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This week, the NFL officially announced the 2026 schedules for all 32 teams — and, per usual, the social media teams went crazy. Some of the most viral videos included the Las Vegas Raiders riffing on the early-2000s cult-comedy classic “Step Brothers” with their quarterback room, featuring this year’s first overall pick, Fernando Mendoza, alongside journeyman, maybe-starting-for-a-few-weeks Michigan State legend Kirk Cousins. The Cleveland Browns went full retro video game mode and even brought in YouTuber MatPat for their release. The Indianapolis Colts acknowledged that “The Simpsons” seemingly has a clip for everything, while the LA Chargers once again became the talk of the internet with hilarious jabs at every team — including the New England Patriots’ ongoing drama involving Head Coach Mike Vrabel and former The Athletic reporter Dianna Russini. The Jacksonville Jaguars made massive splashes this week for multiple reasons, including Pro Bowl quarterback Trevor Lawrence — “The Prince Who Was Promised,” if you ask Jaguars fans — appearing to cut off his iconic luscious locks. That’s right: the look he’s rocked since before his Clemson days appeared to be gone. We briefly feared a full Samson scenario in which his powers would disappear along with his flowing blonde hair. Turns out it was just a fantastically executed prank tied to the schedule release. Look how they fooled everyone (including us) right here. But the Jaguars also made headlines this week for something unrelated to the follicle department: their partnership with the Florida Lottery to celebrate more than 350 outstanding student-athletes across 22 sports during the annual Gateway Conference Awards ceremony. 
The Lottery and the Jags — not a bad combo. The ceremony recognizes excellence in academics, athletics and — most importantly — leadership across 17 Duval — or, ahem, DUUUUUUUVALLLLL County public high schools. Sorry, we couldn’t help ourselves. “Once again, the Jaguars are honored to celebrate high school students in the Gateway Conference Awards whose well-rounded accomplishments in academics, sports and beyond represent the complete package. Their commitment to leadership and excellence sets them apart today and signals a bright future for Jacksonville as these students graduate and go on to make meaningful contributions to our community,” said Jaguars Senior Vice President and Chief Community Impact Officer Whitney Meyer. The event brought together student-athletes, coaches, Athletic Directors, school administrators, families and community leaders to recognize individuals who exemplify dedication both on and off the field. Each recipient was nominated by a coach or principal, with selections highlighting achievements, community impact, and the kind of unbreakable character respected adults always hope younger people notice before they realize it themselves. “This celebration goes far beyond athletic performance — it’s about recognizing the discipline, commitment, and leadership these student-athletes demonstrate every day,” said Florida Lottery Acting Secretary Reginald Dixon. “At the Florida Lottery, our mission is to support education and create opportunity for Florida students, and these young leaders embody exactly what that investment is meant to build. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and support their continued journey toward success in school, in sports, and in life.” The Gateway Conference Awards serve as a celebration of meaningful student success, bringing together athletics and academics to help raise up the next generation of leaders in Northeast Florida. Bucs and Dolphins fans aside, who’s ready for some Jaguars football? Sept. 13 can’t get here soon enough. ___ 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 and the staff of Florida Politics. But first, the “Takeaway 5” — the Top 5 stories from the week that was: |
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Take 5 |
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Rural Renaissance — Senate President Ben Albritton’s signature agenda item is being dismantled, with programs being chopped from the state budget. Senate budget negotiators zeroed out nearly every line of the initiative in the Senate’s first Transportation and Economic Development (TED) counteroffer back to the House. That included $2.48 million to fund 17 full-time positions for the Office of Rural Prosperity, $7 million for a Renaissance grants program, $30 million in rural housing rehabilitation, $75 million for Florida Hometown Heroes housing, $5 million for rural workforce funding, and $5 million for a rural community development revolving loan fund. The feud continues — Speaking in Madison, the outgoing Governor maligned the House Speaker Daniel Perez, calling him an obstructionist motivated by personal beef at the expense of putting conservative policies in place. “He is not governing in the best interests of the people of the state of Florida. He has a personal agenda. He has other things that he’s concerned about,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said of Perez. DeSantis, whose conflicts with Perez have been aired since last year, said that “when you have people that got elected on our back, like the Speaker of