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<\/a><\/p>\nSince Richard McCullough became FSU President in 2023, the Honors Program has grown from roughly 400 students per class to more than 800. It is also the only honors program in Florida with a faculty dedicated strictly to Honors Signature courses \u2014 interactive, interdisciplinary classes offered exclusively to honors students.<\/p>\n
FSU has 10 full-time honors faculty members who teach courses such as \u201cSuperheroes and Ethics,\u201d \u201cCoffee and Culture in the U.S.,\u201d and even \u201cGaming in the Ancient World.\u201d Sign us up.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m so grateful for the dedication of our faculty and staff across campus who mentor, teach and support our remarkable students every day. We are honored to serve the brightest scholars from across Florida and elsewhere so they can thrive as leaders in their fields and strengthen the future of our communities,\u201d said Joe O\u2019Shea, vice president for Student Academic Success.<\/p>\n And one of the bigger perks of being in the honors program? The crib situation.<\/p>\n One of FSU\u2019s most recognizable campus landmarks, Landis Green sits at the center of student life and is home to Landis Hall, with Jennie Murphree Hall also serving as an honors residence \u2014 both in prime locations on campus.<\/p>\n Beyond living arrangements, the honors program helps prepare students for what comes next, including Hayley Schermer, who graduated from the program with a cell and molecular neuroscience degree and credits her experience in the honors program as part of what helped shape her path after Florida State.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Honors Program at FSU was such a meaningful part of my undergraduate experience. It gave me incredible professors and engaging courses, but most importantly, an amazing community and friendships that lasted throughout my time at Florida State,\u201d Schermer said.<\/p>\n Of the nearly 90,000 applications FSU has received so far for first-year admission in 2026, more than 10,000 applicants also applied to the honors program.<\/p>\n Not too shabby for a nationally recognized party school.<\/p>\n ___<\/p>\n Coming up, the usual assortment of news, intel, and observations from the week that was in Florida\u2019s capital city by Peter Schorsch, Drew Wilson, Drew Dixon, Liam Fineout and the staff of Florida Politics.<\/p>\n But first, the \u201cTakeaway 5\u201d \u2014 the Top 5 stories from the week that was:<\/p>\n \u2014 Take 5 \u2014<\/p>\n Back in business<\/a> \u2014 Senate President Ben Albritton is on the road to recovery after a medical episode that saw him undergo observation at two hospitals. In a note to Senators Wednesday morning, the 57-year-old Wauchula Republican said he has returned to Tallahassee after his discharge from Shands Hospital in Gainesville late Tuesday afternoon and will \u201crecuperate and rest\u201d in the short-term. After he spent Sunday night at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, he was transferred to UF Health Shands in Gainesville on Monday for what a release from his office called a \u201cpotential abnormality in the upper left portion of the President\u2019s heart that requires additional testing and review,\u201d which was diagnosed at TMH.<\/p>\n Tick tock<\/a> \u2014 As a deadline nears for a marijuana amendment to make the 2026 ballot, Florida has not updated information on verified petitions since last week. That\u2019s despite a Leon County Judge\u2019s order and a Sunday deadline for all petitions to be verified. Additionally, the state\u2019s reported numbers have consistently lagged behind county reports by tens of thousands of signatures. As of the close of business Jan. 23, counties had accepted 779,293 petitions from Smart & Safe Florida. The campaign must reach 880,062 valid petitions by 5 p.m. on Sunday to qualify for the ballot. Of note, Smart & Safe would have already exceeded the required threshold if the state hadn\u2019t tossed 200,000 petitions that did not include the full text of the amendment, a decision Smart & Safe decided not to appeal due to time concerns. But that\u2019s just one of the novel criteria being used to disqualify signatures.<\/p>\n On board<\/a> \u2014 Gov. Ron DeSantis is announcing that he will join 23 other Republican Governors and embrace the Education Freedom Tax Credit. He says it will provide \u201cmore resources, more options\u201d and serve as a meaningful complement to Florida\u2019s existing efforts. DeSantis was the only Republican Governor of any Southern State who hadn\u2019t approved the school choice provision, included in the Big Beautiful Bill tax cut package signed by President Donald Trump last year. \u201cWe don\u2019t really know how many taxpayers are going to opt in to this or not,\u201d DeSantis said at Grace Christian School in Valrico. \u201cAnd we don\u2019t know how many states, you know, are going to ultimately participate in this. But there is going to be some level of money where students will be able to be eligible for some of these scholarships. And so, this will start January of 2027.