Tallahassee Reports
FSU + TMH: A Shot in the Arm for Tallahassee
TMH would become a part of FSU Health with the university taking control of all the city-owned assets
By Steve Stewart
The Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) announced that Henrick Sella, 31, was charged with sexual battery related to an incident on Market Street in northeast Tallahassee. P1
State government is investigating teachers over social media comments made following Charlie Kirk’s assassination. P1
Mayor John Dailey and Tallahassee Commissioner Dianne Williams-Cox have officially endorsed community organizer Talethia Edwards in her bid to be the city’s next commissioner. P5
Charles Ronald Trammell affectionately known to thousands as “Henry” the Radiator Man passed away peacefully at the home of his daughter on September 5, 2025. P3
The latest information from the Tallahassee International Airport shows the August 2025 passenger traffic decreased 6.0%. P9
Florida State Women’s Basketball Coach Brooke Wyckoff will share her inspiring story of overcoming breast cancer as the 2025 Cards for a Cure honoree. P5
Four suspects have been arrested in connection to the shooting of FSU Freshman Football player. P5
City Considers Selling Capital City Golf Course
By Casey Drayer
On Wednesday, September 17, the Tallahassee city commission voted 3-2 to authorize the city officials to obtain an appraisal and prepare a proposal to sell the parcel associated with the Capital City Country Club. The property is owned by the city and is currently leased to the club.
The City of Tallahassee received a letter of interest along with an appraisal report for the city-owned golf course parcel. Capital City Country Club has proposed to purchase the 18hole golf course located behind
Florida State University and Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) have approved the structure for a historic partnership agreement to create an academic health center in Tallahassee, a development that will transform health care in North Florida and expand FSU’s mission in education and research.
Under the agreement, which will require the approval of the city commission, TMH would become a part of FSU Health with the university taking control of all the cityowned assets of the hospital.
In a joint statement, FSU President Richard McCullough and TMH CEO Mark O’Bryant said the partnership will “provide the opportunity to establish the hospital as a true quaternary center — expanding services,
extending our reach, generating jobs, and fueling regional growth, all while preserving it as a community-focused hospital.”
“By uniting TMH’s longstanding commitment to community care with FSU’s mission
of academic excellence and service, we are seizing an extraordinary opportunity to shape the long-term future of health care in North Florida and beyond,” they said. “This partnership will elevate the quality of health care
for our community, create dynamic educational pathways for students, and foster groundbreaking research.”
The TMH Board of Directors voted unanimously Monday to proceed with the frame-
Teachers Answering to Employers after Charlie Kirk Social Media Posts
By Jay Waagmeester
Florida Phoenix
State government is investigating teachers over social media comments made following Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Faculty and classroom teacher union leaders are calling it an attack on freedom of speech.
Last week, Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas wrote a letter to school superintendents statewide, reminding them that he has the power to discipline educators and sanction their certificates for probable cause, including “personal conduct that seriously reduces that person’s effectiveness as an employee of the district school board.”
The Florida Department of Education vowed last week to “hold teachers who choose to make disgusting comments about the horrific assassination of Charlie Kirk accountable. Govern yourselves accordingly.”
Reports have surfaced from around the state of teachers under investigation for making what Kamoutsas called “despicable comments” about Kirk.
“These few are not a reflection of the great, high-quality teachers who make up the vast majority of Florida’s educators. Nevertheless, I will be conducting an investigation of every educator who engages in this vile, sanctionable behavior,” Kamoutsas said in the letter.
The statute permits the Education Practices Commission to suspend a
teacher’s license if they are sanctioned or found guilty of personal conduct as described above by Kamoutsas. The law also permits the commissioner to suspend employees from positions interacting with students upon allegation of misconduct that affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student.
A Martin County teacher, who is also a Martin County Education Association official, has been removed from the classroom and placed in a job in the district office pending investigation for posting online about Kirk, calling him a “racist, misogynistic, fear-mongering neo-Nazi,” WPTV News reported Saturday.
Osceola County is investigating four teachers over social media comments, the Orlando Sentinel reported Monday. According to the Sentinel, a teacher in Kissimmee posted, “protect ur rights brother!!!! so proud of you taking this one for the team,” accompanying a Kirk quote declaring that “some” gun deaths were worth it to maintain gun rights.
News4Jax reported that a Clay
By Steve Stewart
work for the partnership, marking a pivotal moment for healthcare, research, and education in North Florida. Under the new agreement, the Tallahassee Democrat reported roughly half of the board will be made up
The Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) arrested Henrick Sella, 31, who was charged with three counts of sexual battery, one count of attempted sexual battery, kidnapping, robbery and burglary with assault or battery related to an incident in the 1400 block of Market Street in northeast Tallahassee. The incident took place around 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 11.
The specific business where the assault happened was not disclosed by law enforcement.
Investigators say Sella attempted to buy a product at the store. The employee, who was alone in the store at the time, went to the back room to get the product, according to authorities.
Records reveal that Sella followed her, then forced himself on the employee. Surveillance video inside the store showed the man attack her and drag her to the bathroom.
“The victim is seen struggling to fight off the suspect and escape his grips which were unsuccessful,” the arrest report said. Sella then allegedly robbed the store after the assault and left, according to records.
TPD began searching for the suspect immediately after the employee was able to contact authorities. TPD said they eventually found and arrested Sella the following morning in the 3000 block of Ferns Glenn Drive.
He is currently being held at the Leon County Detention Facility. He made his
After months of negotiations, TMH and FSU have reached an agreement to create FSU Health.
This week, Leon County Government and the Council of Neighborhood Associations (CONA) recognized our community's outstanding neighborhoods and neighbors through the 44th Annual Neighborhood Recognition Program. This year’s winners were recognized for going above and beyond in the last year to make our community a better place to live, work, and play.
“Leon County proudly celebrates the spirit and success of local neighborhoods through our Neighborhood Recognition Program,” said Leon County Commission Chairman Brian Welch. “From community projects to simple acts of kindness, neighbors across our County continue to demonstrate what it means to uplift one another and build a place we are all proud to call home.”
The 2025 winners include: Small Neighborhood of the Year (200 homes or fewer) Avondale Neighborhood Association
Avondale enhanced their neighborhood by launching electronic newsletters, real-time alerts, and organizing beautification workdays. They also prioritized safety by joining the
Capital
Capital City Bank recently announced Stuart Chandronnet has joined its team serving the banking and lending needs of Leon County, where the Company has delivered trusted financial solutions for more than 130 years. In his role as a commercial banker, Chandronnet provides guidance, expertise and a range of commercial and business lending and treasury management solutions, with a focus on corporate banking, owneroccupied and investment real estate markets. He is based at the Capital City Bank Wealth Office at 304 East Tennessee St.
The press release noted that “with over a decade of experience in the banking industry, Chandronnet brings a wealth of knowledge to Capital City
Community
Neighborhood Crime Watch Program and completing a tree project to protect the health of green spaces.
Large Neighborhood of the Year (more than 200 homes) Killearn Homeowners Association
Killearn’s strategic planning resulted in restoring their community lake, transforming Shamrock South Park, and creating a new dog park. They also built connections in the community by launching new events, including an Easter Egg Hunt and Fall Festival.
Unincorporated Neighborhood of the Year (outside the city limits) Highgrove Homeowners Association
Highgrove is a lively community that shows a strong sense of togetherness through meaningful projects, such as establishing a lending library, expanding digital communication systems, replanting native plants, promoting recycling efforts, and hosting gatherings and holiday parties.
Neighbor of the Year Mr. Daniel "Tommy" Smith
Tommy is a trusted and invaluable resource to those who can no longer manage household tasks within The Villas Neighborhood. From thought-
Bank, including expertise in commercial lending, credit analysis, relationship management and business development. He works closely with clients to structure financing solutions tailored to their needs, whether they’re seeking business loans, a business line of credit or a construction loan for expansion or new development.”
