![\"\"](\"https:\/\/floridapolitics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/christiani-pitts_Instagram.png\")
<\/a>The Drama League\u2019s Distinguished Performance Award has led to the Tony in recent history. Image via Instagram\/@twostrangersmusical.<\/p>\nThe show is currently predicted to have a big day on Tony nominations morning, with punditry website \u201cGold Derby\u201d favoring \u201cTwo Strangers\u201d for nominations in Best Musical, Best Actress in a Musical, Best Actor in a Musical, Best Director of a Musical, Best Original Score, and Best Musical Book (the equivalent of Best Original Screenplay at the Oscars).<\/p>\n
In March, the original Broadway cast recording \u2014 featuring Pitts and Tutty \u2014 was released on major streaming platforms. It\u2019s available to listen to now.<\/p>\n
Back in Tallahassee, her alma mater is taking notice.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe School of Theatre could not be prouder of alumna Christiani Pitts. Even as a student, she was a force in our Music Theatre program \u2014 leading with a generosity of spirit, a fierce work ethic, and a deep respect for the craft. It comes as no surprise to any of us that she now brings that same love, kindness, and passion to Broadway,\u201d said Brad Brock, director of The School of Theatre at FSU.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur audiences in Tallahassee were fortunate to witness her remarkable talent long before New York claimed her \u2014 whether she was stepping into Sally Bowles in \u2018Cabaret,\u2019 giving voice to Sarah in \u2018Ragtime,\u2019 or bringing her spark to Marta in \u2018Company.\u2019 Those performances weren\u2019t just roles; they were early signs of the artist and leader she was becoming.\u201d<\/p>\n
This week, Pitts received a nomination for the Drama League\u2019s Distinguished Performance Award, a prestigious precursor to the Tony Awards that has been around since 1935. Last year, Nicole Scherzinger took home the trophy for \u201cSunset Boulevard\u201d \u2014 she would later go on to win the Tony.<\/p>\n
The Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards also opened this week, where \u201cTwo Strangers\u201d is up for seven nominations, including Favorite Leading Actress in a Musical for Pitts. You can vote here<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are thrilled to see her receiving the recognition she has earned, and even more excited to watch the impact she continues to make on our industry,\u201d Brock continued.<\/p>\n Tony nominations will be announced on May 5.<\/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 Clear your calendars<\/a> \u2014 The House and Senate have reached a deal on budget allocations and will convene on May 12 for a Special Session, which is scheduled to end May 29. Conference Committees will meet through May 15, at which point members will be authorized to return to their districts before returning the week after Memorial Day to vote on the budget. Legislative leaders note that about half the total budget is included in the allocations, putting the budget in the ballpark of about $104 billion. And there will be restrictions on the remaining funds not included in allocations, including that they will be split evenly, and may be spent on projects, PECO, and operational support for higher education. Other uses could be considered but would require written agreement by both the House Speaker and Senate President to receive funding. Senate Conference Committees will remain the same as during the Regular Session. House Speaker Daniel Perez has not yet announced Conference Committees.<\/p>\n Where\u2019s the map?<\/a> \u2014 The Senate still hasn\u2019t seen a congressional redistricting map from Gov. Ron DeSantis. Lawmakers say it will take time to translate lines into legislation. \u201cAs you are aware, actual redistricting legislation does not contain a physical map, but is a compilation of census geography,\u201d Senate President Ben Albritton said in a memo. \u201cStaff will work as expeditiously as possible, but for your planning purposes, logistically it will take time to generate the actual bill and post related materials to the Senate website after the Governor\u2019s map is received.\u201d Albritton has made clear that the Senate will not originate a map, and he has no plans to name a Senate Reapportionment Committee. Rather, he said any handling of the redistricting process will go through the Senate Ethics Committee, which is chaired by Sen. Don Gaetz, a Crestview Republican and former Senate President.<\/p>\n And the ballot language, too \u2026<\/a> \u2014 There are still question marks lingering over the other Special Session in the pipeline. DeSantis promises that \u201cwhen the dust settles,\u201d there will be a Special Session dedicated to a constitutional amendment to get rid of homestead property taxes. But he acknowledges he must \u201cwork with the Legislature\u201d to get the language right. Legislators are in Tallahassee next week for the Special Session on redistricting, AI restrictions and \u201cmedical freedom,\u201d with the budget Special Session not far behind. With that in mind, time is becoming a precious commodity, particularly for those running for office this cycle.