\u201d<\/p>\n Another attempt<\/a> \u2014 Senate lawmakers have again passed legislation to raise the minimum penalty for manslaughter in the death of a police officer to life in prison without parole. The measure (SB 156) passed on the Senate floor 31-4, though some who voted for it reiterated concerns raised throughout the Committee process about the necessity of the changes and the adverse effects of shifting protections further from civilians to police in cases where street encounters turn violent. Several Senators referenced the recent Minneapolis killings of Ren\u00e9e Good and Alex Pretti, warning that the changes SB 156 would impose could further embolden bad actors in uniform. In fielding questions and arguments from his peers Thursday about the bill he sponsored, St. Augustine Republican Sen. Tom Leek consistently returned to the central premise of his legislation: A police officer should not face forceful resistance when detaining or arresting someone, even if the person being arrested believes the interaction or force being used is unlawful.<\/p>\n Not so sweet<\/a> \u2014 Florida officials are warning parents to take a closer look at their children\u2019s candy following state testing that showed several popular sweets contain elevated levels of arsenic. Casey DeSantis joined her husband, Gov. DeSantis, and Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo at a news conference in the Villages to announce the testing results. Twenty-six of the 33 traditional candy brands tested showed arsenic at elevated levels, the First Lady said, adding that the testing was conducted through the Florida Department of Health at independent, certified labs. \u201cThese levels are problematic when evaluated over the course of a year,\u201d Casey DeSantis said. \u201cThe concern here is not necessarily about one single piece of candy on one single day. The concern is when these products are consumed, as they realistically are, repeatedly over time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 Guten Tag, Global Trade \u2014<\/p>\n Guten Tag aus Florida! Go ahead and crack open a German lager in the name of economic prosperity.<\/p>\n Earlier this week, DeSantis met with German Ambassador to the United States Jens Hanefeld to sign a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) between Florida and the Federal Republic of Germany. The agreement aims to promote strategic investments and cooperation across private-sector sectors such as technology, aerospace and aviation, manufacturing, life sciences, and workforce training, with the goal of increasing economic growth for both parties.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Free State of Florida continues to set the standard for business growth and economic development on the international stage. Today\u2019s agreement will ensure that our state remains one of the best places to do business, live, work and raise a family. The steps we\u2019re taking today will strengthen the economic partnership between our great state and Germany,\u201d DeSantis said.<\/p>\n The agreement builds on a separate JDI signed in November 2025 between Florida and the German state of Baden-W\u00fcrttemberg, which has a population of more than 11 million people. The state sits along Germany\u2019s southwestern border with France and is home to the Black Forest, a setting familiar to readers of Brothers Grimm fairy tales.<\/p>\n \u201cCooperation between partners and technology leaders like Florida and Germany delivers tangible benefits \u2014 from new jobs to cutting-edge innovation,\u201d Hanefeld added. \u201cBy expanding collaboration in strategic technologies, aerospace, life sciences, and research, we are not only helping our businesses \u2014 we are strengthening our competitive edge as Team Freedom over those who don\u2019t want our model of democracy and free enterprise to succeed.\u201d<\/p>\n As of 2024, total merchandise trade between Florida and Germany reached $7.2 billion, a 12.1% increase from the year prior, making Germany Florida\u2019s seventh-largest merchandise trading partner.<\/p>\n \u2014 The nuclear option \u2014<\/p>\n Attorney General James Uthmeier is pressing the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for more leeway on smaller nuclear projects in Florida.<\/p>\n Uthmeier filed a 33-page petition<\/a> with the NRC this week seeking a declaratory order that would clarify whether \u201csmall-scale, low-risk reactors\u201d should fall below certain federal regulatory requirements. If granted, those facilities would not need full NRC licenses for future operations.<\/p>\n In a news release, Uthmeier argued that companies pursuing low-risk reactor technology are largely responsible for the industry\u2019s advances.