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<\/a>The 2026 Legislative Session has reached the midpoint without a single bill hitting the Governor\u2019s desk.<\/p>\nIf the tension feels palpable, there\u2019s math to back it up.<\/p>\n
Of 1,555 general bills filed this Session, 897 of them, or roughly 58%, have not been heard in a single Committee. Just 49, about 3%, have passed one chamber (hat-tip to LobbyTools for the raw stats). Committee meetings are already winding down, which means the runway for hundreds of proposals is shrinking fast.<\/p>\n And then there\u2019s the only thing lawmakers are constitutionally required to do.<\/p>\n As you\u2019ve no doubt read in every finger-wagging op-ed written since the fault line between the chambers turned into a chasm last year, the Legislature has one unshirkable duty: pass a budget. There is at least motion on that front. But as made apparent last Session, everything remains theoretical until 160 copies of the GAA are printed and placed on members\u2019 desks.<\/p>\n Add in the prospect of a mid-decade redistricting fight later this Spring, and the midpoint snapshot looks less like calm and more like compression.<\/p>\n Thirty days down. How many to go?<\/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 Opening round<\/a> \u2014 The House unrolled its proposed state budget Thursday, just hours after the Senate said not to expect numbers until next week. The House spending plan comes in at almost $113.6 billion, more than $1 billion below where last year\u2019s budget ended, even after Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed $600 million in spending approved by the Legislature. A sizable chunk of the budget (including operating and outlay costs) would go toward education, with almost $29.4 billion marked for the Education Department. The Health and Human Services silo accounts for almost $49.4 billion in the budget, the other major consumer of dollars in the state\u2019s coffers.<\/p>\n The response<\/a> \u2014 The Senate on Friday published its proposed budget, capping off a confused 24 hours about when, or even if, numbers would be published. The Senate spending plan calls for $115 billion in spending. Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Ed Hooper said that\u2019s less than the $115.1 lawmakers allotted in the current fiscal year, as noted in Florida\u2019s Fiscal Analysis In Brief. However, DeSantis\u2019 vetoes last year dropped that total. \u201cLimiting the size and scope of government helps keep Florida affordable for families and seniors. Many items needed to raise a family and retire with dignity are tax-free, and we want to keep it that way,\u201d said Hooper, a Clearwater Republican.<\/p>\n Transparency? Never heard of it.<\/a> \u2014 Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia is on a public crusade to make local governments more transparent and accountable. But behind the scenes, his statewide Office is stonewalling media inquiries and record requests meant to give insight into the CFO\u2019s own operations and spending. Ingoglia\u2019s Office has either ignored or taken months to respond to Florida Politics\u2019 questions and public record requests on his auditors\u2019 travel expenses, his payroll and his plans to grow his Office. On Aug. 7, Florida Politics filed a public records request for the travel expenses for the CFO\u2019s auditors who traveled to Orange County and Orlando to probe the local governments\u2019 budgets. The CFO\u2019s Office took more than five months to release 20 pages of records and only did so after a First Amendment lawyer intervened on Florida Politics\u2019 behalf.<\/p>\n Bye-bye books?<\/a> \u2014 The House has passed a bill that Democrats fear will lead to more book bans in public schools, sparking a partisan debate on parental rights. Republicans argue the measure is needed to get rid of the remaining inappropriate books left on the shelves and protect young people. The bill follows a 2023 law that made it easier for adults to challenge books in public school libraries, which has led to the removal of classic titles. That law is currently being challenged in federal court after some large publishing companies, bestselling youth authors and local parents filed a 2024 lawsuit in Orlando. Advocates of free speech have rated Florida\u2019s book-censorship laws among the worst in the country. In a Republican-controlled Legislature, Democrats unsuccessfully tried to change the bill with a flurry of amendments during the final debate on Wednesday. Meanwhile, bill sponsor Doug Bankson accused Democrats of resorting to scare tactics as he advocated for parental choice.