But the Jaguars also made headlines this week for something unrelated to the follicle department: their partnership with the Florida Lottery to celebrate more than 350 outstanding student-athletes across 22 sports during the annual Gateway Conference Awards ceremony.<\/p>\n The ceremony recognizes excellence in academics, athletics and \u2014 most importantly \u2014 leadership across 17 Duval \u2014 or, ahem, DUUUUUUUVALLLLL County public high schools. Sorry, we couldn\u2019t help ourselves.<\/p>\n \u201cOnce again, the Jaguars are honored to celebrate high school students in the Gateway Conference Awards whose well-rounded accomplishments in academics, sports and beyond represent the complete package. Their commitment to leadership and excellence sets them apart today and signals a bright future for Jacksonville as these students graduate and go on to make meaningful contributions to our community,\u201d said Jaguars Senior Vice President and Chief Community Impact Officer Whitney Meyer.<\/p>\n The event brought together student-athletes, coaches, Athletic Directors, school administrators, families and community leaders to recognize individuals who exemplify dedication both on and off the field.<\/p>\n Each recipient was nominated by a coach or principal, with selections highlighting achievements, community impact, and the kind of unbreakable character respected adults always hope younger people notice before they realize it themselves.<\/p>\n \u201cThis celebration goes far beyond athletic performance \u2014 it\u2019s about recognizing the discipline, commitment, and leadership these student-athletes demonstrate every day,\u201d said Florida Lottery Acting Secretary Reginald Dixon.<\/p>\n \u201cAt the Florida Lottery, our mission is to support education and create opportunity for Florida students, and these young leaders embody exactly what that investment is meant to build. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and support their continued journey toward success in school, in sports, and in life.\u201d<\/p>\n The Gateway Conference Awards serve as a celebration of meaningful student success, bringing together athletics and academics to help raise up the next generation of leaders in Northeast Florida.<\/p>\n Bucs and Dolphins fans aside, who\u2019s ready for some Jaguars football? Sept. 13 can\u2019t get here soon enough.<\/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 Rural Renaissance<\/a> \u2014 Senate President Ben Albritton\u2019s signature agenda item is being dismantled, with programs being chopped from the state budget. Senate budget negotiators zeroed out nearly every line of the initiative in the Senate\u2019s first Transportation and Economic Development (TED) counteroffer back to the House. That included $2.48 million to fund 17 full-time positions for the Office of Rural Prosperity, $7 million for a Renaissance grants program, $30 million in rural housing rehabilitation, $75 million for Florida Hometown Heroes housing, $5 million for rural workforce funding, and $5 million for a rural community development revolving loan fund.<\/p>\n The feud continues<\/a> \u2014 Speaking in Madison, the outgoing Governor maligned the House Speaker Daniel Perez, calling him an obstructionist motivated by personal beef at the expense of putting conservative policies in place. \u201cHe is not governing in the best interests of the people of the state of Florida. He has a personal agenda. He has other things that he\u2019s concerned about,\u201d Gov. Ron DeSantis said of Perez. DeSantis, whose conflicts with Perez have been aired since last year, said that \u201cwhen you have people that got elected on our back, like the Speaker of the House, get in and do the opposite of what the voters expected us to do, I\u2019m going to call that out.\u201d<\/p>\n Campus Guardians<\/a> \u2014 DeSantis has signed HB 757, a measure clearing the way for faculty and staff to carry guns and protect Florida\u2019s public universities and state colleges under the school guardian program. Speaking in Miami, DeSantis said the legislation was an extension of improvements in school safety that he started early in his term, less than a year after the mass shooting at a high school in Parkland. DeSantis said that the attack was presaged by \u201cwarning signs\u201d that the shooter could pose a danger to others, given his checkered history at the school. Republicans backing the latest measure said the guardian program will beef up security and protect students following a shooting last year at Florida State University. Meanwhile, Democrats opposing the bill warned about the potential consequences of having more guns on campus in the hands of people who are not official members of law enforcement.<\/p>\n Preview<\/a> \u2014 Rep. Sam Garrison is no longer hinting that mental and behavioral health will be just a priority during his Speakership \u2014 it looks like it could be a ground-up rebuild. Speaking at the Florida Chamber Leadership Conference on Safety, Health + Sustainability, the Fleming Island Republican repeatedly connected shortcomings in the behavioral health system as more than a healthcare issue, but as a public safety, workforce and infrastructure problem. Garrison, who will become Speaker after the November elections, added that Florida\u2019s current system is being held together with \u201cduct tape and chicken wire.\u201d\u2026 \u201cWe\u2019ve got to put out the fire, and then we\u2019ve got to figure out how to build a better fire department,\u201d he said. \u201cIf the Florida business community doesn\u2019t buy into what we\u2019re talking about, it will fail. Period.