Former Sen. Eleanor Sobel is seeking public and philanthropic support for an interactive digital experience designed to preserve and share the stories of Holocaust survivors honored at the Florida Holocaust Memorial on the grounds of the Florida Capitol.
The proposed initiative would allow students, educators and visitors to hear survivor testimony, explore historical content and access educational resources through a multimedia platform connected to the memorial. Funding would support research, script development, video production, digital design, educational materials and the project’s long-term maintenance.
A proposed interactive digital experience would connect visitors to the stories behind the names at the Florida Holocaust Memorial.
“The names on this memorial must be more than inscriptions,” said Sobel, a Democrat who represented South Florida in the Senate from 2008-16. “They should speak to future generations. By preserving these stories through an interactive digital experience, we can help young people understand the consequences of hatred, honor the courage of survivors, and ensure that their voices are never forgotten.”
The Florida Holocaust Memorial, which Sobel championed during her time in the Legislature alongside other legislative leaders and community advocates, honors Holocaust survivors who rebuilt their lives in Florida after World War II. The memorial now recognizes 514 Floridians, including recently identified survivors whose names were added through the efforts of Jewish Family Services, Rabbi Ari Plost of Temple Solel in Hollywood and Barbara Goldstein of Tallahassee.
Sobel said the digital experience is intended to strengthen Holocaust education by connecting visitors with the personal stories behind the names engraved on the memorial.
“Every name represents a life forever changed by the Holocaust,” Sobel said. “This project will ensure those stories continue to educate, inspire, and remind future generations why we must stand against antisemitism, intolerance, and hatred in all its forms.”
Individuals, foundations, corporations and community organizations interested in supporting the project can contact Sobel via [email protected] to learn more about partnership and sponsorship opportunities.
___
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 —
Rest in peace — Former state Sen. Jack Latvala, once one of the most influential powerbrokers in Tallahassee, has died. In the Florida Senate, Latvala represented parts of North Pinellas County from 1994 until 2002, and then again from 2010 until 2018. Throughout his tenure, Latvala was considered one of the Chamber’s ultimate statesmen, with a keen ability to carry the torch for his Republican Party while still reaching across the aisle to Democrats. In his later service, he was often seen as an ally of moderates and Democrats, blocking conservative legislation that some saw as too extreme for Florida at the time. Read remembrances from Florida’s political community here.
Blocked — A three-Judge panel of the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday deemed the 2022 law known as the “Stop WOKE Act” an unconstitutional violation of free speech that treads on academic freedom, upholding a lower court order that has kept the law’s higher education provisions on ice since late 2022. “There is nothing ordinary about the authority Florida seeks here,” reads the majority opinion by U.S. Circuit Judge Britt Grant, an appointee of President Donald Trump. “The level of control that Florida demands — total — would be inconsistent not only with our Nation’s traditional constitutional protections for academic freedom, but also with the doctrines Florida cobbles together to support its suppression of disfavored viewpoints.”
Blocked II — The 11th Circuit also rejected Florida’s constitutional challenge to the federal university accreditation system this week, affirming a lower court’s 2024 dismissal of the case. The original suit was filed in 2023 by now-U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody as part of the DeSantis administration’s campaign against what state leaders have described as unaccountable accrediting bodies exerting undue influence over Florida’s public universities. Lawmakers responded the following year by passing a bill requiring Florida’s public universities to change institutional accreditors each accreditation cycle to limit the influence of any single accrediting agency. The same legislation included a controversial policy requiring college professors to undergo post-tenure review every five years.
Date set — A two-day hearing on Republican James Fishback’s eligibility to run for Governor is set to start July 21 after lawyers for those involved in the case agreed to the date, with varying degrees of satisfaction. Judge David Frank of the 2nd Judicial Circuit said there is an “extreme shortage of time” to decide the matter, noting that even if Fishback were disqualified, it’s already too late to stop ballots from being printed with his name on them. Nick Boerke, one of three lawyers representing GOP gubernatorial candidate and Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, pushed for a date a week earlier, estimating they could make their case “in one or two hours.”
