, or $26.1 million increase from FY 2025. Approximately $328.8 million is allocated to the operating fund. Nearly half of the $26.1 million increase ($12.7 million) is associated with increases in public safety funding for the Sheriff and Emergency Medical Services (EMS);
The general revenue and related expenses are pro-
Tallahassee
jected to increase by $16.6 million. The largest increase in revenue is related to property taxes, which accounts for 92% of all additional general revenue. Modest increases in other general revenues, including the PST and gas taxes are offset by a nearly $1 million projected decline in the ½ cent and state shared revenues.
The largest increase in general revenue expenses are related to the Sheriff’s Office ($10.3 million), Personnel Expenses ($2.3 million), Other Constitutional Offices, and inflationary increases related to contractual obligations, repair and maintenance, and utilities.
County officials report that, historically, the Sheriff’s budget has trended slightly above annual property tax growth. The estimated growth in the Sheriff’s budget is currently higher (9%) than the projected property tax growth rate (7.65%). The increase is
largely associated with the costs to increase the base pay for sworn officers from $60,000 to $62,000 per the PBA collective bargaining agreement and contractual obligations related to law enforcement technology. Additionally, the budget includes one new School Resource Officer that is funded 50% by Leon County School Schools.
The Sheriff has also requested additional funding in the amount of $2.3 million related to the addition of one new HOST deputy, four law enforcement deputies to assist in crime fighting efforts, and funding to add a second deputy to the largest inmate pods at the Leon County Detention Center in an overtime capacity until vacant positions are filled.
Leon County will hold the first FY26 budget hearing on September 16, 2025. The final hearing will be held on September 23, 2025.
City Commission Meeting Briefs: June 11, 2025
By Steve Stewart
Provided below are the news briefs from the Tallahassee City Commission meeting held on June 11, 2025. The City Commission approved 16 Consent Agenda items.
Policy Formation and Direction
12.01: The city commission voted 5-0 to authorize staff to negotiate and execute an agreement to restore the Jefferson Street roadway and sidewalks or, if negotiations are unsuccessful, to explore other legal remedies as available related to the stalled Washington Square project.
12.02: The city commission voted 3-2 (Matlow & Porter against) to direct staff to discontinue its efforts to acquire, by eminent domain, property owned by Circle K Stores, Inc., in the Canopy development.
Public Hearings
16.01: The city commission voted 5-0 to delay the adoption of the amendments to the Land Use and Mobility Elements and transmit the proposed Land Use and Mobility Element to the State and review agencies for review. The item will be reintroduced in September so that more time can be allowed for community engagement related to the impact of the amendments on neighborhoods.
16.02: The city commission voted 5-0 to adopt Ordinance 25-O-13, amending Chapter 7 of the Code of Ordinances, the Tallahassee Municipal Election Code. The amendment will modernize the city’s procedures and to enact the voter-approved changes for primary elections.
The city commission voted 5-0 to conduct a sunset review of City Commission Policy 118 – Canvassing of Absentee Ballots – and repeal the policy.
16.03: The city commission voted 5-0 to adopt Ordinance 25-O-14, amending City Charter §14 to expand the 20-day appointment window for filling an unanticipated vacancy on the city commission to 60 days.
16.04: The city commission voted 4-1 (Matlow against) to hold the first of two public hearings on Ordinance No. 25-O-15AA; Moratorium on Gas Stations; Second Public Hearing Scheduled for August 20, 2025.
This item provides for the first of two public hearings that would establish a moratorium on new gas stations or the expansion of existing gas stations, through December 31, 2025. This item has been revised since the Introduction of the Ordinance to apply the moratorium to new gas stations or the expansion of existing gas stations, which are on a parcel located within 1,000 feet of a parcel with an existing residential use or residential uses currently under permit review.
16.05: The city commission voted 5-0 to hold the second and final public hearing on the development of the FY 2024-2029 Five Year Consolidated Plan and the FY 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan.
This agenda item provides an overview of the proposed strategic goals, projects, and activities for the FY 2025-2029 5-Year Consolidated Plan and set the budget for the first year, FY 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan. The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires that the City develop a fiveyear Consolidated Plan for the use of entitlement grant funds and prepare an Annual Action Plan annually detailing the proposed use of those entitlement funds as they relate to the Consolidated Plan goals.
Leon
County Commission Meeting Briefs: June 10, 2025
By Steve Stewart
Below are the briefs from the Leon County Commission meeting held on June 10, 2025.
The Board approved Consent Items 1-4, 6-10, 12-13. Item 5 was removed, and Item 11 was pulled for discussion.
Item 11: Status Report on the Woodville Aquaculture Facility. Commissioner Caban moved, seconded by Commissioner Cummings, to accept the Status Report on the Woodville Aquaculture Facility and bring back an agenda item to determine the feasibility of potential public uses for the subject property and the owner’s interest in the potential sale of the property. The motion passed 5 – 2 with Commissioners Proctor and O’Keefe in opposition.
General Business
Item 14: Status Update on the 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championships at Apalachee Regional Park. Commissioner Maddox moved, seconded by Commissioner Cummings, to accept the status update for the 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championships being hosted at Apalachee Regional Park on January 10, 2026. The motion passed 7 – 0.
