Amendment 3 was made in Tallahassee. Tallahassee would like to return it.
Leon County’s opposition coalition stretches across nearly every corner of local civic life. Sheriff Walt McNeil, Reps. Allison Tant and Gallop Franklin, Superintendent Rocky Hanna, County and City Commissioners, School Board members, Bethel Missionary Baptist Church and the Big Bend chapter of the AFL-CIO are all telling voters to reject the proposed property-tax overhaul.
That is not unanimous opposition from every county officeholder. It is, however, an unusually broad show of local resistance that crosses the customary political lines.
Tallahassee City Commissioner Jack Porter delivered the coalition’s clearest explanation of what is at stake.
“Amendment 3 is not just a tax-shift; it’s the ultimate power grab by the state to control cities by stripping them and their residents of control over our budgets and our futures,” Porter said. “If you care about local voices making local choices, vote no on 3.”
The numbers supply the blunt-force version. The Florida Policy Institute estimates local governments and special districts serving Leon County could lose $158.8 million during the amendment’s first two years. That includes approximately $112.5 million from county operations, more than $30 million from Tallahassee and over $4 million from the local Children’s Services Council.
Return receipt requested.
Leon County Commissioner David O’Keefe said the county could eventually face more than $70 million in annual cuts, leaving it just $3.5 million after paying mandated costs to fund everything else.
Franklin supplied the release’s most memorable line.
“Real, transformative relief cannot be microwaved on short notice,” he said, noting that lawmakers moved the proposal from concept to a vote in less than three days.
Franklin supports property-tax relief. He wants the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission, which convenes next year, to develop it through something resembling a normal policymaking process.
Local pushback arrives as support for Amendment 3 inside the Capitol grows increasingly squishy. Senate President Ben Albritton, who voted to place it on the ballot, now plans to vote no. Former Senate President Kathleen Passidomo is opposed. Gov. Ron DeSantis remains nominally supportive — lukewarm, if not tap-cold — but does not intend to campaign for it.
Leon officials may be preaching to the choir. A recent St. Pete Polls survey found just 44% support for Amendment 3, while voters who had already cast ballots opposed it 45% to 40%. That is a deep hole for a measure requiring 60% approval.
The Legislature served Amendment 3. Leon County’s leaders are sending it back to the kitchen.
___
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 —
State event, campaign pitch — DeSantis continues to evangelize for property tax relief on the November ballot, using what was billed as an official state of Florida event to stump for a political item. Joined by U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, the term-limited DeSantis argued in St. Petersburg that the proposed homestead exemption increase in Amendment 3 would benefit homeowners and that local governments could afford it. DeSantis held a similar roundtable event in South Florida, blurring the line between policy and politics as the 2026 General Election nears. His arguments would be familiar to anyone who has heard him speak on the amendment in recent months. He again said the amendment doesn’t shift taxes from property owners to other mechanisms, saying that local governments should fund core services (“the things we all agree on”) rather than “whatever social cause” a local government may want.
Federal help for the Panhandle — President Donald Trump has approved a major disaster declaration for the Panhandle following Hurricane Isaias, a designation Moody had been pushing for. Isaias made landfall near Destin as a Category 2 hurricane, and thousands were evacuated as it approached. Moody said she was thrilled by the declaration. She led an effort by members of Florida’s congressional delegation to urge Trump to approve DeSantis’ request. “This declaration is so important to Floridians and communities still suffering from the impact of Hurricane Isaias,” Moody said. “While the state is working diligently to restore areas destroyed by this major hurricane, Trump’s approval of the Major Disaster Declaration will help bolster ongoing efforts in Florida’s Panhandle.”
The FEC goes dark — The Federal Election Commission (FEC) has confirmed technical issues are affecting campaign finance report filings days before the 2026 Midterms. Reuters first reported that the agency’s website was hacked, disrupting the public reporting of spending by campaigns and super PACs. The FEC has confirmed its electronic filing system went offline, and work to restore full access is ongoing. “Work continues to resolve the electronic filing system outage. FEC.gov’s other campaign finance data searches remain available as do PDFs of reports,” reads a post on the FEC’s official X account. The FEC is posting updates on a status page. The most recent update reads: “The issue has been identified and a fix is being implemented.”
Rate relief lands — Florida homeowners are in line for lower property insurance rates. CFO Blaise Ingoglia and Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky highlighted a batch of rate decreases that took effect this month. The reductions affect more than 824,000 homeowners, who could see decreases of up to 12.1% on new policies or renewals. “I am thrilled to highlight more rate decreases for Florida homeowners, with the most recent large batch all being effective for new customers or renewals this October,” Yaworsky said in a news release.