the House, get in and do the opposite of what the voters expected us to do, I’m going to call that out.” Campus Guardians — DeSantis has signed HB 757, a measure clearing the way for faculty and staff to carry guns and protect Florida’s public universities and state colleges under the school guardian program. Speaking in Miami, DeSantis said the legislation was an extension of improvements in school safety that he started early in his term, less than a year after the mass shooting at a high school in Parkland. DeSantis said that the attack was presaged by “warning signs” that the shooter could pose a danger to others, given his checkered history at the school. Republicans backing the latest measure said the guardian program will beef up security and protect students following a shooting last year at Florida State University. Meanwhile, Democrats opposing the bill warned about the potential consequences of having more guns on campus in the hands of people who are not official members of law enforcement. Preview — Rep. Sam Garrison is no longer hinting that mental and behavioral health will be just a priority during his Speakership — it looks like it could be a ground-up rebuild. Speaking at the Florida Chamber Leadership Conference on Safety, Health + Sustainability, the Fleming Island Republican repeatedly connected shortcomings in the behavioral health system as more than a healthcare issue, but as a public safety, workforce and infrastructure problem. Garrison, who will become Speaker after the November elections, added that Florida’s current system is being held together with “duct tape and chicken wire.”... “We’ve got to put out the fire, and then we’ve got to figure out how to build a better fire department,” he said. “If the Florida business community doesn’t buy into what we’re talking about, it will fail. Period.” Sit-in — Rep. Angie Nixon, a Jacksonville Democrat, joined a sit-in at DeSantis’ office with at least two dozen other protesters on Friday. Protesters, including Nixon, were warned at 12:30 p.m. that they were in violation of Capitol Complex rules, specifically a rule prohibiting parading, picketing, speechmaking, vigils and sit-ins. At about 1:05 p.m., a loudspeaker announcement blared through the corridor where protesters were staged, warning them that if they did not disperse, they would be issued trespass warnings and would risk arrest. Nixon was ultimately arrested by Capitol Police. |
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Book ‘em |
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A St. Cloud man is facing 80 charges of possessing child sexual abuse material. Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that Adam Wahlgren has been arrested on the charges after the St. Cloud Police Department received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The tip alleged the 52-year-old Wahlgren possessed, viewed and transmitted the material through Verizon’s Synchronoss data service, a cloud storage system owned by the mobile communications company. The original tip was sent to the Sanford and Orlando Police Departments. Investigators there traced the internet address in question to a St. Cloud residence. St. Cloud investigators executed a search warrant at Wahlgren’s home and found the illegal material on laptop computers, desktop computers, tablets, USB drives, SD cards, external drives and 28 hard drives. 
James Uthmeier is prosecuting another predator. Police also discovered Wahlgren had fled the state. He was tracked down in Lonoke, Arkansas and apprehended by local law enforcement on May 1. Wahlgren is expected to be extradited to St. Cloud. “This predator thought that he could escape the consequences of his depraved behavior by running to another state. He was wrong,” Uthmeier said in a Tuesday news release. “In Florida, we will find you and bring you back to face our prosecutors in court.” A preliminary analysis of the seized computer equipment found graphic images and videos depicting children being sexually abused, investigators said. Some of the images showed children physically bound during the abuse. |
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Forward progress |
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Uthmeier says he has made some progress in his challenge to the NFL over the so-called Rooney Rule governing minority interview practices. But he’s escalating the legal fight. Uthmeier said on X that he believes he has made inroads with the nation’s most popular sports league after sending a letter to the league’s offices in March demanding that the NFL end the Rooney Rule. But Uthmeier said more work needs to be done, announcing he has issued an investigative subpoena to the league. The subpoena was addressed to Ted Ullyot, the NFL’s Executive Vice President and General Counsel. “We appreciate how quickly the NFL changed its website in response to our letter and capitulated on some of their discriminatory hiring quotas,” Uthmeier said in an X post highlighting the latest action. The NFL website previously said the Rooney Rule “promotes diverse leadership.” That language has since been changed to describe the rule as an effort to “expand opportunity” for leadership positions and seek candidates “from a wide range of backgrounds,” according to ESPN. 
