{"id":29165,"date":"2025-11-01T10:40:23","date_gmt":"2025-11-01T10:40:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/29165\/"},"modified":"2025-11-01T10:40:23","modified_gmt":"2025-11-01T10:40:23","slug":"takeaways-from-tallahassee-the-40b-labor-of-love","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/29165\/","title":{"rendered":"Takeaways from Tallahassee \u2014 The $40B labor of love"},"content":{"rendered":"

As Florida observes National Family Caregivers Month, AARP Florida<\/a> and Florida State University\u2019s Claude Pepper Center<\/a> are partnering to spotlight the growing realities of unpaid care across the state.<\/p>\n

The organizations will co-host an in-person forum on Tuesday focused on the future of family caregiving in Florida. The event, running from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship<\/a> in Tallahassee, will explore the emotional and economic pressures facing caregivers and present policy ideas to strengthen statewide support systems. A resource fair and networking hour will begin at 4 p.m., followed by presentations at 4:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

The discussion comes as new AARP data outlines the scale of caregiving in Florida. According to Caregiving in the U.S. 2025: Caring Across States<\/a>, about 24% of Florida adults \u2014 roughly 4.45 million people \u2014 serve as family caregivers, providing largely unpaid and unsupported care to older parents, spouses and loved ones. Their efforts represent an estimated $40 billion in unpaid care each year.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Family caregivers make significant sacrifices to care for their loved ones.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen a loved one needs help, family members, friends and neighbors step up \u2014 that\u2019s what we do,\u201d said Jeff Johnson, AARP Florida State Director. \u201cBut too often, caregivers carry this responsibility alone, often putting their finances, health and jobs at risk. As our state population ages, the demand for care will only grow.\u201d<\/p>\n

On average, Florida\u2019s family caregivers are 51 years old and care for someone 69 years old, most often a parent. About one-quarter are \u201csandwich generation\u201d caregivers, supporting both older relatives and children under 18. One-third provide at least 40 hours of care per week, and another third have been caregiving for three years or longer.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The financial and emotional costs are considerable. Eight in 10 caregivers spend out of pocket to help meet loved ones\u2019 needs, averaging $7,200 a year \u2014 about 25% of their income. More than half report financial setbacks such as taking on debt or struggling to afford essentials. Four in 10 experience high emotional stress, while nearly one-quarter say they feel isolated.<\/p>\n

The upcoming forum will feature personal stories from caregivers, an overview of community resources, and policy discussions with elected officials and experts. AARP Florida and the Claude Pepper Center hope the event will serve as both an opportunity to hear stories from caregivers and a springboard for solutions ahead of the 2026 Legislative Session.<\/p>\n

Attendance is open to the public and media, but advance registration<\/a> is required due to limited seating. Additional information and caregiver tools can be found through AARP\u2019s Family Caregiver Resource Guides<\/a> and online Caregiving Hub<\/a>.<\/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, Andrew Powell and the staff of Florida Politics.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/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

More mudslinging<\/a> \u2014 Less than a week after he bashed a package of proposed ballot questions House Republicans filed to lower or eliminate property taxes, Gov. Ron DeSantis unleashed a longer, more detailed criticism of the measures. None are any good, DeSantis said, and they have no chance of passing unless the House can distill the best parts of each into a single, clearly written, broadly appealing proposal. \u201cThey put out a bunch of proposals. They\u2019re all milquetoast. There\u2019s not one proposal that people would get excited about. Not one. They\u2019re total half-measures, which is not what people are asking for. People want to be bold,\u201d he said, adding that in the future, with multiple property tax proposals, it will cause \u201cconfusion on the ballot.\u201d<\/p>\n

TBD<\/a> \u2014 As DeSantis and House Speaker Daniel Perez continue to debate how worthwhile and successful eight property tax relief proposals will be, Florida\u2019s top accountants are looking into how they\u2019d financially impact localities statewide. The answer is \u2026 to be determined. Number crunchers from the Governor\u2019s Office, Senate, House and Office of Economic & Demographic Research convened this week for the first of multiple Revenue Impact Estimating Conference meetings on the subject. Those hoping to get numerical insights on how each of the proposed changes would affect homeowners and the budgets of their counties and cities surely came away disappointed.<\/p>\n

Cutoff<\/a> \u2014 Federal officials have said November benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will not be issued without new spending authority, a move that would interrupt aid relied upon by roughly 42 million people nationwide. Florida has not announced a state-funded bridge to keep benefits flowing, even as some states explore temporary measures to cover the gap. That leaves an estimated 3 million SNAP recipients in Florida at risk of losing assistance beginning Nov. 1. The pressure is acute across myriad localities across the Sunshine State.<\/p>\n

