Staff Reports
Graduation weekend is here in Tallahassee. This means two thoughts go through every local’s head: “I need to avoid downtown at all costs,” and “Oh boy, traffic will be way less congested for the next four months!”
And yes, both cases are true, so as Uncle Scar would say: “Be prepared.”
The next big chapter for these soon-to-be alumni is here, which means excitement, celebrations, fear, and heartbreak are along for the ride. Tallahassee is an academic hub in North Florida, home to two prestigious universities, Florida State University and Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, and a state college with an ever-impressive resume, Tallahassee State College (aka the artist formerly known as TCC).
The metaphorical spirits are high this weekend, and so are the liquid spirits. Florida State University, just two weeks removed from a campus shooting, understands that commencements this year have an additional role to play.
“Each ceremony, including Panama City’s, will begin with a moment of silence to honor Robert Morales and Tiru Chabba, whose lives were lost in the violence that shook the Tallahassee campus just days ago. We will also reflect on those still recovering from their injuries and the strength they’ve demonstrated. And we’ll acknowledge the courage and kindness we’ve witnessed since — a reflection of the best of Florida State,” said FSU President Richard McCullough.
This year, FSU is handing out the most degrees in university history. One of the highlights, or nap opportunities depending on who is orating, are the commencement speeches. Yeah, they all have the same themes about adulthood, taking the next step, and how you should be proud of your accomplishments, but who delivers it can make or break the ceremony, especially for those watching in the crowd who don’t have the constant anxiety that they’ll fall face first when they cross the stage.
Yesterday, FSU saw Ash Williams, a Vice Chair for J.P. Morgan Asset Management, speak at the 2 p.m. ceremony for the College of Business. Ken Jones, a Florida Board of Governors member, closed the Friday night commencement for the College of Arts and Sciences. FAMU grads on Friday night saw Adrienne S. Brown, the group vice president and head of corporate business development of Eli Lilly & Company, inspire all the Rattlers in the College of Education, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, School of Allied Health Sciences, and School of the Environment in the room.
On brand for them, TSC got things done early, commencing on Thursday and welcoming more than 1,500 new Eagles after Christian Caban, District 2 County Commissioner and TSC alum, delivered the keynote speech.
“This year’s commencement is a celebration of the hard work, perseverance and achievements of our students, as well as the continued growth of our College,” said TSC President Jim Murdaugh.
As you might be reading this, FSU and FAMU are chugging along with more cap-and-gown celebrations. Bernard Kinsey, a FAMU alum, business owner, philanthropist and art collector, kicked things off at the 9 a.m. graduation for the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Military Commissioning, School of Architecture and Engineering Technology and FAMU-FSU College of Engineering.
And Fawn Weaver, the CEO and founder of Uncle Nearest, wraps up FAMU’s graduation weekend at 2 p.m., when she is scheduled to deliver the commencement speech for grads in the College of Science and Technology, College of Law, School of Business and Industry, School of Journalism & Graphic Communication and School of Nursing.
Concurrently, FSU will welcome Mel Stith, former College of Business Dean, to send off future Noles in the Dedman College of Hospitality, Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, College of Applied Studies, College of Medicine, College of Motion Picture Arts and College of Social Sciences & Public Policy. At 2 p.m., former Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Ricky Polston will be giving his sage advice to the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, College of Nursing, and Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences.
The final graduation ceremony among the three schools is at 7 p.m., when FSU Hall of Famer and longtime head coach of Seminole volleyball, Cecile Reynaud, comes to cheer on grads in the College of Fine Arts, College of Communication & Information, College of Criminology & Criminal Justice, College of Social Work, College of Music.
Long story short, if you decide to partake in some fine dining this weekend, need a reservation anywhere, choose to drive in the downtown area, or just want to go to a nice bar (… or even a dive, if we are being honest with ourselves and FSU’s party reputation), prepare for some delays and expect some craziness.
But Tallahassee, especially FSU, needs a solid celebratory weekend, so don’t get too upset.
