Takeaways from Tallahassee — ‘Last hurrah’

Rep. Allison Tant is preparing for what she calls her “last hurrah in the House.”

The Tallahassee Democrat will launch her 2026 campaign Monday evening with a reception at Food Glorious Food. For Tant, who was first elected in 2020, the timing feels both inevitable and a little surreal.

“I’m struck with how fleeting it all is … and how grateful I am that I’ve had this opportunity given to me by House District 9,” she told Florida Politics.

The House’s eight-year term limit leaves every Representative with only four bites at the apple. That countdown has weighed into Tant’s approach through her first two-and-a-half terms and it’s a style that has suited her well in a chamber where Democrats had little leverage when she was first elected and even less so now that Republicans hold supermajorities in both chambers.

Rather than posturing for partisan fights, Tant has built a record by picking her spots, leaning on lived experience and working across the aisle. She credits one constituent with setting her compass before she was ever sworn in.

“’We don’t want you to get in there and just yell and scream about things,’” she remembers being told. “And every time I see [that constituent], I remind him about how I took that to heart.”

That approach has helped her shepherd bills on issues as varied as consumer protection, conservation and disability rights. The latter policy area is especially meaningful to Tant as it draws directly from her family’s experience raising a son with complex disabilities.

“Nobody has walked down this path in that chamber but me. And so, if I don’t speak up and talk about it, then nobody will understand,” she said following her first Session^[1], when the Legislature OK’d bills she sponsored directing the Agency for Persons with Disabilities to create a roadmap of state resources for families of people with disabilities and for workforce planning for disabled people, sometimes called transition, to begin as early as middle school rather than high school.

Two years later came HB 19, which created a supported decision-making process so parents wouldn’t need to seek costly guardianship to remain involved in their adult children’s education, something she said was akin to “getting a battleship, when all that’s needed is a canoe^[2].”

Her record extends beyond disability policy. She sponsored a crackdown on moving-broker scams that targeted families and students, leaving them on the hook for hundreds — sometimes thousands — of dollars in unexpected expenses due to shady sales taxes.

And just this year, she partnered with Republican Rep. Jason Shoaf on a measure (HB 1143) signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis that bans drilling near the Apalachicola River and Bay.

“This is about protecting a national treasure,” DeSantis said at the bill signing^[3], underscoring the bipartisan consensus.

The district-level wins also matter to her. She helped return Jefferson County Schools to local control and convert them to the state’s only full K–12 Community Partnership School District, which now posts steady passing grades after decades of decline. She pushed for recurring funding for rural hospitals to keep Madison County Memorial viable. And she still spends Mondays rotating through coffee shops and county town halls under her “Mondays on the Move^[4]” banner, tackling everything from veterans’ claims to driver’s license snafus.

Even in a Capitol defined by partisan trench lines, Tant says she has found durable common ground.

“Most of the time, you know, when you treat somebody with respect, they’ll treat you back with respect,” she said. “I have people in there I will be friends with when I’m no longer elected. That’s the truth — I love them.”

Looking forward, she shows no sign of coasting.

The 2025 Session will bring a fresh slate: a bill to tighten party-switch rules by requiring candidates to be registered with the same party for 365 consecutive days before qualifying; new anti-trafficking provisions; reforms to transportation programs for Floridians with disabilities; and an ambitious K-12 initiative that would require every eighth grader to sit down with parents and counselors by February to map out a pathway toward Bright Futures or career training.

It’s not lost on Tant that subsequent Sessions may be the last chapters she writes in public office. But if her first three terms are a guide, she’ll use them to squeeze inasmuch as possible.

Maybe it’s a “last hurrah,” but it’s one she intends to make count with help from a host Committee stacked with influential Tallahassee residents, including Mayor John Dailey, former Sen. Loranne Ausley, and Sachs Media founder Ron Sachs. The complete list is extensive — check the flyer and be prepared to zoom in.

The campaign launch is scheduled for Monday from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Food Glorious Food, 1950 Thomasville Road, in Tallahassee.

___

Coming up, the usual assortment of news, intel, and observations from the week that was in Florida’s capital city by Peter Schorsch, Drew Wilson, Drew Dixon, Liam Fineout, Andrew Powell and the staff of Florida Politics.