Entering the ring?<\/a> \u2014 Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, rumored to be considering a run for Governor, is set to hold an announcement rally next week, several media outlets are reporting. Demings will speak at 5 p.m., Nov. 6, at the Rosen Centre on International Drive. Demings, a Democrat, is term-limited as Orange County Mayor. He has a background in law enforcement, having served as the former Orange County Sheriff and the former Orlando Police Chief. Demings has been at odds with DeSantis and state Republicans over an audit and an immigration contract with the federal government that Demings felt pressured to sign in fear of being suspended from office by DeSantis. Meanwhile, Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, a Republican who had been expected to enter the race last month, told the media this week he is \u201cstill deciding<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Next stop, Miami-Dade<\/a> \u2014 Florida\u2019s ongoing audit of local government spending found its worst offender yet \u2014 Miami-Dade County \u2014 in terms of total dollars exceeding proper budgeting, CFO Blaise Ingoglia announced. Until this week, he said, the state\u2019s DOGE initiative had uncovered $1.2 billion in wasteful spending across eight local governments. Adding DOGE\u2019s numbers for Miami-Dade pushes the total past $1.5 billion. In the last fiscal year, Ingoglia said to a roomful of gasps Thursday at Florida International University\u2019s Biscayne Bay Campus, Miami-Dade spends $302 million more than it should, even after accounting for inflation and population growth. Ingoglia added that, as a percentage, Manatee County still outspends all other local governments by inappropriate levels. \u201cBut this is an awfully big number,\u201d he said. \u201cThis is the biggest number we have seen in raw dollars in the state of Florida.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Bright minds ban \u2014<\/p>\n

Immigration continues to dominate national headlines during this second Donald Trump administration, and in Florida, our own administration is taking similar steps that are sparking debate and controversy. Whether it\u2019s \u201cAlligator Alcatraz\u201d or now H-1B visas, the pattern persists.<\/p>\n

This week in Tampa, DeSantis directed the Florida Board of Governors to \u201ccrack down\u201d on alleged H-1B visa abuse in higher education across the state. The H-1B classification allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers \u2014 typically for three years \u2014 in specialty occupations.<\/p>\n

That directive came alongside an announcement that the Florida Department of Education is working with the U.S. Department of Education, the State University System and other partners to cancel or repurpose millions of dollars in diversity, equity and inclusion\u2013related grants.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>DeSantis orders universities to curb H-1B hiring and redirect $33 million from DEI grants amid immigration debate.<\/p>\n

\u201cUniversities across the country are importing foreign workers on H-1B visas instead of hiring Americans who are qualified and available to do the job. We will not tolerate H-1B abuse in Florida institutions. That\u2019s why I have directed the Florida Board of Governors to end this practice,\u201d DeSantis said.<\/p>\n

Florida will now require academic institutions to prioritize American graduates to prevent public universities \u2014 and by extension, taxpayers \u2014 from funding faculty and researchers from abroad. Since coordinating with the Department of Education, Florida has repurposed or canceled so-called \u201cDEI-related grants\u201d totaling more than $33 million.<\/p>\n

That includes $1.5 million for \u201cChallenging Anti-Black Racism in Civil and Environmental Engineering Curriculum\u201d and another $1.5 million for promoting \u201chistorically marginalized students\u201d in STEM fields.<\/p>\n

As of June 30, 2025, more than 1,900 Florida employers were sponsoring about 7,200 H-1B visa holders, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services data.<\/p>\n

Supporters of these programs argue that attracting top global talent enriches Florida\u2019s universities and strengthens academic competitiveness. Not this administration \u2014 and apparently not either version of the DOE.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Green groups in crosshairs \u2014<\/p>\n

Attorney General James Uthmeier is taking a leadership role among several southern states scrutinizing connections between environmental groups and large corporations.<\/p>\n

Uthmeier has teamed up with Attorneys General from Texas, Georgia, Alabama and Louisiana who are raising questions about potential antitrust violations. Uthmeier and his counterparts have drafted letters saying they believe there is coordination between some companies and environmental activists over recycling practices.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have reason to believe that the policies of the Consumer Goods Forum, the Green Blue Institute and the U.S. Plastics Pact are hindering states\u2019 economic prosperity by coordinating business behavior, which would constitute violations of Florida\u2019s antitrust laws. We will not allow these activist organizations to push misguided policies that can\u2019t win at the ballot box and inflate prices for Florida consumers,\u201d Uthmeier said in a news release Wednesday.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>James Uthmeier is taking a closer look at environmental groups. Image via Florida Attorney General\u2019s Office.<\/p>\n

\u201cRadical environmental activists do not have the right, nor the avenue, to suppress business operations in our market.\u201d<\/p>\n

