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Name, image and likeness have been a game-changer in college sports. Some argue it was about time NCAA athletes got some cash in their pockets — not in the SMU way, of course. But whether you agree or not, NIL is here to stay. Enter Florida State University (FSU) and its Herbert Wertheim College of Business. On Sept. 4, the FSU College of Law’s Stoops Center for Law and Business, in collaboration with the Herbert Wertheim College of Business, Jim Moran School of Entrepreneurship and the Sport Management Student Organization, hosted the annual NIL Summit at the College of Business. The athletics-focused event showcased FSU voices and decision-makers working in the ever-changing NIL landscape. “Until there's some type of structure, we're all out here trying to do the best that we can in an ever-changing environment,” said Michael Fly, general manager and assistant coach for FSU men’s basketball. The summit also examined NIL through legal, business, athletics and entrepreneurial perspectives as the regulatory and commercial environment of college sports continues to evolve. One of the summit’s highlights came on the first panel, when Charlie Votey, FSU Athletics’ NIL coordinator, discussed how he helps student-athletes understand NIL opportunities and build financial literacy. Headlines about athletes getting tricked into signing deals they can’t get out of show why that matters. “I’m one of those individuals who acts as the resource for the student-athletes to be able to talk over with them and be an educational piece for them to understand,” Votey said. “We want to do more with financial literacy and things like that. It's just another education process for them. It's just another opportunity for them to learn.” NIL isn’t just about immediate sponsorships or brand deals; it’s about building your brand in many different ways. Take FSU punter Daniel Hughes, an Australian student-athlete who was a Ray Guy Award semifinalist last year at New Mexico. He currently has more than 80,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram and millions of views on his content. 
Like it or not, NIL is part of the game. “I'm a footballer first,” Hughes said. “The social media side is secondary. I want people to remember that first. But the brand side is beyond football. What am I going to do when my career is over, and my body kicks out? What am I going to use?” Hughes, however, won’t be able to monetize brand deals until after his college career ends due to his international student visa. For now, he can keep putting the Garnet and Gold in front of his growing online audience — and build a name that could serve him beyond his playing days. Under the House v. NCAA settlement, Division I schools may distribute up to 22% of their athletic revenue directly to student-athletes, a change that has also completely altered how recruiting occurs. The new revenue-sharing model caps payments at $20.5 million per school annually, with that figure expected to rise each year. But the summit reinforced that, at the end of the day, when student-athletes are weighing similar financial offers from competing programs, old-school recruiting is the X's and O's drawn up on the playboard. Southern charm, shaking hands, and making the moms and pops proud. “Once you get into similar ranges financially, it reverts back to what it's always been, which is relationships and how comfortable you feel on visits,” Fly said. “It's one of those things, like anything else in life, where you can either sit back and say, ‘Oh man, it's not like it used to be,’ and ‘I can't believe this is what we're doing now.’ Or you say, ‘OK, let's adapt and let's try to figure out how to get as close to apples to apples as you can.’” ___ 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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No comment — Government officials aren’t commenting on a massive breach of a state database, even as the clock runs out before a Friday deadline hackers say would result in the release of sensitive data files. More details are being reported about an alleged breach of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ Driver and Vehicle Information Database (DAVID), yet the Department itself isn’t talking about it, even though less than 24 hours remain before Sept. 11, the date the hacker group known as ShinyHunters said in its “FINAL WARNING” it would “release the files” if the state doesn’t contact them and broker a deal to regain the sensitive data. Florida represents — The 2026 Republican National Convention in Dallas marked the first time the party attempted such a televised gathering without a presidential candidate to nominate and showcase. But in a way, that’s the point. RNC Chair Joe Gruters knows he’s running against historic trends, but intends to win. “Only four times in the last 150 years, the incumbent party’s been able to win,” Gruters said. “You can’t continue to do things the same and expect different outcomes.” The event in Dallas will bring some key Florida political figures off the trail and to the Lone Star State. U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds was among the more than 100 speakers at the event, as was U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, a Pinellas Republican defending a battleground seat. Status quo for now — Gubernatorial candidate Donalds says it’s time for consolidation and not new legislation when it comes to the issue of abortion, one that has seen much movement under current Gov. Ron DeSantis. Addressing the University of Central Florida’s Turning Point USA Chapter, Donalds said the state’s Heartbeat Protection Act, which bans abortion after the sixth week of pregnancy with some exceptions, was the “right move.” But he also acknowledged that there isn’t sufficient momentum even in a strong Republican state to move further on the issue anytime soon. “I do understand where people will say, ‘Well, let’s move to the next legislative step.’ But what my view is, is that you have a legislative step; you implement that step. That’s what’s happening right now. You provide more information, and you educate the public around what the nuance is, and then you make the next legislative step.” Hack to the future — Beyond sensitive data being brokered on the dark web, the Seminole County Supervisor of Elections’ website features Japanese writing on the first page of Google search results. Office employee Jennifer Carroll attributed the issue to “updates on the website.” It is uncertain how quickly it will be resolved. Reindexing can take days or even weeks. The actual spokesperson for the office, D’Anne Mica, said voters need not be concerned even though search results appear to be about Japanese flutes. She stressed that all voter data is secure. The Office of the Secretary of State, Cord Byrd, said the issue has been addressed. Google’s own AI suggests the anomaly is “almost certainly the result of a cyberattack known as the ‘Japanese keyword hack’ (or Japanese SEO spam) targeting the Florida election supervisor’s website.” Old feud — DeSantis’ critique of President Donald Trump’s proposal to pay Americans $5,000 each if Republicans retain control of Congress has irked one of the President’s chief political operatives from his comeback in 2024. DeSantis has called for a “liberation day” from failed financial interventions. “If you are getting surplus revenue, you should cut people’s tax and return it to the people,” DeSantis said. “What I don’t think you want to do is borrow another $1.5 trillion, and then just try to flood that into the economy, because that will lead to more inflation.” The critique of Trump’s election sweetener did not go unnoticed in Trump World, where strategist Chris LaCivita popped off about the Governor. |
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A little less tape |
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On Wednesday, the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Veterans Florida, and Aspire Technologies announced the launch of the Veterans Florida Military Families License Portability Program, which will allow military spouses and veterans to transfer their out-of-state professional licenses to Florida right away. The free service will be available to veterans, active-duty service members, and military spouses. It will guide them to the Florida equivalents of their out-of-state licenses, help them fill in gaps in paperwork, and provide access to live, one-on-one human support to work through issues. “Florida is the most military-friendly state in the nation, and we’re making it even easier for veterans and military families to build their lives and careers here. If you’ve already earned a professional license, you shouldn’t have to start from scratch because you moved to Florida. We’re cutting the red tape, getting people to work faster, and making sure Florida continues to be the best place in the country for veterans and their families,” DeSantis said. 
Florida's veteran-friendly policies extend to spouses, too. The program will allow veterans and military families moving to Florida to transfer their professional licenses as soon as possible, helping them return to their careers with some of the lowest waiting times in the nation. “Florida is home to more than 1.5 million members of the larger military family, including veterans, uniformed personnel, and military spouses,” said Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, retired Marine Corps Maj. Gen. James S. Hartsell. “These are proud people who will appreciate getting the licenses they have worked hard for. The least we can do is get out of their way and ensure they have their licenses so they can provide for their families and help grow Florida’s economy.” Eligible participants can enroll here, and additional information is available here. |
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No fake |
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Attorney General James Uthmeier wants the Legislature to consider measures to penalize artificial intelligence (AI) companies if their programs are used to commit crimes. Uthmeier announced Tuesday that he’s drafting legislation that would punish AI companies if anyone uses the technology to harm others. He wants “criminal sanctions for these companies where their chatbots break the law,” Uthmeier said at a news conference. It’s Uthmeier’s latest challenge to AI companies. In June, he filed a civil lawsuit against OpenAI and its founder, Sam Altman. That action came after Uthmeier launched a criminal probe into the company following the disclosure that the man suspected of committing the mass shooting at Florida State University used AI in April 2025. The suspect admitted to using the program ChatGPT to plot the attack that left two people dead and six others injured. 