Item 15: Status Report Regarding Washington Square and the Restoration of County Rights-of-Way. Commissioner O’Keefe moved, seconded by Commissioner Minor, to accept the status report regarding Washington Square and the restoration of County Rightsof-Way; and to authorize staff to enter into an agreement with the Owner and Developer to memorialize the Owner’s and Developer’s agreement to restore the County Rights-of-Way, and authorize the County Attorney’s Office to pursue all legal remedies available at law and equity against the Owner and Developer, should those negotiations
fail or the Owner and Developer fail to perform. The motion passed 7 – 0.
Item 16: Lake Munson Action Plan and Post-Drawdown Status Update. Commissioner Proctor revised his original motion and moved, seconded by Commissioner O’Keefe, to accept the Lake Munson Action Plan and Post-Drawdown status update and host a townhall-style meeting to provide a summary of the Lake Munson PostDrawdown status update, and invite partner agencies and interested citizens to participate. The motion passed 6 – 1 with Chairman Welch in opposition.
Item 17: Full Board Appointments to the Architectural Review Board, the Board of Adjustment and Appeals, the CareerSource Capital Region Board, the Joint City/County Bicycling Workgroup, and the Planning Commission. Commissioner Minor moved, seconded by Commissioner Cummings to: (1) appoint Pierce Withers, to the Architectural Review Board for a three-year term ending June 30, 2028, (2) appoint James Pfeiffer and Charles Fredrich, to the Board of Adjustment and Appeals for three-year terms ending June 30, 2028, (3) appoint Martina McDowell and Erin Gillespie to the CareerSource Capital Region Board for four-year terms ending June 30, 2029, (4) appoint Alan Amidon to the Joint City/County Bicycling Workgroup for the remainder of a three-year term ending December 31, 2026, (5) appoint Rebecca O’Hara to the Planning Commission for a threeyear term ending June 30, 2028. The motion passed 7 – 0.
During commissioner discussion, Commissioner Caban noted an issue on Williams Landing Road related to speed bumps and traffic calming devices. He requested an agenda item on the County’s Traffic Calming Policy and 75% petition threshold for the installation of traffic calming devices on County roads. The motion passed 7 – 0.
By Steve Stewart
City On Track with School Zone Camera Implementation
Despite documented operational concerns from around Florida, the City of Tallahassee has reported no major operational issues with the recently installed school zone speed camera program. In addition, the city reports that the majority of the targeted locations should be operational around the start of the school year.
The program came about after TPD, and the City’s Technology and Innovations Department completed a review of the program’s potential impact on public safety. A traffic study was conducted at Leon County public schools for one day during the proposed hours of enforcement.
The study revealed that more than one hundred vehicles exceeded the posted speed limit by at least ten miles per hour. In all, more than 47,000 violations were observed during the study. It is anticipated that these violations will dramatically decrease with the initia-
tion of the program.
The program is designed to reduce speeding and enhance public safety by reducing the need for extensive personnel for enforcement. The underlying principle is that if drivers adhere to speed limits, the cameras will effectively go “out of business” due to a lack of violations.
On April 8, the Leon County Commission elected officials, citing safety concerns, voted to implement the program in school zone within their jurisdiction.
Palm Bay, Manatee County Note Problems
Two local governments in Florida have recently noted problems with school zone camera program.
In Palm Bay, Florida, officials voted to temporarily suspended its school zone speed enforcement program in May, marking the second time it had been halted.
The primary issue was a continuous influx of complaints from drivers alleging
that the cameras generated incorrect violations, which raised questions about the program’s credibility and validity.
An earlier pause in February was also due to similar complaints, specifically incorrect fines or speeding infractions on days when schools were closed. An audit subsequently identified “glitches,” leading to the refunding or dismissal of incorrect violations.
Despite reactivating the program in late March, complaints persisted regarding violations received when drivers claimed not to be speeding, or when citations were issued outside school zone hours or on non-school days.
The program remains paused for further evaluation, with police actively collaborating with the camera company to resolve the identified problems before potential reinstatement.
In Manatee County, in March, elected leaders voted 5-2 to terminate their school
City Ends Eminent Domain Action Related to Circle K
By Steve Stewart
Tallahassee elected officials have given up their proposed pursuit of eminent domain to stop a Circle K gas station slated to serve the new Canopy neighborhood.
The City Commission voted 3 – 2 (Matlow, Porter against) to end that effort after being told by city attorney Amy Toman that there is no legal justification for it and a failed lawsuit could cost the city financially.
The controversy was prompted by neighborhood residents who have consistently raised concerns about the location of the project so close to homes.
After the vote, Mayor John Dailey said the city will reach out again to the owners to see if an agreement can be reached.
Background
At its April 16, 2025, meeting, the city commission directed staff to initiate the steps necessary to acquire by eminent domain property owned by Circle K Stores, Inc., in the Canopy development. During the meeting, the commission was advised that the first step in the process – obtaining two appraisals of the subject property – would likely result in an expenditure in “the low thousands” of dollars.
After the meeting, staff asked two vendors to provide estimates of the cost to conduct an appraisal of the Circle K property. Both vendors estimated that the cost of appraising the property would be at least $30,000 and both indicated that additional costs (e.g., land planning experts) would be necessary for a complete evaluation, since the land is already permitted. It appears that the total cost for the two required appraisals would in fact be upwards of $75,000.
City Breaks Ground on Future-Focused PowerTLH EV Charging Station
The City of Tallahassee is breaking ground this month on a clean energy future. Slated to open in 2026, the City's first Level 3 DC Fast Charging station—featuring the fastest and most powerful EV charging technology commercially available—will be capable of charging four vehicles simultaneously, delivering a full charge in as little as 20 minutes. This infrastructure expansion will make it easier for residents and visitors to power up and stay on the move, supporting cleaner transportation and a greener community.
