There’s no Takeaways From Tallahassee next week because one of the most wonderful, dreadful, delicious, pants-buckle-breaking, historically whitewashed holidays will be during that time: Thanksgiving!

The time of year when you gather with your loved ones and reflect on what you’re most grateful for, only for your uncle to go full-blown conspiracy theory mode, your dad to only pay attention to the Detroit Lions game on TV, everyone to get stressed out, and you just want another drink. It’s not even 12:30 p.m. yet. Just like the Pilgrims and Native Americans envisioned all those years ago.

There’s no place like home for the holidays! And yes, you freaks, when it is past Black Friday, the Christmas festivities can officially start, although some of you have been ready since past Halloween and you all need help.

But to help celebrate Thanksgiving, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has some helpful tips, suggestions, and recipes for everyone to try. Yeah, we know that Turkey, Mac and Cheese, cranberries, stuffing, rolls, pecan pie/pumpkin pie are all classics. But this is Florida! Salt life, baby. You know the bumper stickers we are talking about. What about fish, crab, shrimp or oysters? In the south, we love our boiled peanuts (the Tampa-born Doechii song about them slaps, too), so that’s on the side! Maybe it’s time to expand your horizons and give the mashed potatoes a break (or even better, have both).

Florida coastal Thanksgiving table with stone crab, citrus-brined turkey and Fresh From Florida dishes everywhere.

This week, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson wants you and your family to try what Fresh From Florida, a subprogram of the FDACS that aims to promote healthy, local Florida products to help our farmers, has curated for an original, Florida-based Thanksgiving menu. To get that classic pilgrim style, but also a Florida spin.

“Every Thanksgiving plate starts with a farmer. Fresh From Florida makes it easy for families to find locally grown ingredients that are perfect for their holiday meals. This Thanksgiving, we celebrate the farmers who make our food abundant, fresh and full of flavor,” said Commissioner Simpson.

This year’s special recipes include “Florida Stone Crab Claws with Key Lime Mustard Dipping Sauce,” “Florida Sweet Corn and Sausage Stuffing,” “Turkey with Florida Citrus Brine,” and last but not least, “Florida Citrus Prosecco Crush.” We don’t know about you, but our mouths are watering.

By shaking things up this year with your Thanksgiving dinners and trying FDACS’ Fresh From Florida menu, not only are you expanding your palate to include coastal Thanksgiving treats, but you are also actively helping the Florida economy and the farmers who make so many meals a reality here in Florida, while also guaranteeing health and quality products. Tariffs have been hitting them, too. Hard.

Fresh From Florida also has your back if you are a little turkey naive when it comes to all things making one. They have some tips. If you have a 20–24-pound turkey, you need to start thawing ASAP (literally yesterday — Friday); if you have a 16-19-pound turkey, start thawing today, Saturday. If you have a 12-15-pound turkey, begin on Sunday, and if you have a 4-11-pound turkey, Monday is the day to start thawing for you.

And if your little ones enjoy helping you make Thanksgiving a reality this year and loved kitten time, maybe sign them up for Fresh From Florida’s Jr. Chef University program, which recently launched and features the talent of a celebrity award-winning chef, Chef Justin Timineri. It’s self-paced and great for all ages.

Fresh from Florida reminds everyone that when it’s made/caught or grown here, it’s “grown with care, pride and purpose.” Give thanks to what you have and maybe consider being a little generous and throwing one to our Florida farmers this Thanksgiving. For the complete menu, visit followfreshfromflorida.com/florida-thanksgiving and happy Turkey Day!

Also, if you are running the turkey trot this year, please keep it to yourself. We will be stuffing ourselves over here and don’t need to feel guilty about not getting up at 7 a.m. to run a 5- or 10-km race.

___

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 —

Yikes — A federal grand jury indicted U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick on charges she stole $5 million in disaster relief funds to finance her 2021 congressional campaign. The indictment alleges that Cherfilus-McCormick and her brother, Edwin Cherfilus, secured funding intended for a COVID-19 vaccine distribution program, but when overpayments were made, she routed the funds through several accounts that later donated them as campaign contributions. Should Cherfilus-McCormick be found guilty of all counts in the indictment, the 46-year-old could face up to 53 years in prison, according to the Justice Department. The allegations mirror those investigated by the House Ethics Committee. The Office of Congressional Conduct released a report in May saying the Congresswoman may have violated federal law.

Creative cartography — The Florida House has announced the first step in a highly anticipated mid-decade congressional redistricting effort. A House schedule shows the Congressional Redistricting Select Committee will hold its first meeting on Dec. 4 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. But it’s unclear what the meeting will entail. The full notice and agenda remain unavailable, and some members of the Committee were surprised to see the meeting on the schedule. The move came just a week after House Speaker Daniel Perez told POLITICO at the Lincoln Day Dinner in Miami that “redistricting hasn’t been a conversation that we’ve had yet.” Gov. Ron DeSantis shortly afterward made clear he still expects movement and encouraged people to “stay tuned.” Meanwhile, the White House has aggressively pushed Republican-controlled states across the country to maximize seats where the GOP has an advantage in U.S. House contests ahead of the Midterms.

