Tallahassee Reports, March 8, 2025

The Reports Tallahassee

Tallahassee City

Manager Reese Goad recently announced the promotion of Dr. Karen Jumonville to Deputy City Manager.

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The Leon County Sheriff’s Office recently announced the results of a multi-agency operation over two days in January resulting in 19 arrests.

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A group tasked with studying how to best meet the Tallahassee area’s workforce needs is divided.

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As of February 28, 2025, the year-to-date incident data published by TPD shows that total crime incidents have declined 40.0%.

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The number of singlefamily home sales in the Tallahassee MSA was up 10.1% in January 2025 when compared to January 2024.

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All of the state’s 67 counties have entered agreements with federal immigration authorities to detain undocumented immigrant criminals in jails.

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The ACC, Clemson University, and FSU announced that they have resolved all ongoing legal disputes.

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Matlow Plotting Run for Mayor

By Steve Stewart

Less than two months after closing his controversial One Tallahassee political action committee, City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow is busy plotting a run for mayor. Based on several discussions with people close to the process, Matlow is meeting with various business leaders in an attempt to repair damaged relationships caused by his constant berating of developers and the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce.

Matlow’s recent effort to repair his relationship with fellow city commissioner Curtis

MIDTOWN DETOUR

By Sam Schaefer

The Florida Department of Transportation public meeting at East Hill Baptist Church was well attended with approximately 125 people gathering information and asking questions related to a controversial Thomasville Rd. project. While the meeting helped provide more context for the project, one question persists: how will this project affect small businesses along the stretch of Thomasville Road in Midtown?

The ‘open house’ style of the meeting meant that there was no formal presentation or Q&A section, but FDOT members walked around discussing the project and referencing informational posters.

Florida Department of Transportation spokesman Ian Satter says plans to resurface the road have been in the works for several years. The other proposed changes come from the city of Tallahassee and the Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency, he says.

“During the course of the past several years, we’ve been approached by the city of Tallahassee in a partnership for them to be able to do some utility work during the resurfacing,” Satter said. “And a proposal also came to us from Blueprint to add sidewalks along the corridor and remove that center turn lane. So, tonight’s meeting, we’re presenting two different

One is to resurface the roadway and it would remain in its current existing state. Or we have another option

Judge Weighs Social Media Law

By Dara Kam The News Service of Florida

TALLAHASSEE — A 2024 Florida law aimed at keeping children off of social-media platforms came under scrutiny Friday, as lawyers for the state told a federal judge the measure is addressing a “mental-health crisis” and attorneys for industry groups argued the restrictions violate First Amendment rights.

The law, in part, seeks to prevent children under age 16 from opening social-media accounts on certain platforms — though it would allow parents to give consent for 14- and 15-year-olds to have accounts. Children under 14 would be prohibited from having accounts.

The Computer & Communications Industry Association and NetChoice, whose members include tech giants such as Google and Meta Platforms, filed a lawsuit in October, contending the law — spearheaded by thenHouse Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast — violates speech rights and that parents should make decisions about children’s social-media use.

Lawyers for the state argue that, among other things, the industry groups do not have legal standing to challenge the law and that its restrictions regulate commercial activity — not speech.

Kevin Golembieski, who works for Attorney General James Uthmeier’s office, told Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker on Friday that the law

addresses social-media platforms that are “addicting kids to their products,” resulting in a “mental-health crisis … that has harmed a generation of children.”

“We’re not singling out any kind of content,” Golembieski said. “If newspaper companies were lacing their papers with LSD and selling them, we could regulate them.”

The law does not infringe on speech rights because kids also can use their parents’ accounts on social-media platforms or have their own accounts on platforms “without addictive features,” the state’s lawyer argued.

The law was supposed to go into effect Jan. 1, but the state’s lawyers in November agreed not to enforce it until Walker rules on the plaintiffs’ request for a preliminary injunction.

Erin Murphy, an attorney who represents the tech groups, told Walker the law is not “narrowly tailored” enough to “avoid abridging” First Amendment rights.

The groups in court documents also have argued that the platforms have provided a number of ways for parents to control and monitor what

County Commission Holds Workshop on Southside Action Plan, Fairgrounds

By Amy Farnum-Patronis FSU News

On February 25, 2025, the Leon County Commission hosted a workshop where they heard presentations on the Southside Action Plan and the fairgrounds project. After discussion of those projects, Commissioner Christian Caban asked that additional attention to be devoted to the Pensacola St. corridor revitalization efforts—an area Commissioner Bill Proctor called an “outdoor insane asylum.”

Artie White, the Director of P.L.A.C.E., updated the commissioners on several items including affordable housing projects, gentrification mitigation, and beautification efforts. The Southside Action Plan is a part of the broader Comprehensive Action Plan for Leon County. A total of $1.1 billion has been invested into the Southside Action Plan.

Director White highlighted the transfer of 709 homes to the sewer system from septic tanks. He also pointed out that, while the projects bring a lot of money into these areas, there have been extensive efforts to combat gentrification. The Office of Economic Vitality has led DEI efforts to incorporate minority, women, and small businesses into the development plan.

The Shamrock Scurry Features Hundreds of Runners, Walkers

The 2025 Shamrock Scurry, held on Saturday March 1, featured hundreds of walkers and runners making their way through the Killearn Estates neighborhood.

The annual fundraiser hosted by Killearn Methodist Church is a 5K and 1 Mile event to help clothe and feed families, provide beds for foster children, and build homes for the unhoused. The church says all proceeds go to local and international charities.

The race started in 1981 at Killearn Methodist Church. After several years, it was hosted by different organizations, then took a short hiatus. In 2010, the race was revived by Killearn Methodist Church with the goal of bringing together our community and raising money to help those in need. All proceeds from the race go to local and international charities.

Provided below are the top 40 finishers in the 5K race.

1

40

41

Leon County Launches Online Tutoring for All Ages with Brainfuse HelpNow

Leon County Government recently announced the launch of Brainfuse HelpNow, a new virtual tutoring service offered through the LeRoy Collins Leon County Public Library System. Available to all library card holders, Brainfuse HelpNow provides free, real-time academic assistance and personalized eLearning tools for students and lifelong learners of all ages. Brainfuse HelpNow stands out for its national reach, expert tutors, and high user satisfaction. Partnering with more than 1,500 library systems nationwide, Brainfuse delivers more than one million tutoring sessions each year. All its tutors are rigorously screened subject experts dedicated to providing consistent, highquality academic support, and the platform boasts an average satisfaction rating of 4.8 out of 5.

Building on the library’s ongoing

success, Brainfuse HelpNow offers live tutoring in subjects including math, science, English, social studies, and test preparation for PSAT/ SAT, ACT, AP, and state standardized tests. Tutors are available online Monday through Sunday from 2 to 11 p.m. Users can access the service from any internet-connected device, including computers, tablets, and smartphones. According to Brainfuse, private tutoring can cost more than $30 an hour. As a result, Brainfuse HelpNow provides an essential service at no cost to library card holders, ensuring that high-quality academic support is accessible to all.

In addition to live tutoring, Brainfuse HelpNow provides a 24/7 Writing Lab, skills-building exercises, and an Adult Learning Center that offers job seekers resources such as resume and cover letter assistance, as well as GED

and citizenship test preparation.

For those needing internet access, adult library card holders can check out laptops, tablets, and mobile hotspots at no charge. To date, the library has provided nearly 19,000 device checkouts, ensuring equitable access to digital resources.

To begin using Brainfuse HelpNow, library card holders can log in with their library card number, select their subject, and connect with a live tutor. For kindergarten through 8th-grade students seeking in-person support, the Leon County Public Library’s Homework Hub program offers free tutoring at all locations. Since its launch in 2021, Homework Hub has helped more than 3,500 students strengthen their skills in reading, math, and science through free, in-person tutoring at all library locations.

William Evers Returns to FAMU as Deputy Chief of Police

Florida A&M University (FAMU) recently announced the appointment of William Evers as the new Deputy Chief of Police. With over 23 years of experience in law enforcement and a distinguished background in education, Evers brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and dedication to campus safety.

In his role as Deputy Chief, Evers will work alongside Chief Audrey Alexander to oversee the FAMU Police Department, ensuring the security and well-being of the university community. His experience includes serving in various leadership roles across multiple law enforcement agencies, including sergeant, lieutenant, and captain/deputy chief.

Evers began his career as a state law enforcement officer with the Florida Department of Transportation’s Mo

later served with the Florida Highway Patrol, the Leon County Schools Police Department, and previously with the FAMU Police Department from 2014 to 2019. His tenure in law enforcement has been marked by his commitment to crime prevention, community engagement, and mentorship initiatives, particularly for at-risk youth.

In addition to his law enforcement experience, Evers spent a decade as a K-12 physical education teacher and varsity football coach in Georgia and Florida. His dual expertise in education and policing has shaped his approach to public safety, emphasizing early intervention, mentorship, and proactive engagement.

Evers holds a Bachelor of Science in physical education and is a graduate of the prestigious FBI National

an active member of the FBI National Academy Florida Chapter and the Florida Police Chiefs Association. His advanced training includes certifications as an active assailant instructor through Homeland Security, as well as experience serving on Florida’s Northern Emergency Response Team and the FDLE Northern Mobile Methamphetamine Lab Response Team. Additionally, as a certified CJSTC instructor for high-liability training and a member of the Leon County Schools Mental Health and Threat Assessment Team, he is well-versed in crisis response and school safety measures.

The press release noted, “With an understanding of modern security challenges in K-12 and higher educa

committed to proactive safety strategies, cutting-edge training, and fostering collaboration between law enforcement and the campus community. His leadership philosophy centers on transparency, open communication, and inclusivity—values that will continue to enhance the

FSU and City of Tallahassee Unveil Sculpture Celebrating City as Magnetic Capital of the World

By Anna Prentiss, Bill Wellock, Celine Johnson, FSU News

A distinctive levitating sculpture celebrates the partnership between Florida State University and the City of Tallahassee and the city’s standing as a hub for high magnetic field research and technology.

