For a group of Florida State University film alumni, “It Ends” is only the beginning.
The film “It Ends” was written, directed and edited by Alex Ullom, an alumnus of Florida State University’s College of Motion Picture Arts (FSUFilm). It opens nationwide this weekend after a limited release in Los Angeles and New York last week. Neon is handling the release. Its credits include Best Picture-winning films “Anora” and “Parasite.”
The film follows four recent college graduates who set out on a late-night drive and become trapped on a seemingly endless road. It premiered at the 2025 SXSW Film & TV Festival. The university’s ties to the film run deep: Ullom’s classmates Carrie Carusone and Evan Barber, both BFA ’20 graduates, produced the film, and Carusone also served as production designer.
Filming took place on a university soundstage and in North Florida’s sweltering rural woods. Those familiar-looking trees? There’s a reason.
Producer Chris Ferguson, whose credits include “Backrooms” and the Nicolas Cage-led sleeper hit “Longlegs,” also served as an executive producer, further linking this crop of young filmmakers.
“After years of working tirelessly to complete It Ends, it is beyond fulfilling to finally be releasing it nationwide. Holy cow, it’s even being released in Honolulu! Alex, Carrie, and I are so grateful to the Florida community who helped us, housed us, and fed us all these years. To our many Florida friends, we say THANK YOU! This movie would not exist if not for your support,” Barber said.
“Backrooms” filmmaker Kane Parsons hosted a Q&A with Ullom at a Vancouver screening of “It Ends” earlier this month, showcasing the bond among young horror filmmakers — and suggesting the next great voices have arrived. The film currently has a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a 3.3 out of 5 on Letterboxd and a 74 on Metacritic.
Ullom already has another project in the pipeline. “4×4: The Event” was also acquired by Neon and stars Sophia Lillis of “It: Chapter 1” and Jacob Tremblay, known for his breakout in the Oscar-winning film “Room.” Ullom describes it as pure maximalism compared with his debut.
“It Ends is a perfect example of the strengths of our program. Alex Ullom, the Director, and Evan Barber and Carrie Carusone, the producers, were classmates. They brought on Jazleana Jones, the cinematographer, who was in the year below them, and most of the crew was alums, students who helped while they were shooting in Tallahassee on the film school’s virtual production stage, and even kids who were trying to get into the film school and became students after the fact, because of the experience and connections they made on set,” FSUFilm Co-Director of Alumni Brenda Mills said.
“They also had very important support from older alumni who got involved after the initial production and helped them get the film finished. It really was an FSU Mafia production!”
Ullom did not arrive with an established online following, but Neon saw the potential appeal of both the film and its Director to younger viewers. The film filters themes of existentialism, post-graduation doubt, an ever-changing world and a seemingly endless cycle of pain through online Gen Z humor, heart and horror.
“It [FSUFilm] gave me the friends and collaborators that supported me and are now my lifelong friends. I also couldn’t have made the film without the school supporting us,” Ullom said.
See “It Ends” this weekend to support indie film and FSUFilm — and because someone here at Florida Politics even served as a production assistant on the film.
___
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 and the staff of Florida Politics.
But first, the “Takeaway 5” — the Top 5 stories from the week that was:
— Take 5 —
‘Totally perfect deal’ — A leaked grand jury report turned the long-running Hope Florida controversy into the week’s defining story. Jurors concluded the Gov. Ron DeSantis administration “misappropriated” $10 million from a Medicaid settlement and described its movement through the Hope Florida Foundation to political committees as part of a “sophisticated scheme to fund political activities.” The money ultimately helped oppose the 2024 recreational marijuana amendment. The panel found insufficient evidence to charge anyone, but placed Attorney General Uthmeier, then-Gov. DeSantis’ Chief of Staff, near the center of the activity and scrutinized former Attorney General Ashley Moody’s role. Senate Democrats demanded both resign, while Sen. Don Gaetz called for legislative action. DeSantis attacked the report’s disclosure and said coverage smeared First Lady Casey DeSantis. Uthmeier offered an even stronger defense, calling the arrangement “a totally perfect deal.”