But first, the “Takeaway 5” — the Top 5 stories from the week that was:

— Take 5 —

Florida schools continue climb^[5] — University of Florida’s national ranking held steady in the latest U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 rankings, while other Florida schools are on the rise. UF, which was ranked the No. 5 best public university in the nation as recently as 2023, remained at No. 7 for the second straight year. UF tied for that spot with the University of Texas at Austin. The new rankings follow a chaotic turn for UF when school officials hired University of Michigan President Santo Ono to take over as President, only to be overturned by the Florida Board of Governors amid a conservative backlash. Meanwhile, both Florida State University and the University of South Florida jumped two spots to earn rankings of No. 21 and No. 43, respectively, in the best public university ranking. Other schools being recognized in the Top 100 public university rankings include Florida International University at No. 46, the University of Central Florida at No. 57, FAMU at No. 92 and Florida Atlantic University at No. 100.

FDH punts^[6] — The political committee backing Medicaid expansion in Florida is delaying a ballot initiative push to 2028. Florida Decides Healthcare initially wanted the language to appear before voters on the 2026 ballot. But the PC is blaming a new state law for making it harder to get ballot initiatives off the ground. “Politicians in Tallahassee didn’t just make it harder to get on the ballot; they tried to shut Floridians out and deny them their constitutional right to participate in their own democracy. HB 1205 wasn’t about transparency; it was sabotage aimed directly at citizen-led ballot initiatives. This law may have delayed us until 2028, but it will not stop us,” said Mitch Emerson, executive director of FDH. FDH was hundreds of thousands of petitions short of qualifying for the 2026 ballot at the time of its announcement.

Senate race draws familiar face^[7] — Jacksonville Democratic Rep. Angie Nixon is closing in on her next political move, which would take her out of the Florida House and into the Primary race for the U.S. Senate. “Change can’t wait and neither can we. That’s why I’m considering a run for U.S. Senate and launched a listening tour,” Nixon wrote in a text message Thursday. Nixon has been considering a Senate run for months. As far back as July, one current state Senator was asked for Nixon’s endorsement. And a Democratic consultant said then that Nixon was “going to be announcing for Senate extremely soon,” which “put a lot of pressure on former and current contenders on whether they would stay in the race or not.” One Democrat, Shemiah Rutledge, has already filed to run in HD 13 next year.

Ounce of prevention …^[8] — During a news conference in Orlando, Attorney General James Uthmeier discussed the legacy of conservative organizer and thought leader Charlie Kirk by rolling out a portal designed to ferret out “violent extremism” on college campuses. To that end, his office is rolling out the Combat Violent Extremism Portal in an effort to ensure that the violence that struck Kirk in Utah this month never recurs in Florida. The goal, Uthmeier said, is to provide “safe academic environments, where people feel confident to engage in discussion free from attack, free from violence.” The portal allows for the anonymous submission of “screenshots, videos, and other evidence of threats of violent extremism” to the AG’s Office of Statewide Prosecution. It is not, he said, an attempt to drive “cancel culture” or “silencing individuals.” Instead, it’s a way to stop a “call for violence … before people are shot, before explosives go off, before people are injured or lose their lives.

Sneak peek?^[9] — First Lady Casey DeSantis announced a major statewide crackdown on retailers illegally selling nitrous oxide, or “whippets,” to young people, resulting in 70 felony arrests. Standing alongside Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, she condemned sellers for knowingly distributing a harmful substance that could end a young person’s life. The investigation, the largest in the agency’s history, involved undercover agents who were often instructed by sellers on how to use the product to get high. DeSantis linked the effort to her updated “Just Say No” anti-drug campaign in schools. Both DeSantis and Collins, who shared his personal story of family tragedy due to addiction, are rumored to be considering future runs for higher office. Collins’ comments come as he is mulling a gubernatorial bid. He has said he would consider making Casey DeSantis his running mate if he does run. But the two did not elaborate on any plans during Tuesday’s remarks.

— Crushing Cancer —

Very few things unite both the left and right these days. One of those things — at least until RFK Jr. wages war against it somehow — is cancer. It remains one of humanity’s biggest obstacles to overcome. However, every penny spent on research goes a long way toward finding a cure.

