![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/shovel-in-dirt-wakulla-groundbreaking_crop.jpg\")
<\/a>The shovels have officially hit the dirt.<\/p>\nBut as Bob Dylan once said, \u201cthe times are a-changing.\u201d The Tallahassee-Crawfordville hotspot is getting a facelift. At least the building is; the amazing water and spring will stay the same.<\/p>\n
This week, Florida State Parks officially celebrated the groundbreaking of a new visitor center at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, which will provide a novel, immersive, multifaceted experience for all to enjoy.<\/p>\n
The new facility will feature new meeting spaces for any occasion, interpretive exhibits and educational programming for young and old alike, all while still maintaining and complementing the Spanish Mediterranean Revival architecture the building has become famous for.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis new visitor center will give more people the chance to experience Wakulla Springs\u2019 natural beauty and rich cultural history in a modern, engaging way. Projects like this also strengthen the surrounding community by attracting visitors, supporting local businesses and showcasing why Florida State Parks are recognized as the best in the nation,\u201d said DEP Secretary Alexis Lambert.<\/p>\n
Often referred to as the \u201cGem of Northwest Florida,\u201d Wakulla Springs is one of the world\u2019s largest and deepest freshwater springs and home to a diverse ecosystem and wildlife, both underwater and above.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s also home to extensive underwater cave systems that attract both professional divers and camera enthusiasts. Hollywood productions like \u201cTarzan\u2019s Secret Treasure\u201d filmed here, and even your neighbor Ronald, who once took some cool photos and posted them on Facebook, has explored the area.<\/p>\n
All are welcome.<\/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
Waiting game<\/a> \u2014 Sorry, no mid-April resolution to lingering 2026 business. With Gov. Ron DeSantis already calling a redistricting Special Session for April 20, questions had remained about whether lawmakers would return the week before to hammer out the budget. In a new memo, Albritton said that won\u2019t be the case. \u201cOver the past few weeks, Chair (Ed) Hooper and I have had productive discussions with our partners in the House on joint budget allocations. While I believe we are making great progress, it will not be necessary for you to return to Tallahassee before the Special Session called by Gov. DeSantis,\u201d Albritton wrote. In a separate memo, House Speaker Daniel Perez said the \u201cexternal speculation\u201d that lawmakers buttoning things up next week \u201cis not accurate.\u201d<\/p>\n Money matters<\/a> \u2014 No, lawmakers will not be finishing the 2026-27 budget next week, but there will still be a dash of fiscal excitement. The Joint Legislative Budget Commission is scheduled to meet on April 17. On the agenda, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is seeking to access grant funds it was awarded for security to look for unmanned aircraft systems during the six FIFA World Cup matches being played in Miami this year. In addition, Florida\u2019s Division of Emergency Management was also awarded a nearly $74 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Meanwhile, the Agency for Health Care Administration is asking for budget authority for $210 million from the \u201cOne Big Beautiful Bill Act\u201d to invest in rural health care systems under the Florida Rural Health Transformation Program.<\/p>\n Date set<\/a> \u2014 The House Ethics Committee will meet April 21 to vote on sanctions for U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, potentially including expulsion. That means a meeting that could signal the end of the Miramar Democrat\u2019s congressional career will take place just as Florida state lawmakers consider a map that could make her re-election virtually impossible. The Ethics meeting is scheduled less than a month after an adjudicating panel affirmed 25 counts violating House rules, most in connection to allegations she siphoned millions in disaster relief funding to her congressional campaign account. Suspicious<\/a> \u2014 A federal court exhibit shows gubernatorial candidate James Fishback directing efforts to plant media tips, inflate social media engagement, and counter online criticism using fake email and X accounts in his ongoing dispute with his former employer. The 45-page exhibit, filed in October, is part of a Manhattan lawsuit stemming from Fishback\u2019s split with Greenlight Capital, a hedge fund he worked for as an analyst between early 2021 and August 2023. Fishback launched his campaign for Governor roughly a month after dozens of exhibits were filed in Greenlight\u2019s ongoing legal battle with him, marked by numerous setbacks and losses for the long-shot candidate. Terra firma<\/a> \u2014 Artemis II\u2019s astronauts are back on Earth after a textbook splashdown Friday evening. According to the AP, Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canada\u2019s Jeremy Hansen entered the atmosphere at Mach 33, or 33 times the speed of sound\u2014a speed not seen since NASA\u2019s Apollo missions in the 1960s and 1970s. Their Orion capsule, named Integrity, landed on autopilot. Artemis II, which started its journey in Florida last week, marks NASA\u2019s first return to lunar flights in over 50 years.