"A cleaner, more connected Tallahassee is on the horizon. Our investment in innovative, sustainable services is a key reason the City has been named a 2025 All-America City finalist. Environmental stewardship is central to our strategic priorities, and I'm proud of the work underway— not only to meet the needs of our community today, but to anticipate and prepare for the needs of tomorrow," Mayor John Dailey said.
In August 2023, the City Commission voted unani-
Because the commission’s decision was based on somewhat inaccurate information provided at the April meeting, staff is bringing this item back for further consideration.
At the April meeting, the commission also asked that an estimate of all the costs that would potentially be expended in connection with this proceeding be brought back to the commission for consideration. The law firm of Nabors, Giblin & Nickerson (NGN) represents the city in eminent domain matters. Based on its extensive experience in the area, NGN has indicated that the likely costs of proceeding with eminent domain in this matter could be as much as $375,000.
In addition, the city attorney sought guidance from NGN regarding public purpose and public necessity in the context of eminent domain proceedings. NGN has provided an analysis of the issue, noting that it is essential that a determination of public purpose be clearly identified and supported by competent, substantial evidence in any resolution to authorize eminent domain. NGN also suggests that proceeding in the absence of an articulated and supported public purpose and necessity could result in sanctions.
On April 30, the city attorney received correspondence from Erin Tilton, counsel for Circle K. The letter states, “Absent valid public necessity, exercising the power of eminent domain is an abuse of the City’s power and a violation of Circle K’s constitutional rights.” The letter warns that Circle K will defend itself to the fullest extent of the law and that the city and city commissioners may be subject to sanctions and personal liability.
mously to approve its Clean Energy Plan — a guide to achieve net 100 percent renewable energy by 2050.
Bill to Protect Apalachicola River Reaches Governor's Desk
A bill many on the Forgotten Coast are waiting for has gone to the governor. It would ban drilling for oil within 10 miles of the Apalachicola River Basin.
Just this Monday, members of the coastal community held a “Kill the Drill” rally to encourage Gov. Ron DeSantis to sign House Bill 1143, and they’ve invited him to hold a bill signing ceremony in their town.
Lawmakers overwhelmingly passed the measure after the Florida Department of Environmental Protection signaled plans more than a year ago to grant a permit to a Louisianabased company, Clearwater Land and Mineral LLC, to drill in the Apalachicola’s fragile river basin.
The plan to drill set off protests from hundreds of business owners, seafood workers, environmentalists and other community members. The protests especially roiled the Forgotten Coast, which had been devastated by the BP oil spill in 2010.
zone speed program, leaving only one camera active in Holmes Beach.
Over 55,000 drivers had received citations from the cameras. A significant concern was raised by Commissioner Liz Gabric, who herself received two tickets and expressed being “shocked,” planning to dispute them. She was also upset with how the county had implemented the cameras, suggesting it was seen by some commissioners as
a “money grab” that was not properly set up.
Another commissioner, while acknowledging that the cameras served a “good purpose” and who voted against termination, echoed concerns about inadequate public notification regarding enforcement. He voiced worries that the county would be blamed if accidents occurred after the program’s termination.
City to Review ICE Agreement with Tallahassee Police Department
ICE, From Front Page
287(g) agreement—a partnership between local law enforcement and ICE—which was executed by the city manager and police chief without City Commission approval. The agreement allows one Tallahassee Police Department officer to assist with immigration-related 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 to bring the agreement back for further discussion. This unusual coalition drew attention at the latest commission meeting, where activists from local groups voiced strong opposition to TPD’s cooperation with ICE. Supporters of the policy argue it targets violent criminals, not workers, while critics counter that the optics of arresting undocumented laborers without penalizing the businesses that hire them undermines fairness. The discussion has also sparked broader frustration over Florida’s failure to address contractor accountability and immigration loopholes.
LCS to Explore Impact Fees
LCS, From Front Page
conversation to anticipate needs, particularly as the Planning Commission historically reported no impact on schools from major developments.
The board members agreed that these conversations need to involve both city and county officials, especially considering the “skyrocketing” cost of construction and declining state funding. Impact fees were also discussed as a potential funding source for new construction, with about a third of districts in Florida implementing them, generating $5,000
Local News Briefs
On Monday, an administrative law judge rejected one of the permits Clearwater had requested, and DEP denied it. Opponents of the plan celebrated the victory, but they warn more requests are pending.
The bill on DeSantis’s desk would ban drilling, exploration, or production of petroleum products within 10 miles of a national estuarine research reserve—that includes the Apalachicola River Basin.
The governor has 15 days to act on the measure or let it become law without his signature.
Tallahassee ‘No Kings’ Protest Draws Thousands
Following the anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles, all eyes were on the over 2000 No Kings protests appearing everywhere from Mississippi, to Montana, to Malawi. In Florida alone, there were 22 protests. According to the No Kings website, these protests were a national “day of defiance” against President Donald Trump’s military parade to celebrate the military’s 250th birthday. Tallahassee’s No Kings protest drew thousands.
The protests were organized
by The Indivisible Project.
to $8,000 per dwelling unit. However, implementing impact fees requires a costly study (estimated 6 months to a year).