This week, both Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis visited the Bulls at the University of South Florida^[10] to attend the Department of Health’s^[11] World Cancer Research Day symposium, where they announced that the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund will receive its third year of funding. That’s $60 million is being made available for high-impact research, with a specific focus on nutrition practices for cancer prevention or treatment.

“I was proud to announce that applications are opening this week for the next round of cancer research projects through the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund. These competitive grants are open to a wide range of institutions and researchers, with a focus on preventative nutrition as well as emerging medical treatment options for cancer patients,” said the Governor.

“Investing in innovation today means saving lives tomorrow — and that’s why we will continue working to make Florida a beacon of hope in cancer research.”

The Florida Cancer Innovation Fund was established by the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program to help accelerate cancer research, enhance various treatment models, and eliminate barriers to life-saving medical advances.

“This year’s funding opportunity for the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund is strengthening our fight against cancer and supporting patients and their families across our state,” said the First Lady.

Since the funding began, $140 million has been invested in the fund, all in the name of combating cancer. A fitting way to mark World Cancer Research Day.

— Big pharma pays up —

Attorney General Uthmeier announced Wednesday that Florida reached a multimillion-dollar settlement with Gilead Sciences, accused of paying kickbacks to health providers promoting its HIV and AIDS drugs.

The company allegedly provided payments, meals and travel expenses to practitioners who promoted its products — including Stribild, Genvoya, Complera, Odefsey, Descovy and Biktarvy — at events organized between 2011 and 2017.

“Big Pharma corporations that put profits ahead of patients by unlawfully promoting drugs will be held accountable,” Uthmeier said in a release. “Florida’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit works tirelessly to protect vulnerable patients and the taxpayer dollars that fund these systems.”

Uthmeier said that as part of the settlement, Gilead acknowledged its conduct and the allegations were found to be factual. The company must pay about $3.03 million to the Florida Medicaid program.

Other states also pursued litigation, with the New York U.S. Attorney’s Office securing a $202 million resolution in April^[12].

— Wounded Vets Wood Trips —

Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson is encouraging wounded veterans to apply for free hunting and fishing trips through the Florida Forest Service’s “Operation Outdoor Freedom^[13]” program.

The outings provide recreational and rehabilitative opportunities across Florida’s state forests, agricultural lands, rivers, lakes and private properties. Since 2009, the program has hosted over 970 events for more than 6,800 veterans.

“These Operation Outdoor Freedom hunting and fishing trips provide equal parts healing and camaraderie for those involved, and I encourage all eligible veterans to apply for these life-changing events,” Simpson said. “Operation Outdoor Freedom offers our Florida veterans an opportunity to reconnect with the great outdoors, and it is the least we can do to repay their courage and their sacrifices serving our country.”

Eight dedicated facilities around the state — with bunkhouses, kitchens, dining areas, fire pits and restrooms — ensure participants can focus on relaxation. Veterans are selected at random and notified by email.

Upcoming events include:
— Satsuma Tract Muzzleloader Deer Hunt, Oct. 17-20 (Belmore State Forest)
— Peace River State Forest Muzzleloader Deer Hunt, Oct. 22-24
— Two Mile Prairie Muzzleloader Deer/Hog Hunt, Oct. 24-26 (Withlacoochee State Forest)
— Rock Lake/PK Deer Hunt, Nov. 4-6 (Withlacoochee State Forest)
— Pinellas County Offshore Saltwater Fishing Trip 2, Nov. 7
— Peace River State Forest Gun Deer Hunt, Nov. 20-22
— Satsuma Tract Rifle Hunt, Nov. 19-21 (Belmore State Forest)
— Training Center Modern Gun Deer Hunt, Nov. 22-24 (Withlacoochee State Forest)
— Shell Mound Fishing Event, Dec. 2-5
— Newnans Lake State Forest Rifle Hunt, Dec. 5-7

Veterans can apply at ffs.fdacs.gov/OOF^[14]. For more information on the program, including eligibility requirements, visit fdacs.gov/OperationOutdoorFreedom^[15].

— Debris depot —

Agriculture Commissioner Simpson isn’t just raiding smoke shops — he’s also touting projects for veterans and the environment.