\u201d<\/p>\n Sit-in<\/a> \u2014 Rep. Angie Nixon, a Jacksonville Democrat, joined a sit-in at DeSantis\u2019 office with at least two dozen other protesters on Friday. Protesters, including Nixon, were warned at 12:30 p.m. that they were in violation of Capitol Complex rules, specifically a rule prohibiting parading, picketing, speechmaking, vigils and sit-ins. At about 1:05 p.m., a loudspeaker announcement blared through the corridor where protesters were staged, warning them that if they did not disperse, they would be issued trespass warnings and would risk arrest. Nixon was ultimately arrested by Capitol Police.<\/p>\n \u2014 Book \u2018em \u2014<\/p>\n A St. Cloud man is facing 80 charges of possessing child sexual abuse material.<\/p>\n Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that Adam Wahlgren has been arrested on the charges after the St. Cloud Police Department received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The tip alleged the 52-year-old Wahlgren possessed, viewed and transmitted the material through Verizon\u2019s Synchronoss data service, a cloud storage system owned by the mobile communications company.<\/p>\n The original tip was sent to the Sanford and Orlando Police Departments. Investigators there traced the internet address in question to a St. Cloud residence. St. Cloud investigators executed a search warrant at Wahlgren\u2019s home and found the illegal material on laptop computers, desktop computers, tablets, USB drives, SD cards, external drives and 28 hard drives.<\/p>\n Police also discovered Wahlgren had fled the state. He was tracked down in Lonoke, Arkansas and apprehended by local law enforcement on May 1. Wahlgren is expected to be extradited to St. Cloud.<\/p>\n \u201cThis predator thought that he could escape the consequences of his depraved behavior by running to another state. He was wrong,\u201d Uthmeier said in a Tuesday news release. \u201cIn Florida, we will find you and bring you back to face our prosecutors in court.\u201d<\/p>\n A preliminary analysis of the seized computer equipment found graphic images and videos depicting children being sexually abused, investigators said. Some of the images showed children physically bound during the abuse.<\/p>\n \u2014 Forward progress \u2014<\/p>\n Uthmeier says he has made some progress in his challenge to the NFL over the so-called Rooney Rule governing minority interview practices.<\/p>\n But he\u2019s escalating the legal fight.<\/p>\n Uthmeier said on X<\/a> that he believes he has made inroads with the nation\u2019s most popular sports league after sending a letter to the league\u2019s offices in March demanding that the NFL end the Rooney Rule. But Uthmeier said more work needs to be done, announcing he has issued an investigative subpoena to the league.<\/p>\n The subpoena was addressed to Ted Ullyot, the NFL\u2019s Executive Vice President and General Counsel.<\/p>\n \u201cWe appreciate how quickly the NFL changed its website in response to our letter and capitulated on some of their discriminatory hiring quotas,\u201d Uthmeier said in an X post highlighting the latest action.<\/p>\n The NFL website previously said the Rooney Rule \u201cpromotes diverse leadership.\u201d That language has since been changed to describe the rule as an effort to \u201cexpand opportunity\u201d for leadership positions and seek candidates \u201cfrom a wide range of backgrounds,\u201d according to ESPN.<\/p>\n But in a May 1 letter to the Attorney General, Ullyot said the league does not require race-based considerations in hiring practices.<\/p>\n \u201cSimply put, the NFL does not permit the consideration of race, sex or any other legally protected characteristic in any hiring decisions or employment actions,\u201d Ullyot wrote. \u201cThe Rooney Rule does not compel any hiring or discharge decision, or direct that anyone be \u2018discriminated against.\u2019 It operates solely in the interview process.\u201d<\/p>\n But Uthmeier said that the response is insufficient.<\/p>\n \u201cTheir response raises more questions about the Rooney Rule, and we look forward to their cooperation with the investigative subpoena we issued them (Wednesday),\u201d he added on X.<\/p>\n The NFL describes the policy as an effort to increase diversity among league leadership.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Rooney Rule aims to increase the number of minorities hired in head coach, general manager, and executive positions,\u201d the league said.<\/p>\n The original letter sent to the league in March argued the policy violates Florida law.<\/p>\n \u201cProfessional sports are a visible example of a merit-based system, but through the Rooney Rule, the NFL requires its teams to use race-based hiring practices,\u201d the letter said.<\/p>\n In his latest letter to the league, Uthmeier acknowledged some cooperation from the NFL but argued the organization has not gone far enough. He also rejected the league\u2019s assertion that the Rooney Rule does not promote hiring quotas.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are not convinced,\u201d Uthmeier wrote.<\/p>\n \u2014 Retail theft ring \u2014<\/p>\n Florida and Hillsborough County authorities say they have dismantled a massive retail theft ring that stretched across several states.<\/p>\n Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister joined Uthmeier at a news conference announcing the arrests of 14 people accused of participating in a theft operation targeting hardware goods and equipment from Florida to Indiana.<\/p>\n Chronister said an undercover investigation uncovered an extensive criminal network.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve never seen a theft or criminal enterprise to this magnitude,\u201d Chronister said.