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<\/a><\/p>\n\u201cEnrolling our first families enables us to begin the carefully coordinated approach to implementing a statewide genomic newborn screening program responsibly,\u201d said IPRD Director Pradeep Bhide.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe steering committee and participating organizations have worked together to establish the governance, clinical and laboratory workflows, quality safeguards and lines of accountability needed to support every stage of the program, from enrollment and consent to sequencing, interpretation, results disclosure and recommendations for follow-up care.\u201d<\/p>\n
GeneDx was one of IPRD\u2019s first major industry partners. Its contributions to efforts to find cures for rare pediatric genetic diseases include strategic and operational guidance during the lead-up to the Sunshine Genetics launch.<\/p>\n
The program\u2019s gene list is also derived from the BRIDGES-NBS program, developed in partnership with GeneDx.<\/p>\n \u201cWe believe genomics should be a starting point for health, not a last resort after years of searching for answers,\u201d said Linda Genen, chief medical officer at GeneDx.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re proud to bring our deep clinical and genomic expertise to help guide programs like this, ensuring they are designed to deliver meaningful, actionable information for clinicians and families. Florida is demonstrating what\u2019s possible when state leaders, academic institutions and genomic experts work together to thoughtfully integrate genomics into care and give more families a clearer path forward from the very beginning.\u201d<\/p>\n Although Sunshine Genetics will create a data resource to support research, discovery and innovation in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric rare diseases, the program is also committed to keeping families\u2019 and participants\u2019 data private and not shareable.<\/p>\n The program says it is committed to protecting participant privacy while developing a research data resource.<\/p>\n AWS is helping make the database secure and scalable so it can collect and store genomic and clinical data that will accelerate the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric rare diseases. AWS will also help turn that data into actionable insights that could fuel discovery and drive innovation.<\/p>\n A new era of precision medicine could be here, thanks to FSU, IPRD, and the partners and sponsors who make it a reality.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Sunshine Genetics pilot is unique in the United States as the only project initiated and funded by the state Legislature, with the express goal of generating evidence to determine whether this should be expanded to benefit all 225,000 babies born each year in Florida,\u201d said David Ledbetter, IPRD\u2019s senior associate director of precision medicine.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are excited to be working with our outstanding genetics and newborn screening expert colleagues at the University of Miami, University of South Florida, University of Florida, children\u2019s hospitals in the state and our world-class industry partners.\u201d<\/p>\n For more information about this program, visit the Sunshine Genetics website<\/a> or Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases website<\/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 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 Hunker down<\/a> \u2014 Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Destin at 9:30 p.m. Friday as a Category 2 storm with sustained winds of 105 mph, bringing dangerous storm surge and flooding threats to Florida\u2019s Panhandle. The hurricane weakened from Category 3 strength earlier Friday but remained capable of driving damaging winds inland into Alabama. Forecasters warned of life-threatening flash flooding, possible tornadoes and rainfall totals reaching 15 inches in parts of the Panhandle and Big Bend. Gov. Ron DeSantis expanded Florida\u2019s state of emergency to 27 counties, with about 5,000 National Guard personnel mobilizing and 6,000 utility linemen staged for recovery. The storm\u2019s center was expected to cross Alabama before reaching the Tennessee Valley over the weekend, with flooding risks extending across the Southeast.<\/p>\n Expunged<\/a> \u2014 The leaked grand jury report in the high-profile case involving alleged misappropriations by the Hope Florida Foundation has been ordered to be fully expunged by the 1st District Court of Appeal (DCA). The 1st DCA found that the grand jury erred by publicly excoriating people who were not indicted and that the report\u2019s premature leak breached confidentiality. The controversy involved $10 million steered into political committees from a Medicaid settlement between Centene and the Agency for Health Care Administration during the 2024 campaign cycle. Despite insufficient evidence to charge anyone, the report was leaked to the media, making it a major talking point for Democrats this campaign season. Now, with less than four weeks until the election, that report is fully sealed. And DeSantis and his allies are thrilled.<\/p>\n Toss-up<\/a> \u2014 The clock is ticking. The pool of undecided voters is shrinking. But Florida\u2019s race for Governor hasn\u2019t moved. Republican Byron Donalds drew 44.7% support to Democrat David Jolly\u2019s 44.6% in a new St. Pete Polls survey for Florida Politics \u2014 exactly the same one-tenth-point margin the pollster found three weeks earlier. Both candidates gained 1.2 percentage points since the mid-September survey, which showed a 43.5%-43.4% race, with Donalds ahead. The difference came from voters backing neither candidate. Undecided voters fell from 8.9% to 6.9%, while the share choosing someone else slipped from 4.3% to 3.9%. Together, 10.8% of voters now back neither major-party nominee, down from 13.2% in September, with fewer than four weeks remaining before Election Day. The shifts remain within the surveys\u2019 margins of error. But the new poll shows a race that hasn\u2019t separated, even as both candidates draw support from a narrowing pool of uncommitted voters.