<\/p>\n D-E-Bye<\/a> \u2014 DeSantis has approved legislation to eliminate local diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs. DeSantis has taken steps against DEI throughout much of his tenure, including targeting it at the university level last year. He enthusiastically backed efforts to do the same on the local level, and unlike so many things in this fractious legislative environment, he got his wish this year. Republican Sen. Clay Yarborough\u2019s bill (SB 1134) will ban local governments from passing DEI initiatives and make ones already in law illegal, effective Jan. 1. The law also creates a cause of action for citizens to file civil suits against local governments if they feel discriminated against by DEI laws.<\/p>\n Fighting words<\/a> \u2014 During a media conference Thursday, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said the House Majority PAC was putting $20 million into Florida races, in his latest assertion that the so-called \u201cdummymander\u201d that is expected to be proposed in next week\u2019s Special Session could end up putting some current GOP seats up for grabs. The \u201c$20 million investment in Florida,\u201d said Jeffries, is \u201cmaking it clear that we\u2019re on offense.\u201d DeSantis seemed unconcerned when presented with the Democratic threat on Wednesday. \u201cPlease, be my guest. I will pay for you to come down to Florida and campaign. I\u2019ll put you up in the Florida Governor\u2019s mansion. We\u2019ll take you fishing, we\u2019ll do all this stuff,\u201d the Governor quipped.<\/p>\n \u2014 Under investigation \u2014<\/p>\n Attorney General James Uthmeier says his office is launching a criminal investigation into OpenAI and its online platform, ChatGPT.<\/p>\n While the probe covers multiple areas, Uthmeier spotlighted potential criminal activity tied to the 2025 mass shooting at Florida State University, which left two people dead and six injured.<\/p>\n The investigation comes about two weeks after Uthmeier announced subpoenas<\/a> targeting OpenAI.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve seen increases in self-harm and suicides by kids using this platform. We have seen individuals use this platform to engage in criminal activity such as child pornography,\u201d Uthmeier said at a news conference in Tampa. \u201cAI is supposed to support mankind, it is supposed to help mankind, it is supposed to advance mankind, not end it.\u201d<\/p>\n Uthmeier said responses generated by OpenAI have been referenced in several criminal cases his office has pursued over the past year involving child predators and sexual abuse. But during his Tuesday remarks, he singled out the deadly shooting on the FSU campus.<\/p>\n Phoenix Ikner, the suspect in the shooting, allegedly engaged with ChatGPT, which Uthmeier said provided guidance on how to carry out the attack.<\/p>\n \u201cThe chatbot advised the shooter on what type of gun to use, on which ammo went with which gun, and whether or not a gun would be useful in short range,\u201d Uthmeier said.<\/p>\n \u2014 4 years later \u2014<\/p>\n Book \u2019em like a hurricane.<\/p>\n This week, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia announced the arrest of Francisco Javier Chaparro-Araus, a public insurance adjuster accused of pocketing more than $703,000 in Hurricane Ian claim funds.<\/p>\n The arrest was made by the Department of Financial Services\u2019 Criminal Investigations Division after investigators flagged Chaparro-Araus for allegedly misappropriating funds from 13 homeowners. Authorities say the scheme involved forging victims\u2019 names, concealing insurance settlement checks, and refusing to pay clients after being contacted.<\/p>\n \u201cFloridians face the devastating consequences of hurricanes each year, but what they absolutely should not have to deal with is criminals attempting to steal from them when they have already lost so much. This criminal thought he could profit from their vulnerability, but the only thing he\u2019s collecting now is a jail sentence. I applaud the work of my investigators for putting Chaparro-Araus behind bars,\u201d Ingoglia said.<\/p>\n After Hurricane Ian made landfall in 2022, Chaparro-Araus allegedly exploited homeowners by submitting insurance claims on their behalf, then depositing the funds into his business account.<\/p>\n Investigators say he later drained the money through online transfers, including Zelle, as well as wire transfers, debit card purchases, and cash withdrawals at casinos.<\/p>\n Chaparro-Araus was arrested on March 30 and faces charges including organized fraud, financial exploitation of an elderly person, diversion and misappropriation of a premium, and failure to report and account for funds.<\/p>\n Ingoglia released a video about the case, which is available for your viewing experience here. The case will be prosecuted by the Broward State Attorney\u2019s Office.<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Uptick \u2014<\/p>\n Florida\u2019s unemployment rate ticked up for the second consecutive month in February.<\/p>\n FloridaCommerce reported the jobless rate at 4.6%, up from 4.5% in January.<\/p>\n It\u2019s also the second straight month that Florida\u2019s unemployment figure has been higher than the national rate. The U.S. figure for February was 4.4%, 0.2 percentage points below that of the Sunshine State.<\/p>\n Before the last two months, Florida\u2019s unemployment rate had been lower than the national rate for around five years \u2014 a source of pride for both DeSantis and FloridaCommerce officials. Now, that trend appears to be reversing.