James Uthmeier’s challenge is moving along. But in a May 1 letter to the Attorney General, Ullyot said the league does not require race-based considerations in hiring practices. “Simply put, the NFL does not permit the consideration of race, sex or any other legally protected characteristic in any hiring decisions or employment actions,” Ullyot wrote. “The Rooney Rule does not compel any hiring or discharge decision, or direct that anyone be ‘discriminated against.’ It operates solely in the interview process.” But Uthmeier said that the response is insufficient. “Their response raises more questions about the Rooney Rule, and we look forward to their cooperation with the investigative subpoena we issued them (Wednesday),” he added on X. The NFL describes the policy as an effort to increase diversity among league leadership. “The Rooney Rule aims to increase the number of minorities hired in head coach, general manager, and executive positions,” the league said. The original letter sent to the league in March argued the policy violates Florida law. “Professional sports are a visible example of a merit-based system, but through the Rooney Rule, the NFL requires its teams to use race-based hiring practices,” the letter said. In his latest letter to the league, Uthmeier acknowledged some cooperation from the NFL but argued the organization has not gone far enough. He also rejected the league’s assertion that the Rooney Rule does not promote hiring quotas. “We are not convinced,” Uthmeier wrote. |
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Retail theft ring |
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Florida and Hillsborough County authorities say they have dismantled a massive retail theft ring that stretched across several states. Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister joined Uthmeier at a news conference announcing the arrests of 14 people accused of participating in a theft operation targeting hardware goods and equipment from Florida to Indiana. Chronister said an undercover investigation uncovered an extensive criminal network. “I’ve never seen a theft or criminal enterprise to this magnitude,” Chronister said. Undercover operatives with the Sheriff’s Office infiltrated the ring, which investigators say began operating in 2023. Chronister said investigators found that ring members were stealing equipment, tools and other goods from hardware stores such as Home Depot and Lowe’s, as well as from construction sites. 
Another theft ring busted. Investigators say the stolen merchandise was transported to a home in Lutz that had been converted into a makeshift hardware store, where items were marketed online. Authorities said the operation spanned multiple Florida counties and extended into Kentucky, Tennessee and Indiana. The stolen goods were typically sold at a fraction of retail prices, according to investigators. Chronister said U.S. Homeland Security officials assisted in apprehending the suspects. Authorities say the ring stole from 33 stores and three construction sites, taking 219 items during the undercover operation alone over recent months. Officials estimate the criminal enterprise generated $12 million over three years of operation. Uthmeier said his Special Prosecution Unit will pursue dozens of charges against the suspects, including Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization charges, conspiracy to commit RICO, organized retail theft, money laundering and other offenses. “The conclusion of this operation is a great victory for justice. It’s a great victory for our retail partners,” Uthmeier said, adding that the Retail Theft Task Force he launched last year played a role in the investigation. |
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$1.5M Never Looked So Delicious |
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Follower counts, views, likes and shares are no longer just metrics for influencers and YouTubers — they’re also becoming bragging rights for the state of Florida. This week, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Fresh From Florida Program are celebrating surpassing 1.5 million consumer engagements across social media follows, newsletter signups, Jr. Chef University participation and Fresh From Florida Club memberships. That’s a lot of eyeballs on Florida produce. Since the start of 2023, Fresh From Florida’s online audience has grown from just over 500,000 to more than 1.5 million. 
Fresh From Florida’s social media team is giving Wilton Simpson something to smile about. “The unprecedented success and growth of the Fresh From Florida Program is a testament to Florida’s farming families, who are the backbone of our state and grow the fresh, affordable food that nourishes our communities. I am proud to support our farmers, ranchers, and fishers, and you can too by following the Fresh From Florida Program online and buying Florida-grown products when shopping at your local grocery store,” Simpson said. Fresh From Florida serves as the state’s flagship agricultural marketing brand, promoting more than 300 commodities produced across over 44,000 farm operations statewide. Agriculture and agribusiness contribute more than $200 billion to Florida’s economy and represent the state’s second-largest industry. Florida currently ranks first nationally in the production of bell peppers, grapefruit, Valencia oranges, sugarcane, fresh-market tomatoes and watermelons. The department also released a video celebrating the milestone. |
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Barnett for the win |
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Step right up and claim your prize — agriculture style. Last week, Simpson announced that Ernie Barnett has been named the recipient of the 2026 Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award. Presented annually since 1994, the Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award recognizes innovative growers, ranchers and leaders committed to protecting Florida’s natural resources while helping maintain the state’s position as a world-class agricultural producer. 
