Tallahassee
Concluding that school officials’ actions did not “shock the con
science,” a divided fed
eral appeals court ruled against a couple who sued the Leon County school system.
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Florida’s U.S. senators have introduced legislation seeking to relocate the headquarters of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) from Washington, D.C., to Florida.
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Area Development magazine has highlighted the Tallahassee Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) for continued economic strength and competitiveness.
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CSC Leon voted 8-1 to approve the allocation of $2.5 million towards 13 new Out of School programs in Leon County.
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The latest jobs report shows that the number of people working in Leon County increased in January when compared to December, however the unemployment rate creeped up.
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According to recent filings, Leon County single-family construction permits were down 9% in January.
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Projects Near Chiles High School Move Forward
By Samuel Schaefer
A new Waffle House and Culvers have been proposed for Thomasville Road in front of Chiles High School. The restaurants are adjacent to each other and are located between Rhea Road and Wolfpack Way.
The Waffle House includes a 1,913-square-foot restaurant with parking and infrastructure. and the Culvers includes a 4,556-square-foot restaurant with a drive-thru, parking, and infrastructure. Leon County Commissioner
Immigration Issue Arrives in Tallahassee
By Steve Stewart
With a new president and new priorities, elected leaders in Tallahassee and Leon county are facing new decisions related to illegal immigration. The decisions mostly revolve around the level of cooperation offered by local law enforcement agencies to aid the federal government in enforcing immigration laws.
However, with a new state law that requires local governments to cooperate with federal immigration agencies, some local elected officials will have to choose between personal convictions and legal repercussions.
Florida Sheriffs Sign Agreement
In late February, the Florida Sheriffs Association announced that all the state’s 67 counties have entered agreements with federal immigration authorities.
The agreements bring counties into compliance with part of a state law (SB 2-C) passed during a special legislative session aimed at boosting enforcement of illegal immigration. Under the agreements,
sheriffs’ deputies with special training can process immigration “detainers” issued by federal authorities to keep inmates in jail. The inmates can be kept up to 48 hours before being picked up by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.
The agreements are based on ICE’s 287(g) program which allows the department to authorize state and local law enforcement to help "identify and remove criminal aliens who are amenable to removal from the U.S."
The program has three models to allow local law enforcement to partner with ICE.
All the Florida counties are enrolled in the “Jail Enforcement Model” which identifies and processes removable illegal immigrants with criminal or pending criminal charges who are arrested by state or local law enforcement agencies.
The “Task Force Model” allows law enforcement agencies to enforce limited immigration authority with ICE oversight during their routine police duties. The Florida Highway Patrol, the Florida
The City of Tallahassee and Leon County face decisions related to the enforcement of immigration laws.
Department of Law Enforce-
ment, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Florida Department of Agricultural Law Enforcement and DeSantis' Florida State Guard have already agreed to the task force model.
More than 400 Florida State Troopers have already completed the ICE 287(g) training, according to the FHP said Friday. Governor DeSantis said on X that was more than any entity in the country.
The "Warrant Service Officer Model" allows ICE to train, certify and authorize state and local law enforcement officers to serve and execute administrative warrants on aliens in their agency’s jail.
The Leon County Sheriff's Office told Tallahassee Re-
Florida Senators Push to Relocate NASA Headquarters to Space Coast
By Brian Burgess The Capitolist
Florida’s U.S. senators have introduced legislation seeking to relocate the headquarters of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) from Washington, D.C., to Brevard County, Florida. The Consolidating Aerospace Programs Efficiently at Canaveral Act, or CAPE Canaveral Act, is sponsored by Sens. Rick Scott and Ashley Moody, who a stated in an issued release that the move would increase efficiency, reduce costs and strengthen collaboration between NASA and private aerospace firms.
noting the proposal’s potential to reduce taxpayer expenditures while bolstering Florida’s position as a leading state for aerospace innovation.
“Moving to Florida will not only save Americans’ tax dollars, it will enhance efficiency and streamline operations in this important industry with proximity to private-sector partners and a top-tier workforce ready to help America reach its space exploration goals,” said Scott. “We have worked hard to make Florida the thriving aerospace hub it is today, and I look forward to the quick passage of our legislation and welcoming NASA to the best state in the nation!” Moody echoed similar sentiments,
“Establishing NASA’s headquarters within the Space Coast will bridge the bureaucracy gap from the top down and bring stakeholders together. Florida is the gateway to space and this commonsense proposal would save taxpayers money, encourage collaboration with private space companies, and tap into Florida’s talented workforce to spur further innovation. As stewards of taxpayer dollars, we must ensure that any new building will be filled with employees—not empty like we have been seeing in Washington the last four years.”
The legislation follows remarks given by Gov. Ron DeSantis in January,
ports that their office signed an agreement in 2019 related to the transfer of individuals from the detention facility to ICE custody. However, under the new agreement, LCSO is also required to enforce immigration laws. Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil told the Tallahassee Democrat that LCSO will only be using federal grants to train deputies for immigration enforcement in the county jail. Consistent with this approach, the Leon County Commission voted on March 18 to accept a grant award from the Bureau of Justice Assistance in the amount of $16,706 to help with immigration enforcement. The grant, administered in conjunction with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
By Jim Saunders The News Service of Florida
TALLAHASSEE — Concluding that school officials’ actions did not “shock the conscience,” a divided federal appeals court recently ruled against a couple who sued the Leon County school system in a dispute stemming from their child wanting to express a gender identity and use pronouns the parents didn’t support.
A sharply divided panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a decision by Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker to dismiss the lawsuit, which was filed in 2021 by January and Jeffrey Littlejohn against the Leon County School Board, Superintendent Rocky Hanna and other school officials.
Before the 2020-2021 school year, the Littlejohns’ child, then a 13-year-old student at Deerlake Middle School, asked to go by a male name, “J,” and use they and them pronouns, according to Wednesday’s main opinion written by Judge Robin Rosenbaum. The child was identified as a girl at birth, and the Littlejohns did not allow the name and pronoun changes, though they said the child could use J as a “nickname” at school.
The child told a school counselor about wanting to use the name J and the they and them pronouns, Rosenbaum wrote. Under a school system policy guide at the time, the parents were not informed of the
Community News
HCA Florida Capital Hospital Announces New Chair and
HCA Florida Capital Hospital recently announced the appointment of Edwin H. Moore, Ph.D., as chair of its board of trustees and Niraj Pandit, MD, as vice chair.
“We are honored to have Ed Moore and Niraj Pandit lead our board of trustees,” said Tavarres Jefferson, chief operations officer at HCA Florida Capital Hospital. “Their deep commitment to public service, leadership experience and dedication to the community will be invaluable in advancing our hospital’s commitment to the care and improvement of human life.”
Moore has served on HCA Florida Capital Hospital’s board of trustees since 2019. He is the former president of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida, a Tallahasseebased association of 31 private, not for
profit colleges and universities. Moore retired as President Emeritus in 2019 after a 16-year career with ICUF. He also served as the executive director of the Higher Education Facilities Finance Authority in Florida and as chief executive officer of the Florida Independent College Fund, a nonprofit organization.