<\/p>\n Carrot and stick<\/a> \u2014 House budget writers are giving Medicaid managed care plans an ultimatum: Reduce infant mortality or take a pay cut. The provision, tucked into the House\u2019s health care spending plan, would require the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) to continue withholding 2% of each managed care plan\u2019s capitation payments each year \u2014 a provision that has been in place since October \u2014 but would rewrite the rules on how plans could earn it back. According to the proposal, only a maximum of two managed care plans out of the eight operating in the state could potentially unlock the full 2% \u2014 the plan that records the largest infant mortality rate reduction and the plan that reports the greatest reduction in infant mortality cases in raw numbers. Other plans, meanwhile, would be able to unlock half of the withheld funds if they show an improvement, measured by rate, year over year. Any plan that backslides would forfeit the full withholding and be suspended from auto-assignment for four months.<\/p>\n \u2014 Feeding Central Florida \u2014<\/p>\n No one in Florida should be going to bed hungry. Thankfully, there are hunger-relief organizations working to fix that.<\/p>\n On Wednesday, Lt. Gov. Jay Collins was on hand at the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida (SHFBCF) at its Orlando distribution center, where he highlighted how key state funding supports local hunger-relief efforts and how SHFBCF partners with Florida farmers, ranchers and producers to redirect surplus commodities to families at risk of hunger.<\/p>\n \u201cVisiting Second Harvest and seeing their operation in action reinforced the notion that when we work together, from the state level down to individual communities, we can find solutions to complex issues facing our neighbors. Whether it is supporting agriculture, addressing individual health and nutrition, or investing in a strong workforce, it is all about equipping Floridians to thrive,\u201d the Lieutenant Governor said.<\/p>\n The Orlando distribution center is the largest emergency food provider in Central Florida, serving the equivalent of 330,000 meals per day. SHFBCF also secures and distributes groceries to more than 800 local nonprofit feeding partners throughout Central Florida, including Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia counties.<\/p>\n \u201cWe were honored to host Lt. Governor Collins today and show how our team works every day to ensure that Central Floridians have access to the healthy food they need to thrive. Visits like this help bring our mission to life and strengthen partnerships that make a real difference in the lives of children, seniors and families across our community,\u201d said Derrick Chubbs, President and CEO at Second Harvest.<\/p>\n For more information on SHFBCF, visit FeedHopeNow.org.<\/p>\n \u2014 \u2018Sicko\u2019 snagged \u2014<\/p>\n A Rhode Island man is accused of luring a Green Cove Springs girl into posting illicit images online.<\/p>\n On Monday, Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrest of Justin Adkins, 29, whom he described as a \u201csicko\u201d who \u201cdeveloped an online relationship\u201d with the girl. Uthmeier said Adkins initially engaged her on the gaming app Fortnite before moving the relationship to Snapchat. Ultimately, the inappropriate association continued on Roblox.<\/p>\n Law enforcement in Florida now has thousands of files \u201cwith child sex abuse content,\u201d including many illegal images of the victim that were seized from the Snapchat exchanges. Uthmeier said Adkins also sent the girl gifts, including an iPhone and digital currency through Roblox.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s how sick this dude was,\u201d Uthmeier said during a news conference.<\/p>\n Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Green Cove Springs Police investigators traveled to West Warwick, Rhode Island, to make the arrest Feb. 2. The suspect is expected to be extradited to Florida within days and is already facing two child molestation charges in Rhode Island.<\/p>\n \u2014 Cargo crooks crackdown \u2014<\/p>\n Attorney General Uthmeier announced Thursday that his Office of Statewide Prosecution filed charges of grand theft and conspiracy to commit grand theft against a group of suspects he said were involved in at least 32 cargo heists in Orange, Broward, Polk, Osceola, St. Lucie and Volusia counties.<\/p>\n Uthmeier said the ring ultimately amassed stolen cargo, resulting in losses of several million dollars.