Remembering Allison DeFoor — Allison DeFoor, President and CEO of the North Florida Land Trust (NFLT) and a leading figure in Florida’s conservation movement, has died of complications from pneumonia. He served with the organization for eight years. DeFoor helped broker multiple agreements among corporations, private landowners, government agencies and environmental groups that set aside hundreds of thousands of acres of protected land. Sarah Hande, the NFLT’s Director of Strategic Communications, said the loss is hard for an organization that often reflected his personal passion for the environment. “It’s hard to quantify the loss that we feel,” Hande said. DeFoor was also an Episcopal priest. Before leading the land trust, he had an extensive legal career as a prosecutor, public defender, judge and law professor. He also was elected Monroe County Sheriff. He resigned to run for Lieutenant Governor on the Republican ticket supporting Gov. Bob Martinez in his unsuccessful 1990 re-election bid.
— Water fund splash —
Drip, splash.
On Wednesday in Crystal River, DeSantis awarded $100 million across 45 projects to restore and protect Florida’s water resources through the Springs Restoration and Alternative Water Supply grant programs.
These programs and projects will help protect and restore Florida’s iconic springs, expand alternative water sources, and promote water conservation.
“Today in Crystal River, I was proud to announce $100 million for springs restoration and alternative water supply projects throughout Florida. These strategic investments will build on the progress we’ve made in protecting our natural resources and improving water quality in communities across Florida, so that we can leave this state to God better than we found it,” DeSantis said.
The state will award $50 million to 23 projects to restore Florida’s beautiful springs through wastewater upgrades that will collectively reduce total nitrogen by more than 55,000 pounds per year.
A little liquidity for Florida’s springs.
Some of the funding includes $3 million to Citrus County’s septic-to-sewer conversion and upgrade project to include nitrogen-reducing enhancements benefiting Chassahowitzka-Homosassa Springs and Kings Bay and Crystal River Springs; $3 million to Suwannee River Water Management District for the Suwannee Sandhill Tract; and $3 million for the City of DeLand’s regional pump station and sewer extension project, which aims to provide increased capacity and extend sewer services to support future connections of residential properties to centralized sewer, benefiting the Volusia Blue Springshed.
“Year after year, Gov. DeSantis has demonstrated a firm commitment to protecting Florida’s waters. We will continue to work cooperatively with local communities to secure the sustainable clean water supply that is critical for Florida’s future,” said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert.
Additionally, the state awarded $50 million for 22 projects to reduce Florida’s reliance on traditional freshwater sources by expanding the use of alternative water supplies.
Since 2019, the Legislature has appropriated $385 million, including this week’s funding. To date, funds committed by the Alternative Water Supply Grant Program will deliver over 400 million gallons of water per day once projects are fully online.
— Targeting child exploitation —
Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that his Office has filed 100 felony counts, most of them involving child sexual abuse material, against a Kissimmee man.
He separately detailed a lawsuit against an artificial intelligence company accused of generating nonconsensual sexualized images from photographs of real people.
Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution is charging Jerry Jesus Reyes, 26, with multiple counts of possessing and transmitting child sexual abuse material, along with materials depicting sexual activity with animals.
Uthmeier said authorities were alerted by a tip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about activity on Snapchat. Detectives with the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Unit traced Reyes’ account.
The charges include multiple counts of unlawful possession of materials depicting sexual performance by a child, multiple counts of unlawful possession of materials depicting sexual activity with animals and one count of transmitting child pornography by electronic device. The sexual activity with animals allegedly involved a dog.
“You got to be pretty messed up to do that,” Uthmeier said at a news conference Wednesday, adding the images were “egregious, inhumane videos. Just sick stuff.”
Uthmeier takes aim at child exploitation.
In the civil case, Uthmeier sued A2E, an AI website owned by Nevada-based Rengstorff Consulting. The 26-page lawsuit says the platform offers “nudification,” letting users turn real photos or videos into AI-generated nude and sexualized images and videos, including of children.
“The complaint cites specific Florida criminal cases in which A2E was used to generate child sexual abuse material, including a Tampa case in which a perpetrator created more than 100 sexualized images of his minor stepchildren and a Tallahassee case involving AI-generated depictions of minors. In these instances, the platform did not flag or report the materials,” a Uthmeier press release said.
The suit seeks an injunction barring Rengstorff Consulting from offering AI products that let users create nonconsensual sexualized images or child sexual abuse material, along with civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. It was filed in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court in Sarasota County.
— Cartel pipeline smashed —
Uthmeier and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office have announced charges against 10 people accused of taking part in a cocaine trafficking network.
Authorities said the group moved “thousands of kilograms” of cocaine from Mexico through El Paso, Texas, and distributed it in the Tampa Bay area. They suspect many of those charged are linked to the Sinaloa Cartel, Uthmeier said.
“This investigation has completely dismantled a major Sinaloa Cartel pipeline that was flooding Florida communities with thousands of kilograms of cocaine,” Uthmeier said in a news release.
He credited a task force from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit that spent weeks in Texas, working through complex surveillance and security challenges, alongside the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Homeland Security Investigations, and the El Paso Police Department.
“With multi-million-dollar bonds and the arrest of the organization’s number two, we are holding every level of this enterprise accountable and sending a clear message that Florida will not be a market for cartel drugs,” Uthmeier said.