They’re everywhere — Florida’s public schools are reporting a flood of letters from charter school operators staking claim to space inside District campuses under the state’s expanded “Schools of Hope” program. As of this week, 22 School Districts across the state have received at least 690 letters of intent from charter school operators, according to data gathered by the Florida Policy Institute, a member of the Florida Coalition for Thriving Public Schools. Critics describe the program as an unfunded mandate that forces public schools to subsidize private operations and drains resources from classrooms already struggling to keep pace with inflation. South Florida has received the most letters so far, with at least 224 between Broward and Miami-Dade counties. Miami-Dade officials said the District received at least 180 letters, though only 90 were considered valid because many came from Bridge Prep Academy, which is not yet an approved Schools of Hope operator.

Fare thee well — Equality Florida CEO Nadine Smith will step down at year’s end to lead national racial justice group Color Of Change. The Equality Florida Board has named Stratton Pollitzer, who co-founded the group with Smith, as its new CEO and Executive Director. In a video message, Smith said she was leaving Florida’s largest LGBTQ advocacy organization in a position of strength. “My commitment to this organization and its mission is forever,” she stressed. “This is family. This is home. And I’m brimming with confidence because the team we’ve built here is without question among the most talented and dedicated in the nation.” She has worked at Equality Florida for 28 years, and said the new opportunity came as a surprise. Color Of Change announced that she would begin there on Jan. 12.

It’s a race — Rep. Kevin Steele has officially filed to run for Chief Financial Officer. U.S. Sen. Rick Scott is endorsing Steele, who will challenge incumbent CFO Blaise Ingoglia in an increasingly crowded GOP Primary. “Kevin Steele is a proven leader and a true conservative who knows how to get results,” Scott said in his endorsement. “As a business owner, he’s created jobs, cut waste, and made organizations more efficient. As a legislator, he’s fought to protect Florida taxpayers and lower costs for families. I’m proud to support Kevin because he’ll bring that same fiscal responsibility, accountability, and focus on results to the CFO’s office.” Steele is a Republican from Dade City who has served in the Florida House since 2022. Steele represents House District 55, which covers parts of Pasco and Hillsborough counties.

— DeSanta Claus returns —

It’s the holiday season, a time known for giving and being considerate. And even a Grinch like our Governor can have his heart grow three sizes despite it being “two sizes too small.”

Good news for state workers: This week, Gov. DeSantis announced that state offices will be closed on Nov. 26, Dec. 26 and Jan. 2 as a celebration of Thanksgiving, Christmas and the start of the New Year — meaning all state workers will get those additional days off.

Ron DeSantis grants extra holiday leave as state workers welcome added seasonal downtime.

It’s an early Christmas miracle.

“Our state employees have worked hard throughout the year. I hope they enjoy additional time off with loved ones and friends this holiday season. The First Lady and I are thankful for their continued dedication to the people of Florida,” DeSantis said.

The additional days off are in addition to regular holiday office closures: Thursday, Nov. 27, and Friday, Nov. 28 (Thanksgiving); Thursday, Dec. 25 (Christmas); and Thursday, Jan. 1 (New Year’s Day).

Thanks, Mr. Scrooge.

Enjoy the extra time to eat more leftovers, spend time with family, watch football (CFB and NFL alike) and eat some black-eyed peas — however you and your family celebrate the last two months of the year.

Enjoy the most wonderful time of the year from all of us at Florida Politics, and from your ever-warm and charming Governor.

— Home for the holidays —

A statewide operation involving the Attorney General’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service ended with the rescue of 22 missing children.

Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Monday the children were recovered as part of an investigation called “Operation Home for the Holidays.” The investigation spanned Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville and Fort Myers, and extended into nine other states.

Operation Home for the Holidays rescues 22 missing Florida children through a coordinated statewide effort.

“Thanks to one of the single largest child-rescue operations in U.S. history, 122 missing children are safe,” Uthmeier said. “This operation highlights the strength and diligence of Florida’s Law Enforcement. I am deeply grateful for everyone that made Operation Home for the Holidays a massive success. Many of these kids have been victimized in unspeakable ways. We will prosecute their abusers to the fullest extent of the law.”

The two-week investigation ended with the recovery of the missing youth. Some 57 were located in the Tampa area, 14 in Orlando, 22 in Jacksonville and 29 in Fort Myers. The children ranged in age from 23 months to 17 years. A press release said several had experienced abuse, neglect, exploitation and exposure to criminal activity. Six people were charged with felonies.