Sad situation — Former Tallahassee Mayor and gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum’s struggles with illegal substances have led to new legal complications for the onetime Democratic rising star. And the latest round could carry serious consequences for a man who has spent more time in court than in politics since his defeat eight years ago. Gillum was arrested in Baldwin County, Alabama, last week on charges of possession of dangerous drugs, drug paraphernalia and marijuana, with a combined bond of $6,500. He has already been released after less than 12 hours in custody, but he could face prison time given the state’s strict narcotics laws.
— Refund racket —
Attorney General James Uthmeier says a Georgia woman faces up to 75 years in prison after being convicted of an elaborate retail fraud scheme targeting stores across Florida.
Uthmeier announced the conviction of Santina Green, also known as Santina Hill, who pleaded no contest to racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering and fraud. Prosecutors said Green led an organized scheme that targeted TJX Companies Inc., the parent company of retailers including TJ Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods, by using duplicate receipts to obtain refunds fraudulently.
According to Uthmeier, the scheme netted at least $50,000 through fraudulent refunds in Florida and up to $300,000 overall.
The first step to a multi-decade stay in a state prison. Stock image via Adobe.
“This conviction holds a fraudster accountable for leading a sophisticated racketeering scheme that stole hundreds of thousands of dollars across multiple states,” Uthmeier said in a press release. “Thanks to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and our statewide prosecutors, this organized fraud ring has been stopped. We will continue our fight against retail fraud to protect Florida businesses and keep prices down for families.”
According to FDLE, Green, of Decatur, Georgia, used receipts for high-value rugs priced between $400 and $1,000 to obtain refunds between November 2020 and May 2021. Investigators said Green and her co-conspirators repeatedly used the same receipts at multiple stores before the original refunds had been reconciled.
Authorities identified nine debit cards connected to 84 fraudulent refund transactions in Florida.
— Busted! —
An undocumented migrant has been arrested on charges of insurance fraud following an investigation by the Department of Financial Services.
CFO Blaise Ingoglia announced that Luigino Jose Bosco was arrested after officials with the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) looked into allegations of insurance fraud, application fraud, grand theft and an organized scheme to defraud.
CID investigators say an insurance company filed a complaint accusing Bosco of filing bogus life insurance policy applications. The applications filed used personal information from other people. He’s accused of using the fraudulent applications to get insurance commission payments. Ingoglia said about $5,000 in bogus payments were garnered by Bosco.
Blaise Ingoglia’s statewide fraud crackdown resulted in another arrest.
“Let this arrest serve as a warning. Whether you are here legally or illegally, Florida is not the place to run your fraud scheme. If you think you can steal someone’s identity, falsify applications, and profit off unsuspecting Floridians, think again,” Ingoglia said.
“Crime such as this drives up costs for hard-working families and undermines the trust that Floridians deserve to have in the marketplace. I applaud the work of our Criminal Investigations Division on this case and putting Bosco behind bars.”
The case is being prosecuted in Miami-Dade County. Ingoglia added that Bosco has been in the U.S. illegally and is also wanted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
If he’s convicted, Bosco could be sentenced to a maximum of five years in prison.
Ingoglia has stepped up criminal investigations since he was appointed CFO by Gov. DeSantis last year. In June, Ingoglia oversaw the CID arrests of a dozen people accused of conducting a scheme to defraud public assistance programs in Florida.
— Instagram of the week —
— The Floridian’s apprentice —
FloridaCommerce on Wednesday announced that the U.S. Department of Labor has awarded Florida $40 million to expand apprenticeships in the defense industrial base, shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing sectors.
Approximately 80 partners from across the state have offered letters of support for the new program.
“Thank you to Acting Secretary Keith Sonderling and the U.S. Department of Labor for supporting Florida’s efforts to expand our maritime industrial base by driving talent development across our maritime and defense sectors,” said Commerce Secretary J. Alex Kelly.
