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<\/a>Sign your Jr. Chef up today!<\/p>\nThe course is self-paced and designed for young aspiring chefs, with recipes centered on Florida-grown produce. It\u2019s good for your body, the state\u2019s economy, and farmers.<\/p>\n
The program is taught by Chef Justin Timineri, an executive chef, author, TV personality, Florida\u2019s official chef and culinary ambassador, and the winner of Food Network\u2019s Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans in 2006. Two junior chef ambassadors, Chef Amy and Chef Addy, round out the team to show that anyone can cook \u2014 a lesson first delivered by Brad Bird\u2019s Pixar classic Ratatouille.<\/p>\n
\u201cJunior Chef University: where cooking meets fun. We\u2019ll teach you how to be more confident in the kitchen, all while whipping up delicious recipes, so grab your aprons and let\u2019s get cooking,\u201d Timineri said in the official launch video.<\/p>\n
The first 300 families to register will receive a Jr. Chef Cooking Kit (two per household), including an apron, measuring tools, a spatula, a safety knife, a cutting board, food storage bags, and cookbooks. In other words, everything your college-age son didn\u2019t have the first night he tried to make dinner.<\/p>\n
Kits arrive in about two weeks. Families can also take a cooking knowledge quiz, find a full curriculum, download a produce guide, and print a certificate of completion on the Fresh From Florida website.<\/p>\n
Food brings people together. Whether it\u2019s memories, skills, bragging rights, or a spark of creativity, FDACS and Fresh From Florida are serving an easy invitation. Your future Thanksgiving sous-chef isn\u2019t going to materialize on their own \u2014 especially while your significant other is glued to the NFL. This is your chance to make one.<\/p>\n
For more information and to sign up, visit Fresh from Florida<\/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 \u2014Take 5\u2014<\/p>\n Stay tuned \u2026<\/a> \u2014 With roughly two months to go until legislators begin the 2026 Legislative Session, Gov. Ron DeSantis reminds them that he still expects a new Congressional map as part of their work. \u201cStay tuned,\u201d he posted to social media Thursday night, responding to a post paraphrasing House Speaker Daniel Perez\u2019s position that redistricting is \u201cnot planned.\u201d DeSantis has asserted repeatedly that he expects redistricting \u201cthis spring,\u201d a move that would further cement GOP domination of the Congressional delegation. The state currently has a 20-8 Republican advantage in the Congressional delegation; with a map his office drew and coerced the Legislature into voting up after he nixed its first work product. He previously credited that map with the current GOP majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.<\/p>\n Undercut<\/a> \u2014 A state appeals court has overturned the conviction of Nathan Hart, one of the first Floridians arrested by DeSantis\u2019 election police unit in 2022, ruling that state prosecutors never had proper authority for the case. The Second District Court of Appeal found that the Office of Statewide Prosecution (OSP) lacked jurisdiction to charge Hart because his alleged crimes occurred only in Hillsborough County, not across multiple judicial circuits as required by the law at the time. The judges reversed his conviction for falsely affirming that he was eligible to vote in the 2020 presidential election and ordered the case dismissed. Hart, of Gibsonton, was among 19 people arrested in 2022 during a sweep that DeSantis touted as a crackdown on voter fraud. The arrests followed the creation of the Office of Election Crimes and Security, which was established following claims by President Donald Trump and other Republicans that widespread voter fraud marred the 2020 Election.<\/p>\n TBD<\/a> \u2014 Florida officials have tried and failed to regulate hemp products over the last three years. Now, Congress appears poised to take nearly all hemp-infused products off shelves nationwide. But at least one lawmaker central to last year\u2019s hemp discussions voiced relief that the issue could be settled for now. \u201cI\u2019m encouraged to see the Senate include hemp-related language as this bill moves to the U.S. House,\u201d said state Rep. Michelle Salzman, a Pensacola Republican. \u201cMy focus has always been on commonsense safeguards that protect Americans while supporting responsible industry. This is another step in that ongoing conversation, and I look forward to continued collaboration as the process moves forward.\u201d Salzman headed up a working group last year that sought to negotiate a regulatory framework for hemp products in Florida. Still, the Senate and House ultimately could not agree on legislation.