<\/p>\n Undercover operatives with the Sheriff\u2019s Office infiltrated the ring, which investigators say began operating in 2023. Chronister said investigators found that ring members were stealing equipment, tools and other goods from hardware stores such as Home Depot and Lowe\u2019s, as well as from construction sites.<\/p>\n Investigators say the stolen merchandise was transported to a home in Lutz that had been converted into a makeshift hardware store, where items were marketed online. Authorities said the operation spanned multiple Florida counties and extended into Kentucky, Tennessee and Indiana. The stolen goods were typically sold at a fraction of retail prices, according to investigators.<\/p>\n Chronister said U.S. Homeland Security officials assisted in apprehending the suspects. Authorities say the ring stole from 33 stores and three construction sites, taking 219 items during the undercover operation alone over recent months.<\/p>\n Officials estimate the criminal enterprise generated $12 million over three years of operation.<\/p>\n Uthmeier said his Special Prosecution Unit will pursue dozens of charges against the suspects, including Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization charges, conspiracy to commit RICO, organized retail theft, money laundering and other offenses.<\/p>\n \u201cThe conclusion of this operation is a great victory for justice. It\u2019s a great victory for our retail partners,\u201d Uthmeier said, adding that the Retail Theft Task Force he launched last year played a role in the investigation.<\/p>\n \u2014 $1.5M Never Looked So Delicious \u2014<\/p>\n Follower counts, views, likes and shares are no longer just metrics for influencers and YouTubers \u2014 they\u2019re also becoming bragging rights for the state of Florida.<\/p>\n This week, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services\u2019 Fresh From Florida Program are celebrating surpassing 1.5 million consumer engagements across social media follows, newsletter signups, Jr. Chef University participation and Fresh From Florida Club memberships.<\/p>\n That\u2019s a lot of eyeballs on Florida produce.<\/p>\n Since the start of 2023, Fresh From Florida\u2019s online audience has grown from just over 500,000 to more than 1.5 million.<\/p>\n \u201cThe unprecedented success and growth of the Fresh From Florida Program is a testament to Florida\u2019s farming families, who are the backbone of our state and grow the fresh, affordable food that nourishes our communities. I am proud to support our farmers, ranchers, and fishers, and you can too by following the Fresh From Florida Program online and buying Florida-grown products when shopping at your local grocery store,\u201d Simpson said.<\/p>\n Fresh From Florida serves as the state\u2019s flagship agricultural marketing brand, promoting more than 300 commodities produced across over 44,000 farm operations statewide. Agriculture and agribusiness contribute more than $200 billion to Florida\u2019s economy and represent the state\u2019s second-largest industry.<\/p>\n Florida currently ranks first nationally in the production of bell peppers, grapefruit, Valencia oranges, sugarcane, fresh-market tomatoes and watermelons.<\/p>\n The department also released a video<\/a> celebrating the milestone.<\/p>\n \u2014 Barnett for the win \u2014<\/p>\n Step right up and claim your prize \u2014 agriculture style.<\/p>\n Last week, Simpson announced that Ernie Barnett has been named the recipient of the 2026 Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award.<\/p>\n Presented annually since 1994, the Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award recognizes innovative growers, ranchers and leaders committed to protecting Florida\u2019s natural resources while helping maintain the state\u2019s position as a world-class agricultural producer.<\/p>\n \u201cErnie Barnett has spent more than 35 years in the trenches working on Florida\u2019s toughest land and water issues, and his impact speaks for itself. Whether it\u2019s his work on Everglades restoration or his service supporting producers across the state, Ernie has always taken a practical approach that benefits both our natural resources and Florida agriculture,\u201d Simpson said.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is my honor to recognize him as this year\u2019s Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award recipient.\u201d<\/p>\n Barnett currently serves as Executive Director of the Florida Land Council and has played a role in numerous water-resource management and public policy efforts, including the Lake Okeechobee Protection Act, the Everglades Restoration Investment Act and the Water Resources Development Act of 2000. He also received the 2001 National Wetlands Award for Outstanding Wetlands Program Development.<\/p>\n Barnett will be formally recognized by Simpson at the Fresh From Florida Breakfast during the Florida Farm Bureau annual meeting in October.<\/p>\n For more information about previous recipients and the award, visit the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award webpage.<\/p>\n \u2014 Florida Future Chef fun \u2014<\/p>\n Think your kid has what it takes to become the next Carmy from \u201cThe Bear\u201d or Gordon Ramsay? Ideally, with less yelling, swearing and cigarette smoking.<\/p>\n This week, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced it is accepting entries for Florida Future Chef 2026, a statewide student cooking competition challenging young Floridians to reimagine school meals using Florida-grown ingredients while learning about the nutrition standards tied to the National School Lunch Program.<\/p>\n \u201cParents are paying closer attention to what\u2019s in their children\u2019s food, and they should. The Florida Future Chef competition encourages students to think differently about nutrition by using fresh Florida-grown ingredients instead of relying on heavily processed foods. That\u2019s good for our kids, good for our farmers, and good for Florida,\u201d Simpson said.