When politics and religion collide, it’s rarely pretty — at times it feels like Christian identity is being contorted into something JC wouldn’t abide.
But this week brought Floridians a wholesome reminder that when faith leaders and political leaders cork their critiques of the Pope and refrain from comparing each other to you-know-who or … actually, just watch the latest South Park; they nailed it.
That said, Florida received a wholesome reminder this week that when the faith-based and political worlds put their efforts toward something good, their positive synergy feels like the 38th miracle.
Enter Jake Smith, a Pensacola native and regional leader for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Gerard Duncan, executive director of Gainesville’s One Community Family Resource Center.
Jake Smith and Gerard Duncan walked the walk and put some food on the table while they were at it.
The two met while representing the Florida Senate on the state’s Faith-based and Community-based Advisory Council. Senate President Ben Albritton appointed both and quickly bonded over a shared commitment to community service.
Smith was especially inspired by Albritton’s “Food Is Medicine” initiative — an effort to expand access to healthy food for low-income families — and decided to bring that spirit north. Within weeks, a 4,000-pound semitrailer filled with food and supplies arrived at the One Community Family Resource Center, courtesy of Smith and his church network.
“This is more than a donation — it’s a movement of love and compassion,” Duncan said. “Because of our friendship and shared belief in service, we can reach more families and offer nourishment and hope to those who need it most.”
The center, which serves residents in three Gainesville ZIP codes, supports about 2,000 people a month with food, job fairs, mental health programs and senior assistance.
“When faith leaders come together in the spirit of Christ, remarkable things happen,” added Jonathan Pritt, who oversees eight congregations in Gainesville. “Our desire is simply to follow the Savior by lifting others, and this delivery shows how hearts united in His service can bless entire communities.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — yes, the one known for both the Tabernacle Choir and a certain Broadway musical — provides more than $1.4 billion in global humanitarian aid annually to people of all backgrounds, races and beliefs.
“Pastor Duncan’s devotion to his community is inspiring,” Smith said. “As disciples of Jesus Christ, we believe in working shoulder to shoulder with others who are doing good. When we act together in faith and love, the Lord magnifies those efforts in ways we could never do alone.”
___
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, Andrew Powell and the staff of Florida Politics.
But first, the “Takeaway 5” — the Top 5 stories from the week that was:
— Take 5 —
The plan(s) — House Speaker Daniel Perez has unveiled a suite of property tax measures, shaped by the chamber’s Select Committee on Property Taxes, that he intends to advance “through the process” in Tallahassee. After that, he said, voters — not lawmakers — will be able to choose “some, all, or none” of the options on the 2026 ballot. “If we have faith in the voters to elect us, we should not be afraid to let them be a part of the conversation about the taxes they pay,” Perez wrote in a Thursday memo to House members. The joint resolutions would go directly to voters without implementing bills, as lawmakers would only craft statutes after knowing which measures pass.
Diamond Jim — It’s official: Bradenton Republican Sen. Jim Boyd will lead the upper chamber for the 2026-28 term. The Senate Republican Caucus just voted unanimously to elect Boyd as President-designate, positioning the veteran lawmaker and insurance executive to lead a chamber the GOP has controlled for decades and work with a new Governor taking office in 2027. Boyd is slated to succeed Sen. Ben Albritton, a Wauchula Republican who now presides over the Senate. Boyd pledged a governing approach grounded in fiscal restraint and pro-growth policies. He vowed to “defend the taxpayer and ensure every dollar is used wisely.” Under his leadership, he said, Florida will “break down barriers for job creators and innovators” while protecting parents’ rights and strengthening schools.
The other insurance crisis — With the federal government shut down amid an impasse over Affordable Care Act subsidies, Florida policymakers are bracing for more uninsured people under the age of 65 and higher costs for those who keep coverage. Yet with just over two weeks before open enrollment, questions loom, and answers about the way forward are in short supply. Alexis Bakofsky, the Deputy Commissioner of Life and Health Insurance for the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, painted a grim picture that could see rates increase by 34.1% year over year before subsidies are factored in. Currently, 4.7 million Floridians have ACA individual insurance, meaning 1.4 million people could be uninsured in 2026 who had coverage this year.