Chandronnet is a graduate of Flagler College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in marketing. He also completed the Florida School of Banking in 2023. An active member of the Tallahassee community, Chandronnet serves as chairman of the advisory committee for Access Tallahassee, the young professionals’ program of the Greater
ful initiatives, such as repairing gates and filling bird feeders, to building multiple free libraries throughout the neighborhoods, Tommy’s commitment to service has not only enhanced the lives of his neighbors but also strengthened the fabric of his neighborhood.
“Each year, Leon County is proud to highlight the remarkable achievements of our neighborhoods, whose dedication and innovation leave a lasting impact on the entire community,” said County Administrator Vincent S. Long. “The awards celebrate today’s accomplishments while reminding us of the opportunities ahead when we continue working together.”
The Neighborhood of the Year
He is also the finance committee chair at Deer Lake Church and the outdoor committee chair for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, where he helps lead fundraising events such as fishing tournaments and pheasant shoots.
A longtime Rotarian, he also supports service projects including ramp builds, bed builds and work with local shelters.
Chandronnet and his wife, Haley, a kindergarten teacher at Kate Sullivan Elementary, live in Tallahassee with their young daughter. In his free time, he enjoys Florida State University sports, hunting, disc golf and spending time outdoors.
Founded in 1895 and headquartered in Tallahassee, Florida, Capital City
Award winners received a sign to display at their neighborhood entrances. The Neighbor of the Year Award winner received a personalized plaque highlighting their leadership and service to the community.
“Leon County neighborhoods embody the strength and unity of our community,” said Leroy Peck of CONA. “It is a privilege for CONA to continue its partnership with the County in recognizing residents who invest in building a stronger, more vibrant community.”
Bank provides a full range of consumer, wealth management, business and commercial banking services. Capital City Bank Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: CCBG) is one of the largest publicly traded financial holding companies headquartered in Florida and has approximately $4.4 billion in assets. Capital City Bank was founded in 1895 and now has 62 banking offices and 107 ATMs/ITMs in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. For more information about Capital City Bank Group, Inc., visit www.ccbg.com.
Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce.
Florida State Women’s Basketball Coach Brooke Wyckoff will share her inspiring story of overcoming breast cancer as the 2025 Cards for a Cure honoree.
Hosted by the Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) Foundation and presented by Electrotech, Cards for a Cure will celebrate 17 years of honoring local breast cancer patients and survivors at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at The Moon, 1105 E. Lafayette St., Tallahassee. Tickets and sponsorships are available at TMH.ORG/Cards.
Wyckoff, diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, received treatment at TMH. To fans, it may have looked
as though she never slowed down — continuing practices, games and road trips while being a devoted mother to her daughter, Avery, and wife to husband, José.
“The thing that hit me the hardest was that I am a mom,” Wyckoff said.
“It’s one thing to think, I could die, but the thought I couldn’t bear was, ‘I have a 10-year-old daughter.’ The thought of her growing up without a mom or going through this and having her mom pass away? I couldn’t handle that thought. That was the hardest part.”
In those unbearable moments, Wyckoff had a lifeline – her doctors, nurses, navigators and every team
By Tom Flanigan, WFSU
This past April's Chain of Parks Art Festival in downtown Tallahassee has continued its long string of national recognitions. This was also its first year under Powell Kreis as festival manager.
"I think it's a really special feather in our cap," she remarked. "The artist surveys that we did internally really expressed how wonderful Tallahassee patrons were and continue to be. We've hit this ranking a couple of years in a row, which we're very proud of. We were number 7 last year, so to be number 3 this year is a big leap."
The annual art festival
ratings, as ranked by participating artists, is compiled by Sunshine Artist, a national event resource.
"In 2019 we were number one, which was super exciting. Obviously, we've had to recover a bit from the pandemic, but we've continued to be in the top 10 for the last couple of years. So to get to number 3 is really exciting! I'm hoping for number 1 again next year for our 26th anniversary."
Kreis said the festival's 25th anniversary this year was also marked by a record attendance of more than 42,000 people during the two-day happening.
member of the Tallahassee Memorial Cancer Center.
“When I met with my doctor,” Wyckoff said, “she told me, ‘This is survivable. It’s going to be a heck of a year, but you’re going to get through this.’ ” The Tallahassee Memorial Cancer Center diagnoses and treats over 2,500 new cancer cases annually, with breast cancer being the top diagnosis.
“Our donors make life-saving care and compassionate support possible,” Nigel Allen, president and chief advancement officer of the TMH Foundation, said. “Cards for a Cure allows us to access new technology and
Charles Ronald Trammell affectionately known to thousands as “Henry” the Radiator Man passed away peacefully at the home of his daughter on September 5, 2025. Born in Cairo, Georgia on May 9, 1930, Ronald was the proprietor of the Tallahassee Radiator Shop, a family business in Tallahassee for almost 100 years. He had an uncanny ability to make things work or to build things that would. His knowledge and craftmanship earned him a national following among the antique automobile industry and he was featured in Discovery Channels show “Trans Am”, and in an August 2020 article by Marina Brown, published in the Tallahassee Democrat.
A Leon High School, alumnus, Ronald Joined the Navy in 1950 after graduation and shortly thereafter married his High School sweetheart Henrietta Lopez. He served his country during the Korean War as a Gunner’s Mate aboard the USS Walton enforcing blockades along the Manchurian Coast. The time he and Henritta spent in Hawaii (Home Port Pearl Harbor) were some of his most cherished memories. A proud veteran, Ronald flew colors until the day of his death and received the well wishes and a few free meals while sporting his Navy Veteran cover which he laugh-
ingly referred to as his “Moneymaker”.
Ronald enjoyed hosting his children and their families at his cottage on the Ochlocknee River or at his Beach house at Cape San Blas. When grandchildren were added to the mix scalloping at St Joseph’s Bay became a family favorite. Henrietta and Ronald retired to Grayton Beach in 2020.
provide wrap-around support services to take care of our patients — mind, body and heart. We hope our community will join us in rallying around cancer patients to keep this critical support going.”
Event Details: Cards for a Cure, 7 pm, Saturday, Sept. 27, The Moon, 1105 E. Lafayette St., Tallahassee. The evening will include music, casino games, food, libations, a whiskey pull and a silent auction. For information about sponsorships, contact Rebeccah Lutz at Rebeccah.Lutz@TMH.ORG or 850-431-5904.
During retirement and in addition to living at the beach, Ronald enjoyed traveling and made numerous excursions to places his responsibilities would not allow him to visit while working. A trip to St Croix with his grandson and to Honduras where he ziplined over Roatan and Costa Maya to see the ruins were the highlights of his Caribbean adventures. None of his later in life adventures, however, gave him a bigger thrill then the vendors floor at the National Rifle Association’s annual convention in Houston, where he promptly ignored his wife’s admonition not to buy anything.
A devout Christian, Ronald and Henrietta were early members of Christian Heritage Church where Ronald served as a Deacon in his younger years. Having been blessed with good health
and long life, there are more family and friends waiting to receive him than left to mourn. Ronald was predeceased by his wife of 72 years Henrietta (2023), and his parents Charles and Candice Trammell, his brother David Trammell and his very special in-laws Henry and Evetta Lopez. He is survived by his daughters Lynn Marie Harmon and Rona Kay Fuchs; his grandchildren Daniel Harmon IV, Taylor Harmon (Alyssa), Morgan Corbin (Andrew), Jillian Harmon, Merrick Fuchs, and Tara Fuchs; and by a great granddaughter Charlotte Rose Corbin. Ronald also leaves behind his sister Ginger Harlan, cousin Frank Trammell, and sister-inlaw Faye Trammell, all very special people in his life; and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.