James Uthmeier wants to book AI on aiding and abetting. “AI is not a silent tool. It answers the questions, picks the hour, chooses the place, and walks someone through the plan,” Uthmeier said Tuesday. “When a product participates in a crime like that, the company that built it is not a bystander. A chatbot cannot be charged, but the corporation that designed it, trained it, and collected the subscription can.” Uthmeier also pointed out that AI was used in the double murder of two University of South Florida students who were killed in the Tampa area in March. The suspect allegedly used ChatGPT before the crime. Uthmeier acknowledged that the final wording of any proposed legislation on AI in Florida is still being drafted before it is submitted to leaders in Tallahassee. But he’ll be seeking stipulations that hold corporations responsible, judge AI by its words and actions, cover any company with practical control over AI programming designs and impose heavy fines on those companies and restitution payments to victims. |
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Buffering |
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Uthmeier is also suing Netflix over making data from Florida children and families available to commercial data brokers and advertisers in violation of state law, according to a new lawsuit. Uthmeier held a news conference in Miami and detailed the legal action. He said Netflix promised parents that the company wouldn’t collect data on children's viewing habits on the service. But the lawsuit was filed “after seeing them deceive Floridians and deceive parents.” Uthmeier’s lawsuit claims Netflix intentionally launched an advertising wing of its business based on profiles created by kids. The lawsuit specifically singles out Netflix for making Floridians' data available to commercial data brokers and advertisers targeting viewers in the Sunshine State. Uthmeier’s lawsuit alleges Netflix violated the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act and the Florida Digital Bill of Rights. 
The Attorney General is decidedly not chill about Netflix. “Netflix told Florida families they could pay a monthly fee to escape big tech surveillance. That was false,” Uthmeier said. “Netflix collected detailed data on children and families, designed its product to keep kids watching, and then commercialized that information to launch the advertising business it promised never to build. Parents, not corporate executives, direct the upbringing of their children. Netflix should expect to be held accountable.” The 66-page lawsuit was filed in Florida’s 7th Judicial Circuit Court, which handles litigation for much of eastern Florida from St. Johns County south through Volusia County. Uthmeier said the Netflix promise was a “bait-and-switch” scheme, and Netflix instead recorded billions of streaming activities in Florida, including those of children using the streaming platform. |
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‘Baby-formula bandits’ |
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Uthmeier, along with leaders of multiple law enforcement agencies, announced a crackdown on a suspected widespread baby formula theft ring spanning several counties. The latest baby formula theft roundup is an extension of a 2025 case. Uthmeier said the state’s Retail Theft Task Force played a key role in the latest operation. “There were more than 150 different distinct thefts of baby formula,” Uthmeier said during a news conference Thursday in Palm Beach County. “This was a large, coordinated enterprise spanning over several counties.” Uthmeier added that nearly a dozen people were arrested in the latest roundup and an estimated $1.1 million in baby formula was stolen by the ring of accused thieves. Those apprehended in the latest arrests of “baby formula bandits” allegedly belong to a ring connected to Kenneth Jones Jr., who was arrested in September 2025 related to “massive amounts of baby formula” that were stolen. Officials accused Jones of being part of heists of baby formula dating back to November 2024. 
A dozen-plus Floridians found the formula for a long stint in the clink. Palm Beach County Sheriff’s officials say those arrested included so-called “boosters” who stole the baby formula at stores such as Publix, Walmart and CVS pharmacies, among other retailers, and then sold it at low cost to what’s known as a “fence.” A fence is a person who takes stolen goods and sells them for a profit. Jones, who was arrested last year on charges of more than 50 baby-formula thefts, was one of those suspected boosters. Eight other boosters were arrested in the latest investigation. Palm Beach County Sheriff’s investigators found over 1,000 cans of stolen baby formula when they executed a search warrant at a warehouse Sept. 1 in Lake Worth. They say the stolen product was being prepared for transport and distribution. Two alleged ringleaders were also arrested: Mohammed Alsaidi, 59, and Zeina Abdul-Hassan Sou Zabib, 49, both of Lake Worth. They have been charged with conspiracy to commit racketeering and two counts of dealing in stolen property. |
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Instagram of the week |
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Stuart’s going down in history |
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A Treasure Coast hub is getting a historic designation. The East Stuart Historic District and the Downtown Stuart Historic District in Martin County have both been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Secretary of StateByrd said the designation has been long overdue. “I am pleased to announce that the East Stuart and Downtown Stuart historic districts have been listed in the National Register of Historic Places,” Byrd said. “Both of these districts bring much-needed recognition to the history of Stuart and mark the culmination of a successful multi-year preservation project in the community.” 