Congrats to Ernie Barnett! “Ernie Barnett has spent more than 35 years in the trenches working on Florida’s toughest land and water issues, and his impact speaks for itself. Whether it’s his work on Everglades restoration or his service supporting producers across the state, Ernie has always taken a practical approach that benefits both our natural resources and Florida agriculture,” Simpson said. “It is my honor to recognize him as this year’s Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award recipient.” Barnett currently serves as Executive Director of the Florida Land Council and has played a role in numerous water-resource management and public policy efforts, including the Lake Okeechobee Protection Act, the Everglades Restoration Investment Act and the Water Resources Development Act of 2000. He also received the 2001 National Wetlands Award for Outstanding Wetlands Program Development. Barnett will be formally recognized by Simpson at the Fresh From Florida Breakfast during the Florida Farm Bureau annual meeting in October. For more information about previous recipients and the award, visit the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award webpage. |
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Instagram of the Week |
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Florida Future Chef fun |
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Think your kid has what it takes to become the next Carmy from “The Bear” or Gordon Ramsay? Ideally, with less yelling, swearing and cigarette smoking. This week, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced it is accepting entries for Florida Future Chef 2026, a statewide student cooking competition challenging young Floridians to reimagine school meals using Florida-grown ingredients while learning about the nutrition standards tied to the National School Lunch Program. 
Get your nominations in. “Parents are paying closer attention to what’s in their children’s food, and they should. The Florida Future Chef competition encourages students to think differently about nutrition by using fresh Florida-grown ingredients instead of relying on heavily processed foods. That’s good for our kids, good for our farmers, and good for Florida,” Simpson said. Now in its sixth year, the competition is open to students ages 8 through 12 as of the September 2026 finale event. Participants must submit a two- to five-minute video showcasing their creative take on a favorite school meal while featuring Fresh From Florida ingredients. The submission deadline is July 13 at 11:59 p.m. The top prize includes up to $5,000 in college funds through a Florida 529 Savings Plan scholarship, provided by the presenting sponsor, Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation. More information about the competition, rules and submission process is available at FloridaFutureChef.com. |
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Not on our watch |
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Don’t get caught out in the rain just because Florida dodged major storms last year. This week in Riverview, Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia urged Floridians to prepare for the 2026 hurricane season, which officially begins June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. Ingoglia said the state is working to educate residents on storm preparedness as part of an ongoing outreach initiative. “Hurricanes can be unpredictable, and in times of uncertainty, being prepared is one of the most effective ways to keep yourself and your family safe. I want to encourage everyone, do not wait until it is too late, have a plan and an emergency kit ready to go before a storm is on the horizon,” Ingoglia said. 
You don’t need to wait until hurricane season, you know... Officials encouraged residents to review their home and flood insurance coverage before storms arrive and compare policies to ensure adequate protection. Floridians were also advised to document their property with photos and video, secure important documents in waterproof containers and keep cash on hand in case electronic payment systems fail. “Being prepared isn’t just recommended; it is essential in keeping our citizens and first responders safe before, during and after a storm. Our firefighters are trained to respond to severe weather conditions, but if our citizens take necessary precautions, this can limit the strain on emergency personnel and allow us to respond to emergencies more efficiently,” said Jason Dougherty, Chief of Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. After a storm, officials recommend reporting damage promptly to insurers, making emergency repairs to prevent further damage and documenting those repairs. Residents were also warned to watch for fraud and scams, verify contractor and adjuster licenses and avoid rushing into financial agreements with public adjusters before contacting the Consumer Services helpline at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO for assistance. Most importantly, officials urged Floridians to use common sense when preparing for and recovering from storms. |
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Is that a FACT? |
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Advanced Placement courses, created by the nonprofit College Board, offer college-level coursework to high school students who may earn university credit before graduation. The classes have long been popular among students looking to get a jump on college requirements. But for some conservatives, the curriculum has become too associated with DEI and “woke” ideology. Last week, the Florida Department of Education announced the framework for the Florida Advanced Courses and Tests (FACT) U.S. History course, a Florida-made alternative to AP coursework. State officials say the program is designed to provide a comprehensive exploration of American history while expanding “high-quality” advanced academic opportunities free of Critical Race Theory and DEI concepts that Florida Republicans have criticized in traditional coursework. “Florida continues to lead the way in expanding access to rigorous, high-quality advanced coursework for all students,” said Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas. 