State prosecutors target an alleged cartel pipeline. Image via Tallahassee Democrat.
The investigation culminated in July, when detectives seized about 60 kilograms (132 pounds) of cocaine. Uthmeier’s Office said the seizure dismantled the cartel’s Florida network. Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said it was the largest seizure that he knows of from a single Pinellas County drug trafficker in more than 40 years.
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office detectives, working with FDLE, watched as three duffel bags holding the 60 kilograms were allegedly handed off to Daniel Pinales. He was arrested on suspicion of possessing the cocaine and charged with conspiracy to commit racketeering and trafficking in cocaine, along with members of his transportation team. Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution then filed similar charges against other suspects in Pasco County.
The others charged with conspiracy to commit racketeering are Erick Manuel Gomez Tapia, Jesus Morales, Joaquin Enriquez, Arturo Carlos, Jorge Ramiro Zamonsett, Tyler Green, Marice Higgins, Miguel Alejandro Carrasco-Lechuga and Brian Varner.
— Double trouble —
License to fraud.
On Tuesday, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Ingoglia announced the arrests this month of alleged unlicensed insurance agent Yaudat Antonio Ohan and his alleged accomplice Alberto Villaruel. The Department of Financial Services’ Criminal Investigations Division (CID) made the arrests after Ohan allegedly operated as an insurance agent without a license and Villaruel, the agency’s agent-in-charge, allegedly allowed him to provide fraudulent insurance coverage.
A one-two punch.
“Floridians’ insurance policies are meant to protect them, not fund criminals’ bank accounts. Insurance fraud is a crime tax on law-abiding Floridians, and I will not stand for that cost to be passed onto Florida families. Anyone acting as an unlicensed insurance agent or anyone aiding unlicensed agents will face the full brunt of the law and be put in handcuffs,” Ingoglia said.
CFO Blaise Ingoglia announces two arrests in an alleged unlicensed insurance scheme involving fraudulent coverage.
The investigation began after a construction company submitted two fraudulent Certificates of Insurance (COIs) to a DFS compliance officer. The insurer confirmed the policies were never active and that Ohan, who provided the company owner with the COIs, had been paid a $10,500 premium.
That’s when the investigation shifted to Ohan, who had been permanently barred from holding an insurance agent license since 2002. CID discovered that Ohan acted as an insurance agent at Villaruel’s agency and that Villaruel knew he was unlicensed.
Ohan was arrested on Sept. 28 and was charged with conspiracy to commit racketeering, organized scheme to defraud, grand theft, uttering a forged instrument, unlawful use of a telecommunications device, transacting insurance without a license, and insurance funds diversion.
Villaruel was arrested on Oct. 20 and was charged with grand theft, organized scheme to defraud, and conspiracy to commit racketeering.
The CID encourages anyone with information about fraud to contact the insurance fraud hotline ASAP at 1-800-378-0445.
— Instagram of the week —
— Relief granted —
Trump has approved a major disaster declaration for the Panhandle following Hurricane Isaias, a designation U.S. Sen. Moody had been pushing for.
Isaias made landfall near Destin as a Category 2 hurricane, and thousands were evacuated as it approached. Moody said she was thrilled by the declaration. She led an effort by members of Florida’s congressional delegation urging Trump to approve DeSantis’ request.
“This declaration is so important to Floridians and communities still suffering from the impact of Hurricane Isaias,” Moody said.
“While the state is working diligently to restore areas destroyed by this major hurricane, President Trump’s approval of the Major Disaster Declaration will help bolster ongoing efforts in Florida’s Panhandle.”
Federal relief joins Florida’s recovery effort.
A major disaster declaration makes broad federal assistance available to areas hit by a major natural disaster. Much of that aid comes through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Trump had already approved an emergency declaration for the state as the storm made landfall.
Moody and DeSantis were on the ground in the storm’s aftermath that weekend and held several news conferences as relief efforts got underway. DeSantis initially said “it could have been” worse in terms of damage from the storm.
But damage was visible in many locales, and Moody urged Floridians to stay resilient.
“Signs are looking good. Florida is looking good, and we are on our way to recovery,” she said. “We have some work to do. (But) it is inspiring to me … to see the resilience of Floridians.”
— Auto rates drop —
♫ Baby, are you down, down, down, down, down? ♫
On Monday, Yaworsky approved auto rate decreases for several USAA Group programs, averaging 7% and benefiting more than 498,000 Floridians.
Certain USAA policyholders may see larger decreases depending on their situation. USAA’s highest concentration of business is in Brevard, Escambia and Okaloosa counties, with average rate changes of -5.8%, -8% and -8.4%, respectively.
“The Office of Insurance Regulation is constantly reaching out to insurers to inquire about rate relief, and USAA is always stepping up to the plate and looking out for its consumers. This latest rate action will help the pockets of more than 498,000 Floridians, and some policyholders may see rate decreases of up to 11.2%. This is fantastic news, and I encourage other companies to continue following suit,” Yaworsky said.