Florida received $40M from the feds to boost maritime and defense apprenticeships statewide.
“Home to 16 deepwater seaports and 21 major military installations, and ranked the No. 1 state in the nation for workforce development, maritime industrial base jobs, and ship- and boatbuilding establishments, Florida is uniquely positioned to support our nation’s efforts to develop the high-skill talent across these critical industries — bolstering job growth while supporting our national defense.”
The $40 million is part of a nationwide effort by the U.S. Department of Labor to align workforce and talent development with the current presidential administration’s “America’s Talent Strategy,” which aims to reach and surpass 1 million new active apprentices in the United States.
“This investment reinforces Florida’s leadership in developing the skilled talent needed to support our nation’s maritime and defense industries. CareerSource Florida is honored to partner with FloridaCommerce, the U.S. Department of Labor and industry leaders to expand Registered Apprenticeship opportunities that prepare workers for high-demand, high-wage careers, help employers build the talent pipeline they need to grow, and strengthen America’s maritime workforce,” said CareerSource Florida President and CEO Adrienne Johnston.
“Building on Florida’s No. 1 ranking for talent development and attraction by Lightcast, we stand ready to lead the nation in this endeavor — creating lasting economic opportunity for Floridians and the United States.”
The 80 letters of support were submitted on behalf of FloridaCommerce by various stakeholders, including the private sector and nonprofit organizations, elected officials, state agencies, educational institutions (School Districts, state colleges and universities), and economic/workforce development partners.
— Hialeah Vice —
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has arrested Alexander Sanchez and Anthony Sanchez, both 29 and of Hialeah, following a State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (S.A.F.E.) Task Force investigation into alleged cocaine trafficking.
Each brother faces one count of cocaine trafficking, one count of possession of cocaine, one count of money laundering and four counts of possession of cocaine with intent to sell.
S.A.F.E. is on the lookout for fentanyl, but it doesn’t mind making the occasional cocaine bust.
The investigation began in April after the South Florida S.A.F.E. Task Force received a tip alleging the brothers were selling narcotics in the Miami-Dade County area. On July 1, task force agents, assisted by the Hialeah Police Department, conducted a controlled operation and took both men into custody.
FDLE agents and the FBI later executed a search warrant at the residence, seizing more than 480 grams of cocaine, drug paraphernalia, a rifle, ammunition and more than $58,000 in cash.
The brothers were booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. The Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case, and the investigation remains active.
The South Florida S.A.F.E. Task Force includes agents and detectives from FDLE, the Doral Police Department, Florida International University Police Department, Hialeah Police Department, Medley Police Department, Miami Police Department, Miami Springs Police Department and Sweetwater Police Department.
For more information, contact the FDLE Office of Public Information at [email protected].
— ♫♫ Call me ♫♫ —
The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved the annual budget for Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc. (FTRI), ensuring continued telecommunications services for Floridians who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities.
State law requires the PSC to review and approve FTRI’s budget each year. This year’s $4.7 million budget will not increase customer bills.
The monthly Telecommunications Relay Service surcharge will remain 8 cents per wireline phone line. Because fewer Floridians use traditional landline phones, FTRI will draw on its reserve funds to help cover operating costs and maintain uninterrupted service.
Eight cents per line isn’t so bad.
“Reliable communication is essential for staying connected to family, work, healthcare, and emergency services. This budget ensures Florida’s Relay Service can continue providing these important resources while keeping costs low for consumers,” said PSC Chair Gabriella Passidomo Smith.
The budget includes $1.8 million to provide updated communications equipment for eligible Floridians, including wireless phones, tablets and electrolarynx devices that help people with speech impairments communicate more effectively.
Florida Relay, provided by T-Mobile USA, Inc. and overseen by FTRI, operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Eligible Floridians can contact FTRI at 1-800-222-3448 (Voice), 1-888-447-5620 (TTY), or visit www.ftri.org for more information or to apply for equipment.