<\/p>\n Now in its sixth year, the competition is open to students ages 8 through 12 as of the September 2026 finale event. Participants must submit a two- to five-minute video showcasing their creative take on a favorite school meal while featuring Fresh From Florida ingredients.<\/p>\n The submission deadline is July 13 at 11:59 p.m. The top prize includes up to $5,000 in college funds through a Florida 529 Savings Plan scholarship, provided by the presenting sponsor, Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation.<\/p>\n More information about the competition, rules and submission process is available at FloridaFutureChef.com.<\/p>\n \u2014 Not on our watch \u2014<\/p>\n Don\u2019t get caught out in the rain just because Florida dodged major storms last year.<\/p>\n This week in Riverview, Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia urged Floridians to prepare for the 2026 hurricane season, which officially begins June 1 and runs through Nov. 30.<\/p>\n Ingoglia said the state is working to educate residents on storm preparedness as part of an ongoing outreach initiative.<\/p>\n \u201cHurricanes can be unpredictable, and in times of uncertainty, being prepared is one of the most effective ways to keep yourself and your family safe. I want to encourage everyone, do not wait until it is too late, have a plan and an emergency kit ready to go before a storm is on the horizon,\u201d Ingoglia said.<\/p>\n Officials encouraged residents to review their home and flood insurance coverage before storms arrive and compare policies to ensure adequate protection. Floridians were also advised to document their property with photos and video, secure important documents in waterproof containers and keep cash on hand in case electronic payment systems fail.<\/p>\n \u201cBeing prepared isn\u2019t just recommended; it is essential in keeping our citizens and first responders safe before, during and after a storm. Our firefighters are trained to respond to severe weather conditions, but if our citizens take necessary precautions, this can limit the strain on emergency personnel and allow us to respond to emergencies more efficiently,\u201d said Jason Dougherty, Chief of Hillsborough County Fire Rescue.<\/p>\n After a storm, officials recommend reporting damage promptly to insurers, making emergency repairs to prevent further damage and documenting those repairs. Residents were also warned to watch for fraud and scams, verify contractor and adjuster licenses and avoid rushing into financial agreements with public adjusters before contacting the Consumer Services helpline at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO for assistance.<\/p>\n Most importantly, officials urged Floridians to use common sense when preparing for and recovering from storms.<\/p>\n \u2014 Is that a FACT? \u2014<\/p>\n Advanced Placement courses, created by the nonprofit College Board, offer college-level coursework to high school students who may earn university credit before graduation. The classes have long been popular among students looking to get a jump on college requirements.<\/p>\n But for some conservatives, the curriculum has become too associated with DEI and \u201cwoke\u201d ideology.<\/p>\n Last week, the Florida Department of Education announced the framework for the Florida Advanced Courses and Tests (FACT) U.S. History course, a Florida-made alternative to AP coursework. State officials say the program is designed to provide a comprehensive exploration of American history while expanding \u201chigh-quality\u201d advanced academic opportunities free of Critical Race Theory and DEI concepts that Florida Republicans have criticized in traditional coursework.<\/p>\n \u201cFlorida continues to lead the way in expanding access to rigorous, high-quality advanced coursework for all students,\u201d said Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas.<\/p>\n \u201cThe FACT U.S. History framework underscores our commitment to instruction grounded in the full scope of our nation\u2019s history, while ensuring materials are free from ideological bias or indoctrination.\u201d<\/p>\n FACT courses were authorized through House Bill 1537, which DeSantis signed into law in 2023. The first FACT course, College Algebra, was piloted in 32 traditional public and charter schools across the state and will be implemented statewide during the upcoming school year.<\/p>\n \u201cThe FACT courses ensure Florida students have access to academically rigorous, transparent, and high-quality advanced pathways. The FACT U.S. History framework provides a thorough and balanced study of our nation\u2019s past, grounded in primary sources and factual accuracy. It represents an important step toward restoring academic integrity in the classroom after years of uneven and, at times, ideologically driven instruction,\u201d said Ryan Petty, Chair of the State Board of Education.<\/p>\n \u201cOur goal is simple: equip students with the knowledge and critical thinking skills they need to succeed in college, careers, and civic life. I encourage districts and charter schools to participate in the pilot of this course.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 Uptick \u2014<\/p>\n New unemployment claims spiked dramatically for the week ending May 9 in Florida \u2014 a period that coincided with the collapse of Spirit Airlines<\/a>.<\/p>\n U.S. Department of Labor (DOL<\/a>) figures show there were 7,968 first-time jobless filings last week. That\u2019s up by 2,395 claims over the week ending May 2<\/a>, when there were 5,573 claims. The latest numbers<\/a> also snap the three-week trend of declining new unemployment claims.