You circled this day off months ago, and it’s been lingering in the back of your mind ever since. In a way, Memorial Day is the unofficial adult kickoff to Summer — an abridged, slightly more mature (for some people) version of Spring Break.
This Monday, as we’re sure you’re aware, is Memorial Day, the federal holiday dedicated to honoring and mourning the people who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces protecting the country and its freedoms.
And thankfully, Memorial Day weekend offers something for just about every energy level and attention span.
A day of gratitude. Thanks again for your sacrifice.
There’s a classic barbecue or cookout — where if you don’t eat at least two hot dogs and two burgers, frankly, you’re not fully participating. Communities across the country will host parades and ceremonies. A big blockbuster movie traditionally lands in theaters to officially christen Summer movie season. There are sales everywhere you look. Museums, memorials and cemeteries will also see visitors paying tribute to veterans and loved ones who made the ultimate sacrifice.
But in Florida, the most popular activity may simply be enjoying the outdoors. At the same time, the weather still exists in that brief magical window between “pleasantly warm” and “standing inside Satan’s convection oven.”
And this year, Florida State Parks is making that a little easier.
State Park officials announced last week that Florida State Parks will offer free admission for Memorial Day weekend from May 23-25, inviting residents and visitors alike to enjoy the outdoors while reflecting on those who gave their lives in service to the country.
“As visitors enjoy the holiday weekend, Memorial Day is also a time to pause and reflect on those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Florida State Parks offer meaningful places to connect with the history and natural beauty that define our state,” said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis Lambert.
Whether it’s crystal-clear springs, beaches, rivers, trails or historic landmarks, Florida’s parks offer no shortage of ways to spend a long weekend outside. Visitors can hike, paddle, fish, camp, spot wildlife or just enjoy a state where nature somehow manages to look Photoshopped in real life.
Florida State Parks opened the gates free for Memorial Day weekend, giving residents one rare statewide offer with only a few asterisks.
Florida’s park system includes 175 state parks, trails and historic sites covering more than 815,000 acres, along with 101 miles of beaches and more than 3,000 miles of multi-use trails.
And for the history buffs among us — which, let’s be honest, probably includes a healthy percentage of people reading this — Florida State Parks also preserves forts, battlefields, archaeological sites and historic landscapes tied to both Florida and American history.
There is one small catch: the free admission only applies to day-use entry and excludes Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Skyway Fishing Pier State Park, Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park and Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.
Other fees for overnight stays, concessions, rentals and special events still apply.
So what are you waiting for? People say nothing in life is free, but this one actually is.
More information is available at Florida State Parks, and additional details on Florida’s role in America’s 250th anniversary can be found at America250FL.
___
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—
Finish line — Leaders of the Legislature say they can still pass a budget before the end of May, but it could be close. A budget memo released by House Speaker Daniel Perez says budget chiefs for the House and Senate will convene for a final conference meeting on Tuesday, May 26. House Budget Chair Lawrence McClure and Senate Appropriations Chair Ed Hooper will meet at 8 a.m. and hold talks “until completion” of the state budget. That should leave time for Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton to approve a budget and complete the final conference report before the three-day holding period required by state law.
Show your work — State University System’s Board of Governors Chair Alan Levine wants to review whether University of Florida Chair Mori Hosseini overstepped his authority amid the latest controversy over UF’s presidential hiring practices. “During the course of reviewing the selection of the finalist for the University of Florida Presidency, I observed an issue, which I raised with the Chair, and which caused me to reflect on the fact that the Board of Governors has never made this inquiry or reviewed the governance materials for the universities,” Levine wrote in an email. “This begs a question I don’t believe you, as chancellor, or anyone on the Board of Governors, can currently answer: Are the delegations of authority formally approved by our university boards of trustees in compliance with our regulations?”
New era — Three U.S. Representatives representing South Florida say an indictment of Raúl Castro serves as the beginning of change in Cuba. U.S. Reps. Mario Díaz-Balart, Carlos Giménez and María Elvira Salazar, all Miami-Dade Republicans, held a news conference at the U.S. Capitol calling for justice for three Americans and one legal U.S. resident killed 30 years ago in the downing of two Brothers to the Rescue aircraft. Hours ahead of an announcement in Florida of charges against the former President of Cuba, lawmakers said that Wednesday should mark the beginning of the end of communism’s control in Cuba, ever since Fidel Castro led an overthrow of the prior Batista government in 1959.
Teed up — The House has come down from its position on transferring funding from the University of South Florida to New College, teeing up a broader land transfer between the two institutions. The House had been seeking the transfer of $22.47 million in funds from USF Sarasota-Manatee to New College as part of the campus transfer pushed by Gov. DeSantis. In addition to eliminating a funds transfer in its budget offer, the House has also met the Senate on language for the overall land transfer, extending the deadline for New College to assume full liability of the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus from its original position of Oct. 30 of this year to Jan. 31 of next year. If the Senate accepts the House’s latest offer, it is likely to be considered, bearing in mind that its position was met — the land transfer will go through.