FACT: AP isn’t the only game in town anymore. “The FACT U.S. History framework underscores our commitment to instruction grounded in the full scope of our nation’s history, while ensuring materials are free from ideological bias or indoctrination.” FACT courses were authorized through House Bill 1537, which DeSantis signed into law in 2023. The first FACT course, College Algebra, was piloted in 32 traditional public and charter schools across the state and will be implemented statewide during the upcoming school year. “The FACT courses ensure Florida students have access to academically rigorous, transparent, and high-quality advanced pathways. The FACT U.S. History framework provides a thorough and balanced study of our nation’s past, grounded in primary sources and factual accuracy. It represents an important step toward restoring academic integrity in the classroom after years of uneven and, at times, ideologically driven instruction,” said Ryan Petty, Chair of the State Board of Education. “Our goal is simple: equip students with the knowledge and critical thinking skills they need to succeed in college, careers, and civic life. I encourage districts and charter schools to participate in the pilot of this course.” |
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Uptick |
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New unemployment claims spiked dramatically for the week ending May 9 in Florida — a period that coincided with the collapse of Spirit Airlines. U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) figures show there were 7,968 first-time jobless filings last week. That’s up by 2,395 claims over the week ending May 2, when there were 5,573 claims. The latest numbers also snap the three-week trend of declining new unemployment claims. After Spirit went out of business, an estimated 4,800 Floridians lost their jobs. The commercial carrier shut down without warning on May 2. Spirit had hubs at several Florida airports, most notably in South and Central Florida. 
'Line goes up' isn’t always good. FloridaCommerce, the state’s business development bureau, held “rapid response” emergency relief worker assistance events both in Orange and Broward counties last week to help displaced airline workers recover from their job losses. Spirit shut down because company officials said the airline could not cope with skyrocketing fuel costs. Last week’s total figure for new unemployment claims in Florida is the highest so far this year. It’s also the steepest single-week increase in the Sunshine State in about two years. The last time Florida saw such a sharp jump was in 2024, in the wake of Hurricanes Milton and Helene. During one week in October 2024, the number of new jobless claims exceeded 10,000. Last week’s new jobless claims figures in Florida are in line with the national picture. There were 190,571 new filings across the country for the week ending May 9. That’s a 5.7% jump from the week prior, or an increase of 10,258 filings. |
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Rest in peace |
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Former longtime Space Coast Congressman and Florida Legislator Bill Posey died May 9. He was 78. U.S. Rep. Mike Haridopolos, who succeeded Posey in Florida’s 8th Congressional District, announced his passing Sunday morning. Haridopolos recognized Posey’s service as a Republican Congressman from 2009 until his retirement in 2025 and praised his lengthy career in the Florida House and Senate. 
Bill Posey died this week at age 78. “Bill dedicated his life to serving the people of Florida and our nation with integrity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to public service. His passing marks the end of a remarkable career that spanned decades of leadership at the local, state, and federal levels,” Haridopolos said. “He approached public office not as a path to personal recognition, but as a solemn responsibility to serve others honorably, faithfully, and effectively.” Posey was first elected to the Florida House in 1992 and represented House District 32 until 2000. He then served in the Florida Senate, representing Senate District 15 from 2000 to 2002 and Senate District 24 from 2002 to 2008 before his election to Congress. |
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Face of FCC |
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A new chapter is beginning for the Florida Coalition for Children. This week, the Florida Coalition for Children announced that Damon Cates, President and CEO of One Hope United, has been appointed the organization’s new Board Chair. Cates succeeds Lila Cavasos, Chief Development Officer of National Youth Advocate Program, who served as FCC Board Chair. “Damon’s vision, leadership, and deep commitment to improving outcomes for children and families make him an exceptional choice to lead our Board of Directors,” said Denise Marzullo, President and CEO of FCC. 
“We are incredibly excited for the experience and perspective he brings to FCC as we continue building momentum and moving the coalition in great directions. Damon understands both the challenges and opportunities facing our sector, and his leadership will help strengthen our impact across Florida.” Cates brings 25-plus years of leadership in philanthropy, organizational strategy, and child and family services on top of serving as President and CEO of One Hope United, where he oversees the goal of supporting more than 10,000 children and families annually across both Illinois and Florida through early childhood education, child welfare, behavioral health, and residential programs. “We are deeply grateful to Lila for her steadfast leadership and unwavering support of FCC over the past several years. Her guidance helped the coalition navigate critical moments while advancing our mission to support children, families, and communities throughout Florida. Lila’s passion and commitment have left a lasting mark on our organization,” Marzullo said of Cavasos’ service. |
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Penny ante |
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The Florida Retail Federation is cheering Gov. Ron DeSantis’ decision to sign a measure allowing vendors to round cash transactions to the nearest nickel. The new law is designed to address the phaseout of penny production. Vendors may now round cash purchases up or down to the nearest nickel. For retailers in the Sunshine State, SB 1074 marks a significant change. “Every cent counts for Florida retailers and families, and Gov. Ron DeSantis understands that,” said Scott Shalley, President and CEO of the Florida Retail Federation. 
