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<\/a>A proposed interactive digital experience would connect visitors to the stories behind the names at the Florida Holocaust Memorial.<\/p>\n\u201cThe names on this memorial must be more than inscriptions,\u201d said Sobel, a Democrat who represented South Florida in the Senate from 2008-16. \u201cThey should speak to future generations. By preserving these stories through an interactive digital experience, we can help young people understand the consequences of hatred, honor the courage of survivors, and ensure that their voices are never forgotten.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Florida Holocaust Memorial, which Sobel championed during her time in the Legislature alongside other legislative leaders and community advocates, honors Holocaust survivors who rebuilt their lives in Florida after World War II. The memorial now recognizes 514 Floridians, including recently identified survivors whose names were added through the efforts of Jewish Family Services, Rabbi Ari Plost of Temple Solel in Hollywood and Barbara Goldstein of Tallahassee.<\/p>\n
Sobel said the digital experience is intended to strengthen Holocaust education by connecting visitors with the personal stories behind the names engraved on the memorial.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery name represents a life forever changed by the Holocaust,\u201d Sobel said. \u201cThis project will ensure those stories continue to educate, inspire, and remind future generations why we must stand against antisemitism, intolerance, and hatred in all its forms.\u201d<\/p>\n
Individuals, foundations, corporations and community organizations interested in supporting the project can contact Sobel via [email\u00a0protected]<\/a> to learn more about partnership and sponsorship opportunities.<\/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 Rest in peace<\/a> \u2014 Former state Sen. Jack Latvala, once one of the most influential powerbrokers in Tallahassee, has died. In the Florida Senate, Latvala represented parts of North Pinellas County from 1994 until 2002, and then again from 2010 until 2018. Throughout his tenure, Latvala was considered one of the Chamber\u2019s ultimate statesmen, with a keen ability to carry the torch for his Republican Party while still reaching across the aisle to Democrats. In his later service, he was often seen as an ally of moderates and Democrats, blocking conservative legislation that some saw as too extreme for Florida at the time. Read remembrances from Florida\u2019s political community here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Blocked<\/a> \u2014 A three-Judge panel of the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday deemed the 2022 law known as the \u201cStop WOKE Act\u201d an unconstitutional violation of free speech that treads on academic freedom, upholding a lower court order that has kept the law\u2019s higher education provisions on ice since late 2022. \u201cThere is nothing ordinary about the authority Florida seeks here,\u201d reads the majority opinion by U.S. Circuit Judge Britt Grant, an appointee of President Donald Trump. \u201cThe level of control that Florida demands \u2014 total \u2014 would be inconsistent not only with our Nation\u2019s traditional constitutional protections for academic freedom, but also with the doctrines Florida cobbles together to support its suppression of disfavored viewpoints.\u201d<\/p>\n Blocked II<\/a> \u2014 The 11th Circuit also rejected Florida\u2019s constitutional challenge to the federal university accreditation system this week, affirming a lower court\u2019s 2024 dismissal of the case. The original suit was filed in 2023 by now-U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody as part of the DeSantis administration\u2019s campaign against what state leaders have described as unaccountable accrediting bodies exerting undue influence over Florida\u2019s public universities. Lawmakers responded the following year by passing a bill requiring Florida\u2019s public universities to change institutional accreditors<\/a> each accreditation cycle to limit the influence of any single accrediting agency. The same legislation included a controversial policy requiring college professors to undergo post-tenure review every five years.<\/p>\n Date set<\/a> \u2014 A two-day hearing on Republican James Fishback\u2019s eligibility to run for Governor is set to start July 21 after lawyers for those involved in the case agreed to the date, with varying degrees of satisfaction. Judge David Frank of the 2nd Judicial Circuit said there is an \u201cextreme shortage of time\u201d to decide the matter, noting that even if Fishback were disqualified, it\u2019s already too late to stop ballots from being printed with his name on them. Nick Boerke, one of three lawyers representing GOP gubernatorial candidate and Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, pushed for a date a week earlier, estimating they could make their case \u201cin one or two hours.