Florida State University has been home to some legendary artists, to say the least.
Whether it’s the Academy Award-winning duo reinventing what dramatic cinema can entail in Barry Jenkins and Adele Romanski; Alan Ball, who wrote one of the most provocative screenplays in the last half-century; or Oscar nominee and college football legend Burt Reynolds, FSU has a wealth of iconic exports.
“You think we need one more? All right, we’ll get one more.”
Now, enter center stage and spotlight, Christiani Pitts. Daughter of Emmy-winning journalist Bryon Pitts (there’s a project on he and her mother’s meet-cute already in the works) and an FSU alumna, Christiani Pitts has logged supporting roles across TV and film, including “The Good Fight” and “Resort to Love.”
But she has mostly made a name for herself in theater, working in “A Bronx Tale,” “King Kong,” “Come From Away,” and now the show taking Broadway, Times Square, and every other taxi, subway, and billboard ad in NYC by storm: the new Zillennial comedy “Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York,” which, yes, serves as both the title and plot synopsis.
The musical was originally penned as “The Season” and played in Ipswich and Northampton across the pond in 2019. The show premiered on the West End in 2024, with Dujonna Gift and Sam Tutty reprising their roles from the 2023–24 off-West End production to high acclaim.
And when it’s a hit in the UK, you do what any show does: cross the Atlantic. The North American premiere came at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where Tutty returned, this time joined by Pitts in the two-person tango as Robin.
It ran from May through mid-July 2025, then went big time — to Broadway in November that same year. And the rest, they say, is history.
The Drama League’s Distinguished Performance Award has led to the Tony in recent history. Image via Instagram/@twostrangersmusical.
The show is currently predicted to have a big day on Tony nominations morning, with punditry website “Gold Derby” favoring “Two Strangers” for nominations in Best Musical, Best Actress in a Musical, Best Actor in a Musical, Best Director of a Musical, Best Original Score, and Best Musical Book (the equivalent of Best Original Screenplay at the Oscars).
In March, the original Broadway cast recording — featuring Pitts and Tutty — was released on major streaming platforms. It’s available to listen to now.
Back in Tallahassee, her alma mater is taking notice.
“The School of Theatre could not be prouder of alumna Christiani Pitts. Even as a student, she was a force in our Music Theatre program — leading with a generosity of spirit, a fierce work ethic, and a deep respect for the craft. It comes as no surprise to any of us that she now brings that same love, kindness, and passion to Broadway,” said Brad Brock, director of The School of Theatre at FSU.
“Our audiences in Tallahassee were fortunate to witness her remarkable talent long before New York claimed her — whether she was stepping into Sally Bowles in ‘Cabaret,’ giving voice to Sarah in ‘Ragtime,’ or bringing her spark to Marta in ‘Company.’ Those performances weren’t just roles; they were early signs of the artist and leader she was becoming.”
This week, Pitts received a nomination for the Drama League’s Distinguished Performance Award, a prestigious precursor to the Tony Awards that has been around since 1935. Last year, Nicole Scherzinger took home the trophy for “Sunset Boulevard” — she would later go on to win the Tony.
The Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards also opened this week, where “Two Strangers” is up for seven nominations, including Favorite Leading Actress in a Musical for Pitts. You can vote here.
“We are thrilled to see her receiving the recognition she has earned, and even more excited to watch the impact she continues to make on our industry,” Brock continued.
Tony nominations will be announced on May 5.
___
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 —
Clear your calendars — The House and Senate have reached a deal on budget allocations and will convene on May 12 for a Special Session, which is scheduled to end May 29. Conference Committees will meet through May 15, at which point members will be authorized to return to their districts before returning the week after Memorial Day to vote on the budget. Legislative leaders note that about half the total budget is included in the allocations, putting the budget in the ballpark of about $104 billion. And there will be restrictions on the remaining funds not included in allocations, including that they will be split evenly, and may be spent on projects, PECO, and operational support for higher education. Other uses could be considered but would require written agreement by both the House Speaker and Senate President to receive funding. Senate Conference Committees will remain the same as during the Regular Session. House Speaker Daniel Perez has not yet announced Conference Committees.
Where’s the map? — The Senate still hasn’t seen a congressional redistricting map from Gov. Ron DeSantis. Lawmakers say it will take time to translate lines into legislation. “As you are aware, actual redistricting legislation does not contain a physical map, but is a compilation of census geography,” Senate President Ben Albritton said in a memo. “Staff will work as expeditiously as possible, but for your planning purposes, logistically it will take time to generate the actual bill and post related materials to the Senate website after the Governor’s map is received.” Albritton has made clear that the Senate will not originate a map, and he has no plans to name a Senate Reapportionment Committee. Rather, he said any handling of the redistricting process will go through the Senate Ethics Committee, which is chaired by Sen. Don Gaetz, a Crestview Republican and former Senate President.