<\/p>\n Settled law<\/a> \u2014 LGBTQ advocates and policymakers are cheering a decision by the Supreme Court not to reconsider legalizing marriage equality. That came months after the 10th anniversary of the Obergefell v. Hodges decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. A former Kentucky County Clerk of Court, Kim Davis, who later refused to issue certificates, asked the Supreme Court to reconsider the issue. But the court has now formally declined to do so. Equality Florida, the state\u2019s most prominent LGBTQ advocacy group, expressed relief at the news. \u201cThe U.S. Supreme Court has declined to take up Kim Davis\u2019 petition \u2014 meaning it will not revisit Obergefell v. Hodges, the landmark decision that made marriage equality the law of the land ten years ago,\u201d reads a post from Equality Florida. \u201cOnce again, we proved that #LoveIsLouder.\u201d<\/p>\n Kickoff coming<\/a> \u2014 Rep. Kevin Steele is preparing to enter the race for Florida CFO with a campaign kickoff targeted for Jan. 7 or 8 in Tampa, according to a text invitation shared with supporters. The message urges backers to \u201cgather as many friends and family as you can\u201d for the launch, which is to feature U.S. Sen. Rick Scott as a special guest. Steele\u2019s team is finalizing a venue, with two options under consideration \u2014 Armature Works and the historic Columbia Restaurant \u2014 and more details are expected soon. Steele, a Republican from Dade City who has served in the House since 2022, is poised to enter a GOP Primary that already includes incumbent CFO Blaise Ingoglia, whom DeSantis appointed last year after former CFO Jimmy Patronis ran successfully for a Congressional seat.<\/p>\n \u2014 Angler Increase \u2014<\/p>\n Listen up, anglers. Never say the state hasn\u2019t done anything for you.<\/p>\n Gov. DeSantis announced this week that he and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission have formally submitted an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick so Florida can manage recreational red snapper fishing in state and federal waters off the Atlantic Coast. If approved, the permit would take effect in 2026.<\/p>\n \u201cState management and expansion of Gulf snapper season have been a major boon for our Gulf of America communities, allowing so many Floridians and visitors to enjoy the red snapper our waters have to offer,\u201d DeSantis said. \u201cJust as it has on the Gulf coast, Florida\u2019s management of Atlantic Red Snapper fishing will boost local economies along our Atlantic coast, supporting tackle and bait shops, hotels, restaurants, and the entire recreational fishing community.\u201d<\/p>\n The application, submitted to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, would allow Florida to implement a 39-day Atlantic Red Snapper season \u2014 a 1,850% increase from the current federal two-day window. The proposed season would run May 22 through June 20, followed by three separate three-day weekends in October (Oct. 2\u20134, 9\u201311 and 16\u201318).<\/p>\n \u201cFlorida has proven it can effectively and efficiently manage the Atlantic recreational red snapper fishery. Under Governor DeSantis\u2019 leadership, the state has expanded access for and delivered greater opportunities for anglers in the Gulf year after year \u2014 demonstrating a strong commitment to both conservation and the fishing community. We are excited and ready to bring this level of expertise to manage the Atlantic recreational red snapper fishery,\u201d said Florida FWC Executive Director Roger Young.<\/p>\n More fishing days may not thrill the snapper population, but coastal economies welcome them. With 4 million registered anglers and 922,000 registered boats, plenty of people are ready to bring their wallets \u2014 and their rods \u2014 back to the Atlantic.<\/p>\n \u2014 Martin County sting \u2014<\/p>\n Six suspected child predators were arrested in a multi-agency sting out of Martin County, with officials now seeking another dozen suspects.<\/p>\n Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek led a Thursday news conference at his office detailing an operation launched in mid-October that lasted three days as undercover detectives posed as minors on social media. While Martin County ran point, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Florida Attorney General\u2019s OSP, the U.S. Department of State, Homeland Security and other agencies participated.<\/p>\n Budensiek said that between Oct. 15 and 17, his agents posed online as 14-year-old boys and girls.<\/p>\n \u201cDuring the operation, 18 individuals took the bait,\u201d Budensiek said.<\/p>\n Of the six already arrested, Budensiek said two are foreign nationals from Guatemala who were in the U.S. illegally, and one is from Egypt who is in the country on a student work visa and also teaching at a medical college in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n Warrants are being issued for the other 12 suspects, most of whom are from Florida, with one from Texas and another from Connecticut.<\/p>\n \u201cI think all these cases highlight that there are individuals from all over the world who are willing to travel to Martin County and take advantage of our youth,\u201d Budensiek said.<\/p>\n Attorney General James Uthmeier said his OSP will aggressively pursue the cases.