Pictured: A bunch of useless zinc-coated copper. “We are grateful to Gov. DeSantis, Sen. Don Gaetz, Rep. Toby Overdorf and Rep. Fiona McFarland for their leadership and support. With this framework, Florida is a model for how states can navigate currency changes, ensuring businesses can prosper, and consumers are protected.” The law specifically states that rounding to the nearest nickel applies only to cash transactions. “Rounding to the nickel does not apply to any transaction for which payment is made by a noncash method, including electronic funds transfer, check, gift card, money order, credit card, or mixed tender, except to the extent that cash is dispersed to the purchaser,” the measure states. The new law took effect immediately. |
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Tally Tony Tussle |
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Who knew? Last Tuesday, the 79th Tony Award nominations were announced, and it turns out the 850 is a contender. The new Broadway show “Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York),” scored eight nominations including Best Musical, Best Book, Best Score, Best Director, Lead Actor, and excitingly Lead Actress for Christiani Pitts, a Florida State University (FSU) alumna. This is Pitt’s first Tony nomination. “I just started folding some clothes so I can like, ground myself - I feel like I’m about to float out of my apartment,” said Pitts on her nomination announcement, which can be found on a “Playbill” official — scroll up if you missed it. Eight nominations is a large count, especially in a show where there are no featured or supporting roles or fancy costumes to pad out the stats. “What impresses us most today is not only her artistry, but the culture she’s building around her — one rooted in collaboration, integrity, and a genuine commitment to uplifting the communities she touches. Christiani embodies the very best of what it means to be an FSU Theatre graduate,” said Brad Brock, the Director of The School of Theatre at FSU. But the Tally connections don’t stop there. 
Takeaways called this one weeks ago. “Ragtime,” a revival of the 1998 Broadway show based on the book and movie of the same name by E. L. Doctorow, had a massive morning as well scoring 11 total nominations including Best Revival of a Musical, two Lead Actors, Best Director, Featured Actor, Featured Actress, and most importantly in terms of this conversation, Lead Actress for Caissie Levy, which is also her first nomination as well. Levy, a Grammy nominee who plays the role of Mother, and who was most known for originating Elsa in the 2018 Broadway “Frozen” production, is married to David Reiser, a Tallahassee native, Young Actors Theater (YAT) alumnus, and a writer/composer himself with fifteen years working on Broadway, Hollywood, and the West End. In 2023, Young Actors Theater - an 850 acting staple - and Reiser, along with the rest of his YAT alumni/film production team (Emily Cook, Matt Reeves, Jordan Reeves), hosted three Broadway stars for benefit concerts with the proceeds going towards their feature-length indie musical “Joni & The Whale,” and its production costs. The film is currently in post-production. But the stars who came to town that night to perform included Shoshana Bean, Christy Altomare, and you guessed it — Caissie Levy. You can read about it here. “To be nominated for the first time means so much to me. I’m truly overwhelmed and can’t stop smiling. And now, I’m going to drop my kids off at school! Balance,” Levy told New York Theater Guide. On the punditry website “Gold Derby,” they currently have Levy taking home the gold for her leading turn, but Pitts could easily be a sneaky pick, too. All we know is that Tallahassee is Tony Town! |
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🎶Parklife: Blur 🎶 |
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Giving back to the places that give Floridians a little peace and quiet — when they can actually get away long enough to visit them. This week, 10 citizen support organizations are helping state parks across Florida through the Florida State Parks Foundation’s annual Park Impact Grants program. This year’s initiative allocated a record $150,000 to support CSOs and state parks that do not currently have affiliated support organizations. “Park Impact Grants support an incredible variety of projects in parks all over the entire state. We have seen Park Impact Grants applied to accessibility, visitor experiences, environmental sustainability, severe weather recovery, historic resource restoration and more,” said Julia Gill Woodward, CEO of the Florida State Parks Foundation. 