And the ballot language, too … — There are still question marks lingering over the other Special Session in the pipeline. DeSantis promises that “when the dust settles,” there will be a Special Session dedicated to a constitutional amendment to get rid of homestead property taxes. But he acknowledges he must “work with the Legislature” to get the language right. Legislators are in Tallahassee next week for the Special Session on redistricting, AI restrictions and “medical freedom,” with the budget Special Session not far behind. With that in mind, time is becoming a precious commodity, particularly for those running for office this cycle.
D-E-Bye — DeSantis has approved legislation to eliminate local diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs. DeSantis has taken steps against DEI throughout much of his tenure, including targeting it at the university level last year. He enthusiastically backed efforts to do the same on the local level, and unlike so many things in this fractious legislative environment, he got his wish this year. Republican Sen. Clay Yarborough’s bill (SB 1134) will ban local governments from passing DEI initiatives and make ones already in law illegal, effective Jan. 1. The law also creates a cause of action for citizens to file civil suits against local governments if they feel discriminated against by DEI laws.
Fighting words — During a media conference Thursday, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said the House Majority PAC was putting $20 million into Florida races, in his latest assertion that the so-called “dummymander” that is expected to be proposed in next week’s Special Session could end up putting some current GOP seats up for grabs. The “$20 million investment in Florida,” said Jeffries, is “making it clear that we’re on offense.” DeSantis seemed unconcerned when presented with the Democratic threat on Wednesday. “Please, be my guest. I will pay for you to come down to Florida and campaign. I’ll put you up in the Florida Governor’s mansion. We’ll take you fishing, we’ll do all this stuff,” the Governor quipped.
— Under investigation —
Attorney General James Uthmeier says his office is launching a criminal investigation into OpenAI and its online platform, ChatGPT.
While the probe covers multiple areas, Uthmeier spotlighted potential criminal activity tied to the 2025 mass shooting at Florida State University, which left two people dead and six injured.
The investigation comes about two weeks after Uthmeier announced subpoenas targeting OpenAI.
James Uthmeier announced a criminal investigation into OpenAI this week.
“We’ve seen increases in self-harm and suicides by kids using this platform. We have seen individuals use this platform to engage in criminal activity such as child pornography,” Uthmeier said at a news conference in Tampa. “AI is supposed to support mankind, it is supposed to help mankind, it is supposed to advance mankind, not end it.”
Uthmeier said responses generated by OpenAI have been referenced in several criminal cases his office has pursued over the past year involving child predators and sexual abuse. But during his Tuesday remarks, he singled out the deadly shooting on the FSU campus.
Phoenix Ikner, the suspect in the shooting, allegedly engaged with ChatGPT, which Uthmeier said provided guidance on how to carry out the attack.
“The chatbot advised the shooter on what type of gun to use, on which ammo went with which gun, and whether or not a gun would be useful in short range,” Uthmeier said.
— 4 years later —
Book ’em like a hurricane.
This week, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia announced the arrest of Francisco Javier Chaparro-Araus, a public insurance adjuster accused of pocketing more than $703,000 in Hurricane Ian claim funds.
The arrest was made by the Department of Financial Services’ Criminal Investigations Division after investigators flagged Chaparro-Araus for allegedly misappropriating funds from 13 homeowners. Authorities say the scheme involved forging victims’ names, concealing insurance settlement checks, and refusing to pay clients after being contacted.
“Floridians face the devastating consequences of hurricanes each year, but what they absolutely should not have to deal with is criminals attempting to steal from them when they have already lost so much. This criminal thought he could profit from their vulnerability, but the only thing he’s collecting now is a jail sentence. I applaud the work of my investigators for putting Chaparro-Araus behind bars,” Ingoglia said.
Blaise Ingoglia said the public adjuster illegally pocketed hundreds of thousands of dollars.
After Hurricane Ian made landfall in 2022, Chaparro-Araus allegedly exploited homeowners by submitting insurance claims on their behalf, then depositing the funds into his business account.
Investigators say he later drained the money through online transfers, including Zelle, as well as wire transfers, debit card purchases, and cash withdrawals at casinos.
Chaparro-Araus was arrested on March 30 and faces charges including organized fraud, financial exploitation of an elderly person, diversion and misappropriation of a premium, and failure to report and account for funds.