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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 —
Filing an extension: Reasoning that “the necessary tasks of the Session have not been completed,” leaders in the Senate and House have agreed to extend the 2025 Regular Session until June 6, or until the chambers concur that their work is done. A joint resolution (HCR 1631) by Speaker-designate Sam Garrison filed just before 10 p.m. Friday listed 16 bills on the docket, including the budget, to be considered in the coming weeks. “All other measures will be indefinitely postponed and withdrawn from consideration as of 12 a.m. Saturday, May 3 of this year,” Garrison said on the floor. The decision to extend came after the chambers met on their respective floors before repeatedly taking breaks and reconvening throughout the day and into the evening.
Boiling over: Beyond the impasse, this week saw tensions between the House, Senate and Governor’s Office reach new heights, with bickering and finger-pointing spilling in plain view. The Governor spoke at length about his beef with the House, saying their position this Session has been “‘whatever he’s for, we’re against.’” Senators struggled to keep the filter on as well. After the House refused to concur with an amendment naming a center in honor of Sen. Darryl Rouson, the upper chamber aired grievances on the chamber floor. Former Senate President Kathleen Passidomo was especially blunt. “I’m just really glad that in a year and a half, we’re going to have another Speaker,” she said.
Raising hurdles: Shadows from last year’s failed citizen-led ballot initiatives to legalize marijuana and protect abortion rights are looming over this Session, as the Legislature has passed a bill adding more hurdles for future petition drives. With the House approving HB 1205 as passed by the Senate, it moved to DeSantis, who quickly signed it into law on Friday evening. Among the sweeping changes are provisions stating that anyone who collects more than 25 signed petitions — not counting their own or immediate family members’ ballots — must register with the state as an official petition circulator and undergo two hours of online training. Violators can be charged with a third-degree felony. The bill also shortens the timeline to turn in signed petitions from 30 to 10 days, adding stiffer penalties for the petition sponsor for violations.
‘Loud and clear’: After some back-and-forth, the Legislature has agreed on clearer language to prevent development on state park lands. The House initially approved the measure (HB 209) in mid-April. However, the Senate added amendments to the bill’s language in that chamber Wednesday, which sent it back to the House. House lawmakers agreed Thursday to accept that language. Rep. John Snyder, a Hobe Sound Republican, sponsored the bill and said the Senate amendments were “minor” and that the measure is still essentially intact from when the House first approved it. Rep. Robin Bartleman, a Weston Democrat, asked Snyder for assurances that the bill would prohibit the “takeover” of state parks by golf courses. Snyder said there’s no doubt that golf courses will not be added to state parks under the wording in the bill. “That piece is very much in there loud and clear and did not change,” Snyder said.
Free kill on life support: Lawmakers this week agreed to repeal a 35-year-old law that today bars adult children over 25 and their parents from suing for pain and suffering due to a wrongful death caused by medical malpractice. Legislation (HB 6017) deleting the unique provision from state statutes cleared a final Senate vote 33-4. An overwhelming share of House lawmakers approved the bill late last month. It will next go to DeSantis. HB 6017, unless vetoed by the Governor, will end what may refer to as Florida’s “free kill” law. In 1990, lawmakers expanded Florida’s Wrongful Death Act to add more classifications of survivors entitled to non-economic damages for general cases of wrongful death. But the change excluded adult children 26 and older and parents of adult children from being able to sue for pain and suffering if their family member dies due to medical malpractice and is not married or doesn’t have minor children. The final Thursday vote came one day after Senators rejected an amendment that Sen. Clay Yarborough proffered would have capped awards at $1 million per incident. “This is a 35-year-old law that needs to be repealed,” he said. “It’s unjust. It shouldn’t be on the books.”
— Women’s Hall of Fame —
The Florida Women’s Hall of Fame will be getting three new inductees. Gov. Ron DeSantis selected them based on recommendations presented by the Florida Commission on the Status of Women.