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s sad and scary, but these guys are out there,\u201d Uthmeier said. \u201cThese individuals thought they could hide behind a screen and get away with it. They were wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 Depot Duo duped \u2014<\/p>\n Remember the Wet Bandits from Home Alone? Meet their match. It\u2019s curtains for the \u201cDepot Duo.\u201d<\/p>\n Agriculture Commissioner Simpson announced the arrest of two Lithuanian men, Mantas Bulicas and Eimantas Bagdonas, for their role in an organized retail theft ring responsible for more than $1 million in losses to Home Depot stores nationwide.<\/p>\n \u201cFlorida will not tolerate organized retail theft or any criminal activity that threatens our businesses, our consumers, or our economy. Thanks to the outstanding work of our Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement and the cooperation of our local, state, and federal partners, these criminals have been stopped and will be held accountable,\u201d Simpson said.<\/p>\n According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services\u2019 Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement, the pair traveled from city to city over short periods, purchasing high-value battery-powered tools with foreign Visa debit cards. They then removed the lithium batteries \u2014 rendering the tools useless \u2014 and returned the items to different Home Depot stores that were unaware of the scam.<\/p>\n Bulicas and Bagdonas were in Florida from Sept. 29\u201330 in Escambia and Okaloosa counties, where losses exceeded $3,500. FDACS and OALE opened the case after Home Depot Loss Prevention referred it on Oct. 3, 2025.<\/p>\n OALE Special Agents located the suspects in Englewood, Colorado. Working with the Arapahoe County Sheriff\u2019s Office, authorities apprehended them without incident on Nov. 5.<\/p>\n \u2014 Give it up for #24 \u2014<\/p>\n Let the construction begin.<\/p>\n In Campbellton, Florida \u2014 a small town in Jackson County \u2014 Agriculture Commissioner Simpson, Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue, Jackson County Sheriff Donald L. Edenfield and local law enforcement officers broke ground on a new agricultural inspection station for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.<\/p>\n Located just south of the Alabama border on U.S. Highway 231, the facility will become the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement\u2019s 24th inspection station. These stations help protect Florida from agricultural pests, unsafe food and criminal activity.<\/p>\n \u201cOur Agricultural Law Enforcement officers are on the front lines defending Florida. Agricultural Law Enforcement officers are not just looking for bugs \u2014 they\u2019re also looking for drugs and thugs. Thanks to Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature, we\u2019re expanding our reach and strengthening our borders with this new inspection station and additional enforcement resources,\u201d Simpson said.<\/p>\n Once completed, officers will patrol roadways entering from Georgia and Alabama while working alongside local law enforcement. OALE stations operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and sit along 19 major highways that serve as key entry and exit points for the state.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a reminder that OALE is often the first line of defense against unwanted products and criminal activity reaching Florida. Jackson County also stands to benefit from the jobs created by the new construction.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s hope the build moves faster than the Capitol renovations.<\/p>\n \u2014 Blazin\u2019 Blaise \u2014<\/p>\n The Chief Financial Officer also serves as the State Fire Marshal \u2014 and this week the heat was on, in the good way.<\/p>\n CFO and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia spent the week thanking the people who run headfirst into danger: Florida\u2019s firefighters.<\/p>\n Ingoglia awarded more than $186,000 to three local fire departments \u2014 the Auburndale Fire Department, the Frostproof Fire Department and the Lakeland Fire Department. The funding comes from the Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Grant Program and the Firefighter Assistance Grant Program.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile others run away from danger, firefighters run towards it to keep Florida families safe. As State Fire Marshal, it is my top priority to ensure that we are supporting Florida\u2019s firefighters with the resources they need, whether they are on the job or off duty. When a Floridian is in need, a firefighter is there to help, and through these grant funds, our firefighters will be better equipped to respond to any emergency,\u201d Ingoglia said.<\/p>\n The Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Grant Program, awarded through the Department of Financial Services, provides funding to support firefighter health and safety, including education, supplies and equipment to reduce exposure to cancer-causing chemicals.<\/p>\n The Firefighter Assistance Grant Program aims to improve emergency response capabilities for firefighters and their communities across firefighting, medical emergency and rescue operations.