The art piece, affectionately nicknamed “Maggie,” will further establish Tallahassee as the Magnetic Capital of the World, showcasing the leadership, innovation and economic impact of the FSU-headquartered National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (MagLab).

FSU, MagLab and city officials unveiled the sculpture Wednesday, Feb. 19 at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center Expo Hall during the 2025 Motor, Drive Systems and Magnetics Conference.

“Today we celebrate the unveiling of an artistic and scientific piece that speaks to the spirit of discovery that defines our community,” said Kyle Clark, FSU senior vice president for finance and administration. “This piece symbolizes the groundbreaking work happening right here in Tallahassee and helps to solidify our standing as the Magnetic Capital of the World.”

The innovative piece of public art was built by artists from FSU’s Master Craftsman Studio with guidance from

the MagLab. Phil Gleason, production manager at the Master Craftsman Studio, served as the project lead. The sculpture will become a traveling art exhibit, appearing in various prominent locations throughout the city.

FSU alumnus and Tallahassee

Mayor John Dailey addressed the audience at the unveiling, saying “The City of Tallahassee prides itself on being a creative and innovative community where art and science do in fact connect — which is why this project and our continuing partnership with Florida State University in the MagLab is so exciting.”

“Maggie” represents the partnership among FSU, the MagLab and the City of Tallahassee. The MagLab and FSU are key economic centers for the region, and the unveiling celebrated their significant contributions.

“This scientific art piece celebrates the city’s standing as a hub for magnetic field research and technology,” Dailey said.

Kathleen Amm, director of the MagLab, underscored the importance of the laboratory as a leading research institution.

“At the MagLab, we lead the world in high magnetic field research,” she said. “We have the strongest magnets, the best instrumentation and expert staff, but it wouldn’t be that way with-

out incredible support from the city and the university, going back more than 30 years.”

“That partnership is represented in the levitating part of the sculpture — with interlocking letters for “FSU” and “TLH” — an homage to the innovative and collaborative spirit of Tallahassee,” she said. “It’s the same way the MagLab is aloft because of the university, the city and the community. Our partnership ties all of us together, pushes us all to greater heights, and demonstrates beyond a doubt that Tallahassee is the Magnetic Capital of the World.”

The project was initiated by FSU alumni Bob and Gail Knight alongside Dailey as part of the city’s bicentennial celebration. It is sponsored by Friends of the First Florida Capitol on behalf of Mayor Dailey’s office and the FSU Research Foundation.

TSC Brain Bowl Team Shines at Regional and Sectional Competitions

Tallahassee State College (TSC) recently highlighted the performances from the TSC Brain Bowl team at two major competitions this season.

The press release noted, “The team displayed exceptional skill and teamwork at the 2025 NAQT North Florida Sectional Tournament, finishing with an impressive 8-1 record and claiming first place. This outstanding victory has secured their spot at the National

Championship Tournament in Chicago, where they will compete against the nation’s best community colleges.”

In addition, the team performed well at the FCSAA Regional Tournament, finishing with a 4-1 record and earning second place. This performance earned them a coveted qualification for the FCSAA State Championship Tournament. Several TSC team members

earned individual accolades for their performances. Thomas Reynolds secured third place overall, while teammates Noah White, John Quigley, and Tabitha Dodson also demonstrated exceptional knowledge, placing in the top ten at 7th, 8th, and 9th, respectively.

“I’m incredibly proud of our teams’ achievements so far this season,” said John Bikowitz, TSC Math Professor and Brain Bowl Advisor. “Their dedica-

tion, focus, and teamwork have been outstanding. It’s an honor to coach such a talented group of students, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity for them to compete at the National and State Championships.”

From left, Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey, FSU Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration Kyle Clark, and Director of the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory Kathleen Amm stand in front of “Maggie.” (Courtesy of the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory)

YTD Crime Incidents Down 40.0%, Violent Crime Down 27.9%

By Steve Stewart

As of February 28, 2025, the yearto-date incident data published daily by the Tallahassee Police Department shows that total crime incidents declined 40.0% when compared to the same period in 2024. The drop was driven by a 73.7% drop in commercial burglaries and a 48.9% in residential burglaries.

TR has previously reported that total crime incidents in 2024 declined by 9.2% when compared to incident data from 2023. The 2024 drop was driven by a 20.1% decline in violent crime. The Numbers

The year-to-date incident data -tabulated by TR – show that property crime incidents were down 45.2% and violent crime incidents were down 27.9% during the period.

Property crimes encompass burglaries, thefts, and incidents of vandalism. Violent incidents include aggravated assaults, armed robberies, and physical altercations.

A look at specific crimes (see table below) reveals the decrease in property crime was driven by a 73.7% decrease in commercial burglaries and a 48.9% decrease in residential burglaries. The Auto Burglary & Theft category – which accounts for approximately 50% of all property crimes –

Operation Resolution: Leon County Sheriff’s Office Arrests 19 Individuals

By Steve Stewart

As part of its ongoing commitment to combat sex trafficking and exploitation, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office recently announced the results of a multi-agency operation over two days in January. Operation Resolution aimed to deter the purchase of potential human trafficking victims. As a result, the Capital City Human Trafficking Task Force, comprised of LCSO, Homeland Security Investigations, and Florida Department of Law Enforcement, was responsible for the arrests of 19 individuals, 49 contacts for solicitation, 80 contacts for human trafficking of juvenile victims, and multiple ongoing investigations.

"This operation sends a clear message to those involved in the illegal sex trade: we are committed to protecting our community from exploitation. Our Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is to be commended for identifying, recovering, and stabilizing the victims of human trafficking and bringing predators to justice, making our communities safer,” said Sheriff McNeil.

Tthe 19 individuals arrested in connection with Operation Resolution include:

• A suspect, an oncology surgeon and college professor, has been charged with soliciting or procuring another to commit prostitution.

• A suspect, an undocumented male, currently held by ICE, has been charged with soliciting or procuring another to commit prostitution.

• A suspect, a guardian at a local elementary school, has been charged with soliciting or procuring another to commit prostitution.

• A suspect, a volunteer firefighter from a neighboring county, has been arrested for soliciting or procuring another to commit prostitution.

• Two suspects, who traveled from Louisiana for work, have been arrested for soliciting or procuring another to commit prostitution.

If you believe you or someone you know is or may be a victim of human trafficking, contact the Leon County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit at (850) 6063300.

Deputy Adam Shideler Recognized by LCSO

By Staff

Deputy Adam Shideler was recently selected the Leon County Sheriff’s Office sworn Law Enforcement Employee of the Month for January 2025. Deputy Shideler began his career with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office in February 2018. Since that time, Deputy Shideler has served in the Uniform Patrol and Criminal Investigations Divisions.

Sergeant Emily Brann nominated Deputy Shideler for Employee of the Month. Below is the nomination:

During a BWC review for the month of November, I noticed Adam Shideler took it upon himself to purchase his own gas can and then buy gas for a member of the public who had a disabled vehicle by the side of the road. When I told Shideler how proud I was of him for doing this and asked him why he didn't tell me he had done such a nice thing for a member of the public, he told me he was just doing this good deed out of the kindness of his heart, and he didn't need any recognition for it. At the beginning of December,

there was a Veteran who passed away and didn't have any friends or family to accompany him at his funeral.

Deputy Shideler sent out a message in the A/B group chat and was able to round up a handful of deputies to go in on their day off, in their Class As, to pay their respects for this Veteran. I was very touched by this gesture and feel that Deputy Shideler went above and beyond to do right by this perfect stranger.

In November of 2024, there was a terrible traffic crash on I10 involving two deceased people. Shideler was headed home after his shift and was off duty when this call came out, but he chose to go to this scene and assist. He was instrumental in securing the scene and directing a semi to block several lanes of traffic to keep responding officers and civilians safe. While assisting on this call, another call came out further down I10 involving a suicidal person. Shideler stayed on scene as long as he was needed to assist other units and did so without complaint.

Shideler is always more than willing to volunteer to help the shift out whenever it's needed. He frequently volunteers to act as a supervisor if

we have one out. He has also recently taken it upon himself to help the supervisors out by reviewing all the crash reports for our shift, which helps us out tremendously.

Deputy Shideler exemplifies his role as a leader, an FTOII, an acting supervisor, a deputy sheriff, and simply an upstanding member of the community. I am proud to nominate him for employee of the month.

was down 32.7%.

The violent crime data shows that robbery incidents were down 45.0%, while assault & battery incidents were down 17.3%.

Fatal Shootings

Fatal shootings during the first two months of 2025 are down when compared to 2024. As of February 28th, there have been 4 fatal shootings, compared to 8 fatal shootings during the same period in 2024.

Technology Aids

A recent incident reveals how new technology investments are helping law enforcement quickly solve crimes.

Tallahassee Police Department officers were dispatched to the Four Points gas station, located at 2720 West Tennessee Street, regarding the theft of a vehicle, which had just occurred. Officers arrived on scene and made contact with the victim of the vehicle, who advised he left his vehicle’s engine running while he went inside the store. When he returned to his vehicle, it was gone.

Officers reviewed video from the store's camera,vehicle tag information was forwarded to the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) and information about the incident was read on all radio channels.

An analyst at the RTCC relayed information on where a License Plate Reader (LPR) received “hits.” The vehicle “hit” was in the area of the 2000 block of West Pensacola Street.

At approximately 5:23 a.m., an officer observed the stolen vehicle in the area of Gaines Street and Lake Bradford Road. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle in the area of Railroad Square but it was unsuccessful and the vehicle fled. An officer, who was not part of the attempted stop, was on FAMU Way traveling west bound and the driver of the stolen vehicle intentionally struck the officer’s vehicle causing damage. At that point, a vehicle pursuit was authorized due to the driver ramming the patrol car.