<\/p>\n Ridiculous<\/a> \u2014 DeSantis wasted little time suspending Mike Caruso as Palm Beach County Clerk in August after Caruso, whom he appointed, was arrested on child sexual abuse charges. Now, he\u2019s wasting little time bashing the Republican Party of Palm Beach County for listing Caruso among the nominees to win back the Clerk\u2019s job \u2014 a move the party has since reversed. \u201cIt was ridiculous,\u201d DeSantis said during a Tuesday news conference in West Palm Beach. \u201cParty (loyalty) is fine, but it\u2019s not the end-all-be-all. Sometimes you just have to do the right thing, and the right thing in this position is not to be \u2018endorsing\u2019 a candidate under potential, very serious charges.\u201d Party Chair Carl Cascio said the guide listed Republican nominees under what the party described as a legal requirement and was not an endorsement.<\/p>\n See you in court<\/a> \u2014 The Seminole Tribe is suing online gambling company DraftKings, arguing that the sportsbook infringes on the Tribe\u2019s exclusive control of sports betting in Florida by operating without a state license. The suit was filed in Broward County. The Tribe, which operates Hard Rock Bet, alleges that DraftKings is violating state law and the 2021 Seminole Compact. The plaintiff seeks an injunction blocking operation, restitution, disgorgement of profits, and legal fees and costs. The 72-page complaint alleges that DraftKings\u2019 Florida platform is essentially the same as in other states where the company is not legally barred from offering online betting, and that the company sued to undermine the Compact so it could operate without encumbrance in Florida.<\/p>\n \u2014 Bracing for Isaias \u2014<\/p>\n Storm footing.<\/p>\n DeSantis placed 27 Florida counties under a state of emergency for Hurricane Isaias as Florida assembled personnel, equipment and supplies for storm response.<\/p>\n The Governor signed the initial declaration Tuesday, when Isaias was still Tropical Depression Nine. A Wednesday amendment<\/a> added Citrus and Levy to the 25 counties originally covered.<\/p>\n The original order<\/a> authorizes activation of the Florida National Guard and Florida State Guard as needed, gives emergency officials authority to coordinate response and recovery, and makes public facilities available for emergency shelters.<\/p>\n In a Thursday update<\/a>, the Governor\u2019s Office reported that more than 6,000 linemen and restoration personnel were standing by to help restore power after the storm.<\/p>\n Nearly 400 Florida State Guard soldiers had been deployed for missions including search and rescue, damage assessments and debris clearance. The National Guard was preparing to mobilize about 5,000 members by Friday.<\/p>\n The Department of Transportation had staged 260 pieces of heavy equipment, nearly 1,000 generators and 100 pumps. Workers were clearing drainage systems, while bridge inspectors were positioned for assessments after the storm.<\/p>\n The Department of Law Enforcement was coordinating the staging of two urban search and rescue teams in Tallahassee and arranging first responder refueling locations along Interstate 10.<\/p>\n The Department of Health was coordinating special needs shelters in seven counties. Children and Families\u2019 preparations included more than 140 pallets of food, 48 pallets of water and coordination with hot meal providers.<\/p>\n Residents can find county emergency management contacts at FloridaDisaster.org\/Counties<\/a> and check FL511<\/a> for road and bridge closures.<\/p>\n \u2014 The Highwaymen \u2014<\/p>\n Hey Alexa, play the Kraftwerk album \u201cAutobahn\u201d from start to finish.<\/p>\n This week, DeSantis, recently spotted at the Tampa Bay Rays vs. New York Yankees playoff game, made his way to the Vero Beach area to celebrate the opening of a new Interstate 95 (I-95) interchange at Oslo Road in Indian River County.<\/p>\n This major project is opening to drivers one year earlier than expected, thanks in part to Florida\u2019s commitment to accelerating transportation project delivery.<\/p>\n \u201cToday, I was proud to announce that the new I-95 interchange at Oslo Road in Indian River County has been completed a year ahead of schedule,\u201d said DeSantis.<\/p>\n \u201cFloridians cannot wait years while needless bureaucratic delays stall important infrastructure projects. This new interchange is an investment in congestion relief and public safety. Oslo Road commuters will see their drive times cut in half, and emergency response times along I-95 will be reduced by up to 56%.\u201d<\/p>\n This new interchange will provide direct access to I-95 for the first time from this corridor and is Indian River County\u2019s first new interchange in more than 50 years. The cherry on top? Oslo Road was also widened from two to four lanes for additional capacity and provides enhanced interstate access, sidewalks and bicycle lanes.<\/p>\n \u201cUnder Gov. DeSantis\u2019 leadership, Florida has championed the use of innovative measures to deliver projects even faster while bringing the most value for our communities. Opening this interchange one year ahead of schedule reflects this commitment and will bring major benefits to the Treasure Coast, from local residents and supply chain partners to Florida\u2019s protected species,\u201d said FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue.<\/p>\n In theory, the new interchange and widening of Oslo Road will improve emergency response times by up to 56% for incidents along I-95, provide an additional evacuation route, strengthen freight movement and supply chain efficiency, and allow for the creation of a gopher tortoise habitat \u2014 the only relocation site in southeast Florida.