<\/p>\n \u201cCFO Ingoglia continues to show his dedication to Florida\u2019s firefighters by awarding money to local fire departments across the state. This funding allows for firefighters to better serve the citizens in their communities who rely on them every day, while also ensuring their own protection from cancer-causing chemicals,\u201d said Trip Barrs, President of the Florida Fire Chiefs Association.<\/p>\n The Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Grant Program provided $12,313.25 to the Auburndale Fire Department and $34,575 to the Lakeland Fire Department. The Firefighter Assistance Grant Program provided $139,986.32 to the Frostproof Fire Department.<\/p>\n \u201cThis investment not only impacts firefighters, but it also gives peace of mind to our residents knowing that we are prepared to respond swiftly to emergencies,\u201d said Jerry Riner, Frostproof Fire Chief.<\/p>\n \u2014 There\u2019s an app for that \u2014<\/p>\n Secretary of State Cord Byrd is rolling out the new Florida Main Street<\/a> app just in time for Thanksgiving travel and Small Business Saturday.<\/p>\n The tool lets users explore Main Street communities across the state, offering listings for local businesses, events and historic points of interest. Byrd said the app allows travelers to build custom itineraries highlighting restaurants, shops, parks, theaters, murals and other landmarks.<\/p>\n Users can search by category \u2014 lodging, shopping, services, food and drink, and activities like concerts, parades and golf \u2014 with event dates, times and locations displayed in-app. Planned upgrades include statewide themed tours tied to America250FL and features focused on barbecue, breweries, caf\u00e9s and coffee shops.<\/p>\n Florida Main Street communities currently include more than 3,600 active businesses and 983 restaurants. The app is now available on the App Store and Google Play.<\/p>\n \u2014 Instagram of the week \u2014<\/p>\n \u2014 Stuff the Charger \u2014<\/p>\n The giving season is here \u2014 whether you\u2019re prepping for Thanksgiving or already hauling the Christmas tree out of storage. But for many families across Florida, the holidays mean going without. That\u2019s where a little seasonal hope rolls in.<\/p>\n The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and the Florida Highway Patrol are asking Floridians to support their neighbors through the annual \u201cStuff the Charger\u201d food drive. Through Nov. 30, they\u2019re collecting canned goods, dried goods and other staples such as nuts, peanut butter, water and evaporated milk to help stock local food banks for the holidays.<\/p>\n \u201cFloridians have always shown resilience and generosity, especially in times of need. By loading our Chargers with food donations, we are delivering hope into Florida homes and helping families embrace the holiday season with dignity and joy,\u201d said FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner.<\/p>\n FLHSMV and FHP hope to make this the most successful year yet, and they\u2019re encouraging donations of any size \u2014 a box of pasta, a can of soup, whatever someone can afford. One nonperishable item can make a real difference for a family.<\/p>\n \u201cJoin us in making a meaningful impact this holiday season by supporting our annual Stuff the Charger food drive. Your donations are essential in helping provide food to families in need, and together we can ensure that no Floridian goes without during this special time of year,\u201d said FHP Colonel Gary Howze.<\/p>\n Anyone wishing to participate can drop off contributions at a local FHP station or contact their nearest FHP Public Affairs Officer for more information.<\/p>\n \u2014 Oyster season coming up \u2014<\/p>\n Florida officials are now accepting applications for the 2026 oyster harvest in Apalachicola Bay, one of the state\u2019s premier spots for landing the shellfish.<\/p>\n The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission began taking applications Monday and will continue through Dec. 16. The 2026 season runs Jan. 1 through Feb. 26.<\/p>\n Commercial harvesters must obtain a commercial endorsement from the state to participate in the fishery. The endorsement also secures eligibility for future seasons. Applicants must apply through the state\u2019s commercial licensing system and meet several requirements, including holding an individual or crew saltwater products license and a shellfish endorsement. The state will also consider previous wild oyster landings in Apalachicola Bay from 2012 to 2020. Commercial applicants must be current Florida residents.<\/p>\n FWC is offering in-person assistance for commercial applicants at the Florida Department of Agriculture\u2019s Apalachicola Shellfish Center, 260 Dr. Frederick S. Humphries St. Staff will be available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday this week, as well as Nov. 17\u201321, Nov. 24\u201325, Dec. 1\u20132, Dec. 9\u201310 and Dec. 15\u201316.