<\/p>\n \u2014 Hot for cold cases \u2014<\/p>\n Attorney General James Uthmeier says Florida is establishing a Cold Case Task Force to help finally close many unsolved cases.<\/p>\n Unsolved criminal investigations known as \u201ccold cases\u201d can be among the most frustrating for law enforcement agencies and torturous for victims\u2019 families. The Task Force is designed to reopen some of Florida\u2019s 21,000 unsolved murders, 900 cases involving unidentified human remains and more than 2,500 missing persons cases classified as cold since 1965.<\/p>\n Uthmeier said the Task Force will revisit past investigations that may have suffered from a lack of modern resources.<\/p>\n \u201cToday, technology has advanced,\u201d Uthmeier said at a news conference in Miami. \u201cMany of these thousands of cases have evidence that contains DNA.\u201d<\/p>\n Florida Department of Law Enforcement officials will be at the forefront of reopening the cold cases. FDLE Special Agent in Charge John Vecchio said the agency is eager to bring resolution to some of these cases.<\/p>\n \u201cInvestigating cold cases means using every resource available,\u201d Vecchio said.<\/p>\n Othram, a forensic technology firm, will apply newer scientific methods to the cases in question. Othram Senior Director of Commercial Operations, Danny Hall, reiterated that many cold cases remain unresolved, mainly because evidence was not fully analyzed due to technical limitations.<\/p>\n \u201cMany of these cases were never unsolvable,\u201d Hall said. Investigators can now generate leads even without a suspect. This program creates a coordinated statewide approach.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 Gotcha \u2014<\/p>\n When it rains, it pours. And unfortunately for this defendant, it\u2019s April.<\/p>\n In a very busy week, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia on Thursday announced that Carlos Antonio Maradiaga Garcia, who had been residing illegally in Florida, is charged with committing insurance fraud totaling nearly $300,000.<\/p>\n The arrest was made by the Department of Financial Services\u2019 Criminal Investigations Division in Jacksonville.<\/p>\n \u201cI have made it abundantly clear that those who are committing fraud in the state of Florida will face the fullest extent of the law, especially those who are in this country illegally. To anyone else out there who is actively trying to commit fraud, know this: my office is working to bring you to justice. Do us all a favor and turn yourselves in,\u201d stated CFO Ingoglia.<\/p>\n Maradiaga owned a construction business in Florida and, over time, paid about $2 million in payroll. However, he allegedly kept a workers\u2019 compensation policy based on a self-reported payroll of just $25,000, resulting in a massive underpayment of $299,458.<\/p>\n Maradiaga is charged with workers\u2019 compensation premium fraud and a scheme to defraud.<\/p>\n It was also revealed during the investigation that Maradiaga had been residing illegally in the United States and had an order for removal from ICE.<\/p>\n If convicted on all charges, Maradiaga could face up to 30 years behind bars. The CFO covered all this and more in a new video posted to Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>\n Since taking office, Ingoglia and Department of Financial Services law enforcement officers have arrested 80 people residing illegally in Florida.<\/p>\n \u2014 Dinero de Fuego \u2014<\/p>\n Giddy up to the horse capital of the world, because we\u2019ve got some money to award.<\/p>\n This week in Ocala, CFO Ingoglia awarded more than $500,000 to three separate fire departments: Ocala, High Springs and Newberry.<\/p>\n The money will go toward equipment, training and resources that ultimately protect and support Florida\u2019s firefighters and overall public safety.<\/p>\n \u201cWe must be proactive instead of reactive when it comes to firefighter health and safety. Nowadays, our firefighters are answering 911 phone calls more than ever before. By making sure firefighters have the essential protective gear and equipment to respond to emergencies, we are reducing exposure to harmful and dangerous chemicals that have a significant impact on a firefighter\u2019s health,\u201d stated CFO Ingoglia.<\/p>\n Funding was allocated through both the Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Grant and the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget. The grant provides funding for equipment and supply upgrades, as well as public education on how to mitigate exposure to hazardous chemicals.