East Stuart Historic District, St. Monica Episcopal Church. Image via East Stuart Historic District National Register Nomination. Stuart has become one of the most prominent cities on the Treasure Coast. The community began in 1894 as a small stop along what became the Florida East Coast Railway. A municipal settlement sprouted up around that stop, and the area became known for its pineapple plantations and cultivation. Stuart was formally incorporated as a municipality in 1914 and became known for its fishing industry. East Stuart became known as one of the larger African American communities on the Treasure Coast. Downtown Stuart became known for its eclectic mix of commercial businesses and residential buildings. |
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Bang, bang |
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Lawyers, guns, and money. On Thursday, Robert Edward Nixon, 61, of Quincy, was found guilty by a federal jury in Tallahassee after a two-day jury trial for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Nixon was a former Quincy City Manager. U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida John P. Heekin announced the guilty verdict. “My team of tenacious federal prosecutors continues to deliver outstanding trial victories to hold accountable any and all criminals who brazenly violate our laws. My thanks go out to our state and federal law enforcement partners, whose excellent investigative work led to this successful prosecution,” said Heekin. Court records and trial testimony revealed that on Feb. 10, during a law enforcement investigation, a search warrant was executed on the defendant’s residence, where two loaded handguns were discovered in the defendant’s nightstand. 
A Quincy man was taught a tough lesson by U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin. Nixon had previously been convicted in the United States District Court, Northern District of Florida, Tallahassee Division, in 2011 of three felonies, which included two counts of conspiracy to steal or misapply funds from an organization that receives federal assistance and to commit wire fraud and aiding and abetting or misapplying funds as a credit union employee. In June 2025, Nixon was terminated from his position as the City Manager of Quincy. The case was jointly investigated by the Office of the State Attorney, 2nd Judicial Circuit, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christie S. Utt. Nixon’s sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 19 at 11 a.m. in the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor. |
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English please |
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On Tuesday, the Florida Department of Education announced it was taking immediate action against 10 Florida commercial driver training schools that were affected by a nationwide federal crackdown on CDL training providers. Back on Aug. 31, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced the emergency removal of more than 110 Entry-Level Driver Training providers from its Training Provider Registry — 10 of which were located here in Florida. The federal action followed a review of training providers associated with drivers cited for failing to meet federal English-language proficiency requirements. “Commercial drivers operate some of the largest vehicles on our highways, and the institutions entrusted with training have a responsibility to meet every standard required to put qualified drivers behind the wheel. When those standards are not met, Florida will act decisively,” said Education Commissioner Henry Mack. 
