Takeaways from Tallahassee — A new Florida statue

From: Extensive Media Enterprises More than five centuries after Juan Ponce de León first charted Florida’s coastline, the Spanish explorer now stands watch over the state Capitol. Gov. Ron DeSantis unveiled a statue commemorating Ponce de León on Friday, placing the monument within the Capitol complex in Tallahassee. The explorer now looks across the main plaza toward a statue of President George Washington. The monument honors the man who led the first significant European expedition to Florida and gave the peninsula the name that has endured since the early 16th century. “Today, we unveiled a new statue of Juan Ponce de Leon at Florida's Capitol, honoring the explorer whose arrival in 1513 marked the beginning of Florida's written history and gave our state its name,” DeSantis said. “Florida's story began long before statehood or even at America's founding — it stretches back more than five centuries and helped shape the nation we know today. As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, Florida is leading the way by preserving and celebrating our history.” The Governor is welcoming Juan Ponce de León to the state Capitol. The unveiling is part of Florida’s America250FL commemoration, a collection of monuments, exhibits, educational initiatives and events marking the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding. It also adds another figure to a growing collection of statues commissioned by the DeSantis administration to recognize the people and events that shaped Florida and the country. Ponce de León first reached Florida during a 1513 expedition. After encountering an unfamiliar coastline, he named the territory La Florida, roughly translated as “the flowering,” a reference both to the region’s natural landscape and the Easter season during which he arrived. The exact location where the expedition first made landfall remains disputed. Ponce de León and his crew continued south along the Atlantic coast, traveling toward the Florida Keys and exploring portions of the peninsula. He returned to Florida in 1521 as part of an effort to establish a Spanish colony. The expedition encountered the Calusa people, and Ponce de León was wounded during the conflict. He later died in Cuba. Ponce de León was buried at the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista in Puerto Rico. His tomb bears an inscription declaring: “Under this structure rest the bones of a lion, more for his great deeds than for his name.” Secretary of State Cord Byrd said the new monument commemorates the beginning of Florida’s recorded European history while reflecting a spirit that continues to define the state. “The first record of Europeans in Florida was the Juan Ponce de Leon expedition in 1513,” Byrd said. “Ponce de Leon’s legacy of exploration still echoes through the centuries, and on this 250th anniversary of our nation, the spirit of discovery continues to shape Florida.” The Florida Department of Environmental Protection maintains many of the original Spanish-language land records stemming from Florida’s exploration and colonial history. “It is an honor to take part in commemorating Ponce de León for his pivotal role not only in Florida’s history, but in world history,” DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert said. “Today, the Department of Environmental Protection maintains many of the original Spanish language land records from the exploration of Florida, preserving this priceless piece of our state’s history.” VISIT FLORIDA President and CEO Bryan Griffin said the monument gives residents and tourists another opportunity to engage with the state’s history. “Ponce de León played an instrumental role in our state's history, even bestowing upon us the name La Florida,” Griffin said. “Our rich history is a fascinating and important story, and it is fitting that we honor the individuals who shaped it with lasting monuments for residents and visitors to enjoy.” The Ponce de León statue is the latest addition to a statewide commemoration campaign that has included monuments honoring Presidents, Founding Fathers and other prominent historical figures. DeSantis last year announced plans to place statues of Founding Fathers in the Florida counties bearing their names. The list includes Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, James Monroe, Alexander Hamilton, Washington and James Madison. The Governor on July 1 also unveiled a replica of the Liberty Bell in Liberty County. Other monuments unveiled during the initiative include statues honoring President Ronald Reagan at Florida International University, abolitionist Frederick Douglass in St. Augustine and President Calvin Coolidge at Bok Tower Gardens. DeSantis also unveiled a statue of President Abraham Lincoln in The Villages. The new Capitol monument gives Ponce de León a permanent place in the seat of Florida government — and, more than 500 years after his voyage, puts the explorer back at the center of the state he named. 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:   Take 5   Guilty — A Leon County jury has found state Rep. Fabián Basabe liable for sexual harassment and defamation, capping nearly three years of legal wrangling since two former legislative staffers sued the Miami Beach Republican. The jury returned its verdict Wednesday afternoon after about two hours of deliberation, finding Basabe should pay $450,000 in damages. Former aide Nicolas Frevola and former intern Jacob Cutbirth first brought the lawsuit in 2023. They accused Basabe of a pattern of harassment, one that included an allegation that he sexually assaulted a male associate of Frevola who was staying over at Basabe’s Miami home. Next up — Gov. DeSantis wants U.