Shaky ground — A Miami-Dade County judge has declined to immediately block Miami-Dade College from transferring a valuable piece of downtown land for Donald Trump’s future presidential library, but signaled that the issue is far from settled. The ruling came during the first hearing in a lawsuit filed by historian Marvin Dunn. He accuses the college of violating Florida’s Sunshine Law when its Board of Trustees voted last month to deed 2.63 acres near the Freedom Tower to the state, which then passed it to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation. Judge Mavel Ruiz said Monday that Dunn’s lawyers had not yet established his standing to sue because they hadn’t submitted proof of his Florida residency. Ruiz did leave open the possibility of granting an injunction once that issue is resolved. The judge did not rule on whether the college violated the Sunshine Law, but made clear the case is likely to continue for months and potentially move on to appeal.
Case closed — The state has entered into a plea agreement with Tiffany Carr related to her role as CEO of the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Carr faced allegations from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement that she and former FCADV Chief Financial Officer Patricia Duarte submitted false quarterly reports, billed the state for vacant positions and charged for services never provided. The agreement closes the book on a yearslong saga — FDLE’s investigation into Carr and Duarte launched more than four years ago after inspectors were tipped off about potential wrongdoing by the Florida Office of the Chief Inspector General, the Department of Children and Families and the Florida House Public Integrity and Ethics Committee.
— Coke gets popped—
Either Tony Montana isn’t fictional, or Pablo Escobar just woke up from a 30-year nap, because state and federal law enforcement found a mountain on our barely-above-sea-level peninsula.
Earlier this month, a joint effort between the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) led to the interception of 173 kilograms of cocaine, worth an estimated $17.3 million.
According to the DEA’s West Palm Beach office, intelligence suggested a semi-truck was hauling narcotics from Texas’s stretch of the U.S.-Mexico border into Florida. The FHP Criminal Interdiction Unit tracked the vehicle southbound on Florida’s Turnpike and performed a lawful traffic stop for inspection.
Inside, troopers discovered a hidden trap compartment packed with duffel bags of cocaine.
Sorry, coke lovers… maybe snort some Nespresso grounds instead? Stock image via Adobe.
“This operation is a powerful example of that commitment, showing that when we work together, we stop dangerous drugs before they ever reach our streets,” said Lt. Gov. Jay Collins. “Our message to drug traffickers is clear: do not bring your poison into our state. We will find you; we will arrest you, and we will always stand on the front lines to protect Floridians from those who threaten our safety and our future.”
Since 2019, FHP has confiscated more than 14,000 kilograms of illegal drugs, including 925 kilograms of cocaine, 23.5 kilograms of fentanyl, 14 kilograms of heroin, 9,600 kilograms of cannabis, and 19 kilograms of MDMA.
And that was all just for one Diddy party. We’re kidding … ish.
“With the southern border shut down, transnational narco-cartels can no longer simply walk across the border with guns, drugs and human couriers,” said FHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner. “This forces cartels to attempt to move large amounts of narcotics in a way that allows the full weight of law enforcement efforts to not just interdict, but to investigate the supply chain back to their point of origin.”
All we know is Pusha T and Malice are shaking their heads at whoever got caught pushing the blow.
— This time, it’s personal —
Florida’s Attorney General is assigning his own staff lawyers to defend Miami-Dade College in a growing legal spat over a proposed Presidential Library for Donald Trump.
James Uthmeier announced he’s hand-selected state-funded staff to get involved in the lawsuit. The legal action resulted in a Florida judge this week issuing a temporary block of a planned land transfer in downtown Miami, where a proposed library facility featuring Trump’s presidency would be located.