This week, Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced a $2.9 million grant from the NOAA Marine Debris Program to launch a cleanup effort in Cedar Key. The project will remove derelict aquaculture gear left behind by the 2023 and 2024 hurricane seasons while restoring oyster reef habitat near the coastal town.

“This project is an important step toward helping Cedar Key’s aquaculture community recover from back-to-back hurricane seasons while also strengthening the coastal ecosystem. Through this project, and by turning marine debris into a resource for restoration, we are protecting jobs, rebuilding livelihoods, and improving the resilience of Florida’s shellfish industry and food supply chain,” Simpson said.

The initiative is a partnership with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and the Cedar Key Aquaculture Association. More than $63 million was lost in the local shellfish industry, which also saw thousands of clam culture bags and other gear displaced.

FDACS aims to remove approximately 40,000 clam bags across 700 acres of marine habitat. The project will also develop new hurricane-preparedness guidance. More than 500 jobs are tied to Cedar Key’s clam industry — and this effort is designed to keep them afloat.

—Hillsborough and the hack—

When we say DOGE, you say Blaise! DOGE! — Blaise! DOGE! — Blaise! That’s about how CFO Blaise Ingoglia seems to want to start every news conference on “wasteful spending.”

This week’s target was Hillsborough County, which Ingoglia claims is spending $278 million more than justified by its population growth and inflation.

“Hillsborough is yet another large metro area where excessive spending is out of control. Taxpayers are fed up with their local governments spending recklessly while asking the taxpayers for even more money. These numbers are proof positive that the issue is spending, not revenue. Taxpayers deserve property tax relief and to know the truth about the Hillsborough County budget,” Ingoglia said.

He is calling on Hillsborough to cut its budget and provide property tax relief. That brings the total “waste” he’s flagged in counties statewide to $669.4 million.

“We are a family business, and families are at the heart of our business model. While Hillsborough County continues to raise property taxes and overspend, it is the families that live in this county that are impacted negatively. I thank the CFO for his commitment to providing property tax relief for families in Hillsborough,” said local business owner Tim Pennegan.

Ingoglia also questioned the county’s addition of 645 full-time employees between 2019 and 2025.

— Instagram of the week —

— P-cola pushers —

From marijuana and kratom to fentanyl, cocaine and meth, Florida doesn’t mess around with drugs (watch out, Tylenol, you might be next).

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement^[16], working with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, announced the arrests of Sean Torres, 18, Ladaryl Hull, 22, and Riley Durbin, 23, on drug trafficking charges.

The investigation began in November 2024, when NCIS partnered with FDLE Pensacola and the DEA to identify a local distributor. That probe eventually led to Torres, Hull and Durbin as alleged suppliers.

On Sept. 17, agents executed a search warrant that turned up 4 ounces of methamphetamine, 6.7 ounces of cocaine, fentanyl, 3 pounds of marijuana, 3 ounces of mushrooms, 47 tabs of LSD — and a firearm for good measure. Talk about a party.

The investigation remains active, but the three were booked into the Escambia County Jail without incident. For Pensacola’s bar-hopping night owls, your supply may have just dried up.

— Jobs, jobs, jobs —

Florida’s population keeps climbing — and so does its job count.

FloridaCommerce reported statewide job growth in August, the 58th month out of the last 64 to post gains since May 2020. Leading sectors included construction (up by 3,600), information (plus-2,300) and manufacturing (up 1,700).

“Florida’s economy is thriving — driven by a strong focus on education, workforce training and smart, strategic policies that support both job seekers and job creators,” said Commerce Secretary J. Alex Kelly.

“Florida continues to lead the nation in workforce development, and we remain focused on growing our talent pipeline through strategic investments to meet the demands of our dynamic and growing economy.”

Lightcast, a global labor analytics firm, recently ranked Florida the No. 1 state for “attracting and developing a skilled workforce” for the third year in a row.

All of the regional August jobs reports are viewable on FloridaCommerce’s website^[17]. According to internal data, there are currently more than 459,000 jobs posted online for Floridians to search for.

— Charting success —

Florida’s population boom has fueled demand for new schools, and charter schools remain a divisive answer. Some become community crown jewels; others … not so much.

This week, DeSantis and Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas announced that Success Academy — a nationally known charter network — will open its first school in Miami under the “Schools of Hope” initiative.