Belle Yates Bear is a principal of the Bear Family Foundation and a dedicated community member who has served Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. As a founding member of IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area, which provides grants to nonprofit organizations, Bear held numerous leadership roles and was a founding member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida. Her many accolades include a Florida Senate Presidential Medal.
Mary Brickell is often celebrated as the “Mother of Miami” and played a pivotal role in the city’s early development. After arriving in South Florida in 1871 and acquiring 2,000 acres of land along the Miami River with her husband, the Brickells laid the foundation for one of Florida’s most iconic cities.
Together, they established the area’s first post office, bank, and general store and opened their home as a makeshift hospital during the typhoid outbreak of 1873. Brickell and pioneer Julia Tuttle facilitated the arrival of Henry Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railway through the sale of land, cementing herself as an integral part of Miami’s history
Dotti Groover-Skipper currently serves as the Anti-Trafficking Director at The NOMORE Foundation and Chair of the SAFE Alliance of Tampa Bay Board of Directors. Groover-Skipper has served on the Statewide Drug Policy Advisory Council, the Hillsborough County Commission on the Status of Women, and the Hillsborough County Commission on Human Trafficking.
Groover-Skipper was honored with the 2024 “Women Who Win” Award by Tampa Bay Business and Wealth Magazine and also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister in 2024.
— Hometown heroes —
As graduation approaches for Florida State University, the horrible events of April 17 still linger for many students, alumni, faculty and Tallahassee residents alike.
The scary truth is that things could’ve been much worse if not for the first responders who arrived quickly to apprehend the shooter.
This week, DeSantis presented members of the Florida State University Police Department with the Governor’s Medal of Heroism.
DeSantis said in a Facebook post: “These brave officers ran toward danger at great personal risk and potential sacrifice to protect students and staff on FSU’s campus. This is truly answering the call of duty and putting others first. Thank you to each of the eight officers recognized today for exemplifying heroism; this is an honor well deserved.”
FSUPD officers neutralized the shooter in just over two minutes, likely preventing further injuries or deaths.
“I am immensely proud of the men and women of FSUPD. We are honored and humbled that Gov. DeSantis acknowledged our courageous officers today. This recognition is entirely about them,” said FSUPD Chief Jason Trumbower.
FSU Strong — still and forever.
— Fraud! —
The Attorney General’s Office announced Wednesday that it had apprehended and charged a man with voter fraud.
Attorney General James Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution released a statement saying that a four-time felon, Brian Keith Lasecki, has been arrested and charged with illegally casting a ballot.
Lasecki voted in the 2022 General Election while on probation and when his voting rights had not been restored. In a statement, Uthmeier’s office said the defendant knowingly filled out multiple voting registration applications despite being prohibited from voting due to his criminal history.
“This defendant knowingly unlawfully participated in the 2022 Election as a four-time felon on probation,” Uthmeier said in a statement. “This is a clear violation of the law, and our office is committed to enforcing accountability in order to protect the legitimacy of our elections.”
Investigators claimed that when Lasecki was filling out voter registration applications in 2022, he indicated that his civil rights had been restored and claimed he was not on probation then. Lasecki, however, has since confessed to investigators that he did, in fact, vote in August 2022.
Lasecki had previously been convicted of two separate parole violations, felony battery and attempted first-degree murder. Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Sophia Birriel-Sanchez will be handling the case.
— OPR open for business —
This week, Theme launched the Office of Parental Rights in association with the Southeastern Legal Foundation.
The initiative aims to establish justice for parents and families who feel their rights have been violated.
“Governments should understand that — when it comes to raising a child — they don’t know best. The parents do, and they deserve an Attorney General’s office working on their behalf,” said Uthmeier.
“This first-in-the-nation office is a mechanism for parents and families to seek justice where local governments and school systems seek to ‘treat,’ indoctrinate, or collect data from students without parental involvement. This new initiative is another way we are making Florida the best place to raise a family.”
The OPR can assist with cases that see denial of access to school records, lack of consent for biometric or personal data collection and unauthorized health care, counseling or mental health services and more.
