Takeaways from Tallahassee — The Art of the Filibuster 

As Session continues to rage on, anyone who knows how the sausage gets made knows that the biggest deals and handshakes don’t always happen in committee meetings, on the floor, or even in the proximity of the Capitol.

Sometimes, “The Room Where It Happens” (where are our Hamilton fans?) is somewhere else. The downtown area in Tallahassee is no stranger to politics or delicious meals. This week, aptly timed due to U.S. Sen. Cory Booker’s record-breaking speech, “The Filibuster,” a “listening and conversation club” opened its doors to Tallahassee residents, legislators, and lobbyists alike.

Located in the basement formerly home to the beloved and never forgotten Andrews 228, The Filibuster aims to be a space where politics, art, and life can be discussed without judgment in a unique and comfortable atmosphere where music plays and quality spirits and wine are to be enjoyed while having deep conversations over Italian tapas and Neo-Neapolitan pizzas.

“We hope to complement Tallahassee’s downtown hospitality scene with our unique offerings. We’ve created a funky ambience where people can enjoy good music and conversation and be present with one another. Our primary focus is on an elevated member/guest experience,” said co-proprietor of The Filibuster and owner of Brick House on College Avenue, Adam Reiss.

For only the lucky amount of $11.11 annually, club members are welcomed to attend approved private and member-hosted events, which can include business and fundraising functions for, you know, making the sausage. In honor of the space that used to occupy The Filibuster, the menu items are all named after Florida leaders on a menu that is designed to look like either the latest SB or HB you haven’t actually read in its entirety like you said you have, all in a venue where the art on display celebrates local political and artistic icons.

Don’t feel like coughing up the member fee with Donald Trump’s recession trade war looming? Well, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Express Lunch is open to members and non-members alike. And Tuesday-Saturday, the evening hours start at 5 p.m., until, as The Filibuster says, “The conversation ends.”

“We hope our later hours enable residents, visitors and those in the hospitality community to extend their evenings with us. The transformation of this special space includes several different areas for parties of different sizes to socialize, enjoy a bite or new cocktail, or even sing along next to the piano — we can’t wait for everyone to see it,” said co-proprietor Ray Berry.

A portion of members’ dues and sales generally go toward “The Filibuster Impact Fund,” which seeks to support charitable and educational events and initiatives locally in Leon County and Tallahassee, as well as all across Florida. Don’t miss out on what’s indeed to be the talk of the town and enjoy a nice adult beverage after a long day of political mumbo-jumbo nonsense and take in some great vibes, food and conversation at “The Filibuster.”

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Coming up, the usual assortment of news, intel, and observations from the week that was in Florida’s capital city by Peter Schorsch, Drew Wilson, Drew Dixon, Liam Fineout, Andrew Powell and the staff of Florida Politics.

But first, the “Takeaway 5” — the Top 5 stories from the week that was:

—Take 5 —

Feud gets ‘emotional’ — House Speaker Daniel Perez isn’t holding back after Gov. Ron DeSantis criticized him and his Republican colleagues. But he also says he sees DeSantis as a “friend” and a “partner.” In remarks in recent days, DeSantis blasted “petty” legislators for taking away U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody’s office space in the Florida Capitol, considering “carbon sequestration” instead of “open carry,” and overriding vetoes on local projects DeSantis nixed last year. On Thursday, Perez had his say, saying the Governor has become “emotional” recently, but that they’ve generally had “cordial” conversations that usually “end up in some sort of agreement,” even if it’s to “disagree.” “It’s interesting because we’ve spoken many times over the last several weeks and every time we speak, the meetings are cordial. The conversations are cordial. Any concern that he’s had, we’ve been able to answer. We haven’t surprised him with anything. Everything he is upset about, he knows in advance,” Perez said. The Speaker recognizes the tone change but is unsure why it happened.