Established in 2017, the program offers students in persistently low-performing schools alternative educational options.

“With Success Academy opening in Miami, students will now have access to one of the highest-performing education models in the country. Florida’s families deserve world-class education, and we will continue to make it available to every child, no matter their ZIP code,” DeSantis said.

“Parents are empowered to choose the educational path that best suits their children’s unique needs. Success Academy offers families another high-quality option, backed by a nationally recognized track record of academic excellence and school improvement,” Kamoutsas added.

—Health TV for you—

The long-awaited return is here. And as you read this, you may still have time to catch it live.

This week, WJCT Public Media, Jacksonville’s community-owned broadcaster since 1958, announced the fifth season of its award-winning “What’s Health Got To Do With It?” The show returns today.

The hourlong program, hosted by Dr. Joe Sirven — physician, journalist and emeritus professor at Mayo Clinic — dives into the crosshairs of staying healthy, navigating health care and facing life’s everyday obstacles. Each episode brings insights from doctors and medical professionals on how to make sense of it all in our tech-heavy, information-loaded age.

This season, things are getting bigger. The broadcast is expanding beyond Jacksonville: Orlando/The Villages (WMFE/WMFV), Fort Myers and Naples (WGCU), Gainesville (WUFT) and the Treasure Coast (WQCS) will all carry the show.

“This expansion means even more Floridians will have access to trusted conversations about health. Whether it’s breakthroughs, personal stories or navigating our health care system, we want to empower listeners across the state to feel informed and supported,” Sirven said.

The show airs Saturdays at 4 p.m. on WJCT News 89.9 — and now on stations across the state. Upcoming episodes cover cardiac arrest, Florida’s vaccine debates, strokes, simplifying health data and dealing with cancer at an early age.

“We’re energized to see ‘What’s Health Got To Do With It?’ continue its growth beyond Jacksonville and reach new audiences across the state. At a time when knowing who to trust for medical information is increasingly difficult, Dr. Sirven’s expertise and passion for making health care understandable is exactly what public media should deliver — service that informs, connects and strengthens communities,” said WJCT President and CEO David McGowan.

The program recently earned the Duval County Medical Society’s 2025 Excellence in Healthcare Reporting award. For more, visit WJCT’s site^[18]. Happy watching to the new audiences getting it now — enjoy.

— Hall of Fame Inductee —

The Florida Home Builders Association (FHBA) announced that former Senate President Tom Lee has been inducted into the Florida Housing Hall of Fame, honoring his decades of leadership and service to the homebuilding industry.

The ceremony took place during the Southeast Building Conference in Orlando, where inductees were recognized for contributions that shaped housing in the Sunshine State.

“Tom Lee has left an indelible mark on Florida’s housing landscape,” said FHBA CEO and Chief Lobbyist Rusty Payton. “His legacy of leadership — through public service, housing policy, and tireless advocacy for families and communities — has advanced opportunities for homeownership across the state. His induction is both well-deserved and deeply celebrated.”

Throughout his years of public service and private sector leadership, Lee has championed responsible growth, housing affordability, and sound policies that strengthen the state’s communities.

Lee also joined the Pepin Family Office this year, assuming the position of CEO, where he oversees strategic initiatives and philanthropic efforts that support families in the Tampa Bay area.

Established in 1949, FHBA is affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders and Florida’s local/regional homebuilder associations.

Lee’s work reflects the core values of the FHBA, and his induction into the Hall of Fame continues the association’s tradition of honoring those who inspire future generations of builders, developers, and advocates.

— Lucky leader lesson —

A top administrator with a North Florida political consulting group has been named to join the latest class of Leadership Northwest Florida^[19].

Nickolas “Nick” F. Lowe, vice president of Shumaker Advisors^[20] with Florida offices in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Tallahassee, is now joining the leadership program that’s designed to foster growth and innovation in the Panhandle.

A news release said Lowe was appointed to Leadership Northwest Florida Class IV because he’s been heavily involved in public policy and business development in Florida. He’s also well-versed in dealing with the complexities of lobbying and advocacy at the state Capitol.

Lowe is also experienced at government lobbying on the national level. He has been involved with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association^[21] and has also worked on initiatives with the firm Mercury Public Affairs^[22].