Ingoglia released a video about the case, which is available for your viewing experience here. The case will be prosecuted by the Broward State Attorney’s Office.
— Uptick —
Florida’s unemployment rate ticked up for the second consecutive month in February.
FloridaCommerce reported the jobless rate at 4.6%, up from 4.5% in January.
It’s also the second straight month that Florida’s unemployment figure has been higher than the national rate. The U.S. figure for February was 4.4%, 0.2 percentage points below that of the Sunshine State.
Before the last two months, Florida’s unemployment rate had been lower than the national rate for around five years — a source of pride for both DeSantis and FloridaCommerce officials. Now, that trend appears to be reversing.
Florida’s no longer beating the national average.
The February figure accounts for about 516,000 people who were unemployed out of a total labor force of 11.14 million. Florida also lost 36,700 jobs in February 2025, which is a 0.4% decrease.
In February, there were 9.97 million people employed in nonagricultural jobs — one of the few bright spots in the report, with that metric increasing by about 1,800 jobs from January.
FloridaCommerce, the state’s economic development bureau, is still catching up on releasing data following last year’s federal government shutdown, which disrupted collection. The February report was issued after January’s figures were published earlier this month.
The February unemployment report showed a more significant drop in the year-over-year comparison. In February 2025, Florida’s jobless rate was a full percentage point lower, at 3.6%. FloridaCommerce officials say nine out of 10 major industries in the state saw negative job growth when compared to last year.
— Instagram of the week —
— The next chapter begins —
Want to keep track of all the upcoming Spring commencements? Look no further.
This week, the State University System of Florida is preparing to celebrate graduates across the state as commencement ceremonies begin this weekend.
Each year, the System awards more than 100,000 undergraduate and graduate degrees across its 12 institutions. About 80% of in-state students attend a System school without taking out federal student loans.
“The celebration of commencement is a milestone each of our System’s graduates has worked hard to earn, and we applaud the students, parents, family members, and friends who have stood by their side through this life-changing journey,” said Board of Governors Chair Alan Levine.
“The degrees our students have earned are evidence of the rigor and quality of learning our universities provide, and we are so proud of these graduates. We hope their journey of learning continues as they embark on the next chapter of their story.”
Ray Rodrigues addressing the University of West Florida for the Fall 2025 Commencement Ceremony, Photo via UWF.
The 2026 Spring Commencements are as follows:
— Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University: May 1-2, 2026
— Florida Atlantic University: May 7-9, 2026
— Florida Gulf Coast University: May 2-3, 2026
— Florida International University: April 26-30, 2026
— Florida Polytechnic University: May 9, 2026
— Florida State University: May 1-2, 2026
— New College of Florida: May 22, 2026
— University of Central Florida: May 8-9, 2026
— University of Florida: April 29-May 4, 2026
— University of North Florida: May 1, 2026
— University of South Florida: May 7-May 10, 2026
— University of West Florida: May 2, 2026
“I congratulate Florida’s graduates as they reach this important milestone. Graduates of the nation’s top-ranked higher education system are prepared to become the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, problem solvers, and innovators who will help shape Florida’s future and drive its economy forward,” said System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues.
“Through high-quality, rigorous academic programs, the State University System ensures students are well prepared for meaningful careers and lifelong success.”
Nearly 75% of Florida’s public university graduates either earn a median salary of $51,000 within a year of graduating or continue their education.
— Be aware! –
Be aware on the road — for your safety and theirs.
This week, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is observing National Work Zone Awareness Week, an initiative focused on protecting both road workers and motorists in active construction zones.
FDOT is continuing efforts to improve work zone safety through engineering countermeasures and public education, while reminding drivers of their role behind the wheel.
“Our roadside crews work around the clock to deliver projects and maintain Florida’s transportation infrastructure. Let’s keep them safe in work zones. Please remember to slow down, move over, and stay alert and free of distractions,” said FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue.
FDOT is reminding drivers to slow down and watch for crews during National Work Zone Awareness Week.
Nationally, four out of five people killed in work zones are drivers or passengers, meaning it’s not just the people on the road whose lives you should be worried about. Drivers can improve safety by staying alert, obeying speed limits, avoiding distractions, watching for shifting traffic patterns, and maintaining a safe following distance.
This year’s campaign for National Work Zone Awareness Week is “Safe actions save lives.” FDOT is also expanding the use of Smart Work Zones — first introduced in 2024 — to monitor traffic conditions and communicate safety information to drivers and workers.
For more information, visit FDOT.gov/WorkZone.
— Debate for dough —
Get your debate on — just like your borderline questionable uncle at Thanksgiving.