Get it right — Senate President Ben Albritton says he is open to considering dueling approaches regarding cutting taxes for Floridians proposed by DeSantis and House Speaker Perez. But in a newly issued memo, Albritton says he hesitates to push through a permanent tax cut right now, warning lawmakers to act cautiously and avoid a budget shortfall. “We owe it to taxpayers to get this right,” Albritton said. “At this point, I believe it is prudent that a final tax cut package of this size be predominantly nonrecurring, while permanent tax cuts are explored during the interim.” Albritton issued the memo as Republican leaders are at odds over taxes at the halfway point of the Session. DeSantis advocates abolishing property taxes, while Perez is calling to cut the state sales tax from the current 6% to 5.25%.

Disappearing act — In 2023, the Legislature budgeted $160 million for the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) to cover a Medicaid disallowance. However, the state agency spent that money in other ways instead. The federal government says AHCA still must settle the cost, so agency leaders are now asking lawmakers for the same amount again. It’s a disagreement generating tension between the executive branch agency and the Florida House at a moment when DeSantis and House Speaker Perez already appear at frequent loggerheads. The proposed House health care budget doesn’t include money specially earmarked for the $160 million disallowance. However, the full House budget does have more than $183 million available to cover disallowances that could be used for this purpose. But as the issue looms over budget negotiations, it has already garnered the attention of Washington, where Republicans continue a push to reduce spending.

Quality loss? — Republican Jimmy Patronis has secured a seat in Congress, beating Democrat Gay Valimont despite an unexpected surge of spending by the Democrat. That means Patronis will succeed former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, keeping Florida’s 1st Congressional District in Republican hands. But the race proved only slightly tighter than expected as Valimont won her home terrain of Escambia County. Meanwhile, in Florida’s 6th Congressional District, Republican Randy Fine is heading to Congress after winning a Special Election. But his road there proved more dramatic than most political observers could have predicted just a few months ago. With nearly all votes counted. While both contests were GOP routs, Democrats see signs of hope in the returns, with FDP Chair Nikki Fried calling the elections a “warning sign for Republicans in Florida and across the country.”

Working across the aisle — One week after he postponed a measure amid outcry from Black Caucus members, Ormond Beach Republican Sen. Tom Leek returned to the Senate floor with an amendment that addressed his colleagues’ concerns. There was a brief discussion, all heartfelt, considerate and appreciative. Then the legislation (SB 234) to enhance penalties for people found guilty of killing a police officer passed 37-0. “After the last time we heard this, we worked together with everyone to make sure that we came up with good policy,” Leek said. SB 234 and its House analog (HB 175) would, if enacted by the Legislature, require defendants convicted of manslaughter in cases involving the death of a police officer to receive life sentences without parole. But the legislation, until Leek amended it Thursday, would have also removed from statutes a “good faith” standard for officers.

— Tick tack tax —

Tax season is here. If you have any friends who are accountants or work at a CPA, consider them Missing in Action currently. But the 47th president’s punching bag, DeSantis, this week announced a proposal for property tax relief to local Florida homeowners.

The rebates would be effective in December 2025 and would cover state-mandated school property taxes. The rebate is supposed to average $1,000 for each homestead property in the state.

“Property taxes effectively require homeowners to pay rent to the government. Constitutional protections for Florida homeowners require approval of the voters in 2026. In the meantime, Floridians need relief. I am today proposing a plan that will result in — on average — $1,000 rebate checks for each homestead as a discount on their property taxes. If the Legislature acts on this plan now, we can get this done this year. Let’s get this done for the people of Florida this session,” said DeSantis.

The proposal is estimated to help 5.1 million property owners across the state and is part of the Governor’s plan to eliminate property taxes.

— Back the blue to the bank —

As April begins and the stock market begins to plummet more and more, and as a recession peaks its metaphorical head around the corner, wouldn’t it be nice to get a bonus or a pay raise? This week, a bully victim of the Florida Legislature who gets his lunch money stolen every day, DeSantis, is fully backing the blue.

DeSantis announced that more than 7,800 recruitment bonuses were awarded to law enforcement officers through the “Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment Program.” Most of the bonuses went to officers residing and serving in Marion County, while the additional 660 bonuses were distributed to different recruits across Florida.