Uthmeier said the three groups he singled out are involved in efforts to regulate plastic production and packaging standards and identify recyclable material. The state\u2019s top law enforcement official said those efforts could amount to restraining competition, increasing consumer costs and limiting choice.<\/p>\n

He said he and his colleagues are asking the environmental groups to explain their market activities and to provide supporting documents detailing their approaches. Uthmeier added that if coordination exists between the groups and corporations, the activity raises serious questions about collusion and market manipulation.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Medicaid Fraud Unit gets cred \u2014<\/p>\n

A special wing of the Florida Attorney General\u2019s Office now has official status to help fight Medicaid rip-offs in the state.<\/p>\n

Uthmeier announced the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) has earned formal accreditation. He said the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) approved the recognition for the Medicaid fraud team within the Florida Department of Legal Affairs.<\/p>\n

The accreditation was awarded on Sanibel Island during the CFA\u2019s Fall conference. The certification followed on-site assessments of the unit\u2019s operations, which found no deficiencies.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>The MFCU has earned full accreditation. Stock image via Adobe.<\/p>\n

\u201cAccreditation is the gold standard in law enforcement,\u201d Uthmeier said. \u201cFor the first time since its founding in 1994, our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit has earned CFA accreditation \u2014 and they did it without a single deficiency. That speaks volumes about the integrity, professionalism and dedication of our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and our shared commitment to protecting Florida\u2019s seniors and taxpayers.\u201d<\/p>\n

The CFA serves as the primary accrediting body for law enforcement and corrections agencies in Florida. Most sheriff\u2019s offices and police departments seek their approval to demonstrate adherence to professional standards and procedures.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Farm Bill plows ahead \u2014<\/p>\n

As November arrives, Florida politicians are gearing up for their 2026 agendas \u2014 the start of Session is closer than it seems.<\/p>\n

This week, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson is spotlighting SB 290, the 2026 Florida Farm Bill. Sponsored by Sen. Keith Truenow and Rep. Danny Alvarez, the measure aims to support and defend Florida\u2019s farmers by restricting local governments from banning or prohibiting gasoline-powered farm and lawn care equipment.<\/p>\n

The bill also includes provisions to protect first responders and the public from dangerous signal-jamming technology and to crack down on organized cheating on commercial driver\u2019s license English proficiency exams.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>An infographic on the 2026 Florida Farm Bill. Image via X\/@WiltonSimpson.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe 2026 Florida Farm Bill is about protecting freedom, family and Florida\u2019s farmers. With the leadership of Senator Keith Truenow and Representative Danny Alvarez, this bill defends the people who feed our state and our nation while also protecting the public from dangerous and disruptive technologies, organized fraud and government overreach. Together, we\u2019re strengthening the backbone of Florida\u2019s economy and ensuring our state remains a place where freedom, family and farmers can thrive,\u201d Simpson said.<\/p>\n

The legislation also targets bad contractors by creating a \u201csuspended vendor\u201d list, imposing criminal penalties on contractors who fail to pay subcontractors or suppliers, and imposing fines for door-to-door commercial solicitation at homes displaying \u201cNo Solicitation\u201d signs.<\/p>\n

\u201cFlorida\u2019s agriculture industry is the foundation of our economy and our way of life. The 2026 Florida Farm Bill, thanks to the leadership of Commissioner Simpson, ensures we protect and support that foundation while also strengthening public safety, defending property rights and keeping government out of the way of hardworking Floridians,\u201d Truenow said.<\/p>\n

For more information about the bill and the Commissioner, visit FDACS.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 CFO For F3 \u2014<\/p>\n

This week in Orlando, the 2025 Future of Florida Forum (F3) and Florida Chamber Annual Meeting brought together Florida\u2019s business, political, nonprofit and community leaders to discuss what\u2019s needed to secure Florida\u2019s future as a top-10 global economy.<\/p>\n

During the first day, Chief Financial Officer Ingoglia took the stage to speak on the theme \u201cInspiring Florida: Shaping Florida\u2019s Economic Future.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ingoglia told the crowd he and his team are focused on three priorities to boost affordability for Floridians and business owners: government waste, property taxes and insurance.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are being super, if not hyper-aggressive, when it comes to going out and tackling some of these issues,\u201d Ingoglia said.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Blaise Ingoglia says his focus is on keeping Florida affordable.<\/p>\n

He added that he\u2019s constantly looking for ways to balance Florida\u2019s business-friendly environment with making the state an affordable place for families.<\/p>\n