<\/p>\n \u201cNuclear energy is the safest and most efficient form of baseload power generation. Yet, for 70 years, the unaccountable Nuclear Regulatory Commission\u2019s red tape has prevented innovation and blocked attempts to make safe, affordable nuclear energy available to more Americans,\u201d Uthmeier said. \u201cIt\u2019s past time for the NRC to align with President Donald Trump\u2019s America First Agenda and unleash American energy dominance.\u201d<\/p>\n Uthmeier cited nuclear development company Last Energy Inc. as an example of a business whose technology should qualify for eased regulation. He argued that the company\u2019s compact micro-reactors, which are designed to operate with negligible risk, do not meet the statutory definition of a use facility under the Atomic Energy Act.<\/p>\n America First Legal, a right-leaning advocacy organization founded five years ago by Stephen Miller, Trump\u2019s former Deputy Chief of Staff, joined the petition.<\/p>\n \u2014 Home on the range \u2014<\/p>\n A program designed to protect rural lands is drawing more applications from Floridians than ever before.<\/p>\n Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced Monday that more than 500 landowners have applied for conservation easements through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The applications cover about 600,000 acres of land valued at an estimated $2.1 billion.<\/p>\n \u201cFlorida\u2019s working agricultural lands are under increasing pressure from development, and this record-breaking application cycle shows that farmers and ranchers, when given the opportunity, want to preserve their land and way of life,\u201d Simpson said in a news release.<\/p>\n The program partners with farmers and ranchers to secure easements that block future development while allowing agricultural operations to continue. Established in 2001, it has preserved an estimated 224,000 acres of land.<\/p>\n \u201cFlorida agriculture is worth defending, and the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program gives our farmers and ranchers a viable path to keep their land protected and productive for generations to come,\u201d Simpson said.<\/p>\n Since becoming Commissioner, Simpson has secured about $700 million in state funding for the program. Before holding that post, Simpson served as Senate President and championed conservation efforts, including the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act, which expanded protections for natural environments and habitats throughout the state.<\/p>\n \u2014 Your turn, St. Pete \u2014<\/p>\n Another week, another city to ravish for the likes and retweets.<\/p>\n This week, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia announced that the City of St. Petersburg is overspending by more than $49 million in its proposed 2025-26 General Fund budget. He is once again urging local elected officials to provide property tax relief as compensation \u2014 a playbook that could soon be headed to a county or town near you.<\/p>\n \u201cOur methodology is showing that local governments should be cutting out reckless spending and lowering property taxes. Housing affordability is the No. 1 issue for Floridians right now, and local governments can provide property tax relief \u2014 but instead, they are choosing to spend your excess property tax dollars on administrative bloat,\u201d Ingoglia said.<\/p>\n \u201cAs CFO, I will continue to advocate for the taxpayers and prevent local governments\u2019 budgets from becoming bloated.\u201d<\/p>\n According to in-house calculations and the Florida Agency of Fiscal Oversight, St. Petersburg has increased its general fund budget by 47.66% since the 2019-20 fiscal year, despite population growth of just 4.45%, or 11,504 residents.<\/p>\n Ingoglia is proposing a 1.34-mill reduction in the millage rate, which he says would save homeowners about $535 per year on a $400,000 home, $669 per year on a $500,000 home, and $802 per year on a $600,000 home.<\/p>\n Since taking office, Ingoglia has claimed to have found $1.97 billion in wasteful General Fund spending across 13 local governments.<\/p>\n \u2014 Instagram of the week \u2014<\/p>\n \u2014 Top museum \u2014<\/p>\n Get the vote out for Tallahassee parks. Consider this a \u201cFor Your Consideration\u201d moment \u2014 but for something you\u2019re probably already familiar with (unlike half the Best Picture nominees this year).<\/p>\n This week, Secretary of State Cord Byrd announced that Mission San Luis in Tallahassee has been nominated for USA TODAY 10Best in the Open-Air Museum category for the 2026 Readers\u2019 Choice Awards. Voting is now open.<\/p>\n \u201cMission San Luis is Florida\u2019s only reconstructed Spanish mission and provides families the opportunity to explore Florida\u2019s influential role in national history through tangible encounters and immersive experiences. As we honor the 250th anniversary of our nation, I invite all Floridians to help Mission San Luis promote our state\u2019s unique history before a national audience,\u201d Byrd said.<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve never been to Mission San Luis, what are you doing? The 60-acre park recreates historic structures, including gardens, a Franciscan church, Spanish homes, a palisaded fort, a blacksmith shop, and its centerpiece \u2014 the largest reconstructed Apalachee Council house in the Southeast.