— Powering hurricanes —
Hurricanes and utilities. Hoo-rah!
This week in Tallahassee, the PSC approved an agreement between both the Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) and the Office of Public Counsel (OPC) that sets the final amount of FPL’s actual costs for restoring service after Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton.
Back in December 2024, the PSC approved a temporary storm recovery charge to recover the estimated $1.2 billion cost of restoring electric services for Debby, Helene, and Milton. Those temporary charges then appeared on customer bills from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2025.
The now-approved agreement established a final storm restoration recovery amount of $1.125 billion — $88.3 million for Hurricane Debby, $167.6 million for Hurricane Helene, and $774.4 million for Hurricane Milton.
If it wasn’t clear, Milton did a number on Sunshine State infrastructure.
“Florida’s electric utilities play a critical role in restoring power after major storms. Maintaining a reliable and resilient electric grid requires continued investment, and the Commission’s review helps ensure customers pay only the reasonable and necessary costs of restoring service while supporting a reliable electric system for all Floridians,” said PSC Chair Smith.
The FPL customers are set to receive a one-month reduction in base rates to reflect any revenue over-recovery resulting from billing, estimated at around $80 million plus interest.
FPL currently provides electric service to approximately 6 million customer accounts, helping 12 million Floridians across 43 different counties.
— Not the bees! —
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has closed another chapter in the East Milton bee die-off investigation.
In a letter to Sen. Don Gaetz’s office, FDACS said it could not confirm pesticide drift or identify any regulatory violations after testing bee and swab samples collected from the affected apiary.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services says its investigation found no evidence of pesticide drift or regulatory violations in the East Milton bee die-off.
The investigation appears to have been thorough: it examined pesticide applications by the Florida Forest Service, Santa Rosa Mosquito Control, a nearby sod farm and a Florida Power & Light contractor.
Laboratory testing found no detectable traces of the pesticides associated with those applications.
— New to the crew —
The Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce has tapped Erin Cramer as its new Director of Marketing and Communications, adding a veteran public relations and marketing professional to its leadership team.
Cramer will oversee the Chamber’s strategic communications, brand positioning and storytelling efforts, managing integrated marketing and communications initiatives across paid, earned and owned media channels. Her responsibilities also include strengthening stakeholder engagement and promoting the businesses, entrepreneurs and initiatives shaping the Capital Region’s economy.
“Erin is an exceptional communications strategist with a deep understanding of our community and a proven ability to tell stories that inspire action,” Chamber President and CEO Michael Dalby said. “The Chamber’s ability to advocate for our members begins with telling their stories well.”
Erin Cramer is the Greater Tallahassee Chamber’s new communications lead.
Cramer brings more than a decade of experience in public relations, marketing and strategic communications. Most recently, she spent five years on the public relations team at VISIT FLORIDA, where she led communications and marketing initiatives targeting the Canadian, German and French markets. Her work included managing agency partnerships, coordinating executive media opportunities and overseeing earned and paid media campaigns supporting Florida’s tourism industry.
Before joining VISIT FLORIDA, Cramer served as Director of events and marketing for FSU CollegeTown, leading marketing, events and stakeholder communications for the mixed-use entertainment district. She began her career at The Zimmerman Agency, where she worked on public relations campaigns for travel and consumer brands, including Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos, Party City and A.C. Moore.
“As a Tallahassee native, this opportunity is especially meaningful,” Cramer said. “Most recently in my career, I had the privilege of helping tell Florida’s story on a global stage, and I’m excited to now bring those experiences home.”
Cramer earned a bachelor’s degree in communications and media studies from Florida State University, graduating magna cum laude. She is active in the Florida Public Relations Association’s Capital Chapter and the Public Relations Society of America.
— For the Kids —
A Tallahassee center dedicated to promoting education, inspiration and empowerment for Florida’s youth is the focus of a new fundraising effort among members of Florida law enforcement.
The Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) is launching a fundraising campaign to establish a Youth Learning Center. The facility will serve as a hands-on spot for students to learn about the history of Sheriff’s Offices in the state while also promoting potential careers in law enforcement.
The facility would ideally use interactive exhibits, programming and experiential learning to instill positive associations between youth and Sheriff’s Offices. FSA President and Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma said the concept is far-reaching.
“The Florida Sheriffs Youth Learning Center represents a powerful investment in the future of our state,” Lemma said. “By creating a space where young people can learn, explore, and engage with law enforcement professionals, we are fostering the next generation of informed citizens and public safety leaders.”
Dennis Lemma and FSA are hoping to raise $1M for the new center.
Groundbreaking on the facility took place in Tallahassee a year ago. It’s designed to feature multiple displays spotlighting the 200-year history of Sheriff’s Offices in the state.
The fundraising campaign seeks contributions from individuals, businesses, community groups and others across the state. The money will go directly to the design, construction and programming of the facility, which will be housed in a 22,000-square-foot building.
FSA Executive Director Matt Dunagan said the organization has already generated $2 million for the project. But the FSA needs additional backing.
“The FSA is aiming to raise an additional $1 million to outfit the interior of the building, with naming opportunities available for spaces within the facility. We are extremely thankful to the Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis for supporting our vision to inspire today’s youth for our next generation of public safety heroes,” Dunagan said.
— 40 under 40 Rattlers —
Florida A&M University (FAMU) is accepting nominations for its 2026 FAMU Under 40 Awards, which recognize young alumni whose professional achievements reflect the university’s motto of “Excellence with Caring.”
Presented by the Office of Communications in partnership with the Office of University Advancement, the awards honor graduates who have demonstrated leadership, innovation and service.
“Florida A&M University produces talented innovators who graduate from the Highest of Seven Hills and waste no time placing their mark on the world through their career ambitions, service to their community, and philanthropy to their alma mater,” said Alonda Thomas, FAMU Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer.
Florida A&M University has opened nominations for the 2026 FAMU Under 40 Awards.
“Our young alumni are making a tangible difference across the globe, and we are honored to recognize their achievements as a continuation of their FAMU story.”
To be eligible, nominees must have earned a FAMU degree before 2021, be younger than 40 as of Oct. 1, 2026, have donated at least $600 to the university during the past five years, and be able to attend the Oct. 22 awards ceremony and pay the $650 induction fee if selected.
The ceremony will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Gaither Gymnasium. Honorees will also receive early access to purchase event tickets and tables following the August selection process.
Nominations opened July 10 and will close on July 24. The induction fee is due Aug. 28 for selected recipients.
The nomination form is available here.
— Rare disease identifier —
FSU taking the charge in a STEM field?
This Summer, families in Florida will have the opportunity to enroll their newborns in a new genetic screening initiative designed to identify hundreds of rare genetic diseases before symptoms appear, currently centered at the Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases (Florida IPRD) at Florida State University (FSU).
FSU was chosen to lead the statewide program through the Sunshine Genetics Act.
For Rep. Adam Anderson, an FSU alumnus from Palm Harbor who championed the legislation after losing his son Andrew to Tay-Sachs disease, the end goal is simple: to help.
Researchers use the Illumina NovaSeq X Plus sequencer in the Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases Diagnostic Laboratory. The advanced sequencing technology supports genomic analysis for research and clinical programs, including Sunshine Genetics. Image via Bill Lax/FSU.
“My hope is that families will get the answers that they need and that babies born today won’t have to live that same nightmare of that diagnostic odyssey that I did and that so many families around the country do every day,” stated Rep. Anderson.
The Sunshine Genetics Program was established through legislation signed into law in 2025 and has created a statewide framework for genomic newborn screening and designated Florida IPRD as the lead institution piloting the program.