WE CONQUER ALL PEAKS

A Rural Renaissance Plan Could Boost Big Bend Counties

By The News Service of Florida

A nearly $200 million priority of Senate President Ben Albritton that includes making Florida’s rural communities more attractive to doctors and teachers and spurring transportation projects easily moved through its first committee Monday.

The Senate Community Affairs Committee unanimously approved the wide-ranging measure (SB 110), which has been dubbed the “rural renaissance” plan.

Among other things, the measure would create an Office of Rural Prosperity at the state Department of Commerce, increase funding for “fiscally constrained counties” and designate $1 million block grants to eight counties with declining popula-

MIDTOWN, From Front Page

The project would also include stormwater sewer improvements and reconstruction of several traffic signals.

The cost of all three projects totals $10 million and will take just over one and a half years. FDOT’s project will cost around $1.8 million. The City’s project will cost nearly $3 million, and Blueprint’s project will cost around $5.5 million.

One concern members had going into the meeting was traffic. Blueprint’s plan introduces bigger sidewalks onto Thomasville Rd. starting after the 6th Ave. intersection. This means that the left turn lane will be eliminated. Many residents feared this would create additional traffic in that corridor. However, the left turn lane on Thomasville Rd. southbound will still be there,

tions --- Gadsden, Hardee, Taylor, Jackson, Calhoun, Liberty, Madison and Lafayette.

“The heart of our state is the center of the state,” said Sen. Kathleen Passidomo, a former Senate president from Naples. “So, I look forward to hearing how you develop this project over the next 10, 20, 30, 50 years.”

The eight counties would have to develop plans to use the money to try to boost their populations.

“There is no pre-emptive mandate in this bill,” bill sponsor Corey Simon, R-Tallahassee, said. “This bill will be dictated by the folks that are living in your communities. That will determine how high you go; how much you decide to dig in and make your communities better.”

Simon represents a largely rural

which will help.

district that includes Dixie, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor and Wakulla counties. Albritton is a citrus grower from Wauchula in rural Hardee County.

Money tied to the bill includes $25 million for mobile healthcare units and telehealth kiosks; $25 million to help physicians and advanced registered nurse practitioners start practices in rural areas; a program to help teachers in rural communities pay student-loans; $50 million to assist “farm to market” road projects; and $50 million that fiscally constrained counties would use mostly for public safety and infrastructure.

MIDTOWN DETOUR

Other concerns were voiced by business owners.

The project will take over one and a half years, and the construction will close all northbound traffic on Thomasville Rd. This has the potential to hurt the businesses along this road as many of them rely on their street view and foot traffic to generate more traction with customers.

Sally Bradshaw owns a bookstore on Thomasville Road, the Midtown Reader. She says she’s concerned about all the businesses in the area, not just hers.

“We’re working really hard to build a sense of community in Midtown. And I think even though the idea of expanded sidewalks is well-intentioned, the way this proposal is at-

tempting to fix the problem is actually going to create more problems for businesses. If the center turn lane is eliminated, there will be very limited access to businesses in Midtown.”

This part of the plan is proposed by Blueprint, and with no Blueprint representative at the meeting, questions went unanswered.

While FDOT’s plan to conduct road repavements is a moving forward as planned, it appears the City of Tallahassee’s utility project and Blueprint’s sidewalk installation are still subject to debate.

Leon County School Board Meeting Briefs: Feb. 25

By Steve Stewart

Provided below are the news briefs from the February 25, 2025, Leon County School Board meeting. Recognitions & Reports

Item 4.01: 2025 Junior League’s Big Bend Bites/Mighty Meals – Saturday, March 8, 2025.

Item 4.02: Title I Advisory Council –Marie Claire Lehman, Co-Chair

Item 4.03: Equity Florida – Celebrating Leaders in Advancing LGBTQ Equality.

Items Considered by the Board

Item19.01: The Board voted unanimously, following a public hearing, to approve amendments to Policy 8310-Public Records, effective February 26, 2025.

Item 19.02: The Board voted unanimously, following a public hearing, to approve New Policy 5730 – Equal Access for Nondistrict-Sponsored Student Clubs and Activities, effective February 26, 2025.

Item 19.03: The Board voted unanimously, following a public hearing, to approve amendments to Policy 8407 –Safe-School Officers, effective February 26, 2025.

Item 19.04: The Board voted unanimously, following a public hearing, to approve amendments to Policy 8415 – Emergency and Crisis Management, effective February 26, 2025.

Item 19.05: The Board voted unanimously, following a public hearing, to approve amendments to Policy 8420 – Emergency Management, Emergency Preparedness, and Emergency Response Agencies, effective February 26, 2025.

Item 19.06: The Board voted unanimously to approve the Rippee Construction, Inc. Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) Contract for Phase II –New gym lobby, new gym floor lighting, new bleachers, repaint gym inside and out , sand, refinish and restripe gym floor, gym roof replacement, new code required covered ADA access to gym, fire protection and fire alarm required code upgrade to buildings 4,

6 and 9, new public sidewalk access to gym , buildings 4 and 9 ceiling and light replacement Project Contract for RFQ 247-2024 Construction Manager Services for Nims Middle School.

Item 19.07: The Board voted unanimously to advertise amendments to Policy 5500.01 – Student Discipline Matrix, for a public hearing and adoption on April 8, 2025.

Item 19.08: The Board voted unanimously to approve the water utility easement located on the property of Nims Middle School located at 723 West Orange Avenue Tallahassee, Florida 32310.

Item 19.09: The Board voted unanimously to approve School Board Chair Laurie Cox and School Board Member Alva Smith to attend the FSBA 38th Annual Day in the Legislature Conference to be held in Tallahassee, Florida on March 19 – 20, 2025. There is a registration fee ($195 per person) associated with this meeting.

Item 19.10: The Board voted unanimously to approve the proposed rezoning for John G. Riley Elementary School. The primary reason for the proposed rezoning is to allow John G. Riley Elementary School PreK students to return to their home campus.

Item 19.11: The Board voted unanimously to approve David H. Melvin, Inc., Short Form Agreement for Civil Engineering Consulting Services for Fort Braden K-8 School Renovation of Basketball Court.

Item 19.12: The Board voted unanimously to approveHalff Associates, Inc., Short Form Agreement for Civil Engineering Consulting Services for Leon High School Planning and Design Services to Repave Western Driveway.

Item 19.13: The Board voted unanimously for the Waiver of School Board Policy 4130.02 Nepotism – Employment of Relatives of Support Personnel. The Board and staff discussed the search for a new Leon High School head football coach, and their challenges finding someone for the volunteer position.

Item 19.14: The Board voted unanimously for the approval of Personnel Actions, February 25, 2025.

The Transportation Planning Agency Adds Projects, Funding for Star Metro

By Maddox Goodman

Below are the news briefs from the monthly meeting of the Capital Region Transportation Planning Agency (CRTPA) held on February 18th.

The Board unanimously passed an amendment for the FY 2025 – FY 2029 Transportation Improvement Program adopted by the Executive Committee at the December 2, 2024, meeting. The amendment added the following projects and funding:

-A project set to add lanes and reconstruct lanes on US319 from East Ivan Road to Bloxham Cutoff Road will receive $726,873.

-SR263 Capital Circle from Springhill Road to Orange Avenue will add lanes and reconstruct roadways and receive $5,231,199.

-A project aimed at adding roadway lighting on W Tennessee Street from Aenon Church Road to Blountstown Street will receive $100,000.

-The StarMetro Buses and Bus Facilities Discretionary Grant will provide $20,370,792 in funding from the Federal Transit Authority (FTA) and $3,911,546 from the City of Tallahassee to fund the purchase of battery-electric buses, building charging infrastructure, and the development of a workforce training program. This project with StarMetro will help to reduce emissions and increase efficiency and reliability for riders in Leon County.

-The Low or No Emission Discretionary Grant is providing $10,702,365 in FTA funding, $646,687 in state funds from toll credits, and $1,200,000 in funds from Tallahassee to also fund the purchase of a fully electric bus fleet.

The Board unanimously passed new amendments to the Transportation Improvement Program. Included in these amendments are $221,180 in funding for a multi-use path feasibility study on US90 from Gadsden/Jackson County Line to SR 12, $695,412 in funding for a multi-

use trail on Old Bainbridge Road from Gadsden County Line to Salem Road.

The amendments also provide $976,480 for the project development and environment phase for a multi-use trail on Old Bainbridge Road from the Leon County line to Orchard Pond Greenway Trail Head, and $822,714 for design of a multiuse trail on Bloxham Cutoff Road from Wakulla Springs to St. Marks Trail Head.

The Board unanimously approved the CRTPA annual safety targets. The safety targets have 5 performance measures: number of fatalities, serious injuries, non-motorized fatalities/serious injuries, and the rate of fatalities and serious injuries per 100 million vehicle miles. The new safety target reflects a 5% reduction from last year’s safety’s reduction.

The latest safety data for 2024, compared to 2023 shows:

• Total fatalities decreased from 67 (2023) to 65.

• Total serious injuries decreased from 210 (2023) to 185.

• Pedestrian fatalities decreased from 16 (2023) to 15.

• Pedestrian serious injuries increased from 23 (2023) to 26.

• Bicyclist fatalities decreased from 4 (2023) to 3.

• Bicyclist serious injuries increased from 4 (2023) to 6.

Information obtained through Signal Four Analytics & FLHSMV. For 2024, serious injury data reflects (January 1 to December 5), the most recently available data.

The CRTPA recorded the lowest number of serious injuries since 2007 and a reduction in fatalities from last year. The Safe Streets and Roads for all action plan adopted in June 2023 is also continuing to pursue funding for projects relating to making the streets safer through sidewalk improvements, signing updates, and various other projects.

The Department of Transportation is still accepting

comments until March 14th.

Rep. Griff Griffitts, R-Panama City Beach, has filed a similar House bill (HB 1427). The annual legislative session will start Tuesday.

Quincy, shown above, could benefit from rural county funding.