The Department of Children and Families was also involved in the operation.

“Operation Home for the Holidays is a testament to what we can accomplish when we come together with urgency and shared purpose to recover Florida’s most vulnerable children,” said DCF Secretary Taylor Hatch.

— Instagram of the week —

— Indictment season —

It was a busy last two months for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of Florida. Indictments galore.

This week in Tallahassee, U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin announced that 46 individuals across the state were indicted across the three divisions of the Northern District during the lapse in appropriations.

In the Gainesville Division, Peter Daniel Ring (threatening communications), Deshawn Russ (prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition) and Khalil Keari Barnett (possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possessing a firearm in connection with drug trafficking and prohibited person in possession of a gun and ammunition) all received indictments.

Federal sweep across North Florida results in 46 indictments spanning three divisions during shutdown.

In the Pensacola Division, the following individuals were indicted: Pedro Lopez Calderon, Jonathan Callejas-Callejas, Mateo Linares-Aparicio, Jose Del Carmen Perez-Gomez, Eduardo Ramirez-Francisco, Nicholas Mencho-Lucas, Augustin Bello Rodriguez, Joel Nahum Sanchez Montoya, Selvin Ramos Vasquez, Abel DeJesus Ronquillo-Martinez, Juan De La Cruz Mejia-Castro, Belarmino Basilio Godinez, Miguel Angel Gomez-Ical, Luis Maldonado, Carlos Eulogio Mortero-Sipac, Jose Julian Maldonado-Ramas, Treivorn McLeod, Christopher Gene Summers, Gustavo Ramirez-Guillen, Tamal Jenkins, Damian Pressle, Logan Schoonmaker, Matthew Murillo, Tiffani Harris, Marquis Dy’Monte Bethea, Terrance Goodman and Daniel Bookout.

And the following unlucky individuals got popped in the Tallahassee division: Paul Hart, Michael Duane Dyson, Edward Cromartie, Timeka Griffin, Robert Rundles, Justin Luis Ruiz Jr., Dalvert Encarnacion Francisco, Theodore Robinson, Johnny Robinson, Michael McDonald, Dani Cordoba Munoz, Howard Martin, Jose Vasquez-Martinez, Cordelle Collier, Miguel Hatcher and Jose Neftali Monge-Guevara.

A reminder: An indictment is an allegation by a grand jury and not proof that a defendant has committed a crime. Thirty-four of the indictments were part of “Operation Take Back America,” and four were part of “Project Safe Childhood,” an initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse.

— Line goes down —

As the U.S. Department of Labor returned to posting figures on new weekly unemployment filings after the federal government shutdown that lasted more than a month, Florida continued its trend of fairly solid numbers, evident throughout most of the Summer months.

The DOL report for the week ending Nov. 15 shows a sharp decrease in first-time unemployment claims in the state. That figure came in at 4,981, down from the previous week’s 5,833 — a reduction of 852 claims. It’s one of the biggest drops in the last half-year and reflects the general trend of a few notable increases.

Florida jobless claims fall sharply as holiday hiring drives one of the year’s most significant weekly drops.

The last formal new unemployment report was nearly two months ago and covered the week ending Sept. 20, when there was also a notable drop. The figure fell by 485 from the week ending Sept. 13 to 5,590.

The first report in November reflects the steeper slide in claims tied to the onset of the holiday season. Retailers are ramping up hiring of seasonal workers in anticipation of the influx of shoppers as the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays approach.

The most recent drop in Florida’s initial jobless claims reflects the national trend. Unadjusted data showed there were 216,671 claims last week — a 9.3% decrease from the previous week’s figure of 22,095. That is a larger decrease than DOL analysts projected. Federal economists had anticipated a 5.9% decline, or a drop of 14,166.

— Capital City crackdown —

All Floridians can unify on one topic: fentanyl, and how it has become an epidemic in our country. Anytime it’s taken off the streets, lives are being saved — and this time it affects the capital city itself.

This week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida announced that Curtis Battle, 38, of Tallahassee, has been sentenced to 15 years for the distribution of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, crack and marijuana. U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin announced the sentence on Wednesday.

Tallahassee man sentenced to 15 years as federal agents seize fentanyl and multiple other drugs.

“Deadly fentanyl continues to have a devastating impact on communities across the Northern District of Florida and nationwide, but our state and federal law enforcement partners remain committed to aggressively targeting and removing the peddlers of this poison from our streets. My office stands ready to back up those law enforcement efforts with the full force of the law,” Heekin said.

Law enforcement conducted a series of drug purchases directly from Battle, then later executed a federal search warrant at his Tallahassee residence. Officers seized multiple drugs, trafficking paraphernalia and $15,000.