“When other states were defunding their police, demonizing law enforcement, and kneecapping their criminal justice system, we rewarded our law enforcement for their service. I was proud to be in Marion County to award recruitment bonus checks to Florida’s newest law enforcement officers and thank them for their commitment to protecting our communities,” said DeSantis.

The “Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment Program” was launched in 2022 and provides a one-time $5,000 bonus after taxes to a newly employed officer as a show of gratitude and appreciation, like the Army recruiter from your high school who offered every meathead a new Ford 150 or Dodge if they “enlist right now!” The program has distributed more than $53 million of your taxpayer dollars.

“We remain committed to strengthening the resources available to law enforcement and helping in their mission to set the standard for combating illegal immigration,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly.

— Balanced budget —

The Senate Appropriations Committee, chaired by Clearwater Republican Sen. Ed Hooper, passed the General Appropriations Act, the new state budget that aims to keep the budget balanced, reduce spending, lower per capita spending and reduce the growth of bureaucracy. The budget authorizes paying off state debt, accounts for significant, broad-based tax relief, and maintains state reserves for emergencies.

The budget bill (SB 2500) would make investments in Florida’s transportation infrastructure and maintain investments designed to grow Florida’s health care workforce. Significant resources have been dedicated to Everglades restoration, citrus recovery, clean water, and working farms and ranches along Florida’s Wildlife corridor. It funds K-12 public schools, school choice, and career and technical education and training.

Wauchula Republican Senate President Ben Albritton said that Florida’s revenue forecasts are still growing but have stabilized.

“This year we are right sizing our budget for the long term, spending less, while setting aside robust rainy-day funds and accounting for meaningful, broad-based tax relief,” Albritton said. “Floridians expect us to spend their tax dollars wisely. Florida has a great framework for accountability and transparency, but we can always do better. Throughout this budget, we are implementing new ways to collect meaningful data to measure outcomes and ensure taxpayer resources are being utilized wisely.”

Hooper said the budget reflects a more normal spending pattern and focuses on setting aside reserves.

“Our revenues are increasing, but instead of spending all of what we have, we are paying down debt, setting aside reserves, and creating opportunities for significant tax relief so Floridians can keep more of their hard-earned money,” Hooper said. “We are also making critical investments in our transportation and clean water infrastructure and keeping parents in the driver’s seat with record funding for both school choice opportunities and our legacy, neighborhood public schools.”

— Instagram of the week —

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— The week in appointments —

Triumph Gulf Coast Board — One of Patronis’ final acts as CFO before resigning ahead of the CD 1 election was appointing a key municipal Board member in the Gulf Coast. Patronis named Charles Rigdon of Destin to be a Triumph Gulf Coast Board member. That panel oversees Triumph Gulf Coast Inc., a nonprofit group organized in the wake of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf in 2010. The nonprofit organization supervises the expenditure of some 75% of funds recovered by the state due to the disaster. It administers the distribution of those funds in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Gulf, Franklin and Wakulla counties. Read more on Florida Politics.

— An act for Tristan —

The Senate Appropriations Committee passed a measure to create model processes for diverting defendants to mental health treatment. Fleming Island Republican Sen. Jennifer Bradley presented the bill (SB 168), also known as the Tristan Murphy Act, which was named after Tristan Murphy, who took his own life in 2021.

Bradley said she knows that certain defendants who have a mental illness, intellectual disability, or autism would be better served through community services rather than serve time in jail.

“There is more we can do to support law enforcement agencies who offer crisis intervention training and diversion for offenders with a mental health challenge,” Bradley said. “If someone commits a serious, violent crime, they need to be incarcerated for public safety. This bill provides a different path for less serious crimes where the defendant, their family, and the community would be better served by allowing the defendant to receive the necessary mental health treatment.”

Republican Senate President Albritton said that Tristan was a young father with supportive, loving parents and a bright future ahead of him.

“He was not a hardened criminal. He was sick and needed help to address serious mental health challenges,” Albritton said. “Tristin’s parents have been so brave to tell his story and advocate for improvements to the way offenders with a mental health challenge are treated within the criminal justice system. Learning about Tristin’s story and spending time with his parents, Cindee and Dennis, had a tremendous impact on me. We are proud to move this bill forward with their support.”