Redistricting shuffle — Black leaders are taking issue with U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s decision to run in a plurality Black seat. And the complaints extend beyond opponents running in Florida’s 20th Congressional District. State Sen. Shevrin Jones, a Miami Gardens Democrat, has long called Wasserman Schultz a political ally. But he said he will not support her run. Black Democrats took issue because even under a “race-neutral” map approved by DeSantis, CD 20 boasts a predominantly Black population. About 42% of the voting age population is Black, more than 23% is Hispanic and almost 4% is Asian, while 30% of voting age residents are White. The map dismantled Wasserman Schultz’s seat, but she chose the safe Democratic CD 20 over vacant battleground seats.
— Keep them safe —
Any little way to make students safer is a win in our book (even though there seems to be an obvious solution).
Last week in Miami at the 5th Annual Commissioner’s Summit on School Safety and Security, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB 757 into law. The legislation aims to strengthen further protections for students, faculty and staff across Florida’s educational institutions while building on existing safety frameworks.
Ron DeSantis signed HB 757, expanding Florida campus safety measures and the Guardian Program deeper into higher education.
The legislation expands key safety and security measures to the state’s colleges and universities while reinforcing the state’s commitment to maintaining safe learning environments for students at every grade level.
“We’ve made historic strides to implement school safety measures that are working to protect our schools. Today, I was proud to build on these efforts by signing HB 757, which enhances campus security requirements and best practices at our colleges and universities throughout Florida,” DeSantis said.
“We can have the highest academic standards, the strongest workforce programs, and the most innovative pathways for students, but must also continue our focus on the safety of our students and educators.”
HB 757 expands participation in the Chris Hixon, Coach Aaron Feis and Coach Scott Beigel Guardian Program to include Florida’s public postsecondary institutions. It also creates a second-degree felony charge for discharging a weapon within 1,000 feet of a school and requires public postsecondary institutions to develop active assailant response plans that include family reunification procedures in the event of an emergency.
“Thanks to Governor Ron DeSantis’ leadership, Florida has set the national standard for school safety, and House Bill 757 builds on that strong foundation by extending critical protections to our state colleges and universities. By extending the Guardian Program to higher education institutions, we are equipping campuses with additional tools to help safeguard students and professors. Every student deserves the opportunity to learn in a safe and secure environment, and this legislation reinforces Florida’s unwavering commitment to protect our schools,” said Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas.
The Guardian Program was first created in 2018 through the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act following the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
— ♫♫ High & dry: Radiohead ♫♫ —
It’s getting hot out there in Florida, and the state is also dealing with serious drought conditions — as Smokey Bear would tell you, that can lead to some bad situations.
Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson this week joined the usual suspects — Attorney General James Uthmeier, Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia, and Florida Forest Service leadership — at a news conference in Brooksville to update Floridians on current wildfire conditions, what to expect in the coming months, and what residents can do to help prevent fires.
Wilton Simpson warned that Florida’s drought and rising wildfire totals are creating dangerous conditions, with fire season still far from done.
“Florida is already nearing our annual wildfire totals, and we are only entering the peak of wildfire season. With drought conditions affecting the entire state, the wildfire threat across Florida remains extremely high. The Florida Forest Service is fully engaged, and our wildland firefighters have already been working tirelessly for the past few months to protect lives, property, and natural resources across the state,” Simpson said.
“Florida also leads the nation in prescribed fire, using controlled burns year-round to reduce wildfire risk and protect communities. Floridians can help by following burn bans, avoiding outdoor burning, and remaining vigilant throughout wildfire season.”
Florida has already seen more than 2,100 fires scorch nearly 136,000 acres since the start of 2026, putting the state in the middle of an especially active wildfire season.
According to the National Interagency Fire Center, Florida is expected to face well-above-normal wildfire potential through the Summer because of ongoing severe drought conditions.
“Conditions are dry, fire danger remains high, and we expect this season to stay busy. Our wildland firefighters are ready, but wildfire prevention is something every Floridian can help with,” said Florida Forest Service Director Rick Dolan.
Floridians can track current wildfire conditions and fire activity statewide at the FDACS wildfire tracker.
— Crash out —
Not this time. The scheme got stomped.
Chief Financial Officer Ingoglia this week announced the arrests of five suspects tied to an alleged staged motor vehicle crash scheme: Yumilka Melendez Pagan, Yancenia Diaz, Milaimi Gonzalez Acosta, Alfredo Ernesto Phinney Estrada and Vidal Jose Rojas Balbas.
Officials said Balbas was residing in the United States illegally.
The suspects were arrested by the Department of Financial Services’ Criminal Investigations Division and are accused of attempting to defraud an insurance company by billing for nonexistent injuries.
Blaise Ingoglia announced five arrests in a staged crash fraud case, where investigators said greed drove a wrecked scheme.
“Staged crashes are dangerous schemes that put innocent lives at risk at the expense of someone’s financial gain. These criminals who tried to exploit the system for their own greed will face repercussions for their actions. There is no room for fraud in Florida, and there is no room for criminal illegal aliens. My investigators will continue to identify and arrest these fraudsters,” Ingoglia said.
The investigation began after the Criminal Investigations Division received a tip from an insurance company regarding a suspicious crash.