\u201d<\/p>\n Sad situation<\/a> \u2014 Former Tallahassee Mayor and gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum\u2019s struggles with illegal substances have led to new legal complications for the onetime Democratic rising star. And the latest round could carry serious consequences for a man who has spent more time in court than in politics since his defeat eight years ago. Gillum was arrested in Baldwin County, Alabama, last week on charges of possession of dangerous drugs, drug paraphernalia and marijuana, with a combined bond of $6,500. He has already been released after less than 12 hours in custody, but he could face prison time given the state\u2019s strict narcotics laws.<\/p>\n \u2014 Refund racket \u2014<\/p>\n Attorney General James Uthmeier<\/a> says a Georgia woman faces up to 75 years in prison after being convicted of an elaborate retail fraud scheme targeting stores across Florida.<\/p>\n Uthmeier announced the conviction of Santina Green, also known as Santina Hill, who pleaded no contest to racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering and fraud. Prosecutors said Green led an organized scheme that targeted TJX Companies Inc., the parent company of retailers including TJ Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods, by using duplicate receipts to obtain refunds fraudulently.<\/p>\n According to Uthmeier, the scheme netted at least $50,000 through fraudulent refunds in Florida and up to $300,000 overall.<\/p>\n \u201cThis conviction holds a fraudster accountable for leading a sophisticated racketeering scheme that stole hundreds of thousands of dollars across multiple states,\u201d Uthmeier said in a press release<\/a>. \u201cThanks to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE<\/a>) and our statewide prosecutors, this organized fraud ring has been stopped. We will continue our fight against retail fraud to protect Florida businesses and keep prices down for families.\u201d<\/p>\n According to FDLE, Green, of Decatur, Georgia, used receipts for high-value rugs priced between $400 and $1,000 to obtain refunds between November 2020 and May 2021. Investigators said Green and her co-conspirators repeatedly used the same receipts at multiple stores before the original refunds had been reconciled.<\/p>\n Authorities identified nine debit cards connected to 84 fraudulent refund transactions in Florida.<\/p>\n \u2014 Busted! \u2014<\/p>\n An undocumented migrant has been arrested on charges of insurance fraud following an investigation by the Department of Financial Services.<\/p>\n CFO Blaise Ingoglia announced<\/a> that Luigino Jose Bosco was arrested after officials with the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) looked into allegations of insurance fraud, application fraud, grand theft and an organized scheme to defraud.<\/p>\n CID investigators say an insurance company filed a complaint accusing Bosco of filing bogus life insurance policy applications. The applications filed used personal information from other people. He\u2019s accused of using the fraudulent applications to get insurance commission payments. Ingoglia said about $5,000 in bogus payments were garnered by Bosco.<\/p>\n \u201cLet this arrest serve as a warning. Whether you are here legally or illegally, Florida is not the place to run your fraud scheme. If you think you can steal someone\u2019s identity, falsify applications, and profit off unsuspecting Floridians, think again,\u201d Ingoglia said.<\/p>\n \u201cCrime such as this drives up costs for hard-working families and undermines the trust that Floridians deserve to have in the marketplace. I applaud the work of our Criminal Investigations Division on this case and putting Bosco behind bars.\u201d<\/p>\n The case is being prosecuted in Miami-Dade County. Ingoglia added that Bosco has been in the U.S. illegally and is also wanted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.<\/p>\n If he\u2019s convicted, Bosco could be sentenced to a maximum of five years in prison.<\/p>\n Ingoglia has stepped up criminal investigations since he was appointed CFO by Gov. DeSantis last year. In June, Ingoglia oversaw the CID arrests of a dozen people accused of conducting a scheme to defraud public assistance programs in Florida.<\/p>\n \u2014 Instagram of the week \u2014<\/p>\n \u2014 The Floridian\u2019s apprentice \u2014<\/p>\n FloridaCommerce on Wednesday announced that the U.S. Department of Labor has awarded Florida $40 million to expand apprenticeships in the defense industrial base, shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing sectors. <\/p>\n Approximately 80 partners from across the state have offered letters of support for the new program. <\/p>\n \u201cThank you to Acting Secretary Keith Sonderling and the U.S. Department of Labor for supporting Florida\u2019s efforts to expand our maritime industrial base by driving talent development across our maritime and defense sectors,\u201d said Commerce Secretary J. Alex Kelly. <\/p>\n \u201cHome to 16 deepwater seaports and 21 major military installations, and ranked the No. 1 state in the nation for workforce development, maritime industrial base jobs, and ship- and boatbuilding establishments, Florida is uniquely positioned to support our nation\u2019s efforts to develop the high-skill talent across these critical industries \u2014 bolstering job growth while supporting our national defense.