Florida's parks are getting grants. “We are proud of everything that Park Impact Grants have helped to achieve, and we are looking forward to seeing what this new, increased allocation will create.” This year’s grant recipients include Blackwater Heritage Trail Inc., Friends of Eden Gardens State Park, Friends of Paynes Prairie, Friends of Fort Cooper Inc., Friends of Gamble Rogers State Park, Friends of Sebastian Inlet State Park, Friends of Koreshan, Paynes Creek Historic State Park, Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, and Friends of Jonathan Dickinson State Park. Since 2021, the foundation has awarded nearly $425,000 through the Park Impact Grants program to support projects such as renovations, construction and equipment purchases benefiting parks, staff and visitors. “CSOs and Friends groups do amazing work all over the state, and we are honored to support them every chance we get. These grant awards will have major positive impacts for our CSOs, for park visitors and for virtually all aspects of park operations,” said Matt Caldwell, Board President of the Florida State Parks Foundation. |
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Rattler Law |
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Strike, Strike, and Strike Again isn’t just a Tallahassee thing; it echoed in Orlando this week as well. On May 7, the Florida A&M University College of Law honored more than 100 graduates during its 2026 Hooding Ceremony at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando. University leadership, law school faculty and staff, alumni, community leaders, family members and friends gathered to celebrate the graduating class. The ceremony’s keynote address was delivered by Sia Baker-Barnes, President of The Florida Bar. 
FAMU Law Honored Class of 2026 at Annual Hooding Ceremony in Orlando. “Some of these tables will welcome you with open arms. Some will invite you but not include you. Some will resent you. And some, Class of 2026, will reject you. It will happen to you at tables in courtrooms, in boardrooms, and in spaces where decisions are made. And not if it does, but when it does, do not accept it. Do not internalize it. Reject it. Class of 2026, do not allow yourselves to be limited by the limitations in other people’s heads,” Baker-Barnes said. FAMU President Marva Johnson also addressed graduates, reflecting on the history and legacy of the College of Law. “We’re not just proud in the way that any university celebrates its graduates, we’re proud in a way that only those who understand what this school endured and overcame can truly be proud. This College of Law has its own testimony, and you are the latest and finest chapter of it,” Johnson said. “You join a distinguished tradition of advocates and counselors, men and women who were entrusted with upholding the rule of law and safeguarding rights and liberties that define our democracy. You graduate at a consequential moment in time. That is not just a light thing. That is a calling.” The Class of 2026 joins more than 2,600 alumni of the FAMU College of Law, whose graduates work across the legal profession, corporations, government agencies, nonprofit organizations and sports organizations. |
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FSU Law sweep |
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Noles are showing up strong in the legal world. This week, FSU’s law school highlighted a major showing across some of Florida’s most competitive public service fellowship programs. Five FSU Law students were selected for Class XXI of the Florida Gubernatorial Fellows program; five of the nine students chosen statewide for the Florida Supreme Court Fellows Program come from FSU Law, and all eight participants in the Florida House of Representatives Legislative Fellows Program are FSU Law students. The selections give FSU Law representation across all three branches of Florida government. “Together, these placements highlight the college’s long-standing role in preparing students for leadership in public service. Being located in the heart of the state capital gives our students unparalleled access to the institutions and leaders shaping the law,” said FSU College of Law Dean Erin O’Hara O’Connor. “These fellowships allow our students to move beyond the classroom and engage directly in the work of government across all three branches, gaining experience that prepares them to lead from day one.” 