Approximately 125 community members attended a meeting addressing a controversial road project on Thomasville Road in Midtown.

By Staff

Tallahassee City Manager Names New Deputy City Manager

City Manager Reese Goad recently announced the promotion of Dr. Karen Jumonville to Deputy City Manager. This move will further efforts toward the City of Tallahassee’s strategic goals. In line with the City’s core values, this staffing change reflects an investment in employee excellence and focus on providing exceptional service to citizens. It will enhance internal efficiencies without any increase to the budget.

“To ensure continued

organizational effectiveness as outlined in our five-year strategic plan, we must adapt to today’s rapidly changing world. Succession planning is essential for ensuring operational continuity, staying agile to meet evolving needs and upholding fiscal responsibility,” City Manager Goad said.

Jumonville brings more than 28 years of professional experience to her new role, nearly 26 of which have been with the City of Tallahassee. She has served in a variety of critical leadership roles, including as the director of

Matlow Plotting Run for Mayor

MATLOW, From Front Page

Richardson was rebuffed when his attempt to name a building after Richardson was not approved. Matlow endorsed and financially supported Richardson’s opponent during the last election cycle.

It appears that Max Herrle and Ryan Ray are both helping Matlow with his efforts to mend relationships.

Herrle has been at the center of number of controversies including the rise and fall the Our Tallahassee blog which promoted progressive causes. Herrle was also credited with pushing the “planting evidence” narrative related to a DUI arrest on the southside. A jury convicted the driver after reviewing the evidence related to the “planting evidence” allegations.

Ray currently serves as Matlow’s city commission aide and is the current head of the Leon County Democratic Executive Committee. Ray was criticized by fellow Democrats during the last election cycle for taking sides in non-partisan races. Ray denied the allegations.

The early talk about the mayor’s race –which will take place 2026 – is ramping up because of the view that Mayor John Dailey will not seek another term. Dailey has yet to publicly confirm his intentions.

Other names coming up in discussions about the mayoral position include County Commissioners Bill Proctor, Christian Caban, Nick Maddox and Rick Minor and experienced politicos Bill Montford and Al Lawson.

Growth Management. Most recently, she has served as Assistant City Manager since 2022. She has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, a master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning and a doctorate in Public Administration from Florida State University. Additionally, she holds certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners. As Deputy City Manager, Jumonville will provide broad managerial oversight across all departments. She will also oversee Resource Manage-

ment (the City’s budgeting office), Underground Utilities and Public Infrastructure, Environmental Services and Community Beautification and Solid Waste. These departments have a combined budget of more than $270 million and approximately 700 full-time employees.

“Karen is a talented, highly skilled professional who has been instrumental in accelerating the City’s progress toward its strategic goals. Now, with her elevated leadership, I am confident she will help us continue to lead in the

Leon County Approves Next Generation 911 System

By Sam Schaefer

At the Leon County Commission meeting on February 11, 2025, the commission approved the awarding of a contract to NGA911 to implement their Next Generation 9-1-1 system. The total cost of this software comes out to just under $2 million.

When NGA911 released their system a few years ago, it was hailed as a game changer in emergency response technology. Their system connects to the terminal police stations use and allows dispatchers to access callers’ location, as well as receive texts, photos, and videos from the caller. This new system is also more resilient to power outages making it effective during most natural disasters. NGA911 uses the Amazon Web Service’s cloud to house their data.

During the commission’s discussion

of NGA911’s technology, Commissioner Bill Proctor raised questions about the future of emergency response since the Trump Administration has decided to review the effectiveness of FEMA. Kevin Peters, the Director of Emergency Management, responded to his questions about FEMA by pointing out that all emergencies are inherently local and Leon County holds most of the responsibility for managing disaster response. When it comes to requesting federal aid, that power lies with the state governors. Commissioner Proctor concluded his concerns over the future of FEMA by saying, “We ought to, at some point, look at our emergency services as if we had to go at it alone.” The motion to award NGA911 the contract passed unanimously. NGA911 will implement and maintain their Next Generation technology for the next five years.

delivery of

Task Force Divided on Proposed Merger of Tallahassee Colleges

By Margie Menzel, WFSU

A group tasked with studying how to best meet the Tallahassee area’s workforce needs is divided.

The 12-member group met Monday to consider whether Tallahassee State College and Lively Technical College should remain independent and complimentary…or merge and align. Tallahassee State College President Jim Murdaugh is one of the leaders of the group. After no clear consensus came Monday, he says…“Oh, the next step is for Superintendent Hanna and I to have a private meeting, just he and I.”

Murdaugh is talking about Leon County School Superintendent Rocky Hanna, the other group organizer. Hanna says the main concern he’s heard is about what would happen to Lively’s employees. He maintains no one would lose their

job.

For a year, the group of workforce experts has been debating a recommendation. Organizers had hoped a decision would come Monday, but no clear consensus could be reached.

Murdaugh says he sees advantages in the lengthy discussion.

“I can’t say I’m disappointed, no," he said. "Look, if this was easy, it wouldn’t take anywhere near this long," he said. "I was really impressed with the quality of the questions that came out, the concern that came out. It’s wonderful to live in a community where people really care about the outcome of the decisions that we make.”

According to the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Scorecard, Leon County will need about 15,000 more jobs by 2030 because of the area's growing population.

Leon County Commission Holds Workshop on Southside Action Plan, Fairgrounds

WORKSHOP, From Front Page

Autumn Calder, the Director of Blueprint, then gave a short presentation on the development of the fairgrounds.

Commissioner Proctor has been pushing for the redevelopment of the fairgrounds for many years, and with the advent of the Fairgrounds Master Plan, he is finally seeing progress.

“There is a concerted voice among us through Blueprint that is beckoning us forward,”

Leon County School Board Approves $6 Million Project

The Leon County School Board, based on Superintendent Hanna’s recommendation, recently voted to approve a contract for $6,303,457 with Rippee Construction, Inc. for Construction Manager Services for the Nims Middle School Phase II Project.

On January 17, 2024, five firms were selected to interview for “Nims School New Construction, Demolition, Additional Parking, Enlarge Holding Pond and Site Work Project.” The selection committee convened on January 24, 2024 to interview construction management firms. The Committee recommended to the Board to negotiate a contract with Rippee Construction, Inc.

Documents for the Phase II – New gym lobby (which includes concession stand, restrooms, ticket booth and custodial closet), new gym floor lighting, new bleachers, repaint gym inside and out , sand, refinish and restripe gym floor, gym roof replacement, new code required covered ADA access to gym, fire protection and

remarked Commissioner Proctor. “It is probably putting forward the most significant investment ever and that vision, overtime, culminates to lift this site [the fairgrounds] higher.”

At the end of the workshop, Commissioner Caban steered discussion to the Pensacola St. corridor and drew attention to three recent shootings that took place there. He implored the commission to

take the revitalization of this corridor seriously, as a sizable part of Pensacola St. sits within the South Side Action Plan.

He summed up his concern for this area: “I think it’s wrong for us as commissioners to identify a problem and hear status reports and not look at how we engage with the problem and improve it.” Commissioner Proctor agreed with him and noted

that the sheriff recognizes the area as an “outdoor insane asylum.”

Commissioner Caban initially suggested that a Pensacola St. Corridor Advisory Board be set up with members from the impacted area sitting on the board. After a discussion, Commissioner Caban settled on a motion to do a joint city and county workshop on the Pensacola St. corridor, with the caveat

Local News Briefs

fire alarm required code upgrade to buildings 4, 6 and 9, new public sidewalk access to gym , buildings 4 and 9 ceiling and light replacement Project are 100% complete and a GMP contract has been negotiated. The items negotiated and included in the scope of work to be completed according to plans and specifications as prepared by Fitzgerald Collaborative Group, LLC, for the Nims Middle School Phase II Project.

City Honors Three Trailblazers with FAMU Lineage

On Tuesday, March 4, the City of Tallahassee honored three people with lasting tributes to their accomplishments – new street signage that bears their names. The street naming ceremony was held outside the Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center, 1800 Althea Gibson Way, at 10 a.m.

At its January 15 meeting, the Tallahassee City Commission voted unanimously to rename streets for former Florida A&M University football coach Rudy Hubbard and two alumnae, the late Dr. Carolyn Ryals and the late E. Lilyan Spencer, both

educators and community servants.

"By honoring these three outstanding individuals, the City celebrates how they each uplifted the community, especially because of their contributions to education, athletics and community outreach," Mayor John Dailey said. "It's my hope that having these names prominently displayed on street signs will continue to inspire everyone who sees them."

East Osceola Street (from South Adams Street to Althea Gibson Way) will become Rudy Hubbard Way in honor of College Football Hall of Fame Coach Rudy Hubbard.

Okaloosa Street (from Keith Street to Althea Gibson Way) will be named Dr. Carolyn Ryals Way in honor of the late Dr. Carolyn J. Ryals. Campbell Street (from St. Marks Street to Althea Gibson Way) will receive the honorary designation of E. Lilyan Spencer Memorial Way, for the late Eldis Lilyan Spencer, a lifelong Tallahassee resident who was born in 1905.

LCSO Arrests Student for Written Threats

On Monday, March 3, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office received a tip regarding a student at Godby High School who allegedly made threats of a bombing to the school on a Twitter post.

The student, a 14-year-old female, was interviewed about the social media post and admitted to making the threat because she did not want to be at school.

The student is charged with felony written threats to kill, do bodily injury, or conduct a mass shooting or an act of terrorism and was transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center.

The press release noted that LCSO, in coordination with Leon County Schools, “treats all threats toward schools with the highest level of concern. We remain committed to investigating any potential threats and ensuring the safety of students and staff. Parents and guardians are encouraged to discuss the gravity of making threats with their children and the potential legal consequences.”