Card set — Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds is running with Bryan Ávila, a freshly resigned GOP state Senator from Miami-Dade who will help Donalds make the case that David Jolly and the Democratic Party yearn to bring socialism to the Sunshine State. Ahead of the announcement, Donalds predicted the Democratic embrace of socialism would not “allow Florida to thrive.” Ávila is leaving the Senate, where he has chaired the Finance and Tax Committee. He is also known for putting muscle behind a series of high-profile bills: the “Stop WOKE Act” in 2022; the “Halo bill,” which established a 25-foot buffer zone around first responders; and a new statute, effective July 1, that bans localities from promoting “net zero” emissions policies.
Say cheese! — DeSantis is taking an emphatic position against automated license plate reader cameras. He’s now calling for legislative action to curb the use of devices across the state, such as those from Flock Safety and other vendors. “I think these cameras, the license plate readers, I think it’s out of control,” DeSantis said at Florida International University in Miami. As reported by GovTech last year, at least 100 law enforcement agencies in the state use Flock license plate reader (LPR) cameras. DeSantis spoke about a recent, widely reported incident of a Florida police officer using Flock for surveillance of an estranged wife. “What the hell’s going on with this?” DeSantis said, recounting his reaction to seeing that news. “I think this has happened very quickly. I think people are right to be concerned.”
Kiss the chef? — National prognosticators continue to give the Democratic nominee in the Governor’s race good news. But the latest cautions that work remains to make the contest truly competitive. The Cook Political Report is the latest to like what Jolly is serving up against Donalds, moving the race to “Likely Republican” from “Solid Republican.” However, writer Jessica Taylor says a lot needs to pop before Election Day becomes Jolly Time. “Jolly would still need a significant financial boost to mount a robust statewide television campaign and have a real shot. For now, Donalds enjoys an overwhelming financial advantage,” she said. Indeed, that may be an understatement. Donalds has raised roughly 10 times as much money as Jolly, and the cash-on-hand edge is closer to 20 times.
‘Dad, we did it’ — Hillsborough County Commissioners approved nearly $796 million for the Rays’ proposed stadium and redevelopment project Friday, securing the largest piece of public funding behind a roughly $2.36 billion ballpark and mixed-use district on Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry campus. The measure passed 5-2. Friday’s approval completes an approximately $876 million local-government package after the Tampa City Council approved another $80 million Thursday. The Rays are responsible for the remainder, including design expenses and construction overruns. Major agreements, financing validations and land-use approvals remain before public money can flow. But after years of stadium searches that repeatedly stopped short, the central public-funding question is settled.
— First class —
DeSantis announced the launch of the Coalition for Operational Readiness in Education at Florida International University, kicking off a statewide effort to prepare students for careers in emergency management.
Known as CORE, the initiative pairs colleges, universities, technical schools and trade schools with government agencies and private-sector organizations. The goal is to supplement classroom instruction with Florida-specific training, professional credentials and hands-on experience before students graduate.
“Florida leads the country in emergency management and response,” DeSantis said. “Maintaining that capability requires investing in the people who will dedicate their careers to helping our state prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural disasters and other emergencies.”
The Florida Division of Emergency Management, FloridaCommerce and the Department of Education jointly developed the program. FDEM Executive Director Jared W. Perdue said it would help build the state’s next generation of emergency managers.
CORE will offer customized learning tracks, internships, apprenticeships, credentialing, and access to professional networks. Its reach will extend beyond students already enrolled in emergency management programs.
Students studying communications, finance and other fields with skills applicable to disaster preparation and response will also be able to pursue specialized tracks. The program will also seek participation from trade schools and military programs.
Eleven Florida institutions have committed to adopting CORE. DeSantis said the longer-term goal is to expand it to every college, university, technical school and trade school in Florida, then establish it as a workforce-development model that other states can replicate.
— AG sues PBMs —
Attorney General James Uthmeier has filed a lawsuit against the pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) Prime Therapeutics and Express Scripts.
Uthmeier announced the legal action, accusing the companies of price-fixing through an agreement he claims threatens Floridians’ affordable access to medication. The lawsuit alleges that the companies engaged in “collaboration” to significantly lower pharmacy reimbursement rates, thereby affecting the prices Floridians pay for medication.
“Floridians — especially our seniors and families — depend on local pharmacies for the medications that keep them healthy. Prime and Express Scripts colluded to fix prices and underpay those pharmacies, forcing many to fill prescriptions at a loss,” Uthmeier said.
“When pharmacies struggle, or close, patients lose local options and access to care. My office is holding them accountable to protect Florida patients.”