Sorry, Judge, the AG is seeking a second opinion. Stock image via Adobe.
“Under my authority as Florida’s Chief Legal Officer, our office stepped in (Wednesday) to represent Miami-Dade College in this bogus lawsuit,” Uthmeier posted on his official X account.
Uthmeier decided his office should get involved following a ruling by Circuit Judge Mavel Ruiz on a legal filing by a Miami activist who alleged that officials at the college violated Florida’s open government law. Officials with Miami-Dade College agreed to gift the sizable plot of real estate to the state, which then voted to transfer it to the foundation for the planned library.
The ruling came down Tuesday.
“This is not an easy decision,” Ruiz said Tuesday when explaining her ruling from the bench, finding that the college didn’t give the public reasonable notice ahead of the vote last month. “This is not a case, at least for this court, rooted in politics.”
— Dungeons & Dragons Ranch —
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced this week that more than 1,200 acres of working agricultural land will be permanently preserved through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.
The plot in question? D&D Ranch, a Lake County cattle operation surrounded by pastures, forested wetlands and citrus groves — the only thing that would make it more epic is a few Tieflings, a 20-sided die and … No? Just us? We digress.
Wait, are cattle in the 5e ruleset? Image via FDACS.
“Florida’s future depends on the decisions we make today to protect our agricultural lands and their economic and environmental benefits,” Simpson said. “By preserving ranches like D&D Ranch, we’re not only defending Florida’s food security and water resources — we’re keeping agriculture alive and thriving for the next generation. Every acre we protect from development is an investment in Florida’s people, economy, and way of life.”
Established back in 2001, the Rural and Family Lands Protection Act aims to protect and sustain Florida’s working agricultural lands while securing their economic future. Since taking office in 2022, Simpson has secured more than $700 million in state funding for the program, including $250 million in the 2025-26 state budget, helping to preserve 158,000 acres of farmland across the state.
— Illegal Insurance —
When he isn’t busy putting the thumbscrews to county governments via DOGE, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia’s knack for nabbing fraudsters is given a chance to shine.
Such was the case this week, when Ingoglia and the Department of Financial Services’ Criminal Investigations Division announced that Jose Arias-Reyes of Miami-Dade County has been arrested on charges related to insurance fraud. The kicker: he’s in the United States illegally.
Arias-Reyes has been twice removed from the USA and charged with two illegal re-entries on top of domestic assault and DUI charges. He will be facing multiple state and federal charges.
Sorry… CFO says you gotta go,
“Jose Arias-Reyes had no legal right to be in this country and his arrest is a victory for hard-working Floridians,” said Ingoglia. “Florida does not tolerate illegal immigration, nor do we tolerate criminals who take advantage of the system. We will continue working with our statewide law enforcement partners to hold these offenders accountable and fight back against illegal immigration.”
While serving as the President of AR Carpentry Services, law enforcement alleges that Arias-Reyes concealed the actual payroll amount of his company to evade paying higher workers’ compensation premiums.
When it was all said and done, investigators say Arias-Reyes was only paying $5,065 in premiums for Workers’ Compensation insurance, when in reality it should have cost him $388,693 — quite the clerical error.
The arrest was made with the help of Homeland Security Investigations, and the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office will prosecute the case.
— We’re in the money —
Florida’s Chief Financial Officer is touting a record-breaking $58 million that his office returned to residents in September.
CFO Ingoglia announced that last month’s total is more than any other month in Florida history.
The money is part of the Florida Treasure Hunt program. State data shows that 1 in 5 Floridians has unclaimed funds. The program invites residents to search for those assets on its website. Those claims can be filed for individual persons or for a business that might have wayward assets.
The paperwork for this one is probably a bit more intense.
“From forgotten bank accounts and insurance payments to utility deposits and stock dividends, we’re working every day to reunite hard-working taxpayers, families, and small businesses with the money they have earned,” Ingoglia said in a news release this week. “In the month of September alone, our dedicated unclaimed property team returned a record $58 million back to the pockets of Floridians.”