<\/p>\n After Spirit went out of business, an estimated 4,800 Floridians<\/a> lost their jobs. The commercial carrier shut down without warning on May 2. Spirit had hubs at several Florida airports, most notably in South and Central Florida.<\/p>\n FloridaCommerce<\/a>, the state\u2019s business development bureau, held \u201crapid response<\/a>\u201d emergency relief worker assistance events both in Orange and Broward counties last week to help displaced airline workers recover from their job losses.<\/p>\n Spirit shut down because company officials said the airline could not cope with skyrocketing fuel costs.<\/p>\n Last week\u2019s total figure for new unemployment claims in Florida is the highest so far this year.<\/p>\n It\u2019s also the steepest single-week increase in the Sunshine State in about two years. The last time Florida saw such a sharp jump was in 2024, in the wake of Hurricanes Milton and Helene. During one week in October 2024, the number of new jobless claims exceeded 10,000.<\/p>\n Last week\u2019s new jobless claims figures in Florida are in line with the national picture. There were 190,571 new filings across the country for the week ending May 9. That\u2019s a 5.7% jump from the week prior, or an increase of 10,258 filings.<\/p>\n \u2014 Instagram of the week \u2014<\/p>\n \u2014 Rest in peace \u2014<\/p>\n Former longtime Space Coast Congressman and Florida Legislator Bill Posey died May 9. He was 78.<\/p>\n U.S. Rep. Mike Haridopolos, who succeeded Posey in Florida\u2019s 8th Congressional District, announced his passing Sunday morning. Haridopolos recognized Posey\u2019s service as a Republican Congressman from 2009 until his retirement in 2025 and praised his lengthy career in the Florida House and Senate.<\/p>\n \u201cBill dedicated his life to serving the people of Florida and our nation with integrity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to public service. His passing marks the end of a remarkable career that spanned decades of leadership at the local, state, and federal levels,\u201d Haridopolos said.<\/p>\n \u201cHe approached public office not as a path to personal recognition, but as a solemn responsibility to serve others honorably, faithfully, and effectively.\u201d<\/p>\n Posey was first elected to the Florida House in 1992 and represented House District 32 until 2000. He then served in the Florida Senate, representing Senate District 15 from 2000 to 2002 and Senate District 24 from 2002 to 2008 before his election to Congress.<\/p>\n \u2014 Face of FCC \u2014<\/p>\n A new chapter is beginning for the Florida Coalition for Children.<\/p>\n This week, the Florida Coalition for Children announced that Damon Cates, President and CEO of One Hope United, has been appointed the organization\u2019s new Board Chair. Cates succeeds Lila Cavasos, Chief Development Officer of National Youth Advocate Program, who served as FCC Board Chair.<\/p>\n \u201cDamon\u2019s vision, leadership, and deep commitment to improving outcomes for children and families make him an exceptional choice to lead our Board of Directors,\u201d said Denise Marzullo, President and CEO of FCC.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are incredibly excited for the experience and perspective he brings to FCC as we continue building momentum and moving the coalition in great directions. Damon understands both the challenges and opportunities facing our sector, and his leadership will help strengthen our impact across Florida.\u201d<\/p>\n Cates brings 25-plus years of leadership in philanthropy, organizational strategy, and child and family services on top of serving as President and CEO of One Hope United, where he oversees the goal of supporting more than 10,000 children and families annually across both Illinois and Florida through early childhood education, child welfare, behavioral health, and residential programs.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are deeply grateful to Lila for her steadfast leadership and unwavering support of FCC over the past several years. Her guidance helped the coalition navigate critical moments while advancing our mission to support children, families, and communities throughout Florida. Lila\u2019s passion and commitment have left a lasting mark on our organization,\u201d Marzullo said of Cavasos\u2019 service.<\/p>\n \u2014 Penny ante \u2014<\/p>\n The Florida Retail Federation is cheering Gov. Ron DeSantis\u2019 decision to sign a measure allowing vendors to round cash transactions to the nearest nickel.<\/p>\n The new law is designed to address the phaseout of penny production. Vendors may now round cash purchases up or down to the nearest nickel.<\/p>\n For retailers in the Sunshine State, SB 1074 marks a significant change.<\/p>\n \u201cEvery cent counts for Florida retailers and families, and Gov. Ron DeSantis understands that,\u201d said Scott Shalley, President and CEO of the Florida Retail Federation.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are grateful to Gov. DeSantis, Sen. Don Gaetz, Rep. Toby Overdorf and Rep. Fiona McFarland for their leadership and support. With this framework, Florida is a model for how states can navigate currency changes, ensuring businesses can prosper, and consumers are protected.\u201d<\/p>\n The law specifically states that rounding to the nearest nickel applies only to cash transactions.<\/p>\n \u201cRounding to the nickel does not apply to any transaction for which payment is made by a noncash method, including electronic funds transfer, check, gift card, money order, credit card, or mixed tender, except to the extent that cash is dispersed to the purchaser,\u201d the measure states.<\/p>\n The new law took effect immediately.<\/p>\n \u2014 Tally Tony Tussle \u2014<\/p>\n Who knew?