The lawsuit was filed in Florida’s 10th Judicial Circuit Court in Polk County. It focuses on a 2020 agreement between the companies that allegedly lowered pharmacy reimbursement rates. Before the deal, Prime’s reimbursements were generally about 20% higher; reimbursements for both brand-name and generic drugs fell dramatically after the agreement, the lawsuit alleges.
Uthmeier claims the change turned many prescription reimbursements into losses for pharmacies filling prescriptions. He cited an Orlando pharmacy whose reimbursements from the companies dropped 45% for one drug. He also claims Prime realized “cost savings” of $2.5 billion during the agreement’s first three years.
— Papers, please —
Attorney General Uthmeier says an undocumented migrant faces felony charges for allegedly attacking federal immigration officers in Fort Myers earlier this month.
The incident occurred Aug. 19 while Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Removal Operations officers were conducting an investigation. Officials attempted to stop a vehicle they believed was registered to a non-U.S. citizen.
During the traffic stop, officials say several occupants fled on foot. Investigators say one occupant, Maria Del Carmen Negrete Raya, confronted the ICE officers and charged toward their vehicle.
Authorities say she attempted to enter the officers’ vehicle and began kicking and punching them. One officer was struck in the groin and suffered minor injuries. ICE agents say they chose to “de-escalate” the situation before detaining Negrete Raya.
“Florida will not tolerate anyone — especially those who shouldn’t even be in our country — attacking our law enforcement officers. Our federal partners are here to enforce the law and defend America’s sovereignty,” Uthmeier said in a news release. “Those who assault them will face the full weight of the law.”
The 39-year-old Negrete Raya allegedly entered the United States “without inspection.” Uthmeier acknowledged that she filed an asylum application in 2023. He said she is a Mexican national who entered the United States illegally.
He added that “she is amenable to removal as an alien present without admission or parole.”
The formal charges against Negrete Raya include three counts of battery on a law enforcement officer, each classified as a second-degree felony.
— Rejected —
Meta has agreed to a landmark $17 billion settlement with 47 states in a social media addiction lawsuit, but Florida is pursuing its own case.
The settlement involves significant payouts in a case alleging that Meta intentionally designed Facebook and Instagram to foster addiction and collected children’s information without proper consent.
But Attorney General Uthmeier said on his X account that Florida refused to join the settlement because it doesn’t go far enough.
“Florida didn’t join the Meta settlement,” Uthmeier said. “The payouts are peanuts compared to the profound harms Meta’s profit-driven addictive features inflicted on kids, and a slap on the wrist for a trillion-dollar (corporation) that’ll pay more to lawyers than to the states.”
Uthmeier indicated Florida is not done with Meta. “We’ll see them at trial,” he said, referring to the state’s lawsuit filed against the company in 2023.
Wednesday’s settlement resolves a case years in the making that sought to hold the tech giant accountable for the role its platforms played in undermining children’s mental health. The case targeted features allegedly designed to hook young people’s attention.
— Safe! —
On Tuesday, Attorney General Uthmeier and FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass, along with partner agencies, announced the recovery of 163 children during “Operation Statewide Shield,” the first statewide recovery initiative led by a state. It was also one of the largest child-recovery operations in American history.
“Many of these kids have been victimized by those who prey on the most vulnerable,” Uthmeier said.
“Thanks to the outstanding work of FDLE, the Office of Statewide Prosecution, and our state and local partners, these children are now safe and receiving the care they deserve. Florida will continue leading the recovery of missing children, hunting down every predator, and prosecuting abusers to the fullest extent of the law.”
The five-day statewide operation focused solely on identifying, locating and recovering missing children, using real-time intelligence and field operations. The task force recovered at-risk youth across Florida, including 46 in the Tampa Bay region, 41 in Miami, 32 in Jacksonville, 21 in Orlando, 12 in Fort Myers, 8 in Pensacola, and 3 in the Tallahassee region.
“The success of Operation Statewide Shield reaffirms what partnership can accomplish when government, faith organizations, not-for-profits, and the private sector come together, share their strengths and use their collective expertise to protect children across this state,” Florida Department of Children and Families Assistant Secretary Jonathan Stephens said.
The operation also recovered children in six states, one U.S. territory and 12 countries. The children ranged in age from 2 months to 17 years and had faced varying levels of abuse, neglect, exploitation or exposure to other criminal activity.