<\/p>\n The February figure accounts for about 516,000 people who were unemployed out of a total labor force of 11.14 million. Florida also lost 36,700 jobs in February 2025, which is a 0.4% decrease.<\/p>\n In February, there were 9.97 million people employed in nonagricultural jobs \u2014 one of the few bright spots in the report, with that metric increasing by about 1,800 jobs from January.<\/p>\n FloridaCommerce, the state\u2019s economic development bureau, is still catching up on releasing data following last year\u2019s federal government shutdown, which disrupted collection. The February report was issued after January\u2019s figures were published earlier this month.<\/p>\n The February unemployment report showed a more significant drop in the year-over-year comparison. In February 2025, Florida\u2019s jobless rate was a full percentage point lower, at 3.6%. FloridaCommerce officials say nine out of 10 major industries in the state saw negative job growth when compared to last year.<\/p>\n \u2014 Instagram of the week \u2014<\/p>\n \u2014 The next chapter begins \u2014<\/p>\n Want to keep track of all the upcoming Spring commencements? Look no further.<\/p>\n This week, the State University System of Florida is preparing to celebrate graduates across the state as commencement ceremonies begin this weekend.<\/p>\n Each year, the System awards more than 100,000 undergraduate and graduate degrees across its 12 institutions. About 80% of in-state students attend a System school without taking out federal student loans.<\/p>\n \u201cThe celebration of commencement is a milestone each of our System\u2019s graduates has worked hard to earn, and we applaud the students, parents, family members, and friends who have stood by their side through this life-changing journey,\u201d said Board of Governors Chair Alan Levine.<\/p>\n \u201cThe degrees our students have earned are evidence of the rigor and quality of learning our universities provide, and we are so proud of these graduates. We hope their journey of learning continues as they embark on the next chapter of their story.\u201d<\/p>\n The 2026 Spring Commencements are as follows:<\/p>\n \u2014 Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University: May 1-2, 2026<\/p>\n \u2014 Florida Atlantic University: May 7-9, 2026<\/p>\n \u2014 Florida Gulf Coast University: May 2-3, 2026<\/p>\n \u2014 Florida International University: April 26-30, 2026<\/p>\n \u2014 Florida Polytechnic University: May 9, 2026<\/p>\n \u2014 Florida State University: May 1-2, 2026<\/p>\n \u2014 New College of Florida: May 22, 2026<\/p>\n \u2014 University of Central Florida: May 8-9, 2026<\/p>\n \u2014 University of Florida: April 29-May 4, 2026<\/p>\n \u2014 University of North Florida: May 1, 2026<\/p>\n \u2014 University of South Florida: May 7-May 10, 2026<\/p>\n \u2014 University of West Florida: May 2, 2026<\/p>\n \u201cI congratulate Florida\u2019s graduates as they reach this important milestone. Graduates of the nation\u2019s top-ranked higher education system are prepared to become the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, problem solvers, and innovators who will help shape Florida\u2019s future and drive its economy forward,\u201d said System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues.<\/p>\n \u201cThrough high-quality, rigorous academic programs, the State University System ensures students are well prepared for meaningful careers and lifelong success.\u201d<\/p>\n Nearly 75% of Florida\u2019s public university graduates either earn a median salary of $51,000 within a year of graduating or continue their education.<\/p>\n \u2014 Be aware! \u2013<\/p>\n Be aware on the road \u2014 for your safety and theirs.<\/p>\n This week, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is observing National Work Zone Awareness Week, an initiative focused on protecting both road workers and motorists in active construction zones.<\/p>\n FDOT is continuing efforts to improve work zone safety through engineering countermeasures and public education, while reminding drivers of their role behind the wheel.<\/p>\n \u201cOur roadside crews work around the clock to deliver projects and maintain Florida\u2019s transportation infrastructure. Let\u2019s keep them safe in work zones. Please remember to slow down, move over, and stay alert and free of distractions,\u201d said FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue.<\/p>\n Nationally, four out of five people killed in work zones are drivers or passengers, meaning it\u2019s not just the people on the road whose lives you should be worried about. Drivers can improve safety by staying alert, obeying speed limits, avoiding distractions, watching for shifting traffic patterns, and maintaining a safe following distance.<\/p>\n This year\u2019s campaign for National Work Zone Awareness Week is \u201cSafe actions save lives.\u201d FDOT is also expanding the use of Smart Work Zones \u2014 first introduced in 2024 \u2014 to monitor traffic conditions and communicate safety information to drivers and workers.<\/p>\n For more information, visit FDOT.gov\/WorkZone<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u2014 Debate for dough \u2014<\/p>\n Get your debate on \u2014 just like your borderline questionable uncle at Thanksgiving.<\/p>\n On Tuesday, Sarasota welcomed top student debaters from across the state for the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative State Championship, held at New College of Florida and State College of Florida.