<\/p>\n \u201cThis organized criminal operation targeted Florida\u2019s supply chain and caused nearly $7.8 million in losses across our state,\u201d Uthmeier said in a news release. \u201cThanks to the coordination between the Florida Highway Patrol, the Orlando Police Department, and our Office of Statewide Prosecution, this group was identified and dismantled. Now, they\u2019ll answer for their crimes in court.\u201d<\/p>\n The suspects arrested in the case, which dates back to 2023, include Alayn Espinosa Lopez, Yerrison Perez, Yasser Mederos Garcia, Alexis Suarez Hernandez, Alejandro Valdes and Arley Osmany Hernandez Relova.<\/p>\n Uthmeier said investigators from multiple agencies began looking into the ring three years ago after a series of cargo thefts from semi-trailers in the Orlando area.<\/p>\n \u2014 Land, ho! \u2014<\/p>\n More than 1,300 acres of agricultural land have been set aside and protected from development in Hardee County.<\/p>\n Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced this month that a large tract of farmland was preserved under the state\u2019s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The preserved property totals 1,373 acres in the Charlie Creek Marsh area of Hardee County.<\/p>\n Because the land is designated as preserved agricultural operation property, urban development is prohibited to preserve farming. The land comprises five separate protection easements totaling approximately $6 million in value.<\/p>\n \u201cBy completing the preservation of Charlie Creek Marsh, Florida has made another smart investment for the state and for Florida taxpayers,\u201d Simpson said.<\/p>\n \u201cBy permanently protecting working agricultural lands from development, we\u2019re strengthening our food security, conserving natural resources and wildlife habitat, and supporting the farmers and ranchers who keep Florida running \u2014 all without creating new maintenance costs for the state.\u201d<\/p>\n The properties within the Charlie Creek Marsh area include pasture lands for livestock, forested uplands and wetlands, as well as some citrus and other cropland. The area is also part of the Florida Wildlife Corridor, established five years ago in Central and North Florida. Simpson helped enact the Wildlife Corridor Act when he served as President of the Florida Senate.<\/p>\n \u2014 Gas and power \u2014<\/p>\n Big storms and natural disasters can wreak havoc on a town and destroy any sense of normalcy. One of the scariest situations is when gas stations run dry. But there may be a way to help with that.<\/p>\n This week, Agriculture Commissioner Simpson announced the opening of the Florida Retail Fuel Transfer Switch Modernization Grant Program, an initiative funded by the Florida Legislature with $10 million to help retail fuel facilities keep the lights on and doors open during storms and major outages. The program will be administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to assist with the installation or modernization of transfer-switch infrastructure, enabling gas stations to connect more easily to backup power sources during emergencies.<\/p>\n \u201cEvery hurricane season reminds us that access to fuel in an emergency is a lifeline. This program helps ensure that fuel stations can stay online when the power goes out, so communities and first responders aren\u2019t stranded when they need fuel the most. I\u2019m grateful to the Florida Legislature for investing in real, practical solutions that strengthen our emergency preparedness,\u201d Simpson said.<\/p>\n The program offers up to $10,000 for retail fuel facilities in fiscally constrained counties and up to $5,000 for facilities in all other counties.<\/p>\n To qualify, a gas station must be a registered retail fuel facility in compliance with s. 525.19, Florida Statutes; have at least four pumps; meet the definition of a \u201cretail outlet\u201d under s. 526.303; not be newly constructed or substantially renovated; agree to participate in state emergency response coordination; and submit a complete application verifying compliance.<\/p>\n \u2014 Crystal clear \u2014<\/p>\n If Mr. Krabs from SpongeBob can tell you 10 good things to do with a dime, what about well over a million?<\/p>\n This week, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia announced that the Florida Department of Financial Services Criminal Investigations Division arrested six individuals accused of defrauding Florida taxpayers of $1.7 million through a scheme involving property damage claims filed with the Florida Division of Risk Management.