<\/p>\n For recreational harvesters, the state is offering 245 permits for early next year. Those permits will be issued through a random lottery system for qualified applicants.<\/p>\n \u2014 Teach your children well \u2014<\/p>\n Teach Florida drew about 1,200 people to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel in Hollywood on Sunday to advocate for funding and resources for Jewish schools.<\/p>\n Attendees traveled from multiple states and also joined the Annual Legislative Breakfast. Educators, community leaders and parents met with elected officials from across Florida and beyond, underscoring strong public support for Jewish schools.<\/p>\n Roughly 16,800 students attend Jewish day schools in the state. Teach Florida, an organization that advocates for school choice, has secured about $150 million annually through Universal School Choice. The group also created the Jewish Day School Security Grant, now totaling about $20 million per year, to help ensure student safety.<\/p>\n State Rep. Jennifer Canady, a Lakeland Republican and Chair of the House Education Committee, delivered the keynote address.<\/p>\n \u201cFlorida has become the national leader in educational choice, and your community and Teach Florida has been absolutely instrumental in that achievement,\u201d Canady said. \u201cOur family empowerment scholarship program and other school choice initiatives have opened the door for thousands of Jewish families to choose the education which aligns with your values.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 Purple Heart schools \u2014<\/p>\n Veterans Day earlier this week served as a reminder to thank those who sacrifice so much for our daily freedoms.<\/p>\n In that spirit, Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas announced that 451 schools have been recognized with the Purple Star School of Distinction designation, including 78 newly added schools and 124 that maintained their inaugural status. Within the Florida College System, 16 colleges earned the Collegiate Purple Star Campus designation, with seven new campuses joining this year.<\/p>\n The Purple Star Schools of Distinction program was signed into law in 2021 and honors schools that go above and beyond to support military-connected students and their families. The program debuted with 124 schools.<\/p>\n \u201cFlorida\u2019s veterans, service members and military families make daily sacrifices to defend our freedom. Florida\u2019s Purple Star Schools and Collegiate Purple Star Campuses remain steadfast in ensuring military families receive consistent, high-quality education no matter where they are stationed,\u201d Kamoutsas said.<\/p>\n Districts also have an opportunity to earn recognition. The Florida Purple Star School District designation honors districts in which at least 75% of schools receive the Purple Star School of Distinction designation. Five districts had previously qualified, and a sixth, Florida Virtual School, joined them this year.<\/p>\n \u201cAs a veteran myself and wife of a Purple Heart recipient, I\u2019ve seen firsthand the sacrifices military families make. Our Purple Star Schools and Campuses exemplify what it means to go above and beyond for military-connected students, ensuring that every child is supported and set up for success,\u201d said Layla Collins, State Board of Education Member.<\/p>\n View the complete list of schools in the Purple Star Schools of Distinction here<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u2014 Disney-FAMU pipeline \u2014<\/p>\n The world is your oyster, and eight Rattlers are striking down the doors ahead of them to impress.<\/p>\n The Florida A&M University School of Journalism & Graphic Communication announced the eight students selected for the 2025\u20132026 cohort of the Disney Storytellers Fund.<\/p>\n Each student receives up to $10,000 a year in scholarships, an annual stipend and, most importantly, on-the-job training with top innovators in journalism, public relations and design across Disney\u2019s media brands.<\/p>\n The cohort includes Seanna Miller (junior, journalism); Clarissa Elysee (junior, journalism); Venecia Easter (senior, public relations); Shayla Jones (junior, public relations); Trinity Olivier (junior, journalism); Andrew Watson (junior, graphic design); Terrill Smith (junior, graphic design); and Yulissa Garcia-Martinez (senior, graphic design).<\/p>\n \u201cStudents selected to join the Disney Storytellers Fund at FAMU demonstrate strong academic commitment and passion for multimedia journalism, communications and visual storytelling. These scholars have positioned themselves to benefit from the power of mentorship and field experience,\u201d said Mira Lowe, FAMU SJGC Dean. \u201cWe are proud of their accomplishments and grateful to work with Disney to expose them to some of the industry\u2019s top media experts and platforms.\u201d<\/p>\n Last year\u2019s cohort saw similar success. One example: Taylor Adams, a 2024\u20132025 participant who worked as a second-hour production intern for ABC\u2019s Good Morning America and GMA3.