“The success of Operation Statewide Shield is a testament to the power of state agencies and local support organizations uniting under a common purpose – to protect Florida’s most vulnerable. I’m deeply proud of the efforts of our state leaders and sister agencies, our DJJ team members, and the partners who worked tirelessly to bring these children home and provide them with the continuing support they need,” Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Matt Walsh said.
— Hurricane prep tour —
Hurricane season is here, and we aren’t talking about college football.
This week, CFO Blaise Ingoglia visited Palm Beach County on the eighth stop of his statewide hurricane preparedness tour. August through October marks Florida’s peak hurricane season, when most hurricanes and tropical storms swirl around the state.
Since the CFO’s initiative launched in May, the Department of Financial Services’ Division of Consumer Services has provided more than 22,000 Floridians with essential safety tips and storm-preparedness resources.
“Preparedness cannot be an afterthought, especially as we enter the peak of the season when hurricanes can form at a moment’s notice. We were lucky last year, and we’ve been lucky so far this year, but we cannot let complacency set in. Taking action now by putting together your emergency kit and organizing your important documents can make a huge difference when a hurricane is on the horizon. My office will continue to assist Floridians by ensuring they have the information and tools needed to stay safe during storms and to recover after a storm impacts the state,” Ingoglia said.
Before a storm arrives, check your home and flood insurance coverage; conduct a home inventory with photos and video of both the inside and outside; keep important documents in a dry box; and have cash on hand.
“Preparedness starts at home, such as making a plan, securing important documents, and stocking up on essential resources. All of these simple tips can make a significant difference in post-storm recovery. I am thankful for the work of CFO Ingoglia and his team to educate our residents about the importance of being proactive before a storm,” Palm Beach Gardens Emergency Management Director David Reyes said.
After a storm hits, report any damage to your agent or insurance company. Make any emergency repairs needed to prevent further damage and document the work. Watch for fraud and scams, and verify the licenses of any contractors or adjusters you may work with. Before signing a contract with a public adjuster, call the Consumer Services helpline at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO to see whether the department can help.
“Our firefighters are the first boots on the ground when it comes to protecting our community after a storm. However, when Palm Beach Gardens residents are prepared, we can respond to emergencies more effectively. Thank you, CFO Ingoglia, for working alongside us and for your continued support of first responders,” Palm Beach Gardens Deputy Fire Chief James Ippolito said.
— Fast cars, fast schemes —
To quote Candace from the Disney TV show Phineas and Ferb: “you’re busted.”
On Monday, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Ingoglia announced the arrest of Adam Otrok in connection with a vehicle insurance fraud scheme. Otrok allegedly submitted 41 fraudulent applications for luxury vehicles he never owned, in an attempt to defraud an insurance company of $206,000 by requesting a full premium refund.
The Department of Financial Services Criminal Investigations Division (CID) made the arrest.
“Florida has long been the law-and-order state, but we are now making it the anti-fraud state. If you want to commit financial crimes, my investigators will be close behind you. Fraudsters beware—your crimes will not go unpunished in Florida,” Ingoglia said.
CID investigators discovered that Otrok used counterfeit and fictitious personal identification information to submit the vehicle insurance applications, then stopped the premium payment from his insufficiently funded bank account.
Otrok would then request a refund before his insurance company learned the payment was invalid. He obtained $44,704 in fraudulent funds through the attempt to defraud the company of $206,000.
Otrok was arrested on Aug. 6 and charged with organized scheme to defraud, insurance fraud, grand theft, and fraudulent use of personal identification. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison.
The Broward State Attorney’s Office has jurisdiction over the prosecution of the Otrok case.
The Department of Financial Services also encourages anyone with knowledge of fraud to report it at FraudFreeFlorida.com.
— Instagram of the week —
— Main Street FLA —
Secretary of State Cord Byrd designated Arcadia Main Street as the August 2026 Florida Main Street Program of the Month, recognizing the organization’s work to preserve and revitalize the DeSoto County city’s historic downtown.
“The success of the Arcadia Main Street program reflects the value of community-driven revitalization,” Byrd said. “Through dedicated leadership, strong partnerships, and preserving their historic character, Arcadia has fostered a unique sense of place and a vibrant downtown district.”
Arcadia’s roots date to the 1850s, though development accelerated after a sawmill and post office arrived in the 1880s. The Florida Southern Railway followed in 1886, helping Arcadia become an important shipping point for the phosphate, cattle and citrus industries. The city became the DeSoto County seat in 1888.