<\/p>\n \u201cOur local heroes are responding to calls every day with tremendous bravery. I want to thank CFO Ingoglia for the recognition of the work that we do and the unwavering dedication to our firefighters,\u201d said Ocala Fire Chief Clint Welborn.<\/p>\n The City of Ocala received $6,372.75, and the City of High Springs was awarded $4,793.44 through the Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Grant. Another $500,000 was set aside in the 2025-26 budget for the Newberry Regional First Responder Training Facility.<\/p>\n \u201cThrough this funding, we are able to save lives and property faster by strengthening our emergency response capabilities. I want to thank CFO Ingoglia for standing alongside Florida\u2019s firefighters and ensuring we have the necessary tools to do our job safely,\u201d added Newberry Fire Chief Jason Lyman.<\/p>\n \u2014 Instagram of the week \u2014<\/p>\n \u2014 Home buster busted\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cI ain\u2019t afraid of no fraud.\u201d<\/p>\n Got fraud? Well, you\u2019re gonna call Chief Financial Officer Ingoglia, who this week announced the arrest of Cornelius Sentell Osborne, accused of acting as an unlicensed contractor and pocketing $174,000 from the victim of a house fire while doing so.<\/p>\n \u201cThis case is a direct result of my office\u2019s relentless work to root out fraud in our state and hold bad actors accountable. We are cracking down on this kind of criminal activity, especially when it targets those in vulnerable situations,\u201d said the CFO.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you think you can get away with this sort of behavior, think again. My office is working tirelessly to bring these fraudsters to justice.\u201d<\/p>\n After an investigation by the Department of Financial Services\u2019 Criminal Investigations Division, Osborne was arrested in Plantation on March 19 by DFS-CID officers. At the time of his arrest, he was already on probation for willfully fleeing a law enforcement officer in Brevard County.<\/p>\n The investigation found that Osborne was posing as a general contractor and had agreed to perform restoration work on a fire-damaged home in Hollywood. After receiving $174,000 from the victim, Osborne allegedly abandoned the project and left the home uninhabitable.<\/p>\n The CFO also released a video on social media<\/a> about Osborne\u2019s arrest.<\/p>\n Osborne faces up to 30 years in prison after being charged with one count of grand theft and one count of acting as an unlicensed contractor.<\/p>\n As always, make sure you\u2019re working with a licensed professional before making any major investment in your home.<\/p>\n \u2014 State Fire Marshal in the house \u2014<\/p>\n Bring it on down to Wrappinville. Actually, Bradenton.<\/p>\n It\u2019s been a very photo-op-heavy week for the Chief Financial Officer, who on Thursday was in West Central Florida to award more than $1.4 million to support five fire departments with resources needed to protect both firefighters and the communities they serve.<\/p>\n \u201cAs State Fire Marshal, it is a privilege to support Florida\u2019s firefighters who continually run towards danger to protect their communities. It is imperative that firefighters have all the tools and equipment they need to respond quickly and effectively to emergency situations, and the tools to protect themselves after a fire from the cancer-causing chemicals they may have come in contact with,\u201d said CFO Ingoglia.<\/p>\n \u201cThis funding is a step forward in ongoing efforts to protect firefighters and the communities they serve.\u201d<\/p>\n Ingoglia made the funds available through a series of grants, including the Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Grant and the Firefighter Assistance Grant, both of which aim to strengthen emergency response capabilities and improve firefighter safety, as well as funds appropriated in the 2025-26 budget.<\/p>\n \u201cFirefighters work every day to serve and protect their communities. Thank you, CFO Ingoglia, for bringing awareness to firefighter health and safety and for your continued support of the firefighter community,\u201d stated Jason Berzowski, Florida Professional Firefighters District Vice President.<\/p>\n East Manatee Fire Rescue District ($12,248.25) and the Town of Longboat Key ($7,976.29) received awards through the Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Grant, while the Parrish Fire District ($20,672.20) received funding through the Firefighter Assistance Grant.<\/p>\n Another $1 million went to the DeSoto County Fire Training Tower, while $400,000 was allocated for Hardee County brush fire trucks through the 2025-26 budget.<\/p>\n \u201cBy establishing a new fire training tower, we can better prepare our firefighters to put out fires quicker, limit property damage, and save lives,\u201d DeSoto County Fire Chief Chad Jergensen added.