On Tuesday, Sarasota welcomed top student debaters from across the state for the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative State Championship, held at New College of Florida and State College of Florida.
A record 748 middle and high school students participated, nearly doubling last year’s total of 434.
“Florida continues to lead the nation in civics education because we are equipping students with the knowledge and skills to engage in meaningful debate and defend the principles that define our country,” Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas said.
Gavyn Purvis left Sarasota with the top prize. Image via FDOE.
“The students competing in this year’s championship have demonstrated excellence in civic knowledge, critical thinking and communication. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Debate reflects the importance of respectful discourse and the ability to engage thoughtfully on complex issues — skills that are essential for the next generation of leaders.”
High school competitor Gavyn Purvis won the Ronald Reagan Presidential Debate, earning a $50,000 scholarship and a trophy in honor of Charlie Kirk. Runner-up Harrison Shirey received a $25,000 scholarship.
Semifinalists Nikhil Daniel and Sahiti Reddy each earned $15,000 scholarships, while quarterfinalists Samantha Westerdale, Luke DiPersio, David Arutyunyan, and Daniel Llobet each received $10,000.
“Florida’s Civics and Debate Initiative is not just preparing students to win championships — it’s preparing them to lead. Through debate, these students are learning how to think clearly, speak confidently, and engage respectfully in the ideas that shape our future,” said House Education & Employment Committee Chair Jennifer Canady.
At the middle school level, Aadya Marru won the championship, with Cooper Campen finishing as runner-up.
The scholarships were made possible by philanthropist Patricia Duggan of Clearwater.
“Debate teaches students how to think critically, communicate their ideas clearly and how to respectfully engage with others who have differing perspectives,” Duggan said. “I am honored to have been able to support students as they gain these valuable skills while participating in this year’s championship.”
— A big thank you –
Give a big round of applause.
This week, Marsy’s Law for Florida announced the recipients of its 2026 Champion of Victims’ Rights Award: Sen. Erin Grall and Rep. Kaylee Tuck. The award honors those who have strengthened and elevated the rights of crime victims in Florida.
Marsy’s Law is named after Marsalee “Marsy” Nicholas, a California woman who was stalked and killed by her ex-boyfriend in 1983. Her family later encountered the accused murderer after his release on bail.
Grall and Tuck were recognized for sponsoring SB 350 and HB 1113, which restored voter-approved privacy protections from 2018 that were overturned following a Florida Supreme Court ruling nearly three years ago.
Erin Grall and Kaylee Tuck will have something new on their shelves next time you swing by the office. Image via Marsy’s Law for Florida.
“With the technology available in today’s day and age, it defies common logic that access to a victim’s name cannot be used to locate or harass that victim. A simple Google search for someone’s name yields all kinds of personal information. Victims relied on this protection for their own safety,” said Marsy’s Law for Florida spokesperson Jennifer Fennell.
“It is with deep appreciation that we recognize Senator Grall and Representative Tuck for the work they did to return the right to privacy back to Florida crime victims who can once again feel safe as they progress through their criminal justice journey.”
Marsy’s Law also announced it will present commemorative challenge coins to Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, Rep. Patt Maney, and Rep. Chuck Brannan for their advocacy on behalf of crime victims.
The awards and coins were presented in conjunction with National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, observed April 19-25.
The observance is held nationwide each April.
— 2028 under the sea —
“Under the sea” isn’t just a classic Disney line — it’s an experience visitors can have without getting wet here in Florida. And it’s getting a facelift.
This week in Key Largo, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park — billed as America’s first undersea park — broke ground on a new “Discovery Center & Aquarium” set to open in 2028. The ceremony included members of the Florida State Parks Foundation, Florida State Parks, and the Friends of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
“John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a true one-of-one within Florida’s state parks system, and the new Discovery Center & Aquarium will be as special and unique as the park itself. The Foundation is proud to play a part in bringing this new facility to fruition, and we are so grateful to all our partners whose generous support has helped make it possible,” said Matt Caldwell, Board President of the Florida State Parks Foundation.
The Discovery Center & Aquarium is on its way. ETA: 2028. Image via Florida State Parks.
When completed, the Discovery Center & Aquarium is set to transform the visitor experience with modern and expansive aquarium tanks filled with native Florida marine species with the crème de la crème being the 23,000-gallon coral reef centerpiece.
“Our parks manage and preserve the state’s natural resources, and that includes Florida’s Coral Reef,” said Florida State Parks Director Chuck Hatcher. “We’re excited for visitors to enjoy this new Discovery Center & Aquarium, and we think it will be a perfect starting point to explore the park’s beaches, trails and undersea experiences.”