<\/p>\n \u201cLet me be crystal clear: If you steal from Florida taxpayers, you will go to jail. Our Criminal Investigations Division investigators are working hard to put bad actors behind bars and hold fraudsters accountable. As CFO, I will not allow waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer dollars to be left unchecked, and I will pursue any criminal attempting to steal from the taxpayers to the fullest extent of the law,\u201d Ingoglia said.<\/p>\n Additional arrests are expected in the coming weeks, and the division is asking anyone involved in or with knowledge of the scheme to come forward.<\/p>\n Authorities said the operation was led by Briana McCarthy, a former employee of the Department of Financial Services, who allegedly processed more than 220 suspicious property damage claims that resulted in $1.7 million in fraudulent payouts. She is charged with Grand Theft, Aggravated White-Collar Crime, Money Laundering, Scheme to Defraud, Criminal Use of Personal Identification Information, Communications Fraud, Official Misconduct and Forgery.<\/p>\n Kearia Walker and Kavon Reese are each charged with Grand Theft. Whitney Branch is charged with Grand Theft and Cash Deposit Bank Item With Intent to Defraud.<\/p>\n Brianna Hannan and Carlotta Hawkins, both former employees of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, are charged with Grand Theft. Hawkins also faces a charge of Cash Deposit Bank Item With Intent to Defraud.<\/p>\n \u2014 Instagram of the week \u2014<\/p>\n \u2014 Civics Central \u2014<\/p>\n Civic literacy is important for students to understand how decisions are made and enforced, and the responsibilities that accompany voting and public participation.<\/p>\n To further Florida\u2019s civics education efforts, the Florida Department of Education hosted 50 social studies teachers from across the state for the Capitol Complex Professional Learning Event, a three-day program designed to provide a deeper understanding of Florida\u2019s state government and classroom-ready activities.<\/p>\n \u201cThis professional learning opportunity, along with the Department\u2019s additional civics-focused initiatives, plays a critical role in strengthening civics education across Florida by enhancing teachers\u2019 ability to deliver the highest-quality instruction to students statewide,\u201d said Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was an honor to address the participants at this event, and I am confident that the future of civics education in Florida\u2019s schools is in excellent hands with this dedicated group of educators.\u201d<\/p>\n In the 2026-2027 fiscal year budget proposal, Gov. Ron DeSantis has proposed $17.5 million to support civic engagement initiatives, including funding for the Civics Seal of Excellence Endorsement and the Florida civics and debate initiatives.<\/p>\n \u201cThis wasn\u2019t just a training; it was a full, immersive experience. For three days, teachers engaged in a hands-on exploration of the real world of government, and I found it both inspiring and energizing. After more than 20 years in the classroom, I can honestly say it\u2019s one of my favorite professional learning experiences,\u201d said Mark Harrison, the 2026 Florida Teacher of the Year.<\/p>\n \u2014 Guess Who \u2014<\/p>\n Just be honest. It might come back to haunt you.<\/p>\n This week, Tallahassee resident Norman John Horner II, 43, was sentenced to one year in prison followed by three years of supervised release for making a false statement to a federal agency. U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida John Heekin announced the sentencing.<\/p>\n \u201cThis defendant tried to evade accountability by lying to a federal officer. Lying to federal law enforcement isn\u2019t just wrong; it\u2019s a crime. I appreciate the excellent investigative work by our law enforcement partners to ensure this defendant is held accountable for his criminal activity,\u201d U.S. Attorney John Heekin said.<\/p>\n In July 2024, a United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service officer attempted to issue Horner a citation. Horner then falsely identified himself by providing the name and date of birth of another person, who was subsequently issued a citation and summons.<\/p>\n On Sept. 6, 2024, the real individual appeared at the Tallahassee federal courthouse to contest the citation, prompting law enforcement to reopen the investigation. The case involved an investigation by the USDA Forest Service, and Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Ravelo prosecuted the case.