“I am honored to join Leadership Northwest Florida Class IV,” said Lowe. “This program represents an incredible opportunity to collaborate with other leaders across the region to strengthen our communities and advance solutions that drive economic vitality and innovation.”

— Bear’s legacy honored —

Escambia County will dedicate a stretch of North 9th Avenue in Pensacola as Lewis Bear Jr. Way, honoring the late businessman, philanthropist and political powerbroker.

Bear, who died in March 2023^[23] at age 82, was remembered as a kingmaker in Florida politics and a driving force in the Panhandle’s business community.

The ceremony is scheduled for September 29 at 10 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, located at 200 S. 10th Ave. The renamed section runs from Bayfront Parkway to U.S. 90 East.

Bear served as president and CEO of the Lewis Bear Company, Florida’s oldest privately held corporation, and helped guide the state’s beer distribution industry as a longtime leader in the Florida Beer Wholesalers Association.

Through the Bear Family Foundation, he and his family contributed tens of millions to Baptist Health Care, the Studer Family Children’s Hospital, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida and other causes.

He also held leadership roles with the United Way, Pensacola Chamber of Commerce, the Pensacola Museum of Art, the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition and the University of West Florida, which awarded him an honorary doctorate shortly before his passing.

— $399K heads to FAMU —

They say money makes the world go ’round. They also say it’s the root of all evil, that it can’t buy happiness, and that it doesn’t grow on trees. Whatever the idiom, one truth holds: funding is the lifeline for universities to develop and conduct research.

This week, Florida A&M University^[24] received a $399,971 grant from the National Science Foundation for its project “Advancing Theory in Motivational Science by Testing Spheres of Connectedness.” The three-year study explores how social connectedness and behavioral health shape student outcomes.

As part of the work, FAMU will launch Boldly RISE (Retain, Inspire, Student Excellence), a new intervention program integrated into its first-year transition course.

“Freshman year is a critical period in higher education, yet nearly one in three college students do not return for their sophomore year. This grant will provide our team with an unprecedented opportunity to conduct applied psychological research while contributing to FAMU’s strategic plan to elevate student success outcomes, address workforce demands and provide public service,” said Huijun Li, a FAMU psychology professor leading the study.

The research team also includes psychology professors Nkechinyelum Chioneso and Leona Johnson, as well as Jennifer Collins, Associate Provost for Student Success. Two undergraduates will join the effort, gaining valuable research experience — and a nice résumé boost.

— New year, new degree —

Northwest Florida isn’t typically recognized as a hub of health care excellence compared to the state’s central and southern regions. Still, Florida^[25] State University^[26] and FSU Panama City are aiming to change that.

This week, FSU Panama City announced a new undergraduate program in Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences (IMS), officially a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences degree. The program, offered in partnership with the FSU College of Medicine, will launch in Fall 2026.

The degree will be open to first-time college students as well as transfers from state and community colleges. The goal is to strengthen health care education and build a steady workforce pipeline for Northwest Florida.

“We are constantly finding ways to address the shortage of health care professionals throughout the state of Florida. FSU Panama City is a tremendous resource for the people of Northwest Florida and a great springboard for students wishing to enter the health care professions,” said Dr. Alma Littles, Dean of the FSU College of Medicine. “I am delighted the College of Medicine has expanded its IMS program, which will help students achieve their goals of preparing for a rewarding career.”

Classes will be taught in person at the Panama City campus. The program prepares students for careers in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy and veterinary medicine, as well as fields such as social work, child welfare, disability and elder care services, health policy, nonprofits and research.

“This new program will serve to improve access to a high-quality education in the clinical aspects of health care — it will be an investment in future health care providers for Bay County and surrounding areas,” said Randy Hanna, Dean of FSU Panama City.

“The options are endless. This degree could lead to careers in the nonprofit sector, research, community care or health policy and informatics,” added Tory Peek, IMS program coordinator.

— Nettles & ready —

There’s an old saying: “If you’re not improving, you’re falling behind.” In a city where Florida A&M University^[27] was recently ranked the No. 1 HBCU by Niche and Florida State University^[28] landed at No. 21 among U.S. News & World Report’s public colleges, Tallahassee institutions must continue to strive for excellence.