The park currently draws more than 400,000 visitors each year, offering access to Florida’s coral reefs along with 42 campsites, three hiking trails and designated saltwater fishing areas.
“Like so many of our residents, this park holds a place in my heart, and I am so proud to support the park and its future,” added Monroe County Commissioner Holly Merrill Raschein.
— Robotics for the future –
These aren’t your grandma’s robots. Wait — pause.
Last week in Tallahassee, Florida A&M University and the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering hosted high school students from four countries, five states and dozens of Florida-based teams at the Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center to showcase 15 weeks of intensive robotics design and engineering.
A total of 46 teams, comprising students and professional engineers, competed in the FIRST Robotics Competition Tallahassee Regional. This year’s theme, REBUILT presented by Haas, challenged participants to reimagine the past through modern engineering as part of the 2025-2026 FIRST AGE program.
“When teams traveled from Australia, Pakistan, and Suriname to compete here at the Al Lawson Center on the campus of Florida A&M University, that wasn’t an accident. It was the result of intentional community-building,” said Tisha Keller, assistant dean for media, marketing and communications at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering.
FAMU Hosted Global High School STEM Athletes Who Competed To Qualify For First® International Robotics Championship.
“As FIRST Regional Director Wendy Austin has noted, our students of color and community groups had the opportunity to compete at a place where they felt at home. Whether it was ‘Pymble Pride’ from Sydney or ‘STEAMSUR’ from Suriname, these teams didn’t just travel thousands of miles to compete; they found a community here.”
A trip to the international FIRST Championship in Houston, Texas, from April 29 to May 2 was on the line for competitors. But beyond the prizes, the event emphasized building professional skills that don’t come from the classroom alone.
“This event was more than a competition; it was a glimpse into the future of our workforce. When students walked onto a college campus, built something with their own hands, and solved real problems as a team, they began to see themselves not just as students, but as engineers. That’s where the pipeline truly begins,” said Alan Hanstein, executive director of the Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee.
— Red Hat Day –
It’s time to celebrate one of the most important men who sports a stylish fedora, and sadly, we aren’t talking about director Matt Johnson.
Last week, Florida State University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Business celebrated its inaugural “Red Hat Day,” with students, faculty, staff, alumni and university officials donning red hats in honor of the college’s biggest benefactor, Herbert Wertheim, whose record philanthropic investment helped usher in the current era of FSU business.
His signature red fedora — and ever-present smile — have since emerged as symbols of hope, distinction and optimism for the college.
Herbert Wertheim greets a student during Red Hat Day. Photo by Kallen M. Lunt.
“Wear your red hat with joy,” Wertheim said during the afternoon ceremony at the recently completed Herbert Wertheim Center for Business Excellence.
Student leaders handed out red hats emblazoned with the college’s new branding, along with other Wertheim College-themed swag for attendees.
“He has lived the American dream, and he’s an amazing philanthropist, giving back to public universities and so many causes that change people’s lives,” said FSU President Richard McCullough.
“We hope that it will be a reminder to all of our students of how you shape Florida State University and our lives.”
Wertheim’s recent $65 million commitment marked the largest endowment in FSU history and the second-largest gift the university has received. The funding supports the college and its new facility, scholarships, expanded professional development opportunities, and faculty enrichment.
“We’ll forever keep, and maybe even sometimes wear, these red hats, which symbolize global excellence at the Herbert Wertheim College of Business,” said Jaclyn Madson, the event’s emcee and a Wertheim College honors student set to graduate this Spring.
— Top 10 —
Wearing the Garnet — and bringing home some Gold.
This week, the Student Investment Fund at Florida State University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Business ranked among the top 10 student-managed investment funds at public universities nationwide, according to new rankings from the Center for Investment Research.
The Wertheim College fund ranked No. 10 among public schools for 2025 and No. 23 overall among North American institutions. It was also the only Florida program to place in the top 25.
“The Master of Science in Finance program as a whole really values experiential learning, and managing the student investment fund is one of our most impactful opportunities,” said Andrew Schrowang, MSF program coordinator and Associate Lecturer.
Steve Perfect and the Student Investment Fund (SIF) cohort are near the top of the pack. Image via Kallen Lunt/FSU.
“The experience also helps our students stand out in interviews, as they can speak to real investment decisions they’ve made with actual capital at stake, focusing on what worked, what didn’t and what they learned.”
The rankings surveyed more than 500 schools with student-managed funds and evaluated them based on verified assets under management as of Dec. 31, 2025. Among the top 25, funds ranged from more than $85.5 million at the University of Dayton to $9.27 million at the University of Tulsa.