<\/p>\n The park is designed to reflect the early 1700s, when the mission was at its peak. Mission San Luis served as the western capital of Spanish Florida from 1656 to 1704 and features costumed interpreters who help bring that period to life. The Florida Department of State runs the site, with added support from the Friends of Florida History, and is Tallahassee\u2019s only National Historic Landmark.<\/p>\n Voting for the USA TODAY Readers\u2019 Choice awards is open now<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u2014 English Only \u2014<\/p>\n \u00bfNo habla ingl\u00e9s? Simple. No driver\u2019s license for you \u2014 starting soon, at least.<\/p>\n This week, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles announced that beginning Feb. 6, all driver\u2019s license knowledge and skills exams will be administered in English only. That shift comes despite the United States having no official language and roughly 23% of Florida residents speaking Spanish.<\/p>\n The change will apply to all driver\u2019s license classifications, including oral portions of the exam. Previously, most non-commercial license exams were offered in multiple languages, while Commercial Learner\u2019s Permit and Commercial Driver\u2019s License knowledge exams were available in both English and Spanish.<\/p>\n To ensure a smooth transition, the department has already updated its statewide testing system and removed the option for language translation services, whether in print or oral form. Officials say the move is aimed at promoting roadway safety by ensuring clear communication and understanding of traffic laws, as well as responsible behavior for drivers and passengers.<\/p>\n So, for non-English speakers still looking to get a driver\u2019s license in Florida, you might want to book that DMV appointment before Duolingo becomes your go-to driver\u2019s ed instructor.<\/p>\n \u2014 Celebrating Black history \u2014<\/p>\n Black History Month is right around the corner, and the state of Florida is offering students a chance to get involved while learning about a crucial part of American \u2014 and world \u2014 history.<\/p>\n This week, the Florida Department of Education, along with Volunteer Florida, announced the 2026 Black History Month student art and essay contests. This year\u2019s academic theme is \u201cCelebrating Black History.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBlack History Month is a time to celebrate the profound contributions of African Americans to Florida\u2019s rich history and culture. I hope every student takes this opportunity to learn about the ways Florida has been shaped and strengthened by these contributions,\u201d said Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas.<\/p>\n The art contest is open to Florida students in kindergarten through third grade, who are asked to submit an original 2D artwork based on the theme. Four winners will be selected and will receive a $200 gift card for school supplies, and a one-year Florida State Parks pass.<\/p>\n \u201cBlack History Month contests provide an opportunity to celebrate excellence while honoring the lasting contributions of African Americans across our state. We are proud to recognize students and educators whose efforts bring history to life and inspire learning beyond the classroom,\u201d Volunteer Florida CEO Josie Tamayo said.<\/p>\n The student essay contest is open to fourth through 12th graders, with six winners selected overall: two from grades 4\u20135, two from grades 6\u20138, and two from grades 9\u201312. Winners will receive a two-year Florida College Plan scholarship sponsored by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation, along with a $200 gift card for school supplies.<\/p>\n Contest entry forms can be mailed to Volunteer Florida or submitted online.<\/p>\n All right, students \u2014 learn something new and get that bag.<\/p>\n \u2014 Breaking records \u2014<\/p>\n When you eat that leftover bowl of Chipotle from two days ago or risk it on a gas station hot dog, completely put your toilet through pain and misery, and need a professional to come sort things out, just know the plumber is probably a proud Floridian.<\/p>\n This week, while celebrating Workforce Day at the Capitol, Education Commissioner Kamoutsas announced record-breaking growth in Florida\u2019s Registered Apprenticeship System, with more than 25,000 active apprentices and pre-apprentices statewide.<\/p>\n Last year, more than 2,200 apprentices completed their programs and are earning an average wage of nearly $28 an hour.<\/p>\n \u201cThese record apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship numbers reflect the incredible success of Florida\u2019s approach to workforce education. Gov. DeSantis\u2019 vision for expanding career and technical education has created life-changing opportunities for Floridians to learn, earn and advance in high-demand industries,\u201d Kamoutsas said.