<\/p>\n Last Tuesday, the 79th Tony Award nominations were announced, and it turns out the 850 is a contender.<\/p>\n The new Broadway show \u201cTwo Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York),\u201d scored eight nominations including Best Musical, Best Book, Best Score, Best Director, Lead Actor, and excitingly Lead Actress for Christiani Pitts, a Florida State University (FSU) alumna. This is Pitt\u2019s first Tony nomination.<\/p>\n \u201cI just started folding some clothes so I can like, ground myself \u2013 I feel like I\u2019m about to float out of my apartment,\u201d said Pitts on her nomination announcement, which can be found on a \u201cPlaybill\u201d official \u2014 scroll up if you missed it.<\/p>\n Eight nominations is a large count, especially in a show where there are no featured or supporting roles or fancy costumes to pad out the stats.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat impresses us most today is not only her artistry, but the culture she\u2019s building around her \u2014 one rooted in collaboration, integrity, and a genuine commitment to uplifting the communities she touches. Christiani embodies the very best of what it means to be an FSU Theatre graduate,\u201d said Brad Brock, the Director of The School of Theatre at FSU.<\/p>\n But the Tally connections don\u2019t stop there.<\/p>\n \u201cRagtime,\u201d a revival of the 1998 Broadway show based on the book and movie of the same name by E. L. Doctorow, had a massive morning as well scoring 11 total nominations including Best Revival of a Musical, two Lead Actors, Best Director, Featured Actor, Featured Actress, and most importantly in terms of this conversation, Lead Actress for Caissie Levy, which is also her first nomination as well.<\/p>\n Levy, a Grammy nominee who plays the role of Mother, and who was most known for originating Elsa in the 2018 Broadway \u201cFrozen\u201d production, is married to David Reiser, a Tallahassee native, Young Actors Theater (YAT) alumnus, and a writer\/composer himself with fifteen years working on Broadway, Hollywood, and the West End.<\/p>\n In 2023, Young Actors Theater \u2013 an 850 acting staple \u2013 and Reiser, along with the rest of his YAT alumni\/film production team (Emily Cook, Matt Reeves, Jordan Reeves), hosted three Broadway stars for benefit concerts with the proceeds going towards their feature-length indie musical \u201cJoni & The Whale,\u201d and its production costs. The film is currently in post-production.<\/p>\n But the stars who came to town that night to perform included Shoshana Bean, Christy Altomare, and you guessed it \u2014 Caissie Levy. You can read about it here<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cTo be nominated for the first time means so much to me. I\u2019m truly overwhelmed and can\u2019t stop smiling. And now, I\u2019m going to drop my kids off at school! Balance,\u201d Levy told New York Theater Guide.<\/p>\n On the punditry website \u201cGold Derby,\u201d they currently have Levy taking home the gold for her leading turn, but Pitts could easily be a sneaky pick, too.<\/p>\n All we know is that Tallahassee is Tony Town!<\/p>\n \u2014\ud83c\udfb6Parklife: Blur \ud83c\udfb6\u2014<\/p>\n Giving back to the places that give Floridians a little peace and quiet \u2014 when they can actually get away long enough to visit them.<\/p>\n This week, 10 citizen support organizations are helping state parks across Florida through the Florida State Parks Foundation\u2019s annual Park Impact Grants program. This year\u2019s initiative allocated a record $150,000 to support CSOs and state parks that do not currently have affiliated support organizations.<\/p>\n \u201cPark Impact Grants support an incredible variety of projects in parks all over the entire state. We have seen Park Impact Grants applied to accessibility, visitor experiences, environmental sustainability, severe weather recovery, historic resource restoration and more,\u201d said Julia Gill Woodward, CEO of the Florida State Parks Foundation.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are proud of everything that Park Impact Grants have helped to achieve, and we are looking forward to seeing what this new, increased allocation will create.\u201d<\/p>\n This year\u2019s grant recipients include Blackwater Heritage Trail Inc., Friends of Eden Gardens State Park, Friends of Paynes Prairie, Friends of Fort Cooper Inc., Friends of Gamble Rogers State Park, Friends of Sebastian Inlet State Park, Friends of Koreshan, Paynes Creek Historic State Park, Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, and Friends of Jonathan Dickinson State Park.<\/p>\n Since 2021, the foundation has awarded nearly $425,000 through the Park Impact Grants program to support projects such as renovations, construction and equipment purchases benefiting parks, staff and visitors.<\/p>\n \u201cCSOs and Friends groups do amazing work all over the state, and we are honored to support them every chance we get. These grant awards will have major positive impacts for our CSOs, for park visitors and for virtually all aspects of park operations,\u201d said Matt Caldwell, Board President of the Florida State Parks Foundation.<\/p>\n \u2014 Rattler Law \u2014<\/p>\n Strike, Strike, and Strike Again isn\u2019t just a Tallahassee thing; it echoed in Orlando this week as well.<\/p>\n On May 7, the Florida A&M University College of Law honored more than 100 graduates during its 2026 Hooding Ceremony at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando.<\/p>\n University leadership, law school faculty and staff, alumni, community leaders, family members and friends gathered to celebrate the graduating class. The ceremony\u2019s keynote address was delivered by Sia Baker-Barnes, President of The Florida Bar.