It was noted that impact fees cannot be assessed retroactively. Such fees would generate dedicated funds for new facilities in impacted areas, freeing up existing district funds for repairs and renovations in other schools. The superintendent agreed to explore the cost of an impact fee study and gather information from other counties.
Founded by Leah Greenberg and Ezra Levin, the group began as a response to Donald Trump’s first election but has quickly transformed into a national movement of 2,200 chapters appearing in all fifty states. Their network of grassroots groups works to “ defeat the rightwing takeover of American government and win an inclusive democracy and bold progressive policies.”
Indivisible has come under fire recently for taking money from liberal dark money groups like George Soros’ Open Society Foundation and the Arabella Advisors network of funds. Critics have called them “the kings and queens of the Democratic political machine summoning their minions to take to the streets to feign a fake people’s revolution.”
Florida A&M Athletic Director on Paid Leave
Florida A&M University athletics director Angela Suggs is now on administrative leave with pay. The move follows her arrest stemming from fraudulent charges on her business credit card issued to her in her previous job as CEO of the Florida Sports Foundation
(FSF). Deputy Directors of Athletics Tavis Glasgow and Brittney Johnson will take over while Suggs is on leave.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) recently announced Suggs’ arrest. She faces one felony count each of grand theft and scheme to defraud, and four misdemeanor counts of false claims on travel vouchers.
Officials say Suggs used her FSF- issued credit card to make cash withdrawals and wire transfers in casinos while on business trips. These charges totaled more than $24,000. Investigators claim she misrepresented the spending as business meals. When she was asked about the payments, Suggs said some were accidental charges to her business card. But officials say she failed to pay back FSF.
This investigation started in November of 2024 after the FDLE received a criminal referral from the Florida Department of Commerce’s Inspector General with an audit of Suggs’ FSF business credit card purchases.
Out-of-State Students Could Face Tuition Hikes
By Dara Kam The News Service of Florida
— Out-
TALLAHASSEE
of-state students attending Florida universities could see a 10 percent increase in tuition this fall and an additional hike the following school year, under a rule unanimously adopted by the state university system’s Board of Governors on Wednesday. Tuition hikes for out-ofstate students would have to be approved by university boards of trustees, and schools would have to maintain their current ratio of instate students to out-of-state students.
If increases are approved for the 2025-2026 school year, they would be the first tuition hikes in more than a decade for out-of-state students, according to documents distributed before Wednesday’s Board of Governors vote.
None of the state’s 12 universities has raised tuition since 2012, and Florida State University hasn’t had an increase since 2004, the documents said.
Florida has the nation’s third-lowest tuition and fees for out-of-state students, at an average of $21,690 in 2023-
2024. That was about 28 percent lower than the national average of $30,140.
Nearly 33,000 undergraduate students from outside the state — about 12 percent of all students — attend Florida’s public universities. Roughly 25,000 of the state’s 76,000 graduate students, or 33 percent, are nonresidents.
Board of Governors member Alan Levine, who proposed the increase, noted that “our total cost of a degree is one of the lowest in the country for students.”
Levine said in a text message to The News Service of Florida that the proposal would allow increases of up to 10 percent this fall and up to 15 percent in fall 2026, He said his “strong suspicion is it will end up being less than 10% this year as trustees try to minimize impact on current students”
A hike over two years would give out-of-state students more leeway to plan their finances, Levine suggested during the meeting. Florida law caps annual tuition increases for in-state and out-of-state students at 15 percent.
“We want to make sure we don’t create sticker shock for
students that are here currently,” Levine said.
Maintaining ratios of instate and out-of-state students would ensure that Floridians don’t lose slots in schools to higher-paying applicants.
“We do not want to see universities raising their nonresident enrollment rates to increase revenues, particularly at the expense of in-state students,” Levine said.
Tuition increases approved by university boards of trustees would have to be shared with university system Chancellor Ray Rodrigues.
An across-the-board 5 percent tuition increase for out-of-state undergraduate students at all of the state’s universities would generate nearly $24.2 million annually, according to the document presented to the board. A 15 percent hike would bring an extra $72.5 million to the state.
Tuition for out-of-state students varies throughout universities. For undergraduates, the University of South Florida offers the lowest percredit hour rate for nonresidents, at $346.50. The University of Florida weighs in as the highest, at $707.21. The
Miami City Commission Votes 3-2 to Support ICE agreement
Miami’s city commissioners recently voted to enter into an agreement with the federal government authorizing local police to act as immigration enforcement officials.
The 3-2 vote followed that of other major Democratic cities in the state, such as Orlando and Jacksonville, which have already agreed to collaborate with federal officials in street-level immigration enforcement operations.
However, the decision came with heavy scrutiny from the public, with hundreds lining up outside under the scorching sun to get a chance to express their disapproval during the several hours of public comment.
“I feel the pain of our country; I feel the pain of my residents afraid to leave their homes, afraid to get medical attention for their children, and I don’t want to be a part of that,” said Christine King, chairwoman of the Miami Board of Commissioners. “I think we are on the wrong side if we enter into this agreement.”
The enactment of the 287(g) Task Force Model agreement, as the partnership is officially known, has been a significant aspect of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ push to promote the state as a leader in immigration enforcement. The governor persistently touts the hundreds of agreements that cities, state agencies, and even universities have signed up for.
But participation hasn’t all been voluntary. Attorney General James Uthmeier warned the Fort Myers commission and the Broward County sheriff that they could be removed from office after pushing back against the agreements.