A 1905 fire destroyed four blocks of downtown, prompting city leaders to require future buildings to be constructed of fire-resistant brick or cement. Many buildings erected during that rebuilding remain, and the Arcadia Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
The community also developed lasting ties to aviation and ranching. Two pilot-training fields opened during World War I and were later redeveloped to train British Royal Air Force pilots ahead of U.S. involvement in World War II. Arcadia also began hosting its annual rodeo in 1929.
Arcadia joined the Florida Main Street program in 1985. Since then, the local program has helped generate nearly $7.7 million in public and private investment, add 48 businesses and create 193 jobs.
Recent work includes downtown wayfinding signs, landscaping and murals supported by an AARP Community Challenge grant. America250FL funding also supported a patriotic eagle mural and another commemorating Arcadia’s military aviation history.
— Go catch a sales tax break —
Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts are about to get a financial break on their gear at retailers across Florida.
The Hunting, Fishing and Camping Sales Tax Holiday kicks into gear Sept. 1 and runs through Dec. 31. The Legislature-approved exemption removes sales tax from merchandise used for those pursuits.
The Florida Retail Federation (FRF) is celebrating the sales tax break and its focus on local retailers.
“This four-month holiday is a win for Florida families and for the retailers who serve them,” said Scott Shalley, FRF President and CEO. “We’re grateful to the Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis for their continued leadership and support on tax relief for Florida families and retailers.”
The Florida-focused holiday also gives FRF a chance to promote its Find It In Florida campaign, which encourages residents to shop at retailers close to home.
— Downslope —
Florida’s unemployment rate dropped for the second month in a row in July.
The jobless rate came in at 4.6% last month, according to figures released by FloridaCommerce. That’s down from 4.7% in June.
Florida hasn’t seen an increase in the jobless rate since April, when it ticked up to 4.8%.
Miami-Dade County had the state’s lowest unemployment rate in July, at 2.5%, followed by Monroe County at 3.3%.
Taylor County recorded the highest rate at 8.4%, followed by Sumter County at 7.9%.
In July, about 515,000 people were unemployed in Florida, while the labor force stood at about 11.12 million. About 10.04 million workers held nonagricultural jobs, a monthly increase of roughly 4,500. The state gained 41,000 jobs compared with the same month in 2025.
Although the latest 4.6% rate is down from June, it remains 0.7 percentage points higher than the 3.9% recorded in July 2025.
The industries that added the most jobs annually were education and health services, which added 35,800 jobs. Professional and business services added 13,600 jobs, while leisure and hospitality added 13,200.
On the downside, financial activities shed 13,600 jobs in Florida compared with July 2025. Government employment also slipped by 13,100 jobs, and information jobs fell by 3,100.
— Un-bear-able —
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will begin accepting applications Sept. 11 for Florida’s second black bear hunt in as many years — and only its third since 1994.
The 2026 hunt will run Dec. 5-27 across four zones covering parts of the Panhandle, North, Central and South Florida. Applicants can submit an unlimited number of entries in the permit lottery for $5 apiece, though each person can receive only one permit.
FWC has authorized up to 215 permits, an increase from the 172 issued last year. Of those, 193 are available through the statewide program, and 22 are reserved for a new private-lands program.
The underlying fight has not changed. FWC argues that regulated hunting is a scientifically supported tool for managing a population estimated at more than 4,000 bears. Opponents contend that the agency relied on outdated population data and should focus on habitat protection and preventing human-bear conflicts.
Last year’s hunt produced a far different result from the notorious 2015 edition. Hunters killed 52 bears over three weeks in 2025; the 2015 hunt was halted after just two days, by which point 304 bears had been killed.
— Bridge business —
It’s time for some bridge love. Literal bridges that transport people, not the transitional part of a song.
This week, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announced that the Howard Frankland Bridge, a fixed link spanning Old Tampa Bay from St. Petersburg to Tampa, was selected as a regional winner in the Operations Excellence – Large Project category of the 2026 America’s Transportation Awards competition, presented annually by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).
Now in its 19th year, the competition celebrates state transportation departments and highlights projects that improve quality of life, increase safety and drive innovation. The awards were announced during the final session of the Southeastern Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (SASHTO) Annual Meeting in Greenville, South Carolina.
“Proud of the work the FDOT team has done to be awarded this recognition. This Howard Frankland Bridge project is a great example of how Florida continues to invest in infrastructure that relieves congestion, hardens coastal facilities, and solves critical transportation needs,” former FDOT Secretary Perdue said.