<\/p>\n \u2014 Peak fire season \u2014<\/p>\n Smokey Bear might have some friendly competition.<\/p>\n This week in Tallahassee, during Florida Wildfire Awareness Week, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, along with members of the Florida Forest Service, urged all Florida residents to take proper precautions now for what is projected to be an eventful and active peak of wildfire season.<\/p>\n April through June encompasses wildfire season, and the National Interagency Fire Center is predicting \u201cabove normal significant wildfire potential\u201d across Florida this year. So, as Jeremy Irons once sang in the classic Disney tune, \u201cBe prepared!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFlorida is experiencing widespread drought conditions like we have not seen in years, and forecasts show the next few months could be extremely active for wildfires. We need all Floridians to do their part now by following local burn restrictions, staying alert to weather conditions when burning, and preparing their homes and yards to be wildfire-ready. Remember, every fire prevented is one less fire we must respond to, and that will help ensure the safety of our firefighters and our communities,\u201d Simpson said.<\/p>\n Since the start of 2026, 1,500 wildfires have burned more than 54,000 acres in Florida, and several sections of the state have been placed under Red Flag Warnings by the National Weather Service.<\/p>\n The Florida Forest Service is asking Floridians to visit BeWildfireReadyFL.com<\/a> to learn how to protect their lives, homes and communities properly.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks to year-round training, investment in heavy equipment and aviation resources, and aggressive wildfire mitigation efforts across our state, the Florida Forest Service and our local and federal partners are as prepared for an active peak wildfire season as possible. I\u2019m asking everyone to pay attention to the weather, especially wind, relative humidity, and days since rain, when considering burning,\u201d added Rick Dolan, Director of the Florida Forest Service.<\/p>\n \u201cPeak wildfire season is here, and we need to be wildfire-ready.\u201d<\/p>\n To help reduce the chances of catastrophic wildfire, residents can use prescribed burns, safely burn yard waste and report any suspicious arson activity they see.<\/p>\n \u2014 Trying your luck: The strokes\u2014<\/p>\n April showers bring more flowers, but they also bring new games for some spring scratch-off fun.<\/p>\n The Florida Lottery this week announced three new scratch-off games for Floridians and visitors alike to try: \u201cSilver & Gold Crossword,\u201d \u201cPrecious Metals Gold Multiplier,\u201d and \u201c$2,000,000 Fortune!\u201d<\/p>\n The price of the new tickets ranges from $5 to $10. The tickets feature a variety of play styles and prizes and are now available for purchase at Lottery retailers across the state.<\/p>\n Scratch-off games remain a key part of the Lottery\u2019s portfolio, accounting for 74% of ticket sales in the 2024-25 fiscal year.<\/p>\n The Lottery said that since its creation, Florida\u2019s scratch-off lineup has awarded more than $70.8 billion in prizes, created 2,475 millionaires and contributed more than $20.98 billion to the state\u2019s Educational Enhancement Trust Fund.<\/p>\n \u201cSilver & Gold Crossword\u201d carries a top prize of $500,000 and features $48 million in total cash prizes, with more than 3.5 million winning tickets available. The overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 3.89.<\/p>\n \u201cPrecious Metals Gold Multiplier\u201d offers a top prize of $1 million and includes more than $55 million in total cash prizes, with roughly 4 million winning tickets in circulation. Overall odds are 1 in 3.9.<\/p>\n And the biggest of the bunch, \u201c$2,000,000 Fortune!\u201d offers a top prize of $2 million. More than $118 million in total cash prizes will be awarded, with overall odds of 1 in 3.44.<\/p>\n Good luck and enjoy the last bit of Florida weather that isn\u2019t totally unbearable with a good old scratch-off.<\/p>\n \u2014 Rattler with planes \u2014<\/p>\n The sky is the limit, and in this case, it may not be just an expression.<\/p>\n This week, Florida A&M University announced that student Nevaeh Green has been named a scholar in the seventh cohort of the Boeing\/Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholar Program, an $8 million partnership launched in 2022 to support HBCUs and career-immersion opportunities. The initiative expanded on a previous $6 million investment Boeing made in 2018.<\/p>\n The program is a highly competitive honor that provides students with hands-on experience, specialized mentorship, professional development and networking opportunities and scholarship funding.<\/p>\n \u201cIt felt unreal and, honestly, quite ironic considering the conversation I had with myself only two hours prior. It pulled me out of my slump and was a strong reminder of my appreciated excellence despite quiet moments where I somehow forget myself,\u201d said Green.