Pandit has also served on the HCA Florida Capital Hospital Board of Trustees since 2019 and is a boardcertified interventional cardiologist with HCA Florida Healthcare. He earned his medical degree and completed his internship and residency in internal medicine from the Medical College of Pennsylvania and Hospital. He went on to complete his cardiology fellowship at Cooper University Hospital in New Jersey. Dr. Pandit is
LeMoyne’s Chain of Parks Art Festival is back with an exciting new pop-up public art exhibit and competition leading up to the festival weekend called “Art in Bloom”! To celebrate 25 years, up to 25 local and regional artists will create upcycled planter sculptures, to display throughout Downtown Tallahassee from March 25 –April 25, 2025. All sculptures will be transferred to the Festival for the exhibit conclusion and silent auction in our “Chalk Art Oasis” area, benefiting LeMoyne Arts. See these fun and creative artistic planters at LeMoyne Arts, Il Lusso Restaurant, Hotel Duval, Aloft Hotel as well as other downtown locations. Learn more about the exhibit and the festival at www.chainofparks. com.
Florida Small Business Day at the Capitol
The Florida Small Business Development Center Network is promoting a special showcase event featuring small business clients, stakeholders and community partners. Mark your calendar for the Florida Small Business Day at the Capitol on March, 26, 2025.
The purpose of the event is to highlight the critical role small businesses play in Florida's economy and to provide an opportunity for business owners to share their insights and experiences while showcasing products and services to our legislative officials.
The Florida SBDC Network will also provide tours of its mobile assistance center, which is deployed following disasters to provide on-site assistance to business owners.
If you are interested in setting up a table or would like more information on how you or your clients can be involved, please contact Bridet LaCoste at blacoste@uwf.edu.
The 2025 North Florida Worlds of Work
Save the date and make plans to attend the 2025 North Florida Worlds of Work, October 23-24, 2025! This two-day event will bring industry specific worlds of opportunities to life for over 3,000 local students in the North Florida region.
Held on the campuses of Lively Technical College and Tallahassee State College, the purpose of WOW is to create awareness of the many high-demand , high-wage job opportunities that exist locally.
By participating in WOW, your company will have the opportunity to interact with thousands of students, parents, teachers, volunteers, and community leaders.
WOW is currently recruiting businesses to exhibit and sponsor this year's event. Check out the WOW website (www.northfloridaworldsofwork.com) to learn more about the expo, view the different worlds, and to get involved.
Leon County Commission Approves Non-Profit Funding, CHSP Spending
On March 18, 2025, the Leon County Commission voted to establish the Fiscal Year 2026 maximum discretionary funding levels for outside agencies including the Community Human Services Partnership (CHSP).
Leon County allocates these funds to non-profit organizations that engage in community initiatives related to issues like homelessness and domestic violence. The budget for FY2026 is finalized in September.
According to the agenda item, CHSP requested an early review of the budget
Vice Chair of Board of Trustees
by the commissioners to ensure that they will still be receiving funds. Agencies like CHSP are considered ‘non-departmental’ but hold annual contracts with the county. CHSP engages in homelessness relief, and they run five homeless shelters including the Brehon House, Refuge House, and Kearney Center. Currently, their proposed funding for next year is $1,445,000.
The Board approved the following items:
Established the non-departmental maximum discretionary funding level for FY 2026 at $74,500 for special events funding.
Established the Commissioner Office Budgets at $23,500.
Established the FY 2026 Outside Agency Contracts as follows:
• 2-1-1 Big Bend: $112,500
• DISC Village: $222,759
• Domestic Violence Coordinating Council: $25,000
• Oasis Center: $68,750
• St. Francis Wildlife Association: $71,250
• Tallahassee Senior Citizens Foundation: $179,000
• Tallahassee Trust for Historic Preservation: $63,175
• United Partners for Human Services: $40,000
• Whole Child Leon: $38,000
Leon County, KCCI Bring Art to Life with Colorful Crosswalks near Courthouse
Leon County Government, in collaboration with the Knight Creative Communities Institute (KCCI), recently unveiled three visually captivating crosswalks near the Judge Augustus D, Aikens, Jr. Leon County Courthouse to enhance pedestrian safety while fostering a shared community appreciation for public art, elevating them from mundane to mesmerizing.
“These crosswalks are a great example of how public art can enhance our community by improving both safety and aesthetics,” said Leon County Commission Chairman Brian Welch. “We’re proud to continue partnering with KCCI to bring creative, community-centered solutions to life.”
Located along Calhoun Street at the intersections of College Avenue and Jefferson Street, the vibrant crosswalks create a visually engaging and safer connection between the Calhoun Eastside Parking Garage and the Judge Augustus D. Aikens, Jr. Leon County Courthouse.
“This project is a testament to what we can do when we work together for everyone's benefit,” said Leon County District 5 Commissioner David O’Keefe. “Every project that enhances the visibility and safety of pedestrians is important. These vibrant crosswalks do just that while also bringing something beautiful for everyone to enjoy."
By transforming standard crosswalks into colorful works of art, the project aligns with the County’s ongoing efforts to provide essential public safety infrastructure and promote livability, health, and sense of community by enhancing mobility, expanding public art access and improving the visibility of crosswalks.
Funding for the artistic designs on the crosswalks was made possible through a KCCI grant received from the Community Foundation of North Florida Knight Foundation fund.
“Through this project, we’re creating a safer and more vibrant path for our community members as they navigate downtown,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. “This is just another example of how we continue to collaborate with community partners to make our County a place where people want to live, work, and visit.”
board-certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular diseases and interventional cardiology.
LeMoyne’s Art in Bloom Pop-Up Downtown Exhibit
Thomas Howell Ferguson Donates
Tallahassee State College (TSC) Foundation recently announced a $10,000 donation from Thomas Howell Ferguson P.A. CPAs (THF) to establish a new scholarship supporting students pursuing careers in accounting and technology. This gift will provide financial assistance to TSC students who demonstrate academic promise and an interest in these critical fields.
The press release noted that “The Thomas Howell Ferguson Accounting and Technology Scholarship reflects the firm’s ongoing commitment to education and workforce development in North Florida. By investing in future professionals, THF aims to cultivate a strong pipeline of skilled graduates ready to meet the evolving
needs of the accounting and technology sectors.”
“We are deeply grateful to Thomas Howell Ferguson for their investment in our students and their futures,” said Heather Mitchell, Executive Director of the TSC Foundation. “This scholarship will help remove financial barriers and open doors for students who aspire to build careers in accounting and technology, fields that are vital to our region’s economy.”
As a full-service certified public accounting firm with a strong presence in Tallahassee, THF has long been dedicated to supporting education and workforce initiatives. The firm’s managing shareholder, Jeff Barbacci, emphasized the importance of giving back to the community and supporting the next generation of profession-
als.
“At Thomas Howell Ferguson, we believe in the power of education to transform lives and strengthen our industry,” said Barbacci. “By establishing this scholarship, we hope to inspire and support students who are pas-
Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH), the region’s leading healthcare provider, recently announced the completion of its full transition to the Epic Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. Epic is the leading technology provider in the EHR industry and is used by well-regarded healthcare institutions such as Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic.
The press release noting the transition stated, “this milestone marks a significant step forward in improving the quality of care, enhancing patient safety, and streamlining operations across the hospital and affiliated healthcare services.”
The Epic EHR system integrates patient data across multiple departments, giving TMH clinicians realtime access to comprehensive medical information. This improved coordination of care allows for more personalized treatment plans and ultimately improves patient outcomes.