City Attorney George Wysong and Miami Police Chief Manuel Morales brought up Uthmeier’s warnings during the meeting on Tuesday, saying that the city
could face a suit from the state’s chief legal officer for rejecting the agreement. Even the commissioners who voted in favor of the agreement with ICE didn’t do so gleefully.
District 3 Commissioner Joe Carrollo, who represents Little Havana, said the city had to take the issue head-on.
“This is not an easy decision for me at all, but I’ve also heard what our police chief, what our attorney have said, and each of us is going to have to vote our conscience,” he said.
An outstanding lawsuit from the City of South Miami could provide clarity on whether state law requires cities to enter into the agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The overwhelming majority of the people speaking about the 287(g) agreement opposed it because they said it eroded trust in police in a city built by immigrants escaping dictatorships.
Karla De Anda, a community advocate who witnessed how a Cuban man tried to strangle himself after federal officials arrested him in Miami’s immigration court, said victims of crimes are too afraid to call the police for help.
“Every day we have received calls from domestic workers that have suffered mistreatment, sexual harassment, and even labor trafficking,” she said.
Others trying to sway commissioners against the agreement used their own experiences as immigrants or children of immigrants to make their points.
Nick Mayor said the city had once welcomed his family with open arms.
“We need to have trust in our community, and this is eroding that right now before a single vote has been cast,” he said.
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 May, after inching up earlier in the year.
The Florida Department of Commerce on Friday released a report that showed an estimated 414,000 Floridians were out of work in May from a labor force of 11.2 million people.
The report came after the Legislature late Monday approved a budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year that included putting additional money into a state rainy-day fund as a brace against potential future economic downturns or disasters.
But Jimmy Heckman, the Department of Commerce’s chief of workforce statistics and economic research, said Friday that the state economy doesn’t show “signs of concern.”
“Businesses are having a lot of reasons to hire or expand, and that
the labor force that's looking for work is able to find work relatively easily.”
Heckman said the state’s unemployment rate remains “very low by historical standards.”
The Florida unemployment rate in May 2024 was 3.3 percent. It was 3.4 percent in December before creeping up this year to 3.7 percent. The national unemployment rate last month was 4.2 percent.
Most business sectors in Florida showed upticks in employment in May, though small declines were seen in government and construction jobs.
For example, employment in wholesale trade grew by 3,600 workers; the educational services sector was up by 2,800; and the accommodation and food services sector was up by 2,600. Employment was down by 1,500 positions in state government; 1,000 in the federal government; and 400 in construction.
average statewide is $491.90. Board of Governors member Eric Silagy tried to link the proposed increases to part of Florida law that says tuition for out-of-state students should offset the cost of providing education to such students. Silagy said three schools in the system — New College of Florida, Florida A&M University and Florida Polytechnic University — don’t meet the requirement. “I don’t think we should be allowing the board of trustees to go up to the maximum 15% because these three schools have an obligation, not a choice, an obligation, to be in compliance with state law,” Silagy said.
Silagy, who has harshly criticized New College in the past, argued that schools where Florida taxpayers are “subsidizing” out-of-state students shouldn’t be allowed to increase the number of nonresident students.
According to Silagy, the state is spending more than $82,000 per student for New College, which has 802 students, including 90 who aren’t Florida residents. As a comparison, the state spends roughly $19,000 per student
at the University of Florida. Silagy’s remarks drew fire from New College President Richard Corcoran, a former state House speaker who was recruited by Gov. Ron DeSantis to remake the Sarasota liberal-arts school into a conservative higher-education institution.
Corcoran called Silagy’s comparisons of New College to other Florida universities “odious.”
“When we, the new board, came onto the scene, here’s the rhetoric that we were told: ‘Be the Hillsdale of the South. Grow your prestige to what you were in the past,’” Corcoran said, referring to the conservative Hillsdale College in Michigan..
New College is “just not like the rest” of Florida’s public universities, Corcoran argued.
“I mean, we took over an absolute failed institution, had it been not publicly funded, would have closed a decade ago, without question,” he said. “The question is, do you want to build, for the Legislature and the governor, a world-class liberal-arts institution? If the answer is yes … we can’t be graded or evaluated in that same context.”
Lawmakers Pass $115.1B Budget, End Session
BUDGET, From Front Page from talks that may conflict with the Senate or governor.
“Our goal was to be a co-equal branch of government, have an opinion that matters, an opinion of value,” Perez told reporters Monday. “I do believe now more than ever that the House’s opinion matters.”
Lawmakers did not pass DeSantis’ property-tax rebates or reduce the overall sales-tax rate. But Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, and Perez said cutting property taxes remains a goal that lawmakers will revisit during the 2026 session.
Albritton said a focus of this year’s session was “normalizing the revenues of the state of Florida” after an influx of federal money in recent years stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We knew in the beginning we wanted to have a large-scale conversation about government efficiencies and work toward an even greater level of fiscal responsibility and accountability,” Albritton told reporters Monday. “That’s what you’ve seen. Now, was that compounded with some of the other things on the peripheral that made it look like there were some huge arguments going on? Sure, but, we stayed true to task. …. That’s the way the system is supposed to work. I don’t view this on day 105 (of the session) as a failure.”
In addition to the $904 million elimination of the sales tax on commercial leases, the tax package (HB 7031) also would require holding a tax “holiday” every August on back-to-school items, such as clothes, school supplies and personal computers. While such holidays have been held most years, they have needed annual approval; the tax package would make them recur every year.