<\/p>\n Green will work as part of a group to create a digital twin of an aircraft wing structure that can ultimately be used to virtually test materials and support realistic digital training for up-and-coming pilots.<\/p>\n \u201cOur ambition is to push beyond existing boundaries, attracting the best and brightest students and faculty to our fold,\u201d said Suvranu De, Dean of the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, on the state of the program.<\/p>\n \u201cThe industry has been taking notice of our graduates and our burgeoning partnerships\u2026 Our graduates are not just leaders in engineering, but they also play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our society.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 FSU just means more \u2014<\/p>\n It\u2019s been a while since FSU went to Notre Dame and came back with a win.<\/p>\n This week, at the Shark Tank-style ACC InVenture Prize hosted by the University of Notre Dame, Hugo Davies, an FSU undergraduate pursuing his bachelor\u2019s degree, earned the top People\u2019s Choice Award after receiving the most votes of any ACC competitor for an attention-grabbing pitch for his artificial intelligence startup, KeyRise.<\/p>\n The AI platform is designed to give investors the power to find, analyze and execute high-quality real estate deals with institutional-level intelligence.<\/p>\n \u201cReal estate is a very bureaucratic, handshake-style business. There\u2019s a real opportunity here to leverage the developments in AI and bring that into the hands of investors so that they can have that same power that institutions have always had,\u201d said Davies.<\/p>\n The ACC InVenture Prize is a one-of-a-kind innovation competition in which teams of undergraduates representing each ACC university pitch their inventions or businesses before an audience, a panel of judges and a national television audience.<\/p>\n Teams compete for $30,000 in prizes, and Davies himself took home $5,000 for his pitch.<\/p>\n Davies said he was inspired to enter the competition after learning about the event through the FSU Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship.<\/p>\n \u201cHugo\u2019s recognition with the People\u2019s Choice Award highlights his exceptional talent. We are incredibly proud of how he represented Florida State University and the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship on such a competitive stage,\u201d said Dean Susan Fiorito of the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship.<\/p>\n Alright, Kevin O\u2019Leary, maybe it\u2019s time to put down the sports-card chains and help fund this talented FSU student.<\/p>\n \u2014 Big leagues calling\u2014<\/p>\n Florida State University\u2019s College of Law was recently ranked the 14th-best public law school in the nation and tied for No. 1 in Florida by U.S. News & World Report \u2014 and news like this shows exactly why.<\/p>\n This semester, FSU law students didn\u2019t just study Supreme Court cases. They were cited during oral arguments before the nation\u2019s highest court.<\/p>\n In the \u201cSupreme Court Litigation\u201d course, taught by Michael Morley, Sheila McDevitt and Maureen Vinson, students were asked to engage directly in amicus advocacy while learning Supreme Court procedure and developing high-level legal writing skills.<\/p>\n During the class, students worked alongside Professor Morley to file an amicus brief in \u201cWatson v. RNC,\u201d a case examining whether ballots received after Election Day in federal elections remain valid under federal law.<\/p>\n On March 23, Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh referenced Morley\u2019s brief during oral arguments, underscoring FSU Law\u2019s growing reputation as a national leader in legal education and scholarship.<\/p>\n \u201cProviding students with the opportunity to contribute to a case before the U.S. Supreme Court reflects the kind of hands-on, high-impact learning that defines the Florida State University College of Law,\u201d said Dean Erin O\u2019Hara O\u2019Connor.<\/p>\n \u201cThrough experiences like the Supreme Court Litigation course and the work of our Election Law Center, our students are not only studying the law \u2014 they are helping shape it while developing the practical skills needed to lead in a rapidly evolving legal landscape.\u201d<\/p>\n After months of intensive research, the moment came as a bit of a shock for faculty and students alike, but it also became a unifying experience.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are so busy working on other briefs and other things. That wasn\u2019t necessarily something we were checking for. But once Professor Vinson alerted us, we were definitely very excited to see that. Just hearing Professor Morley\u2019s name cited by a current Supreme Court Justice was almost like a jump scare,\u201d added third-year law student Spencer Moreno.