The office will also help when parents call foul for “Interference with educational choices” or “objectionable instructional or library materials.”
Kimberly Hermann of the Southeastern Legal Foundation was on hand for the announcement and recent instances where an office like OPR could’ve stepped in.
“One of the issues we are seeing again and again across this country are secret surveys of public school children. What does this look like? Parents, this is often an app on a school device that rotates daily questions for kids to answer without any parental knowledge. Some of these questions include: questions about mental health, their sexuality, and their relationship with you as parents,” she said.
— Instagram of the week —
— The week in appointments —
Florida Rehabilitation Council — The Governor announced a dozen appointments to the Florida Rehabilitation Council this week. The appointees include Derek Arnold, Florida Department of Education Vice Chancellor for Strategic Improvement Margaret “Peggy” Aune, Bridgeway Center President and CEO Bonnie Barlow, FDOE Division of Vocational Rehabilitation consultant Diane Cholcher, Parent To Parent of Miami President and CEO Farides Garcia, Ippolito Foods founder and President Richard Ippolito, Tampa Brass and Aluminum vice president of Sales and Business Development Chris Leto, Amerikey Locksmith founder and CEO Paul Micklow, Disability Achievement Center Executive Director Nicole Reed, FDOE Director of Vocational Rehabilitation Kelly Rogers, Florida Professional Firefighters and Paramedics Legislative Program Director Meredith Stanfield and Sunlake High School Exceptional Student Education teacher Alisa Stock.
The Acquisition and Restoration Council — DeSantis announced the appointment of Joshua Gamblin and Will Watts to the Acquisition and Restoration Council. Gamblin is the ranch manager of Stolen Saddle Ranch. Previously, he was the land manager, wildlife biologist, and private land burn team coordinator for the Tall Timbers Research Station and Land Conservancy. Gamblin earned his bachelor’s degree in natural resource management in wildlife from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and his master’s degree in forest resources and species conservation from the University of Florida. Watts is the Assistant Secretary of Engineering and Operations for the Florida Department of Transportation, where he oversees environmental mitigation, wildlife crossings, and FDOT’s federal assignment of NEPA. He is a member of the Florida Engineering Society and the American Society of Civil Engineers. Watts earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Florida State University.
— Crash dummies —
No one enjoys the gut-wrenching feeling that starts to sink in moments after a fender bender. And no one wants to look up and see the other burning rubber, especially after an accident.
Also, no — “My bad” scribbled on a sticky note stuck to the door does not suffice as penance.
This week, CS/HB 479, sponsored by Sen. Kristen Arrington and Rep. Dan Daley, hit the Governor’s desk and was signed into law.
“This legislation helps everyday Floridians who are unfairly stuck with the bill. I am grateful to have been able to work on this legislation to ensure that those who leave the scene are held accountable. It’s about responsibility, fairness and doing the right thing,” said Arrington.
The legislation allows a court to order a driver convicted of leaving the scene of a crash that directly resulted in damage to an attended vehicle or other property to make restitution to the vehicle owner. (It makes you wonder … how this was not already a thing?)
“CS/HB 479 makes it clear — if you leave the scene, you will be held responsible and are required to pay for the damage you caused. This legislation ensures that everyday Floridians are no longer the victim. I am beyond proud to see this legislation signed into law,” Daley said.
The bill, which will go into effect on Oct. 1, is a win for Florida drivers and a loss for anyone without a backbone.
— Raising awareness—
A bill that aims to implement human trafficking awareness for public school personnel was unanimously passed by the Senate on Monday.
Hialeah Gardens Republican Sen. Bryan Avila sponsored the bill (SB 444), which was swapped for its House companion bill (HB 1237), which was sponsored by Orlando Republican Rep. Erika Booth and Stuart Republican Rep. Toby Overdorf.
The bill was amended to match its House version, which clarified that the term “public schools” includes charter schools.
