![\"\"](\"https:\/\/floridapolitics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/FSU_Veterans_Cohort.png\")
<\/a>Participants in the Veteran Entrepreneurship Certificate Program represented a range of entrepreneurial interests and business development, from early-stage concepts to existing ventures seeking growth and refinement. Image via Jim Moran College.<\/p>\n\u201cVeterans bring an incredible combination of resilience, leadership and adaptability to entrepreneurship. What made this cohort especially exciting was watching participants build confidence in their ideas while also building a strong community around one another,\u201d said Eric Liguori, associate dean for Research and External Relations at the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, who led the program.<\/p>\n
The program combines workshops, mentoring and applied exercises designed to help participants evaluate opportunities and strengthen business concepts. Veterans also connected with local entrepreneurial resources and learned from FSU faculty members, including Susana Santos, Bill Lickson, Juliana Binhote, Doug Tatum and Melissa Robert.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis partnership with Veterans Florida reflects the kind of community-centered impact happening every day in the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship. We are proud to support veterans and military-connected families as they pursue entrepreneurial opportunities that can create lasting economic and community impact across Florida,\u201d said Susan Fiorito, dean of the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship.<\/p>\n
Graduates received certificates of completion and are now eligible to join the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship\u2019s statewide alum network of more than 2,700 Florida business owners.<\/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
To the voters<\/a> \u2014 Floridians are one step closer to voting to lower homestead property taxes, a move that could put money in homeowners\u2019 pockets even as county and city officials have warned of the effort wreaking havoc on local budgets. The Senate voted 30-9 to place HJR 1-F on the ballot, after it passed the House 75-26. The measure is a major priority of Gov. Ron DeSantis. If approved by at least 60% of voters in November, the constitutional amendment would lift homestead exemptions for those who own primary residences in the state by the end of this year to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, and tie further increases in the exemption to the Consumer Price Index. School taxes would not be subject to the increased exemption limit and would stay at $25,000.<\/p>\n Shipping out<\/a> \u2014 He spent the past two years leading the Florida House, publicly battling DeSantis while moving the Legislature toward a more coequal footing. Now, House Speaker Daniel Perez may soon be South America-bound. President Donald Trump has nominated Perez as U.S. Ambassador to Brazil \u2014 the largest country in South America and one of the United States\u2019 most significant trade and diplomatic partners in the region. The nomination was part of a broader batch of appointments Trump sent to the Senate, which also included four other Florida nominees for ambassador and federal law enforcement posts. Perez\u2019s nomination comes just under nine months after the White House urged Perez to run for Florida Attorney General, an undertaking he declined to pursue that would have put him on a collision course with DeSantis appointee James Uthmeier.<\/p>\n Bowing out<\/a> \u2014 Jerry Demings is suspending his campaign for Governor after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer this week. Demings said he only received the diagnosis on Monday, then told his children on Thursday that he was quitting the campaign. Demings said he plans on \u201crunning through the finish line\u201d as Orange County Mayor and serving the remaining six months of his term. \u201cIn order for me to receive the treatment that I need, I am going to have to come off the campaign trail,\u201d Demings said. \u201cI have to let something go. I can\u2019t continue to do my job as Mayor, take care of my family and run for Governor. So, I made a difficult decision.\u201d Demings said he was optimistic about his prognosis, reminding the public that 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. The odds worsen for African American men, where it\u2019s 1 in 4, Demings added.<\/p>\n Big bucks<\/a> \u2014 Republican Byron Donalds has raised about $81.1 million for his run for Governor. Of that, $13.8 million came in just April and May. This continues a strong fundraising pattern for the Naples Congressman. The total includes money from both his official campaign and the Friends of Byron Donalds political committee. With early support from President Donald Trump, his campaign has consistently raised more money than other GOP candidates. The official campaign account, which has stricter contribution limits, has raised $9.2 million through May. About $2.13 million came after the first quarter. More than 8,812 people have donated to the official account. The Friends of Byron Donalds account has reported over $71.8 million in total, with $11.7 million raised in the last two months alone.