— Clearing the way —

The Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously passed a measure Wednesday that seeks to support homeowners rebuilding after a storm with straightforward and streamlined permitting resources.

St. Petersburg Republican Sen. Nick DiCeglie presented the bill (SB 180) that focuses on emergency preparedness and response and would also improve debris management and removal, and increase disaster management planning.

The legislation would also improve emergency resource coordination, financial transparency and reporting across the state and local government disaster management entities.

DiCeglie said that after a hurricane hits Florida, families want debris cleared out and to start rebuilding, adding that homeowners are already struggling to get their lives on track after a storm and don’t need the extra red tape holding them back from doing that.

“In the aftermath of a hurricane, families want to clear out debris and start rebuilding quickly,” DiCeglie said. “Those homeowners struggling to put their lives back together after a storm should not have to deal with needless bureaucracy or local governments that want to change the rules and use a disaster to create a different kind of community through red tape in the permitting process.”

DiCeglie’s hometown and district were greatly impacted during the 2024 Hurricane Season.

“We know our emergency responders at the state and local level are working tirelessly before, during and after a storm, and the more we can do to support planning and coordination in advance, the better off we will be the next time a hurricane heads our way,” DiCeglie said.

— Home away from home —

The Senate Appropriations Committee passed a measure Wednesday that seeks to provide Florida businesses with tax credits for contributing to charitable organizations that house families of critically ill children at little to no cost.

Miami Republican Sen. Alexis Calatayud presented the bill (SB 182) and explained that it would create the Home Away From Home Tax Credit for families traveling away from home so their child can receive treatment.

Calatayud said the legislation was designed to ease the burden on families with sick children and keep families together, so they don’t have to experience long-term separation or incur additional debt.

“When a family is dealing with a diagnosis that requires travel and treatment away from home, expenses can add up so quickly. The last thing we want is for families to endure prolonged separations or incur additional debts to facilitate housing near a treatment facility,” Calatayud said.

The Senator added that the bill aims to comfort and support children fighting for their lives and offers Florida businesses the chance to help families in difficult situations.

“This bill is about keeping families together, comforting and supporting a child who is fighting for his or her life,” Calatayud said. “Through this legislation, we are offering businesses the chance to partner with charitable organizations to build or expand housing for families in these difficult circumstances.”

— Rating the rates —

The Senate Appropriations Committee passed a measure Wednesday that seeks to enhance insurance research and risk management in Florida.

Panama City Republican Sen. Jay Trumbull presented the bill (SB 114), explaining it would create the Florida Center for Excellence in Insurance and Risk Management to provide research and information for the benefit of policymakers, consumer, and the insurance industry for all lines of insurance and to examine the accessibility and affordability of insurance products in the Sunshine State.

Trumbull said that insurance rates are a top concern for Florida families which have steadily grown over the past few years and added that previous reforms have helped stabilize the market, and savings are now beginning to be seen.

“The high cost of homeowners insurance is top of mind for Florida families. Reforms passed by the Legislature have helped stabilize the property insurance market, and we are finally starting to see some companies’ lower rates,” Trumbull said.

Trumbull noted that the bill would allow the momentum gained to continue while ensuring that state regulators have all the latest information needed to set insurance rates.

“This bill will keep up the positive momentum, creating the premier academic insurance research center in the nation to identify mitigation and resiliency steps Floridians can take to fortify their homes. It also ensures state regulators have the most up-to-date information available to set rates and affirm the financial health of insurance companies,” Trumbull said.

— School safety —

The Senate Fiscal Policy Committee passed a measure Wednesday that seeks to enhance school safety by implementing standardized safety measures and strengthening emergency preparedness across Florida schools.

Zephyrhills Republican Sen. Danny Burgess presented the bill (SB 1470). The bill would strengthen school safety measures, expand oversight of school security personnel, and clarify campus security requirements to safeguard students and faculty.

The legislation would fund School Guardian Programs for training security personnel on school campuses, create a centralized panic alert system and integrate digital school maps to improve emergency response. Substitute teachers must also be trained on school policy before beginning their first day.