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a reminder that sometimes the better move is knowing when to call it quits \u2014 and just tell the truth.<\/p>\n \u2014 Zero tolerance, many charges \u2014<\/p>\n It was an eventful week for the Northern District of Florida, with multiple federal drug and firearms cases moving forward.<\/p>\n This week, Landon Dashawn Wilson, 27, of Tallahassee, was indicted in federal court on one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.<\/p>\n Separately, Michael Termaine Bell, 43, of Marianna, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and marijuana; possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and marijuana; possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana; two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; and two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes.<\/p>\n Both the charges and the plea were announced by U.S. Attorney John Heekin.<\/p>\n \u201cThis defendant is precisely the kind of violent, drug trafficking offender that Operation Take Back America was launched to capture and remove from our communities. My office remains committed to delivering more successful prosecutions like this until our streets are safe and drug-free,\u201d Heekin said of Bell.<\/p>\n Wilson\u2019s trial is scheduled for March 31, 2026, before Chief District Judge Allen Winsor. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison on the primary charges and not less than five years on the firearm-in-furtherance count.<\/p>\n Bell\u2019s sentencing is scheduled for April 23, 2026, before United States District Judge Mark Walker. He faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years in prison on drug charges, a minimum mandatory five-year sentence on each firearm-in-furtherance count, and a maximum of life imprisonment.<\/p>\n \u2014 22nd Black Caucus Brunch \u2014<\/p>\n Session is here, but that doesn\u2019t mean charitable work takes a back seat \u2014 especially when it comes with mimosas.<\/p>\n The Pittman Law Group hosted the 22nd annual Florida Legislative Black Caucus Brunch last Friday, drawing elected officials, community leaders and partners from across the state to support the Wilhelmina Foundation, a scholarship initiative that provides textbooks to students in need.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Florida Legislative Black Caucus has long been a powerful voice for communities across our state, and it is an honor for Pittman Law Group to help convene leaders committed to progress and opportunity. This gathering reinforces the importance of working together to drive meaningful change,\u201d said Sean Pittman, Managing Partner of Pittman Law Group.<\/p>\n A highlight of the event was a keynote address from U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, a South Carolina Democrat who has served since 1993 and is widely credited with helping propel Joe Biden\u2019s 2020 Democratic Primary victory with a key endorsement ahead of Super Tuesday. Clyburn spoke about public service and the importance of partnerships with communities throughout Florida and the nation.<\/p>\n The brunch continues as an annual tradition that attracts influential leaders from across the country.<\/p>\n Sen. Darryl Rouson, Chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus, said, \u201cThe Florida Legislative Black Caucus is grateful for the partnership and continued support from Pittman Law Group in creating space for meaningful dialogue and collaboration.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThis annual brunch brings together leaders who are committed to equity, opportunity, and progress, and Congressman Clyburn\u2019s message reminded us of the power of public service and collective action to move our communities forward.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 Crossing guards rock \u2014<\/p>\n This one is about showing love to the people whose small actions go a long way in starting the day off right and keeping students safe.<\/p>\n This past week featured Florida School Crossing Guard Appreciation Day, and the Florida Department of Transportation recognized the men and women who help protect students and families traveling to and from school, supporting \u201cTarget Zero,\u201d Florida\u2019s goal of reducing traffic fatalities and serious injuries to zero.<\/p>\n Florida has thousands of crossing guards who promote safe driving and better pedestrian behavior, but some stood out this year.