“Our commitment to delivering the highest standard of care to our community is reflected in this $234 million investment into cutting-edge technology,” said Mark O’Bryant, President & CEO of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. “By adopting the Epic system,
we are enhancing how we manage patient information, improving workflow efficiencies, and ultimately ensuring our patients receive the most accurate and timely care possible.”
The implementation of Epic is the culmination of years of planning, collaboration, and extensive training for hospital colleagues. “This transition would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our entire team,” added Ryan Smith, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare’s Chief Clinical Officer. “Their commitment to learning and adapting to this new system ensures our patients receive the best care possible.”
The transition to Epic enhances patient control over their healthcare through MyChart, a secure, userfriendly patient portal that allows patients to access medical records, view lab results, schedule appointments, and more—all in one convenient location. This investment in technology not only improves patient engagement but also expands access to care, particularly for TMH’s outpatient services.
“This is truly a game changer for our patients,” said Jennifer Parks, President of TMH Physician Partners.
sionate about accounting and technology, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed.”
For more information on student scholarships or to explore additional giving opportunities, visit www.tscfoundation.org.
“With online scheduling, established patients can schedule visits online at their convenience, and if an earlier appointment becomes available, they’ll be automatically notified. It’s a huge step forward in ensuring timely and seamless access to care.”
TMH’s move to Epic elevates the organization’s technology infrastructure and aligns with the evolving demands of modern healthcare. As healthcare grows increasingly digital, the Epic system allows TMH to scale operations, integrate new technol-
ogies, and stay at the forefront of innovation.
“Epic is an essential tool in advancing our mission to provide exceptional care and service to the Tallahassee community,” said Don Lindsey, Chief Information Officer at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. “We are excited about the future of healthcare and the many benefits Epic will bring to our patients, colleagues, and the broader community.”
LCSO Recognizes Detective Hannah Parry and Sergeant Decarlos Hogue
By Staff
The Leon County Sheriff’s Office recently recognized Detective Hannah Parry as the sworn Law Enforcement Employee of the Month and Sergeant Decarlos Hogue as the Leon County Sheriff’s Office sworn Detention Employee of the Month for March 2025.
Detective Parry began her career with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office in February 2019 as a Uniform Patrol Deputy. Since that time, Detective Parry has also served in the Criminal Investigation Bureau as a Property and Special Victims (Human Trafficking) Detective.
Sergeant Rachel Keller nominated Detective Parry for Employee of the Month. Below is the nomination:
In July 2023, Detective Parry, as part of the newly formed Special Investigations Unit conducted an undercover operation at a local hotel, in hopes of gathering intel from local prostitutes on potential cases of human trafficking.
During this operation, Detective Parry was able to gain the trust of one of the women contacted, who was found to be a victim of multi-state human trafficking.
This investigation became the flagship case of the Capital City Human Trafficking Taskforce, and the first non-narcotics related OCDETF case in the state of Florida. As the lead case agent for this case, Detective Parry has worked tirelessly for over a year compiling evidence to ensure all parties involved are held accountable for their actions, including multiple trips out of state to track down victims and witnesses alike.
On September 16, 2024, 4 subjects were federally indicted on a multitude of charges in Detective Parry's case ranging from conspiracy and money laundering to sex trafficking.
Sergeant Decarlos Hogue began his career with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office in April 2003. Since that
time, Sergeant Hogue has served as a Detention Deputy, as well as a Detention Sergeant in both the Housing and Booking Units.
Recently, Lieutenant Ashley Mills nominated Sergeant Houge for Employee of the Month and shared the following words: I would like to nominate Sergeant Decarlos Hogue for Employee of the Month. I have been supervising Sgt. Hogue since November 2024, and he has gone above and beyond the call of duty.
During the Thanksgiving Holidays Booking and Releasing was short on Sergeants due to sudden retirement, Sgt. Hogue volunteered to switch to night shift to cover the post. I was so impressed. Sgt. Hogue was asked to do the interview with the news stations about the Body Cameras in Booking and did an outstanding job.
Now let's discuss SNOW DAY 2025.
Sgt. Hogue received phone calls from 2 of his deputies who were snowed in
Leon County Reviews Domi Entrepreneurial Community Impact Report
By Sam Schaefer
On March 18, 2025, the Leon County Commissioners heard a status report from Domi Education Inc. about the impact of their programs and initiatives.
Domi entered into a public-private partnership with Leon County in 2013 to help stimulate economic growth. Per Domi’s website, their “incubation programs are designed to equip entrepreneurs to launch and scale their ventures.” As part of that agreement, they have a lease for a building that houses Domi Station, a “co-working” environment that encourages creativity, innovation, and productivity. The lease was extended in 2022 for another 5 years. Per the partnership, Domi must provide annual status reports to the county commissioners.
The report states that the Center for Economic Forecasting & Analysis (CEFA) at FSU conducts annual economic impact analyses of Domi Station activities, utilizing financial statements from startups served, with a breakdown by industry, sales, investment, and job creation. As a result of recurring operational expenditures and sales by businesses served, the impact analysis found a total economic output of $55.6 million in FY 2024.
Employment generated by this activity amounted to 261 jobs in FY 2024 ($18.8 million in income or wages).
The report also states that since its inception, “Domi has nurtured 396 companies that have scaled beyond their support, significantly expanding their impact. These entrepreneurial success stories have empowered individuals to develop critical skills, launch thriving businesses, and drive substantial economic growth by creating jobs and fueling local economic activity. “
In one example, the report highlights Call Simulator, Inc., a company that uses artificial intelligence to teach clients conversation skills. In 2024, Call Simulator was able to secure several Fortune 500 clients and launch their first mobile app.
The agenda item states that in FY 2025, Leon County’s Office of Economic Vitality will collaborate closely with Domi’s leadership to maximize its impact on Leon County’s economic development. These efforts will include facilitating the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with FAMU to provide entrepreneurial development opportunities for students and provide access to OEV marketing intelligence and data tools to help Domi startups make informed scaling decisions.
Leon County Commission Meeting Briefs: March 18, 2025
By Steve Stewart
Below are the meeting briefs from the Leon County Commission meeting held on March 18, 2025. The Board approved Consent Items 1-19.
The consent items included five status reports: Fiscal Year 2024 Code Enforcement, Nuisance Abatement, and Code Compliance Programs Annual Report, Tallahassee-Leon County Board of Adjustment and Appeals 2024 Annual Report, 2024 Supervised Pretrial Release Program Report, February 2025 Quarterly Economic Dashboard Report, and the Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Domi Entrepreneurial Community Impact Report.
General Business
Item 20: The Board voted to establish the Fiscal Year 2026 maximum discretionary funding levels for outside agencies including the Community Human Services Partnership. The Board established the Community Human Services Partnership funding level for FY 2026 at $1,445,000. The Board established the non-departmental maximum discretionary funding level for FY 2026 at $74,500 for special events funding.
Item 21: The Board voted to support the funding request from The Henry Hill Foundation, Inc., of $15,000 for the annual Emancipation Day Celebration. The Board previously provided $6,000 for this event in 2024, and during the February 2025 meeting, directed staff to prepare an agenda item to consider continued funding for the upcoming May 17, 2025 event.