<\/p>\n A record 748 middle and high school students participated, nearly doubling last year\u2019s total of 434.<\/p>\n \u201cFlorida continues to lead the nation in civics education because we are equipping students with the knowledge and skills to engage in meaningful debate and defend the principles that define our country,\u201d Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas said.<\/p>\n \u201cThe students competing in this year\u2019s championship have demonstrated excellence in civic knowledge, critical thinking and communication. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Debate reflects the importance of respectful discourse and the ability to engage thoughtfully on complex issues \u2014 skills that are essential for the next generation of leaders.\u201d<\/p>\n High school competitor Gavyn Purvis won the Ronald Reagan Presidential Debate, earning a $50,000 scholarship and a trophy in honor of Charlie Kirk. Runner-up Harrison Shirey received a $25,000 scholarship.<\/p>\n Semifinalists Nikhil Daniel and Sahiti Reddy each earned $15,000 scholarships, while quarterfinalists Samantha Westerdale, Luke DiPersio, David Arutyunyan, and Daniel Llobet each received $10,000.<\/p>\n \u201cFlorida\u2019s Civics and Debate Initiative is not just preparing students to win championships \u2014 it\u2019s preparing them to lead. Through debate, these students are learning how to think clearly, speak confidently, and engage respectfully in the ideas that shape our future,\u201d said House Education & Employment Committee Chair Jennifer Canady.<\/p>\n At the middle school level, Aadya Marru won the championship, with Cooper Campen finishing as runner-up.<\/p>\n The scholarships were made possible by philanthropist Patricia Duggan of Clearwater.<\/p>\n \u201cDebate teaches students how to think critically, communicate their ideas clearly and how to respectfully engage with others who have differing perspectives,\u201d Duggan said. \u201cI am honored to have been able to support students as they gain these valuable skills while participating in this year\u2019s championship.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 A big thank you \u2013<\/p>\n Give a big round of applause.<\/p>\n This week, Marsy\u2019s Law for Florida announced the recipients of its 2026 Champion of Victims\u2019 Rights Award: Sen. Erin Grall and Rep. Kaylee Tuck. The award honors those who have strengthened and elevated the rights of crime victims in Florida.<\/p>\n Marsy\u2019s Law is named after Marsalee \u201cMarsy\u201d Nicholas, a California woman who was stalked and killed by her ex-boyfriend in 1983. Her family later encountered the accused murderer after his release on bail.<\/p>\n Grall and Tuck were recognized for sponsoring SB 350 and HB 1113, which restored voter-approved privacy protections from 2018 that were overturned following a Florida Supreme Court ruling nearly three years ago.<\/p>\n \u201cWith the technology available in today\u2019s day and age, it defies common logic that access to a victim\u2019s name cannot be used to locate or harass that victim. A simple Google search for someone\u2019s name yields all kinds of personal information. Victims relied on this protection for their own safety,\u201d said Marsy\u2019s Law for Florida spokesperson Jennifer Fennell.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is with deep appreciation that we recognize Senator Grall and Representative Tuck for the work they did to return the right to privacy back to Florida crime victims who can once again feel safe as they progress through their criminal justice journey.\u201d<\/p>\n Marsy\u2019s Law also announced it will present commemorative challenge coins to Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, Rep. Patt Maney, and Rep. Chuck Brannan for their advocacy on behalf of crime victims.<\/p>\n The awards and coins were presented in conjunction with National Crime Victims\u2019 Rights Week, observed April 19-25.<\/p>\n The observance is held nationwide each April.<\/p>\n \u2014 2028 under the sea \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cUnder the sea\u201d isn\u2019t just a classic Disney line \u2014 it\u2019s an experience visitors can have without getting wet here in Florida. And it\u2019s getting a facelift.<\/p>\n This week in Key Largo, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park \u2014 billed as America\u2019s first undersea park \u2014 broke ground on a new \u201cDiscovery Center & Aquarium\u201d set to open in 2028. The ceremony included members of the Florida State Parks Foundation, Florida State Parks, and the Friends of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.<\/p>\n \u201cJohn Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a true one-of-one within Florida\u2019s state parks system, and the new Discovery Center & Aquarium will be as special and unique as the park itself. The Foundation is proud to play a part in bringing this new facility to fruition, and we are so grateful to all our partners whose generous support has helped make it possible,\u201d said Matt Caldwell, Board President of the Florida State Parks Foundation.<\/p>\n When completed, the Discovery Center & Aquarium is set to transform the visitor experience with modern and expansive aquarium tanks filled with native Florida marine species with the cr\u00e8me de la cr\u00e8me being the 23,000-gallon coral reef centerpiece.