According to investigators, the first two suspects were arrested after participating in a one-car crash in which the vehicle struck a tree.
Investigators said they later gathered evidence and obtained confessions indicating the crash had been staged and preplanned.
The remaining three suspects were arrested at a physical therapy clinic in Miami, where authorities alleged they obtained blank physical therapy forms and submitted claims for services that were never rendered.
Officials said the scheme resulted in $30,936.80 in fraudulent claims. The suspects each face up to 20 years in prison.
The CFO also posted a video about the case on Facebook.
— Make it 20 —
The more the merrier in Florida when it comes to insurance competition.
Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky this week announced that three new property and casualty insurers — Builder Reciprocal Insurance Exchange, Frontline Insurance Reciprocal Exchange and Wingsail Insurance Company — are entering Florida’s market, bringing the total number of new insurers entering the state since recent legislative reforms to 20.
According to state officials, the new companies have collectively brought more than $850 million in fresh capital into Florida’s property insurance market.
Mike Yaworsky announced three more insurers entering Florida, adding fresh competition to a property market that can use it.
“Florida is becoming more and more of an attractive place to deploy capital. I am proud to announce that since enacting our historic legislative reforms, we now have 20 new companies writing property coverage in our market. The competition is thriving, and the Office of Insurance Regulation encourages consumers to shop around and look into each of these new companies,” Yaworsky said.
Builder Reciprocal Insurance Exchange, based in Texas, is now authorized to write homeowners multiperil insurance in Florida.
Frontline Insurance Reciprocal Exchange, headquartered in Lake Mary, can now write fire, allied lines, homeowners multiperil, inland marine, boiler and machinery, and other liability coverage in Florida. The company also provides coastal coverage in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.
Wingsail Insurance Company, domiciled in Arizona, is also expanding into Florida’s homeowners multiperil insurance market.
“Insurance companies continue to enter the Florida market because our historic tort reforms have paved the way to a stronger marketplace for homeowners. Competition is the best way to ensure that Floridians can access the best coverage at the best price and I look forward to making even more of these announcements in the future,” CFO Ingoglia said.
Florida domestic property insurers also reported an 83% pooled combined ratio for 2025, which officials said marked a 94% improvement from 2024.
— Instagram of the week —
— Ed-flex check —
Thanks to President Donald Trump signing Executive Order 14242, Florida is getting a little more room to maneuver on education policy.
U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon and the United States Department of Education this week announced approval of Ed-Flex applications for Florida and Illinois, bringing the total number of participating states to 18.
Ed-Flex allows state education agencies to waive certain statutory or regulatory requirements for School Districts and schools without first sending those waivers to the federal Department of Education for review and approval, allowing some changes to move faster.
Linda McMahon approved Florida’s Ed-Flex application, giving schools and districts more leeway to move federal education dollars faster.
The Department also sent guidance this week to chief state school officers, encouraging the broader use of existing flexibility under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. According to the Department, those provisions could allow states and districts to transfer funds between eligible programs and give smaller rural School Districts more freedom in how federal dollars are spent.
“Today’s announcement marks another bold step forward in strengthening states’ ability to fully harness the flexibilities already at their fingertips in support of better serving students, families, educators, and communities. With a record 18 states now taking advantage of Ed-Flex authority, we urge state leaders to build on this momentum by adopting forward learning strategies that move decision-making closer to the classroom and elevate the power of local leadership,” said Assistant Secretary for the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education Kirsten Baesler.
The Department of Education has previously sent eight “Dear Colleague” letters to state education leaders encouraging them to use existing federal flexibilities to increase state-level control over education systems.
“I am very thankful Florida received the Ed-Flex Waiver from the U.S. Department of Education,” said Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas.
“Under the leadership of Secretary McMahon, states now have greater flexibility to ensure federal funds are directed to where they matter most, supporting students, empowering teachers, and strengthening learning in the classroom.”
— Bright Futures facelift —
“Hey, computa, program this website for a facelift and a good day.”
The Florida Lottery this week unveiled an updated Bright Futures resource page designed to help Florida students, families, educators and school counselors more easily navigate the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program.
The revamped page, which launched May 18, serves as a centralized resource hub for scholarship information and includes a Bright Futures “Roadmap to Success” featuring planning tools, guidance and scholarship resources for students throughout the application process.
Reggie Dixon unveiled the Florida Lottery’s updated Bright Futures page, giving students a clearer scholarship roadmap and parents fewer clicks.
“Bright Futures has helped more than one million Florida students pursue higher education opportunities, and we are committed to ensuring students have the tools they need to successfully navigate the scholarship process. This new webpage serves as a convenient resource for students and families as they plan for their educational future,” said Acting Lottery Secretary Reggie Dixon.
The page also includes Bright Futures public service announcements, scholarship tips and a downloadable Bright Futures Student Handbook covering frequently asked questions about the program and Florida colleges and universities.
And perhaps most importantly for stressed-out seniors and parents everywhere, the site includes easy-to-find links directing students straight to the Bright Futures application portal.
Curious Floridians can check out the updated page at the Florida Lottery Bright Futures page.