<\/p>\n PTO<\/a> \u2014 Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Perez issued a joint statement detailing extra \u201cdiscretionary\u201d holidays for legislative staffers. The official day off for Independence Day this year was already scheduled for July 3, the Friday before the holiday. But this year also marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. That played into the decision to provide some extra days off. \u201cThe last few months were filled with many late nights, early mornings, and weekends spent away from your homes and families,\u201d the joint statement said. \u201cAs we all prepare to celebrate the momentous, historic occasion of the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we would like to provide some extra time off for legislative staff.\u201d The additional days include July 1, 2 and 6. That means all offices of the Legislature will close at 5 p.m. on June 30 and will not reopen until 8 a.m. on July 7.<\/p>\n \u2014 Ready for anything? \u2014<\/p>\n Hurricane season officially began this week, so those of you who haven\u2019t prepped yet are being docked a letter grade \u2026 seriously, though, get it done.<\/p>\n DeSantis, Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie, Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue and Florida National Guard Maj. Gen. John Haas joined the chorus of officials urging preparedness during an annual emergency management training symposium.<\/p>\n The event doubled as the announcement of a new workforce development initiative aimed at ensuring Florida has enough trained emergency response professionals should a disaster strike.<\/p>\n Dubbed the Coalition for Operational Readiness in Education (CORE), the program will bring together emergency management agencies, educational institutions and private-sector partners to strengthen the state\u2019s emergency management talent pipeline.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have made historic investments in infrastructure hardening and emergency management,\u201d DeSantis said, adding that he was \u201cproud to announce another step to ensure that Florida remains the national model for disaster preparedness and recovery.\u201d<\/p>\n The announcement came during the third annual Florida Training for Emergency Management Symposium<\/a>. This weeklong event brought together emergency managers, local officials, nonprofit organizations and private-sector stakeholders from around the state.<\/p>\n \u201cPreparedness starts long before a storm forms,\u201d Guthrie said. \u201cThrough training, collaboration, and education, we are building stronger, more resilient communities and ensuring emergency management professionals are equipped to respond when disasters occur.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 Uthmeier gets real on AI \u2014<\/p>\n Attorney General James Uthmeier has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, alleging the company misled the public about ChatGPT\u2019s risks and failed to adequately warn users about potential harms.<\/p>\n Uthmeier announced the lawsuit during a news conference in Palm Beach County, saying the action is separate from an ongoing criminal investigation examining whether a suspect in the 2025 Florida State University mass shooting used ChatGPT before the attack.<\/p>\n \u201cChatGPT we know can be addictive,\u201d Uthmeier said, arguing that young users are particularly vulnerable. \u201cIt aids them even if they are pursuing violence. It aids them even if they are engaging in criminal conduct.\u201d<\/p>\n The 76-page complaint, filed in Florida\u2019s 10th Judicial Circuit Court, accuses OpenAI of negligence, fraud, creating a public nuisance and violating Florida\u2019s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause of defendants\u2019 misrepresentations about ChatGPT and their careless introduction of ChatGPT to Florida and the world, mass shooters have been aided and abetted in deadly rampages, vulnerable people have been encouraged into suicide (and) professionals have suffered public humiliation,\u201d the lawsuit states.<\/p>\n The complaint further alleges that Altman has engaged in a \u201cpattern of deception and disregard for safety\u201d and claims that OpenAI knew of ChatGPT\u2019s dangers yet failed to address them adequately.<\/p>\n Among the lawsuit\u2019s central allegations is that OpenAI failed to provide sufficient warnings about risks associated with ChatGPT despite being aware of potential harms to users.<\/p>\n \u2014 Land bank \u2014<\/p>\n Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson is celebrating what he\u2019s calling a \u201chistoric\u201d win for Florida\u2019s farmers, ranchers and conservationists.