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor Henry Mack to be Florida’s next Education Commissioner. Mack would replace Anastasios Kamoutsas, who is departing to lead Polk State College. Prior to his federal job, Mack oversaw the Divisions of Florida Colleges, Career and Adult Education, Vocational Rehabilitation, Blind Services, the Office of Workforce Education and Economic Alignment, and the Commission for Independent Education, according to DeSantis’ press release. Arm’s length — Gubernatorial candidate David Jolly has responded to criticism that he had ties to Leo Govoni, the man accused of and charged with stealing $100 million from a special needs trust fund established to pay medical bills for individuals with significant disabilities. Govoni was a major booster for Jolly when he ran for Congress in 2014, serving as his finance co-chair and donating $147,000 to his campaign. Govoni was found liable early last year for $122 million in missing funds from a bankrupt nonprofit he ran that managed medical trust funds for more than 2,000 people with injuries and disabilities. Jolly acknowledges his past business and political relationship with Govoni, but denies any knowledge of his alleged criminal activities. Brazil bound? — A confirmation hearing for House Speaker Daniel Perez’s presidential appointment to become the next U.S. Ambassador to Brazil were held in Washington this week. U.S. Sen. Rick Scott heaped praise on Perez at a Senate hearing, saying, “I have never seen a Florida House Speaker build deeper relationships with his members or do more to empower the people he leads. The unwavering loyalty of his House members is a testament to Speaker Perez’s integrity and character.” Perez’s appointment still must be approved by the full Senate. More sunshine — The U.S. House has approved legislation that could fix the nation on Daylight Saving Time year-round. The bipartisan Sunshine Protection Act, spearheaded by Florida lawmakers, now heads to the Senate where it may face an uphill climb. But for now, Republicans and Democrats from the Sunshine State cheered the chance to abandon twice-annual time changes. The legislation passed in the lower chamber on a 308-117 vote. The bill has been a priority of U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, the Republican co-Chair of Florida’s congressional delegation, especially as he wraps a final term in Congress. The bill follows through in a sense on legislation carried by U.S. Rep. Greg Steube, a Sarasota Republican, as a state Senator. Of note, U.S. Rep. Darren Soto, a Kissimmee Democrat who also served in the Florida Senate, also filed a state bill in 2013.   Chemical crackdown   Attorney General James Uthmeier is launching a civil investigation into the use of potassium bromate in foods. Uthmeier held a news conference in Orlando Monday and acknowledged there is no law against using the compound in foods, at least in the Sunshine State. But there’s a growing body of evidence that potassium bromate may be a threat to health. “Just because there might be permission … it doesn’t necessarily make it right,” Uthmeier said. He added the compound has been linked to cancer and DNA damage in humans, along with several other possible adverse effects. Attorney General James Uthmeier announcing a civil investigation into the use of potassium bromate. Image via Florida Attorney General's Office. Uthmeier said he’ll be sending subpoenas to several companies that use potassium bromate. The most notable is General Mills, a food giant that produces flour, among other foods. He's also issuing subpoenas to the top purchasers of the compound in Florida. He added the state hasn’t filed a formal lawsuit against any company yet. But he stressed Florida is “holding businesses accountable if they choose profits over safety.” The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the use of potassium bromate in many foods. The compound is often used as an additive to strengthen dough products and other foods containing flour. It is commonly used to prolong shelf life. But many regions of the world, such as the European Union, have banned the use of potassium bromate in foods, and some states, such as California, have prohibited it from being used in bread. Several dozen other states are considering legislation to curtail use of the compound.   6 Figure Fraud   — 6 Figure Fraud — You’re busted, buddy. This week, CFO Blaise Ingoglia took to social media to announce that Torey Jermaine Keith was arrested after submitting more than $159,000 in fraudulent insurance claims. The Department of Financial Services Criminal Investigations Division (CID) was alerted after Keith’s insurance company was unable to verify his claims. The rest is history — and a crime. Blaise Ingoglia also celebrated one year on the job this week. Image via DFS. “When criminals submit fraudulent claims, they aren’t just stealing, they are driving up the costs and insurance premiums for Floridians and their families across the state. This arrest serves as a warning for criminals who try to exploit the insurance system for their own financial gain. My investigators will continue to pursue fraudsters and bring them to justice,” Ingoglia said. The CID discovered that Keith submitted 15 health insurance claims that were counterfeit, fraudulent or altered in an effort to obtain reimbursement. The false claims totaled $159,557.50. Keith was arrested June 11 and is charged with making false and fraudulent insurance claims, uttering a forged instrument and engaging in an organized scheme to defraud. The Department of Financial Services asks anyone with knowledge of fraud to report it. Watch the CFO’s full statement and video here.   