— Law & transfer —
The transfer portal isn’t just for athletes in Florida. Law enforcement is getting in on it, too.
This week in Tallahassee, the Florida Highway Patrol celebrated the graduation of 11 members of Transitional Recruit Class XXIII, a specialized program designed for already-certified law enforcement officers from other states — or Florida officers with less than two years of experience — to transfer and refine their skills to meet Florida-specific training standards.
The graduating class included five members with prior military service spanning the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps. One graduate previously served with the North Carolina Highway Patrol.
Dave Kerner welcomed 11 new Florida Highway Patrol graduates, proving the transfer portal now reaches law enforcement, too.
“I am honored to welcome these new State Troopers to the Florida Highway Patrol. Each new State Trooper who joins our ranks is a reflection of the excellence that defines Florida’s Finest. With every recruit who joins our ranks, the safety and security of our state grow stronger. Their commitment, sacrifice, and willingness to step forward in service to others are what keep Florida thriving,” said Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Dave Kerner.
“As they begin their careers, they carry with them the trust of our citizens and the responsibility to protect them with honor, courage, and professionalism.”
Over eight weeks, the class completed more than 320 hours of advanced training to earn the title of Florida State Trooper.
The new troopers will now report to their duty stations and train alongside certified Field Training Officers for 10 to 14 weeks before patrolling solo.
“Over the last eight weeks at the FHP Training Academy, these law enforcement officers have learned what it truly means to be a Florida State Trooper. They have faced long, demanding hours and pushed themselves to earn the Badge of a Trooper they proudly wear now. They stand ready to uphold the highest standards of duty and honor. Today, they join a proud legacy of service, and as they step into their new roles, they do so with the skills, character, and the resolve required to meet every challenge that lies ahead,” said FHP Colonel Gary Howze.
But the “goodest boy” honors may still belong to last month’s graduating class, when FHP welcomed seven new K-9 teams into its Criminal Interdiction Unit.
The dogs and their handlers completed more than 900 hours of physical and classroom training covering narcotics detection, criminal apprehension, handler protection, obedience, tracking, area searches and more.
— Brazil business bump —
Time to queue up São Paulo.
SelectFlorida this week highlighted the results of its International Trade and Business Development Mission to São Paulo, which took place April 14-17 and included participation in Intermodal South America.
The mission focused on strengthening Florida’s economic relationship with Brazil, one of the state’s largest global trading partners and the leading source of foreign direct investment from Latin America.
“Florida’s mission to Brazil reflects our strong and growing partnership with one of our most important global markets. Through this mission, we engaged directly with industry leaders and companies exploring U.S. expansion, while showcasing Florida’s strengths — advancing the critical partnership between PortMiami and PortosRio through a Sister Port Agreement and strengthening trade connectivity and expanding opportunities for Florida businesses,” said SelectFlorida President and CEO Matt Swanson.
Matt Swanson spotlighted Florida’s São Paulo trade mission, where business ties and global gateway branding stayed firmly on the itinerary.
“These targeted efforts support continued investment, market expansion and job creation, reinforcing Florida’s role as a global gateway for commerce across key industries.”
The delegation included 25 participants representing Florida ports, airports, economic development organizations, trade groups and private-sector logistics and infrastructure leaders.
Among those participating was SelectFlorida Board member Nick Primrose, who also serves as Chief of Regulatory Compliance for JAXPORT.
“Our trade mission to São Paulo was incredibly productive and eye-opening. I was energized by the genuine enthusiasm and hospitality from our Brazilian counterparts, and the momentum and connection underscored by our meetings with companies already creating jobs in Florida, along with those ready to invest in new opportunities,” Primrose said.
“Our meetings highlighted the strong and growing bilateral partnerships we’re building in aerospace, maritime, FinTech, construction materials, and tourism. This mission reinforced Florida’s position as a premier gateway for trade with Brazil and Latin America, and I’m confident it will lead to even more jobs, investments, Florida-made exports and shared prosperity for both our regions.”
Key partners, including Enstructure, JAXPORT and World Trade Center Miami, supported the mission.
— Cool Mil —
Learning Living Communities (LLC) on university campuses is a great way for first-year students to live together in a building where they share common academic or personal goals — usually a major — and take specialized classes together while being neighbors.
It’s seen as a way to bond and make friends with people who are going to walk a similar path as you at school, while still focusing on academics and traditional dorm living and getting to take advantage of networking sooner with peers and faculty.
And Florida State University (FSU) LLC just got a big boost to its name.
This week, Brown & Brown, Inc, a global insurance brokerage that has historically hired many FSU graduates, has showcased its alliance with FSU’s Herbert Wertheim College of Business by committing $1 million to sponsor the college’s LLC to help the business-intent first-year students even more the moment they arrive on campus.
Andy Watts, Steve Farmer and Julie Turpin helped deepen Brown & Brown’s FSU investment, where talent pipelines rarely build themselves.
“Brown & Brown’s latest investment in our college reaffirms the company’s commitment to our thriving partnership in support of student success,” said the dean of FSU’s Wertheim College, Michael D. Hartline.