\u201d <\/p>\n The $40 million is part of a nationwide effort by the U.S. Department of Labor to align workforce and talent development with the current presidential administration\u2019s \u201cAmerica\u2019s Talent Strategy,\u201d which aims to reach and surpass 1 million new active apprentices in the United States. <\/p>\n \u201cThis investment reinforces Florida\u2019s leadership in developing the skilled talent needed to support our nation\u2019s maritime and defense industries. CareerSource Florida is honored to partner with FloridaCommerce, the U.S. Department of Labor and industry leaders to expand Registered Apprenticeship opportunities that prepare workers for high-demand, high-wage careers, help employers build the talent pipeline they need to grow, and strengthen America\u2019s maritime workforce,\u201d said CareerSource Florida President and CEO Adrienne Johnston. <\/p>\n \u201cBuilding on Florida\u2019s No. 1 ranking for talent development and attraction by Lightcast, we stand ready to lead the nation in this endeavor \u2014 creating lasting economic opportunity for Floridians and the United States.\u201d <\/p>\n The 80 letters of support were submitted on behalf of FloridaCommerce by various stakeholders, including the private sector and nonprofit organizations, elected officials, state agencies, educational institutions (School Districts, state colleges and universities), and economic\/workforce development partners. <\/p>\n \u2014 Hialeah Vice \u2014<\/p>\n The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has arrested Alexander Sanchez and Anthony Sanchez, both 29 and of Hialeah, following a State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (S.A.F.E.) Task Force investigation into alleged cocaine trafficking.<\/p>\n Each brother faces one count of cocaine trafficking, one count of possession of cocaine, one count of money laundering and four counts of possession of cocaine with intent to sell.<\/p>\n The investigation began in April after the South Florida S.A.F.E. Task Force received a tip alleging the brothers were selling narcotics in the Miami-Dade County area. On July 1, task force agents, assisted by the Hialeah Police Department, conducted a controlled operation and took both men into custody.<\/p>\n FDLE agents and the FBI later executed a search warrant at the residence, seizing more than 480 grams of cocaine, drug paraphernalia, a rifle, ammunition and more than $58,000 in cash.<\/p>\n The brothers were booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. The Miami-Dade State Attorney\u2019s Office is prosecuting the case, and the investigation remains active.<\/p>\n The South Florida S.A.F.E. Task Force includes agents and detectives from FDLE, the Doral Police Department, Florida International University Police Department, Hialeah Police Department, Medley Police Department, Miami Police Department, Miami Springs Police Department and Sweetwater Police Department.<\/p>\n For more information, contact the FDLE Office of Public Information at [email\u00a0protected]<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u2014 \u266b\u266b Call me \u266b\u266b \u2014<\/p>\n The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved the annual budget for Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc. (FTRI), ensuring continued telecommunications services for Floridians who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities.<\/p>\n State law requires the PSC to review and approve FTRI\u2019s budget each year. This year\u2019s $4.7 million budget will not increase customer bills.<\/p>\n The monthly Telecommunications Relay Service surcharge will remain 8 cents per wireline phone line. Because fewer Floridians use traditional landline phones, FTRI will draw on its reserve funds to help cover operating costs and maintain uninterrupted service.<\/p>\n \u201cReliable communication is essential for staying connected to family, work, healthcare, and emergency services. This budget ensures Florida\u2019s Relay Service can continue providing these important resources while keeping costs low for consumers,\u201d said PSC Chair Gabriella Passidomo Smith.<\/p>\n The budget includes $1.8 million to provide updated communications equipment for eligible Floridians, including wireless phones, tablets and electrolarynx devices that help people with speech impairments communicate more effectively.<\/p>\n Florida Relay, provided by T-Mobile USA, Inc. and overseen by FTRI, operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Eligible Floridians can contact FTRI at 1-800-222-3448 (Voice), 1-888-447-5620 (TTY), or visit www.ftri.org<\/a> for more information or to apply for equipment.<\/p>\n \u2014 Powering hurricanes \u2014<\/p>\n Hurricanes and utilities. Hoo-rah!<\/p>\n This week in Tallahassee, the PSC approved an agreement between both the Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) and the Office of Public Counsel (OPC) that sets the final amount of FPL\u2019s actual costs for restoring service after Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton.<\/p>\n Back in December 2024, the PSC approved a temporary storm recovery charge to recover the estimated $1.2 billion cost of restoring electric services for Debby, Helene, and Milton. Those temporary charges then appeared on customer bills from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2025.<\/p>\n The now-approved agreement established a final storm restoration recovery amount of $1.125 billion \u2014 $88.3 million for Hurricane Debby, $167.6 million for Hurricane Helene, and $774.4 million for Hurricane Milton.<\/p>\n \u201cFlorida\u2019s electric utilities play a critical role in restoring power after major storms. Maintaining a reliable and resilient electric grid requires continued investment, and the Commission\u2019s review helps ensure customers pay only the reasonable and necessary costs of restoring service while supporting a reliable electric system for all Floridians,\u201d said PSC Chair Smith.<\/p>\n The FPL customers are set to receive a one-month reduction in base rates to reflect any revenue over-recovery resulting from billing, estimated at around $80 million plus interest.<\/p>\n FPL currently provides electric service to approximately 6 million customer accounts, helping 12 million Floridians across 43 different counties.<\/p>\n \u2014 Not the bees! \u2014<\/p>\n The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has closed another chapter in the East Milton bee die-off investigation.<\/p>\n In a letter to Sen. Don Gaetz\u2019s office, FDACS said it could not confirm pesticide drift or identify any regulatory violations after testing bee and swab samples collected from the affected apiary.<\/p>\n The investigation appears to have been thorough: it examined pesticide applications by the Florida Forest Service, Santa Rosa Mosquito Control, a nearby sod farm and a Florida Power & Light contractor.<\/p>\n Laboratory testing found no detectable traces of the pesticides associated with those applications.<\/p>\n \u2014 New to the crew \u2014<\/p>\n The Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce has tapped Erin Cramer as its new Director of Marketing and Communications, adding a veteran public relations and marketing professional to its leadership team.<\/p>\n Cramer will oversee the Chamber\u2019s strategic communications, brand positioning and storytelling efforts, managing integrated marketing and communications initiatives across paid, earned and owned media channels. Her responsibilities also include strengthening stakeholder engagement and promoting the businesses, entrepreneurs and initiatives shaping the Capital Region\u2019s economy.<\/p>\n \u201cErin is an exceptional communications strategist with a deep understanding of our community and a proven ability to tell stories that inspire action,\u201d Chamber President and CEO Michael Dalby said. \u201cThe Chamber\u2019s ability to advocate for our members begins with telling their stories well.\u201d<\/p>\n Cramer brings more than a decade of experience in public relations, marketing and strategic communications. Most recently, she spent five years on the public relations team at VISIT FLORIDA, where she led communications and marketing initiatives targeting the Canadian, German and French markets. Her work included managing agency partnerships, coordinating executive media opportunities and overseeing earned and paid media campaigns supporting Florida\u2019s tourism industry.<\/p>\n Before joining VISIT FLORIDA, Cramer served as Director of events and marketing for FSU CollegeTown, leading marketing, events and stakeholder communications for the mixed-use entertainment district. She began her career at The Zimmerman Agency, where she worked on public relations campaigns for travel and consumer brands, including Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos, Party City and A.C. Moore.<\/p>\n \u201cAs a Tallahassee native, this opportunity is especially meaningful,\u201d Cramer said. \u201cMost recently in my career, I had the privilege of helping tell Florida\u2019s story on a global stage, and I\u2019m excited to now bring those experiences home.\u201d<\/p>\n Cramer earned a bachelor\u2019s degree in communications and media studies from Florida State University, graduating magna cum laude. She is active in the Florida Public Relations Association\u2019s Capital Chapter and the Public Relations Society of America.<\/p>\n \u2014 For the Kids \u2014<\/p>\n A Tallahassee center dedicated to promoting education, inspiration and empowerment for Florida\u2019s youth is the focus of a new fundraising effort among members of Florida law enforcement.<\/p>\n The Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA<\/a>) is launching a fundraising campaign to establish a Youth Learning Center<\/a>. The facility will serve as a hands-on spot for students to learn about the history of Sheriff\u2019s Offices in the state while also promoting potential careers in law enforcement.