<\/p>\n \u2014 Medicaid fraud, meet your maker \u2014<\/p>\n DeSantis said Tuesday that Florida\u2019s push to catch Medicaid fraud before paying claims is delivering results.<\/p>\n Back in June, DeSantis announced that the state was shifting away from a \u201cpay-and-chase\u201d model toward preventing fraud before any money is spent. In turn, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) strengthened its provider screening and oversight, expanded data analytics and claims monitoring, and imposed enrollment moratoriums on certain high-risk provider categories.<\/p>\n \u201cFlorida\u2019s Agency for Health Care Administration\u2019s Medicaid integrity initiative is delivering results,\u201d DeSantis said.<\/p>\n \u201cThis year, we announced the most significant Medicaid integrity initiative in the history of our state, and today, I was proud to announce some of the results from these efforts.\u201d<\/p>\n Since January, AHCA has conducted more than 400 provider site visits as part of its heightened program integrity efforts, focusing on areas where data and billing patterns have identified heightened risk \u2014 Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Durable Medical Equipment, and Adult Day Care.<\/p>\n AHCA\u2019s work also identified suspicious billing practices, such as providers billing Medicaid for excessive hours of service, including consecutive days of service for months, as well as weekends and holidays.<\/p>\n \u201cProtecting Medicaid means protecting the people it was created to serve,\u201d added AHCA Secretary Shevaun Harris.<\/p>\n \u201cFor children, pregnant women, the disabled, and our seniors, it means making sure they have access to high-quality care while ensuring taxpayer dollars are not lost to fraud or abuse. AHCA will continue taking decisive action to strengthen program integrity, hold bad actors accountable and safeguard these critical services for Floridians.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 Network down \u2014<\/p>\n Attorney General James Uthmeier<\/a> has filed a civil lawsuit against TP-Link<\/a>, a Wi-Fi router manufacturer.<\/p>\n The legal action alleges the company misled Florida consumers about its products\u2019 security and its ties to China.<\/p>\n \u201cTP-Link sold Floridians the digital front door to their home network while misrepresenting how secure it was, how separated the company was from China, and what could happen to their data,\u201d Uthmeier said in <\/a>a post on X<\/a>.<\/p>\n Uthmeier filed the 59-page lawsuit<\/a> in Polk County, in Florida\u2019s 10th Judicial Circuit. In a recorded video statement, he said TP-Link falsely claimed that its routers and its HomeShield security service covered every security scenario and offered 100% protection.<\/p>\n \u201cThose claims are not true, and we are bringing the lawsuit against TP-Link,\u201d Uthmeier said. \u201cChinese state-sponsored hackers exploited TP-Link routers sitting in American living rooms. Many of those models cannot update themselves automatically, and TP-Link has stopped supporting them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey also told Floridians they had split from China and that they build U.S. products in Vietnam. That is fiction. Research and manufacturing remain rooted in China. Less than 1% of the parts in that Vietnam plant actually come from Vietnam.\u201d<\/p>\n Those practices leave consumers\u2019 internet connections at risk, the lawsuit states, and turn consumers into unwitting participants in malicious campaigns carried out on behalf of foreign governments.<\/p>\n \u201cWe will not allow families to be misled into handing their personal data to the Chinese Communist Party. We are seeking an injunction, restitution for Florida consumers and the penalties under Florida law,\u201d Uthmeier said.<\/p>\n The TP-Link suit is the latest in a series Uthmeier has filed against technology companies over the past year.<\/p>\n \u2014 Real big fish \u2014<\/p>\n Uthmeier announced 10 people are facing poaching-related charges following a years-long investigation into illegal fishing along Florida\u2019s Gulf Coast.<\/p>\n He said the suspects are accused of illegally catching about 23,000 pounds of fish, including red snapper and gag grouper. Those arrested are believed to have sold fish, shrimp, and sea turtles worth more than $150,000. Uthmeier, flanked by multiple law enforcement officials, made the announcement at a news conference<\/a> in Franklin County.<\/p>\n \u201cThis was a large-scale operation from Bay County to the Big Bend and all the way down to Pinellas County,\u201d Uthmeier said.<\/p>\n He added the investigation began in 2022, when undercover officers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC<\/a>) were approached by a suspected poacher who wanted to sell them illegally caught fish. The officers went along with the scheme to infiltrate what grew into a ring of suspected poachers.<\/p>\n FWC Executive Director Roger Young<\/a> said the scale of the operation was serious.<\/p>\n \u201cPoaching is not a victimless crime. This is stealing opportunities,\u201d Young said. \u201cPoachers are behind the scenes stealing and robbing from those who do it the right way.\u201d<\/p>\n Three suspects \u2014 Terry Carrington, Anthony Folsom and Jordan Neylan \u2014 face charges of racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering, unlawful possession or sale of marine turtles, unlawful use of a two-way communication device and cheating. The five sea turtles sold were three adults and two hatchlings.<\/p>\n \u2014 School windfall \u2014<\/p>\n Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia<\/a> has returned more than $80,000 in unclaimed funds to three higher education institutions.<\/p>\n At a news conference, Ingoglia presented checks totaling $80,454 to the University of South Florida<\/a>, Hillsborough College<\/a> and Polk State College<\/a>. USF received the largest share, $73,651. Hillsborough College received $4,384 and Polk State College $2,419.