Apprenticeship Cash   On Wednesday, the state awarded $14.6 million through the Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant (PCOG) to 37 entities launching, expanding or operating registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs at Florida school districts, colleges and private training providers. The funding will directly support more than 8,000 students as they receive on-the-job training while completing related classroom instruction. Florida is directing $14.6 million to the PCOG. "Gov. DeSantis’ continued investment in workforce education is creating meaningful opportunities for Floridians to build in-demand skills and prepare for rewarding careers. By combining classroom instruction with hands-on training, these programs give students a direct path to success while helping Florida employers develop the highly skilled workforce needed to compete and grow,” said Interim Commissioner of Education Paul O. Burns. Recipients included public school districts, state colleges, health systems, apprenticeship committees, construction and electrical trade groups, law enforcement organizations, and private employers from across Florida, including Tallahassee State College, Miami Dade College, UF Health Jacksonville, Lee Health, Volusia County Schools and Miami-Dade County Public Schools. To date, PCOG has awarded $120 million to fund 387 proposals serving more than 28,000 students. Over eight years, Gov. DeSantis has invested more than $12 billion in workforce education and training, helping Florida earn the nation's top ranking in workforce education.   Savory citrus salvage   The citrus harvest this year exceeded expectations across Florida. The Florida Department of Citrus announced this month that citrus production increased across all varieties for the 2025-26 crop year. U.S. Department of Agriculture figures show that 12.92 million boxes of oranges were harvested this year. That’s a 5% increase from the previous year. Other harvests were also up, including grapefruit, which increased to 1.35 million boxes. That’s an increase of 50,000 boxes. Tangerines and mandarin oranges also saw a 15% increase to 460,000 boxes combined. Citrus production is on the upswing. “This is a remarkable exclamation point on another challenging season for Florida citrus,” said Shannon Shepp, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Citrus. “While growers escaped hurricane threats last Fall, the Winter cold created sustained freezing temperatures and subsequent fruit loss.” Citrus growers are also upbeat about future harvests after Gov. DeSantis signed legislation approved by the Florida Legislature providing for future citrus investment through the General Appropriations Act, increasing research, planting and promotion of citrus production infrastructure. “We are on record as historically providing the juiciest, best-tasting citrus in the world for many decades; and we are forging a path for many more highly productive years to come. This moment validates that even in the face of natural challenges, our growers are doing what’s right to preserve and grow the Florida citrus industry,” Shepp said.   Instagram of the Week     Bogus veteran busted   A 46-year-old Tallahassee man was sentenced to four years in federal prison after being convicted of misrepresenting himself as a U.S. Army combat veteran. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida announced Michel Duane Dyson claimed bogus credentials to fraudulently collect Veterans Administration (VA) benefits. He was sentenced Wednesday. “The brave men and women of our Armed Forces have made innumerable sacrifices throughout our nation’s history to preserve and protect the freedoms enjoyed by all Americans, and acts of stolen valor by fraudsters, like this defendant, are despicable,” said John P. Heekin, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District. John Heekin nabbed another one. “This defendant fraudulently claimed military service to gain benefits reserved for our nation’s warriors, but thanks to the excellent investigative work by federal law enforcement partners and the successful prosecution by my office, he’ll spend years in federal prison for his crimes.” The case centers on an application Dyson submitted in April 2022 for VA benefits, claiming he not only served in combat but also received a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart, which is awarded to service members wounded or killed in combat. It turned out, however, that Dyson was never an active-duty or reserve member of any branch of the military. During the period Dyson claimed he served in the military, he was actually incarcerated in Massachusetts following a sex offense conviction. Still, he received VA benefits between April 2022 and June 2025. He also fraudulently applied for VA housing benefits, leading officials to uncover the deception.   