This week, Tallahassee State College (TSC) named Steve Nettles as its new Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness. Nettles brings more than 20 years of leadership in educational research, accreditation and strategic planning.

“Steve brings both vision and experience to this important role. His expertise in accreditation and institutional effectiveness will be a tremendous asset to the College and will strengthen our efforts to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed,” said TSC President Jim Murdaugh.

Nettles earned a Ph.D. in educational leadership and administration at FSU and later completed a post-doctoral certificate in education management at Harvard University. He previously served as VP of Institutional Effectiveness at the University of Arizona Global Campus and as executive director of Institutional Effectiveness at Gulf Coast State College, where he helped guide the college’s transition to state college status through a comprehensive 10-year accreditation review.

Most recently, he led institutional effectiveness at Kansas City, Kansas Community College, which enrolls about 7,500 students.

— Puppy Pool —

Bow wow-wow for the dogs and their owners in the Tally area.

This week, the City of Tallahassee and the Trousdell Aquatics Center are inviting animal lovers out to the pool. The 19th annual “Puppies in the Pool” will take place on October 11-12, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., in the activity pool area.

The times are divided into two categories: dogs over 40 pounds and dogs under 40 pounds. For dogs over 40 pounds, the time slots are: 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m. to noon, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m., and 3:30-4:30 p.m. (Saturday only for the last slot). Dogs under 40 are from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. The cost of entry is $4.75 for both person and dog.

Due to safety regulations set by the Florida Department of Health in Leon County, no people will be allowed in the pool during puppy time, and all dogs must be supervised and on a leash when not in the pool. There will even be a dog washing station outside, ready for owners looking to give their dogs a clean on the drive home.

All owners and pets looking to attend must bring all their current health information for each dog and have all their vaccines and must be spayed and neutered. The slots fill up quickly, so be sure to sign up either in person or online at talgov.com/Parks. Also, sorry little ones, dogs under six months aren’t permitted to party in the pool either.

We imagine if there is a heaven up there, it looks like a bunch of cute dogs swimming together in a city-run kiddie pool. Amazing stuff.

— TPD TV —

Every city has unique people with once-in-a-lifetime stories — and some of them serve their community every day. The Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) is bringing those stories to the forefront.

This week, TPD announced a new video series, “Hometown Heroes,” which will showcase the men and women who serve both in and out of uniform. The five-part series will highlight officers born and raised in Tallahassee, Leon County and surrounding communities.

“Every officer has a story, and these stories remind us that every badge represents a neighbor, a friend, and a community member who calls Tallahassee home. The Hometown Heroes series gives our citizens the chance to see the people behind the uniform — their character, their values, and the hometown pride that motivates them every day,” said TPD Chief Lawrence Revell.

Each episode will explore an officer’s journey into law enforcement and the personal experiences that shaped their perspective. The first episode premieres Tuesday, Sept. 30, on TPD’s website and social media channels, with new episodes dropping weekly.

“We invite the community to watch, share, and celebrate with us. We believe this series will deepen the connection between our officers and the community we serve,” Revell added.

For more information, visit JoinTallyPD.com^[29] or check TPD’s social media. Look out, Emmys 2026 — a sweep could be coming.

— One stranger after a dollhouse —

It’s time to head to the box office. Let’s go.

This past weekend, “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle” held on to the No. 1 spot with $17 million. “HIM,” which has deep FSU connections in its cast, debuted in second with $13 million despite abysmal reviews. Meanwhile, “The Conjuring: Last Rites” continued its late-summer run, adding $12 million to bring its domestic haul to $154 million.

Eleven-time Oscar nominee Paul Thomas Anderson (PTA, if you’re cool) is back with his most expensive project yet, “One Battle After Another.” The acclaimed director of “Boogie Nights,” “There Will Be Blood,” “Phantom Thread,” “Licorice Pizza,” and “The Master” reunites with longtime partner Maya Rudolph at his side and an ensemble that includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro, Regina Hall and Wood Harris.

The nearly three-hour action/dark comedy has a 98% on Rotten Tomatoes, 8.6 on IMDb and 4.4 on Letterboxd, with early buzz pointing to Best Picture contention. The $130 million budget could be an obstacle — R-rated originals rarely draw blockbuster crowds — but here’s hoping it breaks even.