\u201cTraditionally, the places that have the highest cost of living are the places that have the most coastline and the most sunshine, and traditionally, when you think of those places, you think of California and Hawaii. It is very, very difficult to make ends meet there. It is very difficult for businesses in these states,\u201d Ingoglia said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe fact of the matter is, people are moving here to the state of Florida, so we actually have to work double hard to make sure that we are giving the American dream the opportunity to people, because people are moving from the high-regulatory, high-tax states, and they are settling here. We are almost a victim of our own success because we are doing such a fabulous job that we are attracting people from all the other states now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ingoglia also criticized local governments for expanding their reach at taxpayers\u2019 expense.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour local governments are not being good partners with you guys. They\u2019re not being good partners for your family, they\u2019re not being good partners with your business, because they are taking your property tax dollars and they are expanding the scope and the size of the government,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Ingoglia said his focus remains squarely on keeping Florida affordable.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Yap for cash \u2014<\/p>\n

Who said it doesn\u2019t pay to argue? This week, DeSantis announced some exciting news about the upcoming Ronald Reagan Florida Civics and Debate Initiative (FCDI) State Championship, set for April 5, 2026, at New College of Florida.<\/p>\n

While in Sarasota, DeSantis revealed that the winner of the FCDI will receive $50,000 and a trophy named in honor of the recently assassinated conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. The second-place winner will receive a $25,000 scholarship, the two semifinalists will earn $15,000 each, and the four quarterfinalists will take home $10,000 scholarships.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have worked hard to make Florida the national model for civics education. The Florida Civics and Debate Initiative reflects our commitment to fostering students\u2019 appreciation for America\u2019s founding principles,\u201d DeSantis said.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Anastasios Kamoutsas announced that Florida\u2019s next debate champion will receive a sizable scholarship and a new trophy.<\/p>\n

The scholarships are funded in part by philanthropist Patricia Duggan of Clearwater, along with the Florida Prepaid Foundation, which matched the donations. The winner and runner-up will also be invited to attend the National Ronald Reagan Presidential Debate in California.<\/p>\n

\u201cFlorida is modeling for the nation the impact of comprehensive civics education. With the addition of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Debate into FCDI, students have even more opportunities to showcase their civics knowledge while engaging in respectful discourse. Through FCDI and the Civics Literacy Excellence Initiatives, we are ensuring the next generation understands our founding principles and is equipped to preserve them through active civic participation,\u201d said Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas.<\/p>\n

Since the DeSantis administration began, FCDI has grown from 59 teams in 11 districts to 330 teams across every School District in the state.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Instagram of the week \u2014<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Folksy \u2014<\/p>\n

Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd announced Thursday that Pedro Zepeda will be the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Florida Folk Heritage Award.<\/p>\n

The award recognizes exceptional folk artists and cultural advocates who have made significant contributions to preserving and celebrating Florida\u2019s unique folklife traditions. The award will be formally presented to Zepeda during a special ceremony held alongside the induction into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Florida Department of State is proud to honor Pedro for his commitment to preserving and advancing the art of Seminole dugout canoes,\u201d Byrd said. \u201cHis contributions have led to a greater appreciation and recognition of Seminole traditional arts and artists in our state.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Awardee Pedro Zepeda. Photo courtesy of HistoryMiami.<\/p>\n

Zepeda specializes in a variety of traditional Seminole arts and is a master folk artist who grew up in a conventional Seminole community. Many of his art forms were taught to him by experienced tribal members, including his grandmother, Tahama Osceola; his brother, Brian Zepeda; and Medicine Man Ingram Billie Jr.<\/p>\n

Working as a cultural advocate and educator, Zepeda has focused much of his career on the art of Seminole-style dugout canoe carving, using only naturally fallen Cypress trees and an adze, which is a traditional hand tool primarily used in woodworking.<\/p>\n

Outside of his art and work as an educator at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki museum, which began in 2005, Zepeda presents at conferences and other events across the nation on aspects of Seminole culture.<\/p>\n

Zepeda\u2019s work has been showcased at the Collier County Museum, History Fort Lauderdale, and HistoryMiami Museum. He has performed demonstrations at the Florida Folk Festival, the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, and was the 2019 Artist-In-Residence at HistoryMiami.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Florida port proud \u2014<\/p>\n

The 2025 Future of Florida Forum at the Florida Chamber of Commerce annual meeting this week in Orlando featured a key panel discussion on the future of America\u2019s Most Capable Ports: Moving People & Goods<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Hosted by Colton Madill, the Chamber\u2019s Director of Economic Development, Innovation and Infrastructure Policy, the onstage discussion quickly turned to Florida\u2019s growing influence among U.S. ports.<\/p>\n