“Every Florida student deserves to feel safe at school. And every parent should be able to put their children on the school bus, or drop them off at school in the morning, without worrying about whether or not they will make it home that evening,” Burgess said.

Burgess noted that safety should not be left up to chance, and improving coordination ensures the safety of students and teachers.

“Strengthened security measures across Florida schools will foster a safer environment for students to learn,” Burgess said. “By improving coordination and creating more uniformity with how protocols are implemented, we can bolster campus protections and further prioritize the safety of both students and staff. Every year we are incorporating lessons learned and looking for improvements. Florida families expect us to get this right. We can’t and we won’t let them down.”

— Quality caring —

The Senate Appropriations Committee passed a measure Wednesday that seeks to strengthen safety and quality standards in Florida nursing facilities.

Lakeland Republican Sen. Colleen Burton presented the bill (SB 170). The legislation would focus on several key areas, including consumer satisfaction, safety and standards, electronic health records, financial transparency, quality incentive programs, and a study on best practices.

Burton said in a statement that she wants Florida to be the gold standard for nursing care and noted that many residents built Florida’s communities.

“Many of our nursing home residents built the communities we now enjoy, and others with disabilities are some of the most vulnerable Floridians in our state,” Burton said. “We have tremendous respect and concern for their well-being and want Florida to be the gold standard for access to high-quality nursing home care.”

Burton further stated that the measure would allow feedback from residents and their families to safeguard quality care better and better inform consumers in Florida.

“Floridians should feel confident when selecting a nursing home for themselves or a loved one,” Burton said. “This legislation will elevate the quality of care and safety standards of nursing home facilities statewide. Enhanced transparency and feedback from nursing home residents and their family members will better inform Floridians and safeguard the quality of care for seniors and individuals with disabilities.”

— Reusable —

West Palm Beach Democratic Rep. Jervonte Edmonds has cleared a key legislative hurdle after his reusable tenant bill (HB 43) passed through the House Housing, Agriculture, & Tourism Subcommittee Tuesday with strong bipartisan support.

The bill takes significant steps toward reducing housing costs for Florida families. A Senate companion bill (SB 362) was sponsored by Fort Lauderdale Democratic Sen. Rosalind Osgood and co-sponsored by Miami Republican Sen. Ileana Garcia.

The bill allows tenants to use one screening report for multiple rental applications, eliminating repetitive fees that especially impact working families, veterans, seniors and disabled individuals.

Reusable tenant screening reports would be required to include the following information: the applicant’s name, contact information, mailing address and email address, telephone number, the applicant’s last known address, eviction history, if applicable, and verification of the applicant’s employment.

Edmonds said that the bill takes a step closer to reducing financial burdens while creating a fairer market that would restore dignity and stability to Floridians.

“Affordable housing means dignity and stability for countless Floridians,” Edmonds said. “Today, we moved closer to reducing unnecessary financial burdens and creating fairness in our rental market.”

Osgood emphasized that the Legislature is committed to reducing costs for Florida families and prioritizes fairness.

“We’re committed to easing housing burdens for our most vulnerable residents,” Osgood said. “Advancing this bill sends a clear message that Florida prioritizes housing fairness.”

The legislation moves forward in both chambers, aiming to become law effective July 1, 2025.

— Stability at home —

Bills sponsored by Tallahassee Democratic Rep. Gallop Franklin to strengthen home health care for patients and provide stability for foster care children in Florida are now ready for consideration by the entire Florida House of Representatives.

Franklin’s Home Health Care bill (HB 1353) aims to expand workforce flexibility, enhance service delivery standards, and improve the quality of care for Floridians who rely on home health services. The bill eliminates restrictions in current law, allowing home health agency administrators to manage up to five agencies with the same controlling interests. It also permits contracted registered nurses to perform initial visits for home health agencies.

“Home health care in Florida provides patients with a cost-effective option to heal in the comfort of their own homes,” Franklin said. “This legislation offers common sense reforms to remove barriers to care and ensure patients receive the high-quality services they need.”