“Peddling these poisons in our communities will not be tolerated. DEA will continue to make removing these bad actors a top priority,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter.

Heekin had one final message: “We will take back America from the drug traffickers who have flooded our streets with deadly drugs.”

— Line goes down, part deux —

Workers’ compensation insurance policies will be a bit more affordable in Florida thanks to a decision by the Office of Insurance Regulation this week to lower rates by 6.9%.

The average rate decrease on new and renewal policies will take effect Jan. 1. It’s the ninth consecutive year Florida has reduced those rates.

Florida approves a 6.9% workers’ comp rate cut as employers see continued cost relief.

The decrease was proposed by the National Council on Compensation Insurance and is designed to provide relief for employers across the state.

Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky issued the final order approving the rate decrease on Monday.

“I am pleased to approve a substantial rate cut of 6.9% for Florida’s workers’ compensation policies this upcoming year. This rate decrease directly translates to reduced operating costs for businesses, encouraging investment and growth throughout Florida’s economy,” Yaworsky said in a news release. “This also marks the ninth consecutive year of rate decreases for workers’ compensation policies — more evidence of Florida’s success in managing risk and maintaining a competitive insurance environment.”

The decision came after a series of public hearings on the rate proposal.

The Florida Chamber of Commerce was a key element in convincing the state to lower rates. Chamber officials said the latest reduction is part of a cumulative 78% decrease since the business group began lobbying for cuts and reforms in 2003, when Florida had the highest workers’ compensation rates in the country.

Chamber officials applauded the latest decrease.

“Factors influencing this year’s rate filing include a continued reduction in both the frequency and severity of claims, which is also a national trend. This improvement is attributed to employers’ ongoing commitment to enhancing workplace safety, which has reduced workplace injuries and facilitated quicker return-to-work processes for employees,” the Chamber said in a statement.

— Drone patrol —

School shootings remain a real fear for students and parents anytime they turn on the news — a constant and preventable tragedy. Maybe gun control is the answer. Or maybe it’s … drones?

This week, Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas announced that the School Districts in Broward, Leon and Volusia will participate in the new “Campus Guardian Angel Pilot Program,” which aims to bring additional safety and security during active shootings.

The Campus Guardian Angel Program uses drones to distract shooters and provide real-time audio and video to guardians and law enforcement.

Florida launches drone-based Guardian Angel program to boost school safety and aid rapid response.

“Ensuring students and teachers have a safe and secure learning environment is one of my top priorities as Commissioner. Florida remains the national leader in school safety because we continue to invest in solutions that protect students and enable rapid, coordinated responses. The Guardian Angel Program is an important step in expanding the safety tools available to our districts,” Kamoutsas said.

The program is a $557,000 investment in safety and intends to ensure all schools have access to advanced, lifesaving technology that also helps law enforcement respond quickly and effectively.

“As we join the Campus Guardian Angel Pilot Program, Leon County Schools is embracing another layer of protection that enhances rapid response, real-time awareness and coordinated action,” said Leon County School Board Chair Laurie Cox.

“We appreciate the state’s commitment to equipping our District with advanced tools and look forward to this partnership helping ensure every campus remains a place of learning and safety.”

— Arrive Alive —

Florida officials are launching the “Arrive Alive” campaign to encourage safe driving on state roads during the holiday season.

The Florida Highway Patrol and the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles are reminding motorists to remain alert and follow traffic laws between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Simple steps such as driving responsibly, observing road signs and staying sober can save lives.

Florida launches Arrive Alive campaign urging safe, sober driving on state roads through holidays.

“Reckless and impaired driving are not just violations of the law — they are threats to the lives of every Floridian on the road,” said FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner.

“This holiday season, we are reminded that every decision behind the wheel carries consequences. Let us all choose patience over aggression, responsibility over risk, and remember that arriving alive means protecting not only yourself, but everyone sharing Florida’s roads — today and every day.”

FHP Col. Gary Howze said troopers across Florida are watching for motorists who exhibit erratic maneuvers on state roads and will be issuing citations: “Our troopers see firsthand the devastating aftermath of drivers that choose distraction, unlawful speed or impairment over safety.”

— Shelter, not punishment —

This week, Sen. Shevrin Jones of Miami Gardens and Rep. Daryl Campbell of Fort Lauderdale filed the “Safe Shelter Act” (SB 516/HB 435) to address a gap in Florida law that punishes domestic violence survivors seeking refuge with children in tow.

If passed, the Democratic lawmakers’ proposal would ensure domestic violence centers are officially recognized as safe and appropriate placements for children, closing a loophole that courts and agencies have often used against fleeing survivors.

Shevrin Jones and Daryl Campbell push the Safe Shelter Act protecting fleeing families.