Caban, FHP Announce Targeted Speed Enforcement on State Road 20
On Thursday, September 11, Leon County District 2 Commissioner Christian Caban and Florida Highway Patrol officials held a joint press conference to announce the launch of a new speed enforcement operation along State Road 20. The roadway is in Caban’s district.
The announcement comes after a deadly hit-and-run involving a pedestrian, marking the second death in three months.
On Saturday, September 6, a pedestrian on Blountstown Highway near Jay Bird Lane was killed in a hit-and-run incident.
In June, Teresea Stitely was killed while riding her bike in almost the exact same spot as the recent hit-and-run.
“Too often we are receiving complaints from neighbors on reckless driving in this corridor and, quite frankly, enough is enough,” Caban said
The operation will be a part of ongoing efforts to reduce traffic crashes and protect residents, especially near school zones and high-traffic areas.
“We will be out here in full force with marked units, unmarked units, canine units, whatever the case may be, and our goal is to get out here and enforce these traffic laws,” FHP
Captain Jason King said during a news conference.
Caban said that, together with infrastructure improvements and a ramped-up law enforcement presence, he hopes that the Highway 20 corridor will become a safer road to travel.
“We want this to be a safe roadway. That’s a multi action process. Infrastructure improvements and law enforcement. Those two things, you want to make it a safe corridor with infrastructure, lights, turning lanes. But also, if you’re breaking the law, if you’re driving reckless, if you’re putting people’s lives at
risk, we’re going to support law enforcement,” Caban said.
FSU & TMH: A Shot in the Arm for Tallahassee
of FSU representatives. The two parties agreed on a 9-8 split, with TMH having one extra board member. It was also agreed that TMH would have right of first refusal if FSU ever wanted to sell or transfer the assets.
According to reports, additional definitive agreements must be finalized in the coming months.
The idea of transforming TMH into an Academic Health Center has been under discussion for more than a decade. The TMH Board of Directors first outlined the vision in its 2008 strategic plan, and the hospital has since added multiple residency programs in internal medicine, general surgery and psychiatry.
In 2021, the TMH and FSU Boards jointly approved the FSU/TMH Academic Health Center Strategic Alignment Plan which laid out plans for an Academic Health partnership. The partnership further builds on the momentum
of the FSU Health Research Center, launched in 2022 with a $125 million appropriation from the Florida Legislature and Governor Ron DeSantis to expand health care access and innovation across North Florida. Construction is under way on this facility on the TMH campus. The 140,000-square-foot building, expected to open in 2026, will house clinical research space, a family residency practice, laboratories, and other facilities designed to connect research and patient care. FSU and TMH have now advanced that vision through this Memorandum of Understanding that formally establishes the framework for a fully encompassing academic health center. Under the agreement, FSU and TMH will work with the City of Tallahassee on the transfer of the hospital assets to FSU, including the 75-acre property, 2-million-squarefoot hospital building, and related assets. It is anticipated that FSU will then lease the
assets to TMH under a new 40-year lease and operating agreement.
TMH will remain the licensed operator of the hospital, preserving its independent, tax-exempt status, while collaborating with FSU through research, branding, academic and clinical agreements.
The hospital will transition its brand to FSU Health. The hospital’s board will continue to set strategy, approve the budget and make decisions, though the board composition will now have FSU representation. The hospital will continue to operate under its existing management, and employees will remain TMH employees. There is no shift to state employment, and day-to-day hospital operations will not change. Current partnerships with Florida A&M University and Tallahassee State College will continue and opportunities for future expansion of these partnerships will be encouraged. For both institutions, main-
Leon County School Board Meeting Briefs: September 9, 2025
By Steve Stewart
Provided below are the news briefs from the September 9, 2025, Leon County School Board meeting.
LCS Budget Items
The Leon County School Board voted 4-0 (Cox not present) to approve Item 1.02 Final Budget Amendments for 2024-2025, Item 1.03 Annual Financial Report & the Report of Financial Data and Fund Balance Designation 2024-2025, and Item 1.04 Final Public Hearing for 2025-2026 Budget
The total budget is $647.4 million and includes the General Fund (operating budget) of $368 million. This fund is 56.9% of the total budget. The Special Revenue Fund is budgeted at $78.7 million and represents 12.2% of the overall budget. The remaining balance includes Capital Projects Funds at $122.7 million, and Debt Service at $77.6 million.
The budget supports 51 schools, including 22 elementary, two (2) kindergarten through grade 8 schools, eight (8) middle schools, six (6) high schools, one (1) vocational-technical college, one (1) adult education center, four (4) charter schools, and six (6) special/alternative schools. It will provide educational services for 30,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade, and approximately 3,500 adult students at the Lively Technical College. It will provide payment for over 2,000 teachers and 450 aides who work directly with students in the classroom.
Items for Consideration – all items based 4-0 (Cox not present).
Item 19.01 The Board voted, following a public hearing, to approve amendments to Policy 5500.01 – Student Discipline Matrix, effective September 10, 2025. This publication is developed to assist parents, guardians and students to understand expected infractions and consequences. The
updates were recommended by the Discipline Matrix Review Committee that met throughout the school year.
Item 19.02 The Board voted to advertise amendments to Policy 5136 – Wireless Communication Devices, for a public hearing and adoption on October 28, 2025. The revisions include updated language referencing allowable possession and use of WCD’s during non-instructional time. In addition, there is a section outlining exemptions.
Item 19.03, 19.04, 19.05 The Board voted to advertise various amendments related to Background Screening and Employment History Checks, for a public hearing and adoption on October 28, 2025. Revisions include language addressing the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse.
Item 19.06 The Board voted to advertise amendments to Policy 8470 – Registered Sexual Predators/ Sex Offenders, for a public hearing and adoption on October 28, 2025. Revisions include Sexual Predator and Sexual Offender Notification and a section addressing Presence of Individuals Convicted of Certain SexRelated Crimes on School Property.
Item 19.07 The Board voted to advertise amendments to Policy 8475 – Criminal Background Checks for Non-Instructional Contractors, for a public hearing and adoption on October 28, 2025. Revisions include screening requirements for contractors having direct or indirect access to students and criminal history checks through the Care Provider Background Screening. Revisions also include a section outlining Identification Badges.
Item 19.08 The Board voted to award Southland Contracting, Inc, a contract for the Fort Braden K-8 School Basketball Court Renovation Project (Invitation to Bid 1005-2026) in the amount of $462,691.00.
taining the hospital as a locally based, locally governed health care system remained paramount. The new agreement is structured to preserve the hospital’s community mission while expanding its reach as an academic health center.
For patients, the arrangement means expanded longterm access to specialized care and treatments that previously may have required travel to larger hospitals hours away. Patients will continue to see their current doctors, with new specialists and services added over time. FSU Health will maintain TMH’s existing charity care policy for uninsured and underinsured patients.
In their statement, McCullough and O’Bryant added, “We are grateful for the trust and collaboration that have brought us to this pivotal moment. Together, FSU and TMH will form an academic health center that serves as a beacon of excellence and hope — empowering the next
generation of health care professionals, driving innovation, and enhancing the well-being of all those we serve.”
FSU and TMH leaders emphasize that they are committed to training and retaining the next generation of physicians, nurses and health professionals; expanding access to care for underserved and rural communities; driving clinical research and innovation that benefits North Florida; and strengthening the local economy while positioning the region as a leader in health sciences.
Their shared goal is to match the nation’s leading academic health centers and make Tallahassee and North Florida destinations for advanced medical care.
Leon County Commission Meeting Briefs: September 15, 2025
By Steve Stewart
Below are the briefs from the Leon County Commission meeting held on September 15, 2025.