<\/p>\n \u201cI gained valuable skills in anchor producing for \u2018GMA3,\u2019 coordinating segments, and being able to adapt to the fast-paced world of live television. All that I have learned at my internship has strengthened my passion for storytelling and on-air production,\u201d said the fourth-year journalism student.<\/p>\n Congratulations to this year\u2019s Rattlers \u2014 now go convince Disney and the College Football Playoff Committee to give Tallahassee something else to cheer about.<\/p>\n \u2014 Navy Nole \u2014<\/p>\n Salute to service \u2014 with music. And of course, that means FSU is involved.<\/p>\n Cayden Miller, a second-year Master of Music student in performance at Florida State University, has been selected for a euphonium position with the United States Navy Band, one of the nation\u2019s most prestigious musical ensembles.<\/p>\n Miller has played the euphonium since sixth grade. He initially played trombone before his euphonium-playing parents convinced him to switch \u2014 the start of a trajectory that now leads to the country\u2019s top military band.<\/p>\n \u201cPremier military ensembles like the Navy Band represent the highest professional standards similar to major symphony orchestras, and the audition process is very similar \u2014 the FSU College of Music has a long tradition of placing students in these prestigious groups. Cayden will now join many other FSU alumni making music in our nation\u2019s capital,\u201d said Greg Jones, associate dean of the College of Music.<\/p>\n The Navy Band has performed at major national events for more than 95 years and regularly provides music for ceremonies, funerals, diplomatic visits and changes of command. Miller previously graduated from Indiana University in 2024, where he won the Brass Concerto Competition.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are tremendously proud of Cayden and his remarkable achievement. Winning a position with one of the world\u2019s most respected military bands is a testament to his exceptional musicianship, dedication and hard work,\u201d said Matthew Hightower, assistant professor of tuba and euphonium at FSU.<\/p>\n Earlier this year, Miller performed with FSU\u2019s Tuba-Euphonium Octet, the Renegade 8, which traveled to Valencia, Spain, for the 2025 International Tuba-Euphonium Conference. He also competed as a semifinalist in the Artist Euphonium Solo Competition.<\/p>\n Miller credits FSU\u2019s faculty with shaping his development.<\/p>\n \u201cComing down to Florida State, one of the things that was immediately apparent was the emphasis on professional development. One of the main things I realized at FSU was that I have to be excellent on all fronts, and I\u2019ve improved since I got here,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cDr. Hightower guided me to become more regimented and organized. During my time here, I\u2019ve also realized I should try to be as good a person as I can be, because, after all, music is about people and connecting with people.\u201d<\/p>\n Now cue the Battle Hymn of the Republic.<\/p>\n \u2014A Doll\u2019s House with TSC \u2014<\/p>\n In the mood for live theater? Tallahassee State College has you covered this weekend and next.<\/p>\n TSC is inviting the community to experience Henrik Ibsen\u2019s classic play A Doll\u2019s House. The production, directed by James Alexander Bond, ran Nov. 13 and 14. Another showing is scheduled for today, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m. in Turner Auditorium, with a matinee set for Nov. 23 at 2 p.m.<\/p>\n For those unfamiliar with the story, the play is set in the 19th century; it follows Nora Helmer as she navigates the constraints of her marriage, her sense of identity and society\u2019s expectations. Widely regarded as one of modern drama\u2019s most influential works, it continues to resonate with audiences through its themes of self-discovery and independence.<\/p>\n This production features the talents of Kayla-Elizabeth Meyzen, Gerain Arias, Lavinia Ream, Aiden Kagy, Wyatt Kimsey, Kiera LaShay, Kinsley Revell, Cody Kiley, Daniel Brookins, Isaac Brookins and Luna Z. Justiniano-Claudio.<\/p>\n Tickets are free for TSC students, faculty and staff with a valid TSC ID. Pricing for general admission is available through the theatre department<\/a>.<\/p>\n Whether you want to experience a classic for the first time, support emerging performers or enjoy a night at the theater, TSC is opening its doors to everyone.<\/p>\n \u2014 Leon County Gold \u2014<\/p>\n Runners from across the nation and world will descend on our corner of Florida for the World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26, taking place Jan. 10, 2026, at Leon County\u2019s Apalachee Regional Park.<\/p>\n And why does anyone run? For the bling, obviously \u2014 certainly not for health, hobby or competition. The design for the WXC Tallahassee 26 medal has officially been revealed.<\/p>\n The medal was created by Rafeeq Curry, a 2008 U.S. Olympian and Florida State University Athletics Hall of Famer. His design reflects local culture, natural beauty and the unconquered spirit found in both athletic performance and Florida\u2019s landscapes.