“This remarkable and historic sponsorship will help our Business Living-Learning Community achieve our mission of inspiring and educating the business leaders of tomorrow.”
Brown & Brown is now the first organization to sponsor a Living-Learning Community at FSU, of which FSU offers 11, including in fields of engineering, music, nursing and ROTC.
This is in addition to Brown & Brown’s other commitments, such as their Brown & Brown Speaker Series, a biannual event featuring discussions on issues relevant to risk management and insurance practitioners, and their sponsorship of “Insurance Days,” which is a biannual career placement event for the Wertheim College’s risk management/insurance majors.
“We are extremely honored and pleased to be an exclusive sponsor and investor in Florida State University and to deepen our relationship with the Herbert Wertheim College of Business. We share the Wertheim College’s pride in helping students launch meaningful careers, and in watching them grow, succeed, and make an impact,” said Andy Watts, executive vice president and chief financial officer at Brown & Brown.
Of Brown & Brown’s approximately 23,000 “teammates” in more than 700 global locations, Noles makes up 200 of those positions, and in the last 10 months alone, 13 more FSU graduates, including two as interns, joined the group.
— Florida is for vets —
Florida remains one of the best states in the nation for military veterans looking to settle down after service, according to a new report from WalletHub.
WalletHub this month published its study on the Best and Worst States for Military Retirees. The Sunshine State finished No. 7 in the nation.
Florida was one of only two Southern states to crack the top 10, alongside South Carolina, which claimed the top spot.
Florida ranked No. 7 for military retirees in WalletHub’s latest study, proving veterans still find plenty to like beyond the heat.
WalletHub analysts used 28 metrics to evaluate how welcoming states are for veterans, with major categories including economic environment, quality of life and healthcare.
“Transitioning from military to civilian life isn’t easy, but the best states for military retirees make that adjustment as smooth as possible,” said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. “In addition to providing the conditions necessary for our veterans to thrive financially, they also have ample resources for taking care of military retirees’ physical and mental health.”
Florida earned an overall military retiree score of 58.02 and ranked No. 4 nationally for quality of life for veterans. The state placed No. 20 for economic environment and No. 21 for healthcare.
The report also found Florida ranked No. 5 in the nation for Veterans Administration health facilities per capita and No. 6 for VA benefits facilities per capita.
— Rattler moving service —
Graduation season is over, which means another sacred college tradition is right around the corner: hauling an alarming amount of stuff into a dorm room.
To help ease the chaos of move-in season, a group of Florida A&M University alumni is working to simplify the process for students and families through New Life Campus, a student-focused moving and storage service operated by New Life Logistix.
The transportation company, founded in 2020, manages residential, commercial, government and specialty-event logistics.
Shelton Franklin and fellow FAMU alumni launched New Life Campus, aiming to make dorm move-in season slightly less chaotic.
“At HBCUs, we notice that one of the challenges is getting from home to the university, and sometimes that can restrict students in where they end up going. What we want to do is bridge that gap so students can go anywhere they want and attend the school they love,” said New Life Logistix CEO Shelton Franklin, a FAMU alum.
The service is designed to reduce the physical and financial stress that often comes with moving into campus housing.
Students receive shipping bins to pack their belongings, send the bins back for storage and then have their items delivered directly to their residence hall room before move-in day. The process is then reversed at the end of the school year.
The company also offers service packages tailored for students, along with payment plan options to make costs more manageable for families.
“We’ve all been there. We know the pain points of moving into residential facilities. This isn’t just about moving boxes. We wanted to make that transition from adolescent to young adult as smooth as possible,” said New Life Logistix COO and CFO Ryan McHenry.
More information about the service is available at the New Life Campus FAMU page.
— Meaningful art —
Graduation season wrapped up this month at Florida State University, and visitors passing through the FSU Student Union may have noticed a striking 7-foot-tall art installation that changes depending on where viewers stand.
The piece, titled “The Voices Project,” is more than just visually impressive. The immersive installation uses fractured imagery and survivor stories to explore healing from childhood sexual abuse.
The project was created through FSU’s Master Craftsman Studio in partnership with Lauren’s Kids, the nonprofit founded in 2007 by former state Sen. Lauren Book to combat childhood sexual abuse through education and advocacy.
Lauren Book’s Voices Project at FSU turned fractured art into a survivor-focused installation, proving perspective can change everything.
“We started working with them (Master Craftsman Studio) to put together a piece where, when you look at it head-on, you see a clear image. But as you move to the left or to the right, there are shards. If you come back to the center, however, you are always looking at that unifying image. I think that is truly what survivorship and thrivership is,” Book said.
“There are pieces and parts that are challenging and difficult — but with guidance, support, love and counseling, we can be whole again.”
The installation consists of 20 individual plexiglass panels, with intersecting layers designed using CAD software so the images align perfectly from specific viewing angles.
In other words, significantly more precise than the “eh, looks straight enough to me” method most people use when hanging pictures at home.
“This project really pushed our limits as to what we were capable of, both with our research and our tooling in the studio. Seeing the reaction of people in the Union and realizing the impact of these fractured images and how they represent the persona of a survivor was when it really set in that this is a powerful, honorable piece to be a part of,” said FSU Master Craftsman Studio Manager Phil Gleason.