<\/p>\n The facility would ideally use interactive exhibits, programming and experiential learning to instill positive associations between youth and Sheriff\u2019s Offices. FSA President and Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma said the concept is far-reaching.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Florida Sheriffs Youth Learning Center represents a powerful investment in the future of our state,\u201d Lemma said. \u201cBy creating a space where young people can learn, explore, and engage with law enforcement professionals, we are fostering the next generation of informed citizens and public safety leaders.\u201d<\/p>\n Groundbreaking on the facility<\/a> took place in Tallahassee a year ago. It\u2019s designed to feature multiple displays spotlighting the 200-year history of Sheriff\u2019s Offices in the state.<\/p>\n The fundraising campaign seeks contributions from individuals, businesses, community groups and others across the state. The money will go directly to the design, construction and programming of the facility, which will be housed in a 22,000-square-foot building.<\/p>\n FSA Executive Director Matt Dunagan said the organization has already generated $2 million for the project. But the FSA needs additional backing.<\/p>\n \u201cThe FSA is aiming to raise an additional $1 million to outfit the interior of the building, with naming opportunities available for spaces within the facility. We are extremely thankful to the Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis for supporting our vision to inspire today\u2019s youth for our next generation of public safety heroes,\u201d Dunagan said.<\/p>\n \u2014 40 under 40 Rattlers \u2014<\/p>\n Florida A&M University (FAMU) is accepting nominations for its 2026 FAMU Under 40 Awards, which recognize young alumni whose professional achievements reflect the university\u2019s motto of \u201cExcellence with Caring.\u201d<\/p>\n Presented by the Office of Communications in partnership with the Office of University Advancement, the awards honor graduates who have demonstrated leadership, innovation and service.<\/p>\n \u201cFlorida A&M University produces talented innovators who graduate from the Highest of Seven Hills and waste no time placing their mark on the world through their career ambitions, service to their community, and philanthropy to their alma mater,\u201d said Alonda Thomas, FAMU Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer.<\/p>\n \u201cOur young alumni are making a tangible difference across the globe, and we are honored to recognize their achievements as a continuation of their FAMU story.\u201d<\/p>\n To be eligible, nominees must have earned a FAMU degree before 2021, be younger than 40 as of Oct. 1, 2026, have donated at least $600 to the university during the past five years, and be able to attend the Oct. 22 awards ceremony and pay the $650 induction fee if selected.<\/p>\n The ceremony will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Gaither Gymnasium. Honorees will also receive early access to purchase event tickets and tables following the August selection process.<\/p>\n Nominations opened July 10 and will close on July 24. The induction fee is due Aug. 28 for selected recipients.<\/p>\n The nomination form is available here<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u2014 Rare disease identifier \u2014<\/p>\n FSU taking the charge in a STEM field?<\/p>\n This Summer, families in Florida will have the opportunity to enroll their newborns in a new genetic screening initiative designed to identify hundreds of rare genetic diseases before symptoms appear, currently centered at the Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases (Florida IPRD) at Florida State University (FSU).<\/p>\n FSU was chosen to lead the statewide program through the Sunshine Genetics Act.<\/p>\n For Rep. Adam Anderson, an FSU alumnus from Palm Harbor who championed the legislation after losing his son Andrew to Tay-Sachs disease, the end goal is simple: to help.<\/p>\n \u201cMy hope is that families will get the answers that they need and that babies born today won\u2019t have to live that same nightmare of that diagnostic odyssey that I did and that so many families around the country do every day,\u201d stated Rep. Anderson.<\/p>\n The Sunshine Genetics Program was established through legislation signed into law in 2025 and has created a statewide framework for genomic newborn screening and designated Florida IPRD as the lead institution piloting the program.<\/p>\n \u201cFlorida State University is bringing together world-class researchers, clinicians and partners from across the state to help give children with rare genetic diseases the best possible start in life. By leading the Sunshine Genetics Pilot Program, FSU is helping transform groundbreaking research into earlier diagnoses, more timely care and greater hope for families across Florida,\u201d FSU President Richard McCullough said.<\/p>\n Sunshine Genetics is now one of six major programs housed within Florida IPRD, and it also operates a diagnostic laboratory, supports rare disease research, and develops a master\u2019s program in genetic counseling.