A better rate of return for Florida drivers. Image via Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.
This isn’t the first time USAA has aimed to assist policyholders. From December 2025 to July 2026, USAA provided nearly $1 billion in rate reductions and direct member returns to Florida members, including a $500 million dividend to approximately 830,000 members.
“Florida’s insurance market is getting stronger by the day, and this announcement is yet another example of the success of our tort reforms. These auto insurance rate decreases will help Florida families keep more of their hard-earned money in their pockets, especially our military families. I am proud to work with Commissioner Yaworsky and Florida’s insurers to continue to announce more rate decreases for Floridians in the future,” added CFO Ingoglia.
As of Fall 2026, the top five auto groups are showing a 2026 indicated rate change of -12.6%, affecting 81% of Florida’s auto market. Florida ranked No. 1 for the lowest personal auto liability loss ratio, recorded at 52.5% in 2025 — the state’s lowest in 15 years.
— Predator sting plea —
On Monday, Brandon Garrett Ursrey (46) of Tallahassee pleaded guilty in federal court in Tallahassee to one count of attempted enticement of a minor.
John P. Heekin, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the guilty plea.
“Our state and federal law enforcement partners are committed to keeping our kids safe online and in our communities, and thanks to their relentless pursuit of predators who seek to sexually exploit and victimize children through the internet, we have been able to successfully prosecute this defendant. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute these cases to ensure we keep these sick individuals locked behind bars and away from our kids,” Heekin said.
U.S. Attorney John Heekin’s office announced the guilty plea.
Court records show that in November 2025, a multiagency undercover operation sought to identify adults who use the internet to sexually exploit children. During the operation, Ursrey contacted an undercover officer he believed to be a 15-year-old child and engaged in a sexually explicit conversation over two days. Ursrey arranged to meet at a Tallahassee apartment complex he believed was the 15-year-old’s residence to engage in sexual activity with the child. Police arrested him upon arrival — Chris Hansen style (“Primetime” was a good movie).
Forensic analysis also confirmed that the defendant operated the phone used to communicate with the undercover officer.
Ursrey faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison and is scheduled for sentencing in federal court before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor on Jan. 22, 2027, at 10 a.m. in Tallahassee.
Homeland Security Investigations, the Tallahassee Police Department, and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case, and Assistant United States Attorney Eric K. Mountin is prosecuting it.
— Move over crash —
Safe driving prevents accidents.
A pickup driver failed to move over and hit a trooper’s stopped patrol car in a construction zone on State Road 429 in Bay Lake on Tuesday night, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). The agency said emergency lights and work-zone warnings were visible. The crash happened around 9:12 p.m. near mile marker 6 in Orange County.
The driver of the 2026 Toyota Tundra, a 53-year-old man from Davenport, was transported to Celebration Hospital with non‑life‑threatening injuries. The trooper sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to HCA Osceola Regional Medical Hospital, where he remains in stable condition.
The crash remains under investigation, and charges are pending.
Move over. Someone’s life depends on it. Image via X/@FLHSMV
“Unfortunately, over the years we have seen far too many law enforcement officers, first responders, Road Rangers, and motorists killed or seriously injured because of preventable actions on our roadways. We are grateful for the Trooper’s service and are keeping him in our thoughts as he recovers from his injuries,” said FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner.
“His experience is a powerful reminder of the risks law enforcement and emergency personnel face every day while working to protect our communities. The simple act of moving over gives them the space they need to work safely and significantly increases safety for everyone on Florida’s roads.”
In 2025 alone, Florida recorded 215 crashes and issued more than 17,300 citations for motorists failing to move over.
A friendly reminder: drivers must move over a lane for any emergency, service, utility, or disabled vehicles stopped on the side of the road, or slow to within 20 mph of the posted speed limit if moving over isn’t safe.
— Market correction —
Florida Education Commissioner Henry Mack wants the state’s education system to operate more like its economy: Let customers choose, make providers compete and measure success by what the market is willing to pay graduates.
“Education is not a public utility to be managed for uniformity,” Mack told attendees at the Florida Chamber’s Future of Florida Forum. “It is a competitive market of knowledge, skills and character.”
Mack argued that Florida does not have a labor shortage so much as a mismatch between employer demand and education systems that respond too slowly.
“Centralized education systems are built to distribute credentials,” he said. “Competitive education systems are built to deliver skills that employers will pay for.”
Henry Mack wants Florida to align education to workforce needs. Image via Chipley Bugle.
Under Mack’s model, parents and students would choose their educational pathways, public funding would follow them, and institutions delivering strong results would grow. Those that do not, he said, should close.
He also wants employment, starting wages and employer-recognized credentials to carry more weight than enrollment and seat time when Florida evaluates programs.
Mack said employers in manufacturing, semiconductors, aerospace, healthcare, energy and logistics should help design curricula, validate skills and expand apprenticeships.