<\/p>\n Highlights from the 2024-25 report include an 11% increase in the total number of active apprentices and pre-apprentices, 43 new apprenticeship programs added \u2014 bringing the total to 344 active programs \u2014 a 4% increase in total registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, and 2,262 apprentices completing their programs with an average annual salary of $58,058.<\/p>\n Florida has invested $105 million across more than 350 programs, helping roughly 20,000 Floridians pursue careers in plumbing, welding, and other mechanical trades.<\/p>\n Additional details are available in the 2024-25 Annual Apprenticeship Report<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u2014 New state park for all \u2014<\/p>\n Nature heads and Florida residents alike: get ready to touch grass. There\u2019s a new area to explore.<\/p>\n Last week, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Florida State Parks added a new park to their lineup: Shoal River Headwaters State Park. The park is found west of DeFuniak Springs and features sandy hills, floodplain forests, and mesic flatwoods along the river.<\/p>\n \u201cShoal River Headwaters State Park highlights our commitment to protecting Florida\u2019s natural treasures while providing new ways for visitors to explore, experience and enjoy the outdoors. Florida\u2019s Park Service is a national leader, and with each new addition, we continue to raise the standard for conservation and resource-based recreation,\u201d said DEP Secretary Alexis Lambert.<\/p>\n The new park spans 2,480 acres and offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor recreation. Plans are already underway to expand public access with camping, biking, and paddling along the Shoal River.<\/p>\n \u201cShoal River Headwaters is a special place today, and it will only get better as we plan thoughtfully for recreation and conservation. Our goal is to ensure visitors can enjoy it for decades to come while protecting its remarkable habitats,\u201d said Florida State Parks Director Chuck Hatcher.<\/p>\n Florida State Parks drew an estimated 28 million visitors last fiscal year and generated $3.6 billion in statewide economic impact. So yes \u2014 nature pays, not just ugly apartment complexes and pickleball courts.<\/p>\n \u201cI am so excited that another tract of Walton County\u2019s natural beauty is being preserved in Shoal River Headwaters State Park. This new state park will ensure that future generations have the same opportunities to enjoy the natural Florida that I did growing up,\u201d said Rep. Shane Abbott.<\/p>\n \u2014 USAA FTW \u2014<\/p>\n Insurance can be a real pain in the back, but it\u2019s one of those necessary evils \u2014 like eating your vegetables as a kid. Still, there\u2019s some positive news in the auto insurance world for certain Florida drivers.<\/p>\n This week, Florida Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky and the Office of Insurance Regulation announced approval of additional auto insurance rate cuts beginning in 2026. USAA filed an average 7% rate decrease set to take effect in May 2026, resulting in an estimated $125 million in annual savings for USAA members in Florida.<\/p>\n \u201cGoing into the new year, the Office of Insurance Regulation is not slowing down on approving rate decreases or 0% increases from insurance companies. USAA is just one of many auto insurance companies that OIR is having great conversations with to ensure reductions for policyholders. We are thrilled with the progress in the home and auto insurance market since passing the critical legislative reforms. It is very clear that tort reform was the right thing to do, and we will continue to build on this success,\u201d Yaworsky said.<\/p>\n According to USAA, the rate decrease reflects recent legislative reforms. The announcement follows a separate rate relief update Yaworsky made earlier this month alongside Gov. Ron DeSantis regarding both the auto and home insurance markets.<\/p>\n \u201cEvery dollar counts for our active-duty service members, veterans and their families \u2014 now more than ever. This rate decrease reflects improving conditions in Florida\u2019s insurance market, as well as our ability to price competitively while maintaining the financial strength to take care of our members when they need us,\u201d said Randy Termeer, USAA P&C president.<\/p>\n \u201cFlorida leaders have done great work to strengthen the insurance system and support a more stable, competitive market for Floridians.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 Florida Bright Futures Mega Event \u2014<\/p>\n Education opens doors, and for many Florida students, the Bright Futures Scholarship has helped make postsecondary education possible. Ensuring families understand how that support works \u2014 and how to access it \u2014 stays a priority.<\/p>\n This week at Tallahassee State College, the first-ever Florida Bright Futures Mega Event was held at the Fine and Performing Arts Center. Middle and high school students from across the Big Bend region heard directly from program staff about how the Bright Futures Scholarship Program works and how it can help prepare them for life after graduation.