“This legislation is a critical, long-overdue correction to a flawed system that has inadvertently penalized victims of domestic violence. By legally recognizing certified domestic violence shelters as appropriate placements for children, we are removing a barrier that forced parents to choose between their safety and their parental rights,” Jones said. “This bill is fundamentally about ensuring that the law protects survivors, rather than punishing them for seeking refuge.”

Specifically, the Safe Shelter Act would legally recognize certified domestic violence centers as valid temporary placements for children, waive in-person home study requirements for shelters, bar the Department of Children and Families from forcing a child to return to a home previously deemed unsafe, and clarify that safety — not procedural technicalities — governs placement decisions.

“Right now, Florida law can force a parent to make an impossible choice — stay in an abusive home to keep your children or flee to safety and risk losing them. That is not justice, that is cruelty by omission. The Safe Shelter Act corrects a decades-old oversight and affirms what should be obvious: fleeing violence to protect your family is an act of courage, not abandonment,” Campbell said.

—Phoenix Rising backlash —

Democrats from across the state are united in their opposition.

This week, House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell of Tampa, Reps. Ashley V. Gantt of Miami, Angie Nixon of Jacksonville, Daryl Campbell of Fort Lauderdale, Yvonne Hinson of Gainesville, Mitch Rosenwald of Oakland Park, Felicia Robinson of Miami Gardens, Anna V. Eskamani of Orlando, Michael Gottlieb of Davie and Michele Rayner of St. Petersburg all signed a letter voicing their opposition to the recent vote to adopt the Heritage Foundation’s “Phoenix Declaration” into Florida law.

Last Thursday, the Florida Board of Education voted unanimously to adopt and ratify the declaration in full.

Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas faces backlash as Democrats condemn adoption of Phoenix Declaration.

“This is blatant indoctrination of Republican politics in our public-school systems. I am not only outraged that the Board unanimously passed this, but it is evident that they have abdicated their responsibilities to serve children and are now singularly focused on destroying democracy and intellectual freedom,” Gantt said.

“The Board of Education is wholly compromised, and this is proof that racist, radical right-wing agendas being pushed into our schools is the goal. Our parents and children deserve an opportunity to have public servants who celebrate the rich diversity of Floridians instead of cowardly cronies who are attempting to strangle it with racist ideologies steeped in mediocrity and ignorance. Enough is enough.”

The Phoenix Declaration outlines various controversial philosophies about education penned by the Heritage Foundation, including language encouraging a religious tradition-based and Western-centric core for teaching.

In their joint letter, the lawmakers wrote: “The Phoenix Declaration is a violation of our students’ right to receive a quality education free of partisan bias. We demand the Florida Department of Education rescind this vote and cancel all plans on adopting the Phoenix Declaration into our public schools.”

The Heritage Foundation is also known for its involvement in “Project 2025,” a political initiative to restructure state and federal government with right-wing ideologies — a divisive movement that President Donald Trump, then the GOP nominee, initially denied knowledge of before later reversing course.

— Turns out we’re into it —

Not so fast, eager politicians looking to make a populist splash.

Homeowners associations are a classic punchline — the stereotypical “fascist-lite” rule enforcers who seemingly need your lawn to look perfect for their life to have meaning. But according to new polling, Floridians have a soft spot for the Karens and Darrens on their cul-de-sac.

A new Tyson Group survey of Florida HOA homeowners, conducted Oct. 3-7 for the Chief Executive Officers of Management Companies, found that 80% enjoy living in their HOA, 61% say the benefits are worth the dues and 61% say they would choose HOA living again.

Survey shows Floridians overwhelmingly support HOAs, citing stability, property values and fewer neighborhood disputes.

“This poll makes it crystal clear: Floridians increasingly value their HOAs and the quality of life they provide. Although the idea of abolishing HOAs may have made a few headlines, these numbers reflect a very different reality for the people who live in them,” said Mark Anderson, Executive Director of CEOMC. “Homeowners see their HOAs as essential to maintaining property values, resolving disputes and keeping taxes low.”

HOAs are responsible for maintaining roads, drainage, landscaping and neighborhood standards for more than 6 million Florida homeowners.

The polling also shows that 72% agree removing HOAs would increase neighbor disputes over parking, noise and short-term rentals, and 76% believe banning HOAs would force local taxpayers to cover costs — such as roads and drainage — that neighborhoods already pay for through their associations.

The Tyson Group survey had a sample size of 1,000 Florida homeowners in an HOA. The results are weighted to reflect Florida’s current demographics by age, gender, region and race/ethnicity. The poll has a margin of error of +/- 3%.

— Wheels up for storm season —

Great news for Florida State Parks and those who love visiting them.

This week, it was announced that various parks across Florida are set up to receive four new strike team trailers to assist during hurricanes and natural disaster recovery. The effort comes through a joint partnership between the Florida State Parks Foundation and Florida Power & Light Company.