The tax package, which was approved 93-7 by the House and 32-2 by the Senate, also includes sales-tax exemptions for hurricane supplies such as certain types of batteries and portable generators. Other parts of the package include tax exemptions on such things as sunscreen, insect repellant, tickets to NASCAR championship races, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, life jackets, bicycle helmets and admission to state parks. Some of the heaviest debate Monday came on bills linked to the budget, including on what is known as an implementing bill (SB 2502). Democrats criticized part of that bill that could lead to the governor’s Office of Policy and Budget reviewing the budgets of local governments. Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith, D-Or-
lando, asked if the governor would “send a bunch of 20-year-old bros” to review local governments. But Sen. Jason Pizzo, a Sunny Isles Beach lawmaker without party affiliation, backed the measure, saying he’s seen cities in his district “blowing untold amounts of money on really stupid things. On trips all over the world. On productions and shows.”
The House approved the implementing bill in an 87-18 vote, while the Senate approved it 24-8. Among other concerns raised Monday by Democrats were the potential impacts of federal funding cuts in programs such as food stamps and Medicaid. Albritton said legislative leaders and the governor will address any impact “when it gets here.”
“We don’t know what those numbers are going to be yet, so our budget does not contemplate what they could be,” Sen. Jay Trumbull, a Panama City Republican who chairs the Senate Health and Human Services Appropriations Committee, said.
Linked to the tax package is a plan (HJR 5019) to ask voters in 2026 to increase the ceiling of a rainy-day reserve, known as the Budget Stabilization Fund, from 10 percent of general revenue collections to 25 percent. The plan includes setting aside $750 million in each of the next two fiscal years in anticipation of the ballot measure passing.
Legislative leaders said the reserve fund would help future lawmakers if the state faces disasters or economic downturns.
“If there is a recession, that (future) Legislature will thank this body for the hard decisions that we made today to save money that could have very easily been spent on a bunch of pork,” Perez said.
The budget includes $580 for paying debt, and lawmakers approved a separate bill (HB 5017) that requires an annual $250 million repayment of state bonds.
Also, the package includes 2 percent pay raises for most state employees, with state law enforcement officers and firefighters in line for additional 8 percent to 13 percent boosts.
The spending plan also includes a 1.59 percent increase in per-student funding in schools, from $8,987.67 to $9,130.41. In addition, it includes $691.5 million for Everglades restoration, the same as in the current year, $675.2 million for water improvement projects and $170 million for flood and sea-level grants.
— News Service Executive Editor Jim Saunders contributed to this report.
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Editor: Steve Stewart
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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.
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Indicator* – Most Recent Quarter Since Last Year
204,900 +2.0 %
What
Does This Mean?
MSA Employment was down 0 .7% from the Q4 2024 average of 205,700 Private sector employment in Q 1 2025 increased by 3,400 (2.5%) compared to Q 1 2024 (1st qtr. 2025) Up 4,100 from Q1 2024
480 +10.6%
MSA Initial Claims for Unemployment Compensation in Q1 2025 were up by 10 (2.1%) from a total of 470 in Q4 2024, and 77% less than the 10-year Q1 average of 2,053 during 2015-2024 (1st qtr. 2025) 46 more than in Q1 2024
143 -7.7%
Single-Family Construction Permits in Leon Co. totaled 143 (City of Tallahassee, 110; Unincorporated Leon Co., 33), up 33 (30.0%) from 110 permits in Q4 2024, and 16.8% lower than the 10-year Q1 average of 172 permits during 2015-2024 (1st qtr. 2025) 12 fewer than in Q1 2024
$325, 000 +0.9%
MSA Median Sales Price was down 1.5% from Q3 2024, has risen in 12 of the past 20 quarters in the MSA, and has been more than 20% lower than the statewide median sales price since Q3 2021 (4th qtr. 2024) Up $3K from Q4 2023
$2.95 M +3.4%
(4th qtr. 2024) Up $97K from Q4 2023
219,877 -1.9%
(1st qtr. 2025) 4,225 fewer than in Q1 2024
3.7% +0.5 pts.
(1st qtr. 2025) Up from 3.2% in Q1 2024 $1,142 +6.2%
MSA Tourist Development Tax Receipts increased by 27.2% from Q3 2024 (receipts for Q 4 were higher than Q3 in 19 of the past 20 years). Receipts were 42% higher than the 5-year Q4 average of $2.08M during 2019-2023
TLH Passengers in Q1 2025 were down 14.6% from Q4 2024 and 25% higher than the 10 -year Q1 average of 175,763 during 2015-2024
The MSA 3-month average Unemployment Rate was up 0.2 points from 3.5% in Q4 2024 The 3-month average Unemployment Rate has been under 4% since Q4 2021.
MSA Average Weekly Wage was u nchanged from Q2 202 4, with quarter-to-quarter increases in 1 5 of the past 20 quarters. (3rd qtr. 2024) $67 more than in Q3 2023
54 -18.2%
(1st qtr. 2025) 12 fewer than in Q1 2024
4.9% +0.5 pts.
(1st qtr. 2025) Up from 4.4% in Q1 of 2024
3.2% +1.8 pts.
(1st qtr. 2025) Up from 1.4% in Q1 of 2024
210,840 +1.8 %
Mortgage Foreclosures in Leon Co. were up by 17 from a total of 37 in Q4 2024. Foreclosures in Q 1 2025 were 44% lower than the 10-year Q1 average of 97 during 2015-2024
MSA Office Vacancy was up 0.5 points from 4.4% in Q4 202 4, and has been under 6% every quarter since Q1 2020
MSA Industrial Vacancy was up 0.6 points from 2.6% in Q 4 2024, and has been under 4% every quarter since Q1 2018.