<\/p>\n \u201cOur parks manage and preserve the state\u2019s natural resources, and that includes Florida\u2019s Coral Reef,\u201d said Florida State Parks Director Chuck Hatcher. \u201cWe\u2019re excited for visitors to enjoy this new Discovery Center & Aquarium, and we think it will be a perfect starting point to explore the park\u2019s beaches, trails and undersea experiences.\u201d<\/p>\n The park currently draws more than 400,000 visitors each year, offering access to Florida\u2019s coral reefs along with 42 campsites, three hiking trails and designated saltwater fishing areas.<\/p>\n \u201cLike so many of our residents, this park holds a place in my heart, and I am so proud to support the park and its future,\u201d added Monroe County Commissioner Holly Merrill Raschein.<\/p>\n \u2014 Robotics for the future \u2013<\/p>\n These aren\u2019t your grandma\u2019s robots. Wait \u2014 pause.<\/p>\n Last week in Tallahassee, Florida A&M University and the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering hosted high school students from four countries, five states and dozens of Florida-based teams at the Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center to showcase 15 weeks of intensive robotics design and engineering.<\/p>\n A total of 46 teams, comprising students and professional engineers, competed in the FIRST Robotics Competition Tallahassee Regional. This year\u2019s theme, REBUILT presented by Haas, challenged participants to reimagine the past through modern engineering as part of the 2025-2026 FIRST AGE program.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen teams traveled from Australia, Pakistan, and Suriname to compete here at the Al Lawson Center on the campus of Florida A&M University, that wasn\u2019t an accident. It was the result of intentional community-building,\u201d said Tisha Keller, assistant dean for media, marketing and communications at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering.<\/p>\n \u201cAs FIRST Regional Director Wendy Austin has noted, our students of color and community groups had the opportunity to compete at a place where they felt at home. Whether it was \u2018Pymble Pride\u2019 from Sydney or \u2018STEAMSUR\u2019 from Suriname, these teams didn\u2019t just travel thousands of miles to compete; they found a community here.\u201d<\/p>\n A trip to the international FIRST Championship in Houston, Texas, from April 29 to May 2 was on the line for competitors. But beyond the prizes, the event emphasized building professional skills that don\u2019t come from the classroom alone.<\/p>\n \u201cThis event was more than a competition; it was a glimpse into the future of our workforce. When students walked onto a college campus, built something with their own hands, and solved real problems as a team, they began to see themselves not just as students, but as engineers. That\u2019s where the pipeline truly begins,\u201d said Alan Hanstein, executive director of the Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee.<\/p>\n \u2014 Red Hat Day \u2013<\/p>\n It\u2019s time to celebrate one of the most important men who sports a stylish fedora, and sadly, we aren\u2019t talking about director Matt Johnson.<\/p>\n Last week, Florida State University\u2019s Herbert Wertheim College of Business celebrated its inaugural \u201cRed Hat Day,\u201d with students, faculty, staff, alumni and university officials donning red hats in honor of the college\u2019s biggest benefactor, Herbert Wertheim, whose record philanthropic investment helped usher in the current era of FSU business.<\/p>\n His signature red fedora \u2014 and ever-present smile \u2014 have since emerged as symbols of hope, distinction and optimism for the college.<\/p>\n \u201cWear your red hat with joy,\u201d Wertheim said during the afternoon ceremony at the recently completed Herbert Wertheim Center for Business Excellence.<\/p>\n Student leaders handed out red hats emblazoned with the college\u2019s new branding, along with other Wertheim College-themed swag for attendees.<\/p>\n \u201cHe has lived the American dream, and he\u2019s an amazing philanthropist, giving back to public universities and so many causes that change people\u2019s lives,\u201d said FSU President Richard McCullough.<\/p>\n \u201cWe hope that it will be a reminder to all of our students of how you shape Florida State University and our lives.\u201d<\/p>\n Wertheim\u2019s recent $65 million commitment marked the largest endowment in FSU history and the second-largest gift the university has received. The funding supports the college and its new facility, scholarships, expanded professional development opportunities, and faculty enrichment.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll forever keep, and maybe even sometimes wear, these red hats, which symbolize global excellence at the Herbert Wertheim College of Business,\u201d said Jaclyn Madson, the event\u2019s emcee and a Wertheim College honors student set to graduate this Spring.<\/p>\n \u2014 Top 10 \u2014<\/p>\n Wearing the Garnet \u2014 and bringing home some Gold.<\/p>\n This week, the Student Investment Fund at Florida State University\u2019s Herbert Wertheim College of Business ranked among the top 10 student-managed investment funds at public universities nationwide, according to new rankings from the Center for Investment Research.