The trailers were funded by two grants totaling $215,000: $140,000 from the NextEra Energy Foundation and $75,000 from the Florida State Parks Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund.

Florida State Parks add new strike team trailers to boost hurricane response and disaster recovery.

“Time and again, our Florida State Parks strike teams make us proud with their bravery, their resilience and their commitment to caring for their parks in the wake of a major storm. The Foundation is proud to provide these inspiring men and women with all the resources they need, and we are grateful to have FPL’s NextEra Energy Foundation alongside us in this effort,” said Julia Gill Woodward, CEO of the Florida State Parks Foundation.

The trailers will serve as mobile headquarters during recovery missions. They can store utilities, vehicles, heavy equipment and portable generators — all essential during natural disasters and storm response. A similar partnership and purchase occurred in 2023 through the same organizations.

“These trailers make a huge difference for our strike teams, and we are so glad to have them. Every second counts when we are responding to a storm, and having a good, mobile base of operations ensures that our strike teams can do their jobs as safely, quickly and efficiently as possible, and ultimately reopen affected parks for visitors,” said Florida State Parks Director Chuck Hatcher.

This latest batch of trailers was announced back in 2024 as a response to the tough hurricane season marked by Helene and Milton.

“To support these response efforts, we’re providing new trailers to help strike teams mobilize in the field,” said Mike Sole, vice president of environmental services for NextEra Energy. “FPL is proud to contribute to this important cause and help ensure our parks and communities are prepared when the next storm arrives.”

— FAMU SJGC Strikes Gold —

Florida A&M University (FAMU) is bringing home the gold yet again and showing what it means to have Rattler pride. Tally in the house!

This week, the FAMU School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (FAMU SJGC) celebrated its major accomplishments at the annual Florida Print Awards ceremony in Orlando. FAMU won “10 Best of Category” awards, 13 “Awards of Excellence,” and 43 honorable mentions, making it the most recognized school at the event.

FAMU’s journalism and graphic communication school dominates Florida Print Awards with sweeping honors.

“Recognition from respected competitions not only boosts confidence but also enhances portfolios and résumés, helping students stand out to employers and clients,” said the SJGC’s Graphic Communication Division Director Anosh Gill.

“Awards provide exposure through publications and exhibitions, opening networking opportunities with industry professionals and potential job offers. Most importantly, they establish credibility early on, allowing students to enter the design community with recognition and momentum.”

The competition featured groundbreaking achievements and innovations in print design and production, showcasing the best of what is to come in the creative advertising field for Florida’s emerging talent. Most importantly, though, this competition showed FAMU’s SJGC doesn’t mess around, and that the door is open for these young creatives to step through and dominate.

These awards “validate their creativity, skills and hard work, while giving them a competitive edge in their careers,” said Gill.

Congratulations to all the winners and FAMU. Strike, strike and strike again with these great wins.

— Junie B. Jones —

Gather the kids this weekend and take them to Florida State University (FSU) for a special theater treat.

Starting on Thursday, Nov. 20, and running until the end of the weekend, Sunday is FSU’s School of Theatre presentation of “Junie B. Jones, The Musical” based on the iconic bestselling children’s book series by Barbara Park in the Richard G. Fallon Theatre.

The story follows the titular Junie B. Jones as she navigates the ups and downs of growing up, including making new friends, developing talents, facing the obstacles of everyday life, and the enthusiasm/humor lens through which she views the world.

FSU presents Junie B. Jones musical as families gather for a lively weekend theater experience.

“This show is packed with fun for everyone. The creators of ‘Junie B. Jones, The Musical’ beautifully capture the big emotions children experience and remind us how friendship, family and resilience help us overcome our insecurities,” said the production’s director Melissa Tarduno.

“Junie B. represents a bit of all of us, proving that when we believe in ourselves, anything is possible. Big or small, you’ll have a ball!”

FSU School of Theater students Leah Joy Ifill and Gianna Weerasooriya split the role of Miss Jones, with Ellie Rae Dobleske, Patrick Melley, and Londyn Kirol rounding out the cast. Ryan Douglass, costumes by Diana Girtain, sound design by Alex Riggs, and lighting by Lindsay Kramer make up the scenic design.

Tickets are available at tickets.theatre.fsu.edu, and if you are curious about the rest of the season’s shows, visit theatre.fsu.edu.

Break a leg to all the performers, and to the families in town, check out a feel-good book adapted to the theater, and support local art. To quote Marty McFly, “your kids are gonna love it.”

— TSC, U.N., D.C. —

Hey Model U.N. fans. This one is for you because we know how die-hard you all were in high school and college.

This week, Tallahassee State College (TSC) placed at the National Model United Nations (NMUN) Conference in Washington, D.C. TSC represented Switzerland and won the “Distinguished Delegation Award” and two “Outstanding Position Paper Awards.” With these wins, TSC was placed among the highest performing delegations at an international conference featuring universities and colleges from across America and the world.