<\/p>\n \u201cFlorida\u2019s crossing guards play an essential role in safety, selflessly protecting children as they travel to and from school. FDOT is proud to honor their dedication and the service they provide to parents, schools, and communities across the state,\u201d said FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue.<\/p>\n Minnie Alexander of the Seminole County Sheriff\u2019s Office was named the 2025 Florida School Crossing Guard of the Year for her professionalism, reliability and positivity with students, parents and colleagues. Her friendly greetings, attentiveness, and support for student activities have made her a staple in the community.<\/p>\n Cheryl Ruckdeschel Huggins of the St. Petersburg Police Department received the Extra Mile Award as part of the 2025 Florida School Crossing Guard of the Year honors for her commitment to meeting the needs of students and parents while educating others on pedestrian safety.<\/p>\n The 2025 Florida School Crossing Guard Program of the Year was awarded to Lawrence Kolbicka, a Corporal with the Pinellas Park Police Department, for exceptional work training guards while maintaining consistency and professionalism.<\/p>\n \u2014 3 cheers, 11 stipends \u2014<\/p>\n Law school isn\u2019t cheap. Investing in the next generation of attorneys often starts with expanding access to financial opportunities.<\/p>\n The Family Law Section awarded 11 third-year students from Florida\u2019s accredited law schools stipends of up to $3,500 to attend and participate in the 2026 AAML-Florida Chapter\/Family Law Section Marital and Family Law Review Course, held in Orlando in late January.<\/p>\n \u201cOne of our key initiatives is to help young, up-and-coming lawyers navigate the often very complex system of Family Law. The opportunity these students had, being around 2,000 esteemed family law professionals, was truly invaluable and the feedback we received from them was overwhelmingly positive,\u201d said Aimee Gross, Chair of the Family Law Section.<\/p>\n Students from Ave Maria University, Barry University, Cooley Law School, Florida A&M University, Florida International University, Florida State University, Jacksonville University, Nova Southeastern University, Stetson University, the University of Florida and the University of Miami received stipends.<\/p>\n To qualify, students submitted applications, which were reviewed by the Family Law Section\u2019s Finance Committee before recipients were selected.<\/p>\n The effort is part of the section\u2019s broader goal of supporting and guiding the next generation of family law attorneys.<\/p>\n Now go ahead and channel your inner Laura Dern in \u201cMarriage Story\u201d \u2014 funny, formidable and Oscar-winning.<\/p>\n \u2014 FAMU Celebrates 250 \u2014<\/p>\n This Black History Month, Florida A&M University is spotlighting African American military service with a new exhibit honoring 250 years of history.<\/p>\n The Florida A&M University Meek-Eaton Black Archives Research Center and Museum has unveiled FAMU Celebrates America250: Highlighting the Meek-Eaton African American Military Collection, featuring artifacts spanning the American Revolution through modern conflicts.<\/p>\n The exhibit, which opened Feb. 1, highlights themes of service, patriotism, sacrifice and citizenship through the African American experience.<\/p>\n \u201cWe wanted to highlight material that had literally been hidden for many years. These uniforms and artifacts told a story you can\u2019t erase. African Americans participated in every American war, and FAMU alumni were part of that history,\u201d said Timothy Barber, Director of Museum Operations at the Meek-Eaton Research Center and Museum.<\/p>\n The exhibit includes items from the Meek-Eaton vault along with private family donations, including military uniforms, medals, photographs, documents and personal artifacts.<\/p>\n \u201cThese collections were in boxes, downstairs in our holdings. This exhibit gave them new life. We were able to humanize the collections by providing context \u2014 honoring those who came before us and the sacrifices they made,\u201d said Autumn Heatrice, Museum Registrar at the Meek-Eaton Black Archives.<\/p>\n For some, the exhibit is also personal. FAMU alum Ronald \u201cJoe\u201d Mack, a Daytona Beach native, began his military career as a first-year ROTC cadet at FAMU and later rose to the rank of Colonel, serving as a senior executive with the Department of the Army.<\/p>\n \u201cI donated the uniforms several years ago, and this was the first time they were displayed. Everything I achieved was based on the education and ROTC training I received here and the support of fellow Rattlers,\u201d Mack said.