The Board approved 19 Consent Items. Consent items 13, 18, 19 & 23 were pulled for further discussion. Consent Items Pulled for Discussion
Item 13. The Board voted 7-0 to approve the one-year extension and amendment of the FY 2021 – FY 2025 Council on Culture and Arts Funding Agreement through FY 2026. The Agreement provides $150,000 from general revenue and dedicates an estimated $1,897,150 to COCA, which is one cent (20%) of Tourist Development Tax (TDT) revenue, for a total of $2,047,150 in FY 2026. Commissioner Caban raised questions about COCA’s $2 million reserves and issues with a grant to the Tallahassee Museum. Staff will investigate the issues and report back to Board.
Item 18. The Board voted 7-0 to award a bid for Leon County Detention Center Exterior Stair Renovations Phase II to the lowest responsive bidder, OmniCon Corp., in the amount of $562,388. Commissioner Caban noted that only 21% of people in jail come from the unincorporated Leon County and he opined that other jurisdictions should help with jail costs.
Item 19. The Board voted to approve an Interlocal Agreement for the Maintenance of Landscaping on Sections of Capital Circle Southwest and Capital Circle Southeast with the City of Tallahassee. Under the new Interlocal Agreement, the County will reimburse the city $143,156 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 to provide these services. The motion also included provisions –based on concerns voiced by Commissioner Caban – related to county staff researching how local businesses could be used to fulfill this contract.
Item 23.The Board voted 7-0 ap-
proval of a Three-Year Agreement with Choose Tallahassee for Relocation Marketing and Lead Generation. A total of $60,000 will be funded from County Tourist Development Tax (TDT) revenues over the Agreement term.
General Business
Item 24. The Board voted 7-0 to accept the Leon County 2025 Annual Report.
Item 25. The Board heard a status report on the City of Ocala Fire Service Fee Lawsuit, Discount Sleep of Ocala, LLC v. City of Ocala, 300 So. 3d 316 (Fla. 5th DCA 2020) and then voted unanimously to allow the county attorney to prepare for the possibility of a dispute resolution process.
Item 26. The Board voted to make appointments to the Leon County Citizen Charter Review Committee, Preliminary Committee Bylaws, and Analysis on Potential Charter Amendment Topics.
Item 27. The Board voted 7-0 to approve the Status Update on the County’s Traffic Calming Program. This item also includes an update on the petition for the installation of traffic calming devices on Williams Landing Road.
Item 28. The Board voted accept a Florida Department of Environmental Protection Springs Restoration Grant in the amount of $4,275,000 and Approve Amendment No. 4 to the Woodville Sewer System Project Agreement.
Item 29. The Board voted to make appointments of citizens to the Council on Culture and Arts Board, Investment Oversight Committee, and the Tallahassee-Leon County Commission on the Status of Women & Girls.
Fire Service Fees: The Board voted not to raise their fire service fee, as they had previously discussed, keeping the rate the same as the current rate. The Board also voted to change the method of collecting the fire service fee for unincorporated Leon County residents from their utilities to their property taxes.
By Tyler Powell
In May 2025, the Tallahassee City Commission approved nearly $1.3 million to build a small grocery store in Griffin Heights, aiming to provide residents with easier access to fresh foods in a neighborhood recognized as a food desert.
Officials recently held a groundbreaking ceremony. However, no operator has yet been found and the small size of the store, around 2,500 square feet versus around 40,000 square feet for a chain supermarket, could make the search even tougher. Still, officials say city staff can find the right person for the job.
A grocery store in Grif-
Can a City Run Grocery Store Survive?
fin Heights could have a meaningful impact. It would provide healthier food options nearby for residents who may lack transportation or funds. Economically, the store could create jobs, keep money circulating locally, and encourage other businesses to open in the area. Beyond finances, it promotes healthier lifestyles and reduces one source of stress for families already managing challenges like housing and transportation.
Cities nationwide have started taking a similar approach. For example, in Atlanta, Georgia, a governmentfunded grocery store opened in September 2025 to serve underserved neighborhoods, according to city reports.
However, these initiatives face challenges. The Rise Market, a community-funded store opened in June 2023 in Cairo, Illinois, aimed to provide affordable groceries to residents who previously traveled up to 10 miles for food, according to a Pulitzer Center article. It struggled to compete with larger chains that could sell products at lower prices. To make matters worse, dollar stores and small chains in the area upgraded offerings to include fresh food and other products, drawing even more customers away from an already struggling Rise Market. The store also could not consistently restock, since revenue was too low to purchase new inventory, creat-
City Considers Selling Capital City Golf Course
CCCC, From Front Page
the Country Club for $1,150,000.
The Capital City Country Club is a semi-private club founded in 1908 and located in downtown Tallahassee. The club offers limited public access to its 18-hole golf course, designed by the renowned course architect Albert W. Tillinghast. Surrounded by pines and Spanish Oaks, the course is home to a diverse array of wildlife found nowhere else in town, cementing its reputation as the most beautiful golf course in Tallahassee.
In 1956, the Tallahassee City Commission agreed to a 99-year operating lease ($1 per year) with the country club. It offers a venue for charity events, law enforcement gatherings, weddings, and community golf tournaments, while also providing numerous lessons for people of all ages.
Over the past few decades, the country club has faced some financial struggles. Due to aging infrastructure and the damage from the tornado that struck Tallahassee the year before, the club is seeking a significant investment. However, the club believes that potential lenders are likely not willing to create these commitments without the golf course.
The Capital City Country Club has expressed its commitment to provid -
ing community benefits that make the best use of the golf course.
“As part of this proposed sale and subsequent investment, the club is also committed to upgrading the course to meet the rigorous NCAA standards and partnering with Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) so that the FAMU golf team can utilize the club for collegiate competitions. Doing so would benefit the FAMU golf team, attract membership, and bring increased economic activity to downtown Tallahassee.”
In November 2019, while beginning to conduct a field survey of the property, 37 anomalies were identified as potential African American grave sites, most of which were unmarked. In May 2021, the committee developed a concept plan that included a commemorative site with hardscaping, pathways for community access, signage, and ornamental fencing around the area.
The proposed sale would require a second appraisal, along with a sale proposal dependent on the buyer confirming the land will be used as a golf course and ensuring the protection and proper memorialization of the unmarked 19th-century African American gravesites on the property.
ing a cycle that further hurt profitability. Closer to home, the Baldwin Market in Baldwin, Florida, opened in 2019 to serve residents living more than 10 miles from other grocery stores. According to an article from the Jacksonville, Florida, Times-Union, the city covered payroll and operational costs, but larger chains’ pricing power made profitability impossible. By 2022, revenue was just over $800,000 while costs totaled $985,000, leaving a $171,000 deficit. The store closed in 2024 after ongoing financial losses. Research indicates that while profitability is elusive in most of the city run models, success is more obtainable when stores serve a clear pub-
lic need and serve a closeknit community. In addition, it is important for policymakers to understand that successful or partially successful efforts depend on subsidies, donations, tax breaks, or favorable real estate, rather than being fully self sustaining.
Tallahassee’s intentions are commendable, but history shows government-funded markets often struggle to compete with national and regional chains. Success in Griffin Heights may depend on careful planning, strong community engagement, and strategies to keep prices competitive and shelves stocked.
Homeless Man Charged with Sexual Battery in Market District Incident
HOMELESS, From Front Page
first court appearance on Monday and was denied bond, according to court records.
The Tallahassee Democrat reported that investigators traced the man to The Kearney Center, a shelter for homeless people on Municipal Way, where an employee identified him. He was later arrested walking along the road in a residential area on Ferns Glen Drive.
Sonya Wilson, CEO of the Kearney Center, issued a statement saying Sella was not an overnight client who utilized the facility for housing.