FSU Law students also earned a significant share of placements with the Supreme Court of Florida, with five of the nine fellows selected statewide coming from the College of Law. (Photo by FSU College of Law). The five FSU Gubernatorial Fellows are: — 2L Cole McLellan — Florida Department of Law Enforcement — 3L Alexa Kays — Florida Department of State — 2L Lucas Piroli — Executive Office of the Governor, Office of General Counsel — 2L Andrew Otanes — Florida Department of Commerce — 2L Kate Rumisek — Florida Department of Corrections Five of the nine fellows selected for the Florida Supreme Court Fellows Program also come from FSU Law: — 2L Haven Branca — Justice Renatha Francis — 3L Mason Bennett — Justice Meredith Sasso — 3L Sheldon Burnell — Chief Justice Carlos Muñiz — 2L Zenani Johnson — Justice Jorge Labarga — 3L Steven Wiktorski — Justice Adam Tanenbaum FSU Law also swept the Florida House of Representatives Legislative Fellows Program, with all 2026 fellows coming from the school: — 2L Kennedi Ray and Zack “Gambill” Dallas — Commerce Committee — 3L Sarah Augustine — Health & Human Services Committee — 2L Teddy Fronczak — Judiciary Committee — 2L Juan Castro Jordan — Majority Office — 2L Andrew Louis — Minority Office — 2L Patricia Waltz — Rules & Ethics Committee — 2L Amy Kurtz — Ways & Means Committee The Legislative Fellows Program was established in 1967 through legislation sponsored by Lawton Chiles, who later served as Florida Governor, to provide students with a unique opportunity to engage directly in the legislative process and gain insight into state government. |
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TSC Top 25 |
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The Top 25 is looking pretty good for Tallahassee State College. Recently, the Aspen Institute named Tallahassee State College one of 25 semifinalists for the 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, one of the nation’s premier recognitions for community colleges delivering strong student outcomes. The Aspen Institute is an international nonprofit organization founded in 1949 that focuses on developing leaders and addressing challenges across sectors, generations and geographic regions. Awarded every two years, the top prize includes $1 million in funding. “To be named one of 25 semifinalists out of almost 1,000 colleges nationwide for the Aspen Prize is an honor that speaks to the impact of our work and the momentum we are building at Tallahassee State College. We are proud to create clear pathways for our students, whether to a career or a bachelor’s degree, and this recognition reinforces our commitment to expanding opportunity and delivering results that change lives,” said Jim Murdaugh, President of TSC. 
Tallahassee State College one of 25 semifinalists for the 2027 Aspen Prize. With nearly 1,000 colleges nationwide competing, selection as a semifinalist signals strong performance or improvement in student learning, graduation, transfer to bachelor’s degree programs and workforce outcomes. The Aspen Institute also evaluates whether students are earning credentials that lead to quality jobs or successful degree attainment. “We start every cycle of the Aspen Prize with a simple question: Which community colleges are best at ensuring students graduate with credentials that improve their lives?” said Josh Wyner, Executive Director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “We congratulate this year’s semifinalists for delivering strong outcomes and continuously improving student success.” The selection process began in October 2025, when Aspen identified 200 high-performing colleges based on national data. From there, 170 schools were evaluated by a panel of higher education experts using institutional performance data and practices, after which the field was narrowed to 25 semifinalists. The 10 finalists will be announced in June 2026. |
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Obsession, God, and Guy |
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Time for the movie breakdown of the week. “The Devil Wears Prada 2” killed it over Mother’s Day weekend, scoring $42 million, while “Mortal Kombat II” yet again failed to translate the series’ early-90s hype into tickets sold, only narrowly beating King of Pop doc “Michael,” which scored another $38 million domestically. Onto the new. “Obsession” gives the recent “YouTuber-to-horror-film-star” trend the old college try. Written and directed by Curry Baker of online stardom, the film follows a hopeless romantic who wishes for the love and attention of his crush … we don’t need to see the script, it has monkey’s paw written all over it, but executed well at least — it’s at 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, 8.1 on IMDB, and 4.2 on Letterboxd. 
A YouTuber is landing better reviews than Guy Ritchie ... interesting. Next up, Guy Ritchie has a new action-comedy-drama out called “In the Grey,” starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Henry Cavill and Eliza González. It follows a covert team of operatives who get tangled up in an impossible heist after a despot steals a billion-dollar fortune. The consensus is “meh,” scoring a 56% on Rotten Tomatoes (84% audience), a 6.8 on IMDB, and a 3.1 on Letterboxd. Option three: “Is God Is.” The new mystery-drama stars Kara Young and Marlboro Johnson alongside bigger names, including Oscar nominee Sterling K. Brown and Grammy nominee Janelle Monae. It follows two sisters who embark on an epic quest for revenge and to confront a charged family history. Writer-director Alesha Harris, who worked on the recent “Gossip Girl” reboot, is getting praise — the film has a 98% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 3.7 on Letterboxd. And at home, the Emmy-nominated series fronted by David Tennant and Michael Sheen, “Good Omens,” is back with season three on Amazon Prime, while Disney+ dropped a surprise one-off episode of The Punisher in “One Last Kill” in anticipation of Jon Bernthal’s appearance in the next Spider-Man movie. It has a 73% rating on Rotten Tomatoes (86% audience score). Or if none of that is appealing, “Top Gun” and “Top Gun: Maverick” fly back into theaters this weekend to celebrate the original’s 40th anniversary. |
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Capital Directions |
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