<\/p>\n The Wertheim College fund ranked No. 10 among public schools for 2025 and No. 23 overall among North American institutions. It was also the only Florida program to place in the top 25.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Master of Science in Finance program as a whole really values experiential learning, and managing the student investment fund is one of our most impactful opportunities,\u201d said Andrew Schrowang, MSF program coordinator and Associate Lecturer.<\/p>\n \u201cThe experience also helps our students stand out in interviews, as they can speak to real investment decisions they\u2019ve made with actual capital at stake, focusing on what worked, what didn\u2019t and what they learned.\u201d<\/p>\n The rankings surveyed more than 500 schools with student-managed funds and evaluated them based on verified assets under management as of Dec. 31, 2025. Among the top 25, funds ranged from more than $85.5 million at the University of Dayton to $9.27 million at the University of Tulsa.<\/p>\n \u201cThe SIF offers our students an incredible opportunity to gain hands-on experience as portfolio managers and analysts under the guidance of faculty experts,\u201d said Don Autore, Dean L. Cash Professor of Finance and Chair of the Department of Finance.<\/p>\n Finance is the most popular major among undergraduate business students at the Wertheim College and the top major among all undergraduates at Florida State.<\/p>\n The Wertheim College also ranks No. 1 among public schools and No. 5 overall in Niche.com\u2019s 2026 Best Colleges for Accounting and Finance in America rankings.<\/p>\n \u2014 Mapping Wakulla \u2014<\/p>\n Water, as it turns out, is pretty important. And some funding just arrived to help Tallahassee-area residents keep it flowing.<\/p>\n This week, Florida State University professor Ming Ye, of the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science, was awarded more than $2.5 million from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to study groundwater sources in the Wakulla Springs basin and map its underwater cave system \u2014 portions of which remain unexplored.<\/p>\n \u201cAll of Florida\u2019s springs are facing critical issues: water level is dropping, amount of flow is decreasing, and water quality is becoming worse,\u201d Ye said.<\/p>\n \u201cThe funding of this project gives us a chance to finally go subsurface to understand both the quantity and quality of the water.\u201d<\/p>\n Wakulla Springs, about a 35-minute drive from Tallahassee, helps supply drinking water to a significant portion of North Florida. Ye\u2019s research aims to better understand how water is affected by the geological makeup of the caves it travels through and by environmental factors such as rising sea levels and pollution.<\/p>\n Florida is home to more than 1,000 springs \u2014 the largest concentration in the world \u2014 meaning the findings could have implications far beyond Wakulla County.<\/p>\n \u201cMing is an expert in hydrogeology and using computational approaches to model groundwater transport, which helps him study fluid transport beneath the ground here in Florida,\u201d said Michael Stukel, Chair of the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s a collaborative and interdisciplinary scientist and teacher whose work builds bridges across different curricular groups within EOAS.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 Listen up \u2014<\/p>\n Graduation is right around the corner \u2014 and that means it\u2019s time to hear from the speakers.<\/p>\n This week, FSU announced it will award an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters to alumna and entrepreneur Sara Blakely during spring commencement ceremonies May 1-2, recognizing her impact as the founder of Spanx and Sneex.<\/p>\n Blakely, who earned her bachelor\u2019s degree in communications from FSU in 1993, will serve as commencement speaker for the College of Arts and Sciences ceremony at 7 p.m. May 1, as well as the May 2 ceremonies for the Dedman College of Hospitality, Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, College of Applied Studies, College of Medicine, College of Motion Picture Arts, College of Fine Arts, College of Communication and Information, and College of Social Work.<\/p>\n Lt. Gen. Sean Farrell, deputy commanding general of U.S. Special Operations Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, and House Speaker Daniel Perez will also serve as commencement speakers.<\/p>\n This spring, FSU will award 8,923 degrees, including 6,732 bachelor\u2019s degrees, 1,523 master\u2019s and specialist degrees, 261 doctoral degrees, 140 law degrees, and nine master of laws degrees. Approximately 7,190 graduates are expected to participate.<\/p>\n Blakely will be inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in May and has been named one of TIME\u2019s 100 Most Influential People.<\/p>\n In 2021, she sold a majority stake in Spanx while remaining Executive Chair and part owner, and in 2024, launched Sneex, a footwear brand combining the comfort of a sneaker with the style of a heel.<\/p>\n \u2014 Golf for a cause \u2014<\/p>\n Unless you\u2019re Jupiter\u2019s finest, Tiger Woods, you should probably get your golf spirit on.