Jacksonville Democratic Sen. Tracie Davis raised concerns about the training cost. In response, Avila said it was already included in school funding.
“There is no fiscal impact to the schools or the school districts,” Avila said. “In fact, the Department of Education will identify free training curriculum for the schools and the school districts, and each school and each district will be able to pool from there.”
Avila added that the training could be done online or in person and would be incorporated into existing staff abuse and neglect training conducted before each school year begins.
The bill requires a district or school-based administrator to annually train instructional personnel, school nurses and doctors, and other school personnel who regularly interact with students.
Such personnel must annually acknowledge receipt of training. The bill also requires each school district to develop a comprehensive training curriculum on human trafficking awareness, which must be submitted to the Department of Education for approval.
— Gassed —
On Tuesday, the Florida Legislature passed a bill to protect Floridians’ access to affordable energy.
Port St. Joe Republican Rep. Jason Shoaf and Tavares Republican Sen. Keith Truenow sponsored the measure (HB 1137/SB 1002), which has now passed in both chambers and will make its next stop with the Governor.
The legislation would prohibit local governments and utility entities from restricting the use of certain appliances and fuel sources. It would further strengthen existing laws to ensure energy decisions remain with customers.
“This bill maintains consistent energy policies across Florida, preventing local governments from imposing restrictions that could affect the types of energy sources available to consumers,” Truenow said in a statement. “The legislation ensures that certain entities can produce, use, deliver, convert or supply energy without local government restrictions.”
Current law prohibits local governments from enacting or enforcing policies restricting fuel sources that can be delivered or used. However, it has been found that some local entities are skirting around these protections, applying fees and restrictions on appliances, which is undermining consumer choice.
The measure expands state law to include local boards, agencies, commissions, authorities and cooperatives from being able to restrict fuel sources and/or appliances such as stoves, grills, and water heaters.
Dale Calhoun, Executive Director of the Florida Natural Gas Association, said the measure expands consumer choice and keeps energy affordable.
“We thank the House and Senate for their leadership and commitment to making sure Floridians have the freedom to choose the energy solutions that work best for them,” Calhoun said.
— Turbocharged transparency —
The Florida House passed a measure Tuesday that would overhaul the Sunshine State’s rulemaking process.
Stuart Republican Rep. Overdorf sponsored the bill (HB 433) that was swapped for the Senate companion bill (SB 108) sponsored by Fort Pierce Republican Sen. Erin Grall.
The legislation aims to modernize the state’s administrative procedures and bolster transparency, accountability, and public engagement in Florida’s government operations.
“Floridians deserve a front-row seat to their government’s actions — it’s their money, their rules, their rights,” Overdorf said in a statement. “This is a battle cry for efficient, accountable governance. Florida’s already a national leader and this keeps us razor-sharp at the forefront.”
The measure mandates clear explanations for proposed rules, public workshops on demand, and cost analyses for rules that impact small businesses. Rule developments require at least a 30-day notice of legislative triggers from agencies, who must also ensure that referenced materials are accessible online.
It would further launch a system to review and potentially sunset outdated rules. Agencies must audit portions of their regulations annually and prepare a report for the Legislature. Tighter guardrails would also be implemented for emergency rules, while citizens could propose cost-saving alternatives. Agencies would be further required to respond to these citizen-led proposals.
The bill was passed with full support from the Government Operations Subcommittee, Budget Committee and State Affairs Committee, and it was unanimously passed through both chambers.
— Greenlight for stem cells —
A bill aimed at making stem cell therapies more accessible was passed by the Legislature on Thursday.
Panama City Republican Sen. Jay Trumbull sponsored the bill (SB 1768), which North Port Republican Rep. James Buchanan amended during its passage in the House.
The House amendment refined the terminology used in the definition section of the original bill to clarify that placental prenatal stem cells may be used in stem cell therapy after birth.
It further prohibits a physician from performing stem cell therapies with stem cells obtained from a facility that fails to meet specific criteria or accreditation standards.