Driver's Ed got an F on its English exam. The crackdown is part of Florida taking immediate action to ensure affected schools cannot continue recruiting students or collecting tuition for training they cannot currently certify. Through the Commission for Independent Education, Florida has now ordered affected licensed programs to immediately cease advertising, recruitment, enrollment and tuition collection from new students while their federal removal remains in effect. “Florida is cracking down because students should never be asked to pay for training that cannot deliver the credential they were promised,” added Executive Director of the Commission for Independent Education Tiffany Hurst. “If a provider loses the federal authorization necessary to certify its students, it should not be business as usual. We will protect students, hold providers accountable and ensure Florida’s workforce credentials continue to mean something.” These actions build on ongoing federal efforts to strengthen English-language proficiency requirements across the commercial driving industry. |
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Not your lucky day |
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As the great Lee Corso says: not so fast, my friend! This week, the Florida Lottery announced that the owner of a Tampa retailer, Amar Yasser Hamden, has been issued a Notice to Appear following an undercover investigation by Florida Lottery Special Agents, which found that the owner misrepresented the value of a winning Scratch-Off ticket and attempted to retain the ticket to claim the prize. On Aug. 19, during their investigation at Zoya Shell, located at 3602 W. Gandy Boulevard in Tampa, the agents presented Hamden with a winning Florida Lottery Scratch-Off ticket valued at $1,000, a non-winning ticket, and two energy drinks. That’s when he scanned the winning ticket at the Florida Lottery terminal, which identified it as a winner and generated a Player Claim Instructions receipt confirming a prize above $599. But Hamden told the agent it was worth only $5, apparently intending to claim the prize later. 
What the heck, use 24.118(2) on your next ticket and see if it hits. “Our retailers are entrusted with serving Florida Lottery players and handling winning tickets with honesty and integrity,” said Florida Lottery Secretary Reginald D. Dixon. “We take that responsibility seriously, and when a retailer violates that trust, we will act to protect our players and the integrity of the Lottery.” After identifying themselves as Florida Lottery Special Agents, they asked Hamden where the ticket was. He claimed he had thrown it in the trash — yet during the subsequent investigation, the winning ticket and corresponding Player Claim Instructions receipt were located inside Hamden’s vehicle. The Florida Lottery immediately suspended Lottery activity at the retailer and removed Florida Lottery inventory from the location. It also issued a Notice to Appear for violating section 24.118(2), Florida Statutes, relating to the unlawful assignment or transfer of the right to claim a Lottery prize. |
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Rollback |
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Florida is moving to drop four vaccines from its school and child care entry requirements, advancing a proposal that would also broaden the state’s religious exemption to include a “sincerely held moral or ethical belief.” The Florida Department of Health published the proposed amendment to Rule 64D-3.046 on Aug. 24. The revised immunization guidelines strike the requirements for vaccines against hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), pneumococcal disease, and varicella (chickenpox). Parents could still choose to vaccinate their children, but the four would no longer be required to attend school. The state is drawing a line between vaccines named in law and those added through rulemaking. Florida law specifically requires immunization against polio, diphtheria, measles, rubella, pertussis, mumps and tetanus. Short of legislative intervention, those are here to stay. 
The plan was met with fierce criticism from Lori Berman. The department said the rule would remove immunizations not required by that law and update state forms and guidelines to align. It would also revise the religious exemption form to include moral and ethical beliefs. The proposed guidelines say a family may qualify based on religious tenets or practices “which includes a sincerely held moral or ethical belief” and that county health officials should not seek additional information from a parent or guardian. Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman criticized the proposal, calling it a threat to children and public health. “Dr. Ladapo’s crusade to remove vaccine requirements is an extreme political agenda with no basis in scientific fact. If we move forward with this rollback, our children would be more susceptible to things like Hepatitis B, pneumonia, meningitis, and blood infections — preventable illnesses that can lead to death,” Berman said. The proposal is not yet final, and the existing requirements remain in effect while rulemaking continues. The public may submit comments through Sept. 14. The notice also says a hearing will be scheduled and announced if one is requested within 21 days of publication. |
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Pints for parks |
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A beer that makes a difference. This week, the official statewide citizen support organization for Florida’s award-winning state parks — the Florida State Parks Foundation (Foundation) — announced a uniquely Florida-based, innovative partnership with eight of the state’s fan-favorite craft breweries. Their new state park-themed beers and ciders will support the Foundation and celebrate National Public Lands Day on Sept. 26. And every good team-up needs a catchy name. And “Pints For Parks” is the name of this official statewide partnership. The breweries involved range from the Panhandle to Southwest Florida, and the proceeds will support the Foundation’s continued mission to preserve, protect, sustain and grow Florida’s state parks. “Our parks are beautiful places filled with natural wonders, but they are also treasured parts of our local communities,” said CEO of the Foundation Julia Gill Woodward. 