<\/p>\n The money was located through ClaimYourCashFL.gov<\/a>, the state\u2019s unclaimed property program, formerly known as Florida Treasure Hunt. Ingoglia announced the rebrand last month<\/a> and marked the occasion by returning about $42,000 in unclaimed funds to the University of Central Florida<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is found money,\u201d Ingoglia said. \u201cIt\u2019s money that the (institutions) never planned on having, but it\u2019s there.\u201d<\/p>\n USF President Moez Limayem said the money will go toward student scholarships at the university\u2019s Tampa campus.<\/p>\n \u201cThat is not a small effort, but you\u2019ve done it, and you\u2019ve done it so well,\u201d Limayem said to Ingoglia. \u201cIt\u2019s money that belongs to USF and can now be put back and put to good use.\u201d<\/p>\n Ingoglia acknowledged that the unclaimed property program has long been successful in returning assets to Floridians, but said the September rebrand has renewed interest. The website now directs residents to an online portal<\/a> where they can search for money owed to them using only verified identification.<\/p>\n The Florida Treasure Hunt name had been in use for about two decades. Ingoglia acknowledged Wednesday that many Floridians were suspicious of the name.<\/p>\n \u2014 Safe charging \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cOh my god! We\u2019re having a fire \u2026 Sale!\u201d<\/p>\n This week, Ingoglia, who also serves as the State Fire Marshal, let Floridians know that this is Fire Prevention Week and that this year\u2019s theme is \u201cCharge into Fire Safety. Safe Charging is a Superpower.\u201d<\/p>\n Fire Prevention Week officially lasts through Oct. 10.<\/p>\n Ingoglia, along with the Department of Financial Services and the Division of the State Fire Marshal, is encouraging Floridians to practice safe charging habits that can reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires. When in doubt, unplug it.<\/p>\n \u201cFollowing safe charging practices by treating our household devices with care can make all the difference with preventing fires in our homes and communities. Don\u2019t ignore the warning signs before a battery becomes a hazard; take the time to apply a few simple precautions that can make all the difference in keeping your family safe,\u201d said Ingoglia.<\/p>\n Lithium-ion batteries are common in household devices and appliances like smartphones, tablets, laptops, power tools, e-bikes, e-scooters and toys. If these items are misused, damaged or improperly charged, they can overheat \u2014 which can start a fire or cause an explosion.<\/p>\n Some basic tips for safe charging: don\u2019t chance it with a cheap charger; avoid soft surfaces for charging; unplug when at 100%; charge all tools\/rides outside; if a device feels hot, stop using it; and if you are flying, keep your charging devices in your line of vision (and don\u2019t charge vapes on the plane).<\/p>\n \u2014 Instagram of the week \u2014<\/p>\n \u2014 Cybersecurity Month \u2014<\/p>\n October is here, which means Autumn weather, trick-or-treating, MLB playoffs, and scary movies.<\/p>\n But nothing is scarier than your digital information being stolen.<\/p>\n October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is teaming up with national partners like the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), a component of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security focused on protecting information and technology infrastructure, to promote this year\u2019s timely theme: \u201cSecuring the Next 250.\u201d<\/p>\n This collaboration highlights the importance of building strong cybersecurity habits that will protect not only your information but also Floridians for generations to come. Let\u2019s get to see America\u2019s 500 (well, not us per se, but our future bloodlines).<\/p>\n \u201cIn the digital age, security begins with awareness. Protect your data like you protect your home\u2014lock your devices, guard your passwords, and never open the door to strangers online,\u201d said FDLE\u2019s Cyber Crimes Technology and Communications Division Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Mike Duffey.<\/p>\n Some basic tips from the FDLE and CISA include watching for phishing scams, such as email or text messages with an urgent or threatening tone, demands for a fee or payment, or headlines like \u201csecurity alert,\u201d \u201cupdate your information,\u201d or \u201caccount suspended.\u201d<\/p>\n Use strong passwords, and never reuse passwords or share them with anyone. The best bets are random strings of letters, numbers, and characters, at least 16 characters long.<\/p>\n Use multi-factor authentication for important logins, and keep your devices\u2019 software up to date. Don\u2019t download suspicious apps, and if you use AI, be careful and don\u2019t share any personal, financial, or work\u2011related information with AI tools.<\/p>\n Sorry, Claude, you aren\u2019t looking at our medical records (who are we kidding, it was probably trained on them).<\/p>\n For more advice and tips on keeping you and your loved ones safe, visit SecureFlorida.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u2014 Not so dripped out \u2014<\/p>\n Noteworthy utility news for Central Florida.<\/p>\n This week, the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) approved new water and wastewater rates for Buttonwood Bay Utilities, which currently serves about 955 water customers and 939 wastewater customers in Highlands County.<\/p>\n \u201cIn setting rates, the Commission must balance the utility\u2019s ability to recover the reasonable costs of providing service with our responsibility to ensure customers receive quality service. Today\u2019s decision provides Buttonwood with the revenue necessary to operate its systems while holding the utility accountable for addressing deficiencies in recordkeeping, reporting, and customer communications,\u201d said PSC Chair Gabriella Passidomo.