<\/p>\n The state budget passed by lawmakers last week included a record $425 million for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program<\/a>, a state program designed to protect agricultural lands by acquiring conservation easements that allow ag operations to continue while restricting future development.<\/p>\n Simpson has put substantial effort into boosting the program since he took office in 2023 \u2014 the program has preserved more than 234,000 acres statewide since its creation in 2001, more than 168,000 of which (72%) were added to the inventory under Simpson\u2019s watch.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m extremely grateful to Senate President Ben Albritton, House Speaker Daniel Perez, and the entire Florida Legislature for making a historic investment to save Florida\u2019s irreplaceable farmland from development,\u201d Simpson said, noting that many of the protected properties are located within the Florida Wildlife Corridor.<\/p>\n The budget includes $200 million for traditional land-preservation projects and another $225 million earmarked for larger properties exceeding 6,000 acres that have not previously received funding through the program. State officials say the two-pronged approach is intended to help preserve as many family farming operations as possible while also securing some of Florida\u2019s largest remaining tracts of agricultural land.<\/p>\n Since 2022, lawmakers have directed more than $1.1 billion to the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.<\/p>\n \u2014 Year of the Farmer \u2014<\/p>\n The land conservation cash took top billing, but it was just one of many budget wins Simpson\u2019s touting now that the budget\u2019s wrapped.<\/p>\n The Agriculture Commissioner listed another $400 million in funding spread across wildfire response, citrus recovery, food security, veterinary medicine, aquaculture and agricultural education in a celebratory release, dubbing 2026 as \u201cThe Year of the Farmer.\u201d<\/p>\n Among the largest line items is $193.4 million for Florida\u2019s citrus industry, including funding for research, healthy rootstock production and infrastructure improvements at nurseries and packinghouses. The Florida Forest Service is slated to receive $132 million for wildfire suppression, mitigation and equipment purchases as the state continues grappling with drought-fueled blazes.<\/p>\n The budget also includes $38 million for Farmers Feeding Florida, which connects growers with food banks \u2014 it has already distributed more than 43 million pounds of food since it was jointly unveiled<\/a> by Simpson and Albritton last year, and it was made permanent in the recently enacted 2026 Florida Farm Bill.<\/p>\n Another $42 million will support the expansion of the Bronson Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. Further down the list: $19 million for the Fresh From Florida marketing program, $4 million for oyster restoration projects and $1 million for Florida FFA scholarships.<\/p>\n \u201cThis year\u2019s budget reflects a historic commitment by Senate President Albritton, House Speaker Perez, and the entire Florida Legislature to support Florida\u2019s farmers \u2014 the people who quietly and humbly feed our communities, fuel our economy, and protect our natural resources,\u201d Simpson said.<\/p>\n \u201cFlorida farmers faced a difficult year marked by devastating freezes, wildfires, and other serious challenges. In response, the Florida Legislature delivered a budget that makes 2026 The Year of the Farmer.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 More Moola \u2013<\/p>\n Giddy up to the Horse Capital of the World.<\/p>\n Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia awarded more than $166,000 in immigration enforcement funding to three local law enforcement agencies this week through the State Board of Immigration Enforcement.<\/p>\n The grants were announced in Ocala and distributed to the Marion County Sheriff\u2019s Office, Bradford County Sheriff\u2019s Office and the Town of Cross City. The funding reimburses local agencies for immigration enforcement activities conducted through partnerships with federal authorities.<\/p>\n \u201cUnder President Trump and Gov. DeSantis, we have cracked down on removing criminal illegal aliens off our streets. I am thankful for the dedication and tireless efforts of our law enforcement partners who have worked tirelessly to keep Floridians safe,\u201d Ingoglia said.<\/p>\n The awards included $77,200 for the Bradford County Sheriff\u2019s Office, $69,117 for the Marion County Sheriff\u2019s Office and $20,000 for the Town of Cross City.<\/p>\n The funding is available through the State Board of Immigration Enforcement, which supports local participation in federal immigration enforcement efforts under Section 287(g) agreements that allow state and local agencies to partner with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.