Do your part and raise a glass for the parks. “That’s why we are so thrilled to be partnering with local craft breweries from all over the state to support our parks and encourage people to get outside and explore these amazing places.” Participating breweries include: — First Magnitude Brewing Company (Gainesville) — Intracoastal Brewing Company (Melbourne) — Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company (Orlando) — Keel + Curley Winery (Plant City) — Ology Brewing Company (Tallahassee) — Riptide Brewing Company (Bonita Springs) — Ten 10 Brewing Company (Orlando) — Tidal Brewing Company (Spring Hill) National Public Lands Day was created in 1994 and is observed each year on the fourth Saturday of September. It is the nation’s largest single-day volunteer event and celebration for public lands such as parks, trails and historic sites. And if you want to celebrate, either go to a park, volunteer, or crack open a cold one. The last option sounds best to us. |
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Supply & demand |
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On Tuesday, the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida (ICUF) released its Labor Gap Analysis, developed in partnership with the Regional Economic Consulting (REC) Group. The analysis used a novel microsimulation model that tracked graduates from degree completion through job placement. It revealed that nearly 3,000 essential healthcare positions, ranging from registered nurses to anesthetists, are filled each year in Florida by graduates of ICUF schools. The inaugural analysis modeled more than 393,000 Florida job openings alongside 35,653 ICUF graduates. The data showcases the already important role that Florida’s independent, nonprofit higher education institutions play in preparing the state's future workforce. “Florida's workforce challenges demand better data to inform better decision-making," said Bob Boyd, President and chief executive officer of ICUF. "For the first time, policymakers can see not just how many graduates Florida’s nonprofit higher education system produces, but exactly how those graduates help fill critical workforce needs across our economy. This model will serve as a guide to policymakers and key stakeholders on investments to strengthen our workforce and meet our state’s future needs.” 
ICUF is bridging the gaps. In a state known for its rapidly aging patient base and the accelerating pace of nurse retirements, having more workers join the healthcare sector is a plus. “There’s no question we have to come up with creative ways to expand our workforce and provide our students with the skills they need to fill the jobs available," said Sen. Jonathan Martin. "This labor gap analysis provides a clear picture of both the challenges and opportunities before us, enabling lawmakers to make informed decisions and strategic investments that will prepare our students and power our economy.” The analysis also projects that Florida will have 18,757 openings for nurse positions by 2028 and 19,638 by 2032. And more than 15% of those positions will be filled by ICUF graduates each year. |
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Crimson, green & orange |
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This week, Florida A&M University (FAMU) announced that its Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Allyson L. Watson and Professor Natalie Arnett have been selected to participate in leadership development programs at Harvard University. Both Rattlers will take part in programs designed to strengthen leadership in higher education. The programs will address distinct aspects of academic leadership, including advancing strategic vision at the executive level and cultivating administrative leadership among faculty. "Investing in the growth of our people — from our executive leadership to our esteemed faculty — is an investment in the future of this University. I have long believed the strongest leaders are lifelong learners, and Provost Watson and Arnett embody that belief,” said FAMU President Marva B. Johnson. “What they bring back will fortify our institution, elevate our academic excellence, and strengthen how we serve our students. I am proud to invest in the growth of two women whose leadership will ripple far beyond their own careers — and help shape this entire community for years to come.” 