<\/p>\n Buttonwood first filed its application for a water and wastewater rate adjustment back in October 2025. As part of the rate review process, the PSC held a customer meeting several months later, on July 16, where customers could share their opinions and personal comments about the utility\u2019s quality of service and proposed rate increase.<\/p>\n The Commission then determined that Buttonwood\u2019s overall quality of service was unsatisfactory due to deficiencies in recordkeeping, reporting, and customer communications. As penance, the Commission reduced Buttonwood\u2019s return on equity by 50 basis points and directed the utility to submit a plan within 30 days outlining how it will address the identified deficiencies.<\/p>\n The now-approved revenue requirement still allows Buttonwood to recover the reasonable costs of providing water and wastewater service while earning a fair return on its investment \u2014 they aren\u2019t monsters after all.<\/p>\n The new rates will take effect after customers receive a PSC-approved notice.<\/p>\n \u2014 Busted \u2014<\/p>\n That doesn\u2019t seem like a prescription\u2026<\/p>\n This week, Tedrick Childs, 46, of Tallahassee, was sentenced to 21 years and six months in federal prison after pleading guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine and one count of distribution of methamphetamine.<\/p>\n Childs was on supervised release for a federal drug conviction and was also sentenced to 33 months in federal prison for violating the terms of his supervised release.<\/p>\n John P. Heekin, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentence in Tallahassee.<\/p>\n \u201cThis repeat offender\u2019s continued criminality after a prior federal conviction clearly demonstrated that the only way we can protect our community is by keeping him locked away behind federal bars. Thanks to the aggressive prosecution by my office, we have ensured his days of running drugs on our streets are over,\u201d Heekin said.<\/p>\n Court records show the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) identified Childs as a poly-drug trafficker in the Tallahassee area. During an undercover operation, the DEA bought cocaine and methamphetamine from him between November and December 2025.<\/p>\n But Childs was serving a term of supervised release from his earlier federal drug case when he unknowingly sold drugs to the DEA in 2025.<\/p>\n Needless to say, you\u2019re not supposed to do that.<\/p>\n \u201cBeing on supervised release gives people returning to civilian life the opportunity to make better life choices. Trafficking in cocaine and methamphetamine is not helping the communities and not the correct choice,\u201d said DEA Special Agent in Charge Daniel Escobar, Tampa Field Division.<\/p>\n The DEA investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric K. Mountin prosecuted it.<\/p>\n \u2014 Disarmed \u2014<\/p>\n On Monday, the U.S. Attorney\u2019s Office for the Northern District of Florida announced that a federal jury in Tallahassee found Jarvis Myers, 40, of Tallahassee, guilty of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon after a two-day trial.<\/p>\n Heekin announced the verdict.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks to the excellent investigative work of the Leon County Sheriff\u2019s Office, with support from our federal law enforcement officers, my office has successfully prosecuted this dangerous felon, and we will see to it that he is held accountable,\u201d said Heekin.<\/p>\n \u201cWe remain laser-focused on our mission to deliver the safe, crime-free streets that our citizens deserve, and my tenacious prosecutors will continue to aggressively pursue anyone who dares to violate federal law in our District.\u201d<\/p>\n According to trial testimony, in May 2024, law enforcement searched an Airbnb Myers rented and a vehicle he used. During the search, deputies found a loaded gun tucked under a pillow, as well as a full box of ammunition in a duffle bag containing personal items belonging to Myers \u2014 who, as a convicted felon, is legally prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.<\/p>\n The Leon County Sheriff\u2019s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives jointly investigated the case.<\/p>\n Assistant U.S. Attorney Emma Schwan is prosecuting the case, and sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 10 at 3 p.m. in the U.S. Courthouse in Tallahassee before U.S. District Judge Mark Walker.<\/p>\n \u2014 Shorter leash \u2014<\/p>\n One of Florida\u2019s most prominent public policy think tanks is calling for Citizens Property Insurance Corp<\/a>.<\/a> to return to its role as the insurer of last resort for Florida residents seeking property insurance coverage.<\/p>\n The James Madison Institute (JMI<\/a>) recommends that Floridians use Citizens only when they can\u2019t find a private insurance company to cover their property. This month, JMI published its report, \u201cFrom Backstop to Market Participant: Reassessing Citizens\u2019 Role<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n The Florida Legislature created Citizens in 2002 as a not-for-profit, state-backed insurer for residents who can\u2019t get coverage from private companies. The JMI report concluded that Citizens has served its purpose and remains a worthy concept, but it has grown beyond its original scope.<\/p>\n \u201cMarket failure caused Citizens to grow during Florida\u2019s insurance crises, but policy choices influenced how large it could become, how long policies could remain, and how directly Citizens could compete with insurers willing to provide coverage,\u201d the report said.<\/p>\n Much of Citizens\u2019 growth was driven by sharply rising property insurance premiums following several damaging hurricanes and a surge in litigation. But legislative reforms in recent years aimed at reducing litigation have reversed that trend and eased demand for Citizens policies.