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a state-initiated project to determine if genomic newborn sequencing can identify children with treatable rare diseases earlier in life, which could greatly improve their long-term health and well-being. We have substantial input from parents of children with rare genetic diseases guiding our patient education, consent and clinical follow-up protocols,\u201d stated senior associate Director for precision medicine at Florida IPRD and Chair of the Sunshine Genetics Steering Committee, David Ledbetter.<\/p>\n \u2014 HOF Eagles \u2014<\/p>\n The Tallahassee State College Foundation is accepting nominations for its 2026 Alumni & Friends Hall of Fame, which recognizes alums and community supporters for their professional achievements, leadership and service.<\/p>\n The Hall of Fame honors individuals who have distinguished themselves in their careers while making meaningful contributions to Tallahassee State College through their involvement, advocacy and support.<\/p>\n \u201cEvery Hall of Fame class reflects the incredible impact our alumni and supporters have across the region and beyond. This is an opportunity to celebrate those whose dedication, leadership, and generosity have left a lasting legacy while inspiring the next generation of students,\u201d said Heather Mitchell, Executive Director of the TSC Foundation.<\/p>\n The Foundation is encouraging alums, faculty, staff, employers, family members and community partners to nominate deserving candidates.<\/p>\n Self-nominations are also accepted.<\/p>\n Nominations for the 2026 Alumni & Friends Hall of Fame will be accepted through Aug. 1. Eligibility requirements and nomination materials are available here<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u2014 9-peat \u2014<\/p>\n Pure domination.<\/p>\n Leon County Emergency Medical Services (LCEMS) has earned the American Heart Association\u2019s Mission: Lifeline EMS Gold Award for the ninth consecutive year.<\/p>\n The recognition comes in addition to the Heart Attack and Stroke Care Honor Roll designation, which recognizes LCEMS for delivering high-quality, evidence-based care that improves outcomes for patients experiencing the most severe heart attacks and strokes.<\/p>\n \u201cFor nine consecutive years, Leon County EMS has demonstrated the culture of excellence that defines Leon County EMS. This recognition highlights the hard work of the Leon County EMS professionals and the County\u2019s dedication to providing world-class emergency care to the community,\u201d said County Administrator Vincent Long.<\/p>\n LCEMS was recognized for providing rapid, high-quality prehospital care, with the American Heart Association citing the critical role emergency medical services play in improving survival rates for patients experiencing life-threatening heart attacks and strokes.<\/p>\n \u201cThis achievement demonstrates Leon County\u2019s dedication to emergency medical care. Our EMS team continues to set a high standard for rapid, effective treatment of heart attack and stroke patients, helping save lives and strengthen the health and safety of our community,\u201d said Leon County Commission Chair Christian Caban.<\/p>\n Since Dec. 31, 2003, Leon County EMS has provided emergency medical services and transportation to residents and visitors throughout the county. During that time, its crews have responded to more than 891,000 calls for service and transported more than 560,000 patients.<\/p>\n \u201cThis award belongs to every member of our EMS team who works tirelessly to deliver exceptional care to our community,\u201d said Leon County EMS Chief Chad Abrams.<\/p>\n \u201cI am incredibly proud of our team\u2019s commitment to delivering emergency care to the Leon County residents and visitors every day.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 Yes, quite my TEMPO \u2014<\/p>\n The kids are, indeed, all right.<\/p>\n The City of Tallahassee\u2019s Tallahassee Engaged in Meaningful Productivity for Opportunity (TEMPO) program has graduated its ninth cohort, with 160 formerly at-risk young adults completing the workforce development initiative.<\/p>\n \u201cThe City of Tallahassee\u2019s TEMPO program continues to yield amazing results. It has a proven track record over the years of successfully engaging more than 4,200 participants in educational and vocational opportunities and is credited with not only changing lives but saving lives,\u201d said Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey.<\/p>\n The graduating class included 120 participants who earned a General Educational Development (GED) credential \u2014 the highest total in the program\u2019s history, up from 12 graduates in its inaugural 2017 class.<\/p>\n Another 40 participants earned technical certificates through Lively Technical College, Tallahassee State College and Florida Health Science Consulting, preparing for careers including cosmetology, barbering, electrical work, welding, aviation maintenance and patient care.<\/p>\n TEMPO is administered by the City\u2019s Department of Housing & Community Resilience and serves disconnected or at-risk residents ages 16 to 24 by connecting them with education, job training and employment opportunities.