Tallahassee State College wins top Model U.N. honors in D.C., earning major delegation awards.

“I couldn’t be prouder of my team. The team has worked hard all semester, preparing for the D.C. Conference, and all of that hard work paid off,” said the TSC MUN’s faculty adviser, Edward Duggan.

The TSC delegates that participated in the event across several commuters included the TSC MUN President, Grace Leon, as well as Justin Kendrick, Jonah Salazar, Nicole Ordonez, Reese Whitehead, Hailee Spires, Avery Tatum, Kevin Diez, Magrathea Burke, Emery Benson, and Grantland Waggoner.

Students prepared for the conference over the past few months by hosting weekly study groups on Model U.N. rules and procedures and specialized writing workshops. TSC students even held a joint simulation conference with Valdosta State University to practice and prepare.

TSC students, after their wins, also took time to explore and tour the U.S. Capitol and did the tourist things like visiting historic landmarks and going to various museums.

Congratulations to all those involved and to TSC as a whole. Now let’s see the real U.N. actually do something for once.

— Fore! a good cause —

First Tee – Tallahassee is asking the community to step up to the tee box this month. The youth golf nonprofit has been nominated for a GiveTLH.com grant worth up to $10,000, with winners decided by daily online voting.

Supporters can cast one vote per day per IP address through Nov. 28 at 11:59 p.m. WCTV is also helping push the effort with on-air promos and QR codes to make voting quick for viewers on the go.

The local First Tee chapter serves kids and teens across Leon, Gadsden and Jefferson counties, using golf as a vehicle to teach character and life skills.

First Tee Tallahassee seeks votes for a grant to expand youth golf and life-skills programs.

The nonprofit’s mission is to provide learning opportunities and educational programs that promote honesty, integrity, confidence, respect and other life-enhancing values — all while kids are learning how to navigate a fairway.

Programs are offered both on campus and on the course, from in-school lessons at Sabal Palm Elementary to sessions at SouthWood Golf Course and other facilities.

Leaders say the GiveTLH dollars would help expand access, add programs and reach more families who might otherwise be able to afford organized sports. For them, every daily click is another kid getting a shot at the game.

— Wicked: Sisu Dreams —

Movies. You know them. We love them. And it’s time for the inside scoop on what’s what this week on all things film.

Without further ado.

“Now You See Me: Now You Don’t” opened to $21 million this weekend, making it the third film in the franchise to break $20 million in its debut. Let’s see how the drop-off and word-of-mouth hold up. “The Running Man” drastically underperformed for an Edgar Wright, Glen Powell-led movie and opened to $16 million. Although the film is fun, we imagine it’ll find its audience. “Predator: Badlands” continues to do well domestically and earned another $13 million for its total gross. Now onto the new goods.

Action sequel Sisu: Road to Revenge earns praise for brutal thrills and standout Stephen Lang.

The 10 Oscar-nominated first film “Wicked,” which took home wins for Production Design and Costume Design respectively last year, is back for its final chapter and second part — “Wicked: For Good.” Everyone returns for the Jon M. Chu (“Wicked,” “In the Heights,” “Crazy Rich Asians”) project, which was all filmed at once and marks the conclusion of the Tony-winning global phenomenon “Wicked.” But as fans and critics alike have pointed out for years now, the first half of the musical is loaded with all the great songs: Popular, Loathing (What is this Feeling?), Dancing Through Life, and, of course, the showstopping, now Grammy-nominated rendition of Defying Gravity. The second half is more of where the drama pulls through and the inevitable tie-ins to the 1939 Wizard of Oz occur (although you should Google the controversies of Gregory Maguire’s “adaptation” because it’s fascinating. Critics claim he adapted the film, not the book, even though it’s copyrighted).

Despite two new songs and the titular “For Good,” critics aren’t as hot on the sequel as they were on the 2024 film. Tony winner Cynthia Erivo and mega-popstar Ariana Grande are being praised and are likely to be nominated for Oscars again. Still, 10 nominations for the film as a whole doesn’t seem possible this time around. 69% on Rotten Tomatoes (97% with audience), 7.4 on IMDb, and a 3.9 on Letterboxd prove that, though fans will inevitably love it. Projections have it smashing the box office this weekend (200 million+), and we won’t be shocked when that happens. But the naysayers will be louder this time around for sure (and possibly rightfully so).

If you are in the mood for an action flick, maybe check out “Sisu: Road to Revenge.” Sequel to the 2022 cult classic film of the same name, the second go-around has Jalmari Helander writing and directing again and sees Stephen Lang (“Avatar,” “Don’t Breathe,” “Manhunter”) back too. The period-piece one-person-army action film is being raved about. 96% on Rotten Tomatoes, 7.5 on IMDb, and 3.2 on Letterboxd make it well worth it for fans of action and lovers of all things dogs.