<\/p>\n \u201cSome of these tables will welcome you with open arms. Some will invite you but not include you. Some will resent you. And some, Class of 2026, will reject you. It will happen to you at tables in courtrooms, in boardrooms, and in spaces where decisions are made. And not if it does, but when it does, do not accept it. Do not internalize it. Reject it. Class of 2026, do not allow yourselves to be limited by the limitations in other people\u2019s heads,\u201d Baker-Barnes said.<\/p>\n FAMU President Marva Johnson also addressed graduates, reflecting on the history and legacy of the College of Law.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re not just proud in the way that any university celebrates its graduates, we\u2019re proud in a way that only those who understand what this school endured and overcame can truly be proud. This College of Law has its own testimony, and you are the latest and finest chapter of it,\u201d Johnson said.<\/p>\n \u201cYou join a distinguished tradition of advocates and counselors, men and women who were entrusted with upholding the rule of law and safeguarding rights and liberties that define our democracy. You graduate at a consequential moment in time. That is not just a light thing. That is a calling.\u201d<\/p>\n The Class of 2026 joins more than 2,600 alumni of the FAMU College of Law, whose graduates work across the legal profession, corporations, government agencies, nonprofit organizations and sports organizations.<\/p>\n \u2014 FSU Law sweep \u2014<\/p>\n Noles are showing up strong in the legal world.<\/p>\n This week, FSU\u2019s law school highlighted a major showing across some of Florida\u2019s most competitive public service fellowship programs. Five FSU Law students were selected for Class XXI of the Florida Gubernatorial Fellows program; five of the nine students chosen statewide for the Florida Supreme Court Fellows Program come from FSU Law, and all eight participants in the Florida House of Representatives Legislative Fellows Program are FSU Law students.<\/p>\n The selections give FSU Law representation across all three branches of Florida government.<\/p>\n \u201cTogether, these placements highlight the college\u2019s long-standing role in preparing students for leadership in public service. Being located in the heart of the state capital gives our students unparalleled access to the institutions and leaders shaping the law,\u201d said FSU College of Law Dean Erin O\u2019Hara O\u2019Connor.<\/p>\n \u201cThese fellowships allow our students to move beyond the classroom and engage directly in the work of government across all three branches, gaining experience that prepares them to lead from day one.\u201d<\/p>\n The five FSU Gubernatorial Fellows are:<\/p>\n \u2014 2L Cole McLellan \u2014 Florida Department of Law Enforcement<\/p>\n \u2014 3L Alexa Kays \u2014 Florida Department of State<\/p>\n \u2014 2L Lucas Piroli \u2014 Executive Office of the Governor, Office of General Counsel<\/p>\n \u2014 2L Andrew Otanes \u2014 Florida Department of Commerce<\/p>\n \u2014 2L Kate Rumisek \u2014 Florida Department of Corrections<\/p>\n Five of the nine fellows selected for the Florida Supreme Court Fellows Program also come from FSU Law:<\/p>\n \u2014 2L Haven Branca \u2014 Justice Renatha Francis<\/p>\n \u2014 3L Mason Bennett \u2014 Justice Meredith Sasso<\/p>\n \u2014 3L Sheldon Burnell \u2014 Chief Justice Carlos Mu\u00f1iz<\/p>\n \u2014 2L Zenani Johnson \u2014 Justice Jorge Labarga<\/p>\n \u2014 3L Steven Wiktorski \u2014 Justice Adam Tanenbaum<\/p>\n FSU Law also swept the Florida House of Representatives Legislative Fellows Program, with all 2026 fellows coming from the school:<\/p>\n \u2014 2L Kennedi Ray and Zack \u201cGambill\u201d Dallas \u2014 Commerce Committee<\/p>\n \u2014 3L Sarah Augustine \u2014 Health & Human Services Committee<\/p>\n \u2014 2L Teddy Fronczak \u2014 Judiciary Committee<\/p>\n \u2014 2L Juan Castro Jordan \u2014 Majority Office<\/p>\n \u2014 2L Andrew Louis \u2014 Minority Office<\/p>\n \u2014 2L Patricia Waltz \u2014 Rules & Ethics Committee<\/p>\n \u2014 2L Amy Kurtz \u2014 Ways & Means Committee<\/p>\n The Legislative Fellows Program was established in 1967 through legislation sponsored by Lawton Chiles, who later served as Florida Governor, to provide students with a unique opportunity to engage directly in the legislative process and gain insight into state government.<\/p>\n \u2014 TSC Top 25 \u2014<\/p>\n The Top 25 is looking pretty good for Tallahassee State College.<\/p>\n Recently, the Aspen Institute named Tallahassee State College one of 25 semifinalists for the 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, one of the nation\u2019s premier recognitions for community colleges delivering strong student outcomes.<\/p>\n The Aspen Institute is an international nonprofit organization founded in 1949 that focuses on developing leaders and addressing challenges across sectors, generations and geographic regions.<\/p>\n Awarded every two years, the top prize includes $1 million in funding.<\/p>\n \u201cTo be named one of 25 semifinalists out of almost 1,000 colleges nationwide for the Aspen Prize is an honor that speaks to the impact of our work and the momentum we are building at Tallahassee State College. We are proud to create clear pathways for our students, whether to a career or a bachelor\u2019s degree, and this recognition reinforces our commitment to expanding opportunity and delivering results that change lives,\u201d said Jim Murdaugh, President of TSC.<\/p>\n With nearly 1,000 colleges nationwide competing, selection as a semifinalist signals strong performance or improvement in student learning, graduation, transfer to bachelor\u2019s degree programs and workforce outcomes. The Aspen Institute also evaluates whether students are earning credentials that lead to quality jobs or successful degree attainment.