Planning for the installation began in October 2025, though the piece itself was completed during a four-week sprint. The project was supported through collaboration between the Office of the Provost, FSU Facilities, the Division of University Advancement and the Division of Student Affairs.
“The Voices Project serves as a powerful reminder of the strength found in shared narratives and the importance of a supportive, informed environment. Hosting this work reflects Florida State’s responsibility to provide immersive experiences that challenge us to listen deeply and uphold our commitment to protecting and empowering the most vulnerable among us,” said FSU Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Jim Clark.
The installation will remain on the first floor of the Student Union through May 31.
More information about the Master Craftsman Studio is available at FSU Master Craftsman Studio, while details about Lauren’s Kids can be found at Lauren’s Kids.
— Hike!—
College students who are not Florida residents could soon be paying more to attend Florida State University.
FSU gave public notice this week that fees for out-of-state students are likely to increase and could take effect as soon as the Fall semester.
The proposed tuition hikes must still be reviewed by the FSU Board of Trustees, which is scheduled to consider them during its June 19 meeting.
FSU signaled out-of-state tuition hikes could arrive this Fall, reminding non-Florida students that paradise rarely stays discounted.
An FSU news release published this week did not specify the amount of the proposed increase in out-of-state fees. However, the university cited “rising operational costs” as the reason for considering the increase.
“This increase ensures that out-of-state students contribute toward the total cost of instruction, facilities, and services provided by FSU,” the release said.
FSU officials added that out-of-state financial aid fees are also likely to increase.
“In recent years, the university has significantly expanded its need-based and merit-based programs.”
University officials said a fee increase would help offset those costs.
FSU has already begun emailing existing students to notify them of the potential increase.
— Founding voices —
Florida State University is launching a new initiative to raise awareness of American civics and history among younger students.
The university’s new Founding Voices Program is an educational platform FSU hopes public middle schools will adopt to help students better understand Memorial Day and other defining chapters of the American story.
The FSU Institute for Governance and Civics says the program uses enhanced teaching methods designed to better engage younger students. Institute Director and Political Science Professor Kevin Evans said too many young people have become disconnected from the meaning behind Memorial Day.
FSU launched Founding Voices to strengthen civics education, betting immersive history lessons can reconnect students with Memorial Day’s meaning.
“A student who studies the (Civil War) Battle of Little Round Top through maps and lectures may learn what happened,” Evans said. “But a student who must assume the role of (commander) Joshua Chamberlain, confronts impossible choices and understands what was at stake, begins to grasp why courage, duty and sacrifice mattered. The lesson becomes not simply historical, but civic and moral.”
According to FSU, the Founding Voices Program is designed to be “immersive and interactive.”
University officials pointed to a recent poll from Talker Research surveying 2,000 Americans as evidence that civics education surrounding Memorial Day could use reinforcement.
The survey found that only 48% of Americans correctly identified Memorial Day as a holiday intended to honor military personnel killed while serving the country.
— TSC pilots new flight program —
Who’s ready to take to the skies? Maybe even pull off a “Miracle Over the Mojave” of their own?
Tallahassee State College announced this week a partnership with Sterling Flight Training to launch a new Professional Aeronautics Certification program that provides an accelerated pathway for aspiring pilots.
The PAC program was developed in response to the nationwide pilot shortage and is designed to move students from zero flight experience to commercial pilot readiness in 12 to 16 months.
Tallahassee State College partnered with Sterling Flight Training to launch a fast-track pilot program, aiming to lift careers off faster.
“Aviation is one of the fastest-growing workforce sectors in the country, and this partnership allows TSC to respond quickly to industry demand while creating life-changing career opportunities for our students. The PAC program provides an accelerated, affordable pathway into high-paying aviation careers right here in our region,” said TSC Vice President for Workforce Development Shelly Bell.
Students in the program will split their time between classroom instruction at TSC and flight training at Sterling Flight Training, located at Tallahassee International Airport.
Unlike many traditional collegiate aviation programs, the PAC program is intentionally nondegree-based, focusing instead on helping students earn the FAA certifications needed for professional pilot jobs.
“Professional pilots get paid for their FAA licenses, not their degrees, so we chose to cut out the aviation-related degree that many other colleges offer and that their graduates rarely monetize,” said program architect and former Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University professor Chris Johnson.
The program is scheduled to begin in Fall 2026, with limited enrollment available. College officials are encouraging interested students to apply early.
TSC and Sterling Flight Training also hosted a community launch event for the program at the flight school this week.
More information is available at Sterling Flight Training.
— Civic duty —
It only makes sense that this would be taking place in the 850.
Florida State University’s (FSU) Institute for Governance and Civics (IGC) will host the 2026 Florida Statewide Finals of the National Civics Bee on June 30 at 4 p.m. in the Augustus B. Turnbull III Florida State Conference Center.
The event will bring together middle school students from across the 27th state in the union who previously advanced through regional competitions for the opportunity to compete in a live, quiz-style civics championship.