He cited Florida College System results showing 91% of graduates earning workforce credentials in 2023-24 were employed within five months, with average earnings exceeding $50,000. Registered apprenticeship graduates earn about $60,000, he said — roughly $20,000 more than bachelor’s degree recipients.
“I want to fund students, not seat time, not institutions and not systems,” Mack said. “Fund the student.”
— Season’s scratchings —
Halloween is today (when you are potentially reading this), but some people are already getting their Christmas spirit up.
This week, the Florida Lottery announced it is getting into the holiday mood early with five new “Holiday Bonus Scratch-Off” games — a friendly, festive way to play the games Floridians know and love.
Priced from $1 to $20, the games offer more than $233.5 million in total cash prizes across more than 13.8 million winning tickets. You won’t want to miss out; there’s potentially something for everyone.
The “Holiday Bonus 10x” is a $1 scratch-off that offers a $25 bonus spot and multipliers up to 10X — a jolly fun session without breaking the budget. Then there’s “Holiday Bonus 20x” with 12 chances to win for just $2 and a top prize of $50,000.
Scratch one stocking stuffer off the list.
The “Holiday Bonus 50x” is a $5 ticket that can win you up to $250,000. It offers over $47.6 million in total prizes and more than 3.5 million winning tickets. The overall odds of winning something with this ticket are 1 in 3.81.
And it keeps going up and up. Next is the $10 “Holiday Bonus 100x” ticket, with a top prize of $500,000 and more than $70.8 million in total prizes. The odds of winning are 1 in 3.55.
And lastly is the big tuna — “Holiday Bonus 200x.” This one offers the most bonus spots, the largest multipliers, and the highest top prize of all the HOLIDAY BONUS games. The ticket is a bit steeper at $20, but there are more than $89.2 million in total prizes, over 1.9 million winning tickets, and a $1,000,000 top prize.
In addition to the new Holiday Bonus games, the $15,000,000 Platinum Payout will be included in Holiday Bonus Play.
— Conservation icon passes —
Allison DeFoor, the President and CEO of the North Florida Land Trust (NFLT) and a leading figure in Florida’s conservation movement, has died from complications of pneumonia.
He served with the organization for eight years. He was 72.
DeFoor helped broker multiple agreements among corporations, private landowners, government agencies and environmental groups that set aside hundreds of thousands of acres of protected land.
Hande, the NFLT’s Director of Strategic Communications, said the loss is hard for an organization that often reflected his personal passion for the environment.
“It’s hard to quantify the loss that we feel,” Hande said.
DeFoor was also an Episcopal priest. Before leading the land trust, he had an extensive legal career as a prosecutor, public defender, judge and law professor. He also was elected Monroe County Sheriff. He resigned to run for Lieutenant Governor on the Republican ticket supporting Gov. Bob Martinez in his unsuccessful 1990 re-election bid.
A life devoted to Florida’s wild places. Image via North Florida Land Trust.
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan honored him on the city’s Facebook page.
“Jacksonville has lost a remarkable public servant and a true son of Florida. Allison DeFoor shone in roles ranging from prosecutor to priest to a leader in conservation,” Deegan said.
“Throughout his remarkable life, he was always guided by a deep love for this state and its people. I extend my deepest condolences to his wife Randy, the North Florida Land Trust, and all who loved him.”
The NFLT was founded in 1999 to preserve environmentally sensitive lands across North Florida, though some of its projects extend well into Central Florida. This year, the organization announced several large land-protection deals.
— Engineers needed —
Engineering the next engineers.
This week, the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida (ICUF) released data from its microsimulation, which examined how ICUF grads contribute to Florida’s engineering workforce.
ICUF’s model projects 4,410 engineering placements by its graduates between 2026 and 2034. Across the model’s annual projections, that gap between engineering openings and placements from Florida colleges would be about 27% larger without ICUF graduates.
“Florida’s policymakers can now see how graduates of the state’s independent and nonprofit education institutions fill critical positions in the engineering industry and where gaps remain. Investing in a strong talent pipeline is the most dependable way to meet Florida’s workforce needs. ICUF institutions stand ready to prepare skilled engineers to support the state’s infrastructure, aerospace and manufacturing industries,” said Bob Boyd, President and chief executive officer of ICUF.
Florida’s independent colleges are helping build the next generation of engineers to meet the state’s growing workforce demands.
According to FloridaCommerce, the state employs 82,276 engineering workers today, and employment is projected to reach 93,268 by 2034. Factoring in industry growth, retirements, and career changes, 50,114 engineering openings are expected between 2026 and 2034.
That’s a lot of jobs to fill, so why not fill them with Florida students?
ICUF’s analysis estimates that about 490 of its graduates fill engineering positions in Florida each year. Between 2026 and 2034, about 9,600 positions are projected to be filled by in-migration and other sources or remain vacant — an average of 1,065 a year that additional Florida graduates could fill.
ICUF believes its member institutions could meet this need. The Effective Access to Student Education (EASE) grant can more easily meet these numbers by helping Florida residents pay to attend independent, nonprofit colleges and universities. That $3,500 each year helps students pursue higher education in Florida, which increases the likelihood they will join Florida’s workforce.