If reuniting with your long-lost cash sounds arduous, it’s not — the state makes it easy to find unclaimed assets, especially for individuals. The CFO’s website database asks for your first and last name, along with the city of the person seeking the property claims. A simple online click initiates the search. If you get a hit, the paperwork isn’t too bad, either.
— Instagram of the week —
— Class of ’58 —
The future of criminal justice leadership has arrived in Florida.
This week, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) announced the graduation of 25 chief executives from the Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute’s Chief Executive Seminar — a program designed to prepare Florida’s top law enforcement leaders to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
The institute, part of the state university system and operated by FDLE since 1990, provides executive-level education and training to criminal justice professionals statewide. Over three weeks in Tallahassee, participants completed an intensive curriculum covering future trends, organizational trust, stress management, succession planning and the role of social media in modern policing.
Congrats to the Class 58 crew. Image via FDLE.
The Class 58 graduates:
Assistant Sheriff Benjamin Benedict (Leon County Sheriff’s Office); Major Rick Benton (Florida Highway Patrol); Chief of Staff Dustin Bonds (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission); Lt. Colonel Randy Bowlin (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission); Major Doug Bringmans (Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office); Major Ellery Collado (Florida Highway Patrol); Chief Jamie Cruse (Perry Police Department); Deputy Chief Jim Deleu (Mount Dora Police Department); Chief Rick Francis (Seminole County Sheriff’s Office); Assistant Sheriff Eric Garcia (Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office); Chief Adam Geissenberger (Pinellas Park Police Department); Major Joshua Grace (Crestview Police Department); Executive Director Janet Hartman (Florida Public Safety Institute); Colonel Ray Johnson (Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office); Major Andrew Litzell (Florida Highway Patrol); Chief Sean McGovern (Tallahassee State College Police Department); Chief Vance Monroe Jr. (Winter Haven Police Department); Chief Stanley Murray (Eatonville Police Department); Deputy Chief Keith Neely (Orange County Corrections Department); Assistant Chief Brett Owen (Tampa Police Department); Chief Tom Roberson (Pensacola State College Police Department); Assistant Chief Glendon Robinson (Quincy Police Department); Chief Mark Schneider (Lake Placid Police Department); Chief Pedro Taylor (Florida City Police Department); and Undersheriff Robert Willis (Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office).
— Neat Kenansville Ranch —
From Ponce de León’s early explorations to cracker cowboys driving herds across the prairie, cattle have always been part of Florida’s DNA.
Toss in Florida’s sprawling rural landscape, and you’ve got a killer combo — one that got even better this week after the Florida Department of Environmental Protection landed the plane on a conservation easement securing 7,514 acres of Kenansville Ranch in Osceola County.
The property supports 1,600 head of cattle across open pastures, pine flatwoods and wetlands fed by Wolf Creek, Tenmile Creek and Sixmile Creek.
Kenansville Ranch will be as green tomorrow as it is today thanks to the latest conservation easement.
“Conservation easements preserve Florida’s landscapes while keeping working lands productive,” said DEP Secretary Alexis Lambert. “By supporting agriculture, safeguarding water resources and protecting wildlife, projects like Kenansville Ranch strengthen Florida’s role in the nation’s food security and natural resource conservation.”
The ranch sits within the Florida Wildlife Corridor, serving as a habitat for rare and imperiled species, including the bald eagle, eastern indigo snake, Florida burrowing owl, red-cockaded woodpecker and sandhill crane.
Since 2019, the state has invested $1.4 billion through the Florida Forever Program to help farmers sustain operations while following best practices that protect water quality and preserve the environment.
Kenansville Ranch now links up with other protected lands such as the St. Johns River Water Management District’s Wolf Creek Ranch and Escape Ranch conservation easements — creating an even larger shield for Florida’s wildlife.