The winner will earn a trip to Washington, D.C., to compete in the National Civics Bee this Fall, where students will compete for national honors and a first-place 529 education award of $100,000.
FSU’s Institute for Governance and Civics will host the National Civics Bee finals, where Tallahassee again gets very on-brand.
“The National Civics Bee gives students a meaningful opportunity to strengthen their understanding of government, think clearly about their communities and see themselves as active participants in civic life. We’re proud to welcome these outstanding students to Tallahassee and celebrate the curiosity, leadership and civic responsibility they represent,” said the director of the IGC, Ryan Owens.
The event is presented in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and chambers of commerce across Florida. Kinder Morgan will serve as the presenting sponsor as students in sixth through eighth grade aim to deepen their understanding of American government, civic responsibility and community engagement.
This year’s statewide finals include some notable names leading and judging, including:
— Mark Harrison, 2026 Florida Teacher of the Year and economics and government teacher at Union County High School in Lake Butler, will serve as emcee.
— Ryan Owens, Director of the IGC, will deliver a keynote on the vital role of civic education in shaping future leaders.
— Allen Fore, VP for Public Affairs at Kinder Morgan Inc., will return as a judge.
— Nina Ashenafi-Richardson, Leon County Judge for the 2nd Judicial Circuit, will serve as a judge.
— Barney Bishop, President & CEO of Barney Bishop Consulting, will serve as a judge.
— Sherry Lawrance, a Deerlake Middle School civics teacher and FSU alumna, will return as a judge.
— DeVoe Moore, entrepreneur, will serve as a judge.
The event is free and open to the public, and the community is encouraged to attend as spectators.
— Comcast can —
This week, Comcast announced it has begun efforts to bring world-class connectivity to rural Leon County residents. That comes on top of the more than 100 previously unserved homes and businesses in the community that now have access to multi-gigabit symmetrical internet.
The expansion, set for this Summer, will extend the network to more than 3,200 additional homes in rural communities throughout the area.
“Access to fast, reliable internet is no longer a luxury; it’s how people participate in everyday life. This expansion helps close the digital divide in our rural communities and continues our commitment to ensure every family, student, and small business in Leon County has a fair shot to succeed in today’s economy,” said Christian Caban, Chair of the Leon County Commission.
Comcast expanded rural broadband in Leon County, bringing faster internet to communities long stuck waiting for stronger connections.
The project is made possible through a public-private partnership with the state’s Broadband Opportunity Program. It includes communities such as Blocker, Concord, Felkel, Gardner, Lutterloh, Meridian, Miccosukee, Wadesboro and Woodville.
“This is a really exciting step forward for Leon County. Reliable, high-speed internet opens the door to so many opportunities for our residents and small businesses, and we’re thrilled to see more rural communities coming online soon. We appreciate Comcast’s partnership and their continued investment in connecting more corners of our beautiful community,” added Keith Bowers, Director of the Office of Economic Vitality.
The effort is part of Comcast’s broader push to expand investment in rural Florida, including projects in Bradford, Lake and Nassau counties. Last year alone, Comcast expanded access to more than 120,000 additional homes and businesses across the state.
“We’re proud to be building a new fiber network to bring fast, reliable internet to Leon County communities that simply have not had it,” said Kristeen Cominiello, Regional Senior Vice President of Comcast Florida.
“For many families, this will be their first experience with this level of connectivity, unlocking new opportunities for education, jobs, small businesses, and staying connected to loved ones. We’re excited to expand Xfinity and Comcast Business services and help more people fully participate in today’s digital world.”
— Closed for the Holiday —
Memorial Day falls on Monday, and while the long weekend is great for relaxing, anyone trying to squeeze in errands should probably check before hopping in the car.
In observance of the holiday, Leon County offices, libraries, community centers, animal control services, and the solid waste and household hazardous waste center will all be closed on Monday.
The good news: Leon County parks, greenways, campgrounds and boat landings will remain open as usual. County officials are encouraging residents to take advantage of the extra day off outdoors.
Leon County adjusted holiday schedules for Memorial Day, reminding residents to double-check errands before Monday turns into a closed-door tour.
Library schedules will also be adjusted for the holiday weekend. Branch libraries will close Saturday, May 23, at 4 p.m., while the downtown Main Library will close Sunday, May 24, at 6 p.m. Normal operating hours resume Tuesday.
The Solid Waste Management Center on Apalachee Parkway will close Saturday, May 23, at 5 p.m., then reopen Tuesday, May 26.
Residential garbage collection routes scheduled during the holiday week will be delayed by one day.
Residents looking for updated collection schedules can visit Waste Pro USA or contact the Leon County Solid Waste Management Division at (850) 606-1800.
Animal-related emergencies can still be reported through the Consolidated Dispatch Agency at (850) 606-5800.
— Star Wars & Boosters —
It’s the weekly Florida Politics movie blurb — let’s get you in the loop.
It’s been seven years since the last Star Wars movie came out, in this case, the critically mixed and fan-disappointed Episode 9, but it still did very well at the box office, like, over $1 billion.