🎵Slow Ride, Take It Easy🎵   When in doubt, just STFD. Slow the blank down. This week, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), along with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and transportation and safety agencies from Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee, are teaming up to conduct “Operation Southern Slow Down.” The multistate public safety campaign runs from through today and aims to reduce avoidable speed-related crashes through a combination of increased enforcement and public education. Florida is asking drivers to make safe decisions this week and every week by slowing down, following speed limits and looking out for others on the road in hopes of reaching “Target Zero” — the goal of reducing all traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries to zero. “Unsafe driver behaviors like speeding are a major contributor to fatalities and serious injuries on our roadways. Remember that your actions behind the wheel can have life-altering impacts: slow down and drive responsibly to help get everyone to their destinations safely,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue. Pump the brakes! Speeding currently contributes to 6% of all traffic fatalities, according to the 2024 Florida Traffic Crash Facts report, making it one of the most preventable causes of deadly crashes. “This collaborative effort with our Southeastern law enforcement partners sends a strong message about the serious consequences of making the reckless choice to speed,” South Carolina Department of Public Safety Director Robert Woods said. “The good news is that South Carolina saw a reduction in speed-related crashes last year compared to 2024. Yet, the reality is that the number of drivers exceeding the speed limit continues to cause injuries and deaths that are entirely preventable. Every driver has a choice: slow down, obey the speed limit, and help save lives.” Some tips from FDOT, FLHSMV and FHP: Faster speeds require longer stopping distances; stay out of the far-left lane except when passing; larger vehicles need more time and distance to stop, especially on wet or uneven pavement; slow down on curves; follow the speed limit; always wear a seat belt; and use extra caution in school and construction zones. “The speed limit is the law, and it is there to protect everyone on the road, as more than half the people killed or seriously hurt in speeding crashes in Georgia are not the speeding driver. The goal for ‘Operation Southern Slow Down’ is not to write tickets but to show everyone that driving at safe speeds will prevent families from losing a loved one in a crash that was preventable,” said Allen Poole, Director of the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.   Lottery Week   You can tell your loved one not to worry — you’re just celebrating the festivities as you pick up those scratch-offs. This week, as the country celebrates National Lottery Week, the Florida Lottery is sharing the love with all the players, retailers, employees and partners who help make the Florida Lottery what it is today while helping fund education and give back to their communities. And in the eyes of the Florida Lottery, it doesn’t matter whether it is lending a hand to local businesses or creating unique educational opportunities, as long as it is helping build brighter futures for all Floridians. This guy knows how to celebrate Lottery Week. “National Lottery Week is an opportunity to reflect on the people who make our mission possible — our players, retailers, employees, and partners. While exciting prizes are an important part of the Lottery experience, the true impact is reflected in the opportunities we help create for students and communities across Florida,” said Florida Lottery Secretary Reginald D. Dixon. “For more than 38 years, the Florida Lottery has remained committed to responsibly maximizing revenues for education, and we are proud of the lasting difference that mission continues to make every day.” So go ahead and get that lotto ticket. Since 1988, the Florida Lottery has generated more than $51 billion for education through contributions to the Bright Futures Scholarship Program, public schools, colleges and universities. And maybe you can tap into some of the $110 billion paid in prizes since the late ’80s as well.   Tant tops challengers   Rep. Allison Tant is outpacing her Republican challengers by a wide margin when it comes to campaign fundraising in the House District 9 race. The Tallahassee Democrat has pulled in nearly $260,000 in direct contributions as of the June 26 reporting deadline, according to the latest figures from the Florida Division of Elections. By contrast, her Republican opponents are struggling to gain traction with donors and remain far behind in the money race. Allison Tant is far out front in campaign fundraising. Image via Colin Hackley. Tracy Robinson reported a total of $50 in campaign contributions through June 26, with just one contribution and a $1,781 self-loan, according to Division of Elections records. Jibri Knight, the other Republican in the race, will square off against Robinson in the Aug. 18 Primary. Knight has reported just $930 in contributions and, like Robinson, is relying mostly on personal loans — nearly $9,000 of her own money — to keep her campaign afloat. Whoever emerges from the Republican Primary will face a steep climb against Tant in November. She not only holds a commanding financial advantage but also brings years of experience and influence in Florida politics. Tant is unopposed by fellow Democrats. Michael Sneed Jr. of Greenville briefly filed to run in early June, but he failed to qualify by the state’s June 12 deadline and reported no campaign contributions. By the time the qualifying deadline passed, Tant had already raised nearly $247,000. Her latest filings show she has spent just $11,500 so far, leaving her with a sizable war chest heading into the General Election.   