— Water works —
If you are a customer of Citrus Waterworks, listen up.
This week, the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) announced that it will be holding a virtual meeting for customers of Citrus on Oct. 30 at 10 a.m. Eastern.
The topic at hand: Citrus’ April 2025 application to jack up the water and wastewater rates in Citrus County. Citrus is a water-only utility company that provides services to 154 residential customers and one general service customer in Citrus County. The Commission said the meeting will provide an opportunity for customers of Citrus to voice their concerns and make comments on the request for the company’s new quality of service to be pushed.
Water, water everywhere and not a drop for free.
Supposedly, customer feedback will be considered for the Commission’s decision-making process, but of course, take that with a grain of salt — or splash of water, if you will.
Customers wishing to speak at the meeting can fill out an online registration form at PSC’s website under the “hot topics” tab on the homepage, by calling 1-850-413-7080, or firing off an email to [email protected].
Registration closes at noon on Oct. 28. For those looking to just watch, the meeting will be livestreamed on the PSC’s website.
— Parks get some juice! —
A new partnership between the Florida State Parks Foundation and STIHL will equip state parks across the state with a fleet of state-of-the-art battery-powered tools and equipment.
The foundation made the announcement on Thursday at Wekiwa Springs State Park, and it marks the latest milestone in the foundation’s Greener Initiative. Approximately 350 rechargeable, battery-powered tools such as chain saws, mowers, and pressure washers will be distributed to more than 50 parks.
The initiative was first announced in 2023 to encourage environmental sustainability while maintaining parks in a cleaner, quieter way for visitors.
Charge ’em up! Image via Florida State Parks Foundation.
“We created our Greener Initiative to increase sustainability and reduce environmental impact in state parks, and today’s partnership with STIHL is a major step toward that goal,” said Kathleen Brennan, Board President of the Florida State Parks Foundation. “Park rangers work hard every day to ensure their parks are beautiful and that trails, experiences and amenities are in excellent condition. We are proud to support them in this task while also reducing emissions.”
Florida State Parks Director Chuck Hatcher said the new tools will have a major impact on day-to-day operations in the parks and will be an asset during recovery from major storms and severe weather.
“Our rangers and staff all take pride in maintaining their parks to the highest standards, and they are excited to put their new tools to use,” Hatcher said.
Eric Hughes, commercial solutions manager for STIHL Southeast, said the company is honored to be supporting the Florida State Parks Foundation: “These tools are lightweight and low maintenance, and we believe that they will make a ranger’s work more efficient and enjoyable while also improving results in their parks.”
— Care without the cost —
A free health care clinic will spend the weekend in Madison, the seat of the county of the same name and an area on the front lines of the health care accessibility crisis.
Remote Area Medical (RAM) will be providing free dental, vision, and medical services at the Madison Church of God on Oct. 18-19, located at 771 NE Colin Kelly Highway, Madison, FL 32340.
RAM is a leading nonprofit organization that is dedicated to providing free, quality care to those in need. Its pop-up clinics aim to provide critical support to underserved and uninsured communities across the U.S., serving more than 977,000 individuals since 1985, and delivering more than $215.4 million in free care.
Those seeking care should claim their parking spot ASAP.
The clinic is offering free dental cleanings, dental fillings, dental extractions, dental X-rays, eye exams, eye health exams, eyeglass prescriptions, eyeglasses made on-site, and general medical exams.
No insurance or ID is required to access the clinic, and RAM is encouraging anyone who needs care to attend the clinic.
The church parking lot will be open from midnight on Friday, Oct. 17, and will remain open for the duration of the clinic. Clinic doors open at 6 a.m., and services are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and will close once capacity is reached.
RAM further notes Sunday’s clinic operations will be an abbreviated day, so patients are being advised to arrive early. Patients should also be aware that they may have to choose between dental and vision services. All patients are offered general medical care.
— Afternoon delight —
Who says undergraduate classes can’t help you get your “Om” on?