<\/p>\n \u201cWe start every cycle of the Aspen Prize with a simple question: Which community colleges are best at ensuring students graduate with credentials that improve their lives?\u201d said Josh Wyner, Executive Director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program.<\/p>\n \u201cWe congratulate this year\u2019s semifinalists for delivering strong outcomes and continuously improving student success.\u201d<\/p>\n The selection process began in October 2025, when Aspen identified 200 high-performing colleges based on national data. From there, 170 schools were evaluated by a panel of higher education experts using institutional performance data and practices, after which the field was narrowed to 25 semifinalists.<\/p>\n The 10 finalists will be announced in June 2026.<\/p>\n \u2014 Obsession, God, and Guy\u2014<\/p>\n Time for the movie breakdown of the week.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Devil Wears Prada 2\u201d killed it over Mother\u2019s Day weekend, scoring $42 million, while \u201cMortal Kombat II\u201d yet again failed to translate the series\u2019 early-90s hype into tickets sold, only narrowly beating King of Pop doc \u201cMichael,\u201d which scored another $38 million domestically.<\/p>\n Onto the new.<\/p>\n \u201cObsession\u201d gives the recent \u201cYouTuber-to-horror-film-star\u201d trend the old college try. Written and directed by Curry Baker of online stardom, the film follows a hopeless romantic who wishes for the love and attention of his crush \u2026 we don\u2019t need to see the script, it has monkey\u2019s paw written all over it, but executed well at least \u2014 it\u2019s at 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, 8.1 on IMDB, and 4.2 on Letterboxd.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Seann-Frazier-Web-Ad-3-Florida-Politics-Updated.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/HIS5BkbWEAEVvAV-640x427.jpeg\")
<\/a>The Lottery and the Jags \u2014 not a bad combo.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Ads-Florida-Politics-Abbott_728x90.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/teco_ad.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/UTHMEIERSEMINOLE-640x360.jpg\")
<\/a>James Uthmeier is prosecuting another predator.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/UTHMEIER-GOODELL-copy-Large-640x360.jpg\")
<\/a>James Uthmeier\u2019s challenge is moving along.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Uthmeier-retail-theft-640x360.jpeg\")
<\/a>Another theft ring busted.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/UBER_DUIprevention_600X400_04292026.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/wilton-simpson-fb-profile1-copy-640x427.jpg\")
<\/a>Fresh From Florida\u2019s social media team is giving Wilton Simpson something to smile about.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/47a1d53f199c-ag-environmental-leadership-awards.png\")
<\/a>Congrats to Ernie Barnett!<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Chef2-640x427.jpg\")
<\/a>Get your nominations in.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/feca_ad.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/screenshot-2026-05-12-162226-640x422.png\")
<\/a>You don\u2019t need to wait until hurricane season, you know\u2026<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Anastasios-Kamoutsas-640x360.jpg\")
<\/a>FACT: AP isn\u2019t the only game in town anymore.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/unemployment-1024x768-1-640x480.jpg\")
<\/a>\u2018Line goes up\u2019 isn\u2019t always good.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/contractors_ad.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/INSTAGRAM-9-640x683.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/duke_ad.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Bill-Posey-640x360.jpg\")
<\/a>Bill Posey died this week at age 78.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Damon-Cates-640x275.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pmi_ad.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/AdobeStock_145518102-640x427.jpeg\")
<\/a>Pictured: A bunch of useless zinc-coated copper.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/christiani-pitts_Instagram-640x767.png\")
<\/a>Takeaways called this one weeks ago.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/FPL_Image_StormRestoration_Eng_Display_600x400.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/FLORIDA-STATE-PARKS-copy-1-640x360.jpg\")
<\/a>Florida\u2019s parks are getting grants.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1024x768_LawGroupShot-640x480.jpg\")
<\/a>FAMU Law Honored Class of 2026 at Annual Hooding Ceremony in Orlando.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ad-for-sunburn-sadowski-e1777661555501.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Florida_Supreme_Court_Fellows-640x427.png\")
<\/a>FSU Law students also earned a significant share of placements with the Supreme Court of Florida, with five of the nine fellows selected statewide coming from the College of Law. (Photo by FSU College of Law).<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Banner-Image-640x192.jpg\")
<\/a>Tallahassee State College one of 25 semifinalists for the 2027 Aspen Prize.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/aarp_ad-1.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/film-production.jpg\")
<\/a>A YouTuber is landing better reviews than Guy Ritchie \u2026 interesting.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/CD-5.16.26-copy-640x1137.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n