Welcome to the T14   The Florida Chamber Foundation is highlighting that the Sunshine State has evolved into the world’s 14th-largest economy. Officials with the Chamber pointed out Tuesday that Florida’s economy has grown to $1.8 trillion. That surpasses Australia and Mexico, among other large economies. Chamber officials say they expect the state to rank among the world’s Top 10 economies within five years. “Florida’s rise to the world’s 14th-largest economy is part of our Florida 2030 Blueprint plan and further proof that free enterprise works,” said Florida Chamber President and CEO Mark Wilson. “Florida continues creating jobs, attracting investment, welcoming new businesses, and giving families greater opportunity to succeed.” Florida is climbing up the GDP leaderboard. Florida’s economy increased by about 6.3% in the past year alone, Chamber officials said. At that pace, the state would need to grow by about 2% more to become the world’s 13th-largest economy, surpassing South Korea. To crack the Top 10 economies, Florida will need to increase economic growth by 21%. If that happens, Florida would surpass Canada’s economy, which currently ranks 10th. “This ranking reflects the impact of Florida’s economic growth over time,” said Sheridan Morby, Senior Director of Economic Research for the Florida Chamber Foundation. “Strong labor market expansion and business investment continue to help position Florida among the world’s largest economies.” The Florida Chamber Foundation will continue tracking Florida’s economic performance and key trends in its upcoming 2026 Florida Business & Economic Mid-Year Report, which provides a comprehensive look at the state’s economy halfway through the year.   Pleased to Welcome Pruitt   Step on up. This week, the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) announced the appointment of Ken Pruitt to its Board of Directors, effective June 29. Pruitt's highlight reel includes founding The P5 Group, a governmental affairs and public policy consulting firm that helps businesses, associations and organizations navigate local and state government. Ken Pruitt is joining the board at Florida Housing. Pruitt also served nearly 20 years in the Florida Legislature, including as Senate President for the 2006-08 term. He also chaired the Senate Appropriations and Senate Rules committees, as well as the House Appropriations Committee during his service in the Florida House of Representatives. Among his legislative accomplishments were the creation of the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program, prime co-sponsorship of the Bert J. Harris, Jr. Private Property Rights Protection Act, and the Lake Okeechobee Protection Plan. After leaving the Legislature, Pruitt was elected St. Lucie County Property Appraiser, where his office received the 2014 International Association of Assessing Officers Distinguished Assessment Jurisdiction Award.   Williams backs Barnes   This week, former Rep. Alan Williams — who served in the Florida House representing Gadsden and Leon counties, later in the Biden administration at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and as Senior Advisor for Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs to Vice President Kamala Harris — announced he is endorsing Brice Barnes for Congress in Florida’s 2nd Congressional District. “North Florida is overdue for bold, reliable leadership in Congress. My friend, Brice Barnes, has the grit and experience to hit the ground running for us — and she’s the only Democrat who can flip this seat. I’m proud to support her,” said Williams. Alan Williams is throwing his support behind Brice Barnes. Barnes is a Tallahassee mother of three who has served as President and Board Chair of Independence Landing, where she oversaw operations and construction to help deliver the first affordable housing community in Northwest Florida for people with disabilities to live independently. She also helped lead Floridians Protecting Freedom, a statewide nonpartisan group, advocating for Amendment 4 to limit government interference in women’s healthcare. “I’m deeply grateful for Rep. Alan Williams’ trust and support. He is a longtime public servant who understands the stakes of this moment and the fact that working families across North Florida are struggling with rising costs and healthcare they can’t afford, and a Congress too consumed with corruption and self-interest to notice. This campaign is about changing that — fighting for lower costs, expanding access to healthcare for every family, and finally cleaning up the corruption that’s eroded people’s trust in government,” Barnes stated. “I’m honored to have Alan standing with us in that movement to restore North Florida.” Other noteworthy endorsements for Barnes include the Tallahassee chapter of the National Organization for Women; Democratic Rep. Angie Nixon, a candidate for U.S. Senate; union organizer Barbara DeVane; and the Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida.   