Florida A&M University (FAMU) — recently ranked the No. 1 HBCU among all public and private colleges — is proving that wellness and academia can coexist thanks to courses such as yoga.
The class is taught by Cedrita Demus, a graduate student coordinator in the College of Science and Technology and an adjunct professor in the College of Education. She’s been teaching yoga at FAMU since the spring of 2020, merging her personal passion with a goal of bringing mindfulness to her students.
“When I started teaching yoga in 2014 and came to Tallahassee in 2018, I was introduced to faculty who wanted to offer yoga,” Demus said. “I shared my credentials, helped establish the program, and began teaching beginner yoga. Since then, I’ve seen it grow and evolve.”
For students juggling academics, work and life, the yoga elective offers a sanctuary for mindfulness, growth and connection. Image via FAMU.
Each semester, about 50 to 60 students roll out their mats — many of whom are new to the practice. “This is a practice that, for many, they wouldn’t have access to otherwise,” she added. “Yoga, breathwork, mindfulness — these are things that are not always accessible to people of color, and it’s a privilege to be able to offer them this space.”
For some, the course doubles as both a credit filler and a sanctuary.
“I needed more credit hours to be considered a full-time student and get my financial aid,” said D’Niya Henderson, a fourth-year public relations major from Orlando. “But I really looked forward to it because I felt like it would help me relax more with my workload. It gives me a chance to relax throughout my week and figure out how to self-regulate.”
The class underscores the importance of mental health for college students — and how mindfulness practices can foster balance amid the chaos of campus life.
“It helps clear my mind, even though it’s in the middle of the day,” said Keelan Sims, a fourth-year IT scholar from Pascagoula, Mississippi “I do it twice a week because of the class, and it just helps me decompress throughout the week with everything I have going on.”
— Niche podcast —
Niche has been top-of-mind at a few Florida universities recently.
The popular online publication dedicated to universities and a go-to source for students, professors, and parents alike for the low-down of schools recently gave Florida A&M University and Florida State University reasons to pat themselves on the back, and now FSU is coming back for an encore.
For Niche’s 2026 “Best Colleges with Entrepreneurship Degrees in America,” ranking FSU and its Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship (JMC) (which, fun fact, was the nation’s first standalone entrepreneurship college at a public university) No. 3 among all public institutions.
When private schools are in the mix, JMC still lands in the Top 10.
JMC’s Top 3 public ranking comes on the heels of its No. 1 spot last year as the top undergraduate school for entrepreneurship programs in Florida by The Princeton Review. Image via Lauren Sparling/JMC.
“This national recognition reflects the dedication of our students, faculty and staff who bring entrepreneurial thinking to life every day. We’re proud to see JMC continue to rise as a leader in innovative, hands-on education that prepares students to make a difference in any industry,” said Susan Fiorito, dean of the JMC.
The rankings are based on academics, admissions, financial and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education, among other factors. Last year in the Niche rankings, JMC was ranked the No. 1 entrepreneurship program in Florida by The Princeton Review. JMC offers an undergrad in entrepreneurship, on top of a master’s and 10 minors.
The college also hosts its own podcast (The InNOLEvation Mindset Podcast), which is approaching nearly 75,000 downloads and has become a go-to for listeners across the nation to hear what’s new in the entrepreneurship world.
“The goal of the podcast is twofold; it’s designed to give them a platform to tell their story with the credibility of FSU behind it. It’s important for our university to be telling the story of what’s happening at FSU. It’s a win-win,” said Mark McNees, a JMC professor and host of the podcast.
The podcast is available for listening at your convenience on whatever platform where all major podcasts can be found.
— Hall of fame, Leon style —
Recognizing veterans for their service isn’t just important — it’s essential.
On Wednesday, in the Leon County Courthouse’s fifth-floor Commission Chambers, two locals were honored as part of the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame.