“Florida State University is bringing together world-class researchers, clinicians and partners from across the state to help give children with rare genetic diseases the best possible start in life. By leading the Sunshine Genetics Pilot Program, FSU is helping transform groundbreaking research into earlier diagnoses, more timely care and greater hope for families across Florida,” FSU President Richard McCullough said.
Sunshine Genetics is now one of six major programs housed within Florida IPRD, and it also operates a diagnostic laboratory, supports rare disease research, and develops a master’s program in genetic counseling.
“This is a state-initiated project to determine if genomic newborn sequencing can identify children with treatable rare diseases earlier in life, which could greatly improve their long-term health and well-being. We have substantial input from parents of children with rare genetic diseases guiding our patient education, consent and clinical follow-up protocols,” stated senior associate Director for precision medicine at Florida IPRD and Chair of the Sunshine Genetics Steering Committee, David Ledbetter.
— HOF Eagles —
The Tallahassee State College Foundation is accepting nominations for its 2026 Alumni & Friends Hall of Fame, which recognizes alums and community supporters for their professional achievements, leadership and service.
The Hall of Fame honors individuals who have distinguished themselves in their careers while making meaningful contributions to Tallahassee State College through their involvement, advocacy and support.
Start sending in names!
“Every Hall of Fame class reflects the incredible impact our alumni and supporters have across the region and beyond. This is an opportunity to celebrate those whose dedication, leadership, and generosity have left a lasting legacy while inspiring the next generation of students,” said Heather Mitchell, Executive Director of the TSC Foundation.
The Foundation is encouraging alums, faculty, staff, employers, family members and community partners to nominate deserving candidates.
Self-nominations are also accepted.
Nominations for the 2026 Alumni & Friends Hall of Fame will be accepted through Aug. 1. Eligibility requirements and nomination materials are available here.
— 9-peat —
Pure domination.
Leon County Emergency Medical Services (LCEMS) has earned the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline EMS Gold Award for the ninth consecutive year.
The recognition comes in addition to the Heart Attack and Stroke Care Honor Roll designation, which recognizes LCEMS for delivering high-quality, evidence-based care that improves outcomes for patients experiencing the most severe heart attacks and strokes.
“For nine consecutive years, Leon County EMS has demonstrated the culture of excellence that defines Leon County EMS. This recognition highlights the hard work of the Leon County EMS professionals and the County’s dedication to providing world-class emergency care to the community,” said County Administrator Vincent Long.
We wouldn’t be surprised if they made it 10 in a row.
LCEMS was recognized for providing rapid, high-quality prehospital care, with the American Heart Association citing the critical role emergency medical services play in improving survival rates for patients experiencing life-threatening heart attacks and strokes.
“This achievement demonstrates Leon County’s dedication to emergency medical care. Our EMS team continues to set a high standard for rapid, effective treatment of heart attack and stroke patients, helping save lives and strengthen the health and safety of our community,” said Leon County Commission Chair Christian Caban.
Since Dec. 31, 2003, Leon County EMS has provided emergency medical services and transportation to residents and visitors throughout the county. During that time, its crews have responded to more than 891,000 calls for service and transported more than 560,000 patients.
“This award belongs to every member of our EMS team who works tirelessly to deliver exceptional care to our community,” said Leon County EMS Chief Chad Abrams.
“I am incredibly proud of our team’s commitment to delivering emergency care to the Leon County residents and visitors every day.”
— Yes, quite my TEMPO —
The kids are, indeed, all right.
The City of Tallahassee’s Tallahassee Engaged in Meaningful Productivity for Opportunity (TEMPO) program has graduated its ninth cohort, with 160 formerly at-risk young adults completing the workforce development initiative.
“The City of Tallahassee’s TEMPO program continues to yield amazing results. It has a proven track record over the years of successfully engaging more than 4,200 participants in educational and vocational opportunities and is credited with not only changing lives but saving lives,” said Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey.
Tallahassee’s Mayor says TEMPO is producing results.