Nick Primrose, Chief of Regulatory Compliance at JAXPORT in Northeast Florida, said the state\u2019s unique geography positions it to become the most influential logistics and transportation hub in the country.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou look at the map of the United States and Florida just sticks out \u2014 we\u2019re just jutting out into the water,\u201d Primrose said. \u201cWe\u2019re the closest state to the Panama Canal, where all that cargo moves from Asia and Southeast Asia ports. And obviously, we\u2019re consumers of all those goods.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Florida ports in global logistics are on the rise. Image via JAXPORT.<\/p>\n

He added that Florida\u2019s ports will play an even more prominent role in the coming years because of population growth in the Southeastern U.S. and are in \u201ca really prime location to capture all that cargo. From a transit time, to be the first state out of the Panama Canal, means quicker access to rail and road and airports.\u201d<\/p>\n

Primrose said Florida\u2019s scale and population make its influence inevitable.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re really well situated,\u201d he said. \u201cIf you look at the population growth in the United States, we\u2019re booming \u2026 Florida\u2019s going to play a prime role because we have all those ports in a prime location.\u201d<\/p>\n

Juan Carlos Liscano, vice president of Miami Hub Operations for American Airlines, agreed, noting that the airline is the largest in Florida with 20,000 employees statewide.<\/p>\n

Liscano said American is already planning for the growth, adding new flights only after considering the economic impact on the surrounding area.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 FWF FTW \u2014<\/p>\n

The Florida Wildlife Federation (FWF) is recognizing Sen. Gayle Harrell and Rep. John Snyder for their leadership in efforts to protect state lands from inappropriate development.<\/p>\n

The two lawmakers have earned the 2025 State Parks Champion Award in Palm Beach in recognition of their leadership on the State Park Preservation Act, which passed the Legislature unanimously last Session and was signed into law by DeSantis on May 22. The FWF honored Harrell and Snyder on Oct. 21.<\/p>\n

\"Sen.<\/a>Gayle Harrell and John Snyder were honored in Palm Beach with the Florida Wildlife Federation\u2019s 2025 State Parks Champion Award for their work protecting Florida\u2019s state parks from inappropriate development.<\/p>\n

The legislation was introduced following public concern over proposed golf courses and \u201cresort-style developments\u201d within nine state parks. The law safeguards 175 Florida state parks against incompatible uses and guarantees public participation in any future management changes.<\/p>\n

FWF Board Member Bobbie Lindsay and Douglas Buck hosted the reception. While celebrating the victory, FWF President and CEO Sarah Gledhill noted the organization\u2019s advocacy continues as it prepares for the 2026 Legislative Session.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Recycling heroes \u2014<\/p>\n

The Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation has announced the winners of the 2025 Recycling Champions Awards.<\/p>\n

The awards recognize companies, organizations, government entities, and individuals who have made a significant impact in advancing recycling and sustainability across Florida.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>That\u2019s not your neighbor; that\u2019s a recycling master.<\/p>\n

The 2025 Recycling Champions include:<\/p>\n

The Florida Bar Book Recycling Program \u2014 an initiative that recycles outdated Florida Statutes, law books and printed materials. Almost half a million pounds of books have been recycled since its inception.<\/p>\n

Novolex \u2014 Through its Convenient Recycling Access Program at Publix and other Florida grocers, as well as its Bag2Bag\u00ae initiative, Novolex repurposes returned plastic bags into resin used to make new packaging products and plastic bags.<\/p>\n

Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) \u2014 Leading by example, OCPS fosters sustainability and environmental responsibility among its students. OCPS runs a \u201cTough on Trash\u201d initiative that conducts hands-on experiments to measure and reduce student waste. OCPS has also piloted a food scrap composting program at 21 schools, turning 512,000 pounds of food into nutrient-rich soil.<\/p>\n

Naples Airport Authority (NAA) \u2014 The NAA and its Fixed-Base Operator, Naples Aviation, have integrated environmental sustainability into their everyday operations. Through its Environmental Sustainability in Aviation initiative, NAA reduces greenhouse gas emissions, improves air quality, and enhances the resilience of airport operations through its Transformative Fuel Initiative and the use of electric vehicles in its fleets.<\/p>\n

St. Lucie County Solid Waste Division \u2014 Through its Recycle Rangers program, St. Lucie County Solid Waste Division has expanded education on recycling and fostered engagement across the community, helping to make recycling fun, memorable, and accessible.<\/p>\n

Award winners will present their programs during Florida Recycles Day on Nov. 13, 2025, at Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland.<\/p>\n

For further details and registration, visit www.flrecycling.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Honoring innovation \u2014<\/p>\n

The South Walton County Mosquito District of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, was honored at the fourth Annual Innovate Awards by T-Mobile held at Gartner\u00ae IT Symposium\/Xpo\u2122 in Orlando last week.<\/p>\n