In the horror lane, “The Strangers: Chapter 2” (actually the fourth film in the franchise) arrives with Madelaine Petsch reprising her role under returning director Renny Harlin, joined by Gabriel Basso. Critics are not impressed, with ratings of 16% on Rotten Tomatoes and 1.9 on Letterboxd. Stranger danger indeed.

Also opening: “Dead of Winter,” a chilly horror-mystery starring Emma Thompson and Judy Greer, directed by BAFTA nominee Brian Kirk (“Game of Thrones,” “Penny Dreadful”). With a 73% Rotten Tomatoes score and comparisons to “The Shining,” “True Detective,” and “Twin Peaks,” this one has promise.

On the family-friendly side, “Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie” brings the Netflix/DreamWorks kids’ hit to theaters with Laila Lockhart Kraner and Kristen Wiig. Directed by veteran animator Ryan Crego, it’s sitting at 80% on Rotten Tomatoes — a solid bet for young audiences.

Streaming at home: Apple TV+ dropped “All of You,” a TIFF-premiered romance starring Brett Goldstein and Imogen Poots. With a 75% Rotten Tomatoes score, it’s poised to break hearts — grab tissues.

What’s your excuse? FSU played Friday, the NFL isn’t until Sunday. Go ahead, see something new this Saturday.

— Capitol Directions —

PAUL RENNER — Up arrow — At least he’s outraising Jay Collins.

GEO GROUP — Down arrow — Do they want their next facility to be in political Siberia or something?

BLAISE INGOGLIA — Up arrow — A packed kickoff and more pointed words for local governments. Who said the CFO’s office was just for bean counters?

JAMES UTHMEIER — Up arrow — If an AG wins in court and nobody is around to hear it… Actually, Florida won’t need to worry about that for a while.

ANGIE NIXON — Down arrow — Nobody asked for this … and unlike Paul Renner, she’s not outraising anybody.

JEFF HOLCOMB — Down arrow — Did he have a three-way call with 2020 and 2018 to dust off his bill ideas, or is his agenda just straight from the spam folder?

RACHEL PLAKON — Up arrow — Turns out the real public health threat wasn’t E. coli. Thanks for looking out.

JUAN PORRAS — Up arrow — Some are chasing headlines, but he’s chasing green highway signs.

CHASE TRAMONT — Up arrow — In a world of wobbly knees, he’s making sure Florida’s foreign policy wears steel-toed boots.

UF — Crossways arrow — Stuck in neutral while rivals pull ahead … when did Billy Napier become interim Prez?

FSU — Up arrow — Which comes first: A playoff bid or a Top 20 diploma?

FLORIDA DECIDES — Down arrow — Just so we’re all on the same page: They’re deciding that they’re going to punt on 2028 in a couple of years, right?

JOE LADAPO — Down arrow — We hear the DOH’s request includes recurring GR to place a death cart and carnival barker in every corner of the state.

RICHARD CORCORAN — Crossways — OK, we’ll allow him a new pair of Ferragamos. The Guccis come with a Top 50 ranking and not a minute sooner.

CONSERVATIONISTS — Up arrow — Petitions, Publix parking lot rallies, and a mob of tree huggers can still beat back the bulldozer lobby.

BOARD OF PHARMACY — Up arrow — Maybe Ladapo’s directives got caught in the spam filter?

KIRSTEN ALLEN — Down arrow — From Gillum’s crash-and-burn to Harris’ … crash-and-burn. Hey, at least she had a backstage pass.

D.C. REEVES — Down arrow — Snubbing Andrade now just means betting Pensacola’s future on Ron DeSantis’ mercy.

LORANNE AUSLEY — Up arrow — Win or lose, this is the comeback tour we’ve been waiting for.

DARRYL JONES — Down arrow — If you’re going to mistake a School Board seat for an open mic night, you better not bomb.

GARY FARMER — Crossways arrow — Are we done here?

BEARS — Down arrow — Florida found 160,000 people eager to hunt them. Turns out the real predator is the voters.

FSAE — Up arrow — Thanks for letting us crash the party.

HOTEL DUVAL — Down arrow — Have some courtesy and list sleep deprivation torture under amenities.

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