The Henry Hill Foundation’s Emancipation Day Celebration has been a long-standing tradition in Leon County for over 100 years. Held annually at Henry Hill Park, located at 1835 Centerville Road in Tallahassee, the free event provides attendees with food, live entertainment, and educa-
tional programming highlighting the historical significance of emancipation. The celebration commemorates May 20, 1865, when Union General Edward McCook publicly read the Emancipation Proclamation from the steps of Tallahassee-Leon County’s Knott House. Historically, the Henry Hill family independently funded this celebration, but recent increases in attendance, rising operational costs, and the passing of key family members have created financial constraints, prompting the Foundation to seek County assistance.
Item 22: The Board voted to realign $1 million in federal Emergency Rental Assistance funding previously approved by the Board for the Tallahassee Housing Authority’s Columbia Gardens at South City affordable housing project (formerly the Orange Avenue Apartments). This realignment will ensure that the Emergency Rental Assistance funds will be utilized by the federal expenditure deadline.
Item 23: The Board voted to conduct the first of two public hearings for the Federal Fiscal Year 2024 Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) opportunity and receive citizen input on community needs that could be funded through the grant opportunity prior to drafting an application. The CDBG is a federal program that provides funding for housing and community development activities.
The County’s CDBG Citizens Advisory Task Force (CATF), which is established and appointed by the Board, met on March 5, 2025, and recommended that the County seek CDBG funding for improvements to the Fort Braden Community Center.
Local governments are required to hold at least one public hearing before drafting a grant application to provide an opportunity for citizens input on community needs that could be addressed with CDBG funding.
and a little nervous about driving to work. Sgt. Hogue advised both deputies to stand by and used his personal vehicle to go get both deputies and safely returned them home after their shift. We nicknamed his vehicle the "LCSO Snow Shuttle." Sgt. Hogue went above and beyond the call of duty and displayed he is "ALL IN" and is well deserving of Employee of the Month.
Immigration Issue Arrives in Tallahassee
IMMIGRATION, From Front Page
and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provides federal payments to states and localities that incur correctional officer salary costs for incarcerating undocumented criminal aliens.
City of Tallahassee
With the 67 Florida Sheriffs on board, Governor DeSantis is now seeking to get agreements with more than 400 police departments in the state.
On March 4, the Tallahassee Police Department signed an agreement outlining a cooperative relationship and detailing its commitment to help Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforce immigration laws.
The agreement allows for select officers to carry out functions of an immigration officer such as the power to interrogate "any alien or person believed to be an alien," and "arrest without a warrant any alien entering or attempting to unlawfully enter the United States," according to the document.
The agreement was signed by the Tallahassee city manager
Reese Goad without any input from elected officials. City Commissioner Jack Porter questioned – via emails to Goad - if the agreement is legally required of the city. Goad defended his decision and, according to the Tallahassee Democrat, replied to Porter in an email, "You seem to say that if someone thinks it is not legally required then it shouldn’t be done. There are a lot of legal opinions. I wish to avoid that kind of overthink and legal debate."
This debate is not unique to Tallahassee.
The Fort Myers City Council recently failed to pass an agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to provide training for city police officers to act as ICE agents. Days after the vote, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said “They’re breaking the law” and emphasized that failure to approve immigration agreements with federal authorities could have serious consequences.
The next Tallahassee city commission meeting is scheduled for March 26.
CSC Leon Approves $2.5
in Spending, Funds New Staff Position
By Maddox Goodman
On Wednesday, March 5th, 2025, the Children’s Services Council of Leon County held a Governing Council Meeting. Provided below are the meeting briefs.
Executive Director’s Report
On February 28th, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis reappointed Mr. Paul Mitchell and Mr. Mark O’Bryant to the Council, as well as appointing Ms. Allison Richards, she also serves as an aide to County Commissioner Christian Caban. The terms for these appointees will end in December 2028.
Two CSC Leon Team Members were acknowledged by community partners for their work.
Dina E. Snider, Director of Programs and Finance, was recognized by The Oxford Academy (Creative Minds) for her work with them and other Community Investment Partners during the 2023-24 year.
Cecka Rose Green, Executive Director, received the 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Justice Award for Community Impact, from the MLK Foundation of Florida/Inter-Civic Council – Southern Christian Leadership Conference (ICC-SCLC)/Leon County Government.
Out-of-School Programs
The Council voted 8-1 to approve the allocation of $2.5 million towards 13 new Out of School programs in Leon County. On October 16, 2024, the CSC approved issuing a request to expand high quality and year-round OST programs in Leon County. The goal with these programs are to foster youth development, support academics and reduce juvenile crime.
The evaluation panel invited qualified vendors to submit proposals, and they received 21 responses. Through a lengthy review process that includes rating each proposal by categories with a score out of 120 points, and an interview with the panel, each proposal
was given a final score. The selected proposals were all given a score of 85% or higher, and the panel also examined for diversity of programs to ensure a well-rounded investment. The panel came to a conclusion that the total funding of $2.5 million will go towards supporting 13 programs, 7 year-round and 6 summer-only programs. The year-round programs will reach 452 students, and the summer-only programs will reach 765 students.
The year-round programs include Bethel Christian Academy: $177,095, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Big Bend: $431,685, Brownsville Seeds of Literacy, Inc.: $420,233, Camp Summer Garden, Inc.: $98,105, Foundation4ARTS, INC.: $224,227, Institute for Music Business, LLC.: $164,344, and Omega Lamplighters, Inc.: $225,686. The summer-only programs include Diamonds in the Rough Sports, Entertainment and Educations, Inc.: $240,000, Dynamic Xplosion Cheer: $64,792, EmpowerED Youth Network: $119,274, FSU Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement: $69,043, Reach One Youth Organization, Inc.: $191,000, and Tallahassee Nights Live Performing Arts Foundation: $86,588.78.
Staffing Request
The Council voted 8-1 to approve a staffing request for a new full-time position within the Children’s Service Council. A new “Administrative Services Coordinator” will be hired as a fulltime position with benefits as to lessen the “revolving door” of staff members for the Children’s Service Council. The position will cost approximately $86,200 per year with $47,000 in salary and $39,200 in benefits.
The Council briefly discussed their strategic planning for kindergarten readiness, youth development, and family support services. This was updated from last month’s meeting, and the council plans to have another strategic planning session after council vacancies are filled.
Employee's of the Month: Detective Parry and Sergeant Hogue
Tallahassee Metro Area Economy Recognized for “Continued Strength”
By Steve Stewart
The Leading Metro Locations report, published by the Area Development magazine, has highlighted the Tallahassee Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) for continued economic strength and competitiveness.
This is the second consecutive year the report has recognized the Tallahassee area economy.
The 2024 report ranked the Tallahassee MSA #2 in the South Atlantic Region – comprised of MSAs in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia—rising from fourth place.
The Tallahassee MSA ranked #4 of all the metro areas analyzed, jumping five spots to secure fourth place nationwide.
The 2024 report analyzed 410 MSAs (a seven-percent increase from 2023) with a one-, three-, and five-year retrospective of the indicators to provide a comprehensive assessment of economic conditions.
In a press release highlighting the report, The Talla-
CHS, From Front Page
Brian Welch posted information about the projects on his Facebook account on March 12. The post generated over 375 comments. Most of the comments expressed opposition to the projects citing concerns about over development, traffic and the environmental impact.
hassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality stated, “This recognition underscores the area’s ongoing economic vitality, investment appeal, and ability to attract and retain businesses. Tallahassee placed among the top five overall performers for steady growth and amid the best in economic strength and prime workforce.”