<\/p>\n Citizens\u2019 policy count has dropped from 1.4 million in 2023 to roughly 266,000 this September, according to the insurer\u2019s figures.<\/p>\n Doug Wheeler, director of JMI\u2019s George Gibbs Center for Economic Prosperity<\/a>, said it\u2019s time to rethink Citizens\u2019 purpose, or at least return it to its original objectives.<\/p>\n \u201cFlorida has spent years rebuilding a property insurance market that can actually serve homeowners without relying so heavily on a government-run insurer \u2014 in other words, the Florida taxpayer,\u201d Wheeler said in a news release<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cNow that the market has stabilized, Florida has an opportunity to make sure Citizens is doing what it was created to do: provide a backstop when private coverage is genuinely unavailable, rather than compete with private insurers for business they are willing and able to write. We cannot go backward.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 For the families \u2014<\/p>\n This week, the Junior League of Tallahassee (JLT) announced Capital Area Healthy Start Coalition (CAHSC) as its 2026-27 Jill Pope Community Partnership. Through this joint effort, JLT and CAHSC will work together to strengthen support for pregnant and parenting families throughout the Big Bend area \u2014 with a focus on families with infants and young children up to age 3.<\/p>\n \u201cMeaningful community impact happens when organizations work together. Capital Area Healthy Start Coalition brings tremendous expertise in supporting pregnant and parenting families, and Junior League of Tallahassee brings a network of trained volunteers ready to contribute their time, skills, and relationships. We\u2019re excited about what those strengths can make possible,\u201d said Alexis Langley, President of JLT.<\/p>\n The duo will focus on revitalizing, promoting, and expanding a family resource room at Capital Area Healthy Start\u2019s office and will also host monthly engagement activities, including workshops and holiday events.<\/p>\n The resource room aims to give all families direct access to essential resources and support in a welcoming, accessible environment, while also creating opportunities to connect with other services and programs available throughout our slice of North Florida.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m excited about the opportunity to partner with Capital Area Healthy Start Coalition and looking forward to seeing the wonderful work that this partnership will produce. This partnership will bridge a gap to provide essentials to families in Leon County, making access to emergent needs readily available,\u201d added Jill Pope Community Partnership Committee Chair Danielle McNeil.<\/p>\n The Capital Area Healthy Start Coalition is a community-focused coalition that improves the health of infants and their families by connecting new and expecting parents to resources that support healthy pregnancies, parenting, child development, breastfeeding, women\u2019s health, and care coordination.<\/p>\n It\u2019s also open to fathers and families with young children.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are so grateful to partner with the Junior League of Tallahassee and build on their long-standing commitment to strengthening our community. Through their dedicated volunteers, support in securing donations, and shared passion for serving families, this partnership will expand our network of people who care deeply about supporting moms through pregnancy and helping babies thrive from birth and beyond. Together, we can make a lasting difference for infants and their families across our community,\u201d said Chris Szorcsik, executive director at CAHSC.<\/p>\n \u2014 The World\u2019s Fair \u2014<\/p>\n Oh, the places you can go.<\/p>\n Recently, Florida A&M University (FAMU) hosted its Study Abroad Fair to connect Rattler students with opportunities worldwide and guide them toward a formidable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.<\/p>\n Hosted by the FAMU Office of International Education and Development, the fair offered information about international programs, internships, fellowships, scholarships and passport services.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen students immerse themselves in another country and culture, they learn to navigate unfamiliar situations, communicate across cultural differences, become more independent and adaptable, and see the world \u2014 and themselves \u2014 from new perspectives,\u201d said Emily Gung, who works in the Office of International Education and Development.<\/p>\n \u201cMost importantly, study abroad can expand what students believe is possible for their futures. At FAMU, we want our students not only to earn a degree, but also to graduate prepared to compete, lead, and thrive in an increasingly interconnected global workforce.\u201d<\/p>\n A big red flag for students is the financial element. That\u2019s where the Office of International Education and Development helps Rattlers understand how financial aid may apply, identify potential scholarships, and select courses that align with degree requirements.<\/p>\n For interested FAMU students, the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is also available and can provide up to $5,000 to eligible U.S. undergraduate students who receive a federal Pell Grant.<\/p>\n \u201cEvery international journey starts somewhere, and for many of our students, I hope that journey starts right here at the FAMU Study Abroad Fair,\u201d Gung added.<\/p>\n \u2014 Hope Booth debuts at FSU \u2014<\/p>\n You aren\u2019t alone.<\/p>\n This week, Florida State University (FSU) announced it is the first college campus in the nation to install a \u201cHope Booth\u201d \u2014 an innovative resource designed to expand mental health support to all.