<\/p>\n \u201cIllegal immigration has impacted every community across the nation. The money awarded to my office by the State Board of Immigration Enforcement helps ensure the safety of our deputies by giving them the tools to do their jobs safely and efficiently,\u201d said Billy Woods, Sheriff of Marion County.<\/p>\n Ingoglia serves on the State Board of Immigration Enforcement alongside Gov. Ron DeSantis, Uthmeier and Simpson.<\/p>\n \u2014 Instagram of the week \u2014<\/p>\n \u2014\u266b Fishing for Fishies \u2013 KGLW \u266b \u2014<\/p>\n Winner-winner, fish dinner? <\/p>\n This week, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission\u2019s School Fishing Program announced the winners of its Fishing & Conservation Challenge.<\/p>\n Students from across the state completed projects focused on conservation and ethical angling, including cleaning up waterways, practicing catch and release, and passing on safe fishing practices to younger anglers.<\/p>\n \u201cPrograms like the School Fishing Program play an important role in developing the next generation of anglers. By supporting schools, we are giving students the opportunity to develop valuable fishing skills while building an understanding of conservation and stewardship,\u201d said Jessica McCawley, director of Marine Fisheries Management.<\/p>\n \u201cThese experiences help Florida\u2019s youth form meaningful connections with our aquatic resources, fostering a lifelong appreciation for fishing and inspiring future anglers to conserve these natural resources.\u201d<\/p>\n Independence Classical Academy took home top honors, while Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy and David L. Anderson Middle School earned second and third place, respectively. Mud Hole Custom Tackle, Hobie Eyewear and Flambeau Outdoors provided prizes.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are proud to partner with FWC on such an impactful, student-based program. This year\u2019s competing students were truly engaged in conservation and preserving our waterways and natural resources,\u201d said Anthony Youmans, Mud Hole Education Program Director.<\/p>\n Mud Hole Custom Tackle, based in Oviedo, is the world\u2019s largest supplier of rod-building and tackle equipment and instruction.<\/p>\n \u2014 Trying your luck \u2014<\/p>\n Money doesn\u2019t play around. Especially the Lottery.<\/p>\n The Florida Lottery announced this week that Rohail Khan, a store clerk in Panama City, was arrested following an investigation by the agency\u2019s Division of Security.<\/p>\n The case stemmed from a retailer compliance operation at Bay Food Mart, where investigators determined Khan allegedly failed to follow required procedures after processing a Scratch-Off compliance ticket designed to simulate a valid $1,000 winning ticket. Rather than returning the ticket and providing instructions on how to claim the prize, Khan allegedly kept both.<\/p>\n Investigators later discovered the ticket had been scanned through the Florida Lottery mobile app after the compliance operation concluded. Days later, an individual was arrested at Florida Lottery headquarters in Tallahassee while attempting to claim the prize.<\/p>\n According to investigators, Khan sold the ticket for $800, a direct violation of Florida law prohibiting the transfer or sale of Lottery prize claims.<\/p>\n \u201cRetailers are entrusted with following strict procedures that protect players and ensure fairness in every Lottery transaction. When those procedures are disregarded for personal benefit, it compromises the system we rely on. Our Division of Security will continue conducting compliance operations and pursuing accountability wherever violations occur,\u201d said Florida Lottery Acting Secretary Reginald Dixon.<\/p>\n Khan was charged with one count of dealing in stolen property and one count of unlawfully selling the right to claim a Lottery prize.<\/p>\n \u2014 Water we\u2019re talking about \u2014<\/p>\n The Public Service Commission this week approved new water rates for Water Oak Utility following a review of the utility\u2019s operational needs, infrastructure conditions and extensive customer feedback.<\/p>\n Water Oak filed its application in June 2025, seeking a rate adjustment to support continued operations, address aging infrastructure and maintain reliable service for customers in Lake County.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Commission\u2019s action today reflects the value of customer participation in our decision-making process,\u201d said PSC Chair Gabriella Passidomo Smith.<\/p>\n \u201cAfter carefully considering customer feedback and staff\u2019s recommendations, the Commission approved rates that support the continued operation of the Utility while incorporating modifications that address concerns raised about its quality of service and management.