Mr. Sella, like many individuals experiencing homelessness, receives his mail at the Kearney Center and occasionally utilizes day services such as showers and meals," Wilson said.
Initial reports indicate Sella is not from the area.
Court records show that Sella was charged for shoplifting in Tallahassee on July 11.
On Friday afternoon, Market District TLH, a business association, released the following statement:
Last night around 8:30 PM, Tallahassee Police Department (TPD)
informed us that there was a breakin at a Market District business and an assault occurred. Such incidents are extremely rare for our area. We take this matter very seriously and want to assure our community that the Market District Association is working directly with TPD to review patrol schedules and explore additional safety measures In the meantime, we encourage everyone to remain aware of their surroundings and enjoy our community safely. Our district remains a safe and welcoming destination, and we will continue working with law enforcement and our members to ensure it stays that way.
Since the incident, patrons in the Market District have reported an increased law enforcement presence in the area.
John Dailey, Dianne Williams-Cox endorse Talethia Edwards for Tallahassee Commission
By Tristan Wood WFSU News
Factional lines are already getting drawn in Tallahassee elections.
Mayor John Dailey and Tallahassee Commissioner Dianne Williams-Cox have officially endorsed community organizer Talethia Edwards in her bid to be the city’s next commissioner.
Dailey introduced Edwards to the crowd gathered at Earley’s Kitchen for her election launch party Monday evening.
DeSantis Appoints Michael Beato to Replace CalocaJohnson
Gov. Ron DeSantis on September 12 appointed Michael Beato of Tallahassee to serve as judge on the Second Judicial Circuit Court.
Beato has worked as an associate for Holtzman, Vogel, Baran, Torchinsky, & Josefiak since 2022. Previously, he served as a law clerk for Judge Barbara Lagoa of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit and for Judge Paul Huck of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
His law firm bio says he "focuses on constitutional law, redistricting, election-related matters, and general civil litigation. He represents state agencies, municipal governments, and private businesses in state and federal trial and appellate courts."
Beato is a member of The Federalist Society, the national group that refers to itself as a “conservative and libertarian intellectual network that extends to all levels of the legal
“When we have hurricanes, when we have tornadoes, when as a community, we're dealing with the tough issues that we deal with each and every day, Talethia Edwards has never left this community alone,” Dailey said.
“She has always been in the streets. She has always been a fighter. She has always been a leader. Now, she’s gonna take it to the next level.”
Williams-Cox says Edwards’ community work and long record in Tallahassee means she’s suited for the job.
“Not someone who just
community” and is a favorite of DeSantis.
He earned both his bachelor’s degree and juris doctor from the University of Florida. Beato fills the judicial vacancy created by the passing of Judge Dawn Caloca-Johnson.
Four arrested in Shooting of Florida State Linebacker Ethan Pritchard
Four suspects have been arrested in connection to the shooting of Florida State University Freshman Football player Ethan Pritchard in Havana, Florida on Aug. 31st.
During a press conference announcing the arrests, Florida Department of Law Enforcement Head Mark Glass said three men, Jayden Bodison, Caron Miller, and Germany Atkins, as well as one juvenile have been charged. Bodison, Miller, and the juvenile face three counts of attempted murder and one count of shooting into an occupied vehicle, while Atkins has a probation violation charge.
Gadsden County Sheriff Morris Young said Pritchard was celebrating FSU’s win
come in to for their own whatever. Rah, rah. But because she is invested in a part of our City of Tallahassee, that needed investment, she intends she's raising her children in that community, in this community,” she said. The seat is open after Commissioner Jeremy Matlow threw his hat in the mayor’s race, where he is so far running unopposed. Several other candidates for the seat, like political consultant Max Herrle and teacher PJ Perez, have ties to those in Matlow’s orbit, but Matlow himself has not weighed in on the field.
Local News Briefs
against Alabama with his family when he was hit by a bullet while in the car.
Young said officers believe the assailants mistook the car for a different one connected to a previous shooting a few days earlier.
“We believe that the same type car that Ethan was driving was involved in that shooting. We don't know for a fact, but that's the reason why they were sort of, you know, sort of humming in on that particular vehicle,” he said.
Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil said the arrests were a product of law enforcement banding together.
Hanna Questions DOE
Actions Related to Charlie Kirk’s Murder
Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas sent a letter to the state’s superintendents last week, directing them to forward it to all instructional staff. He says he’ll be conducting an investigation of every educator who engages in this “vile, sanctionable behavior.”
Leon School Superintendent
Rocky Hanna calls the letter’s tone threatening.
“Who was going to be the judge and the jury? Who was going to determine if something was appropriate or across the line? Him?" Hanna laughed. "Or the Board of Education? I don’t know. We’re in a different time now. We just are. It’s more of a threatening than a supporting, and the Department of Education should be there to support public schools throughout the state of Florida. And now they’ve just become the Gotcha Police.”
“They’re constantly looking at social media posts, looking at newspaper clippings and calling – either to put me in a compromising position as superintendent or our teachers in a compromising position as classroom teachers," Hanna said. "And it’s uncalledfor. There’s no reason for it. Change can’t come soon enough.”
In the wake of Kirk’s death many public employees in Florida and other states have been fired or suspended for their comments about Kirk’s
killing.
Leon Supervisor of Elections Unveils New Website
The Leon Supervisor of Elections office has unveiled a redesign of its website.
“This new website, it improves the stability, the security and the availability for visitors to us, to our site. It should be a platform that we can build on going into the future, and I think it serves all of our voters very well, really in a better manner than what we've been able to do with the older technology,” he said.
The upgrade comes after election night difficulties on the site during the 2024 primaries.
During that election, Leon and other counties that had all been using the same previous contractor had outages, leaving election night watch parties in suspense as results trickled out later than expected. Earley said the redesign uses a new provider
“We're hoping to avoid any of those problems like has been seen statewide in future elections,” he said.
By Jim Turner
The News Service of Florida
TALLAHASSEE — Days
after the city of Miami Beach filed a similar case, Fort Lauderdale has challenged the legality of directives by the Florida Department of Transportation to remove art and markings on streets.
Fort Lauderdale filed its challenge Monday at the state Division of Administrative Hearings, arguing that the department did not go through a legally required rule-making process. Such directives went to local governments across the state and have drawn heavy attention, in part, because they required removing LGBTQ-themed rainbow crosswalks.
The department issued a memorandum on June 30
By Jim Turner The News Service of Florida
Fort Lauderdale Fights Street Art Ban
about removing markings and followed with letters Aug. 21 and Aug. 29 to Fort Lauderdale alleging violations at 11 locations, according to documents included in Monday’s filing.
The challenge contends that the memorandum and letters constituted rules under state law and that the department needed to go through a formal process to adopt them. Rulemaking processes, for example, likely would include steps such as opening the issues for public comment.
“Memorandum 25-01 (the June 30 memorandum) goes beyond mere interpretive guidance of applicable regulations and statutes,” Fort Lauderdale’s attorneys wrote. “Rather, it decrees specific design features non-compliant, directs their removal
and mandates enforcement by district offices. It further authorizes the department to withhold state funds or directly remove installations if local governments fail to comply. In so doing, the memorandum imposes obligations and levies penalties not otherwise found in statute or rule, thereby altering the legal rights and responsibilities known to local governments.”
The challenge also said municipalities throughout the state received letters similar to the Fort Lauderdale letters.
“These letters relied on Memorandum 25-01 as their operative basis, directed immediate removal of supposedly non-compliant pavement markings and imposed binding deadlines for compliance,” the challenge said. “By their
uniform content, structure, and statewide distribution, these letters were not isolated enforcement notices but rather the department’s chosen vehicle for implementing Memorandum 25-01 as a matter of general policy.”