Small-business boost   Florida has an edge on other states when it comes to developing small businesses. The Sunshine State is outpacing other areas of the country in fostering a strong small-business ecosystem, a new analysis published by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Research Center shows. The “State of States” report found optimism, employment and waning economic uncertainty playing in Florida’s favor. But Florida businesses still struggle with the cost of insurance. Insurance costs have been mitigated to some extent by legislative revisions to Florida insurance laws in recent years. Florida offers plenty of sunshine to small businesses. While insurance remains a challenge in Florida, the state’s lack of an income tax helps encourage small-business development. “This report shows what Floridians already know: the Sunshine State is one of the best places to own, operate, and grow a small business,” said Bill Herrle, NFIB’s Florida Executive Director. “While Florida small business owners are managing specific challenges like rising insurance costs, they are still at an advantage thanks to our business-friendly tax climate.” The NFIB analysis developed different market and business indexes to rank states. Florida’s business optimism index earned a score of 100.3, higher than the national average of 98.5. “Florida massively outperforms the rest of the country on real sales expectations,” the report found. Florida also outscored most of the U.S. in employment outlook. At 103.7, Florida performs 2.2 points better than the national average.   Meet the New Boss   New leadership is here as the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) welcomed its new slate of officers this week at its annual conference in Palm Beach to preside over the organization’s board of directors. A round of applause for President Steve Langley (electric utility Director for the City of Mount Dora); President-elect Tony Guillen (general manager for the City of Tallahassee Electric & Gas Utility); Vice President Ricky Erixton (chief electric systems officer for JEA); and Secretary-Treasurer Jamie England (Director of electric utility for the City of Winter Park). FMEA is installed a new slate of officers at its annual meeting. “We are pleased to welcome this outstanding slate of officers. Each brings valuable experience, fresh perspectives, and a shared commitment to advancing our mission. Together, they will help lead our association into an exciting new chapter while continuing to strengthen the value we provide to our members and the communities we serve,” FMEA Executive Director Amy Zubaly said. FMEA represents members from larger metros such as Jacksonville, Orlando, Lakeland, Tallahassee and Gainesville, as well as smaller communities such as Wauchula, Havana and Bushnell. Together, the community-owned electric utilities power more than 4 million residential and business customers in Florida and employ more than 5,800 Floridians. FMEA advocates for member cities on state and federal issues, including emergency response, mutual aid coordination, education and training. It also helps members stay current on the latest technologies and techniques by hosting five signature events throughout the year: the Annual Conference, Energy Connections Conference & Trade Show, Florida Lineman Competition, Hurricane & Storm Preparedness Forum, and Legislative Rally.   In the Navy   On Wednesday, Florida State University’s Center for Advanced Power Systems (CAPS) announced it secured an $88 million contract from the U.S. Navy to help develop advanced modeling, simulation and testing capabilities for the next generation of shipboard power and energy systems through 2031. CAPS is led by Interim Director Sastry Pamidi, a professor in the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, with research faculty members Harsha Ravindra and James Langston helping lead the new effort. “FSU’s Center for Advanced Power Systems is a national leader in highly specialized research and development that supports the U.S. Navy’s most advanced technology needs. This major award reflects the Navy’s confidence in FSU’s expertise and underscores the important role our university plays in advancing power systems research with real-world impact,” said FSU President Richard McCullough. The Navy's future runs through FSU. Image via FSU/Adobe Stock. The contract, awarded by Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), will support a broad research and development effort for the Navy. CAPS hopes to develop digital models and architectures for advanced ship systems to help evaluate next-generation electrical power and energy systems before they are implemented on physical vessels. “Modern naval vessels are essentially moving microgrids, facing energy demands that were unimaginable a few decades ago. This partnership with NAVSEA allows us to push the boundaries of what’s possible in modeling, simulation and testing of advanced power system components in controller- and power-hardware-in-the-loop environments for shipboard electrical design, rapid prototyping and deployment on ships,” Ravindra said. “The expertise provided by CAPS supports the Navy in the design and risk reduction of ships that are faster, more resilient and exponentially more energy efficient.” The work is expected to be completed by June 9, 2031, and contains options that could provide FSU an additional $11.5 million in funding, bringing the cumulative award to $99.5 million. Created in 2000 with support from the Office of Naval Research, CAPS has spent more than 25 years advancing power systems technology, securing hundreds of millions of dollars in grants and training more than 100 doctoral students who have gone on to careers in academia and industry while pioneering more than 60 patented technologies. “We are incredibly proud of Dr. Ravindra, Dr. Langston, Dr. Pamidi and the entire CAPS team for their leadership and hard work. Through this partnership with NAVSEA, FSU is helping shape the future of naval power systems, advancing national security innovation and demonstrating how our researchers translate groundbreaking ideas into real-world solutions,” said Vice President for Research Stacey S. Patterson.   