Tampa Bay has grown dramatically since the original bridge was built in 1960 and updated in 1990. The new Howard Frankland Bridge provides major improvements to the regional travel experience.
During construction, the new bridge was built adjacent to the existing one to minimize disruption to travelers. Since completion, it has added 50% more capacity to this critical corridor, helping relieve congestion and provide more reliable travel times for more than 200,000 daily drivers.
This year, 44 states and the District of Columbia submitted 127 project nominations across four categories: Quality of Life/Community Development, Best Use of Technology & Innovation, Operations Excellence and Safety.
The Howard Frankland Bridge project will now advance to another round of voting. The top three projects from each region will make up the Top 12 National Finalists, which will compete for two national prizes: the Grand Prize, selected by an independent panel of judges, and the People’s Choice Award, chosen through online public voting.
The winners will receive $10,000 to donate to a scholarship fund or charitable cause of their choice.
— Insurance Man of the Year —
Colodny Fass founder and shareholder Mike Colodny has received the Latin American Association of Insurance Agencies’ 2026 Fernando Gimenez Jr. Insurance Man of the Year Award.
LAAIA presented the honor during its 56th Annual Convention. The association said the award recognizes Colodny’s leadership, service and long record in Florida’s insurance industry.
“Receiving this recognition from LAAIA is a tremendous honor,” Colodny said. “The insurance industry has been central to my professional life for more than five decades. I sincerely appreciate LAAIA’s recognition and its leadership and commitment to supporting insurance professionals across Florida and the nation.”
Colodny founded Colodny Fass in 1976. Over more than five decades, he has represented insurers, financial institutions and other regulated businesses in corporate, regulatory, legislative and governmental matters.
Colodny also played a role in the development of Florida’s modern property insurance system. Beginning in 1992, he served as general counsel to the Florida Residential Property and Casualty Joint Underwriting Association and later to its successor, Citizens Property Insurance Corp.
In those roles, the firm said, Colodny helped secure billions of dollars in reinsurance and catastrophe financing and participated in the consolidation of Florida’s residual property insurance entities.
Colodny also served four terms as Mayor of North Miami and as attorney to the Florida Senate President.
The recognition comes as Colodny Fass celebrates its 50th anniversary. The firm, with offices in Sunrise and Tallahassee, represents clients in insurance regulatory and transactional matters, litigation, corporate law, administrative law and governmental consulting.
— Welcome to The Hill —
College is back, and that means move-in time.
As Florida A&M University (FAMU) begins the 2026-27 academic year, more than 3,300 new and returning students settled into campus housing, filling the campus streets with moving carts, boxes and families helping excited Rattlers settle in.
For returning students, move-in is about reconnecting with friends and returning to their home away from home. For freshmen, it marks the start of a new journey.
According to FAMU Director of Housing Herb Johnson, 3,352 students moved into residence halls ahead of the Fall 2026 semester, including 1,815 freshmen, 175 new transfer students, and returning Rattlers.
“Move-In Day is sacred to me — as a president and as a mother. There is nothing quite like watching a young person carry their belongings up the Hill for the first time or return to it with a year’s worth of growth already in them. I feel the promise of it. I feel the energy of it. And I feel, once again, the weight of what we have been entrusted to do,” FAMU President Marva B. Johnson said.
“Every hall they move into, every hand that helps carry a box, every parent who drives away trusting us with what matters most to them — these are not small things. They are big moments. They remind us that FAMU is not simply a place students attend, but a family they join. I am looking forward to all our Rattlers will discover, achieve, and contribute to this campus and to the world.”
While the jump into college housing can be scary, friendly faces helped make the dive feel more like a dip. Student Government Association President Kennedy Williams understands how important a warm welcome can be as students begin their journeys. Williams also knows how quickly the time passes and urges them not to take it for granted.
“It feels so exciting. It’s a reflective moment because I was just here a few years ago. I’m super excited to see all of the first-year students and transfers here on the Hill, and I’m ready to get this school year rolling,” Williams said.
“Go to your classes, be on time and form relationships with your professors. Some of those relationships will translate over time. And go to the events on campus. That’s how you break out and meet new friends.”
— The price is right —
Following a record-setting fundraising year, Florida State University (FSU) announced Tuesday that alumnus and longtime supporter of all things Garnet and Gold, Scott Price (BS ’97; MAcc ’97), has been elected Chair of the FSU Foundation Board of Trustees.