Formerly known as the Unconventional Awards, the newly named Innovate Awards spotlight businesses and public sector organizations across the U.S. that harness advanced connectivity to drive meaningful outcomes.<\/p>\n

District Director Darrin Dunwald was presented with the Tipping Point Designation by New York Times bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell.<\/p>\n

The South Walton Mosquito District was honored for launching the Florida Panhandle\u2019s first-ever drone-powered mosquito control program.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Darrin Dunwald picked up a special designation from T-Mobile this week.<\/p>\n

Using T-Mobile 5G, the district has now set a new standard for sustainable health, cutting treatment times by 75%, reducing chemical use, and optimizing resource allocation through geographic information systems mapping.<\/p>\n

The initiative helps increase efficiency to safeguard communities and further showcases the potential of using advanced connectivity in public service. The Tipping Point Designation includes a $30,000 charitable donation to the district\u2019s choice.<\/p>\n

\u201cT-Mobile 5G is more than technology \u2014 it\u2019s a foundation that allows bold ideas to come to life,\u201d said Gladwell. \u201cThis year\u2019s winners are proof that when organizations have reliable, high-speed connectivity, they can reimagine industries, protect communities and create entirely new possibilities.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mo Katibeh, Chief Marketing Officer at T-Mobile for Business, said customers are pushing the boundaries of 5G, which in turn is transforming businesses and strengthening communities.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Innovate Awards celebrate the real-world business outcomes being driven on America\u2019s best mobile network \u2014 and the bold innovators shaping the future,\u201d Katibeh said.<\/p>\n

\u2014Shoe game \u2014<\/p>\n

Sneakerheads, this one\u2019s for you. And in the world of fashion and culture, of course, Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University is involved.<\/p>\n

FAMU recently celebrated its collaboration with Nike, honoring HBCUs. Now in its sixth year, the partnership has produced the newest shoe: Nike\u2019s 2025 Yardrunners 6.0 Air Max 95. The brand calls it its most ambitious release yet, featuring four distinct Air Max 95 designs, each dedicated to a different HBCU.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Nike Yardrunners partnership and the release of the Air Max 95 FAMU Edition represent far more than just a shoe. They stand as a powerful symbol of legacy, culture and innovation,\u201d said Brandi Tatum Fedrick, executive director of the FAMU Foundation.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis historic collaboration honors the enduring spirit of Florida A&M University, where style meets purpose, and inspires the next generation of Rattlers to dream boldly, walk proudly and carry FAMU\u2019s legacy with them every step of the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Nike Honors FAMU in the 2025 Yardrunners 6.0 Air Max 95 Campaign. Image via FAMU.<\/p>\n

FAMU, Spelman College, Norfolk State University and Morehouse College were the HBCUs selected, and FAMU\u2019s shoe features orange and green tones with a reptile texture. The unveiling event, hosted by FAMU alumni Melanie Mitchell and Caitlin Davi, brought high energy to a crowd of sneaker fans.<\/p>\n

The highlight of the celebration \u2014 besides the shoes, of course \u2014 was a live performance from Tallahassee\u2019s own Luh Tyler, a rapper and singer with 2.4 million monthly listeners on Spotify and a breakout hit, \u201c2 Slippery,\u201d boasting more than 62 million streams.<\/p>\n

The shoes are available through Nike\u2019s SNKRS app and select Hibbett Sports retailers in Tallahassee, retailing for about $200.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Nike Yardrunners activation served as an event that went beyond its purpose to honor HBCU traditions and artistic expression. The activation provided our campus and community with a chance to meet each other while participating in activities that matched the vibrant atmosphere of our university,\u201d said Kennedy Williams, vice president of the Student Government Association.<\/p>\n

\u201cI loved getting a pair of the new FAMU Yardrunner shoe release. I\u2019m extremely happy to see Nike continue to show up for HBCUs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014You on the Moors Now\u2014<\/p>\n

Who said classic literature couldn\u2019t be fun or lively \u2014 besides you in your high school English class all those years ago?<\/p>\n

Florida State University\u2019s School of Theatre is staging a production of You on the Moors Now, a play by Jaclyn Backhaus that reimagines literature\u2019s most iconic heroines. Elizabeth Bennet, Catherine Earnshaw, Jane Eyre and Jo March in this romp decide they will no longer adhere to society\u2019s rules.<\/p>\n

For anyone who needs an AP Lit refresher, those are the leads from Pride and Prejudice, Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre and Little Women.<\/p>\n