<\/p>\n \u201cI want our students to know that you can come here and go all the way to the top.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 FSU 99 Club \u2014<\/p>\n Consistency pays off.<\/p>\n Florida State University announced this week that it achieved a record-breaking 99.2% fall-to-spring retention rate for first-year students \u2014 the first time the university has topped 99% and among the highest rates in the nation.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re proud to sustain nationally recognized graduation and retention rates and to have a new university record with a 99.2% fall-to-spring retention. These outcomes reflect the holistic support and engagement we provide students, helping them feel at home at FSU and succeed in an academically invigorating environment,\u201d said Richard McCullough, President of Florida State University.<\/p>\n Of the 6,425 first-year students enrolled in the Fall, 6,374 returned for the spring semester. The announcement follows earlier news that FSU ranked No. 9 nationally among public universities for four-year graduation rates at 78%.<\/p>\n \u201cAcross our university, we are collaborating and thinking strategically about how to deliver a rewarding college experience to our students,\u201d said Joe O\u2019Shea, Vice President for Student Academic Success.<\/p>\n \u201cOur fall-to-spring retention rates show that we take our commitment seriously to give all students from all backgrounds a world-class education at FSU and to set them up for success right away.\u201d<\/p>\n FSU also ranks No. 1 among public institutions in Florida for \u201cBest First-Year Experiences,\u201d according to U.S. News & World Report\u2019s \u201cBest Colleges 2026\u201d guidebook.<\/p>\n \u201cOur mission is to ensure every undergraduate student feels supported as they navigate their academic journey, especially during the first year,\u201d said Allison Peters, Assistant Dean of Retention and Academic Engagement at FSU.<\/p>\n \u2014 Debate greatness \u2014<\/p>\n Putting their money where their mouth is.<\/p>\n At the 18th Annual Talk Hawk Tournament at Las Positas College in Livermore, California, the Tallahassee State College Speech and Debate team captured the Individual Team Sweepstakes title in the Limited Entry Division.<\/p>\n Every TSC competitor earned points toward the team total, with members placing in seven of the 11 individual events.<\/p>\n \u201cThe team this year is one of the hardest-working and tenacious teams ever. They are always up for the challenge. I believe if you want to be a champion, you need both talent and a great work ethic. These students have both, and I predict they will win both state and junior college regional championships,\u201d said John Schultz, faculty adviser for the TSC Speech and Debate team.<\/p>\n Lillyana Humphreys took first place in After-Dinner Speaking and Extemporaneous Speaking and earned bronze in Informative Speaking and Impromptu Speaking.<\/p>\n In duo events, Natalie Gordon and Samuel King won gold. Gordon also placed second in Program Oral Interpretation and third in Overall Individual Speaker.<\/p>\n It marks the sixth tournament win this season for TSC. The team now heads to the Florida College System Activities Association State Championship, where it has claimed the top title 24 of the past 26 years \u2014 talk about a dynasty.<\/p>\n \u2014 Seedy activity \u2014<\/p>\n Time to get your green thumb on.<\/p>\n Leon County Government, along with UF\/IFAS Leon County Extension, will host the 2026 Spring Seed Library Kickoff from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Leon County Main Library, 200 West Park Ave.<\/p>\n The Seed Library Program is an annual tradition that encourages residents to grow their own nutritious food while promoting healthy habits and sustainability. The kickoff is open to all ages and will feature hands-on seeding activities, gardening tips and an Ask-a-Master-Gardener booth for questions and advice.<\/p>\n Staff from the Leon County Office of Sustainability and UF\/IFAS Leon County Extension will also be on hand to assist attendees.<\/p>\n Launched in 2015, the Leon County Seed Library Program has offered more than 145 unique seed varieties and has distributed more than 182,000 seed packets to date.<\/p>\n The 2026 lineup includes Cherry Tiny Tim Tomato, Galaxy of Stars Eggplant, Golden Bantam 8 Corn, Hill Country Red Okra, Iroquois Cantaloupe, Malabar Green Vines Supreme Spinach, Pineapple Tomato, Red Rubin Basil, Strike Bean and Sweet Mini Belle Mix Pepper.