The press release noted, “Over the past five years, the Tallahassee-Leon County metro area has achieved remarkable success in job creation, adding more than 18,000 new jobs—97 percent of which were in the private sector—through strong partnerships between businesses, educational institutions, chambers of commerce and workforce development organizations.”
“Tallahassee offers a unique blend of affordability, livability, and economic strength making it a prime destination for growth and success in today’s competitive economy,” City Manager Reese Goad said. “Through a forwardthinking approach, we have successfully fostered a business-friendly culture that is
thriving on innovation and opportunity.”
Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long said, “Through strategic investments and a commitment to growing our local workforce, Leon County is a place where businesses can thrive, and residents can succeed. This
economic momentum shows no signs of slowing down.”
Methodology
The Leading Metro Locations report, developed by Area Development, highlights communities with significant long-term growth potential. Their research methodology
Projects Near Chiles High School Move Forward
The Application Review Meeting addressing the projects was held on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in the Renaissance Building, at 435 N Macomb Street.
Growth management officials reviewed the applications and addressed public works, concurrency, and
environmental issues. The applicants were provided with items that needed to be addressed in the next submittal.
During the meeting there were two public speakers that voiced concerns over the projects. One speaker addressed the traffic impacts,
safety concerns related to a 24-hour restaurant located within walking distance from neighborhoods, and the environmental impact.
Another speaker asked the applicant to do everything they could to fit in with the natural beauty of the area.
The speaker was concerned
incorporates 24 economic and workforce indicators based on datasets produced by Chmura Economics & Analytics, which are compiled from sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Economic Analysis, and JobsEQ.
about the “North Monroe” look on Thomasville Road and recommended low profile signage and ample landscaping on the property.
Court Rules Against Parents in School Gender Case
GENDER, From Front Page
social transition at school. That ultimately led to the lawsuit.
“The Littlejohns allege that the board and its officials violated their parental dueprocess rights when the officials met with and permitted the Littlejohns’ 13-year-old child to express the child’s gender identity at school,” Rosenbaum wrote. “In compliance with the board’s guidelines at the time, school officials developed a gender identity-related “Student Support Plan” for and with the child without the Littlejohns’ involvement and contrary to the Littlejohns’ wishes.”
But the appeals court said the case involved a challenge to government executive actions and, as a result, the
Florida DOT Scales Back Thomasville Road Project in Midtown
The Florida Department of Transportation won’t move forward with a proposal to remove the left-center turn lane on Thomasville Road in Midtown. The agency announced the decision after being inundated by feedback from community members protesting the move. But plans to resurface the road will continue.
The state Department of Transportation is required to resurface the road, and it will. But officials have also been considering a proposal from the Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency. Blueprint wanted to remove the center left-turn lane and install an eight-foot sidewalk on the west side of Thomasville Road. In addition, the City of Tallahassee was coordinating with FDOT to do work related to electric and underground utilities.
The combined project was estimated to take approximately 2 years. Midtown merchants and their supporters said that the removal of the turn lane and the time
legal test under court precedents was whether school officials’ actions “shocked the conscience.” Rosenbaum concluded that the actions did not rise to that level.
“The child was not physically harmed, much less permanently so,” Rosenbaum wrote, citing a series of legal precedents. “Defendants did not remove the Littlejohns’ child from their custody. And defendants did not force the child to attend a Student Support Plan meeting, to not invite the Littlejohns to that meeting, or to socially transition at school. In fact, defendants did not force the Littlejohns’ child to do anything at all. And perhaps most importantly, defendants did not act with intent to
injure. To the contrary, they sought to help the child. Under these circumstances, even if the Littlejohns felt that defendants’ efforts to help their child were misguided or wrong, the mere fact that the school officials acted contrary to the Littlejohns’ wishes does not mean that their conduct ‘shocks the conscience’ in a constitutional sense.”
Judge Kevin Newsom wrote a concurring opinion but was sharply critical of dueprocess precedents — and the school system.
“I think the defendants’ conduct here — in essence, hiding from the Littlejohns the fact that their 13-yearold daughter had expressed a desire to identify as a boy at school — was shameful,”
Newsom wrote. “If I were a legislator, I’d vote to change the policy that enabled the defendants’ efforts to keep the Littlejohns in the dark. But — and it’s a big but — judges aren’t just politicians in robes, and they don’t (or certainly shouldn’t) just vote their personal preferences.
The question for me, therefore, isn’t whether the defendants’ conduct was shameful, but rather whether it was unconstitutional.”
But Judge Gerald Tjoflat dissented, focusing, in part, on parental rights and saying the shock-the-conscience legal test should not apply to the case. He wrote that the Littlejohns are “entitled to a day in court on the merits of their claims that the defendant executives violated their parental rights.”
Tjoflat also wrote that the question is, “Does the Constitution still protect parents’ fundamental right to direct the upbringing of their children when government actors intrude without their knowledge or consent? The majority says it does not. It reaches this conclusion by applying an illogical, unauthorized, and atextual ‘shocks-the-conscience’ standard that denies the Littlejohns the ability to vindicate their fundamental right to raise their child.”
Rosenbaum’s opinion said the Leon County system in 2022 updated its policy guide about handling LGBTQ issues.
to complete the work would negatively impact their businesses.
The Department of Transportation released a statement after a public hearing saying that based on that feedback, the resurfacing is the only part of the project that will move forward. That will require only intermittent road closures at night.
FSU Hires Luke Loucks as Men's Basketball Coach
Florida State University’s new head men’s basketball coach Luke Loucks is making his presence felt on campus.
The Noles’ latest hire held his first press conference on Monday inside the Moore Athletic Center.
"Luke will bring a unique combination of qualities to our program, and I'm excited to begin the next chapter of our basketball history under his leadership," FSU Vice President and Director of Athletics Michael Alford said in a statement Sunday.
Coach Loucks is no stranger to Capital City. He played under FSU’s outgoing head coach Leonard Hamilton for
four years. He helped FSU win the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament in 2012. After graduation, Loucks took up coaching, joining the Golden State Warriors in 2016 as a player development coach, winning two NBA titles, and most recently serving as an assistant coach with the Sacramento Kings after spending time on staff with the Phoenix Suns.
“It’s good to be home," said Loucks. "Flying in yesterday was a special moment for our family. This place holds so many special memories for me.”
Loucks will take over for Hamilton next season. ESPN reports that FSU signed Loucks to a five-year deal.
Leon County Commission Accepts Grants for LCSO
On March 18, the Leon County Commission voted to accept two grants totaling $49,206 on behalf of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) for correctional officers’ salaries associated with the incarceration of undocumented criminal aliens and to provide local firearm safety training
classes to the general public.
On January 13, 2025, Leon County was notified on behalf of LCSO of the grant award by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) in the amount of $16,706. The BJA administers the grant in conjunction with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Federal payments are made to states and localities that incur correctional officer salary costs for incarcerating undocumented criminal aliens with at least one felony or two misdemeanor convictions for violations of state or local law and who are incarcerated for at least four consecutive days during the reporting period.