It also provides that a physician who knowingly uses fetal embryonic tissues from an abortion for treatment or research could face disciplinary action.
Trumbull added that selling or distributing computer products made with human cells or tissues could carry a third-degree felony charge.
The legislation aims to ensure stem cell therapies are available, but without using stem cells that have been obtained from aborted fetuses.
Health care providers would also be authorized to perform stem cell therapy that has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration under certain circumstances, such as treatments related to orthopedics, wound care or pain management.
— Raising awareness —
On Wednesday, the Legislature passed a bill to raise awareness of the symptoms, risk factors, and screenings for Type 1 diabetes in young children.
West Palm Beach Democratic Sen. Mack Bernard sponsored the bill (SB 958), which unanimously passed the House after passing through the Senate.
Under the bill, the Florida Department of Health (DOH) would be required to collaborate with early learning coalitions, school districts, school boards, and charter schools to develop Type 1 diabetes information materials for parents of young children and notify parents annually of the availability of new materials.
“This is an urgent and critical issue, as I’ve witnessed too many friends whose children have been impacted by this disease,” Bernard said.
Between 5% and 10% of people with diabetes have Type 1, which is most prevalent in children, teens and young adults. Approximately 6,568 students with Type 1 diabetes were enrolled in Florida public schools in 2023.
Informational materials would be required to describe Type 1 diabetes, the risk factors and associated warning signs, the screening process, and recommendations for further evaluation for students who display warning signs.
The legislation will now go to DeSantis and, if signed, will go into effect July 1.
—Keeping it fair—
The Legislature approved a measure Wednesday that aims to correct an unintended consequence of a state law governing municipal utility surcharges.
Miami Gardens Democratic Rep. Felicia Robinson sponsored the bill (HB 11), now heading to the Governor’s desk.
Current law allows a municipality that provides water or utilities to another municipality to charge a 25% surcharge, due to the costs associated with building infrastructure to extend services.
However, there are cases where infrastructure existed before a facility was purchased; some where a facility is physically located within a municipality but owned by a different municipality.
In some cases, an owner municipality can impose a 25% surcharge on the residents of another municipality, while its own residents pay no surcharge, despite receiving the same water.
The bill seeks to erase the disparity by requiring all residents within the facility-owner municipality and a host city to be charged the same rate.
“I am thankful to the Florida Legislature for passing this critical legislation in a time where property insurance rates are skyrocketing and the cost of living continues to increase. I also want to thank my colleague, Sen. (Shevrin) Jones, for his work on this bill,” Robinson said. “Getting this legislation to the finish line was a labor of love to not only my constituents, but to all Floridians statewide. This bill ensures no Florida resident is unfairly charged for essential services simply because of where they live.”
— Scalpers squashed —
The Senate unanimously passed legislation Wednesday prohibiting the unauthorized sale of service appointments with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) or tax collector offices.
In response to the bill’s passing (HB 961), Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez issued a statement calling it a “victory.”
“The unanimous passage of HB 961 is a victory for fairness and common sense,” Fernandez said. “What began here in Miami-Dade as a local fight against appointment scalping has now become statewide policy. We took on the scalpers, exposed how they were profiting off the public and now, thanks to this new law, the state has our back.”
Fernandez noted that he is proud of his office’s work alongside former Commissioner Kevin Cabrera, noting it sends a clear message that public systems are not for sale.
“Every resident deserves a fair shot at services — no middlemen, no markups,” Fernandez said.
Fernandez further said that his office had uncovered a network of individuals and businesses, particularly driving schools, exploiting the appointment scheduling system by overbooking free DHSMV-related services and reselling those appointments to residents for a profit.
“The community deserves fair and equitable access to essential services, free from manipulation and exploitation,” Fernandez said. “I thank the Florida Legislature for their leadership and support in ensuring this protection is now enshrined in state law. The work continues, but today, we celebrate a major victory for transparency, fairness and the people of Florida.”