<\/p>\n \u201cI drew inspiration from the culture of Florida, cross country, and the flow state \u2013 that rare alignment where a clear goal meets a worthy challenge. The body and mind rise instinctively to meet it. It is the peak experience where athletes and artists perform at their highest level,\u201d Curry said.<\/p>\n At the center of the medal is the WXC Tallahassee 26 logo, symbolizing the global reach of the sport. Etched waves along the bottom represent Florida\u2019s geography \u2014 beaches, rivers, lakes and swamps. The ribbon features rising waves that build toward a sun, a nod to the state\u2019s weather and the competitive spirit tied to it.<\/p>\n It has been more than 70 years since the World Athletics Cross Country Championships were held in the United States, let alone Florida. Leon County will now take the global stage, with the event broadcast to more than 70 countries.<\/p>\n Time to show the world what Leon County is made of \u2014 beautiful trails, kind people and, apparently, a very slick medal.<\/p>\n \u2014 TPD VR \u2014<\/p>\n The future is here \u2014 and it\u2019s reshaping how officers learn.<\/p>\n The Tallahassee Police Department announced this week that it is implementing a new virtual reality training system to strengthen officer preparedness and community engagement.<\/p>\n The program is funded through the 2024 Community Oriented Policing Services Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice.<\/p>\n \u201cInvesting in this technology reinforces our commitment to continuous improvement and community trust. Virtual reality training allows our officers to safely develop critical decision-making and communication skills in a realistic yet controlled environment. It is another step in ensuring we are delivering the highest standard of service to the citizens of Tallahassee,\u201d said TPD Chief Lawrence Revell.<\/p>\n The VR system uses a wireless headset with hand-tracking technology, allowing officers to participate in realistic scenarios involving mental health crises, tactical decision-making and everyday community interactions.<\/p>\n The department will integrate the system into both new-officer and annual training. Visitors to the North Florida Fair can even try the headset themselves to see what virtual policing feels like.<\/p>\n TPD says the effort aligns with its mission to be \u201cHere for you,\u201d viewing VR training as a safe, modern tool to enhance officer skills and increase public safety.<\/p>\n \u2014 Keeper, runner \u2014<\/p>\n Time for a stroll down movie lane here at Florida Politics.<\/p>\n After a historically slow October box office, Predator: Badlands delivered a much-needed jolt with a stronger-than-expected $40 million opening weekend. Regretting You landed in second with $6.7 million \u2014 an exceptionally small 8.9% drop, signaling strong word of mouth. In third was Black Phone 2 with $5.2 million, continuing a steady domestic run.<\/p>\n From action-comedy auteur-director Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Baby Driver, Hot Fuzz) comes \u201cThe Running Man,\u201d a retelling of the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger film, both of which are based on Stephen King\u2019s novel written under a pseudonym. Glenn Powell (Twisters, Top Gun: Maverick) takes over the lead as a man hunted by the entire world for a game show. Oscar nominee Colman Domingo (Sing Sing, Rustin) and BAFTA nominee Emilia Jones (CODA, Task) round out the cast. Reviews are mixed: 63% on Rotten Tomatoes, 6.8 on IMDb and 3.3 on Letterboxd \u2014 not disastrous, but far from Wright\u2019s peak era with Simon Pegg.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Florida is angling to take the lead on red snapper seasons.<\/p>\n<\/a>James Uthmeier\u2019s office will aggressively pursue charges.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>The Depot Duo is behind bars.<\/p>\n<\/a>Construction is underway.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>The CFO put on his Fire Marshal hat this week. Well, not literally.<\/p>\n<\/a>Available for iOS and Android.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Nothing says holiday spirit like a Dodge Charger full of shelf-stable food.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>\u2019Tis the season.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Jennifer Canady delivered the keynote to a packed house.<\/p>\n<\/a>Four hundred fifty-one schools have earned the distinction.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Disney Storytellers Fund continues at FAMU with a new cohort, while previous participants begin their next chapters as empowered future media leaders. Image via FAMU.<\/p>\n<\/a>Cayden Miller\u2019s success adds to the long tradition of excellence among students and alums of the FSU College of Music, many of whom have gone on to distinguished careers in professional ensembles, academia and military music organizations. Image via FSU.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Catch some live theater at TSC.<\/p>\n<\/a>That\u2019s some serious hardware.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>TPD is going high-tech.<\/p>\n