<\/p>\n Located on the first floor of the Student Union, the booth offers an interactive video experience for those who need immediate encouragement, support, and someone to listen and care.<\/p>\n \u201cFlorida State is actively fighting to help break down the barriers and stigma of mental health concerns. We are grateful to offer the Hope Booth on campus, expanding our wellness support with this innovative resource,\u201d Vice President for Student Affairs Amy Hecht said.<\/p>\n Hope Booth is a mental health and suicide prevention nonprofit based in Atlanta, Georgia, whose mission is to deliver hope and connect individuals to free support and resources. Students, faculty, staff, and visitors can visit the Hope Booth anytime to begin a three-minute immersive experience. An adjustable-height button helps with viewing the screen, and closed captioning improves accessibility.<\/p>\n After the user answers a few standard questions, a narrator begins offering words of encouragement and hope and eventually moves to action steps such as deep breathing or repeating positive affirmations.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s another step toward fostering an even healthier supportive FSU community,\u201d said Yvonne Langdon-Maduekwe, director of FSU Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS).<\/p>\n \u201cSeeing students consistently come to CAPS each year demonstrates the need for mental health support among college students and highlights the value of these supports on our campus.\u201d<\/p>\n Since October 2021, booths have been installed in 18 states and three countries, and FSU marked the organization\u2019s 42nd booth placement. CAPS helped more than 12,000 members of the FSU community in the 2025-2026 academic year.<\/p>\n \u201cIn the first 10 days, 374 individuals have used the Hope Booth. We are pleased to create another space on campus where students can pause, reflect and connect with mental health resources,\u201d said FSU Associate Vice President for Health, Wellness, and Safety and Dean of Students Carlos J. G\u00f3mez.<\/p>\n \u2014 Film \u2019em and weep \u2014<\/p>\n Top dog in the Panhandle.<\/p>\n On Monday, Florida State University\u2019s College of Motion Picture Arts, commonly referred to as FSUFilm, earned two separate top-three spots in FilmSchool.org\u2019s inaugural data-driven rankings, with its undergraduate film program rated No. 1 and its graduate program No. 3. A popular go-to resource for film school reviews, admissions advice, forums, and film school acceptance statistics, the site calculated the rankings from its database of thousands of applications and posts.<\/p>\n The rankings specifically focused on student outcomes, affordability, selectivity, faculty and class size, and student and alumni satisfaction. FSU was the only university with two distinct programs among the top three spots.<\/p>\n \u201cThis recognition reflects what has always been at the heart of our program: giving talented students the training, resources and opportunities they need to become working filmmakers,\u201d said Reb Braddock, dean of the College of Motion Picture Arts.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are especially proud that this ranking recognizes not only the quality of our programs, but the value we provide our students and the success they achieve after graduation.\u201d<\/p>\n The programs were scored on a 10-point scale that incorporated student and alumni reviews. FSU\u2019s undergraduate program earned an overall score of 7.781 and received the ranking\u2019s highest scores for selectivity, affordability, and value.<\/p>\n The program currently has a 6% acceptance rate and a 98% yield, with a 5-to-1 student-faculty ratio and an average class size of 10.<\/p>\n The graduate program earned an overall score of 7.075 and has a 5-to-1 student-faculty ratio, an average class size of six, a 90% graduation rate, and a 90% employment rate in film, television, or media within 12 months of graduation.<\/p>\n \u201cFinally, someone recognizes what we already knew: our hands-on BFA program is the best one in the country, and our students graduate knowing how to actually make movies. And it\u2019s definitely the best bang for your buck,\u201d said FSUFilm Co-Director of Alumni Brenda Mills.<\/p>\n Bling, aka film festival recognition and major awards, was also a deciding element (don\u2019t tell that to certain artists; they\u2019ll say none of that matters), and FSU students and alumni have amassed 4,000 film festival awards and featured screenings. Not too shabby.<\/p>\n This is all on top of FSU\u2019s ranking earlier this year at No. 13 overall and No. 4 among public film schools by The Hollywood Reporter \u2014 its seventh consecutive year as the nation\u2019s No. 4 public film school.<\/p>\n \u2014 Cash for trash \u2014<\/p>\n You\u2019ve heard of Spring cleaning, but what about Autumn emptying?<\/p>\n This week, the City of Tallahassee announced that its traditional \u201cCash for Trash\u201d spectacular is back. The biannual event will take place on Oct. 17, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the city\u2019s Community Beautification and Waste Management facility (2727 Major James Morgan Jr. Way) to properly dispose of household bulk trash and household hazardous waste.<\/p>\n This event is held each year on the third Saturday in April and October.<\/p>\n As a personal \u201cthank you\u201d for properly decluttering your home and garage, city residential customers with active garbage service will receive a $5 credit toward their utility bill. And before you get too smart, multiple drop-offs are allowed, but only one discount will be given.<\/p>\n This event is not for commercial business customers, and the city will not accept household garbage, yard waste, or construction\/demolition debris. However, we will accept batteries, cleaners, paints, pesticides, and solvents, as these items can seriously impact the environment if improperly disposed of through the trash or sewer system.