<\/p>\n More information about the program is available at Talgov.com\/TEMPO<\/a> or by calling 850-891-8722.<\/p>\n \u2014 The Tally poli \u2014<\/p>\n Tallahassee mayoral candidate Daryl Parks has rolled out a public safety platform following his endorsement by the Tallahassee Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 2339.<\/p>\n The proposal, titled \u201cA Safe and Secure Tallahassee: A Unified First Responder Strategy,\u201d calls for a neighborhood-focused approach that integrates the city\u2019s police, fire, emergency medical services and emergency management into a coordinated public safety network.<\/p>\n According to the campaign, the plan emphasizes structured leadership, greater collaboration among public safety agencies and data-driven decision-making.<\/p>\n \u201cPublic safety works best when every resident in every ZIP code feels secure, and that requires active leadership that brings people together instead of dividing them. Meeting with our local firefighters underscores the urgent need for a unified strategy that supports all first responders. As Mayor, I will work hand in hand with the City Commission to pass meaningful legislation that secures competitive wages, modern equipment, and the staffing levels necessary to protect our families,\u201d Parks said.<\/p>\n The proposal also calls for improved street lighting, expanded neighborhood watch programs, investment in recreational spaces and after-school mentorship programs, next-generation tools for law enforcement and expansion of the Capital Region Real-Time Crime Center.<\/p>\n \u201cWe must shift from a reactive model of policing to a proactive culture of total community preservation,\u201d Parks continued.<\/p>\n \u201cBy leveraging our natural strengths, including our neighborhood associations and world-class research institutions at FAMU, FSU and TSC, we can build a modern, data-backed safety strategy. Progress has been made in our city, but we cannot mistake progress made for progress complete. We are going to lead the implementation of these solutions with the urgency and accountability that Tallahassee residents deserve.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 Emmy breakdown \u2014<\/p>\n Television\u2019s biggest night just announced who\u2019s invited to the party. That\u2019s right \u2014 this week we\u2019re talking about 2026 Emmy nominations. No movies this week, although the live-action remake of Moana surfs into theaters with a 37% Rotten Tomatoes score (maybe remaking a film less than 10 years old that already has a theatrical sequel was TOO greedy \u2014 even for the Mouse).<\/p>\n Depending on who you ask, it was either a great year for television or a disappointing one. But when it comes to the nominations, familiar favorites look to continue their dominance, some beloved shows take a final bow, and a few newcomers make their first splash.<\/p>\n HBO Max led all studios with 122 nominations, followed by Netflix with 111 and Apple TV with 87. All three platforms are well represented in the major categories.<\/p>\n In the Drama category, the popular medical procedural The Pitt received 25 nominations, including Best Drama, Best Writing, Best Directing and Lead Actor for last year\u2019s winner, Noah Wyle, as well as seven acting nominations, including last year\u2019s winners Shawn Hatosy (bumped up from guest actor) and Katherine LaNasa.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>The first step to a multi-decade stay in a state prison. Stock image via Adobe.<\/p>\n<\/a>Blaise Ingoglia\u2019s statewide fraud crackdown resulted in another arrest.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Florida received $40M from the feds to boost maritime and defense apprenticeships statewide.<\/p>\n<\/a>S.A.F.E. is on the lookout for fentanyl, but it doesn\u2019t mind making the occasional cocaine bust.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Eight cents per line isn\u2019t so bad.<\/p>\n<\/a>If it wasn\u2019t clear, Milton did a number on Sunshine State infrastructure.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services says its investigation found no evidence of pesticide drift or regulatory violations in the East Milton bee die-off.<\/p>\n<\/a>Erin Cramer is the Greater Tallahassee Chamber\u2019s new communications lead.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Dennis Lemma and FSA are hoping to raise $1M for the new center.<\/p>\n<\/a>Florida A&M University has opened nominations for the 2026 FAMU Under 40 Awards.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Researchers use the Illumina NovaSeq X Plus sequencer in the Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases Diagnostic Laboratory. The advanced sequencing technology supports genomic analysis for research and clinical programs, including Sunshine Genetics. Image via Bill Lax\/FSU.<\/p>\n<\/a>Start sending in names!<\/p>\n<\/a>We wouldn\u2019t be surprised if they made it 10 in a row.<\/p>\n<\/a>Tallahassee\u2019s Mayor says TEMPO is producing results.<\/p>\n<\/a>Daryl Parks\u2019 campaign is rolling out its public safety platform.<\/p>\n