Administrative Assistant of the Year   Sarah Grissett, office manager for the Tallahassee State College Police Department, has been named the 2026 Administrative Assistant of the Year by the Florida Police Chiefs Association (FPCA), which represents more than 1,000 law enforcement executives and members across Florida. The award recognizes administrative professionals who demonstrate exceptional dedication, efficiency and kindness while making a positive impact on their organizations. Grissett was nominated by TSC Police Chief Sean McGovern for her outstanding commitment and service to the college’s faculty, staff and students. Congratulations to Sarah Grissett! “Sarah is everything to us. In a small police agency, we all wear many hats, but Sarah wears more than anyone else. Her dedication to this department and to the College is unmatched, and we are incredibly proud to see her recognized for the amazing impact she makes every day,” McGovern said. Grissett was invited to the FPCA’s 74th Annual Summer Training Conference and formally honored during the Installation Banquet on July 9 at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando.   Neighborhood Awards   Take a bow as Leon County Government and the Council of Neighborhood Associations (CONA) recognized the community’s outstanding neighborhoods and neighbors this week through the 45th Annual Neighborhood Recognition Program. The winners showcased their commitment over the past year to making Leon County a better place to live, work and play. "Leon County is proud to recognize the dedicated residents and neighborhoods that strengthen our community through service, leadership, and collaboration. From beautification projects to volunteerism and civic engagement, these efforts create lasting benefits for residents throughout our county,” said Leon County Commission Chair Christian Caban. In the Small Neighborhood of the Year category (200 homes or fewer), Avondale Neighborhood Association took top honors. Griffin Heights Neighborhood Association earned Large Neighborhood of the Year (more than 200 homes). This year's crop of outstanding neighbors. “For 45 years, Leon County has recognized the extraordinary contributions of our neighborhoods, whose dedication continues to enrich communities and create lasting impact across our county," said County Administrator Vincent S. Long. "Through this program, we celebrate their accomplishments and the partnerships that inspire continued progress for generations to come. said County Administrator Vincent S. Long. "Through this program, we celebrate their accomplishments and the partnerships that inspire continued progress for generations to come. said County Administrator Vincent S. Long. "Through this program, we celebrate their accomplishments and the partnerships that inspire continued progress for generations to come. said County Administrator Long. "Through this program, we celebrate their accomplishments and the partnerships that inspire continued progress for generations to come.” Highgrove Homeowners Association was named Unincorporated Neighborhood of the Year for neighborhoods outside city limits. The Neighbor of the Year award went to Michelle Olson for her selfless service, leadership and unwavering commitment to her neighbors through volunteerism, strengthening neighborhood initiatives and enhancing the lives of those around her. “Leon County neighborhoods are strongest when residents come together with a shared commitment to improving the places they call home. CONA is proud to partner with Leon County in celebrating the neighborhood organizations whose dedication strengthens neighborhoods and builds a stronger community,” said Leroy Peck of CONA.   TPD Summer Cool Down   It’s getting hotter and hotter out there, Tally, so make sure you can take a chill pill if need be. Emphasis on the chill. This week, the Tallahassee Police Department asked the community to mark their calendars for Aug. 8, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tom Brown Park for the fifth annual “HERE for You: Summer Cool Down.” The family-friendly event aims to bring neighbors and the officers who serve them together outside the emergency situations and large public events where they most often interact. And it’s free for all. Take a break this summer with TPD. “One of the best parts of policing happens when we’re simply spending time with the people we serve. ‘Summer Cool Down’ gives our officers and community the opportunity to build relationships, share conversations and create memories in a fun and welcoming environment. As we celebrate 200 years of service, we’re reminded that strong partnerships with our community have always been at the heart of what we do,” said TPD Chief Lawrence Revell. Highlights of the event include water activities and games, snow cones, food, giveaways (while supplies last), live music, activities for children of all ages, and opportunities to meet TPD officers and learn more about the department.   