\u201d<\/p>\n As part of the review process, the PSC held a virtual customer meeting and received more than 300 written comments regarding the rate request and the quality of service provided by Water Oak.<\/p>\n The issue was first considered during the Commission\u2019s April 7 conference. Commissioners ultimately approved staff recommendations, with modifications to address customer concerns.<\/p>\n The new rates will take effect after customers receive an official PSC-approved notice from the utility.<\/p>\n Water Oak provides water service to roughly 1,265 residential customers and 50 general service customers in Lake County. Its current rates were last established in 1986.<\/p>\n \u2014 Citrus leaders sweet on budget \u2014<\/p>\n Florida Citrus Mutual is praising lawmakers for approving nearly $196 million in state funding aimed at helping the citrus industry recover from years of decline caused largely by citrus greening disease.<\/p>\n The lion\u2019s share of the funding \u2014 $160 million \u2014 will go to the Citrus Research and Field Trials (CRAFT) Foundation, which was established in 2019 to combat Huanglongbing (HLB), better known as citrus greening. The disease has helped shrink Florida\u2019s commercial citrus acreage from roughly 750,000 acres to about 430,000 acres, according to CRAFT estimates.<\/p>\n The funding will support new plantings, treatments and production methods while generating data intended to accelerate the industry\u2019s recovery.<\/p>\n Florida Citrus Mutual Executive Vice President and CEO Matt Joyner said the investment provides growers with critical resources as they work to rebuild the state\u2019s signature agricultural sector.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Florida Legislature\u2019s nearly $196 million investment reinforces the state\u2019s commitment to combat citrus greening, strengthen production and sustain the state\u2019s iconic citrus industry,\u201d Joyner said in a statement.<\/p>\n The funding package represents one of the largest recent investments in Florida\u2019s citrus recovery efforts, giving growers additional tools in the long-running fight against the disease that has reshaped the industry over the past two decades.<\/p>\n \u2014 Insurance flood facts \u2014<\/p>\n Florida is famously at risk of floods, and a new program aims to help residents deal with Mother Nature.<\/p>\n The Personal Insurance Federation of Florida (PIFF<\/a>) is launching FloodReadyFlorida<\/a>, a site to help residents prepare for floods. The website also provides outlines of flood risks and explains how to recover from disasters.<\/p>\n \u201cOne of the most important things Floridians can do is prepare for the possibility of flooding before a storm is on the radar. While hurricane categories are based on wind speed, water is often the deadliest hazard,\u201d said Michael Carlson, president of PIFF.<\/p>\n \u201cExperts note that flooding from storm surge and heavy rainfall causes far more deaths than wind alone, and flooding can occur hundreds of miles from the coast. Simply put: anywhere it rains, it can flood.\u201d<\/p>\n PIFF officials note that the flood preparedness website has helpful guidance for all areas of Florida, not just the coastal regions. Flash floods often hit interior counties that have rivers, lakes and other bodies of water.<\/p>\n Flood damage can also result from tropical storms, hurricanes and slow-moving thunderstorms that move through areas normally considered outside of high-risk flood zones.<\/p>\n The new PIFF initiative covers several elements related to flooding, including information on flood insurance and where consumers can learn about available coverage options.<\/p>\n It also offers information on home hardening, mitigation and resilience measures that can help reduce damage.<\/p>\n \u2014 Behind the mask \u2014<\/p>\n Florida A&M University is set to celebrate four decades of Black artistic expression this Summer with a new exhibition honoring Beth Turner, the longtime publisher and driving force behind Black Masks magazine.<\/p>\n Opening today and running through Aug. 29 at FAMU\u2019s Foster Tanner Fine Arts Gallery, \u201cBlack Masks Exhibition: A 40-Year Celebration!\u201d will showcase the publication\u2019s legacy through \u201clarger-than-life\u201d reproductions of its most recognizable covers, archival materials and artifacts documenting Turner\u2019s career and the magazine\u2019s impact on artists and audiences alike.<\/p>\n The exhibit, organized by FAMU Essential Theatre<\/a>, will occupy both floors of the gallery.<\/p>\n University officials say the exhibition is intended not only as a retrospective on Black Masks but also as a tribute to Turner\u2019s role in elevating artists whose work might otherwise have gone unnoticed by mainstream outlets.<\/p>\n The celebration will begin with an opening reception at 4 p.m. today, bringing together artists, scholars, students and community members to reflect on Turner\u2019s contributions and the publication\u2019s cultural significance.