The ceremony celebrated their inclusion on the official Hall of Fame plaque in the Judge Augustus D. Aikens Jr. Courthouse, which serves as a permanent reminder of their contributions to the community and country.
Augustus D. Aikens, Jr. and Charles Mohr are the latest names to make the plaque. Image via Facebook/Leon County.
Florida Army National Guard Col. Augustus Aikens and U.S. Army Col. Charles Mohr, both retired, were recognized for accomplishments across business, civic life, public service, and charitable work — each leaving an enduring impact on their neighbors, fellow Floridians, and the nation.
The modest but meaningful ceremony highlighted the pair’s addition to the plaque alongside other members of the Hall’s 12th class, originally inducted in February 2025. This week’s event ensured Leon County’s own would be forever memorialized at home.
Created in 2011 by the Florida Legislature, the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame honors the sacrifices and post-service achievements of veterans from the Sunshine State who continue to strengthen their communities long after their military careers.
For more information about the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame, visit floridaveteranshalloffame.org.
— Cash for trash —
Got some junk and the trunk and need a quick buck? Wait, scratch that … too suspicious sounding. Although there is some hot garbage news … or, news about garbage … for 850 dwellers.
“Cash for Trash” — a City of Tallahassee initiative encouraging residents to get their Fall cleaning on and to make some money while doing it — is back today from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the City’s Community Beautification and Waste Management facility, 2727 Major James Morgan Jr. Way.
Cash for Trash is a twice-annual tradition that takes place on the third Saturday in April and on the third Saturday in October. Those who partake will get a $5 credit on their utility bill.
It was headed toward the dumpster anyway, so you might as well get a fiver out of it.
Examples of eligible trash: home furniture, large and small household appliances, tires (only 4 per resident, though, and no commercial tires), household hazardous waste and electronic items such as computers and batteries, as well as cleaners, paints, pesticides and solvents.
“Cash for Trash” is open to everyone but is especially helpful for those who live in smaller spaces or apartments, many of whom have a harder time ditching large items.
For more information or for any questions, visit the city’s dedicated webpage.
— The Grow Fortune 2 —
It’s time for Florida Politics to take you to the movies again — both at home and in the theater.
In the “did we need this?” category, Blumhouse is resurrecting “The Black Phone” with a sequel — “The Black Phone 2.” Everyone’s back: Emmy-nominated co-writer and director Scott Derrickson (Sinister, Doctor Strange, The Gorge), breakout star Mason Thames (How to Train Your Dragon 2025, For All Mankind, Incoming), and four-time Oscar nominee Ethan Hawke (Training Day, The “Before” Trilogy, First Reformed).
If you saw the first, you probably wondered “What? How?” when this was announced. No one asked “Why?” — $161 million on an $18 million budget answers that. Somehow, it works: 74% on Rotten Tomatoes (87% audience), 6.7 on IMDb, and 3.3 on Letterboxd. For a horror sequel, that’s impressive. Maybe this is Blumhouse’s next Nightmare on Elm Street moment.
On the comedy side, there’s “Good Fortune,” Emmy winner Aziz Ansari’s (Master of None, Parks and Recreation) spiritual mashup of “Trading Places” and “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Ansari writes and directs, with Keanu Reeves as a well-meaning but inept angel (John Wick, The Matrix, Speed) and a stacked supporting cast: Keke Palmer, Seth Rogen, and Sandra Oh. The TIFF-premiered film is sitting at 77% on Rotten Tomatoes, 7.1 on IMDb, and 3.3 on Letterboxd — smart, funny, and original. Go support it.
Whoa, a non-sequel/prequel/reboot/spinoff in 2025? And it’s good? Image via AP.
For family audiences easing into the holiday mood, there’s “Grow,” a British comedy about a family competing in a cutthroat pumpkin-growing contest. Starring Golda Rosheuvel (Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story), Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead), and Jeremy Swift (Ted Lasso), and directed by John McPhail, it’s earned rave reviews: 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, 6.2 on IMDb, 3.2 on Letterboxd. For a kids’ movie, that’s a jolly good time.