Individuals caught selling or offering to sell a service appointment with DHSMV or a tax collector could face a first-degree misdemeanor unless specifically allowed in writing.
— FAME shines a light —
It’s gonna be May (classic *NSYNC joke).
Over the years, mental health has taken center stage in the national conversation, and May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
To kick off the month and recognize some amazing workers, the Florida Association of Managing Entities (FAME), a statewide organization that advocates for behavioral health issues, is spotlighting Florida’s Behavioral Health Managing Entities (MEs).
In Florida, nearly 2.9 million adults a year experience a mental health condition, and more than 700,000 Floridians live with a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or major depression. MEs are on the front lines providing needed care, compassion and intuitiveness.
“Managing Entities are the engine behind Florida’s behavioral health care system. They connect individuals to the right care at the right time and in the right place — regardless of ability to pay — while maximizing every dollar to serve more people across our state,” said Natalie Kelly, CEO of FAME.
MEs offer 24-hour access lines and mobile response teams, crisis stabilization and centralized receiving facilities, outpatient services, detoxification treatment, and more. So, check in on your mental health this May, and give a big “thank you” to those helping their fellow Floridians in their time of need.
— FAMU’s Garden State —
This weekend, future generations across the state begin taking their first major steps into the workforce after a four-year academic experience — graduation weekend is here!
While many here in Tallahassee get ready to cross the stage, whether at FSU or TSC, let’s not forget about the Rattlers tossing their hats in the air down in Orlando.
While FAMU’s main campus is in Tallahassee, the law school is in Orlando, and this weekend, the special future lawyers — Brianna Neblett, Khadidja Diouf and Martika Major — are walking.
But the trio is celebrating more than just the next chapter of their lives. They have also been recognized for impacting the community since their 1L days.
The three soon-to-be JDs dedicated their Saturday mornings to the Parramore Community Garden, one of Orlando’s most underserved areas, to help grow fresh produce for area families in need.
Not only is it great for the mind, body, and community, but the garden also became an extension of their legal education and passion for helping.
“The garden taught me that real change starts with small, consistent acts of care. Week after week, I saw how something as simple as showing up could make a difference in the soil, in the community, and in myself. It gave me hope and a sense of belonging and reminded me that service doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful,” said Neblett.
After graduation, Neblett will begin her legal career as an associate at Simpson & Reed PLLC.
“I hope the garden continues to be a place where love, care, and community grow. My advice is to just show up — even small efforts can create lasting change. It’s more than growing food; it’s about growing community, hope, and connection. When you give from the heart, the impact always reaches farther than you realize,” said Diouf, who will begin her law career as an assistant public defender in Florida’s 9th Judicial Circuit.
Major, who often led coordination efforts related to the garden and community, added: “Even the smallest actions matter. Find something you care about, stay consistent, and trust that your effort will help build something bigger than yourself.”
Major deciding between serving as an Assistant State Attorney in Florida’s 17th or 9th Judicial Circuits.
— Warm waters, small surf —
There might be some surf for the weekend between the Big Bend area and the Panhandle of Florida.
It’s not going to be very big, but it might be the right size for small wave gear such as longboards and standup paddleboards. The National Weather Service marine forecast for the Northwest Gulf notes a high-pressure system has settled over the region. Winds should be manageable for Saturday and blowing out of the Southeast at 10 to 15 knots. Those winds will drop to 10 knots or less out of the southeast on Sunday.
There will be some increase in surface conditions in the open Gulf, with seas expected to mount to 3 to 5 feet. But that’s in the open waters, meaning surf will likely be, optimistically, knee-to-waist-high on those sandbars stretching from Apalachee Bay west to the Alabama border. The waist-high projection may be wishful thinking in the end.
The swell height on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather buoy 42036, about 112 miles northwest of Tampa, registered only a foot on Friday. But the good news is the swell was directly out of the south, which could make for some rideable waves lining up on those Gulf beaches facing south, though, as mentioned, it will be pretty small.