<\/p>\n \u2014 But wait \u2026 there\u2019s more\u2014<\/p>\n Start spreading the news, because it\u2019s great to be a Florida State Seminole. Sorry, is that expression taken?<\/p>\n This week, Florida State University is celebrating the success of its graduate programs after U.S. News & World Report released its 2026 edition of Best Graduate Schools.<\/p>\n In this year\u2019s rankings, 16 FSU graduate programs and specialties placed in the Top 25 among all public universities, with six ranked No. 1 in Florida.<\/p>\n \u201cThese rankings show the strength of Florida State across the board. From health care to law to the arts and public policy, our programs are delivering real results for students and communities. That kind of depth comes from sustained investment in faculty, research and student success,\u201d said FSU President Richard McCullough.<\/p>\n Highlights include FSU\u2019s College of Law, which is tied for No. 1 in Florida after jumping four spots to No. 34 overall and No. 14 among public law schools; the College of Nursing\u2019s Doctor of Nursing Practice program, which ranked No. 1 in Florida; and the College of Communication and Information\u2019s speech-language pathology program, also ranked No. 1 in the state.<\/p>\n Programs in law, education, business, nursing and engineering are ranked annually by U.S. News using data on enrollment, job attainment, faculty and other quality indicators. Other programs are ranked based on quality assessments from academic experts at peer institutions.<\/p>\n \u201cThese results speak to both the quality and range of our graduate education. Students can pursue top programs in areas as different as engineering, education, nursing and the arts, and they\u2019re gaining the skills and experience to move directly into impactful careers,\u201d said Provost Jim Clark.<\/p>\n \u201cAchieving a graduate degree opens up advanced leadership and high-paying positions across Florida, the nation and the globe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 Tallahassee History Festival \u2014<\/p>\n Calling all history nerds \u2014 if you\u2019re reading this newsletter, there\u2019s a good chance this event is for you.<\/p>\n This Saturday, potentially as you\u2019re reading this, Tallahassee State College is hosting the fifth annual Tallahassee History Festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the TSC intramural fields.<\/p>\n The event is free, family-friendly and transforms local and national history into a full-blown hands-on adventure, complete with interactive exhibits, live demonstrations and immersive activities for all ages.<\/p>\n Attendees can expect everything from archaeological discoveries to cultural traditions, all guided by organizations including the Florida Historic Capitol Museum, the Tallahassee African American Genealogical Society, the Apalachicola History Society and many more.<\/p>\n As America approaches its 250th anniversary celebration, the festival offers a chance to connect the Tallahassee community and its history to the broader American experience, showcasing how voices here in the 850 have helped shape the nation\u2019s past and present.<\/p>\n \u201cAs we celebrate 250 years of America, we\u2019re giving the community a chance to see how Tallahassee\u2019s stories fit into the larger American journey. It\u2019s educational, engaging, and something the community doesn\u2019t want to miss,\u201d said Festival Director Philip Hazard.<\/p>\n The festival isn\u2019t just about exhibits. It also spotlights historians, cultural leaders and community members who work to preserve the region\u2019s heritage, while giving guests a chance to connect, learn and maybe catch the history bug themselves.<\/p>\n What are you waiting for? Finish your coffee and head over before the event becomes part of tomorrow\u2019s history.<\/p>\n \u2014 Cool runnings \u2014<\/p>\n Who said running isn\u2019t fun? That is, besides most of us here at Florida Politics.<\/p>\n This week, the county presented a $10,000 check to Leon Schools at Montford Middle School, investing the proceeds from the \u201cFun Run\u201d tied to the 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championships, which took place in Tallahassee a few months ago.<\/p>\n The event drew more than 15,000 people, including 11,000 from outside the county, and generated more than $6 million in total economic impact.<\/p>\n \u201cToday is about turning a world-class event into real, lasting impact for our students. By reinvesting a portion of the World Athletics Fun Run proceeds into our schools, we are strengthening athletic programs and creating more opportunities for young people across Leon County to thrive,\u201d said County Commission Chair Christian Caban.<\/p>\n The funds will support Leon County\u2019s cross-country and track-and-field teams, aiming to level the playing field for all student-athletes.<\/p>\n During the check presentation, county officials were joined by the District champion Montford Middle School boys\u2019 and girls\u2019 cross-country squads.