Miami Beach filed its challenge Thursday at the Division of Administrative Hearings. Both cases seek to have an administrative law judge halt enforcement of the directives.
In the June 30 memorandum, the department cited legal authority under state manuals that include minimum standards for such things as design and maintenance of roads. It also said removal of markings and street art was needed for safety reasons.
“Non-standard surface markings, signage and signals
that do not directly contribute to traffic safety or control can lead to distractions or misunderstandings, jeopardizing both driver and pedestrian safety,” the memorandum said. “Furthermore, uniform and consistent application of pavement surface markings is critical for the overall effectiveness of automated vehicle operation, as automated vehicle technologies rely heavily on consistent traffic control devices.”
Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach said they also have filed separate petitions at the Department of Transportation. The Fort Lauderdale challenge said the department had set aside time Sept. 15 for an “informal” hearing and that the city will argue for a formal hearing.
Uthmeier Says Open Carry ‘Law of the State’ Gas Prices Drop as Fall Approaches
TALLAHASSEE — Florida Attorney General James Uth-
meier on Monday said people being able to openly carry guns is “the law of the state,” after a panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal last week ruled that a longstanding ban was unconstitutional.
Uthmeier sent guidance to prosecutors and law-enforcement agencies. Some had already stopped enforcing the open-carry ban after Wednesday’s opinion.
Uthmeier said in an online post that no other Florida appellate courts had considered the constitutionality of the open-carry ban after two closely watched U.S. Supreme Court decisions in 2022 and 2024. As a result, he said “the First District’s decision is binding on all Florida’s trial courts,”
A 1987 law made it a misdemeanor to visibly display guns, though exceptions existed, for example, for hunting. Floridians could carry concealed weapons.
In the guidance, Uthmeier told prosecutors and law-enforcement agencies to refrain from arresting or putting on trial “law-abiding citizens carrying a firearm in a manner that is visible to others” as Florida courts couldn’t convict such people.
Uthmeier added that state law still requires gun owners to be responsible with their firearms.
“Nothing in the decision permits individuals to menace others with firearms in public, nor does it undermine the state’s authority to prohibit felons from possessing firearms,” the guidance said.
The appeals-court opinion came in a challenge filed by Stanley Victor McDaniels, who was convicted of openly carrying a gun on the Fourth of July in 2022 in Pensacola.
Pointing to U.S. Supreme Court rulings in Second Amendment cases, a three-judge panel of the Tallahasseebased appeals court said the ban is incompatible with the nation’s “historical tradition of firearm regulation.”
“No historical tradition supports Florida’s open carry ban,” Judge Stephanie Ray wrote in a 20-page opinion
joined by Judges Lori Rowe and M. Kemmerly Thomas. “To the contrary, history confirms that the right to bear arms in public necessarily includes the right to do so openly. That is not to say that open carry is absolute or immune from reasonable regulation. But what the state may not do is extinguish the right altogether for ordinary, law-abiding, adult citizens.”
The Florida Supreme Court in 2015 upheld the constitutionality of the open-carry ban. But in Wednesday’s opinion, Ray said a 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision in a case known as New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen governs the issue.
In his guidance, Uthmeier added that the court ruling doesn’t affect prohibitions on having guns in places such as police stations, courthouses, polling places, government meetings and schools.
Democrats criticized the court opinion, with state Sen. Shevrin Jones, D-Miami Gardens, on Thursday calling it “tone deaf given the state of violence in this country.”
“Florida’s current laws already robustly protect Second Amendment rights, even to the point of being a Stand Your Ground state. This ruling goes against the common-sense protections that keep our communities safe,” Jones wrote.
Teachers Answering to Employers after Charlie Kirk Social Media Posts
KIRK From Front Page
County school employee was suspended after posting, “This may not be the obituary. [sic] We were all hoping to wake up to, but this is a close second for me.”
Some Lee County teachers will be subject to Kamoutsas’ discipline, Gulf Coast News reported Friday. Teachers at more than one school in that county posted social media comments that grabbed public attention. The school district emphasized their right to due process and is asking for Kamoutsas’ direction, the TV station reported.
“I certainly think there was a completely different way he could have sent that message without it sounding like he was trying to attack and threaten teachers in our public schools,” Florida Education Association President Andrew Spar told the Phoenix of Kamoutsas. Kamoutsas, in the letter, acknowledged First Amendment rights for teachers but said, “these rights do not extend without limit into their professional duties.”
“An educator’s personal views that are made public may undermine the trust of the students and families that they serve,” Kamoutsas wrote.
Florida House Rep. Berny Jacques (R-Seminole) posted to social media a letter he’s sent to Pinellas County Superintendent Kevin Hendrick, calling on him to fire teachers who have conducted “abhorrent” behavior on their social media accounts since
Kirk’s death. He cited one instructor who he said posted “good riddance” after Kirk was shot.
The Florida Department of Education on Monday told the Phoenix, which was attempting to gauge the scope of the crackdown, that it “can neither confirm nor deny the existence of a pending investigation.” Press Secretary Nathalia Medina added that Kamoutsas “intends to conduct an investigation of every educator who engages in misconduct and posts vile inappropriate messages about this current situation.”
“For the commissioner to say there’s no longer a second-chance mentality in education and that he’s going to personally investigate and essentially be the investigator, the prosecutor, and the judge and jury in all of these cases is quite concerning,” Spar said.
The commissioner’s letter sends a “chilling effect throughout the profession,” Spar said.
“We cannot have a McCarthy-style commissioner or Department of Education. We need to deal with issues if they come up, yes, but we also need to support all who work in our schools and be reasonable in how we approach this,” Spar said.
Spar’s reference was to the period in the 1950s when U.S. Sen. Joseph McCarthy investigated, widely in the public eye, often inflated allegations of communist infiltration.
Gasoline prices dropped in Florida during the past week, with the approach of autumn and a transition to cheaper winter-blend gas. The AAA auto club said Florida motorists Monday paid an average of $2.98 a gallon for regular unleaded gas, down a dime from a week earlier.
“As we transition into fall, lower fuel demand and the switch to winter-blend gasoline can help ease prices,” AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins said in a prepared statement. The winter blend is cheaper but slightly less energy-efficient than the summer blend of gas. But it has been shown to help with engine ignition during colder temperatures. The national average price Monday was $3.18 a gallon, down 2 cents from a week earlier.
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Indicator* – Most Recent Quarter Since Last Year
202,200 +2.0 %
(2nd qtr. 2025) Up 3,900 from Q2 2024
633 +17.4%
What
Does This Mean?
MSA Employment was down 1.3% from the Q1 2025 average of 204,900 Private sector employment in Q 2 2025 increased by 3,500 (2.6%) compared to Q 2 2024
MSA Initial Claims for Unemployment Compensation in Q2 2025 were up by 153 (31.9 %) from a total of 480 in Q 1 2025, and 79% less than the 10-year Q2 average of 3,026 during 2015-2024. (2nd qtr. 2025) 94 more than in Q2 2024
158 +10.5%
Single-Family Construction Permits in Leon Co. totaled 158 (City of Tallahassee, 102; Unincorporated Leon Co., 56), up 15 (10.5%) from 143 permits in Q1 2025, and 9.7% lower than the 10-year Q2 average of 175 permits during 2015-2024 (2nd qtr. 2025) 15 more than in Q2 2024
$335, 000 +9.8%
(1st qtr. 2025) Up $30K from Q1 2024
$2.24 M +2.4%
(1st qtr. 2025) Up $53K from Q1 2024
236,089 -5.3%
(2nd qtr. 2025) 13,225 fewer than in Q2 2024
3.8% +0.4 pts.