On January 27, 2025, LCSO was notified of the grant award by the FDLE in the amount of $32,500. Funding received under this award must be used for the development, expansion, or instruction of firearms safety training for the general public.
Sharer Road Attempted Murder and Battery Suspects Arrested
On March 16, at approximately 2:08 a.m., TPD patrol officers were conducting crowd control in the parking lot of 2810 Sharer Road when a physical altercation occurred involving multiple subjects. During the altercation, an adult male victim was beaten with a baseball bat multiple times by two suspects, Kiera Parrish and Quarnesia Smith, and stabbed multiple times by a third suspect, Ciera Parrish. The fourth suspect, Kendria Willis, struck the victim with a fist.
Officers were able to identify and detain all four suspects and develop probable cause for the charges of Attempted Murder, Aggravated Battery, and Simple Battery. The male victim was transported to a local hospital and in stable condition.
Ciera Parrish, 35 years of age, was charged with attempted 2nd degree murder, Kiera Parrish, 35 years of age was charged with aggravated battery, Quarnesia Smith, 34 years of age was charged with aggravated battery and Kendra Willis, 35 years of age, was charged with battery.
University Leaders Defend DEI Restrictions
By Jim Saunders The News Service of Florida
TALLHASSEE — State higher-education leaders and university trustees have fired back at a lawsuit that alleges a 2023 law targeting diversity, equity and inclusion issues at universities violates the First Amendment.
Professors at the University of Florida, Florida State University and Florida International University filed the lawsuit in January in federal court in Tallahassee and are seeking a preliminary injunction to block two key parts of the law.
One disputed part of the law prevents state funding for university programs that advocate for “diversity, equity and inclusion or promote or engage in political or social activism.” The other part includes a ban on general-education courses that include curriculums that teach “identity politics” or that are “based on theories that systemic racism, sexism, oppression and privilege are inherent in the institutions of the United States and were created to maintain social, political, and economic inequities.”
In a Jan. 27 legal memorandum backing their motion for a preliminary injunction, attorneys for the plaintiffs argued that with the law, the state “censors speech it disfavors by targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion; political or social activism; and
discussions of race and other aspects of identity.”
“The state’s viewpoint-based restraints on speech threaten core academic and student speech, imperiling the free inquiry that characterizes higher education,” the attorneys from the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Florida and the Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher law firm wrote.
But lawyers for the state university system’s Board of Governors and trustees of the University of Florida, Florida State University and Florida International last week argued that the motion for a preliminary injunction should be rejected and disputed that the law (SB 266) violates speech rights.
“Senate Bill 266 reflects the state’s directives to its own public universities on how taxpayer money should be spent and how every public university should provide a general education to its students,” a response filed by the Board of Governors said. “It is a regulation only upon these universities and is enforced only against these universities. It does not govern any person employed as a professor by the universities.”
Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker has scheduled a March 31 hearing on the preliminary-injunction motion.
The law was part of highly publicized efforts by Gov. Ron DeSantis, Republican
lawmakers and other state officials in recent years to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, programs in government.
The plaintiffs’ January legal memorandum said the law affects what general-education courses can be taught to undergraduates. As an example, it said University of Florida political-science professor Sharon Austin, one of the plaintiffs, has lost general-education status for two courses titled, “The Politics of Race” and “Black Horror and Social Justice.”
“When courses lose general education status, they are likely to have lower enrollment and risk cancellation,” the memorandum said. “Removal of these courses from the general education curriculum has caused and will continue to cause irreparable harm to these professors, their departments and their students by chilling faculty speech, threatening the financial health of professors and departments and censoring students’ educational opportunities.”
But in the responses filed last week, lawyers for the Board of Governors and the university trustees said professors can still teach the courses as electives or upperlevel courses.
“Further, plaintiffs are permitted to teach their courses at their respective universities in the same manner as they have done in the past,” said the response
Florida Senators Push to Relocate NASA Headquarters to Space Coast
NASA, From Front Page in which he asserted that relocating NASA’s headquarters to Florida would promote fiscally responsible governance. DeSantis reaffirmed his support for the move in February, posting on X in response to a statement by Moody advocating for the relocation.
This is a no-brainer for [DOGE],” the governor said. “Right now the Feds are planning on a building a new, expensive headquarters in DC for NASA — even though very few NASA employees have showed up to
Florida’s
the current DC office over the past four years!”
The bill mandates that the relocation be completed within one year of its enactment, directing NASA to transfer its central administrative functions to a new facility in Brevard County. The county is home to the Kennedy Space Center and a concentration of aerospace contractors and has seen significant investment in space infrastructure, including commercial partnerships with companies such as SpaceX and Blue Origin.
January Jobless Rate at 3.5 Percent
The News Service of Florida
TALLAHASSEE — Florida’s unemployment rate had a slight uptick to 3.5 percent in January, while Gov. Ron DeSantis touted growth in the labor force.
The state Department of Commerce on Monday released a report that said the January rate was up from 3.4 percent in December. It also was up from 3.2 percent in January 2024.
The number of people qualified as unemployed increased from 385,000 in December to 390,000 in January. It was up from 353,000 in January 2024. Meanwhile, the labor force of 11.188 million in January increased by 18,000 from December and 66,000 from January 2024.
DeSantis’ office issued a release that said the expanded workforce reinforced “the state’s economic strength.” It said the “state’s labor force grew or remained stable in 10 of the past 12 months, underscoring Florida’s sustained economic momentum.”
“Florida continues to prove that leadership and conservative fiscal policies drive success,” DeSantis said in a prepared statement. “We will keep the momentum going by insisting on reducing government spending, continuing to eliminate bureaucracy, and finding more tax reductions for Floridians.”
The national unemployment rate in February was 4.1 percent, up from 4 percent in January. Florida will release a February rate next week.
The Florida unemployment report Monday came three days after
a panel of economists known as the Revenue Estimating Conference released updated projections of state general revenue. While the projections were higher than had been anticipated in an August forecast, the panel cautioned about “weaker” state and national economic variables and said the “forecasting environment is considerably less stable over the short run than it was in the summer. Further economic uncertainty exists from this point forward.”
Monday’s report showed employment increases in categories such as education and health services and leisure and hospitality. Construction saw a decrease of 5,100 positions.
Across Florida, the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metropolitan statistical area had the lowest unemployment rate in January at 3.0 percent, The OrlandoKissimmee-Sanford and CrestviewFort Walton Beach-Destin regions were next-lowest at 3.6 percent, while the Tallahassee area was at 3.7 percent
The Naples-Marco Island, Jacksonville and Tampa-St. PetersburgClearwater areas were at 3.8 percent. The Cape Coral-Fort Myers, North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, Palm Bay-Titusville-Melbourne, Panama City- Panama City Beach and Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent areas each had 4 percent rates. Meanwhile, The Villages area had the highest rate at 6.9 percent, followed by the Homosassa Springs area at 5.8 percent and the Sebring area at 5.6 percent.
The statewide rate is seasonally adjusted, while the metro rates are not adjusted.
from the university trustees, represented by the Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney law firm. “Plaintiffs may use the same syllabi. Plaintiffs may use the same modules. Plaintiffs have not identified a single SB 266 restriction that dictates what plaintiffs may say in the course of their classroom instruction.”