<\/p>\n \u201cLeon County\u2019s Apalachee Regional Park was built on a long-term vision of transforming a former landfill into a world-class venue that puts our county on the global stage for cross country. Directing these proceeds to student-athletes is how we make sure the benefits of that investment reach every corner of our community, not just on race day but for years to come,\u201d stated Leon County Administrator Vincent Long.<\/p>\n All of this is part of a broader strategic partnership with World Athletics aimed at introducing, growing and sustaining the sport of cross country for the next generation of athletes in Leon County and across Florida.<\/p>\n \u201cFor our students, this support shows them that their community believes in them. This investment will have a direct impact on our ability to grow the sport and support young runners at every level,\u201d added Brad Busboom, coach of the Montford Middle School boys\u2019 and girls\u2019 cross-country teams.<\/p>\n Who knows? The next Noah Lyles could be right here in Leon County. Hopefully, they won\u2019t get into as many arguments with NFL stars as he did.<\/p>\n \u2014 House of pain \u2014<\/p>\n A new real estate analysis pegs Florida among the worst housing markets in the U.S., and several Sunshine State cities are struggling too.<\/p>\n The Construction Coverage real estate publication released its 2026 edition of the hottest real estate markets<\/a> in the country, and its findings were decidedly chilly for Florida.<\/p>\n The analysis ranks markets using indicators such as the number of days homes spend on the market, price growth and bidding activity to compile a composite score. Florida earned a score of 7.8, the second-worst in the country behind only Texas, which posted a 7.3.<\/p>\n That compares with Connecticut at the top of the list with a score of 93.9, followed by New Jersey and Rhode Island.<\/p>\n The South fared poorly overall, with the region accounting for eight of the bottom 15 states. Virginia was the only Southern state to crack the top 15, coming in at No. 12.<\/p>\n Construction Coverage analysts concluded that several forces are working against the housing market in Southern states.<\/p>\n \u201cThe rapid home price increases in these regions, combined with rising mortgage rates and return-to-office mandates, have made these once-popular migration destinations less attractive to buyers,\u201d the report said.<\/p>\n Home sales are down 8.3% nationwide compared to a year ago, and price growth has slowed to just 1.1% in some markets.<\/p>\n Individual Florida cities also posted grim results. Jacksonville, with a score of 16, ranked as the worst housing market among large U.S. cities. Tampa came in third worst at 17.4, while Miami landed seventh from the bottom.<\/p>\n \u2014 Ladies and gentlemen \u2026 We got him \u2014<\/p>\n Yeah, this one might be a little hard to explain to the judge.<\/p>\n \u201cYour honor, it\u2019s not what it looks like, I swear!\u201d<\/p>\n This week, the Tallahassee Police Department announced the arrest of Chandale Mills, 42, following a months-long narcotics investigation that led to the seizure of hundreds of pounds of illegal drugs, multiple firearms and nearly $30,000 in cash.<\/p>\n At the start of February, TPD launched a special investigation into suspected narcotics activity at a residence on Folsom Road.<\/p>\n Investigators said Mills made frequent out-of-state trips to resupply narcotics and operated out of multiple locations.<\/p>\n After what officers believed was a recent trip back to Tallahassee with a fresh supply, detectives executed a warrant the same day, and Mills was taken into custody without incident.<\/p>\n \u201cThe amount of narcotics removed from our streets in this case is significant and represents a direct impact on the safety of our community. Every time we disrupt an operation like this, we\u2019re doing more than making an arrest; we are preventing violence, reducing addiction, and protecting families,\u201d said TPD Chief Lawrence Revell.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is how we make our community safer, and it\u2019s work we will continue every single day.\u201d<\/p>\n In total, TPD seized approximately 14 kilograms of cocaine, 177 pounds of marijuana, 11 pounds of suspected MDMA, 66 grams of fentanyl, 150 grams of synthetic cathinones, 8 ounces of methamphetamine, six firearms, more than $30,000 in cash, and packaging materials consistent with drug distribution.<\/p>\n TPD asks anyone who believes someone may be involved in suspicious activity to contact the department at 850-891-4200 or anonymously through Crime Solvers at 850-574-TIPS.<\/p>\n \u2014 Beast, Me & a lot of good TV \u2014<\/p>\n Off to the movies we go after a small break.<\/p>\n As expected, \u201cThe Super Mario Galaxy Movie\u201d had a huge debut at the box office, opening with $132 million in the U.S. and $231 million worldwide\u2014even though it started on a Wednesday, so one day didn\u2019t count toward its official opening. Take that, critics and your 43% on Rotten Tomatoes.