Performances began Halloween night at The Lab Theatre (502 S. Copeland St.) and run through Nov. 9.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Elizabeth Bennet (Onyekachi Anyagaligbo), Cathy (Caitlin Hagney), Jo March (Brooke Culp) and Jane Eyre (Charlotte Fletcher) unite against their male counterparts to forge their own destinies. Image via FSU School of Theatre.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis play dives into the deconstruction and reconstruction of self, love and society, asking: Who defines us? What do we stand for? What happens when we step into the unknown? With humor, absurdity and heart, You on the Moors Now transforms the romantic tropes of 19th-century literature into a modern battlefield of ideas \u2014 reminding us that some truths, and some questions, are timeless,\u201d said director Jasmine Bracey.<\/p>\n

The starring roles belong to FSU School of Theatre students Onyekachi Anyagaligbo (Elizabeth Bennet), Caitlyn Hagney (Cathy), Charlotte Fletcher (Jane Eyre) and Brooke Culp (Jo March). Bracey directs, with production design by Anna Grigo, costumes by Makenzie Vaughan, and lighting design by Naiomy P\u00e9rez Del Valle.<\/p>\n

\u201cWilliam Shakespeare wrote, \u2018All the world\u2019s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.\u2019 This show takes that idea and pulls it apart \u2014 examining the tension between the roles we\u2019re assigned and the people we\u2019re becoming,\u201d Bracey said.<\/p>\n

For a good laugh and a fresh take on the classics, tickets are available at tickets.theatre.fsu.edu<\/a>. For more information about the program, visit theatre.fsu.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Working with (and for) you \u2014<\/p>\n

Workspaces and bosses want to ensure they don\u2019t have constant turnover when hiring employees. And Tallahassee State College (TSC) is letting the world know how to be not only an effective place to work, but one of the best.<\/p>\n

This week, TSC earned national recognition from The National Association for Business Resources (NABR), which announced TSC is one of the \u201cBest and Brightest Companies to Work For\u201d in the nation. Only 10% of applicants earned a spot on this list, putting TSC in high regard amongst all industries, not just education.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeing named one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For is a tremendous honor and a reflection of TSC\u2019s culture. When we take care of our employees, they can fully focus on what matters most, the success of our students,\u201d said Jim Murdaugh, the president of TSC.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>TSC is a great place to work, and not a bad one to look at, either.<\/p>\n

This is the fourth year in a row TSC has earned this honor, spanning back to 2022. The NABR selects winners based on a variety of factors, including research-driven evaluations of the workplace, employee pay\/benefits, career development and staff retention, compensation, employee enrichment, and the workforce\u2019s role in the community and its engagement with it.<\/p>\n

The honor reflects TSC\u2019s position at the forefront of innovation, employee engagement, and excellent HR practices. Congratulations to TSC, especially to the top faculty and staff who make working at TSC a little better for all the professors and employees every day.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Super-fun! \u2014<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a bird, it\u2019s a plane, it\u2019s Tallahassee Movie Night!<\/p>\n

On Nov. 8, get the family together, grab your significant other \u2014 or in this case, bring your dog \u2014 because the 2025 global phenomenon Superman (2025) is coming to Cascades Park for all to enjoy, free of charge. The super-puppy Krypto will also make an appearance. All ages are welcome.<\/p>\n

The excitement starts at 5 p.m. with a variety of events, including a costume contest. So, grab your best bald cap for Nicholas Hoult\u2019s spin on Lex Luthor, or channel your inner punk-rocker as David Corenswet\u2019s embodiment of hope \u2014 Clark Kent himself.<\/p>\n

Food vendors will be on-site offering dinner options, snacks and treats. Complimentary popcorn will be available while supplies last. Seating is first-come, first-served, so plan accordingly if you want the best spot. Tallahassee residents are encouraged to bring blankets for hill seating.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Missed it on the big screen? Tallahassee has you covered. Image via AP.<\/p>\n

If you haven\u2019t seen James Gunn\u2019s cinematic reboot of the DC Universe (and don\u2019t have HBO), this is your chance to catch it on the biggest screen possible. The film is packed with action and carries a PG-13 rating, so parents and guardians should take note before bringing young children.<\/p>\n

For more information, visit Talgov.com\/Park<\/a>. The film, produced on a $225 million budget, earned $615 million worldwide \u2014 now it\u2019s being offered for free as a post-Halloween treat for the 850.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Self-Bugonia \u2014<\/p>\n

Movie time. Let\u2019s get right into what\u2019s what in new releases.<\/p>\n

From five-time Academy Award nominee and master of the bizarre Yorgos Lanthimos (Poor Things, The Favourite, The Lobster) comes his latest collaboration with two-time Oscar winner Emma Stone (La La Land, Poor Things, Easy A) and the criminally underrated Oscar nominee Jesse Plemons (The Power of the Dog, Civil War, Breaking Bad).<\/p>\n