Now, building off the hype of three seasons worth of an Emmy-winning Disney+ show and a B-plot storyline in a different streaming show, “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” hits theaters to hopefully capture the “lone ranger” western vibe mixed with positive dad energy that made the show a hit. And of course, the sensation that took the world by storm was Baby Yoda.
The Mandalorian and Grogu head to theaters, giving Baby Yoda another shot at proving nostalgia still prints money.
The film is directed by the man who kickstarted this all for Disney back in 2019 in Emmy nominee Jon Favreau (“Iron Man,” “Chef”) and stars Emmy nominee, and man who is everywhere, Pedro Pascal (“The Last of Us,” “The Fantastic Four”), Emmy winner Jermey Allen White (“The Bear,” “The Iron Claw”) and Oscar nominee and — person very familiar with all sorts of aliens herself — Sigourney Weaver (“Aliens,” “Working Girl”).
The film is meeting with lukewarm reviews, but it is still better than “The Rise of Skywalker.” It currently has 61% on Rotten Tomatoes, 7.0 on IMDb, and 3.2 on Letterboxd. The biggest complaint appears to be “why?” As in, why was this not just three to five episodes of a new season instead of a feature-length film? We know the answer, and it rhymes with “honey,” especially after the success of “Moana 2” a few years back, which was originally slated to be a TV show and was bumped halfway through production. Fans of the show should be relatively entertained for the holiday weekend.
For those looking for a satirical crime adventure, there’s “I Love Boosters,” the new film by auteur indie filmmaker Boots Riley. The plot follows a group of shoplifters who target a fashion maven by stealing her clothes and reselling them at a lower price. The film stars Emmy winner Keke Palmer (“Nope,” “One of Them Days”) and Oscar nominees Demi Moore (“The Substance,” “Ghost”) and Don Cheadle (“Crash,” “Hotel Rwanda”). The visually striking film currently sits at 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, 5.5 on IMDB, and 3.9 on Letterboxd. We warn you, though: maybe check out the director’s previous film, “Sorry To Bother You,” before you commit to this on the trailer or synopsis alone, because you might thank us later if this film takes similarly weird twists or turns.
And at home, there’s “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan: Ghost War,” which sees everyone from the Prime “Jack Ryan” show return for a continuation of the series that ended in 2023, including frontman and Emmy nominee John Krasinski (“A Quiet Place,” “The Office”). The film is directed by Emmy nominee Andrew Bernstein, who has worked on a diverse range of shows, from “Psych” to “It: Welcome to Derry.” His newest outing is currently receiving below-average reviews, with 44% on Rotten Tomatoes (50% audience score), 6.2 on IMDb, and 2.8 on Letterboxd.
But come on, the real must-see this weekend is Brunson Burner or the freak show, which is Wemby. Well, maybe give Baby Yoda his due on Monday.
— Capitol Directions —
4th of July — Down arrow — ‘Government can’t tell me what to do’ meets “please stop launching fireballs into dead vegetation.”
Rick Scott — Up arrow — UF’s presidential search has officially crossed the threshold from ‘Florida weird’ into ‘Balkan privatization scheme.’
Paul Renner — Down arrow — Brother, the market has spoken.
James Blair — Up arrow — The revenge tour is undefeated!
Blaise Ingoglia — Up arrow — Nothing better for the campaign coffers than a tomato can filing to run against you.
Orlando Sentinel — Down arrow — The ‘what could possibly happen’ school of executive security analysis is alive and well.
Philip Levine — Down arrow — So the guy as responsible as anyone for giving us DeSantis instead of Graham is also a rapist?
Transparency — Down arrow — The budget process now resembles a hostage video without proof of life.
Sprinkle list — Down arrow — Forecast indicates a light dusting of nonpareils at best.
Andrew Mackintosh — Down arrow — Maybe the problem with the Senate is not Theoden but Grima.
Shev Jones — Up arrow — The state of Florida has formally recognized the existence of Miami football culture.
Jenna Persons-Mulicka — Up arrow — Turns out carrying the Governor’s water qualifies for Platinum Elite.
Alexis Calatayud, Kevin Chambliss — Down arrow — Nothing says civic engagement like Memorial Day Friday night.
Christopher Rufo — Down Arrow — Florida Man don’t need him around, anyhow.
FWC — Down arrow — Turns out the marketplace of ideas bills in six-minute increments.
Mary Brogan program — Up arrow — State programs can become surprisingly effective when the KPI is ‘fewer dead Floridians.’
Lauren Book — Up arrow — After a week with Oprah and Andy MacDowell, voluntarily returning to Tallahassee starts looking like genuine public service.
Kevin Steele — Up arrow — In focus groups, voters described ‘not Mike Beltran’ as ‘refreshing.’
Walter Price — Up arrow — The endorsement rollout suggests he may possess access to non-linear time.
Ken Jenne — Crossways arrow – Welcome back from political Siberia, enjoy your stay in political Novosibirsk.
AFP — Up arrow — Their Memorial Day event briefly achieved levels of Americana previously thought medically impossible.
Snapper season — Down arrow — Atlantic red snapper have entered their sovereign citizen era.
Rocky Hanna — Down arrow — The real controversy remains losing 70-0.