The water temperature is going upward now that we’re in May. It’s already 75 degrees on the surface of open waters, meaning it will likely be even warmer near shore. Get on it, at least for some swimming and sunbathing. You live and play in a great state; don’t waste it.
— Capitol Directions —
Ben Albritton, Danny Perez — Down arrow — If they practiced trust falls in the Rotunda, one of them would end up in the ER.
Kathleen Passidomo — Crossways arrow — … well, we’d wager at least 37 people agree with her.
Ed Hooper, Lawrence McClure — Down arrow — They have us yearning for J.D. Alexander to return to the Capitol.
Casey DeSantis — Down arrow — “Wait. Is this f*****g play about us?”
Wilton Simpson — Up arrow — The Farm Bill is more packed than a Bag of Holding, just remember to brush twice a day.
Jenn Bradley, Vicky Lopez — Up arrow — Rest assured, condo owners, these two don’t know the meaning of the word ‘quit.’
Jason Brodeur — Up arrow — MAGA-world says you’ve earned 30 minutes of gas blower time!
Darryl Rouson — Up arrow — Sometimes life shows you who your true friends are. For him, it’s everyone.
Blaise Ingoglia — Up arrow — Amen.
Mike Redondo — Up arrow — The Corcoran-Olivá rules are sooo last decade.
Gaetz, Grall, and JPM — Down arrow — A $1M bond won’t keep out-of-state AstroTurfers away, but it will nuke the grassroots.
John Snyder, Peggy Gossett-Seidman — Up arrow — Finally! We’ve been wanting guaranteed pickleball-free zones for five years. Oh, and also to protect parks.
Nick DiCeglie, Lindsay Cross — Up arrow — Bring on the no-splash zone.
Ileana Garcia, Shev Jones — Up arrow — South Florida Art Deco is not only alive and well, but it’s here to stay.
Corey Simon, Jason Shoaf — Up arrow — Leave it to the former NFL player to know about protecting student athletes.
Joe Casello — Up arrow — It took three sessions, but his Comprehensive Waste Reduction & Recycling Plan made it through. That firefighter never gives up!
Wyman Duggan — Up arrow — FIVE has a box of wristbands with his name on it.
Christine Hunschofsky — Up arrow — Renters deserve protection against the elements, too.
Efficiency — Up arrow — It doesn’t mix well with red tape, and neither does Rep. Toby Overdorf.
‘Free kill’ families — Up arrow — It’s time to lawyer up, doc.
Utility workers — Up arrow — Bolt up. Protecting those who keep our lights on.
Weather modification — Crossways arrow — Where’s the amendment banning Sharknados?
Lauren Book — Up arrow — Don’t ruin the fun with a Pearson check, but statewide walks and gubernatorial bids have a high degree of correlation.
Rodney Barreto — Up arrow — It wasn’t pretty, but he made it through.
Rosie Cordero-Stutz — Up arrow — Miami-Dade’s first elected Sheriff in decades and Public Affairs Consultants’ Erin Ballas are an unbeatable combo.
Daniel Foganholi — Crossways arrow — Wait … the op-ed came out AFTER April 17?
Erin Smeltzer — Up arrow — A record-setting Celebration of the Hands, a sold-out awards ceremony and a new high for Teen Day. The kids are alright.
Amy Zubaly — Up arrow — Good news: The Lineman Rodeo doesn’t need to add an MMA segment!
Bowen Kou — Down arrow — *In Trump’s voice: “Chinnnnaaaa.”
Kentucky Derby parties — Up arrow — Bust out the seersucker, straw hats, bourbon, and Hard Rock app. Saturday is a go!
Cinco de Mayo parties — Up arrow — Pass the guac and Modelo, because talks of Special Sessions aren’t invited to the party
Daisy — — She’s getting all the treats when she gets home!
Jason Trumbower — Up arrow — FSUPD didn’t hesitate, and Nole Nation couldn’t be more grateful.
Will Weatherford — Up arrow — We wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a stadium named after him one day.