Wanted Barricaded Suspect Arrested

At approximately 12:53 p.m. today, Feb. 23, the Tallahassee Police Depart-

that if that workshop does not bear fruit he will return with his initial proposal. The meeting concluded with a unanimous motion to accept the staff recommendations for the Southside Action Plan and the fairgrounds plan, as well as Commissioner Caban’s motion concerning Pensacola St.

ment (TPD) responded to the 1900 block of Corvallis Avenue in reference to the theft of car keys.

The suspect, Marquis Ellis, was found to have traveled to 2614 West Tennessee Street. While attempting to contact Ellis, a separate victim reported they were held against their will for the past two days by Ellis, who also threatened them with a rifle. Due to this information, the apartment was surrounded, and neighboring residents were asked to evacuate. It was learned that Ellis had an active warrant out of Orange County for "Electronic Threat to Kill or do Bodily Harm."

At 2:44 p.m., officers attempted contact with Ellis via telephone and PA announcements. Members of TPD's Tactical Apprehension & Control Team were called to the scene to negotiate a peaceful surrender. At approximately 5:09 p.m., Ellis exited the residence unarmed and was taken into custody. He was later transported to the Leon County Detention Facility where he will also await extradition to Orange County.

exceptional public service and create a strong, vibrant future for our community,” City Manager Goad said.

Donalds Formally Enters Governor’s Race

By Jim Saunders

The News Service of Florida

TALLAHASSEE — After announcing his candidacy Tuesday night on Fox News, Florida Congressman Byron Donalds filed paperwork Wednesday to formally enter the 2026 race for governor.

Donalds, a Naples Republican, became the first major candidate to enter the race to succeed term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis. Donalds made the move after receiving backing last week from President Donald Trump.

“I stand shoulder to shoulder with President Trump who’s ushering in the golden age of America and that effort starts in the states,” Donalds said in a prepared statement Wednesday. “Florida must continue to lead the way in education reform, economic

opportunity, lowering costs for families, protecting public safety and in defending our God-given rights and freedoms. We will create a stronger, safer and more prosperous Florida with the freedom to live without liberal policies destroying our way of life.”

The paperwork, filed at the Florida Division of Elections, came after Donalds announced he would run while appearing on the “Hannity” show on Fox News. If elected, Donalds would become Florida’s first Black governor.

Trump, in a social-media post last week, wrote, “Donalds would be a truly great and powerful governor for Florida and, should he decide to run, will have my complete and total endorsement. Run, Byron, Run!”

Speculation has swirled for months about Donalds and

other potential GOP gubernatorial candidates, including Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson and former Congressman Matt Gaetz. Potential Democratic candidates include state Senate Minority Leader Jason Pizzo, D-Sunny Isles Beach.

Trump’s endorsement could give Donalds a major advantage in a Republican primary, though Ron DeSantis this week touted his wife and appeared to take a shot at Donalds.

“During an appearance Monday in Tampa, DeSantis said Congress needs to put Trump’s executive orders into law and that with the GOP holding a narrow advantage in the House, “trying to campaign other places and missing these votes, I think, is not something that’s advisable

at all.”

“The reality is we’ve achieved victories in Florida. We need to start achieving those victories up there,” DeSantis said.

“So I think people look at it and say, ‘You know you got a guy like Byron, he just hasn’t been a part of any of the victories that we’ve had here over the left over these last years.’ He’s just not been a part of it. He’s been in other states campaigning, doing that, and that’s fine. But deliver results up there.”

Donalds praised Ron DeSantis while on the Hannity show.

“We have a great governor.

Ron DeSantis has done a tremendous job for our state,” Donalds said. “But now the job is to keep the best state in the country as the best state in the country, and so that’s going to be the mission at hand.”

Donalds served from 2016 to 2020 in the Florida House, before getting elected to Congress.

Sheriffs Gear Up to Aid Immigration Enforcement

By Jim Turner The News Service of Florida

TALLAHASSEE

— All of the state’s 67 counties have entered agreements with federal immigration authorities to detain undocumented immigrant criminals in jails, the Florida Sheriffs Association announced on Monday as the state rushes to assist President Donald Trump’s mass deportation efforts.

The agreements bring counties into compliance with part of a state law (SB 2-C) passed during a special legislative session this month 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 “warrant service officer” program is a key part of the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration and focuses on undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes or been ordered to be deported by judges, according to Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri.

Gualtieri has worked closely with Trump administration officials as they make changes to what is known as the “287(g)” program that allows local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement efforts.

“Their priority is apprehending and deporting as quickly as possible those who are criminally illegal, public safety threats, national security threats, those who have been previously deported and come back again,” Gualtieri said Monday at a news conference in Winter Haven. “The most pressing need they have is people who are booked into our jails … so these people are not released back into our community to commit more crimes.”

Training for deputies to participate in the program, which Gualtieri said was halted throughout former President Joe Biden’s tenure, is expected to ramp up quickly.

“Implementing the process under which all jails will be able to hold these criminals is well underway, and we hope to have it fully operational within the next 15 to 30 days,” Gualtieri said. “This is a big deal because it means criminals like these, people who kill, people who steal, people who break into people’s houses, people who rape kids, will be deported directly from jail and not released back to the street. … It just makes sense, from the jail out of here, as opposed to, (from) the jail back to the street.”

As state and local efforts accelerate, sheriffs warned that

the Trump administration needs to quickly increase the number of beds available for undocumented immigrants waiting to be processed and deported. Federal immigration authorities have about 2,000 beds in Florida “and they’re full,” Gualtieri said. The Pinellas County sheriff said he is holding 150 undocumented immigrants on detainers at his jail, which has 3,000 inmates.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said bed capacity is the “number one” issue for federal immigration authorities. Florida sheriffs are conducting an inventory of available beds, but the anticipated ramp-up of county enforcement efforts could “overwhelm the current ability to house people in days,” according to Judd.

“There’s not capacity in the Florida sheriffs or the county jails to make any negligible difference,” Judd said. “We will overwhelm this system very rapidly and we intend to work very aggressively but that’s why we’re here making this statement today. They have to create capacity.”

Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell, who serves as president of the sheriffs association, said sheriffs are getting educated about “very, very complex” immigration laws as the federal government revamps enforcement programs.

“It’s all very fluid,” Prummell said. “We’re all trying to catch on and learn how this works. … There’s a lot of chaos up there in D.C. still, so sometimes the right hand doesn’t know what the left hand is doing up there. So we’re trying to get a whole handle on what’s going on up there so we can start implementing policies, procedures and what we need to do to get the job done, to keep our citizens safe here.”

The new Florida immigration law also created a State Board of Immigration Enforcement, which is made up of Gov. Ron DeSantis, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, Attorney General James Uthmeier and Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis. Decisions made by the board must be unanimous.

The board met for the first time last week and named as its executive director Larry Keefe, a former North Florida federal prosecutor who served as DeSantis’ “public safety czar.”

Lawmakers during the special session also approved a measure (SB 4-C) that makes it a state crime for undocumented immigrants to enter

or attempt to enter Florida. People who violate the law face a mandatory nine-month jail sentence.

Kara Gross, legislative director and senior policy counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, told reporters Monday that the law is “overly broad and vague” and will “lead to rampant racial profiling” of people who are perceived to be immigrants.

“This law and the rhetoric surrounding it create an environment that will inevi-

tably lead to racial and ethnic profiling of anyone perceived to be an immigrant based on the color of their skin, the accent in their voice, the neighborhoods they live in, or the restaurants and businesses they frequent,” Gross said.

But the sheriffs pushed back when asked if the new laws would result in racial profiling.

“We’re tired of hearing that crap. That’s BS,” Judd said. Local and federal officials are targeting undocumented immigrants who have com-

mitted crimes or those who have been ordered to leave the country, he argued.

“Take a deep breath. Save that crazy talk for somebody else. … We’ve got a plate full of illegal immigrants committing crimes and warrants to deport those that have flaunted the system, and all this crazy talk just scares people that don’t need to be scared. Just follow what the federal government tells you to do when they tell you to do it,” Judd said.

Judge Weighs Social Media

SOCIAL MEDIA, From Front Page

children can access on social media.

But Golembieski told Walker that the parental controls are ineffective and that the number of parents who use such tools is “in the single digits.” He also pointed to children being able to use parents’ accounts.

Walker pressed the state’s lawyer on the issue, saying the state has “empowered parents” to have control over their children’s education.

“I don’t want to monitor them. Just like I want them to go read the book about two male penguins raising an egg together. I don’t want them signed up on my account. I want to have my own Facebook account. You’ve taken that choice away from me, right?” the judge asked. “The state of Florida picks and chooses when they want the parents to be making the decision. When it suits their purposes, they do. When it doesn’t, they don’t.”

Golembieski called such an argument “stunning,” arguing that the “less restrictive” approach would be to “just trust” the social-media platforms.

“That’s a similar argument to what the tobacco companies made 50 years ago,” he said.

Walker also asked Murphy what prevented the state from addressing what government leaders maintain is a critical health issue for children.

“Is the state’s hand really tied, if we’re faced with some sort of pandemic” and parents “were not really policing their kids to begin with?” he asked.

Murphy said the state failed to show that the parental controls don’t work.

“They can’t just come in and say we don’t think they’re effective because not enough parents are using them,” she said.

The law does not name social-media platforms that would be affected. But it includes a definition of such platforms, with criteria related to such things as algorithms, “addictive features” and allowing users to view the content or activities of other users. The law targets companies where 10 percent of daily users younger than 16 spend an average of two hours per day or longer on the forum.

Social-media companies that violate the law could face penalties up to $50,000 per violation. The law also would open them to lawsuits filed on behalf of minors.

In the lawsuit, attorneys for the tech groups

Law

argued that the law “is the latest attempt in a long line of government efforts to restrict new forms of constitutionally protected expression based on concerns about their potential effects on minors.” Whether a platform is covered by the law “turns in part on how long minors spend on it” and whether it employs tools designed to bring their attention to content they might like, the lawsuit said.