— Coolest Florida invention —
A surgical strike grounded a military aircraft in Florida’s manufacturing championship.
Arthrex’s Tightrope PRO Implant was named the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Florida, defeating Northrop Grumman’s E-2D Advanced Hawkeye in the final round of the statewide competition.
The Florida Chamber of Commerce and FloridaCommerce announced the winner during the Chamber Foundation’s Future of Florida Forum and Annual Meeting in Orlando.
Manufactured in Collier County, the Tightrope PRO is designed to treat injuries to the connection between the two lower-leg bones at the ankle. Its final-round opponent, built in St. Johns County, is an airborne early-warning and command-and-control aircraft used by the U.S. Navy.
Arthrex’s Michael Karnes (third from left) accepts the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Florida trophy. From left: Michael Wynn of Sunshine Ace Hardware; Jason Mahon of FloridaCommerce; Karnes; Mark Wilson, Allison Allen and Crystal Campbell of the Florida Chamber of Commerce.
“Tightrope PRO Implant represents our commitment to developing innovative solutions that help physicians improve patient care and get people back to the activities they love,” Arthrex President and founder Reinhold Schmieding said. “We are proud to design and manufacture these products in Florida and grateful to the Florida Chamber and FloridaCommerce for recognizing the people behind the innovation.”
The second annual bracket-style competition began with more than 100 products representing manufacturers from all 67 counties. Public voting narrowed the field through several rounds before producing a decidedly mismatched championship matchup — at least in physical size.
“The Coolest Thing Made in Florida competition shines a light on the innovation happening in communities across our state and the Florida job creators who make it possible,” Florida Chamber President and CEO Mark Wilson said. “Congratulations to Arthrex on earning this year’s title and representing the strength of Florida manufacturing.”
— Revitalizing downtown Orlando —
Best Jerry Seinfeld impression: “So what’s the deal with downtown Orlando anyway?”
Florida A&M University’s College of Law and CrossMarc Capital will present the second installment of their Real Estate and Land Use Series, titled “Downtown Orlando Revitalization.” The panel is Thursday, Nov. 5, from 4 to 6 p.m.
This panel is all about bringing together various perspectives from the legal, development and public-planning sectors to provide an opportunity for students, real estate professionals, attorneys, community leaders and others interested in Central Florida’s potential growth to hear it straight from the horse’s mouth — directly from the professionals involved in shaping the region.
The panel will feature Jason W. Searl of Maynard Nexsen (a real estate attorney with extensive development experience); Andrew Wetzler of Sterling Project Development; and Jason Burton of the City of Orlando planning team.
A downtown discussion with room to grow. Image via Florida A&M University / CrossMarc Capital.
“We are excited to continue this series with another outstanding panel of people who are directly involved in the legal, development and planning issues that shape our community. Downtown Orlando is continuing to evolve, and this is an opportunity to have a conversation about where it’s headed and the challenges and opportunities that come with that growth,” said John Crossman, of CrossMarc Capital and a Trustee of Florida A&M University.
Be sure to check out FAMU College of Law Dean Simone Marstiller and her work to cultivate attorneys who serve their communities and lead with integrity and purpose, while offering students invaluable opportunities in Central Florida.
A great voice who will be present too.
“As Downtown Orlando continues to evolve, it is important to have thoughtful conversations about how development, land-use decisions, and planning shape the communities where we live and work. At FAMU College of Law, we want our students to understand the legal and policy issues behind those decisions while learning from the professionals who are helping guide the region’s future. This series provides a valuable opportunity for dialogue and highlights the important role attorneys play in supporting Central Florida’s continued growth,” added Marstiller.
— Line goes up —
Florida State University has grown its research enterprise by more than half in five years, and President Richard McCullough says more of that work is moving from laboratories into the economy.
Speaking at the Florida Chamber’s Future of Florida Forum, McCullough said FSU’s annual research activity has increased from $325 million when he began his tenure leading the university to $515 million this year.
FSU has also accelerated its commercialization efforts. McCullough said FSU produced about one startup a year when he arrived. In the past 15 months, it has launched 11 companies and completed more than 100 technology licenses in recent years.
“The investment in basic research is what ultimately drives our economy,” McCullough said.
He pointed to Taxol, the cancer treatment developed from FSU research, as the university’s defining example. The discovery generated about $350 million in royalties for the university, he said, while providing a treatment used by millions of patients.
Line goes up. Richard McCullough approves. Image via FSU Photography Services.
FSU is now attempting to create more pathways between research and the marketplace. McCullough highlighted Ignite Tallahassee, a wet-lab incubator he said is already nearing capacity, along with university initiatives in quantum science, aerospace and healthcare.
Triumph Gulf Coast backs the aerospace effort with nearly $100 million, and it is expected to grow into a $400 million to $500 million initiative, McCullough said. FSU is also developing academic health centers in Tallahassee and Panama City Beach, which he said will help attract physicians, researchers, and companies that can turn medical discoveries into treatments.