<\/p>\n For more information, visit LeonCountyLibrary.org\/SeedLibrary<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u2014 Promotions for TPD \u2014<\/p>\n Hard work pays off.<\/p>\n As the Tallahassee Police Department marks 200 years of service, the agency this week promoted seven members: one Major, one Captain, two Lieutenants and three Sergeants, underscoring its continued focus on leadership and professionalism.<\/p>\n \u201cPromotions mark both achievement and responsibility. During our Bicentennial year, they also underscore how leadership passed from one generation to the next sustains this department. Each of these individuals has demonstrated the integrity and commitment to service that will continue shaping TPD\u2019s future,\u201d said TPD Chief Lawrence Revell.<\/p>\n Founded in 1826, TPD is among the nation\u2019s oldest and longest accredited law enforcement agencies.<\/p>\n Those promoted include Major Isaac Boykin, Captain Bartell Clemons, Lieutenant Scott Cherry, Lieutenant Robert \u201cBob\u201d Varble, Sergeant Dale Biederman, Sergeant Lyle Ottley and Sergeant Justin Rodgers.<\/p>\n The promotions reflect the department\u2019s chain of command and the roles each member plays in the organization\u2019s success.<\/p>\n Happy 200 to TPD.<\/p>\n \u2014Wuthering GOATs 101\u2014<\/p>\n The Olympics are marching forward, but football season is officially over, so it might be an opportune time to check out the cinema.<\/p>\n Provocative Academy Award winner Emerald Fennell is back with her steamy and raunchy take on the classic gothic novel Wuthering Heights by Emily Bront\u00eb. The marketing for the film comes across as borderline pornographic, with Grammy-winning Charli XCX\u2019s original score blasting throughout the trailer. (This is the Gen Z take on the story, you boomer!)<\/p>\n Oscar nominees Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi and Hong Chau round out the impressive cast, with even a turn from Owen Cooper, the young phenomenon and Emmy winner from the Netflix megahit Adolescence. The reception? Somewhat mixed. A 65% on Rotten Tomatoes, 6.3 on IMDb and a 3.0 on Letterboxd prove somewhat of a yellow flag. But with beautiful star names attached, amazing cinematography, breathing production design and a unique soundtrack, some may swoon.<\/p>\n In the family-friendly lane, there\u2019s GOAT from Sony Pictures Animation. Playing on the \u201cGreatest of All Time\u201d acronym, GOAT follows a small goat who gets a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play the animal version of basketball.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Jay Collins was on-site to see the food bank in action. Image via X\/@feedhopenow<\/p>\n<\/a>Creeping in Epic games can result in epically long prison sentences upon conviction.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>James Uthmeier announced cargo deliveries to some Central Florida lockups this week.<\/p>\n<\/a>Charlie Creek Marsh was recently protected through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. Image via Clint Kelly\/Silver Media.=<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>The high-octane effort could be clutch if a major storm carves a path through Florida.<\/p>\n<\/a>The CFO\u2019s Office slapped cuffs on a half-dozen suspected fraudsters this week.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>The state says civics is making a comeback.<\/p>\n<\/a>Lies have a way of coming back to bite you in the Northern District of Florida.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Guns, pot and priors are a bad mix.<\/p>\n<\/a>Sean Pittman\u2019s firm hosted the 22nd edition of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus Brunch.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Signs help, but boots on the ground are essential.<\/p>\n<\/a>The Family Law Section is helping the next generation get the credentials they need to practice law.<\/p>\n<\/a>Military dress uniforms donated by FAMU alumnus Joe Mack are featured in the Meek-Eaton Black Archives exhibit, highlighting the legacy of African American service and leadership during Black History Month. (Photo Courtesy: Ashley Flete)<\/p>\n<\/a>First-year students enjoy community and shared activities in the Exploration and Discovery Living-Learning Community housed in Bryan Hall. (Brittany Mobley\/Undergraduate Studies)<\/p>\n<\/a>TSC has some top-tier Talk Hawks.<\/p>\n<\/a>Attendees receiving seedlings at the 2025 Spring Seed Library kickoff at the downtown Main Library. Image via Leon County.<\/p>\n<\/a>The milestone was accompanied by a series of promotions.<\/p>\n