“But by that metric, the state could restrict access to the most popular segments of nearly any medium for constitutionally protected speech, be it enticing video games, page-turning novels, or binge-worthy TV shows. Burdening protected speech that citizens find especially interesting is especially inconsistent with the First Amendment,” lawyers for the plaintiffs wrote.

Walker did not immediately rule after Friday’s three-hour hearing.

Stephanie Joyce, senior vice president and chief of staff of the Computer & Communications Industry Association, called the law “an extremely draconian and overly strict restriction” that is unconstitutional.

“We are talking about the ability of a website to talk to millions of folks about things that those folks care about, about the content that those folks like, and this statute specifically and purposely targets content that young folks like,” Joyce told reporters after Friday’s hearing.

Joyce also disputed the state’s arguments that the law (HB 3) does not regulate content.

“The simple fact is that what HB 3 attacks is the way a website displays content to interested users, the way they display content, the way the users can find the content and interact with the content. That is absolutely content-based. This is not just about technology. It’s not just about what kind of code you’re using. No. It’s about the way that these websites talk to their users and the way that these users can talk to the website. That is speech,” she said.

Meanwhile, a separate pending lawsuit challenges the constitutionality of another part of the law that requires age verification to try to prevent minors from having access to online pornographic sites. That lawsuit was filed by different plaintiffs.

— News Service of Florida Assignment Manager Tom Urban contributed to this report.

President/Publisher: Kathy Stewart

Editor: Steve Stewart

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

Social Media and Data Analysis: Robert Stewart

Tallahassee Reports is a project of Red Hills Journalism Foundation Inc. and publishes reports on local government, politics, consumer affairs, business and public policy. Red Hills Journalism Foundation Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. The Tallahassee Reports print newspaper is published twice each month. For advertising information, you can visit tallahasseereports.com for our latest rate sheet or call us directly at

Making Traffic Safer: FAMU-FSU College of Engineering Uses AI to Improve Intersection Safety

By Holden Grace Wilkins FSU News

Florida State University researchers are developing innovative technology to make intersections safer by aiming to reduce crashes and save lives. A team of researchers from the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering is exploring how existing technology and new algorithms can prevent potential crashes at intersections and pave the way for smarter, safer roads.

“Millions of vehicles move through intersections every day. Our goal is to make that process safer,” said Olugbenga Moses Anubi, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering and member of the research team.

About 25% of traffic deaths and half of all traffic injuries in the United States are attributed to intersections, according to the Federal Highway Administration.

HOW IT WORKS

The team’s solution to the problem of intersection danger is called PREDISS, or the Predictive Intersection Safety System.

PREDISS combines datadriven analytics with physicsbased methods to improve road safety. The system follows four key phases: identify, predict, anticipate, and warn/ mitigate.

With initial funding awarded in 2024, the researchers

By Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida

used existing collision data and autonomous vehicle systems to develop an algorithm capable of predicting vehicle trajectories and identifying potential conflicts. PREDISS uses sensors, cameras, wireless technology and artificial intelligence to track vehicles and pedestrians approaching an intersection, allowing it to predict their trajectories and identify potential conflicts in real-time.

Now they are moving to the next phase — anticipation.

In collaboration with the City of Tallahassee’s Regional Transportation Management Center, the team will install PREDISS at a live traffic intersection to monitor real-time conditions. This setup will generate scenarios for testing algorithms and help researchers refine predictive models and develop proactive safety measures.

The final phases — warning and mitigation — will depend on data from the live intersection testing. Future implementations could include adaptive warning alarms, additional red-light enforcement and even automated intervention in autonomous vehicles to prevent collisions.

The hardware PREDISS uses has mostly been developed, which will help smooth the process for deploying and testing the system.

“We’re taking existing tools and applying them in creative ways to help solve this prob-

TALLAHASSEE — Florida lawmakers will start the annual legislative session on March 4, which will include considering hundreds of bills. Here are 10 issues to watch during the 60-day session:

— BUDGET: Gov. Ron DeSantis has proposed a $115.6 billion budget for the fiscal year that will start July 1. Lawmakers will consider DeSantis’ proposal as they negotiate a final budget. Leaders say the end of federal pandemic money could lead to less spending on local projects.

— CONDOMINIUMS: Lawmakers face pressure to revise condominium laws as residents and condo associations grapple with increased costs. The higher costs stem, at least in part, from requirements passed after the deadly

Panama Ports Deal

A group of investors led by American asset management giant BlackRock has agreed to buy majority stakes in two strategic ports at both ends of the Panama Canal. The nearly $23B deal places two of the four major ports along the 51mile canal more firmly within US influence.

The US purchase comes after President Donald Trump expressed concerns about potential Chinese influence over the Panama Canal's operations. In addition to acquiring Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison's 90% ownership in Panama's Balboa and Cristóbal ports, the BlackRock consortium will gain control of more than 40 ports in 23 countries, including Mexico, the Netherlands, Egypt, Australia, and Pakistan.

The Panama Canal is a vital trade route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and the US is its largest user, accounting for roughly 70% of its shipping traffic. The US built and operated the canal from its opening in 1914 until ownership was transferred to Panama in 1999 under a treaty signed in 1977. Last year, the canal made nearly $5B in revenue.

lem,” said project member Ren Moses, a FAMU-FSU College of Engineering professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. WHO’S INVOLVED

Anubi and Moses are working with Paul Bupe Jr., a research faculty member dedicated to PREDISS, and Joshua Hollingsworth, manager of traffic operations for the City of Tallahassee.

Working with the city allows the researchers to collect data from a real-world scenario, helping to validate their algorithms and ensure that their system can handle the many unforeseen challenges presented by a busy intersection.

“Our cooperation with the city is a great example of how researchers can partner with outside collaborators and stakeholders to meet shared goals,” Anubi said. “This testing really accelerates the process of making PREDISS into a working system that can be used anywhere to improve traffic safety.”

This research is the second stage in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Intersection Safety Challenge. After winning Stage 1A of the 2024 U.S. Department of Transportation’s Intersection Safety Challenge, the team has now won the 2025 Stage 1B tier II prize. These achievements have brought in $266,666 in funding to advance their project, which integrates AI-driven

technology with physics to enhance road safety.

“We are grateful to be in Florida, where the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), invests heavily in smart traffic management systems, such as traffic cameras, real-time traffic data and intelligent transportation systems to reduce congestion and improve safety,” Anubi said. “We hope to partner with FDOT in making our roadways, intersections and traffic systems as safe as possible.”

WHY IT MATTERS

Fatal crashes in intersections take thousands of lives every year — more than 12,000 in 2022, the latest year with data

10 Legislative Issues to Watch

2021 collapse of a Surfside condominium building.

— EDUCATION: Among numerous education issues that lawmakers could address, House and Senate bills would repeal requirements aimed at later daily start times for high schools. Many districts are concerned about issues such as bus schedules. Districts must comply by July 2026.

— ELECTIONS: DeSantis is pushing lawmakers to make it harder to put proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot. The push comes after DeSantis helped defeat November ballot initiatives on recreational use of marijuana and enshrining abortion rights in the Constitution.

— GAMBLING: The House has started moving forward with a proposal that would eliminate a requirement that the state’s two remaining thor-

Tariffs Move Forward

oughbred horse tracks hold races to be able to offer other types of gambling, such as poker. The horse-breeding industry is fighting the idea.

— GUNS: Lawmakers could consider repealing a law that prevents people under age 21 from buying rifles and other long guns. The law passed after the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. The National Rifle Association is challenging the law in court.

— HURRICANES: With areas such as hard-hit Taylor County struggling to recover, lawmakers could consider proposals to provide hurricane-related assistance, including to the agricultural industry. Three hurricanes hit the state in 2024, with two making landfall in rural Taylor County.

— RURAL FLORIDA: Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, has

National News Briefs

Broad 25% tariffs on all imports from America's two largest trading partners, Mexico and Canada, went into effect this week, according to President Donald Trump's latest comments. The tariffs were delayed for a month to facilitate talks with Mexico and Canada on addressing drug trafficking and migration at the US border.

All three major US indexes slid on the news (S&P 500 -1.8%, Dow -1.5%, Nasdaq -2.6%), with the S&P 500 posting its biggest loss since December. Nasdaq's slump was led by Nvidia, which fell nearly 9%. The Canadian dollar and Mexican peso slipped to one-month lows after Trump's comments.

Mexico has already deployed 10,000 National Guard troops to its northern border, while Canada appointed a fentanyl czar, even though Canada accounts for less than 1% of fentanyl smuggled into the US. China also faces a broad 20% tariff on its imported goods, up from 10% imposed last month.

Existing-Home Sales Decreased 4.9% in January

Existing-home sales retreated in January, according to the

National Association of REALTORS®. Sales slipped in three major U.S. regions and held steady in the Midwest. Yearover-year, sales rose in three regions and were unchanged in the South.

Total existing-home sales –completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops – descended 4.9% from December to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.08 million in January. Year-overyear, sales improved 2.0% (up from 4 million in January 2024).

"Mortgage rates have refused to budge for several months despite multiple rounds of short-term interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve," said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. "When combined with elevated home prices, housing affordability remains a major challenge."

Total housing inventory registered at the end of January was 1.18 million units, up 3.5% from December and 16.8% from one year ago (1.01 million). Unsold inventory sits at a 3.5-month supply at the current sales pace, up from 3.2 months in December and 3.0 months in January 2024.

"More housing supply allows strongly qualified buyers to

available on the Federal Highway Administration website. Engineering has a major role to play in mitigating those crashes. Changing the design of intersections is one potential alternative, but that option is not possible for every site, and even in newly engineered intersections, other technologies can continue improving safety.

“Traveling our roadways should be as stress-free and safe as possible,” Anubi said. “The opportunity to help improve safety on roads where we live and where our family and friends travel nearly every day emphasizes the importance of this project.”

made a priority of what he calls the “Rural Renaissance” plan. The plan includes trying to bolster health care, education, roads and economic development in rural areas. The Senate said it would affect 31 counties.