The Odyssey vs. Elon   We hope you enjoyed last week’s Emmy talk and added some TV to your watchlist, but we are back to the movies. The Disney live-action remake of “Moana” completely underperformed, opening to $43 million domestically and putting the film on track to be as big a bomb as “Snow White” — maybe they will learn their lesson? Meanwhile, “Minions & Monsters” held solidly with $21 million, while “Toy Story 5” continued to be a juggernaut and secured another $19 million. Also, “Michael” officially surpassed $1 billion at the box office, making it the first music biopic to do so before adjusting for inflation. Onto the new. You know him. Every annoying cinephile adores him. It’s Oscar winner Christopher Nolan. After the mega-financial success of Best Picture winner “Oppenheimer,” Nolan is going back to his action-oriented roots and taking on one of the most iconic stories of all time in “The Odyssey.” The Cyclops, the sirens, the Lotus Eaters, the Laestrygonians, the whirlpool — this story has it all. It is truly epic ... sorry, we had to. The verdict: Christopher Nolan has done it again. Starring Oscar winners Matt Damon and Anne Hathaway, the film has received some backlash online, notably from Elon Musk and similar commentators, over the casting of Oscar nominee Elliot Page, who is a transgender actor; rapper Travis Scott, who has Kardashian ties and was involved in the Astroworld incident; Zendaya as Athena; and Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy. The latter has drawn particular anger because Nyong’o is a Black woman playing a character described as the most beautiful woman in the world, whose stunning looks were a key factor in starting the Trojan War. Let’s just say a lot of people on the X timeline and Fox News aren’t happy about this one. Not to mention the Greek people who are upset that no Greek actors were cast. But with Nolan’s dedication to practical filmmaking — and his arguable status as the best filmmaker on the planet right now — it should come as no surprise that he has once again hit a home run. With basically the entire “Oppenheimer” team reassembled, including the cinematographer, composer and editor, this movie captures old-school Hollywood magic and delivers three hours of mind-blowing spectacle. With a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 4.3 on Letterboxd, this one is a must-see. Trades project it to open anywhere from $70 million to $200 million domestically. The biggest complaints are that the film is a little too long, too loud in certain areas — a Nolan staple since “Tenet” — and that Tom Holland may be a little out of his league. Those are minor complaints overall for a film people are otherwise raving about. Because no studio is stupid enough to release much of anything on the same weekend as “The Odyssey," there are a few decent options to stream at home. The Netflix series “Quarterback,” produced by two-time Super Bowl champion, five-time regular-season MVP and NFL icon Peyton Manning, is back for season three. This time around, it focuses on QBs Cam Ward (Tennessee Titans), Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders), Joe Flacco (who played for both the Browns and Bengals in a strange year that still earned him a Pro Bowl nod) and the gunslinger down in Tampa Bay, Baker Mayfield (or, as we like to call him, Baker Baker Touchdown Maker). Apple TV has a new show called “Lucky,” about a reformed criminal forced to confront her past and return to illicit activities for one final job. Sounds like we’ve seen it before, but it stars Emmy nominee Anya Taylor-Joy (“The Queen’s Gambit,” “The Witch”) and Oscar nominee Annette Bening (“American Beauty,” “The Grifters”). It has a 78% rating on Rotten Tomatoes (56% audience) and a 6.6 on IMDb. Or, if you want something funnier, check out Netflix’s “The Hawk,” which sees iconic SNL duo Will Ferrell and Molly Shannon team up in a comedy about a former top golfer who believes he has the world’s greatest comeback in him. Warning, though: It has a 28% rating on Rotten Tomatoes (70% audience) and a 6.1 on IMDb. But we all know this Sunday is for the World Cup Final: Spain vs. Argentina, aka the OG oppressors of South America vs. the new ones. We are just joking — kind of.   Capital Directions   RON DESANTIS — ⬇️ — If the election were today, it'd be a dummymander. BLAISE INGOGLIA — ⬆️ — One year of helping local governments find out. And counting. CORD BYRD — ⬇️ — Better late than … actually, no. FIRE CHIEFS — ⬆️ — They prefer prescribed burns to fiscal arson. KEITH GROSS — ⬇️ — He may not be picking horses, but he scratched one. BRICE BARNES — ⬇️ — She still hasn't made back the marketing budget. FABIAN BASABE — ⬇️⬇️ — He's polling surprisingly well with Democratic ad makers. Withdraw now! NICK FREVOLA, JACOB CUTBIRTH — ⬆️ — Vindication took the scenic route, but it finally arrived. ANGIE NIXON, MICHELLE RAYNER — ⬆️ — Pulse: detectable. MICHELLE SALZMAN — ⬆️ — Even the best ground game benefits from air supremacy. PAULA STARK — ⬇️ — "Your Honor, Grok says …" JEFF AARON, BEN GIBSON — ⬆️ — TKO by textualism. Sabatini never saw the punch. CHANGE RESEARCH — ⬇️ — Is this what statisticians would call a Type III error? AMANDA BALLARD — ⬆️ — Turns out meeting people where they are works. FSAE — ⬆️ — Erin Ballas gets the gavel. Everybody else gets a committee. FLORIDA VIRTUAL SCHOOL — ⬇️ — Apparently some lessons require in-person instruction. LEON CO. COMMISH — ↔️ — If only it would police the number of chicken strip joints as fiercely it does data centers. FSU — ⬆️ — The Navy keeps reenlisting the Noles.

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