The graduating class included 120 participants who earned a General Educational Development (GED) credential — the highest total in the program’s history, up from 12 graduates in its inaugural 2017 class.
Another 40 participants earned technical certificates through Lively Technical College, Tallahassee State College and Florida Health Science Consulting, preparing for careers including cosmetology, barbering, electrical work, welding, aviation maintenance and patient care.
TEMPO is administered by the City’s Department of Housing & Community Resilience and serves disconnected or at-risk residents ages 16 to 24 by connecting them with education, job training and employment opportunities.
More information about the program is available at Talgov.com/TEMPO or by calling 850-891-8722.
— The Tally poli —
Tallahassee mayoral candidate Daryl Parks has rolled out a public safety platform following his endorsement by the Tallahassee Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 2339.
The proposal, titled “A Safe and Secure Tallahassee: A Unified First Responder Strategy,” calls for a neighborhood-focused approach that integrates the city’s police, fire, emergency medical services and emergency management into a coordinated public safety network.
According to the campaign, the plan emphasizes structured leadership, greater collaboration among public safety agencies and data-driven decision-making.
Daryl Parks’ campaign is rolling out its public safety platform.
“Public safety works best when every resident in every ZIP code feels secure, and that requires active leadership that brings people together instead of dividing them. Meeting with our local firefighters underscores the urgent need for a unified strategy that supports all first responders. As Mayor, I will work hand in hand with the City Commission to pass meaningful legislation that secures competitive wages, modern equipment, and the staffing levels necessary to protect our families,” Parks said.
The proposal also calls for improved street lighting, expanded neighborhood watch programs, investment in recreational spaces and after-school mentorship programs, next-generation tools for law enforcement and expansion of the Capital Region Real-Time Crime Center.
“We must shift from a reactive model of policing to a proactive culture of total community preservation,” Parks continued.
“By leveraging our natural strengths, including our neighborhood associations and world-class research institutions at FAMU, FSU and TSC, we can build a modern, data-backed safety strategy. Progress has been made in our city, but we cannot mistake progress made for progress complete. We are going to lead the implementation of these solutions with the urgency and accountability that Tallahassee residents deserve.”
— Emmy breakdown —
Television’s biggest night just announced who’s invited to the party. That’s right — this week we’re talking about 2026 Emmy nominations. No movies this week, although the live-action remake of Moana surfs into theaters with a 37% Rotten Tomatoes score (maybe remaking a film less than 10 years old that already has a theatrical sequel was TOO greedy — even for the Mouse).
Depending on who you ask, it was either a great year for television or a disappointing one. But when it comes to the nominations, familiar favorites look to continue their dominance, some beloved shows take a final bow, and a few newcomers make their first splash.
HBO Max led all studios with 122 nominations, followed by Netflix with 111 and Apple TV with 87. All three platforms are well represented in the major categories.
In the Drama category, the popular medical procedural The Pitt received 25 nominations, including Best Drama, Best Writing, Best Directing and Lead Actor for last year’s winner, Noah Wyle, as well as seven acting nominations, including last year’s winners Shawn Hatosy (bumped up from guest actor) and Katherine LaNasa.
The Pitt landed a whopping 25 nominations. Image via AP.
Its biggest competitor? Apple’s sleek sci-fi drama Pluribus earned 18 nominations, including Drama Series; Lead Actress for Better Call Saul alumna Rhea Seehorn; Supporting Actor for Carlos-Manuel Vesga; and Supporting Actress for Karolina Wydra. The high-concept series is currently favored in Directing and Writing for longtime showrunner Vince Gilligan, and in Lead Actress for Seehorn. But will it be enough to take down America’s favorite hospital in Pittsburgh? Severance couldn’t do it last year despite similar momentum.
A notable surprise was that Stranger Things’ fifth and final season and HBO’s Task both missed the Drama Series cut, while The Gilded Age and Your Friends and Neighbors made the cut.