<\/p>\n \u201cThis event was about expanding opportunity and making sure every student has the information they need to plan for their future. We were proud to connect directly with students and families and support them as they take their next steps toward higher education, including colleges, universities, and technical schools,\u201d said Acting Florida Lottery Secretary Reginald Dixon.<\/p>\n More than 450 attendees received guidance on eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and college preparation. Parents were also on hand \u2014 and, as parents do, asked plenty of questions.<\/p>\n \u201cFlorida leads the nation in higher education because we prioritize affordability and accessibility,\u201d said State University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues.<\/p>\n \u201cThe State University System is proud to partner with the Florida Lottery to inform students about the Bright Futures Scholarship and programs like the Targeted 2+2 Pathway, which can support them in reaching their higher education goals at a state college or university, without the burden of student loans.\u201d<\/p>\n The Florida Lottery has raised $49 billion for education enhancements statewide and has helped send more than 1 million Florida students to colleges, universities, and technical schools.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re pleased to welcome students and families to Tallahassee State College for this Bright Futures Scholarship Information Event in partnership with the Florida Lottery. The earlier students understand the requirements and deadlines, the more confident they can be in planning for college,\u201d said TSC President Jim Murdaugh.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re proud to provide a place for families to get accurate information, ask questions, and take meaningful steps toward funding their future.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 Misleading listings \u2014<\/p>\n Everyone hates those pesky fees or taxes that sneak up on you, especially when you didn\u2019t think there would be any \u2014 or were flat-out misled. That feeling worsens as the purchase becomes more expensive.<\/p>\n This week, HB 827 by Palm Harbor Republican Rep. Adam Anderson advanced in the Housing, Agriculture & Tourism Subcommittee. The measure would require clearer, before-you-buy disclosure of ad valorem property taxes for prospective homebuyers \u2014 an area that currently leaves major gaps in transparency for real estate listings.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile Florida\u2019s homeowners have enjoyed significant appreciation in their home values in recent years, the problem of how property taxes are disclosed becomes increasingly exacerbated. These undisclosed taxes shouldn\u2019t signal Buyer Beware to young or first-time homebuyers. Transparency is important,\u201d Anderson said.<\/p>\n \u201cThe message we\u2019re sending Floridians with this bill is: the American Dream of homeownership is very much alive and well.\u201d<\/p>\n One of the biggest issues for prospective Florida homeowners is that real estate listings typically show the current owner\u2019s property tax bill, which is often a fraction of what a new buyer will ultimately owe. That disconnect can jeopardize a buyer\u2019s ability to budget for a home purchase and strain their ability to maintain the property.<\/p>\n This marked the bill\u2019s first stop during the 2026 Legislative Session. It now heads to the Ways & Means Committee. If approved by the Legislature and signed into law, the measure would take effect July 1.<\/p>\n \u2014 New safety unit \u2014<\/p>\n When it comes to new technology, there\u2019s an old expression: crime adapts faster than the law.<\/p>\n This week, HB 945, sponsored by Hillsborough County Republican Rep. Danny Alvarez, advanced through the House Government Operations Subcommittee. The bill aims to strengthen public safety by improving Florida\u2019s counterintelligence and counterterrorism response to both domestic and foreign threats.<\/p>\n \u201cDomestic and foreign adversaries\u2014including China, Cuba, Venezuela, Iran, and Russia\u2014are actively trying to exploit the Free State of Florida. Our openness, infrastructure, and economic reach offer amazing opportunities for Floridians, but they also make our state a target. We mustn\u2019t be lulled into complacency,\u201d Alvarez said.<\/p>\n \u201cFreedom must be proactively protected, and there\u2019s no better protector than Florida\u2019s most elite law enforcement.\u201d<\/p>\n If passed, HB 945 would create a Statewide Counterintelligence and Counterterrorism Unit within the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The unit would be tasked with identifying, monitoring, and combating threats ranging from foreign intelligence operations and terrorism to insider and corporate threats.