MSA avg. monthly Labor Force was down 186 (-0.1%) from Q4 2024 Statewide labor force in Q 1 2025 was up only 0.7 % compared to Q1 2024 (1st qtr. 2025) Up 3,674 from Q1 2024 $1.74 B +3.9%
MSA Taxable Sales in Q4 2024 were up 9.1% from Q3 2024, and 15% higher than the Q4 average of $1.51 B during 20192023 (4th qtr. 2024) Up $65.6M from Q4 2023
Note: Q1 = January-March; Q2 = April-June; Q3 = July -September; Q4 = October-December. All metrics are for the Tallahassee MSA unless stated otherwise. Sources: Florida Commerce, Current Employment Statistics (CES, not
*Leading : May signal future changes; Lagging : May confirm pattern already in progress; Coincident: Occurs in real-time and clarifies condition of economy.
May 2025 Edition
Put into Words…
Employment was down -0.7% from the Q4 2024 average of 205,700. Private sector employment in Q1 2025 increased 2.5% compared to Q1 2024. Month-to-month employment levels have increased in 38 of the past 60 months, with an average gain of approximately 350 per month.
Initial Claims for Unemployment Compensation in Q1 2025 were up by 10 (2.1%) from a total of 470 in Q4 2024, and 77% less than the 10 -year Q1 average of 2,053 during 2015-2024. Quarterly claims have been under 700 since Q3 2021
New Single-Family Construction Permits in Leon County totaled 143 , up 33 (30.0%) from 110 permits in Q4 2024, and 16.8% lower than the 10 -year Q1 average of 172 permits during 2015-2024. The City of Tallahassee accounted for 77% of Q1 2025 permits; unincorporated Leon County, 23%. Total permit value was $38.2 million, down 5.2% from the five-year (2020-2024) Q1 average, but up 3.3% from the 10-year (2015-2024) Q1 average of $36.9 million.
The Q4 2024 Median Single-Family Home Sales Price was down 1.5% from Q3 2024, has risen in 12 of the past 20 quarters in the MSA, and has been more than 20% lower than the statewide median sales price since Q3 2021. The quarter-to-quarter median price for the Tallahassee metro area has decreased in six of the past eight quarters
Tourist Development Tax Receipts increased by 27.2% from Q3 2024 (receipts for Q4 were higher than Q3 in 19 of the past 20 years). Receipts were 42% higher than the 5year Q4 average of $2.08M during 2019-2023.
The volume of TLH Passengers in in Q1 2025 was down -14.6% from Q4 2024 but 25% higher than the 10-year Q1 average of 175,763 during 2015-2024. Passenger traffic has increased year-over-year in 13 of the past 20 quarters
The 3-month average Unemployment Rate in Q4 2024 was down -0.2 points from 3.8% in Q3 2024. The 3-month average Unemployment Rate has been under 4% since Q4 2021 and under 5% since Q2 2021 .
The Tallahassee metro area Average Weekly Wage was unchanged from Q3 2023, with quarter-to-quarter increases in 15 of the past 20 quarters. The 4-quarter moving average
Attachment #1 Page 2 of 2
Leon County Jobs Down in May, Unemployment Rate Up
The latest jobs report shows the Leon County May unemployment rate increased to 3.8%. The April unemployment rate was 3.5%. The latest numbers follow cyclical trends related to Tallahassee’s summer economy.
The number of jobs in Leon County decreased in May by 3,812 when compared to the April jobs report. There were 157,949 people working in Leon County in May compared to April’s revised employment number of 161,768.
The size of the workforce also decreased in May. There were 164,265 people in the workforce in
May, down 3,386 from the 167,651 reported in April.
Year Over Year Comparisons
The Leon County Jobs Report, provided below, shows the number of people working in May 2025 was 1,570 more than in May 2024. The May labor force – those looking for jobs – came in at 164,265 which was 2,504 more than the number reported one year ago.
The May unemployment rate of 3.8% is up from the 3.0% 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 May back to 2022.
Silver Airways Ceases Operations
Silver Airways abruptly ceased operations six months after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a bid to restructure its finances and remain in service.
The Fort Lauderdalebased regional airline, which operated flights throughout Florida, the Bahamas and the Caribbean, informed customers on Wednesday that all flights were canceled and advised travelers not to go to the airport. Passengers were directed to seek refunds through their credit card companies or travel agencies.
Silver Airways is one of three airlines that serves Tallahassee.
Mayor John Dailey addressed the issue at Wednesday’s city commission meeting.
“I know that they were having issues internally and that they’d filed for bankruptcy. I’m not up to speed on all the ins and outs of it but we will continue to pursue other airlines to come to Tallahassee as we do and build out the Tallahassee International Airport,” Dailey said.
Silver Airways is the second airline
to leave TLH within the past year. JetBlue ceased operations at the airport last October.
In a December 30, 2024, open letter to customers, the company had announced its voluntary bankruptcy filing in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida. At the time, Silver stated that it intended to continue operations during the restructuring process and anticipated emerging from bankruptcy by the first quarter of 2025.
However, the company disclosed Wednesday that it had entered into a transaction to sell its assets to another airline holding company.
The buyer has determined not to continue Silver’s flight operations.