<\/p>\n On Monday, the fourth annual Tallahassee Interclub Golf Championship will be held at Seminole Legacy Club, hosted by First Tee \u2013 Tallahassee. The friendly competition will bring together golfers from across the Big Bend to support the organization\u2019s mission of helping young people build character, confidence and life skills \u2014 all through the little-known game of tennis. Kidding, of course. Golf.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Tallahassee golf community has really embraced this event. It\u2019s a great way for clubs across the Big Bend to compete, have fun and support a program that is helping young people build confidence and character through the game. And since we\u2019re playing at Seminole Legacy this year, I\u2019m especially looking forward to welcoming everyone to my home course,\u201d said Brett Ewing, who leads the effort and serves on the Executive Committee of the First Tee \u2013 Tallahassee Board of Directors.<\/p>\n Since its inception in 2023, First Tee \u2013 Tallahassee has expanded to more than 21 schools across the region, reaching 12,000 students since 2024.<\/p>\n Participating clubs include Capital City Country Club, City of Tallahassee, Golden Eagle Country Club, Killearn Country Club, Seminole Legacy Golf Club, Southwood Golf Club and Wakulla Sands Golf Club.<\/p>\n The tournament will be played in a net best-ball format, with each club fielding seven two-person teams. The best four net scores will count toward each club\u2019s total, with the lowest overall score taking the title.<\/p>\n \u2014 Moore respect \u2014<\/p>\n Big truss.<\/p>\n This week, Tallahassee State College trustee Karen Moore was named the 2026 Trustee of the Year by the American Association of Community Colleges and received the honor at the AACC Awards of Excellence Gala on April 13 in Seattle.<\/p>\n \u201cI am deeply honored and grateful for this recognition,\u201d Moore said. \u201cServing Tallahassee State College and supporting our students has been one of the most meaningful privileges of my life. I believe strongly in the power of education to transform lives, and I am proud to be part of a college that creates opportunity and changes futures every day.\u201d<\/p>\n Moore was first appointed to the TSC District Board of Trustees in 2007 by Charlie Crist and has since been reappointed by Rick Scott and DeSantis. She served as Chair in 2009-10 and again in 2024-25.<\/p>\n \u201cTrustee Moore is exceptionally deserving of this national recognition. Her leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment to our students have had a lasting impact on this institution. She has played a vital role in advancing our mission and expanding opportunities for those we serve,\u201d said TSC President Jim Murdaugh.<\/p>\n Moore has also served as President of the TSC Foundation Board, helping lead fundraising efforts that secured more than $23 million for scholarships and facilities improvements.<\/p>\n In recognition of her support for student veterans, the Richard W. & Karen B. Moore Veterans Success Center at TSC was named in honor of Moore and her husband.<\/p>\n \u2014 Blotter \u2014<\/p>\n Tallahassee resident Christopher Lamar Daniels has been indicted on federal drug and firearms charges, including possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.<\/p>\n According to U.S. Attorney John Heekin, Daniels also faces a charge of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. He was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Martin Fitzpatrick this week, with a jury trial set for June 15 before U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle.<\/p>\n If convicted, Daniels faces a minimum of 10 years in prison on the drug charge, plus a consecutive five-year sentence for the firearm count. If classified as an Armed Career Criminal, he could face a minimum of 15 years, up to life, on the felon-in-possession charge.<\/p>\n The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Tallahassee Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James McCain.<\/p>\n Heekin\u2019s office said the case stemmed from Operation Take Back America, the Trump administration\u2019s nationwide effort aimed at locating and deporting undocumented immigrants.<\/p>\n \u2014 Food glorious food \u2013<\/p>\n All we know is that math class would\u2019ve been a lot better with some mouthwatering food on the side.<\/p>\n On Tuesday, the Leon County government and The Village Square hosted the 11th annual Created Equal program, this year called \u201cCreated Equal: The Soul of Food,\u201d at The Moon in Tallahassee.<\/p>\n The award-winning program explores how food connects people to history, culture and community through shared traditions and experiences.<\/p>\n \u201cCreated Equal continues to provide meaningful opportunities for our community to come together and engage in thoughtful dialogue. This year\u2019s focus on food highlights how culture and history are preserved through everyday traditions and offers a powerful lens for understanding one another,\u201d said Leon County Commission Chair Christian Caban.<\/p>\n Through a panel discussion, attendees explored how culinary traditions evolve beyond individual recipes to reflect identity, belonging and resilience \u2014 while also serving as a celebration of memory, culture and community.<\/p>\n \u201cCreated Equal continues to be a cornerstone of the community gatherings that are at the heart of The Village Square model,\u201d said Christine Cox, director of The Village Square.