The film, \u201cBugonia,\u201d follows two men driven by a wild conspiracy who kidnap a powerful CEO because they believe she\u2019s an alien. Of course, Lanthimos is involved in this. The film marks the fourth full-length collaboration between Stone and Lanthimos. It\u2019s already being hailed as a critical darling, with an 89% score on Rotten Tomatoes (83% with audiences), a 7.7 on IMDb and a 4.0 on Letterboxd. Watch out \u2014 this awards-season favorite could easily find itself in Best Picture and acting categories. But if this is your first Lanthimos film, buckle up \u2014 you\u2019re in for a strange ride.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Emma Stone is starring in the big release of the weekend, Bugonia (Focus Features via AP).<\/p>\n

On the spooky side, helping ease that post-Halloween lull, there\u2019s \u201cSelf-Help,\u201d a new horror film about a daughter trying to free her mother from a community with unsettling, cultlike undertones. Co-written and directed by Erik Bloomquist, it stars Landry Bender (Looking for Alaska, The Sitter), Jake Weber (Dawn of the Dead [2004], Meet Joe Black) and Amy Hargreaves (Homeland, Blue Ruin). It\u2019s earning strong reviews \u2014 87% on Rotten Tomatoes, 7.0 on IMDb and 3.1 on Letterboxd \u2014 suggesting it\u2019s a solid choice for a late-season scare.<\/p>\n

And at home this week, Prime Video debuts \u201cHedda,\u201d a reimagining of Henrik Ibsen\u2019s classic play. Written and directed by Nia DaCosta (Candyman [2021], The Marvels, Little Woods), the film stars Tessa Thompson (Passing, Thor: Ragnarok, Creed) and Nina Hoss (T\u00e1r, A Most Wanted Man, Barbara). The sleek new adaptation is drawing rave reviews, with a 91% on Rotten Tomatoes and 3.4 on Letterboxd \u2014 and may finally earn Thompson the Oscar attention many thought she deserved for \u201cPassing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Capitol Directions \u2014<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

DeSantis vs. Perez \u2014 Down arrow \u2014 Who else is already over \u2018Stupid\u2019 vs. \u2018small and petty.\u2019<\/p>\n

Jay Collins \u2014 Down arrow \u2014 werewaiting.gif<\/p>\n

David Jolly \u2014 Down arrow \u2014 Jerry Demings says hello. The rest of the party says, \u201cgood luck with that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Blaise Ingoglia \u2014 Up arrow \u2014 Backed by 60 Sheriffs. Call it a full arrest of doubt.<\/p>\n

James Uthmeier \u2014 Crossways arrow \u2014 Probably not a great sign when \u201corder in the court\u201d comes with live ammo.<\/p>\n

Larry Keefe \u2014 Crossways arrow \u2014 \u201cPlanned transition?\u201d And Tallahassee\u2019s humidity is \u201cstrategic moisture.\u201d<\/p>\n

Doug Broxson \u2014 Crossways arrow \u2014 From Senate Chair to Board of Governors. The revolving door is still spinning.<\/p>\n

Legislative Democrats \u2014 Up arrow \u2014 Moral clarity: achieved, for once.<\/p>\n

Florida Civics and Debate Initiative \u2014 Up arrow \u2014 Arguing for cash now comes with a $50K Kirk kicker.<\/p>\n

Jon Maples \u2014 Up arrow \u2014 Cue the victory lap music.<\/p>\n

Smart & Safe Florida \u2014 Up arrow \u2014 Suing the state to make it follow its own rules. High time \u2026 literally.<\/p>\n

Florida Chamber \u2014 Up arrow \u2014 F3 nailed it again. Facts, data, vision \u2026 and plenty left for a sequel.<\/p>\n

Sunshine Health \u2014 Down arrow \u2014Cutting kids\u2019 care, cashing billion-dollar checks. Cloudy with no chance of conscience.<\/p>\n

TECO \u2014 Up arrow \u2014 Hurricane tested, server approved.<\/p>\n

Candy corn makers \u2014 Up arrow \u2014 Eleven months of peace before the hate resumes.<\/p>\n

Chris Latvala \u2014 Prayer hands \u2014 Home again. Hallelujah.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"As Florida observes National Family Caregivers Month, AARP Florida and Florida State University\u2019s Claude Pepper Center are partnering…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":29166,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[9522,9523,9524,232,234,233,9525],"class_list":["post-29165","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-tallahassee","tag-takeaways","tag-takeaways-from-tallahassee","tag-takeaways-from-tally","tag-tallahassee","tag-tallahassee-headlines","tag-tallahassee-news","tag-tft"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29165","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=29165"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29165\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/29166"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29165"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=29165"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=29165"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}