“The SIF offers our students an incredible opportunity to gain hands-on experience as portfolio managers and analysts under the guidance of faculty experts,” said Don Autore, Dean L. Cash Professor of Finance and Chair of the Department of Finance.
Finance is the most popular major among undergraduate business students at the Wertheim College and the top major among all undergraduates at Florida State.
The Wertheim College also ranks No. 1 among public schools and No. 5 overall in Niche.com’s 2026 Best Colleges for Accounting and Finance in America rankings.
— Mapping Wakulla —
Water, as it turns out, is pretty important. And some funding just arrived to help Tallahassee-area residents keep it flowing.
This week, Florida State University professor Ming Ye, of the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science, was awarded more than $2.5 million from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to study groundwater sources in the Wakulla Springs basin and map its underwater cave system — portions of which remain unexplored.
“All of Florida’s springs are facing critical issues: water level is dropping, amount of flow is decreasing, and water quality is becoming worse,” Ye said.
“The funding of this project gives us a chance to finally go subsurface to understand both the quantity and quality of the water.”
Ming Ye, a professor in the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science. Devin Bittner/FSU College of Arts and Sciences.
Wakulla Springs, about a 35-minute drive from Tallahassee, helps supply drinking water to a significant portion of North Florida. Ye’s research aims to better understand how water is affected by the geological makeup of the caves it travels through and by environmental factors such as rising sea levels and pollution.
Florida is home to more than 1,000 springs — the largest concentration in the world — meaning the findings could have implications far beyond Wakulla County.
“Ming is an expert in hydrogeology and using computational approaches to model groundwater transport, which helps him study fluid transport beneath the ground here in Florida,” said Michael Stukel, Chair of the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science.
“He’s a collaborative and interdisciplinary scientist and teacher whose work builds bridges across different curricular groups within EOAS.”
— Listen up —
Graduation is right around the corner — and that means it’s time to hear from the speakers.
This week, FSU announced it will award an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters to alumna and entrepreneur Sara Blakely during spring commencement ceremonies May 1-2, recognizing her impact as the founder of Spanx and Sneex.
Blakely, who earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from FSU in 1993, will serve as commencement speaker for the College of Arts and Sciences ceremony at 7 p.m. May 1, as well as the May 2 ceremonies for the Dedman College of Hospitality, Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, College of Applied Studies, College of Medicine, College of Motion Picture Arts, College of Fine Arts, College of Communication and Information, and College of Social Work.
FSU’s Commencement lineup includes Daniel Perez, Sara Blakely and Sean Farrell.
Lt. Gen. Sean Farrell, deputy commanding general of U.S. Special Operations Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, and House Speaker Daniel Perez will also serve as commencement speakers.
This spring, FSU will award 8,923 degrees, including 6,732 bachelor’s degrees, 1,523 master’s and specialist degrees, 261 doctoral degrees, 140 law degrees, and nine master of laws degrees. Approximately 7,190 graduates are expected to participate.
Blakely will be inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in May and has been named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People.
In 2021, she sold a majority stake in Spanx while remaining Executive Chair and part owner, and in 2024, launched Sneex, a footwear brand combining the comfort of a sneaker with the style of a heel.
— Golf for a cause —
Unless you’re Jupiter’s finest, Tiger Woods, you should probably get your golf spirit on.
On Monday, the fourth annual Tallahassee Interclub Golf Championship will be held at Seminole Legacy Club, hosted by First Tee – Tallahassee. The friendly competition will bring together golfers from across the Big Bend to support the organization’s mission of helping young people build character, confidence and life skills — all through the little-known game of tennis. Kidding, of course. Golf.
Get a round in and help First Tee – Tallahassee create more winners.
“The Tallahassee golf community has really embraced this event. It’s a great way for clubs across the Big Bend to compete, have fun and support a program that is helping young people build confidence and character through the game. And since we’re playing at Seminole Legacy this year, I’m especially looking forward to welcoming everyone to my home course,” said Brett Ewing, who leads the effort and serves on the Executive Committee of the First Tee – Tallahassee Board of Directors.
Since its inception in 2023, First Tee – Tallahassee has expanded to more than 21 schools across the region, reaching 12,000 students since 2024.
Participating clubs include Capital City Country Club, City of Tallahassee, Golden Eagle Country Club, Killearn Country Club, Seminole Legacy Golf Club, Southwood Golf Club and Wakulla Sands Golf Club.
The tournament will be played in a net best-ball format, with each club fielding seven two-person teams. The best four net scores will count toward each club’s total, with the lowest overall score taking the title.