(2nd qtr. 2025) Up from 3.4% in Q2 2024
$1,225 +0.6%
(4th qtr. 2024) $7 more than in Q4 2023 68 +13.3%
(2nd qtr. 2025) 8 more than in Q2 2024
4.7% +0.4 pts.
(2nd qtr. 2025) Up from 4.3% in Q2 of 2024
3.3% +0.1 pts.
(2nd qtr. 2025) Up from 3.2% in Q2 of 2024
208,244 +1.0 %
(2nd qtr. 2025) Up 2,033 from Q2 2024 $1.63 B -0.6%
MSA Median Sales Price was up 3.1% from Q4 2024 and has risen in 12 of the past 20 quarters in the MSA The 9.8% rise was the highest year -over-year rate of increase since 12.5% in Q4 2022.
MSA Tourist Development Tax Receipts decreased by 24% from Q4 2024 (receipts for Q1 were lower than Q4 in 18 of the past 20 years). Receipts were 29% higher than the 5-year Q1 average of $1.73M during 20 20-2024
TLH Passengers in Q2 2025 were up 7.8% from Q1 2025 and 28% higher than the 10-year Q2 average of 184,133 during 2015-2024
The MSA 3-month average Unemployment Rate was up 0.1 points from 3.7% in Q1 2025 The 3-month average Unemployment Rate has been under 4% since Q4 2021.
MSA Average Weekly Wage was up 7.3% from Q3 2024 , with quarter-to-quarter increases in 1 4 of the past 20 quarters.
Mortgage Foreclosures in Leon Co. were up by 14 from a total of 54 in Q1 2025. Foreclosures in Q 2 2025 were 32% lower than the 10-year Q2 average of 101 during 2015-2024
MSA Office Vacancy was unchanged from 4.7% in Q1 2025, and has been under 6% every quarter since Q1 2020
MSA Industrial Vacancy was up 0.1 points from 3.2% in Q 1 2025, and has been under 4% every quarter since Q1 2018.
MSA avg. monthly Labor Force was down 2,575 (-1.2%) from Q1 2025. Statewide labor force in Q 2 2025 was up only 0.2 % compared to Q2 2024
MSA Taxable Sales in Q1 2025 were down 6 .1% from Q4 2024, but 10% higher than the Q1 average of $1.48 B during 2020-2024 (1st qtr. 2025) Down $9.7M from Q1 2024
Note: Q1 = January-March; Q2 = April-June; Q3 = July -September; Q4 = October-December. All metrics are for the Tallahassee MSA unless stated otherwise.
Sources: Florida Commerce, Current Employment Statistics (CES, not seasonally adjusted) and Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS); Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW); Florida Commerce, Bureau of Workforce Statistics and Economic Research; Florida Legislature’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research; Florida Department of Revenue, Office of Tax Research; City of Tallahassee Growth Management Department and Leon County Department of Development Support & Environmental Manageme nt; Leon County Clerk of Courts; Tallahassee Board of Realtors; Tallahassee International Airport; CoStar Property.
QED
*Leading : May signal future changes; Lagging : May confirm pattern already in progress; Coincident: Occurs in real-time and clarifies condition of economy.
Put into Words…
Employment was down -1.3% from the Q1 2025 average of 204,900. Private sector employment in Q2 2025 increased by 3,500 (2.6%) compared to Q2 2024. Month-tomonth employment levels have increased in 35 of the past 60 months, with an average gain of approximately 500 per month.
Initial Claims for Unemployment Compensation in Q2 2025 were up by 153 (31.9%) from a total of 480 in Q1 2025, and 79% less than the 10 -year Q2 average of 3,026 during 2015-2024. Quarterly claims have been under 700 since Q3 2021
New Single-Family Construction Permits in Leon Co. totaled 158, up 15 (10.5%) from 143 permits in Q1 2025, and 9.7% lower than the 10-year Q2 average of 175 permits during 2015-2024 The City of Tallahassee accounted for 65% of Q2 2025 permits; unincorporated Leon County, 35%. Total permit value was $ 45 million, up 12.8% from Q2 2024.
The Q1 2025 Median Single-Family Home Sales Price was up 3.1% from Q4 2024 and has risen in 12 of the past 20 quarters in the MSA. The 9.8% rise in Q2 2025 was the highest year-over-year rate of increase since 12.5% in Q4 2022.
Tourist Development Tax Receipts decreased by 24% from Q4 2024 (receipts for Q1 were lower than Q4 in 18 of the past 20 years). Receipts were 29% higher than the 5 -year Q1 average of $1.73M during 2020-2024.
The volume of TLH Passengers in Q2 2025 was up 7.8% from Q1 2025 and 28% higher than the 10-year Q2 average of 184,133 during 2015 -2024. Passenger traffic has increased year-over-year in 13 of the past 20 quarters
The 3-month average Unemployment Rate was up 0.1 points from 3.7% in Q1 2025. The 3-month average Unemployment Rate has been under 4% since Q4 2021 .
The Tallahassee metro area Average Weekly Wage was up 7.3% from Q3 2024, with quarter-to-quarter increases in 14 of the past 20 quarters The Q4 2024 average weekly wage was 87% of the State’s a ($1,405)
Airport Traffic Continues to Slide in August
The latest information from the Tallahassee International Airport shows the August 2025 passenger traffic decreased 6.0% when compared to traffic one year ago. The number of passengers was down 4,954 from the 83,022 reported during August 2024 to 78,068 in June 2025.
The calendar year-to-date comparison, January through August, shows passenger traffic is down 4.43% in 2025 when compared to 2024.
August Passenger Traffic Report
Relative to 2024, the Passenger Traffic Report shows year-over-year passenger counts in August were up 16.1% for American Airlines, up 3.3% for the Delta Group.
Jet Blue ended service in November 2024 and Silver Airways ended service in June 2025.
The graph below shows the annualized number of passengers for the last 37-months. The highlighted numbers on the graph indicate the annual traffic during the month of August over the last four years.
The annual rate of passengers at TIA in August 2025 – 938,465 – is up 0.16% when compared to one year ago (936,975). The annualized number of passengers is calculated by summing the previous 12 months of traffic.
Florida Venture Capital Firms to Participate in FSU Event
By Jon Mason FSU News
Florida State University is proud to announce that DeepWork Capital and Florida Funders, two of Florida’s leading venture capital (VC) firms, will participate in events during FSU Discovery Days, a weeklong celebration of research and innovation.
Kathy Chiu (pictured above), managing partner of DeepWork Capital, and Zach Brodsky, senior investments associate at Florida Funders will offer fundraising advice to the Tallahassee start-up community on a panel titled “Capital of Florida: VC & Angel Funding for Sunshine State Tech Startups” at the IGNITE Tallahassee Grand Opening the morning of Oct. 21. That afternoon, both Chiu and Brodsky will also serve as judges for the third annual Discovery Challenge, a “Shark Tank”–style pitch competition for startup companies founded on FSU research.
Both firms have played pivotal roles in Florida’s venture capital landscape. DeepWork Capital, which manages multiple private venture capital funds as well as the state’s Florida Opportunity Fund, is known for its founder-focused and handson approach. Multidisciplinary in capabilities and generalist in industry focus, DeepWork’s investments span enterprise IT to deep tech to life sciences. The firm’s investments have spurred growth in undercapitalized regions and expanded access to many founders’ promising startups. Florida Funders is recognized as one of the most active venture capital firms in Florida and ranks among the top in the nation. By combining a venture fund with one of the largest angel investor networks in the Southeast, Florida Funders has backed more than 120 startups across industries like financial technology, AI, health tech and digital media.
The participation of DeepWork Capital and Florida Funders creates a vital connection for the Tallahassee startup community raising funds to develop their technology or grow their companies.