The bill also directs the Agency for Health Care Administration to establish criteria adaptable to all types of home health care, including modifying standards to incentivize agencies to pursue designation under Florida’s Excellence in Home Health Program.

The Foster Care Licensure bill (HB 989) would allow foster families to transfer their foster home license when moving to a new location within Florida, eliminating unnecessary administrative barriers.

“Many of Florida’s vulnerable foster children have faced incredible turmoil in their lives. This legislation would provide them with increased stability and security through the support of loving foster parents,” Franklin said. “In our mobile society, where families often relocate for better opportunities, we shouldn’t let unnecessary red tape separate children from their foster families. This bill eliminates outdated rules to keep foster children and their caregivers together when they move to another part of Florida.”

— Prioritizing Florida’s health —

Health care advocates from across the state met at the Historic Capitol for a “Floridians Deserve Health Care” Speak Out event. The event highlighted personal stories about health care access and discussed the Medicaid coverage gap, cuts, taking on medical debt, and supporting the expansion of Medicaid.

Recent reports show that cuts to Medicaid could drastically impact Florida’s economy.

North Miami Democratic Rep. Dotie Joseph, who filed bills (HB 1507/HB 1603) to address the Medicaid coverage gap and create the Healthy Florida Act, said priorities need to be decided.

“We have to decide where our priorities are as a nation, as a state, as a people,” Joseph said. “I’m focusing on the people. For me, health care is a right — it’s not a privilege. Everybody should have access to it. I’m here to ensure that every single person has the right to be healthy, prosperous and safe.”

Acadia Jacob, Advocacy Director at Florida Voices for Health, said that Floridians are sick and tired of being sick and tired.

“Everywhere that Floridians are dealing with barriers to care, our small but mighty team treks around the state, visiting clinics, charities and churches, health departments, hospitals and homes,” Jacob said.

“In all my time, one thing has become abundantly clear: regardless of background or identity, Floridians are sick and tired of being sick and tired. That’s why we bring their real health care stories to the Capitol – to make sure lawmakers remember who to prioritize in the budget and their legislation.”

— Lighting up purple for victims —

In recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), Marsy’s Law for Florida is lighting Florida landmarks purple next week to raise awareness of the importance of crime victims’ rights and ensure Floridians are aware of the rights and protections available to them under Marsy’s Law for Florida.

The event will be held between April 6 and 12 and throughout the week, four Florida landmarks will be lit purple, which is the color associated with crime victims’ rights, in recognition of NCVRW.

Lighting up the nights in purple lights include the Dade City Historic Courthouse in Dade City on Sunday, April 6; the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on Sunday, April 6; the Daytona International Speedway sign in Daytona Beach will be lit all week long in purple; and the Capital Cascades Trail Crossing and Pedestrian Bridge in Tallahassee will be lit all week long.

Jennifer Fennell, Marsy’s Law for Florida spokesperson, said in 2018 that Florida voters voted in favor of enshrining clear rights for victims.

“Florida voters voted in favor of enshrining a specific set of clear, enforceable rights for crime victims within our state constitution because they wanted to empower victims as their cases moved through the criminal justice process,” Fennell said.

“No one asks to be a victim. The rights afforded to crime victims under Marsy’s Law for Florida allows them to have more control over their experience with the court system and helps them on their journey toward healing from the trauma of crime.”

Marsy’s Law for Florida joins with organizations across the country in observing NCVRW by promoting victims’ rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf.

— TSC Capitol Day —

State colleges in Florida continue to be a great success story for their contributions to those seeking to further their education, the communities they are located in, and even those looking to graduate high school early or enter a technical or vocational field.

Tallahassee State College is, in many ways, leading the pack among state colleges in Florida, so if you’re at the Capitol this coming Wednesday or Thursday, check out their “TSC Day at the Capitol” event. TSC is aiming to show off its impact on the Leon County area and provides an opportunity for the community and legislators to engage with current students in leadership roles, faculty, staff and alumni.

“We are so excited to host our first-ever TSC Day at the Capitol. As one of the nation’s top two-year institutions, we are proud of the remarkable achievements of our students, faculty, staff and alumni. This event offers a unique platform to showcase our pivotal role as the workforce engine of our community and state. We invite our elected leaders and friends of the College to join us in celebrating the many ways TSC is making a difference,” said President of TSC Jim Murdaugh.

On Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m., faculty, staff and students will host a reception in the Capitol courtyard. The next day, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., TSC will be in the Rotunda showcasing displays and demonstrations centering around its health care, business, public safety, and more programs. The event is free and open to the public.

— Super Surcheros —

Everyone has a go-to guilty-pleasure lunch chain they occasionally spend their hard-earned dollar on. Sure, some are undeniably healthier than others, but it’s up to each one’s wallet and diet. But if you happen to be a Surcheros fan here in Tallahassee, this may feel a little validating the next time you get some quick food on your lunch break.

The food chain Surcheros is a popular “Tex-Mex” style restaurant, and recently they had a leadership conference in Braselton, Georgia, where the “Franchisee of the Year” went to none only then Tallahassee business owners Keith and Amy Cooksey and Doug and Wendy Puryear. Since operating in early 2024, their Surcheros was recognized for positively impacting the community (and our waistlines) while maintaining the reputation of operational excellence.

There are 40 Surcheros locations across Georgia, Florida, South Carolina and Tennessee, but the one here in Tallahassee brought home the gold! So next time you visit Surcheros here in Tallahassee, or if you’ve never been before, here’s a good excuse to give it a try: Tell the owners congrats if they are in.

— Sometimes “epic” is overused, not this weekend —

Surf alert! It will be yet another bumpy weekend on local waters from the Big Bend area through the Panhandle in the Gulf, but surfers, keep your eyes on Sunday.

The National Weather Service marine forecast calls for “significant wave height” through Saturday and Sunday. A strong pressure gradient will drive up wind speeds, but sizable waves will accompany them, and it could get really juicy Sunday for wave riders.

Saturday will bring seas peaking at 8 to 12 feet with blasting breezes at 20 to 25 knots out of the south. That’s going to make for some sloppy if not dangerous conditions near the shore for Saturday and be careful about rip currents, it could be real threatening.

But the good news heading into Saturday night is those winds are likely going to rotate and will be coming out of the north. A perfect strike for surfing this weekend as those offshore winds will likely groom waves that could provide some clean barrels and glassy conditions to drop in on come Sunday.

The swell will be directly out of the south and matched up against those northerly winds, it could be a fairly epic weekend to catch the swell and it will be mostly shortboard conditions. Those powerful offshore winds will likely tamp down the wild size as well, although the NWS is calling for a 7-to-10-foot swell with winds at 20 to 25 knots.

If winds remain that strong, they will likely reduce the size of those swells by the time they approach the shoreline and sandbars running along the coastline in places like Apalachee Bay.

Sure, surfers in other parts of Florida sometimes dismiss the surfing scene on the Gulf. But this weekend, get ready and get amped. This swell will rival and likely exceed any other area on the United States East Coast. If those swells remain that high, ensure you are an experienced surfer and know what you’re doing before heading out into waves that could be overhead. Keep current on conditions by going to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather buoy station 42036, about 112 miles northwest of Tampa in the Gulf. Condition data is updated hourly.

— Award sweep —

This week, the Leon County Government was recognized in six fields for “Project of the Year” by the prestigious American Public Works Association (APWA) Big Bend Branch.

The AWPA recognizes programs every year that are raising the standard and pushing boundaries for excellent design, management and construction of various public works projects. The AWPA’s end goal is to highlight the importance and collaboration of the different work that government agencies, engineers, and contractors do.

“Leon County remains committed to building a stronger, more resilient community through innovative and sustainable infrastructure projects. This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of our Public Works team, who continuously deliver projects that enhance safety, improve quality of life and protect our natural resources,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long.