The announcement ends more than a decade of regional service by Silver, which began flying in 2011 and served as a connector between mainland Florida and island destinations.
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 $500,000 to a high of $742,500. The average sales price for these transactions was calculated to be $583,333.
sure of home value, the dollar per square foot ($/SqFt) shows a range starting with a low of 170.0 $/
$/SqFt. Current homes listed for sale in Ox Bottom range from $519,000 to $774,000.
For more information on real estate sales in Leon county and overall economic conditions, visit TallahasseeReports.com.
High School Sports
Two Chiles Volleyball Players Commit to College Programs
By Robert Stewart
Following a historic 25-1 season in which the Chiles volleyball team won the 5A state title, rising seniors Eva Goodson and Lindsay Smith have committed to continuing their athletic and academic careers at the collegiate level.
Chiles outside hitter and setter Eva Goodson plans to play collegiate level volleyball at Appalachian State University under head coach Chad Sutton. The Mountaineers are coming off of a 18-10 season with a conference (Sun Belt) record of 11-3.
At Chiles, Goodson played her junior season on the Chiles varsity team after moving from Florida High accumulating a total of 82 sets played, 296 kills, 41 aces and 231 digs.
Chiles outside hitter Lindsay Smith plans to play collegiate level volleyball at Embry Riddle University under head coach Joslynn Gallop. The Eagles had a record of 18-10 for the 2024 season with a conference (Sunshine State) record of 13-7. At Chiles, Linsday Smith has played a total of three years on the Chiles Varsity Team with a total of 213 sets played, 577 kills, 78 aces, and 332 digs.
JPII Pauses Football Program For 2025 Season
By Robert Stewart
Despite a strong finish to the 2024 football season, the St. John Paul II Catholic High School football program will not field a team in the 2025–2026 school year. The decision comes as a result of low participation numbers and difficulty maintaining a full roster, which has made it nearly impossible for the Panthers to safely and competitively prepare for the upcoming season.
Last season, the Panthers overcame adversity to post a 5–6 record, win a district title, and earn a spot in the FHSAA 1A State Tournament. Their season ended in a heartbreaking 21–20 loss to Maclay in the first round of the playoffs. Quarterback Gavin Ford helped lead the team through a competitive schedule and was a key part of the Panthers’ offensive success. However, the team’s small roster left little room for injuries or substitutions, and several graduating seniors left the returning core too thin to continue forward.
This isn’t the first time the program has faced these challenges. A similar situation unfolded in 2018 after the Panthers won their first-ever district championship in 2017. The team began the following season with high expectations but was forced to forfeit the remainder of the year after starting 0–4 and suffering from a steep decline in player availability.
Administrators and coaches at St. JPII say the decision to pause the program was difficult but necessary in order to prioritize student safety and future sustainability. The school will explore ways to rebuild the program in the coming years and is encouraging students interested in football to stay involved through training, workouts, and other athletic opportunities.
While the absence of a team in 2025 is disappointing to players and fans, the hope is that this reset will allow the Panthers to return stronger in the future.
Former Chiles Swimmer, Ethan Ekk, Sets New Canadian Record
the men’s 200m backstroke with a
record
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From June 7–12, Stanford commit and Chiles High School senior Ethan Ekk made waves at the Canadian Swimming Trials in Victoria, British Columbia. Ekk not only won two gold medals but also set a new Canadian record in the men’s 200m backstroke with a time of 1:56.54.
Ekk’s performance was impressive across multiple events. He earned silver medals in both the 100m freestyle (49.78) and 200m freestyle (1:48.53), setting personal bests in each. In addition to his record-setting 200m backstroke, he also took gold in the 400m freestyle with another personal best of 3:49.57. His strong showing at the
trials further cements his status as one of Canada’s top young swimming talents and highlights the depth of his versatility across multiple strokes and distances.
This outstanding showing builds on a stellar senior year for Ekk, who captured two Florida state titles in the 200m and 500m freestyle events. He was also named the 2024 Big Bend Swimmer of the Year for his consistent dominance and leadership throughout the season.
Next up, Ekk, who holds dual citizenship with the United States and Canada, will represent Canada on the international stage at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, beginning July 11.
Leon County Track & Field Athletes Compete in National Championships
By Robert Stewart
Provided below is information on three Leon County athletes that recently participated in national championship competition.
Chiles boys discus thrower and recent state champion, Jason Atwood, competed in the Nike Outdoor U20 Nationals in Eugene, OR on June 6th. Although the conditions involved more rain then anyone would have liked, Atwood’s longest and only official throw reached a distance of 62.08 meters. This throw was good enough to put the soon to be Florida State Seminole in third place in the discus final.
Maclay girls pole Vaulter Elizabeth Dowdy also competed in the Nike Outdoor U20 Nationals in Eugene, OR. Dowdy is coming off winning a state
title and currently holds the all-time record for pole vaulting in the state of Florida with a height of 4.05 Meters. Also competing in rainy conditions, Dowdy completed three jumps in the final with her highest jump being 3.73 meters placing 18th out of 40 participants.
Rickards girls high jumper Journee Belcher competed in the 2025 New Balance Outdoor Nationals in Philadelphia, PA on June 21st. Belcher is a state champion and currently ranked 10th all-time for the high jump in the state of Florida with a height of 1.8m and currently holds the best jump in Florida in 2025. While at New Balance Nationals, Belcher placed fifth in the Championship division while recording her best jump at the event with a height of 1.71.