Want to avoid the crazy Wicked crowds at the theater this week? Well, Netflix has your back. Directed and co-written by Oscar nominee Clint Bentley (“Sing Sing”), “Train Dreams” is the adaptation of Denis Johnson’s novella that explores a logger and railroad worker who helps develop the rapidly changing America of the early 20th century. It stars Joel Edgerton (“The Gift,” “The Great Gatsby — 2013, “Boy Erased”) and two-time Oscar nominee Felicity Jones (“The Brutalist,” “The Theory of Everything,” “Rogue One”). The film is positioning itself for a best picture nomination according to multiple Hollywood trades and publications, and a 94% on Rotten Tomatoes (85% audience), 7.7 on IMDb, and a 3.9 on Letterboxd show why. The love and passion are there. It looks beautiful on a cinematic level, and we can’t wait to watch — we suggest you do the same if you want to be in the know of the award circuit.

But if none of that seems appealing, the second season of Emmy winner Ted Danson’s “The Man on the Inside” just dropped on Netflix, too. The second season has a 93% on Rotten Tomatoes. Feel free to jump right in if you missed season 1, and you won’t regret doing so. Check out this comedy sleuth show about an older man playing spy in retirement homes.

— Capitol Directions —

RON DESANTIS — Up arrow — Here’s your chance to resurrect ‘Never Back Down’ from punchline to tagline. Don’t waste it.

COLLINS ‘26 — Down arrow — It’s looking like the community theater version of DeSantis ’24.

BLAISE INGOGLIA — Up arrow — The CFO/Fire Marshal named Blaise gets FPF’s nod. Somewhere, Tim Kitzrow is yelling, ‘he’s on fire.’

JAMES UTHMEIER —Up arrow — It feels like another targeted attack on our one-up-arrow-at-a-time rule but neither we nor the 122 missing children recovered this week are complaining.

WILTON SIMPSON — Up arrow — Move over, DeSanta Claus, the Ag Commissioner just brought a Christmas Mears-acle at the Capitol.

SAMANTHA SCOTT — Up arrow — Go ahead and uncancel your holiday vacay. See you in March, Rep.

SAM GARRISON — Up arrow — It was less of a Special Election than it was a reminder of who holds the strings.

EVAN POWER — Up arrow — The Moon hasn’t popped like that since Theia dropped by.

FLA. DEMS — Down arrow — The donkeys couldn’t find even a tomato can in HD 52.

HOUSE REPUBLICANS — Crossways arrow — L.P.D. was satire not a roadmap, fellas.

BEN ALBRITTON — Crossways arrow — Rural Renaissance is back, but the Savonarola Caucus is still right across the Rotunda.

ALEX ANDRADE — Up arrow — Session 8 Andrade is like Season 8 Klinger. The Sunshine bill just seals the deal.

CHIP LAMARCA — Down arrow — The Lauderdale County pitch didn’t just flop — it ghosted itself.

VICKI LOPEZ — Up arrow — She just leveled up from HD 113 to District 5. Big seat, bigger upgrade.

MICHELLE SALZMAN — Up arrow — Keep those novelty scissors on hand, Mission Next has statewide blueprint energy.

AI WEEK — Up arrow — AI — Up arrow — About time. Just make sure the meeting packets come with patch notes.

BAKER CO. — Down arrow — JLAC walked in like the Maury audience and immediately knew: somebody’s not telling the whole story.

EXCELINED — Up arrow — New Orleans delivered a full-on win for Jeb Bush world and the school choice faithful.

FP&L — Up arrow — Rate hikes up, attendance up … apparently everything’s up.

TERRY HUTCHINSON — Down arrow — Pro tip: See all settings → Undo Send → Crank it to the max.

OPS WORKERS — Down arrow — Wait… is DeSanta Claus secretly waging his own War on Christmas?

SMART & SAFE FLORIDA — Up arrow — After dragging like a Cypress Hill intro, the Supreme Court fast-forwarded to the Black Sunday bangers.

JACK PORTER — Crossways arrow — Passed over again, pushed back again, and still the only one asking the right question: ‘Who works for who?’

KEVIN CATE — Up arrow — With Tom Steyer plotting another major campaign, he’s the #CateWinnerOfTheWeek.

NADINE SMITH — Up arrow — Leaving Equality Florida to lead Color Of Change is less a career move than a legend stepping onto a bigger stage.

PEYTON JOHNSON — Up arrow — Under-par both days and a three-hole playoff for a state title. Alia and Rob’s kid didn’t flinch.

TRACE THOMPSON — Basketball hoop — Tough as Trace isn’t a slogan — it’s the scouting report.