<\/p>\n Organizers say the event will feature discussions of the magazine\u2019s legacy and its continued relevance in documenting and promoting Black artistic expression.<\/p>\n The exhibition is free and open to the public throughout the Summer.<\/p>\n \u2014 Seminole surge \u2014<\/p>\n Florida State University is receiving so many applications that it\u2019s launching a new program to help the admissions department sift through the piles of paperwork.<\/p>\n Announced this week, Early Decision allows domestic first-year applicants seeking to start school in Summer or Fall 2027 to apply through a binding process, giving students who view FSU as their clear first choice the opportunity to receive admissions decisions earlier in their senior year.<\/p>\n The change comes after another banner year for the university\u2019s admissions office, which saw a six-figure flood of applications for its most recent incoming class \u2014 the university says the 100,000-plus applicants last cycle represent a 48% increase in first-year applications over the past five years.<\/p>\n \u201cEach year, more students tell us that FSU is their top-choice university, and they want to know how to indicate that on their admissions application,\u201d said Hege Ferguson, assistant VP for undergraduate admissions. \u201cEarly Decision is a clear, transparent way to allow students to express that preference while giving them the benefit of an earlier admission decision and a streamlined application process.\u201d<\/p>\n In Florida, the university claimed the No. 1 spots for student satisfaction and best value from The Princeton Review<\/a>; it also topped the rest of the Sunshine State field in U.S. News & World Report\u2019s ranking of best first-year experiences.<\/p>\n For the college-bound (and those ensuring they get their apps in): Early Decision will run concurrently with FSU\u2019s existing non-binding Early Action option, which remains available exclusively to Florida residents. The deadline for both is Oct. 15, and decisions will be released Dec. 17. Students admitted through Early Decision must withdraw all other college applications and submit their enrollment deposit to FSU by Jan. 15.<\/p>\n More information on Early Decision is available here<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u2014 Free Big Bend art exhibit \u2014<\/p>\n Anyone who thinks Tallahassee is all football and politics might want to make room for a little art.<\/p>\n The Tallahassee State College Fine Art Gallery this week opened its Summer 2026 exhibition season with a showcase featuring works by members of the Gadsden Arts Center Artists\u2019 Guild. The exhibit kicked off with a public reception on May 28.<\/p>\n The Guild brings together emerging and established regional artists dedicated to supporting and strengthening the arts across the 850.<\/p>\n \u201cThis exhibition celebrates the incredible depth of artistic talent found throughout our region. The Gadsden Arts Artists Guild brings together artists working in a wide range of styles and media, creating an exhibit that invites visitors to explore new perspectives, discover unexpected connections, and experience the power of visual storytelling,\u201d said Donmetrie Clark, Dean of Communications and Humanities at Tallahassee State College.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are proud to share their work with the Tallahassee State College community and the public.\u201d<\/p>\n The Guild works to connect artists with one another and with audiences while fostering creativity and cultural enrichment throughout North Florida and South Georgia.<\/p>\n The exhibition runs through July 2. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and campus parking are free.<\/p>\n \u2014 Beyond your block \u2014<\/p>\n Turns out you can celebrate America\u2019s 250th anniversary while discovering a few new local favorites.<\/p>\n Leon County is running its \u201cBeyond Your Block: America250 Edition\u201d promotion through July 4, encouraging residents and visitors to explore restaurants, breweries, shops, museums, parks and other attractions throughout the community.<\/p>\n This year\u2019s challenge also highlights six America250FL Road Trip stops located in Leon County, giving participants a chance to learn a little history while earning points toward prizes.<\/p>\n Using the Visit Tallahassee app, participants can complete challenges and earn points by visiting featured locations. Leon County\u2019s six official America250FL Road Trip sites are worth 50 points each.<\/p>\n The first 50 participants to earn 250 points will receive a limited-edition Tallahassee America 250 commemorative T-shirt. Each location visited during the campaign also counts as an entry into a grand-prize drawing for a two-night Tallahassee staycation package that includes hotel accommodations and tickets to local attractions.