The push comes as China rapidly expands its own research investment. McCullough said Chinese research and development spending is growing about 15% annually and warned that the country is quickly closing America’s long-standing advantage.
“We want good partners, and we’re open for business,” McCullough said.
— FSU at 175 —
Have your studious memories forever memorialized.
As Florida State University celebrates its 175th anniversary, FSU Libraries’ Special Collections & Archives invites alumni and community members to contribute personal stories, memories, and photos to the university’s historical record through the “175 Years in 175 Stories” digital exhibit project.
For the past two years, archivists have been developing the new exhibit, digging for and collecting stories of significant events, people and key moments in the university’s history.
“It should be a long-lasting digital exhibit that’s up for years, one that people can refer back to, to learn about university history. My main goal is for people to be able to see themselves in it,” said FSU Archivist Taylor Henning.
“It’s pretty much impossible to tell the whole complete story, and we didn’t want anyone to feel left out of the story or the project. So, I think the community submissions piece of it is a good way for everyone to be involved.”
A page from FSU’s past: a student browses Strozier in 1957. Image via FSU Archives.
The project’s goal is to capture the full range of experiences and moments that have shaped FSU’s rich history. Community members are asked to share their own stories, experiences and favorite moments on campus, with an official FSU organization or at a game, as well as stories passed down by loved ones and through generations.
The archive should hold about 175 years’ worth of good stories to tell.
“In a lot of ways, I think the archive is a celebration of how far we’ve come as an institution,” Henning continued.
“We started in one schoolhouse, and then eventually two dorms. Now that’s become a gigantic campus, an R1 institution that contributes life-changing research to the world, so it’s really been a journey.”
FSU Libraries are also specially celebrating FSU’s birthday by hosting fun, interactive events at Strozier Library, such as a “Bring Your History” time capsule event on Nov. 18. Or a little later down the road, visitors can also attend a scrapbooking event on Dec. 2 and explore FSU’s history through Special Collections.
To submit your entries for FSU’s “175 Years in 175 Stories” digital exhibit, visit the Libraries Special Collections and Archives webpage.
— Veterans resource fair —
Next week, Tallahassee State College (TSC) will host the “Veterans Resource Fair” on Thursday, Nov. 5, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The fair aims to connect veterans, service members, military families and the community with organizations that offer resources and support for those who served.
The event is free and will take place at the Richard W. and Karen B. Moore Veterans Success Center, on the second floor of the Computer Technology (CT) Building, Room 206, on TSC’s main campus.
“Our veterans and military families have given so much in service to our country, and we want to make sure they know they have a community ready to support them. This resource fair is about making those connections easier by bringing organizations, services, and opportunities together in one place,” said MSG (Ret) Benjamin Carman, TSC’s Veteran Success Center Manager.
A one-stop shop for those who served. Image via Bumble Dee.
“Whether someone is looking for help navigating their benefits, exploring education or career options, or accessing healthcare and other resources, we want them to leave knowing where to turn and who can help.”
The fair welcomes all veterans, active military members, military-connected students, family members, and anyone interested in learning more about resources available to the military community. Organizations will share information about education and transfers, employment and careers, VA benefits, healthcare and wellness, legal and financial help, military and veteran services, and community programs.
TSC is proud to be a resource for veterans and military-connected students as they work to advance their education and career goals. Events like this show why TSC recently renewed its designation as a Collegiate Purple Star Campus — a designation given only to institutions committed to serving military-connected students and families.
— Halloween horror picks —
Halloween is a dead weekend for new releases, but a perfect time to put on a horror classic between visits from trick-or-treaters.
On the hidden-gem side, we recommend checking out the work of Damian McCarthy and his Irish folk horror films “Oddity” (2024) and “Hokum” (2026) — both available on Hulu for “Huluween.”
Oddity follows a blind twin with psychic abilities who is set on discovering who killed her sister a year earlier. Hokum is about a fiction writer (played by Emmy nominee Adam Scott) who stays at an Irish inn his parents once visited. The inn is said to be haunted by a witch. Both films are on the slower side, but they reward those who let the atmosphere and tension sink in. Slow burns for sure, but films you won’t forget.
HBO always has a pristine collection of films to enjoy year-round, and Halloween is no exception. The rare phenomenon of Oscar-winning horror can be found there with recent winners such as “Sinners,” “Weapons,” and “The Substance,” but for a big-name movie to check out on the 31st, we suggest this year’s mega-hit “Backrooms” — a liminal-space psychological horror film about how our memories and subconscious can be our greatest enemy and mislead our decisions.
Twenty-year-old Kane Parsons directed it after his YouTube shorts about the backrooms succeeded. You don’t need to know its internet origins; just enjoy the creepy, Lynchian ride carried by two excellent performances from Oscar nominees Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve. If you didn’t think that big, empty office space was creepy before, this movie will make it terrifying.