In the category of “Transportation,” the Blountstown Highway Safe Route to School (SRTS) Sidewalk Improvements Project was recognized for its safe and accessible route while still connecting neighborhoods and schools. In the category of “Structures,” the Keystone Court Trash Screen Project was honored for the water quality enhancement and trash reduction it has brought to the area. For the area of “Environmental (Stormwater)” the Fred George Park Wetland Restoration Project was honored for removing a man-made berm and bringing free flowing conditions back. The Maylor Road Drainage Improvement Project was also recognized in the “Environmental (Stormwater)” category. In the “Historical Restoration/Preservation” and “Multifunction” categories, the Concord School Renovations Project was selected and the St. Marks Headwaters Greenway, Buck Lake Road Trailhead Project was revered.

— Capitol Directions —

RON DESANTIS —Up arrow — He flies migrants like an eagle and lets his spirits carry him.

CASEY DESANTIS — Down arrow — Fitting that a charity will be the first major scandal of her 2028 bid.

DESANTIS BOTS — Down arrow — They once again tried and failed to take out Joe Gruters. When will they learn?

BYRON DONALDS — Up arrow — $12M first month, 2,000-person kickoff, a Speaker of the House Endorsement, and a raucous reception on FL House floor. Let’s see how close that next poll is …

JIMMY PATRONIS — Up arrow — One day we think he’ll be another Charlie Wilson … D.C. should not underestimate him.

EVAN POWER, BILL HELMICH, ALEX PANTINAKIS — Up arrow — Dems are celebrating signs of life; they’re celebrating two landslide victories.

DANIEL PEREZ — Up arrow — We love hearing him talk about our ‘emotional’ Governor — please continue, Speaker, we’re all ears.

AHCA — Down arrow — Are we sure they aren’t a Ponzi scheme at this point?

JOHN DAVIS — Down arrow — Someone took the lyrics to ‘Glamorous’ by Fergie too literally.

CHARLES DICKENS — Up arrow — Just add a smudge of coal ash and our kids can complete the look.

TOM LEEK, SHEV JONES — Up arrow — So you all CAN agree on things and get stuff done?

ALEX ANDRADE — Up arrow — DeSantis’ bots got quite a workout this week.

CHIP LAMARCA — Down arrow — Don’t mess with our outrageously priced stadium beer, it’s part of the experience. TB Lightning fans are laughing at you!

VICKI LOPEZ — Up arrow — Like her or not, she’s definitely proven she ain’t afraid of nothing.

RANDY MAGGARD — Up arrow — He is everywhere, listening to members and helping them navigate the House’s new member-driven process.

LAWRENCE MCCLURE — Up arrow — The Chair has lived up to the switch of the committee name from ‘appropriations’ to ‘budget.’

PAUL RENNER — Down arrow — Yeah, we can take cheap shots at the House because it’s funny. But we weren’t ever the Speaker of the House.

WILL ROBINSON — Up arrow — According to multiple Democrats, the Representative looked absolutely incredible up on that Speaker’s podium.

MICHELLE SALZMAN — Up arrow — Her hemp workgroup is bringing together industry and safety along with regulators and getting unanimous support.

PAULA STARK — Down arrow — Not a good look, Representative.

NURSE ANESTHETISTS — Up arrow — Yes, they got through the House, but that’s only half the battle.

ROOTY — Up arrow — Groot’s cousin who lives in Sarasota was a big hit this week at the Capitol.

SALES TAX HOLIDAYS — Crossways arrow — Floridians favorite unofficial holidays are at risk!

STATE PARKS — Crossways arrow — Floridians: ‘How many times do we have to teach you this lesson, old man?!’

MELISSA STONE — Up arrow — She’s easily worth seven times her going rate!

SLIDE INSURANCE — Up arrow — It’s cool that they’re one of the best places to work, but helping to lower property insurance rates is even cooler.

TRAVIS THOMPSON — Up arrow — He snagged the Chris Janson Creativity in Conservation award from FWC for his decades of work in Florida and his vital role in Amendment 2’s passage.

RICK WILSON — Up arrow — A free speech win in the Free State of Florida.

MONIQUE WORRELL — Down arrow — Don’t you know the Attorney General is the only one allowed to pick and choose which laws to enforce?

BEARS — Down arrow — Who has it worse, bears residing in Florida or the NFL franchise in Chicago?

TALLAHASSEE POLLEN — Down arrow — Maybe we need to move every Session start date to January.