<\/p>\n To participate, download the Visit Tallahassee app and select the \u201cChallenges\u201d tab.<\/p>\n \u2014 Be ready, Tally \u2014<\/p>\n Hurricane season is here, and the capital city is encouraging residents to get prepared before the first storm appears on the radar.<\/p>\n The City of Tallahassee is offering its online PREP guide \u2014 Plan for Readiness and Emergency Preparedness \u2014 at Talgov.com\/PREP, along with free community workshops focused on storm readiness.<\/p>\n The next workshop is scheduled for June 16 from 6-8 p.m. at St. Peter\u2019s Anglican Church on Thomasville Road.<\/p>\n Forecasters with NOAA\u2019s National Weather Service predict the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season will produce between eight and 14 named storms, including one to three major hurricanes of Category 3 strength or higher.<\/p>\n \u201cAs hurricane season begins, we encourage everyone to take steps now to be ready for whatever the season may bring. We have faced storms before, and each one reminds us that preparation makes a difference,\u201d said Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey.<\/p>\n \u201cReview your emergency plan, gather essential supplies and sign up for local emergency alerts. While the City is ready to provide essential services before, during and after a storm, we all have a role to play. By preparing today, we can help protect our loved ones, support our neighbors and keep our Tallahassee strong and resilient throughout hurricane season.\u201d<\/p>\n In the event of severe weather, residents can use the free DigiTally app to report and track power outages, downed trees and other storm-related issues.<\/p>\n \u2014 Masters of the Scary Cape \u2014<\/p>\n Come one, come all to the cinema corner. <\/p>\n \u201cBackrooms\u201d overperformed what trades were projecting and opened to $81 million, putting it on track to become A24\u2019s highest-grossing film to date while \u201cObsession\u201d is still on an impressive run of its own, scoring $24 million in its third weekend, a 14% increase from week two and joins Steven Spielberg\u2019s \u201cE.T.\u201d as the only Summer wide release to have an increase in box office from week two to three. Disney\u2019s \u201cStar Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu\u201d is also making history: it\u2019s the first Star Wars film to open No. 1 at the box office and not hold on to the top spot in its second week. Ouch. <\/p>\n Onto the new.<\/p>\n \u201cMasters of the Universe\u201d is a remake of the original 1987 \u201cHe-Man\u201d movie and is directed by Oscar nominee Travis Knight, known for his stop motion work such as \u201cKubo and the Two Strings\u201d and \u201cParaNorman.\u201d The film stars Emmy nominee Idris Elba, Oscar winner Jared Leto and comedy icon Alison Brie. But Nicholas Galitzine, who fans might recognize from \u201cThe Idea of You,\u201d or \u201cBottoms,\u201d steps into the shoes of Dolph Lundgren, the original He-Man and evil Russian boxer from \u201cRocky IV.\u201d But how is the clear cash-grab attempt by the toy company Mattel, after the success of the Oscar-winning film \u201cBarbie,\u201d playing out? Surprisingly not terrible. It is currently at 67% on Rotten Tomatoes (87% audience), a 7.1 IMDb, and a 3.2 on Letterboxd. Maybe this will launch a new generation of He-Man fans.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>CORE is training the next generation of emergency management pros.<\/p>\n<\/a>James Uthmeier is suing the company behind ChatGPT.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>The conservation program received record funding in the 2026-27 budget.<\/p>\n<\/a>Wilton Simpson posted a rundown of the budget wins on X.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Blaise Ingoglia made the trek to North Central Florida with a trunk full of checks.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>FWC is giving a shoutout to School Fishing Program winners.<\/p>\n<\/a>This week\u2019s winning numbers: one, eight and eight. Oh, wait, those are charges.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>It\u2019s hard to complain about one rate hike every 40 years.<\/p>\n<\/a>Florida\u2019s citrus industry is getting a fat stack of cash.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Maybe check out PIFF\u2019s website before the water rushes in.<\/p>\n<\/a>FAMU Essential Theatre Presents \u201cBlack Masks Exhibition: A 40 Year Celebration!\u201d Honoring Dr. Beth Turner. Image via FAMU.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Domestic first-year applicants applying to Florida State University for the Summer and Fall 2027 semesters will have a new binding Early Decision option. (Brittany Mobley\/Undergraduate Studies)<\/p>\n<\/a>It\u2019s a clock \u2026 maybe. Image via TSC.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Take a walk around the block and get your points.<\/p>\n<\/a>PREP isn\u2019t the most inspired backronym, but it\u2019s on message.<\/p>\n