On the comedy side, HBO’s Hacks led the field with 24 nominations, setting a record by surpassing the previous mark of 23 shared by The Bear and The Studio. The latest season is the front-runner for Comedy Series, Writing, Directing and Lead Actress for Jean Smart, whose dominance in the category has become routine. The show also claimed five of the seven Guest Actress nominations and earned fan favorite Megan Stalter her first Supporting Actress nomination.
But has a last-minute challenger entered the race?
Apple TV’s Widow’s Bay, a horror-comedy inspired by the tropes of classic Stephen King novels and 1980s slasher films, stunned with 19 nominations. It picked up bids for Best Comedy, Best Directing, Best Writing, Lead Actor for Emmy winner Matthew Rhys (who is also nominated in Limited Series), Supporting Actor for Stephen Root, and Supporting Actress nominations for Dale Dickey and Kate O’Flynn.
The show has quickly developed a cult following through word-of-mouth. Apple TV also appears to be putting its weight behind Widow’s Bay over Shrinking in the major comedy races, with Rhys and perhaps O’Flynn emerging as legitimate contenders. O’Flynn, however, would have to unseat Hacks’ standout Hannah Einbinder, no easy task.
The Emmys seem to love shows that are either ending or just getting started, which bodes well for Hacks and Widow’s Bay. Only time — and plenty of FYC campaigning — will tell who gets the last laugh.
One quick side note: we loved seeing Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat and The Chair Company show up in the writing categories. Both deserve a little more attention.
The Limited Series/TV Movie race appears to be shaping up as a showdown between Netflix’s Beef Season 2, which earned 16 nominations including Lead Actor for Oscar Isaac, Lead Actress for Carey Mulligan, and Supporting Actor for Charles Melton, and HBO’s DTF St. Louis.
Created, written and directed by Steve Conrad, the Florida native who attended FSU before transferring to Northwestern, DTF St. Louis picked up 13 nominations, including five acting nominations. David Harbour is a strong Supporting Actor contender.
But will the dark, quirky murder mystery upset Beef, or will they both lose to the nostalgia play of Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette? Realistically, Sarah Pidgeon looks like the strongest bet to take home Lead Actress for her portrayal of Bessette.
— Capitol Directions —
Ron DeSantis — Down arrow — Turns out the First Amendment isn’t a DEI hire.
Layla Collins — Down arrow — Where there’s smoke, there’s a melted Nokia 1100
David Wolfson — Crossways arrow — Oscar Wilde was onto something.
John Cardillo — Down arrow — Some amplifiers only add static.
Ron Sachs — Down arrow — The “build it and they will come” strategy may work for baseball, but not debates.
Cody Farrill — Up arrow — America got the birthday. Florida got the spotlight.
Dep’t of State — Up arrow — Florida’s history found its own bucket brigade.
Nikki Fried — Up arrow — Who gave the broken clock fresh batteries?
Tom Leek, Nick Primrose — Up arrow — They treated bad news like a hot stove.
Terrance Freeman — Up arrow — DUUUVAL! The No. 1 non-incumbent fundraiser in the Class of 2026.
Andrew Gillum — Down arrow — The phrase “what might have been” grows heavier with time.
Sydney Gruters — Up arrow — Seven figures is one way to settle the family rankings.
Meg Weinberger — Up arrow — She has TSA PreCheck for Mar-a-Lago.
Anthony Sabatini — Down arrow — Westlaw still beats wishful thinking.
Natalie Kato — Up arrow — She can keep all the plates spinning. Even the flaming ones.
David Santiago — Down arrow — Democracy is a lousy place to look for technical knockouts.
Briana Jordan — Down arrow — Postal inspectors hate this one weird trick.
FSU — Down arrow — Magna cum laude, summa cum nada.
Hope Hellman — Up arrow — The Federation drafted well.
Dave Ericks — Prayer hands — He finally gets to enjoy the other side of the bar.
Jack Latvala — Prayer hands — It doesn’t take an angel to be a saint.