— TAXES: DeSantis has proposed a series of tax cuts, including the elimination over two years of a tax that businesses pay on commercial leases. He also has proposed sales-tax “holidays,” including a new tax-free shopping period from Memorial Day to July 4 on ammunition and guns.

— WATER: The Senate has started moving forward with a plan that would make wide-ranging changes in the state’s water management districts and address Everglades restoration. The Senate says the plan, in part, would help districts focus on flood control and add “transparency.”

enter the market," Yun added. "But for many consumers, both increased inventory and lower mortgage rates are necessary for them to purchase a different home or become first-time homeowners."

The median existing-home price for all housing types in January was $396,900, up 4.8% from one year ago ($378,600). All four U.S. regions registered price increases.

In January, existing-home sales in the Northeast waned 5.7% from December to an annual rate of 500,000, up 4.2% from January 2024. The median price in the Northeast was $475,400, up 9.5% from one year earlier.

In the Midwest, existinghome sales were unchanged in January at an annual rate of 1 million, up 5.3% from the previous year. The median price in the Midwest was $290,400, up 7.2% from January 2024.

Existing-home sales in the South fell 6.2% from December to an annual rate of 1.83 million in January, identical to one year before. The median price in the South was $356,300, up 3.5% from last year. In the West, existinghome sales slumped 7.4% in January to an annual rate of

750,000, up 1.4% from a year ago. The median price in the West was $614,200, up 7.4% from January 2024.

Cuomo to Run for NY City Mayor

Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) recently announced his intention to run for New York City mayor, jumping into a crowded primary race defined to date by incumbent Eric Adams' (D) ongoing legal challenges. Cuomo enters the race as a significant favorite to capture the party's nomination, polling at 38% and leading the second-place candidate by 26 points. Adams sits in third at 10%.

The effort is an attempt at a political comeback for Cuomo, who resigned from the governorship in 2021 over allegations of sexual misconduct from multiple women. A Justice Department probe that ended last year found he harassed 13 women over an eight-year span—though Cuomo denied ever intentionally mistreating any of the accusers. Prior to his resignation, Cuomo's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic received early criticism but ultimately led to rising popularity, and his approval rating reached as high as 66% in July 2020 (but he exited with 38% approval).

A team of researchers from the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering is exploring how existing technology and new algorithms can prevent potential crashes at intersections and pave the way for smarter, safer roads. (Adobe Stock)

Dante and Friendship in Modern Times

Join Leon County Government for an enlightening discussion focused on medieval Italian poet Dante Alighieri’s timeless insights into the complexities of human connection.

Dr. Beth Coggeshall, Associate Professor in the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics at Florida State University, will highlight how Dante’s exploration of human nature, divine justice, and the afterlife in The Divine Comedy provides a fresh perspective on building meaningful relationships in our modern era.

Celebrate the achievements and contributions of women in history, culture, and society during Women’s History Month with events, activities, and resources from the LeRoy Collins Leon County Public Library System. LeonCountyFL.gov/WomensHistoryMonth

MARCH 19-21, 2025

8 A.M. TO 5 P.M.

S. Monroe

This series equips volunteer coordinators, nonprofit leaders, and others with tools to strengthen volunteer engagement, improve program efficiency, and enhance leadership skills. TO REGISTER VISIT LeonCountyFL.gov/VMTS

Business News

Tallahassee MSA Single Family Transactions, Prices Up in January

According to information tabulated by Leon County’s Office of Economic Vitality (OEV), the number of single-family home sales in the Tallahassee MSA was up 10.1% in January 2025 when compared to January 2024.

The Tallahassee MSA includes Leon, Wakulla, Jefferson and Gadsden counties.

There were 207 sales in January 2025, up from 188 sales one year ago. There were 379 sales last month.

The median sales price in January 2025 was $332,5000, up 12.6% from the $295,400 million reported in January 2024.

The 3-Mnth Avg. data (Nov.-Jan.) – which smooths out the month-to-month volatility –

shows a 16.2% increase in the number of sales over the same 3-month period one year ago.

The 3-Mnth Avg. data show a 3.4% increase in median sales price during this period. The 3-month average median sales price increased from $316,000 million in January 2024 to $326,700 in January 2025.

The chart to the right shows the median sales price each month for the last 25-month period. A 3-Mnth Avg. line is also included.

At the state level, there was a 3.6% increase in single family transactions in January 2025 when compared to January 2024. The state level median sales price increased 1.2% from $405,000 in January 2024 to $410,000.

Housing Inventory

In the Tallahassee MSA, the number of active single family listings during the period fell 11.3%,

Healthcare Summit, DOMI Awards, & Florida Manufacturing Contest

Business of Healthcare Summit

The Florida State University College of Business is excited to announce the return of its Business of Healthcare Summit. Building upon the success of our inaugural summit in January 2024, the 2025 summit will take place April 2 and further engage industry leaders in critical discussions on the issues impacting healthcare operations in Florida and the nation.

The 2025 summit will focus on disruptions transforming the healthcare industry. This includes patient choice, patient services, financial market impacts and technology innovation and integration.

The Business of Healthcare Summit is part of the FSU Health initiative – an ambitious effort to study, reshape and deliver healthcare in Florida. FSU Health and the summit leverage the university’s extensive network of alumni and industry partners in identifying shared problems and, more

importantly, shared solutions.

Seating is limited, so register today. For program and panelist information, please visit: businessofhealthcare.fsu.edu

Nominations Open for the 2025 DOMI Awards

The Domi Awards recognize entrepreneurs and small businesses that are making an impact in their community. The awards are a community event that celebrates entrepreneurship and community leaders.

The 2025 Domi Awards will be held on April 10th, and nominations close on March 30th at 10 PM. The Domi Awards recognize local entrepreneurs and small businesses in Tallahassee, Florida.

Categories include Innovation, Sustainability, Influence, Community and Resilience.

Celebrate Manufacturing and Nominate a Business

The Florida Chamber of Commerce is proud

to present the Coolest Thing Made in Florida—a statewide initiative to celebrate Florida’s manufacturing industry and highlight the innovative products made right here in our state. This competition is an opportunity to nominate, vote, and help highlight the incredible products fueling Florida’s economy and shaping its future.

This is a bracket-style competition where the public will nominate, vote, and ultimately select the Coolest Thing Made in Florida! The campaign runs from February 19 through October 28, 2025, with the winner being announced at the Future of Florida Forum.

The winning product will receive statewide recognition, a trophy, a media spotlight, and a digital badge to showcase their achievement!

Nominate your favorite Florida-made product by May 31, 2025, and help us showcase why Florida is on track to become a Top 5 manufacturing state by 2030! Winners will be announced at the Future of Florida Forum in October.

Capital City Bank Establishes Chief Banking Officer, Names New Chief Lending Officer

Capital City Bank recently announced a newly created executive role of chief banking officer, providing comprehensive oversight of the lending and deposit functions of the Bank with a strategic focus on growth, efficiency and operational cohesion. The position has been filled by Ramsay Sims, a tenured member of the Company’s senior leadership team who brings broad expertise in financial services and effective leadership. Concurrently, William Smith has been promoted to chief lending officer, filling the vacancy left by Sims’ promotion to chief banking officer.

Ramsay Sims

“Adding this new leadership role positions us for long-term success and sustained excellence as we continue to grow,” said Bill Smith, Capital City Bank Group

Chairman, President and CEO.

“With Ramsay’s extensive experience, proven track record and demonstrated ability to lead in diverse banking environments, he is well-equipped to drive the strategic goals and objectives of this critical role.”

According to the press release, “as chief banking officer providing highlevel oversight of both lending and deposit functions of the Bank, Sims will streamline the strategic direction of these areas, allowing for more efficient management and alignment of growth objectives. Smith will focus on driving the lending strategies of the Bank as chief lending officer under Sims’ direction.”

Smith added, “Ramsay has been a key contributor to our success since he joined the Bank. I have consistently valued his expertise as a member of our executive leadership team.

Likewise, William’s diverse background, impressive achievements and deep understanding of the market will add additional strength to our executive ranks. I am confident that these enhancements to our execu -

tive management team will provide a solid foundation for continued progress and future growth.”

Sims came to Capital City Bank in 2010 and served most recently as chief lending officer. He has amassed decades of experience serving corporations, governments and non-profit organizations in the financial sector. Before joining Capital City Bank, Sims spent five years in public finance with Merrill Lynch, three years in corporate taxexempt finance with Banc of America Securities and six years with GE Capital. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of the South (Sewanee) and a master’s in business administration from Florida State University.

Smith, who served most recently as North Florida Region executive

overseeing an operational area that included Leon, Gadsden, Jefferson, Madison, Taylor and Wakulla counties in Florida and Grady County in Georgia, joined Capital City Bank in 2007 as a management trainee. Over his career, Smith has gained expertise in multiple specialties, including small business, commercial real estate, special assets and private banking. In 2020, he was appointed the market president overseeing Leon County and served three years in that role until being promoted to North Florida Region executive in 2023. Capital City Bank Group, Inc. Capital City Bank Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: CCBG) is one of the largest publicly traded financial holding companies headquartered in Florida and has approximately $4.3 billion in assets. The company provides a full range of banking services. The bank subsidiary, Capital City Bank, was founded in 1895 and now has 63 banking offices and 104 ATMs/ITMs in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. For more information about Capital City Bank Group, Inc., www.ccbg.com.

William Smith

Ramsay Sims

The Maclay Marauders Boys Soccer Team Claim State Title

By Robert Stewart

On Mar. 1, the Maclay Marauders (21-1-2) beat Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy (19-1-1) in the FHSAA 2A state title match. Both Maclay and Holy Trinity made it to the 3A state semifinals last year but could not capitalize on the opportunity. This year was a much different story. It did not take long for the Marauders to find their first goal of the match, which was a penalty kick converted by Zac Scovotto only 6 minutes into the first half. Maclay then doubled down finding an-

FSU NEWS

other great opportunity off of a set piece 5 minutes after the penalty kick by Scovotto. This time Jack Daunt found the back of the net with a header off of a well executed free kick played into the box. Maclay went into halftime up 2-0 with high hopes of bringing home the state title.