<\/p>\n The bill would require FDLE to establish a 10-person leadership and organizational team by July 1, 2027. HB 945 now heads to the Judiciary Committee.<\/p>\n \u2014 No carry, all consequences \u2014<\/p>\n The sun\u2019s not out \u2014 and if you\u2019re a convicted felon, your gun shouldn\u2019t be either.<\/p>\n This week, U.S. Attorney John Heekin announced that Joseph Columbus Williams, 64, of Tallahassee, has been indicted in federal court on two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.<\/p>\n A jury trial is scheduled for March 16 before U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle. Williams faces up to life in prison on each count. The case was investigated jointly by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tallahassee Police Department.<\/p>\n The prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative aimed at reducing violent crime by targeting firearms offenses, transnational criminal organizations, and other serious threats to public safety.<\/p>\n One simple step the public can take: lock your car doors. Unsecured vehicles are still one of the easiest ways for someone who legally can\u2019t possess a firearm to get one \u2014 by finding an unlocked car with a gun left inside.<\/p>\n Takeaway: Lock your doors, and don\u2019t make it easier for the wrong people to skirt the system.<\/p>\n \u2014 New team for FRPF \u2014<\/p>\n Reduce, reuse, and recycle. And, of course, make sure to have a good leadership team.<\/p>\n This week, the Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation<\/a> announced its 2026 leadership team: Donn Githens, Jenna Register Emerson, Dawn McCormick, James Toner, and Elizabeth Castro DeWitt. The organization also added Kat Cue Fuentes of PepsiCo to its Board of Directors.<\/p>\n \u201cGoodwill was founded on sustainability principles, and I have been proud to bring these values to the table as the Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation encourages businesses and individuals throughout the state to adopt more sustainable practices in their personal and professional lives,\u201d said Githens, who was elected to a second term as Chair and serves as president and CEO of Goodwill Manasota.<\/p>\n Emerson, manager of public affairs, communications, and social impact for Cemex, was elected Chair-elect. McCormick will serve as Secretary while continuing his work as Director of Communications and Government Affairs for WM. Toner, Senior Director of Government Relations for the International Bottled Water Association, will continue his role as Treasurer.<\/p>\n DeWitt, best known for her tenure as president and CEO of the Florida Beverage Association, will serve as Past Chair and continue to work with the Board.<\/p>\n The foundation aims to advance recycling and sustainable resource management throughout Florida. Over its 12-year existence, FRPF has grown from five members to 24 and has hosted more than 25 recycling workshops and summits statewide.<\/p>\n \u2014 FSU brainiac athletes \u2014<\/p>\n Student-athletes put it on the line for their university \u2014 and, thanks to NIL, sometimes a paycheck \u2014 to show their dedication to their sport and their colors. But fans often overlook that first word when describing their favorite players: student.<\/p>\n Florida State University celebrated strong academic performance in the Fall 2025 semester, with student-athletes posting their highest-ever collective semester GPA of 3.33 and setting a new cumulative GPA record of 3.36.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re so proud to celebrate our student-athletes for their accomplishments in the classroom. FSU supports student-athletes academically with crucial resources and guidance to address the unique challenges of succeeding in college while competing at the highest levels in a sport,\u201d said Miguel Negron, Director of Student-Athlete Academic Services and Associate Athletics Director and Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Studies.<\/p>\n Among the 471 student-athletes enrolled at FSU, 76% earned a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Forty percent qualified for the dean\u2019s list, reserved for students who earn a 3.5 or higher for the semester. And 31 student-athletes landed on the President\u2019s List, awarded for a perfect 4.0 GPA.<\/p>\n \u201cWe could not achieve these new records among student-athletes without our amazing SAAS team. I\u2019m so grateful to the tutors, advisers, learning specialists, and other support staff, along with their visionary leadership, who work daily to ensure that FSU students who participate in athletics can also thrive in the classroom,\u201d said DeOnte Brown, Dean of Undergraduate Studies.<\/p>\n Among individual teams, the women\u2019s golf team led the way with an overall semester GPA of 3.75, followed by the men\u2019s tennis team at 3.53. Baseball, men\u2019s golf, women\u2019s lacrosse, softball, men\u2019s tennis, and men\u2019s track and field also recorded their highest average semester GPAs.<\/p>\n Smart and talented. It just means more \u2014 sporting the garnet and gold on and off the field.