<\/p>\n \u201cThrough respectful and open-minded conversations like these, we can bridge divides. And since food is something deeply personal yet universally shared, this year\u2019s focus was an ideal way to explore the culture, history, and stories that connect us all.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 Charged up \u2014<\/p>\n Happy belated Earth Day, Tallahassee \u2014 and yes, we promise this isn\u2019t just for the people buying their third Tesla.<\/p>\n This week, the city government marked Earth Day by opening its first zero-emission electric vehicle fast-charging station.<\/p>\n The canopied station is equipped with Level 3 DC fast chargers \u2014 the fastest commercially available EV charging technology \u2014 capable of charging four vehicles simultaneously, with a full charge in about 20 minutes.<\/p>\n \u201cWith the opening of our first PowerTLH EV fast-charging station, we can see significant progress toward a cleaner, more connected Tallahassee. As we celebrate Earth Day, we\u2019re proud to highlight how our strategic investment in innovative, sustainable services is vital to shaping a brighter future for our community,\u201d said Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey.<\/p>\n The station is located at 233-1 W. Van Buren St., near Anita Favors Plaza, offering drivers a chance to stretch their legs along the Capital Cascades Trail, visit FAMU or relax at Cascades Park while they charge.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is what tomorrow\u2019s gas station looks like, built today. The City of Tallahassee continues to lead in innovation by advancing forward-thinking solutions that drive meaningful progress and set a lasting standard for sustainable infrastructure,\u201d said City Manager Reese Goad.<\/p>\n Additional PowerTLH fast-charging stations are planned for the corner of Orange Avenue and Meridian Street and on West Tharpe Street near North Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.<\/p>\n \u2014 Michael Swears \u2014<\/p>\n The music biopic. It is a tricky needle to thread. When done right, you can go on to become a massive box-office success. There are many that fall in the middle ground by, say, making a lot of money or picking up an award or two, before exiting the collective memory. And then there are the ones that just bomb \u2014 no award buzz, bad reviews (See: \u201cBack in Black\u201d).<\/p>\n Well, we have a new contender in the building.<\/p>\n The King of Pop makes his way back to the big screen for the first time since \u201cThis Is It\u201d in \u201cMichael.\u201d The film stars the late Michael Jackson\u2019s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, as he steps into the shiny shoes along with Oscar nominee Colman Domingo (\u201cSing Sing,\u201d \u201cEuphoria\u201d) and Emmy nominee Miles Teller (\u201cTop Gun: Maverick,\u201d \u201cWhiplash\u201d). Antonie Fuqua, the filmmaker behind \u201cTraining Day,\u201d had no easy task capturing the story of a man who defined an entire generation.<\/p>\n Where does this music biopic fall on the scale of things? Well, this movie has been plagued with post-production woes to say the least. Trades reported that there was originally an entirely different ending that went down the road of Michael\u2019s later-in-life legal issues, but that the estate flexed its authority to force reshoots \u2026 and now it\u2019s also been sliced into two films? Maybe? There\u2019s supposedly even an MCU-level \u201cMichael Jackson will return\u201d post-credits scene.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>James Uthmeier announced a criminal investigation into OpenAI this week.<\/p>\n<\/a>Blaise Ingoglia said the public adjuster illegally pocketed hundreds of thousands of dollars.<\/p>\n<\/a>Florida\u2019s no longer beating the national average.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Ray Rodrigues addressing the University of West Florida for the Fall 2025 Commencement Ceremony, Photo via UWF.<\/p>\n<\/a>FDOT is reminding drivers to slow down and watch for crews during National Work Zone Awareness Week.<\/p>\n<\/a>Gavyn Purvis left Sarasota with the top prize. Image via FDOE.<\/p>\n<\/a>Erin Grall and Kaylee Tuck will have something new on their shelves next time you swing by the office. Image via Marsy\u2019s Law for Florida.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>The Discovery Center & Aquarium is on its way. ETA: 2028. Image via Florida State Parks.<\/p>\n<\/a>FAMU Hosted Global High School STEM Athletes Who Competed To Qualify For First\u00ae International Robotics Championship.<\/p>\n<\/a>Herbert Wertheim greets a student during Red Hat Day. Photo by Kallen M. Lunt.<\/p>\n<\/a>Steve Perfect and the Student Investment Fund (SIF) cohort are near the top of the pack. Image via Kallen Lunt\/FSU.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Ming Ye, a professor in the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science. Devin Bittner\/FSU College of Arts and Sciences.<\/p>\n<\/a>FSU\u2019s Commencement lineup includes Daniel Perez, Sara Blakely and Sean Farrell.<\/p>\n<\/a> Get a round in and help First Tee \u2013 Tallahassee create more winners.<\/p>\n<\/a>Karen Moore\u2019s work at TSC isn\u2019t going unnoticed.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>The charges add up to 15 years or more if convicted.<\/p>\n<\/a>Will the series make it to No. 12?<\/p>\n<\/a>If you need some juice, head to W. Van Buren Street.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n