“We are thrilled to welcome Flor-
ida Funders and DeepWork Capital to Discovery Days,” said Valerie L. McDevitt, associate vice president of Strategic Partnerships and Innovation at FSU. “Their participation not only elevates the Discovery Challenge pitch competition but also connects our innovators with investors who are actively growing Florida’s startup ecosystem.”
Discovery Days brings together students, faculty, entrepreneurs and community partners to celebrate research, creativity and innovation at the university.?Along with the incubator grand opening and pitch competition, Discovery Days’ weeklong schedule of events has something for everyone, from kid-friendly physics and art projects to events on public health, AI and more.
The IGNITE Tallahassee grand opening will showcase the 40,000-square-foot facility designed to enable translation of new technologies from the lab to the market. Meet the current incubator companies, hear from tech startup specialists and learn about the entrepreneurship programs available to tech entrepreneurs in North Florida. October 21, 9 a.m. Registration is now open!
The third annual Discovery Challenge provides FSU startups the opportunity to pitch bold ideas to investors and compete for $50,000 in prizes. This competition is a centerpiece of Discovery Days, FSU’s annual celebration of research, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Augustus B. Turnbull III Florida State Conference Center, October 21, 3 p.m. Registration is now open!
Aug-25
The table above lists the most re
cent single family home sales in the Killearn Estates neighborhood. The sales information is from the Leon County Property Appraiser. Killearn Estates is located in NE Tallahassee. There are approximately 3,800 homes in many uniquely characterized units with 11 parks or playgrounds, as well as miles of bridle trails for walking or jogging, lakes, and a private Golf & Country Club. The table above lists 15 recent transactions with sale prices ranging from a low of $358,000 to a high of $610,000. The average sales price for these transactions was calculated to be $463,880. Reviewing
another popular measure of home value, the dollar per square foot ($/ SqFt) shows a range starting with a low of 149.4 $/SqFt to a high of 228.5 $/SqFt. The average $Sq/Ft was calculated to be 200.2$/SqFt. Current homes listed for sale in Killearn Estates range from $198,000 to $585,000.
For more information on real estate sales in Leon county and overall economic conditions, visit TallahasseeReports.com
Chiles Tops Rickards in Friday Night Football
By Robert Stewart
On September 12th, the Chiles Timberwolves football team (3-1) aimed for redemption after falling to the Rickards Raiders (1-3) in their previous matchup at Gene Cox Stadium. The two teams last met during the 2024–2025 regular season non-conference game, which Rickards won 14-7. This year, with both teams retooled and new quarterbacks leading the way, fans were in for an exciting night of football. In what might turn out to be one of the longest games of the season, Chiles and Rickards went back and forth in a matchup full of big plays, momentum swings, and high-intensity action.
Rickards struck first on the scoreboard with a 25-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jordan Kelly (Jr.) to wide receiver Davion Crumitie (Jr.), taking a 7-0 lead with four minutes left in the first quarter. Chiles responded quickly with a touchdown of its own on a 3-yard run by Gerald Clark (Sr.). With 42 seconds remaining in the opening quarter, the Timberwolves came up with a crucial fumble recovery.
Chiles capitalized on the turnover early in the second quarter, as quarterback Gavin Ford (Sr.) connected with wide receiver Cade Frier (Sr.) for a touchdown to take a 14-7 lead. Following another defensive stop, the
Timberwolves blocked a punt and started their drive on the Raiders’ 20yard line. Chiles extended its advantage with another rushing score, this time by Jeremiah Cadet (Sr.), pushing the lead to 21-7.
With just over four minutes left in the half, Chiles forced its second turnover of the game with an interception deep in its own territory by Mario Peoples. The Timberwolves closed the half on a high note, as kicker Hagen Purdue (Jr.) drilled a 50-yard field goal to send Chiles into the break up 24-7.
After a scoreless third quarter, Chiles opened the fourth with a touchdown pass to J.D. Vincent, stretching the lead to 30-7. Rickards refused to back down, as Kelley led back-to-back drives showcasing both his throwing and running ability, closing the gap to 30-20. Chiles responded with a long, explosive run in the final minutes to go up 36-20, then sealed the victory with a walk-off interception in the last 35 seconds, capping an exciting Timberwolves win, 37-20.
Other Notable Leon County Football Scores: NFC lost a neutral game against Taylor County 42-0, Maclay won an away game against Valwood 35-34, Godby won an away game against Suwannee 36-31.
Chiles Boys, Girls Teams Place First in HOKA XC Meet
By Robert Stewart
On Sep. 12-13, The HOKA Nights of Thunder Cross Country Fest took place at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee, FL with 10 Leon County high schools competing in the 5K run. The HOKA Nights of Thunder event is a world-famous festival & cross country meet that takes place at dark under the lights.
For the second year in a row the Chiles boys cross country team placed first in the HOKA Nights of Thunder meet with a total team time of 1:22:36.2 and an average pace of 5:19. Other Leon County teams that performed well include Lincoln placing 5th with a total team time of 1:26:42.8 and an average pace of 5:35, Leon placing 11th with a total team time of 1:29:37.1 and an average pace of 5:46, and Community Christian (CCS) placing 14th with a total team time of 1:34:38.6 and an average pace of 6:06.
Notable individual performances include Chiles’ Joshua Hicks (Sr.) placing first with a time of 15:27.89, Chiles’ Jonathan Kiros (Jr.) placing fourth with a time of 16:16.38, Chiles’ Jackson Beener (Sr.) placing
12th with a time of 16:38.53, Lincoln’s Stokes Bryan (So.) placing 19th with a time of 16:49.15 and Lincolns Trent Parsons (Jr.) placing 20th with a time of 16:49.95.
Like the Chiles boys team, the Chiles girls cross country team took home gold at the HOKA Nights of Thunder meet for the second year in a row with a total team run time of 1:40:24.0 and an average pace of 6:28. Following the Timberwolves were Leon in 11th place with a total team run time of 1:55:59.1 and an average pace of 7:28, Lincoln in 14th place with a total team run time of 2:01:24.6 and an average pace of 7:49, and St. JPII with a total team run time of 2:09:31.3 and an average pace of 8:20.
Notable individual performances included Chiles’ Kaia Ables (Jr.) placing 5th with a time of 19:40.57, Chiles’ Charlotte Sikes (Fr.) placing 6th with a time of 19:49.29, Chiles’ Emma-Claire Tannenbaum (Fr.) placing 7th with a time of 19:53.30, Chiles’ Maddy Morris (Sr.) placing 12th with a time of 20:22.76, and Chiles’ Chloe Molen (So.)with a time of 20:38.16.
Leon County High School Scoreboard
7. Emma–Claire Tannenbaum, Chiles ………………..…….. 21:37.10
12. Maddy Morris, Chiles ………………………. 20:22.76
15. Chloe Molen, Chiles ………………………. 20:38.16
Girls Volleyball
MaxPreps Leon County Rankings Team W-L FLRank
1. Chiles 13-0 2 2. FSUHS 8-1 50
3. Leon 6-5 140
4. CCS 14-1 165
5. Lincoln 6-7 197
6. Maclay 10-5 200
7. Godby 4-2 439
8. Rickards 4-6 441
9. NFC 4-11 578
10. FAMU 1-6 618
11.JPII 0-5 653
Recent Matches
Chiles
16:16.38
Jackson Beener, Chiles
16:49.15
Trent Parsons, Lincoln
16:49.95 Girls Runner, School, Time 5. Kaia Ables, Chiles …………….……….. 20:18.50
6. Charlotte Sikes, Chiles ………………………. 21:01.00
Chiles 3, Lincoln 0 Set Scores: 25-14,25-17,2515. Chiles KILLS Eva Goodson 10, Lindsay Smith 9, Logan Abernathy 7. DIGS Maddison Joyner 15, Natalie Gibson 10.