<\/p>\n \u2014 Send Iron Melania\u2014<\/p>\n Although the Grammys may be this Sunday, we are still taking you back to the movies as we always do. Off we go.<\/p>\n Onto the new stuff. Legendary cult classic horror director and superhero auteur filmmaker Sam Raimi is back with \u201cSend Help,\u201d a new take on the stranded-on-a-deserted-island survival film, but with the twist being you\u2019re with your boss you hate, who just passed you over for a promotion. Ouch. Starring Oscar nominee Rachel McAdams and former teenage heartthrob Dylan O\u2019Brien, the film is being praised and a return to form for the horror icon. Gore and thrills are plentiful with this one. And yes, you already know Bruce Campbell makes an appearance \u2014 it wouldn\u2019t be a Raimi film without him.<\/p>\n In the political world, there is a new documentary hitting the big screen for all to see this weekend: \u201cMelania.\u201d And yes, it\u2019s about exactly who you think it is \u2014 the First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump. Amazon acquired the film for a whopping $40 million, making it the most expensive documentary bid ever and $26 million more than the next best offer from Disney. It really smells fishy when you put it that way, doesn\u2019t it? The film is projected to bomb this weekend, raking in somewhere between $2 million and $5 million domestically. Reports have also surfaced that some crew members refused to be credited in the film.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Group_SU25-Medallion1-Honors-640x427.jpg\")
<\/a>Florida State University awards honors medallions to high-achieving graduates who complete the University Honors Program, the Honors in the Major Program, the Dual Honors Program, and the Outstanding Senior Scholar requirements. Image via Brittany Mobley\/Undergraduate Studies.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/rt_webad_728x90.jpg\")
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<\/a>The proud parents of a new JDI.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/nuclear-640x360.jpeg\"){kind=spacer}
<\/a>James Uthmeier is eyeing a nuclear revival, but on a smaller scale.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/pmi_ad.jpg\")
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<\/a>4G Ranch conservation easement by FDACS, presented to the Governor and Cabinet on Sept. 30, 2025. Image via Lauren Yoho\/Wildpath.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Ingoglia-St.-Petersburg-2026-640x405.jpg\")
<\/a>The latest stop on Blaise Ingoglia\u2019s DOGE tour: St. Petersburg.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/DeviceDay_FloridaPolitics2026600x300-.png\")
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<\/a>GOTV for Mission San Luis. Image via X\/@America250FL.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/New-Florida-Licenses_1500976290579_63344027_ver1.0_640_480.png\")
<\/a>Sorry, English only.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AdobeStock_280657866-640x427.jpg\")
<\/a>Give it enough polish and you could earn a couple of years of college.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/MAA-2502_EduRefresh_EmailSponsorship_LocalEcon_FL_600x400_Final.jpg\")
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<\/a>The state is claiming record growth in apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shoalriver-1_crop.jpg\")
<\/a>Shoal River Headwaters State Park is the latest addition to DEP\u2019s portfolio.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Michael-Yaworsky-copy-640x433.jpg\")
<\/a>Michael Yaworsky is delivering some good news to policyholders.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/heart_ad.png\")
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<\/a>The Florida Lottery packed the house.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ANDERSON-copy-640x358.jpg\")
<\/a>Adam Anderson is looking to clamp down on unexpected fees,<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/HACKLEY-LEGIS-IMAGES-1.4.23-15-Large-640x427.jpg\")
<\/a>Danny Alvarez says his bill would strengthen public safety.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/fachc_ad.png\")
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<\/a>Note to felons: Pick up the gun, and you\u2019re done.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Donn-Githens-FRPF.jpg\")
<\/a>Donn Githens will serve a second term as FRPF Chair.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/A7407366-640x427.jpg\")
<\/a>An FSU student-athlete is given their stole at a Student-Athlete Academic Services graduation brunch. Image via Brittany Mobley\/Undergraduate Studies.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/sunrise_ad.jpeg\")
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/melania-trump.jpg\")
<\/a>The First Lady takes the center stage in what many expect to be a bomb.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/CD-1.31.26-2-640x2387.jpg\")
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