The plaintiffs’ legal memorandum also said the law’s DEI-related funding restrictions have led to professors losing money and “opportunities to engage in valuable and irreplaceable research, conduct peer review, learn about emerging trends in their fields and engage in networking opportunities with other professionals.” As an example, the memorandum said the University of Florida denied funding in 2024 for Austin to make a presentation at an academic conference.
“When the government offers generally available funds, it may not deny access to those funds based on a speaker’s viewpoint,” the plaintiffs’ attorneys wrote. “Florida has done exactly that: because Dr. Austin seeks to discuss her scholarship about legislative attacks on DEI at conferences supportive of DEI, she is denied funding she would ordinarily receive to promote her scholarship. And other professors similarly fear they will not receive funding for future research projects because of the subject-matter of their work. Though plaintiffs
are public employees, the state may not deny them access to generally available funding to promote their academic research and scholarship simply because it disagrees with their views.”
But lawyers for the Board of Governors last week said the funding part of the law is “not a direct regulation on speech” and that professors can still make presentations at conferences without university funding.
“The Florida Legislature has defined the limits of the public university education to exclude the expenditure of taxpayer dollars on DEI efforts or political or social activism,” said the Board of Governors response, filed by lawyers from the Lawson Huck Gonzalez law firm.
“As a result, the program of public education in this state draws the line to protect and advocate for the equality of all its constituents and to remove controversial activity from state-sponsored education. Under the overarching program of public university education, the universities must then restrict their individual programs and activities under these same limits. Because none of these limits restrict the speech rights of professors outside the context of the state-funded, university educational programs, the funding restrictions are constitutional.”
Insurance Attorney Fee Fight Refueled
drained money from the industry..
TALLAHASSEE — More than two years after the Legislature clamped down on lawsuits against property insurance companies, a House panel Thursday reopened a major debate about attorney fees when homeowners and insurers battle over claims.
The House Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee voted 16-1 to approve a bill (HB 1551) that would revamp a 2022 law that shielded property insurers from paying customers’ attorney fees. The insurance industry argues the law has reduced costly litigation and helped revive the market after financial troubles.
But supporters of Thursday’s bill said the 2022 law was tilted too far toward insurers and led to homeowners being unable to fight companies over wrongfully denied claims.
“At some point, we as a Legislature have got to make sure that we’re standing up for the people of Florida and maybe not the insurance companies of Florida,” Rep. Michele Rayner, D-St. Petersburg, said.
Opponents of the bill, however, said the law has worked in helping attract carriers to Florida and holding down rates. They warned that the bill would undo the progress.
“Kudos to you. It (the law) is working,” Katelyn Ferry, who represented the business-backed Florida Justice Reform Institute, told the House panel. “Why are we fixing it?”
Attorney fees have long been a major battleground in insurance debates. Before the 2022 law, Florida had what is often described as a “one-way” attorney fee system for property insurance. Essentially, that meant If a policyholder successfully sued an insurer over a wrongfully denied claim, the insurer would be responsible for paying the policyholder’s attorney fees.
Supporters of the fee system said it ensured consumers would be able to go to court to challenge deep-pocketed insurers. But opponents said it provided an incentive for plaintiffs’ attorneys to flood the courts with lawsuits and
With carriers dropping large numbers of policies, increasing rates and, in some cases, going insolvent, lawmakers in 2022 eliminated the oneway fee system for property insurance. They followed in 2023 by passing legal changes that more broadly helped insurers.
The insurance industry and other supporters of eliminating one-way attorney fees, including Gov. Ron DeSantis, argue the change has helped the property insurance market bounce back.
The House bill would shift to what sponsor Hillary Cassel, R-Dania Beach, described as a “loser pays” fee system. If a policyholder sues an insurer, the judge would award attorney fees to whichever side prevails in the case.
Cassel said the approach would provide an incentive to settle disputes, while restoring “balance.”
“This bill does not bring us backward,” said Cassel, an attorney who represents consumers in cases against insurance companies. “But this bill does bring us balance. We are currently in an unbalanced, unjust system.”
The bill drew support from the groups such as the Florida Justice Association, which represents plaintiffs’ attorneys. It faced opposition from groups such as Associated Industries of Florida, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the Florida Insurance Council and the Personal Insurance Federation of Florida, which represents national insurers.
“We believe this bill points us back in the direction of less options and a more unstable market by being less focused on the true needs of policyholders, whether they be homeowners or businesses, and more focused on the needs of the lawyers,” Associated Industries of Florida lobbyist Adam Basford said.
Rep. Susan Plasencia, R-Orlando, cast the dissenting vote Thursday. The bill would need to clear two more House panels before it could go to the full House. Sen. Jonathan Martin, RFort Myers, has filed a similar bill (SB 426) in the Senate.
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Editor: Steve Stewart
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Jim Saunders The News Service of Florida
Indicator* – Most Recent Quarter Since Last Year
205,700 +2.1%
What Does This
Mean?
MSA Employment was up 2.7% from the Q3 2024 average of 200,300 Private sector employment in Q4 2024 increased by 2,700 (2.0%) compared to Q4 2023. (4th qtr. 2024) Up 4,200 from Q4 2023
470 +8.8%
MSA Initial Claims for Unemployment Compensation in Q4 2024 were down by 27 (-5.4%) from a total of 497 in Q3 2024, and 69% less than the 10-year Q4 average of 1,509 during 2014-2023 (4th qtr. 2024) 38 more than in Q4 2023
110 -31.3%
Single-Family Construction Permits in Leon Co. totaled 110 (City of Tallahassee, 84; Unincorporated Leon Co., 26), up 1 (0.9%) from 109 permits in Q 3 2024, and 15% lower than the 10-year Q4 average of 130 permits during 2014-2023 (4th qtr. 2024) 50 fewer than in Q4 2023
$325, 000 +0.9%
(3rd qtr. 2024) Up $3K from Q3 2023
$2.32 M +11.2%
(3rd qtr. 2024) Up $233K from Q3 2023
258,141 +10.2%
(4th qtr. 2024)
23,840 more than in Q4 2023
3.6% +0.4 pts.
(4th qtr. 2024) Up from 3.2% in Q4 2023
$1,142 +7.7 %
(2nd qtr. 2024) $82 more than in Q2 2023
37 -30.2%
MSA Median Sales Price was down 1.5% from Q2 2024, has risen in 13 of the past 20 quarters in the MSA, and has been more than 20% lower than the statewide median sales price since Q3 2021
MSA Tourist Development Tax Receipts decreased by 6.2% from Q2 2024 (receipts for Q3 were lower than Q2 in 18 of the past 20 years). Receipts were 30% higher than the 5-year Q3 average of $1.79M during 2019-2023
TLH Passengers in Q4 2024 were the most for any Q4 since 2005, and 31% higher than the 10-year Q4 average of 196,946 during 2014-2023
The MSA 3-month average Unemployment Rate was down 0.2 points from 3.8% in Q3 2024 The 3-month average Unemployment Rate has been under 4% since Q4 2021.
MSA Average Weekly Wage was up 1.2% from Q2 2023 , with quarter-to-quarter increases in 14 of the past 20 quarters.
Mortgage Foreclosures in Leon Co. were down by 1 from a total of 38 in Q3 2024. Foreclosures in Q 4 2024 were 58% lower than the 10-year Q4 average of 88 during 2014-2023 (4th qtr. 2024) 16 fewer than in Q4 2023
4.4% -0.6 pts.