Florida A&M University Provost Allyson Watson. Image via FAMU. Watson will be participating in the “Women Leaders: Advancing Together – Senior Leaders” executive education program, which will take place this September at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Tailored for senior higher education executives, the program focuses on executive management, institutional strategy, and navigating complex organizational dynamics. “I am profoundly grateful to President Johnson for believing in us,” Watson said. “Her unwavering support for women in leadership empowers us to reach higher and lead with greater purpose. I appreciate her trust in my executive leadership and her investment in our faculty. We look forward to making her and FAMU proud.” Arnett was selected for the “2026–2027 Harvard Administrative Fellowship Program” as a visiting fellow. The nine-month program includes interactive seminars, speaker series, case studies, professional coaching, and mentoring circles led by Harvard faculty members, senior administrators, and certified coaches. “True leadership within higher education begins in the classroom and grows through intentional service to our institutional mission. I am deeply grateful to President Johnson and Provost Watson for their unwavering belief in empowering faculty leaders. I look forward to bringing the insights and strategies gained from Harvard back home to enrich our FAMU community,” added Arnett. |
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Theater tickets on sale |
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Theater heads, listen up — your calendar just got busier. On Wednesday, the Florida State University (FSU) School of Theatre made tickets available for the 2026-27 season. The performances range from Shakespeare to Broadway musicals, so there will be a story for everyone to enjoy. This season features three musicals and two plays, with performances by FSU students starting on Oct. 16 with “Bring It On: The Musical” — a production inspired by the cult classic film and featuring music by Hamilton legend Lin-Manuel Miranda and Tom Kitt. The show runs from the 16th until the 25th at the Richard G. Fallon Theatre. For something more classical, Nov. 6 through Nov. 15, the Lab Theatre will be hosting William Shakespeare’s play “Coriolanus.” And a few days later, the annual Theatre for Young Audiences will put on “Me … Jane: The Dreams & Adventures of Young Jane Goodall” from Nov. 19-22 at the Richard G. Fallon Theatre. The work is adapted from the children’s book “Me … Jane,” by Patrick McDonnell and follows a young Jane Goodall, who, of course, would go on to become the world-renowned primatologist. And to bring in the spring season, Bess Wohl’s environmental dark comedy play “Continuity” will be put on at the Lab Theatre from Feb. 26 to March 7. 
The cast of the FSU School of Theatre’s 2025 production of 'Footloose' performs at the Richard G. Fallon Theatre. Image via FSU. And the curtain call of the year is “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” which is based on the Victor Hugo novel and features songs from the (depending on who you ask) extremely underrated Disney film. The story follows a classic tale of not judging a book by its cover, of love, acceptance, and the discovery of what it means to be a hero. It will be performed from April 9-18 at the Richard G. Fallon Theatre. Tickets range in price from $10 to $35 each and can be purchased online, by phone at (850) 644-6500 or at the Fine Arts Ticket Office in the Fine Arts Building at 540 W. Call St. from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday. Tickets can also be purchased one hour before each performance, subject to availability. Visit the School of Theatre website for more information or to purchase tickets. Don’t miss out; for all we know, the next FSU alumna and Tony nominee Christiani Pitts is on stage now at FSU. |
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New York City, here I come |
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Start spreading the news: The Marching Chiefs will be playing alongside inflatable Snoopy soon. During the disappointing Labor Day FSU football loss to SMU, an embarrassing power outage on national television delayed kickoff by nearly two hours. But there was some excitement in the air: Florida State University’s world-renowned Marching Chiefs would be making their way to New York City in 2027 to perform in the 101st Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. For once, the Marching Chiefs beat FAMU to the punch on something: They will be the first collegiate marching band from Florida to march in the parade, which, of course, draws millions of spectators in NYC and a nationwide television audience each Thanksgiving before NFL football. “The Marching Chiefs are amazing, and now millions of people across the country will get to experience what the Florida State family already knows. Their talent and energy represent the very best of FSU. I couldn’t be prouder that the Chiefs will make history as the first collegiate marching band from Florida to march in the Macy’s parade,” FSU President Richard McCullough said. The invitation was extended after a long and competitive process that drew a few hundred applications, according to Macy’s. The selection committee specifically noted how the reputation of the Marching Chiefs and the history of their international appearances helped put them over the top. 