Price is the founder and CEO of A-LIGN, a cybersecurity compliance partner founded in 2009 and headquartered in Tampa. He succeeds Christopher Iansiti, who led the Board for the past four years and presided over its recent record-breaking fundraising efforts.
“These past few years have been historic for the FSU Foundation. I can confidently say the entire team looks forward to working closely with Scott to continue momentum and further enhance FSU’s academic vision, goals and priorities,” said Susan Glenn, interim vice president for University Advancement and President of the FSU Foundation.
The university raised $235.4 million this past fiscal year, the highest total in FSU’s history. Of that, the FSU Foundation raised more than $154 million, marking its second-best fundraising year on paper.
“Chris led us through extremely successful initiatives during his tenure, and I am honored to continue his legacy to strengthen the Board’s philanthropic impact. I plan to harness the energy built by Chris as I assume my new role to continue breaking records in the coming years,” Price added.
Price is a seven-time Seminole 100 honoree and a member of the FSU Wertheim College of Business Hall of Fame. Through successful business ventures such as A-LIGN, he has invested more than $2.9 million to benefit FSU.
— Raw data feel —
This week, Florida State University (FSU) announced that psychologists, education researchers, and computational scientists have teamed up to transform raw educational research data into a tangible digital resource to advance K-12 math teaching and learning.
The team is bringing together six existing datasets covering about 90,000 elementary students and 3,000 teachers to build an interactive dashboard with an AI chatbot that allows users to ask questions about the data in plain language.
A $1.5 million award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) went to Professors of Psychology Colleen Ganley and Chris Schatschneider, Professor of Scientific Computing Gordon Erlebacher and Associate Professor of Mathematics Education Robert Schoen to support the creation of the Integrated Data for Education AI and Learning in Mathematics Project (IDEAL-Math) Network.
“This project represents an important national investment in FSU’s strengths in psychological science, education, artificial intelligence and data science. By bringing researchers together with teachers and technology experts, this project will organize the high-quality data needed to better understand how children learn mathematics and develop increasingly effective educational tools and practices,” Department of Psychology Chair Brad Schmidt said.
The IDEAL-Math project is one of five projects funded nationwide through NSF’s Collaboratory to Advance Mathematics Education and Learning for K-12 initiative. Together, the five projects will share an information hub intended to have a lasting influence on the collection, digital organization and sharing of U.S. education data.
“Every year, researchers collect large amounts of data through surveys, test scores, classroom videos and other methods trying to understand how children learn math,” Ganley, Director of FSU’s developmental psychology program, said.
“Too often, those data get squirreled away after a few publications and never make it back to the educational community or public. This project aims to change that by taking data that have already been collected and making them more useful for researchers, educators and policymakers who want to ask their own questions.”
— Correctional officer classes —
North Florida’s next generation of public safety professionals are here — and they’re ambitious.
This week, Tallahassee State College (TSC) announced that nine Gadsden County High School seniors will get a head start on public safety careers through a new dual-enrollment Correctional Officer Certification Program. A special collaboration among the Florida Public Safety Institute (FPSI), the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office and Gadsden County Schools made the program possible.
The program allows students to dual-enroll at FPSI, located on TSC’s campus, complete the required correctional officer training and take the state certification exam before graduating from high school. Those who successfully complete the program will be eligible to serve as certified correctional officers in Florida by graduation.
“Our partnership with Sheriff (Morris) Young and Gadsden County Schools is giving nine enthusiastic students a head start toward careers as certified correctional officers. This collaboration is a great example of how strong community partnerships can create meaningful opportunities for our students while helping prepare the next generation of Florida’s workforce,” said Janet Hartman, Executive Director of FPSI.
The program is designed to provide students with hands-on training and preparation for their new career paths while helping to address the need for qualified correctional officers in the local workforce. With annual salaries for Big Bend correctional officers ranging from approximately $55,000 to $62,000, the certification offers students a unique opportunity to secure a stable tomorrow, today.
By emphasizing the intersection of education and workforce development, FPSI, the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office and Gadsden County Schools hope to become trendsetters and create a pipeline for students looking to serve their communities and start making good money as soon as the high school valedictorian finishes speaking at graduation.
— Flock you —
They’re a hot topic right now — from comedians like John Oliver to your Facebook feed. Flock cameras have, it seems, become a rare unifying force for voters on the right and left. The bipartisan message: We don’t want them.