Staying in this weekend? Netflix has you covered on two fronts.
First, the Sundance and SXSW-selected documentary “The Perfect Neighbor,” which examines the aftermath of Florida’s controversial Stand Your Ground law through the story of two neighbors. Directed by Emmy winner Geeta Gandbhir (I Am Evidence, Black and Missing, Katrina: Come Hell or High Water), it’s under 100 minutes and earning raves: 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, 7.3 on IMDb, 4.0 on Letterboxd. A must-watch for Floridians.
Then there’s Netflix’s animated “The Twits,” inspired by the work (and MI6-approved backstory) of Roald Dahl, the spy-turned-author behind “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” The film features Johnny Vegas, Margo Martindale, and Emilia Clarke, mixing creepy whimsy with children’s adventure. Early reviews? Not so sweet — 50% on Rotten Tomatoes — but the Halloween energy might be worth a curiosity stream.
—Capitol Directions—
RON DESANTIS — Crossways arrow — He’d rather hang with the tech bros in Silicon Valley than the GOP’ers along the Redneck Riviera. Can you blame him?
CASEY DESANTIS —??? — Florida hasn’t seen a disappearing act this good since #FindBuzzy was trending.
JAY COLLINS — Down arrow — Another day, another poll showing him chasing a blank line on the Primary ballot.
DAVE KERNER — Up arrow — First off, nice work. Now, someone tell BLS to toss a kilo in the basket, so inflation disappears.
DBPR — Down arrow — Some people call it a ‘wholesale dropping of the ball,’ others call it vertical integration.
DMS — Crossways — Here’s a sentence nobody’s written before: Seann William Scott did it better.
JIM BOYD — Up arrow — We hear Diamond Jim pairs well with Golden Era.
DANNY PÉREZ — Up arrow — Same script, but he’s the Fox to the Governor’s Stoltz.
LOCAL GOV’TS — Double down arrow — If they start saving now, they can land that plot between Blockbuster and AOL.
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE — Down arrow — So, we figured out what you can spend all your business rent tax savings on …
FIRE FIGHTERS — Down arrow — Quick question: Is it too late to add another digit to that calendar order?
KEITH TRUENOW & JASON SHOAF — Their mental health bill may not make headlines, but it cranks out up arrows.
SHANE ABBOTT — Up arrow — Toss in a pair of BK Knights and HB 207’s the best consolation prize since Double Dare.
FENTRICE DRISKELL — Up arrow — It’s been a while since blue looked this green.
DANA TRABULSY — Up arrow — Sorry, Doc, Free Kill ain’t getting a free pass.
MAGA MEG — Crossways arrow — ‘Bring It Home’ Meg just doesn’t hit the same.
HIGHER ED — Down arrow — Florida’s ways and means philosophy: ‘Figure it out.’
TEDDY BRIDGEWATER — Up arrow — He teed Shev Jones’ bill up so perfectly that he might want to register as a lobbyist … just to be safe.
SHEV JONES — Up arrow — Unless DeVante Parker’s running for Senate, Teddy couldn’t ask for a better wideout.
ROKU — Down arrow — And we thought ‘Die Hart 2’ was rock bottom.
FORUM CLUB — Up arrow — Whatever they’re stocking in the green room, DeSantis needs seconds.
BRIAN BALLARD — Up arrow — Evergreen. But, like, doubly so this week.
TROOPER — Down arrow — The Hero didn’t need a sequel, especially without Nathan Fielder on board.
PIZZA HUT — Up arrow – No one out pizzas Sen. Nick DiCeglie’s favorite hut.
PHOSPHORUS — Up arrow — It’s what potassium and nitrogen want to be when they grow up.
WALT MCNEIL — Up arrow — The thin blue line really accentuates the pink ribbon.
GOODIES — Up arrow — Back so fast the coffee’s still hot.