<\/p>\n Reminder: Residential utility customers can still use the every-other-week bulky item collection service for disposing of large items at curbside, and this event is particularly useful for apartment dwellers or those who want to dispose of several large items.<\/p>\n The \u201cCash for Trash\u201d event is coordinated by the city\u2019s Community Beautification and Waste Management department.<\/p>\n For any additional questions or information, visit Talgov.com\/YOU<\/a> or call City of Tallahassee Utilities at 850-891-4968.<\/p>\n \u2014 Social scares \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cThe Social Network\u201d was released in 2010 and followed computer genius Mark Zuckerberg, the creation of Facebook and the unprecedented legal and personal complications that followed.<\/p>\n It won three Academy Awards \u2014 but not Best Picture or Director, to many people\u2019s disapproval to this day (sorry, \u201cThe King\u2019s Speech\u201d) \u2014 and is considered one of the best films of the 21st century. With the tone David Fincher provides, the amazing score brought to life by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross of NIN fame, and the tight screenplay by Aaron Sorkin, it\u2019s nearly perfect.<\/p>\n Well, 16 years later, there\u2019s still a lot to say about Facebook\/Meta. And Sorkin is dusting off the typewriter and this time taking the director\u2019s chair for \u201cThe Social Reckoning\u201d \u2014 the sequel to the Fincher masterpiece. This time around, it\u2019s about a young Facebook engineer, played by Oscar winner Mikey Madison in her first role since \u201cAnora,\u201d who enlists a Wall Street Journal reporter, played by Emmy winner Jeremy Allen White, to blow the whistle on the social network\u2019s most guarded secrets. Jesse Eisenberg is busy directing now, so Oscar nominee Jeremy Strong gives us his take on Mark Z.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Sunshine-Genetics-FSU.jpg\")
<\/a>The first Sunshine Genetics Pilot Program families and their newborns enrolled. Image via Chris Condon\/FSU College of Medicine.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1791653789_213_Floridian-Partners-Ad-1_728x90.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1791653790_512_expresscanvassing_ad.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/flsert.jpg\")
<\/a>The State Emergency Response Team is working hard. Image via @FLSERT.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/desantis-i95.jpg\")
<\/a>The gold scissors arrived ahead of schedule.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1791653791_199_fhca_ad.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/desantis-medicaid.jpg\")
<\/a>Ditching \u2018pay-and-chase\u2019 is producing results.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/broadband-health-Large.jpeg\")
<\/a>Have you considered Netgear? Perhaps D-Link?<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1791653793_622_chamber_ad-e1787947188523.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/uthmeier-wildlife.jpg\")
<\/a>The Attorney General hit the bag limit on illegal anglers.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/cfo-ingoglia-pr-9-15-27-2.png\")
<\/a>Skip the treasure hunt and claim your cash.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1791653795_911_FHA_Innovation_FP-Ads-copy600x400-community.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_568738857.jpg\")
<\/a>Pictured: A 101% charge.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1791653796_440_DEF-Value-Action-Stronger-image-600x400-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Instagram-of-the-week-640x858.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_695267203-scaled.jpeg\")
<\/a>We hate MFA, too, but it\u2019s for the best.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1791653798_894_Sunrise-Ad-600x900-1.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/wastewater-spill.jpg\")
<\/a>Buttonwood\u2019s losing a few bps.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_308240091-scaled.jpeg\")
<\/a>This stuff will get you hard time in the Northern District.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1791653800_259_fav1_ad.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/picture1_1.jpg\")
<\/a>Not the best hiding job.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/citizens_LE_auto_x2_light_ai.jpg\")
<\/a>JMI wants Citizens to \u2018return to its original objectives.\u2019<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1791653801_36_teco_ad.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/pro-life-scaled.jpeg\")
<\/a>JLT and CAHSC are teaming up to help young families in the Big Bend.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1024x768_STUDYABROADFAIR2026.jpg\")
<\/a>A FAMU student explores passport services at the Study Abroad Fair. Image via Antwanique Mitchell.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1791653803_853_lobbyscape_ad-1-e1785077274723.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/HopeBooth.jpg\")
<\/a>FSU has become the first university in the country to install a Hope Booth, providing an innovative, accessible mental health resource that encourages proactive wellness. (Ilaria Georgi\/Division of Student Affairs)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1791653804_732_rubin_ad-e1711034368945.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/02MC00034.jpg\")
<\/a>Tabby Getsy, an FSU film student, works on a camera setup during an outdoor shoot. Image via FSU.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1791653805_927_pmi_ad.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Cash-for-Trash.jpg\")
<\/a>It was headed toward the dumpster anyway, so you might as well get a fiver out of it.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Social-Reckoning-AP-scaled.webp\")
<\/a>The sequel is not quite a masterpiece. Image via AP.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/CD-10.10.26-640x1661.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n