Mike Flanagan is the new king of horror and is busy writing “Clayface” and the recent Prime “Carrie” TV show, but some of his best films are on Netflix right now, and some are highly underrated. “Oculus” has incredible direction and uses its mirror gimmick to make you guess what is real and what isn’t.
Check in. Sleep at your own risk. Image via Neon/AP.
“Ouija: Origin of Evil” is probably the best sequel ever made to a horrible movie — but don’t worry: you don’t have to have seen the first. This movie features excellent performances from two young leads, great production design, and a flair that makes it feel like a classic 1960s horror film.
“Hush” is an ever-so-tense thriller about a deaf woman living in seclusion in the woods when a masked intruder enters in the middle of the night. All excellent watches beyond his TV shows.
Netflix also has “His House” — an excellent, BAFTA-nominated horror film you may never have heard of. It stars Oscar nominee Wunmi Mosaku and follows refugees who move into a haunted London duplex.
But you can’t talk about horror without mentioning one of the Mount Rushmore directors: John Carpenter. And “The Thing” — one of his all-time bests — is on Prime Video as we speak. This is the ultimate Hollywood remake, with some of the best practical effects ever seen in cinema history. His masterpiece “Halloween” is also on AMC+ and Shudder, the horror-focused streaming service.
If a Shudder subscription might earn its keep this weekend, this is it. “Hell House LLC” is a found-footage cult classic celebrating 10 years — a great indie film for its budget, directed by Stephen Cognetti. It follows friends who get in over their heads putting on a haunted house about an hour outside NYC. There are some spine-chilling shots.
♫CHCHCH-AHAH♫ The OG “Friday the 13th” is on every streaming service, and the new prequel TV show “Crystal Lake” is now on Peacock.
Two years before “Scream” came Wes Craven’s even more meta “New Nightmare”—a film in which a real demon latches onto the fictional Freddy Krueger. That’s free on YouTube now.
The Oscar-nominated “Coraline” is a more family-friendly option and a new Fall classic for many younger folks. The 2019 film “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” was made with help from Guillermo del Toro — a master of horror and creatures himself — and it has so many great movies for this time of year, too. Set in 1968, it has just enough spook for the little ones and enough Vietnam themes for the older adults. It also has some awesome practical effects and makeup.
Happy watching!
— Capitol Directions —
Tuesday night — Up arrow — Better get some sleep Monday night.
GOP turnout — Crossways arrow — Maybe the elephants are in Campania. Their UOCAVA ballots should be here any day now.
Donald Trump — Down arrow — Two Florida rallies in 10 days. Bro, sit in the fountain. Stop feeding.
James Blair — Crossways arrow — Like any maître d’ can tell you, the closer you are to the door, the closer you are to the door.
Ron DeSantis — Down arrow — Amendment 3 is sinking, and the dummymander may be next. This isn’t The Last Dance. It’s Jordan on the Wizards.
Gov. Mush — Down arrow — DeSantis went to Game 3. The Rays gave up eight runs in the fifth. No further questions.
Byron Donalds — Crossways arrow — For $120 million, the coin should at least have his face on both sides.
Ryan Smith — Up arrow — … still we’d rather be Donalds right now than Jolly.
David Jolly — Up arrow — Why talk about the news when you can be it?
Angie Nixon — Up arrow — Spoiler alert: Rocky loses the first fight.
James Uthmeier — Crossways arrow — If Byron is sweating, James should stop blaming the humidity.
Annette Taddeo — Crossways arrow — The only way she’s a winner is if Donald Trump’s the biggest loser.
Nikki Fried — Crossways arrow — Florida Democrats have enough quality losses to impress the CFP committee. Win something, already.
Evan Power — Crossways arrow — A 1.5 million-voter advantage is either a mandate or a firing offense. Ask again Wednesday.
Sean Pittman — Up arrow — At least this time around he doesn’t have to worry about his candidate leaving millions of dollars on the table.
John Snyder — Up arrow — His seat is safe. He’s still wearing out shoes for everyone else’s.
Daniella Levine Cava — Up arrow — Amendment 3 promised a tax cut. Miami-Dade’s Mayor brought the bill.
GOP media buyers — Down arrow — Even Matlock streams now.
Kimberly Leonard — Up arrow — POLITICO owes her an oil change.
Henry Mack — Down arrow — Pangram tugged at a load-bearing em dash and unraveled the rich tapestry.
Richard McCullough — Down arrow — FSU fans wanted an AD search. McCullough submitted three pages of evidence for a presidential one.
Halloween at Doak — Down arrow — Turns out, an unoccupied seat is the most popular costume in Tallahassee this year.
Florida Chamber — Up arrow — The rest of us are trying to get through Tuesday. At F3, the Chamber was already drawing the blueprint for 2040.
Lewis Bear Co. — Up arrow — A 150-year Bear market in beer. Still bullish.
Allison DeFoor — Halo — Judge, Sheriff, priest, conservationist. Florida received several lifetimes of service from one remarkable man.