<\/p>\n \u201cProject Hail Mary\u201d continues to be a massive hit for Amazon MGM, seeing an additional $32 million added to the total, and the new A24 dark comedy-romance film \u201cThe Drama\u201d overperformed industry trades, seeing a respectable $14 million domestically for the Zendaya\/Robert Pattinson-led movie.<\/p>\n It\u2019s somewhat of a weak release docket this week due to a certain Italian plumber, with only two films rolling the dice.<\/p>\n \u201cBeast\u201d is a new underdog sports film about a retired MMA legend who commits to one last fight to save his brother\u2019s life. The film is directed by Tyler Atkins, but interestingly enough, stars and is co-written by Academy Award winner Russell Crowe (\u201cGladiator,\u201d \u201cL.A. Confidential\u201d).<\/p>\n As of now, the film doesn\u2019t have enough data on Rotten Tomatoes, IMDb, or Letterboxd for a score. Take that as you will \u2014 it\u2019s usually not a good sign. Feel free to look it up; we\u2019re curious too.<\/p>\n The other big release is a film that looks like it is right out of a GTA fake movie trailer, or just a massive money-laundering scheme: \u201cYou, Me & Tuscany.\u201d<\/p>\n The new rom-com is produced by the team behind the cult classic \u201cGirls Trip\u201d and stars Emmy nominee Reg\u00e9-Jean Page (\u201cBridgerton,\u201d \u201cBlack Bag\u201d) and the new, now not so new, Little Mermaid, Halle Bailey.<\/p>\n The film, directed by Kat Coiro, follows a woman who crashes at an empty Italian villa, posing as the owner\u2019s fianc\u00e9e, and finds herself on a screwball adventure that turns into an unexpected romance.<\/p>\n The film has a 70% on Rotten Tomatoes, a 6.3 on IMDb, and a 3.1 on Letterboxd.<\/p>\n While it may be somewhat of an uneventful movie weekend, TV has a lot to offer.<\/p>\n The Emmy-winning superhero satire Amazon show \u201cThe Boys\u201d wraps up its fifth and final season, with two new episodes having dropped on Wednesday.<\/p>\n Speaking of wrapping things up, the Emmy Award-winning Outstanding Comedy Series HBO masterpiece \u201cHacks\u201d is waving its fans goodbye with its fifth season, where co-stars Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder are vying for their fifth and second Emmy wins for their iconic roles, respectively.<\/p>\n King of TV and Emmy winner Jon Hamm (\u201cMad Men,\u201d \u201cThe Town\u201d) is back with his Emmy-nominated Apple TV series \u201cYour Friends and Neighbors\u201d Season 2, which added the talents of Emmy nominee James Marsden (\u201cJury Duty,\u201d \u201cEnchanted\u201d).<\/p>\n Back in the day, when it won the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series, it made headlines because it was the first \u201cstreamer\u201d show to do so.<\/p>\n And now Hulu\u2019s \u201cThe Handmaid\u2019s Tale\u201d has a new spinoff series, \u201cThe Testaments.\u201d<\/p>\n The sequel stars BAFTA nominee Chase Infiniti from the recent Best Picture winner \u201cOne Battle After Another\u201d and has an 86% on Rotten Tomatoes.<\/p>\n And in this spinoff world we live in, of course, the early 2000s comedies aren\u2019t safe either.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>James Uthmeier is bringing some heat to Florida\u2019s coldest cases. Image via Florida Attorney General\u2019s Office.<\/p>\n<\/a>Blaise Ingoglia caught another alleged fraudster.<\/p>\n<\/a>It was also a big week for the state\u2019s burgeoning novelty check industry.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>The CFO served up a double feature on the law and order front this week.<\/p>\n<\/a>Hopefully, the novelty check dealer who landed the DFS contract got a 24\u201d by 48\u201d bonus.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Step aside, Smokey, Wilton Simpson will take it from here.<\/p>\n<\/a>We\u2019ll take 3.89 tickets, please!<\/p>\n<\/a>Nevaeh Green earns Boeing scholarship, helping design virtual aircraft training systems.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Let\u2019s say Hugo Davies\u2019s presentation demonstrates why it\u2019s great to be a Nole!<\/p>\n<\/a>As part of the FSU College of Law\u2019s 2026 Supreme Court Litigation course, students worked alongside Professors Michael Morley and Maureen Wagner Vinson to file an amicus brief in Watson v. RNC, a case that asks the U.S. Supreme Court to clarify the meaning and scope of federal Election Day statutes. (Photo by FSU College of Law).<\/p>\n<\/a>It\u2019s pretty great up here at the top, isn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>It\u2019s Saturday morning; you still have time to get to TSC!.<\/p>\n<\/a>Christian Caban didn\u2019t show up empty-handed.<\/p>\n<\/a>If you can imagine that line being upside down, then you get the gist.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Is that a stack of yard trash bags or $1.8 million worth of drugs?<\/p>\n