— Moore respect —
Big truss.
This week, Tallahassee State College trustee Karen Moore was named the 2026 Trustee of the Year by the American Association of Community Colleges and received the honor at the AACC Awards of Excellence Gala on April 13 in Seattle.
“I am deeply honored and grateful for this recognition,” Moore said. “Serving Tallahassee State College and supporting our students has been one of the most meaningful privileges of my life. I believe strongly in the power of education to transform lives, and I am proud to be part of a college that creates opportunity and changes futures every day.”
Moore was first appointed to the TSC District Board of Trustees in 2007 by Charlie Crist and has since been reappointed by Rick Scott and DeSantis. She served as Chair in 2009-10 and again in 2024-25.
Karen Moore’s work at TSC isn’t going unnoticed.
“Trustee Moore is exceptionally deserving of this national recognition. Her leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment to our students have had a lasting impact on this institution. She has played a vital role in advancing our mission and expanding opportunities for those we serve,” said TSC President Jim Murdaugh.
Moore has also served as President of the TSC Foundation Board, helping lead fundraising efforts that secured more than $23 million for scholarships and facilities improvements.
In recognition of her support for student veterans, the Richard W. & Karen B. Moore Veterans Success Center at TSC was named in honor of Moore and her husband.
— Blotter —
Tallahassee resident Christopher Lamar Daniels has been indicted on federal drug and firearms charges, including possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
According to U.S. Attorney John Heekin, Daniels also faces a charge of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. He was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Martin Fitzpatrick this week, with a jury trial set for June 15 before U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle.
The charges add up to 15 years or more if convicted.
If convicted, Daniels faces a minimum of 10 years in prison on the drug charge, plus a consecutive five-year sentence for the firearm count. If classified as an Armed Career Criminal, he could face a minimum of 15 years, up to life, on the felon-in-possession charge.
The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Tallahassee Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James McCain.
Heekin’s office said the case stemmed from Operation Take Back America, the Trump administration’s nationwide effort aimed at locating and deporting undocumented immigrants.
— Food glorious food –
All we know is that math class would’ve been a lot better with some mouthwatering food on the side.
On Tuesday, the Leon County government and The Village Square hosted the 11th annual Created Equal program, this year called “Created Equal: The Soul of Food,” at The Moon in Tallahassee.
The award-winning program explores how food connects people to history, culture and community through shared traditions and experiences.
Will the series make it to No. 12?
“Created Equal continues to provide meaningful opportunities for our community to come together and engage in thoughtful dialogue. This year’s focus on food highlights how culture and history are preserved through everyday traditions and offers a powerful lens for understanding one another,” said Leon County Commission Chair Christian Caban.
Through a panel discussion, attendees explored how culinary traditions evolve beyond individual recipes to reflect identity, belonging and resilience — while also serving as a celebration of memory, culture and community.
“Created Equal continues to be a cornerstone of the community gatherings that are at the heart of The Village Square model,” said Christine Cox, director of The Village Square.
“Through respectful and open-minded conversations like these, we can bridge divides. And since food is something deeply personal yet universally shared, this year’s focus was an ideal way to explore the culture, history, and stories that connect us all.”
— Charged up —
Happy belated Earth Day, Tallahassee — and yes, we promise this isn’t just for the people buying their third Tesla.
This week, the city government marked Earth Day by opening its first zero-emission electric vehicle fast-charging station.
The canopied station is equipped with Level 3 DC fast chargers — the fastest commercially available EV charging technology — capable of charging four vehicles simultaneously, with a full charge in about 20 minutes.
If you need some juice, head to W. Van Buren Street.
“With the opening of our first PowerTLH EV fast-charging station, we can see significant progress toward a cleaner, more connected Tallahassee. As we celebrate Earth Day, we’re proud to highlight how our strategic investment in innovative, sustainable services is vital to shaping a brighter future for our community,” said Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey.
The station is located at 233-1 W. Van Buren St., near Anita Favors Plaza, offering drivers a chance to stretch their legs along the Capital Cascades Trail, visit FAMU or relax at Cascades Park while they charge.
“This is what tomorrow’s gas station looks like, built today. The City of Tallahassee continues to lead in innovation by advancing forward-thinking solutions that drive meaningful progress and set a lasting standard for sustainable infrastructure,” said City Manager Reese Goad.