Maclay started out the second half winning the possession battle trying to hold on to their 2 goal lead. Although Holy Trinity did not have much luck on offense in the first half, they were creating better opportunities to start the second. The Tigers found

The ACC, Clemson University, and Florida State University announced today that they have resolved all ongoing legal disputes.

With this resolution, Clemson and Florida State will remain full members of the ACC, and the parties will dismiss all pending lawsuits in the states of Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina.

As part of the settlement, the members of the ACC have agreed to build upon the previously announced success initiatives by creating an additional revenue distribution model that is based on viewership. The new and innovative model will continue to support the entire membership while adding a component directly focused on annual football and men's basketball viewership. As with success initiatives, ACC member schools will have the opportunity to earn increased viewership distributions from the ACC's media revenues and will be incentivized to take actions that enhance viewership across the ACC's 18 member schools.

"Today's resolution begins the next chapter of this storied league and further solidifies the ACC as a premier conference," said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, Ph.D. "As we look ahead to our collective long-term future, I want to express my deepest appreciation to the ACC Board of Directors for its ongoing leadership, patience and dedication throughout this process. The league has competed at the highest level for more than 70 years and this new structure demonstrates

their first goal of the match off of a corner kick 9 minutes into the second half.

After Holy Trinity’s goal, the Maclay defense did a great job to deny any other opportunities for the rest of the match. With only ten minutes remaining in the match, Luke Daunt found the back of the net off of a well-timed volley outside of the box to seal the deal for the Marauders.

Maclay finished their historic season 21-1-2, beating Holy Trinity 3-1 and bringing the FHSAA 2A state title back to Tallahassee.

the ACC embracing innovation and further incentivizing our membership based on competition and viewership results. The settlements, coupled with the ACC's continued partnership with ESPN, allow us to focus on our collective future - including Clemson and Florida State - united in an 18-member conference demonstrating the best in intercollegiate athletics."

"This settlement allows Clemson to remain nationally competitive at the highest levels and also makes our conference stronger," said Clemson University President Jim Clements, Ph.D. "I appreciate the efforts of the ACC members and Commissioner Phillips in the creation of this innovative conference model. We remain proud members of the ACC, one of the strongest conferences in the country and where our students, the other 17 ACC schools, and the league are committed to accomplishing greatness both on the field and in the classroom."

"We're very pleased to have reached a settlement that benefits not only Florida State, but the Atlantic Coast Conference as a whole," said Florida State University President Richard McCullough, Ph.D. "From the start, we've held firm to the belief that the best solution would be one that enables FSU and every ACC institution to earn enhanced revenue through performance. I want to thank Commissioner Jim Phillips and my colleagues on the ACC Board of Directors for their leadership, and we look forward to continuing our membership in the ACC."

Chiles Beach Volleyball Defeats Lincoln in Season Opener

By Robert Stewart

On Feb. 26, the Chiles Timberwolves took on the Lincoln Trojans in beach volleyball for the first time this year at Tom Brown Park. Both programs start the season off with high hopes as they both acquired a new head coach for the 2024-2025 season.

High school beach volleyball matches contain 5 flights based on a best-of-three format (two sets to 21 and the third set to 15 if needed). The team that wins the majority of the flights (3/5 or better), wins the match.

Chiles started the match with a win at the No. 2 position in a close match against Lincoln players Leah Meehan and Kenzie Poppell. Natalie Gibson and Gaby Harnden secured the Timberwolves’ first points with set scores of 21-14 and 21-19.

The Timberwolves clinched the win

after adding two more points at the No. 5 and No. 4 positions. Bella Stewart and Eva Goodson beat Morgan McGrady and London Dickey with set scores of 21-4 and 21-12. At the No. 4 position, Linsday Smith and Sterling Carlisle of Chiles beat Katelyn Irwin and Jordyn Russell of Lincoln with set scores of 21-15 and 21-9. The last two flights of the match included battles between the No. 3 and No. 1 positions. Loganne Abernathy and Aubrey Justin of Chiles won at the No. 3 position against Olivia Hendershot and Emma Cornelius of Lincoln with set scores of 21-10 and 21-11. In the last flight of the day, Chiles’ Kate Stewart and Meg Hearn won at the No. 1 position against Lincoln’s Riley Perezluha and Bella Dougherty with set scores of 21-2 and 21-3, resulting in a 5-0 win for the Timberwolves.

Top Row Standing: Max Colon, Colin Meagher,Grayson Stevens,Elias Strickland, Vuk Usina, Barrett Brown, Peter Fernandez. Second Top row standing: Zach Ghazvini, Josh Ryland de Kloet, Ryan Kahn, Gavin Slocum, Briac Chassignet-Bunge, Wyatt Long, Middle row kneeling: Colin Edwards, Zac Scovotto. Bottom row sitting: Tyson Willett, Reid Roberts, Santi Nunez,Luke Daunt, Barnes Ray, Jack Daunt

Leon County Alumni Having Impact on FSU Beach Volleyball Team

By Robert Stewart

Two former Tallahassee high school beach volleyball players are having an impact on the top ranked FSU beach volleyball team.

On Feb. 21, the Florida State (FSU) beach volleyball team travelled to Hattiesburg, Mississippi to compete in their first tournament of the year hosted by the University of Southern Mississippi over the span of two days. While at this tournament, FSU played a total of 5 matches against 5 different teams. Those teams included North Alabama (UNA), Louisiana State University (LSU), Florida Gulf Coast (FGCU), Spring Hill College (SHC) and Southern Missouri. During the matches when they played in the top five flights for FSU, Leon County alumni Kenzie Hultquist (Florida High) and Jordan Boulware (Community Leadership Academy) helped FSU go undefeated for the tournament by not losing a match.

In the first matchup of the season against UNA on Feb. 21, Hultquist and Boulware played together in the 4th flight of the match and helped FSU go up 2-0 winning in straight sets 21-15 and 21-16. FSU finished the match beating UNA 4-1 only losing at the second flight.

Florida State’s second match against LSU was their toughest match of the

tournament as the Tigers were ranked 8th in the AVCA NCAA Coaches poll. Hultquist and her partner McKenna Flaherty gave FSU their first point of the dual beating LSU’s fifth pair with sets of 21-13 and 21-19. FSU went on to win their first and second flight to beat LSU 3-2.

During the rest of the tournament, Hultquist played against FGCU with partner McKenna Flaherty winning 21-18 and 21-13 at the fifth flight and played with Madison Binkley at the fourth flight against Southern Mississippi winning 21-16 and 21-11.

Boulware played in the top five flights two more times after their win against LSU. She played at the fifth flight with partner Skylar Skrabenek beating SHC’s 5th pair in three sets with set scores 22-20, 18-21 and 15-11.

Boulware also played in the final match against Southern Mississippi, winning the 4th flight with set scores of 1821, 21-16, and 15-9 with her partner MaKenna Wolfe.

Rickards Girls Basketball Season Ends in State Semi-Finals

By Robert Stewart

On Mar. 4, the Rickards (20-4) girls basketball season came to an end with a loss to American Heritage (21-8) in the semifinals of the FHSAA 4A state tournament. The Raiders made an impressive run in the state tournament and finished the season with a record of 20-4.

American Heritage got off to a quick start as they started the game with a couple of three-point baskets to pull ahead early. Rickards offense started to settle in and closed the gap to only 8 points, going into halftime trailing 36-28. In the second half, the Rickards defense still could not come up with

an answer to stop American Heritage’s dangerous offense. The Patriots went on to win the game 71-48, advancing to the state championship. Although Rickards came up short in the state tournament, they still had an impressive 2024-2025 season going 20-4 and winning the 4A District 2 Championship in convincing fashion over Godby. Rickards also had a great season statistically. Rickards’ leaders in the main stat categories include Genesis Henry (Sr.) with 280 points, Jariyah Jordan (Sr.) with 184 total rebounds, Amirahs Hayes (Jr.) with 71 assists, Lauryn Pye (Sr.) with 85 steals and Genesis Henry with 13 blocks.

Leon County High School Scoreboard

Recent Match Results

Chiles (2-0) 5 @ Lincoln (11) 0, Feb. 26

Leon (2-1) 2 @ FSUHS (3-0) 3, Feb. 27

CLA (0-1) 0 @ CCS (2-2) 5, Feb. 27

Flag Football

Recent Game Results

Lincoln (2-3) 7 @ Chiles (41) 13, Feb. 27

Chiles (4-1) 33 @ Rickards (0-3) 0, Mar. 4

Godby (1-3) 0 @ Lincoln (23) 16, Mar. 4

Lacrosse

Recent Game Results

Lincoln (2-3) 7 @ Stanton (22) 0, Feb. 28

Chiles (4-3) 15 @ Newberry (2-3) 8, Feb. 28

Buchholz (4-5) 4 @ Maclay (4-3) 13, Mar. 4

Track and Field

Notable Performances for the 2025 season

Girls

100 M: Journee Belcher, Rickards, 11.74 (1st in state)

200 M: Journee Belcher, Rickards, 24.10 (7th in state)

400 M: Journee Belcher, Rickards, 56.10 (13th in state)

800 M: Savannah Stanley, Chiles, 2:22.49 (56th in state)

1600 M: Savannah Stanley, Chiles, 5:12.38 (28th in state)

3600 M: Haley Heitmeyer, Chiles, 12:24.79

100 Hurdles: Kyra Swart, Chiles, 14.86 (20th in state) 200 Hurdles: Lainey Crisafulli, Chiles, 1:06.15 (24th in state) High Jump: Journee Belcher, Rickards, 1.77m (1st in state) Pole Vault: Elizabeth Dowdy, Maclay, 3.80m (1st in state) Long Jump: Ay’keelah Green, FSUHS, 5.74 M (3rd