MSA Office Vacancy was down 0.3 points from 4.7% in Q3 2024, and has been under 6% every quarter since Q1 2020 (4th qtr. 2024) Down from 5.0% in Q4 of 2023
2.9% +1.3 pts.
(4th qtr. 2024) Up from 1.6% in Q4 of 2023
205,340 -0.2%
MSA Industrial Vacancy was down 0.2 points from 3 1% in Q3 2024, and has been under 4% every quarter since Q1 2018.
MSA avg. monthly Labor Force was up 1,093 (0.5 %) from Q3 2024 Statewide labor force in Q4 2024 was down -0.9% compared to Q4 2023. (4th qtr. 2024) Down 385 from Q4 2023
$1.59 B +0.6%
MSA Taxable Sales in Q3 2024 were down -4.7% from Q2 2024, and 9.5% higher than the Q3 average of $1.46 B during 2019-2023 (3rd qtr. 2024) Up $10M from Q3 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 seasonally adjusted) and Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS); Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW); Florida Commerce, Bureau of Workforce Statistics and Economic Research ; Florida Legislature’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research; Florida Department of Revenue, Office of Tax Research; City of Tallahassee Growth Management Department and Leon County Department of Development Support & Environmental Management; Leon County Clerk of Courts; Tallahassee Board of Realtors; Tallahassee International Airport; CoStar Property.
*Leading : May signal future changes; Lagging : May confirm pattern already in progress; Coincident: Occurs in real-time and clarifies condition o f economy.
Put into Words…
Employment was up 2.7% from the Q4 2024 average of 200,300. Month-to-month employment levels have increased in 38 of the past 60 months, with an average gain of approximately 300 per month.
Initial Claims for Unemployment Compensation in Q4 2024 were down by 27 (-5.4%) from 497 in Q3 2024, and 69% less than the 10-year Q4 average of 1,509 during 20142023. Quarterly claims have been under 700 since Q3 2021
New Single-Family Construction Permits Single-Family Construction Permits in Leon County were up 0.9% from 109 permits in Q3 2024, and 15% lower than the 10 -year Q4 average of 130 permits during 2014 -2023. The City of Tallahassee accounted for 76% of Q4 2024 permits; unincorporated Leon County, 24%. Total permit value was $ 29.4 million, up 6.2% from the 10-year (2014-2023) Q4 average, but down 5.8% from the 5-year (2019-2023) Q4 average of $31.2 million
The Q3 2024 Median Single-Family Home Sales Price was down 1.5% from Q2 2024, has risen in 13 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 decreased by 6.2% from Q2 2024 (receipts for Q3 were lower than Q2 in 18 of the past 20 years). Receipts were 30% higher than the 5 -year Q3 average of $1. 79M during 2019-2023.
The volume of TLH Passengers in Q4 2024 was the most for any Q4 since 2005, and 3 1% higher than the 10 -year Q4 average of 1 96,946 during 2014-2023. Passenger traffic has increased month-to-month in 32 of the past 60 months.
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 up 1.2% from Q2 2023, with quarter-to-quarter increases in 14 of the past 20 quarters. The 4-quarter moving average
Leon County Jobs, Workforce Increase in January
The latest employment report shows that the number of jobs in Leon County increased in January when compared to December. There were 161,025 people working in Leon County in January compared to December’s revised employment number of 160,374, an increase of 651 jobs. The January unemployment rate came in at 3.7%, up from the 3.3% reported last month. This increase was due to an increase in the workforce. There were 167,284 people in the workforce in
January, up from 165,774 in December. Year Over Year Comparisons
The Leon County Jobs Report, provided below, shows the number of people working in January 2025 was 2,455 more than in January 2024. The January labor force – those looking for jobs – came in at 167,284 which was 3,467 more than the number reported one year ago.
The January unemployment rate of 3.7% is up from the 3.2% reported one year ago.
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 January back to 2022.
Leon Tourist Tax Revenue Up 4.5% in 2024
Reports show the revenue from the Leon County tourist tax increased 4.5% in 2024. The development tax is a local option tax based on the total payment received for the rental or lease of living quarters and accommodations rented for six months or less. The revenue from the tax is used to promote Tallahassee/Leon County as a visitor destination.
Aug-24
The table above lists the most recent single family home sales in the Bull Run neighborhood. The sales information is from the Leon County Property Appraiser.
Located at the intersection of Thomasville Road and Kerry Forest Parkway, just 7 miles north of downtown Tallahassee, Bull Run is a thoughtfully planned neighborhood on 428 acres of gentle rolling hills in northern Leon County.
The table above lists 15 recent transactions with sale prices ranging from a low of $442,000 to a high of $619,000. The average sales price for these transactions was calculat -
Reviewing another popular measure of home value, the dollar per square foot ($/SqFt) shows a range starting with a low of 202.6 $/SqFt to a high of 249.7 $/SqFt. The average $Sq/Ft was calculated to be 228.1$/SqFt.
Current homes listed for sale in Bull Run range from $499,000 to $525,000. For more information on real estate sales in Leon county and overall economic conditions, visit TallahasseeReports.com.
High School Sports
Maclay Girls Tennis Team Wins City Championship
By Robert Stewart
On Mar. 3, eight schools took part in the Tallahassee City Championship girls tennis tournament. The eight schools that competed included Maclay, Chiles, Leon, Lincoln, Community Christian (CCS), St. John Paul II (JPII), North Florida Christian (NFC) and Florida High.
Maclay finished the tournament in first place with a total of 15 points. The Marauders won the second, third and fourth singles positions. Autumn Daniels won at the second position in two sets in the final match against Chiles, Allison Daniels won at the third position in two sets in the final match against Chiles and Ruby Tang won the fourth position in two sets against Lincoln. The Marauders also won the second doubles
position with Allison Daniels and Ruby Tang, beating Lincoln with a final set score of 8-1.
Chiles placed second as a team right behind Maclay with 14 points. The Timberwolves won the first and fifth single positions with Lilian Zang defeating Abra Boonswang in two sets in the final match and Isabella Venclauskas defeating Aubrey Haugdahl in two sets in the final match.
Leon won a total of 10 points for the tournament ultimately claiming third place behind Maclay and Chiles. Leon won at the first doubles position but also came in second in the first singles position. Notable performances from the Lions include Molly Cowen and Abra Boonswang winning the first doubles positions and Abra Boonswang placing second in the first singles position.
Chiles Boys Tennis Team Wins City Championships
By Robert Stewart
On Mar. 3, eight schools took part in the Tallahassee City Championship boys tennis tournament. The eight schools participating included Maclay, Chiles, Leon, Lincoln, Community Christian (CCS), St. John Paul II (JPII), North Florida Christian (NFC) and Florida High.
Chiles finished the tournament in first place with 23 points winning both doubles positions with Sebastian Rone
and Evan Rodenberg playing at the 1’s and Michael Metarko and Omar Mongerie playing at the 2’s. The Timberwolves also won at the third and fourth singles positions with players Evan Rodenberg and Michael Metarko, respectively. Leon finsished second in the tournament with a total of 16 points. Notable performances for the Lions included two first place finishes at the first and second singles positions by Gabe Garcia and Axton Boonswang.
Leon County High School Scoreboard
Leon County High School Scoreboard
P: 850-765-6113