Additional PowerTLH fast-charging stations are planned for the corner of Orange Avenue and Meridian Street and on West Tharpe Street near North Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
— Michael Swears —
The music biopic. It is a tricky needle to thread. When done right, you can go on to become a massive box-office success. There are many that fall in the middle ground by, say, making a lot of money or picking up an award or two, before exiting the collective memory. And then there are the ones that just bomb — no award buzz, bad reviews (See: “Back in Black”).
Well, we have a new contender in the building.
The King of Pop makes his way back to the big screen for the first time since “This Is It” in “Michael.” The film stars the late Michael Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, as he steps into the shiny shoes along with Oscar nominee Colman Domingo (“Sing Sing,” “Euphoria”) and Emmy nominee Miles Teller (“Top Gun: Maverick,” “Whiplash”). Antonie Fuqua, the filmmaker behind “Training Day,” had no easy task capturing the story of a man who defined an entire generation.
Where does this music biopic fall on the scale of things? Well, this movie has been plagued with post-production woes to say the least. Trades reported that there was originally an entirely different ending that went down the road of Michael’s later-in-life legal issues, but that the estate flexed its authority to force reshoots … and now it’s also been sliced into two films? Maybe? There’s supposedly even an MCU-level “Michael Jackson will return” post-credits scene.
It sounds like the ‘making of’ will be worth a watch down the line. Image via AP.
The behind-the-scenes drama seems to be the more interesting affair here as the film is currently sitting at 39% on Rotten Tomatoes (96% audience), a 7.6 on IMDB, and a 3.6 on Letterboxd.
The other release this weekend is “I Swear,” which took home three BAFTA awards earlier this year, including Best Actor for Robert Aramayo. Now, if that person sounds vaguely familiar, it’s because the man the film is depicting, Tourette’s advocate John Davidson, had a bit of an outburst at the BAFTA awards when Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting. We think you know the rest.
The film has been met with great reviews — 98% on Rotten Tomatoes, 8.4 on IMDB, and a 4.2 on Letterboxd. Due to eligibility and release schedules, Aramayo can still be nominated for Best Actor at the Oscars in 2027 for this film, despite winning the BAFTA in February. It’ll be a long uphill journey, but if the performance is as amazing as people say it is, who knows?
On streaming, HBO has a new limited series in “Half Man,” which is Emmy-winner Richard Gadd’s next step after the mega hit “Baby Reindeer.” The series is about an estranged brother who shows up at his sibling’s wedding hoping to revive their relationship. It has a 72% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.3 rating on IMDb. And then there’s Netflix milking the cow in the animated spin-off in “Stranger Things: Tales From ’85,” which chronicles time with the gang from Hawkins that hasn’t been previously seen, and in a new, more family-friendly format. It has 67% on Rotten Tomatoes.
— Capitol Directions —
Ron DeSantis — Up arrow — Trump talked to him about SCOTUS? Is this a Ron Renaissance or a graceful burial?
Hakeem Jeffries — Down arrow — He declared ‘maximum warfare’ and immediately got invited to hold Winterfell.
Property taxes — Question marks — The ballot language is starting to feel like Zeno’s paradox.
White men — Up arrow — History’s most overlooked constituency finally gets a win.
FHP — Down arrow — The numbers are certainly … consistent.
Jay Collins — Down arrow — It’s his fantasy, and he still tops out at 18%.
Blaise Ingoglia — Down arrow — The math didn’t math in St. Pete.
ChatGPT — Down arrow — James Uthmeier will be delving into a tapestry of phrases in court.
Ben Albritton — Up arrow — In the final months of his presidency, he’s discovering halfway is a place worth visiting.
Daniel Perez, Lawrence McClure — Up arrow — They actually used the brakes.
Higher ed — Up arrow — Here, enjoy all the sprinkles!
Rural renaissance — Down arrow — Rural renaissance, it turns out, was just rural rhetoric.
State workers — Crossways arrow — Maybe the raise makes the day-one patch?
Memorial Day — Crossways arrow — It’s officially a soft maybe.
Leading the Future — Up arrow — We don’t complain when new money finds the table.
Palantir — Up arrow — Welcome to the Sunshine State!
Kim Rivers — Up arrow — The 280E finally blinked.
Jeff Brandes — Up arrow — He’s working the problem, not the talking points.
Jose Felix Diaz, Justin Sayfie — Up arrow — Year Five just made Year Six interesting.
Marva Johnson — Up arrow — Investiture. When a simple swearing-in just won’t do.
LobbyTools — Up arrow — Meeting Insights is doing a lot.
Civics and Debate Initiative — Up arrow — The trajectory is undebatable.
Team AFP — Up arrow — Skylar Zander, Mallory McManus, Brian Thiele and Herbie Thiele made the putts that mattered at the Florida House tourney.