Members of the Marching Chiefs react to hearing the news that they will march in the 2027 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Image via Megan Mowery/FSU College of Music. “For me, this is a parade I have had my sights on for a long time, given its long history and the prestige that comes with it. Even with our annual game against Florida the weekend of Thanksgiving, I have always thought there was a way to make it work if given the chance. To see it come to fruition is such a great and surreal feeling. I could not be more excited for our students and our band program for this incredible opportunity,” stated FSU’s Director of Athletic Bands David Plack. Around 420 Marching Chiefs will make the trek to New York in November 2027 and will return to Tallahassee on that Friday before traveling to Gainesville on Saturday for Florida State’s annual rivalry game against the University of Florida. Ain’t no rest for the Garnet and Gold. “The Marching Chiefs have a long history of excellence that extends beyond the field,” added FSU College of Music Dean Todd Queen. “From Syria to France, England, and Ireland, international audiences have experienced the vibrancy and artistry that the Chiefs impart to every performance. Today, they stand ready to captivate a nationwide audience on one of the country’s most prestigious and beloved stages: the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.” |
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Under arrest |
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On Wednesday, the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) announced the arrest of Jeray Ellis Jr., 18, following an investigation into a May 24 shooting at the parking garage at 411 Chapel Drive. The shooting killed 18-year-old Gavin Yates-Lyons and injured two others. The investigation began just before 5 a.m. on May 24, when TPD officers heard gunfire coming from the area of Chapel Drive and Call Street. Upon arrival, they found evidence that a shooting had occurred. Three victims were immediately transported to a local hospital. Yates-Lyons sustained life-threatening injuries and died on May 30. TPD’s Violent Crimes Unit hit the scene and eventually determined that multiple groups were gathered at the parking garage for an unsanctioned pop-up party when gunfire erupted on several floors. Yates-Lyons had just arrived before being struck by gunfire while attempting to leave. 
One Tallahassee teen appears to have a not-so-bright future. Police said Ellis shot at the vehicle, believing the person he was targeting was inside. Ellis was arrested for first-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder. The investigation remains active, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact TPD at 850-891-4200 or remain anonymous by calling Crime Solvers at 850-574-TIPS. “Cases like this require patience, persistence and attention to detail,” said TPD Chief Lawrence Revell. “This arrest is the result of months of diligent investigative work and our detectives’ commitment to finding answers for the victims and their families. While an arrest cannot undo the loss experienced by a family, we hope it represents an important step toward justice and accountability.” |
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Magic, Hope, and NFL |
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September is here, so the spooky Halloween spirit can start creeping into your media consumption — in fact, we encourage it. Banking on nostalgia magic (pun intended), “Practical Magic 2” arrives this week. The sequel, 28 years in the making, sees Oscar winners Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock team back up, but this time with Emmy winner Susanne Bier behind the camera. The plot follows a multigenerational family of witches cursed to be loveless who attempt to break the spell by confronting their past. The film currently has a 34% on Rotten Tomatoes (93% audience), a 6.3 on IMDb, and a 3.1/5 on Letterboxd. On the historical action front, Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Paul Greengrass brings us The Uprising, the story of a rebellion that inspired the legend of Robin Hood. It stars Oscar nominee Andrew Garfield and BAFTA winner Jamie Bell. The film is being praised for its gritty, realistic production design, cinematography, and Garfield’s grounded performance. But with a bloated running time and a familiar story, how engaging you find it may vary. Sitting at 53% on Rotten Tomatoes (61% audience), 6.5 on IMDb, and a 3.0 on Letterboxd, this might be one to catch on streaming. 
The Oscar-winning duo is back after nearly three decades. This week’s release from Director Na Hong-jin might be the sleeper hit of September. “Hope,” which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and is distributed by Neon, is taking audiences by storm. The Korean monster horror film follows the residents of a remote harbor town who suddenly find themselves in a desperate fight for survival against something they have never encountered before — big, scary monsters. The film stars Emmy nominee Hoyeon alongside Oscar nominee Michael Fassbender and Oscar winner Alicia Vikander. The nearly three-hour epic has a 79% on Rotten Tomatoes (78% audience), a 6.9 on IMDb, and a 3.3 on Letterboxd. On the TV side of things, real quick: “The Paper” returned for its second season on Peacock. The spin-off of The Office about a middling newspaper has an 80% on Rotten Tomatoes. For those looking to reflect on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, there’s the new History Channel documentary directed by Grace Chapman: “102 Minutes Inside the Tower”. It reveals what people inside the buildings saw and heard as events unfolded around them and they raced to survive. |
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Capitol Directions |
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