But the 1984 reality appears to be here to stay, and the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) and Leon County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) are addressing some of those concerns.
TPD and LCSO are expanding public access to information about their use of Flock automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology through new online transparency portals. The portals give the community direct access to a centralized resource that explains how each agency uses ALPR technology and provides data on reads, searches, and hits.
Each portal also includes a frequently asked questions section intended to ease concerns, explain the information presented and provide context for how it is used.
“Technology continues to play an important role in how we keep our community safe, but with that comes a responsibility to be transparent about the tools we use and how we use them. This portal gives our community greater access to that information and provides another opportunity for us to build understanding and trust with the people we serve,” Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell said.
TPD and LCSO say the portals reflect their commitment to transparency in the 850 area while acknowledging the technology’s pivotal role in helping law enforcement locate vehicles used in crimes, or find missing and endangered people, among other uses.
“Technology is most effective when the community understands not only how we use it, but why we use it. License plate reader technology gives our deputies another tool to help locate missing persons, identify vehicles connected to criminal activity and advance investigations,” Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil added.
“By making this information publicly accessible, we are reinforcing our commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible use of technology in keeping Leon County safe.”
The TPD portal is available here, and the LCSO portal is available here.
All we know is that Halloween is going to be interesting this year if people on the internet really keep their word.
— Capitol Directions —
Clue — Crossways arrow — RIP to Tim Curry, but we can hear him explaining the Hope Florida scandal. Was it Colonel Mustard in the Capitol with the candlestick? Professor Plum in the Governor’s Office with the lead pipe? Miss Scarlet with the rope?
Casey DeSantis — Crossways arrow — Hope Florida may have buried her ambitions, but nobody’s shedding a tear.
James Uthmeier — Up arrow — Defeated ballot initiatives he hated. Got bumped up to Attorney General. Early front-runner for Governor in 2034.
Ashley Moody — Up arrow — Defeated ballot initiatives she hated. Got bumped up to the Senate. Quiet contender for President in 2032.
John Guard — Up arrow — Defeated ballot initiatives his boss hated. Got bumped up to 2nd DCA Judge. Apparently, ballot access is Florida’s career ladder.
Jason Weida — Down arrow — Official title: Chief of Staff. Unofficial title: Chief of Graft.
Katie Strickland — Down arrow — Her memory had one lucid moment: Not it.
Alex Lanfranconi — Down arrow — Baghdad Bob walked so the Governor’s Office could call a grand jury report a baseless smear.
Blaise Ingoglia, Wilton Simpson — Up arrow — They have the rarest thing in Tallahassee: an alibi.
Alex Andrade — Up arrow — So he was right all along?
Jim DeFede — Up arrow — Hope Florida’s cast keeps changing its story. He’s the reason they need one.
Big Daddy and Baby Gaetz — Up arrow — A father-son bonding activity: teeing off on an ethics scandal that finally belongs to someone else.
Ham sandwiches — Up arrow — Apparently, they’re safe from indictment in Jack Campbell’s circuit.
David Jolly — Crossways arrow — Calling for another fraud investigation is easy. Keeping Leo Govoni out of the next sentence will be harder.
Sam Garrison — Up arrow — He saw Florida’s university presidential search history and reached for ⌘-Shift-Delete.
GOP legislative candidates — Up arrow — More like DL¢¢.
GOP legislative candidates — Down arrow — Nothing puts the down in down-ballot like a $10 million anchor.
Joseph Ladapo — Down arrow — Please, Byron, Florida needs a new doctor.
Meta — Crossways arrow — Look … somebody had to click “Haha.”
LaVon Bracy Davis — Up arrow — Thurgood Marshall Jr., Gilbert King and a $4 million reckoning. That’s one hell of a guest list.
Peggy Gossett-Seidman — Up arrow — Elevator pitch version: If it traps a 99-year-old upstairs for three weeks, fix the damn thing.
Bears — Down arrow — Florida’s most depressing lottery is back. The losers have already been selected.
College football — Up arrow — It’s back!
FSU football — Down arrow — The Governor’s Mansion just moved from Lean Garnet to Toss-Up.
UWF football — Up arrow — Take it from the Gators, Noles, Knights and Owls: Quit while you’re ahead.
Some lucky bastard — Up arrow — $800 million and 90 days before every distant cousin finds their phone number.
