“♫♫ I’m coming home again. Do you think about me now and then ♫♫?”
Save the date, 850 community: Florida State University (FSU) is celebrating its 175th anniversary with an expanded Homecoming on Nov. 20.
The highlights include an extended parade route, a free concert and a carnival for the FSU and Tallahassee communities to enjoy together. Alumni, students, Leon County/Tally residents, even the Gators and Canes are welcome (just not the Wolfpack). FSU doesn’t turn 175 too often, so why not enjoy the fun?
“Homecoming has always been about connection, and FSU’s 175th anniversary gives us an extraordinary opportunity to widen that circle of celebration,” said FSU’s First Lady Jai Vartikar.
“We look forward to welcoming students, alumni, families and friends in the community to experience the traditions, energy and sense of belonging that make Florida State University so special.”
Come one, come all for the parade and Seminole LIVE! 175. This year’s theme — “Tradition Takes the Spotlight” — celebrates FSU’s legacy and Seminole spirit through a full lineup of events.
“Homecoming is a powerful reminder of what makes Florida State so special — our students, our traditions and the sense of belonging that connects generations of Seminoles. Student life is at the heart of that experience, and we wanted to create more opportunities during Homecoming to build community and celebrate the pride that comes with being a Seminole,” said Amy Hecht, vice president for Student Affairs.
Things kick off with Chalk on Legacy Walk on Nov. 13, followed by “Odds and Evens” — an event dating back to Florida State Women’s College days that aims to unite students through pickleball, basketball and sand volleyball tournaments — on Nov. 15.
That’s a lot of physical movement, but the weather should be more comfortable in two months than it is now, so don’t sweat it (pun very much intended). And you might meet a new lifelong friend in the process.
The long-standing tradition celebrating FSU pride through student-led performances, Spirit Night, is on Nov. 16, followed by a chance to give back at Service Night: Food Fortress on Nov. 17.
Both Legacy Quest and the NPHC-FSU Extrav Homecoming Step Show will bring the house down Nov. 19, but the big tuna arrives the next day: the Homecoming parade. So many floats and sights to see.
And keeping with homecoming tradition, the FSU cheerleaders, student organizations, colleges and departments from across the university will decorate floats and golf carts.
The parade will begin at 3:30 p.m. Nov. 20, at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, with the proposed parade route heading north on Macomb Street, west on College Avenue, south on Copeland Street and west on Jefferson Street before turning south onto Varsity Drive and west onto St. Augustine, ending at Doak Campbell Stadium.
And yes, the world-renowned FSU Marching Chiefs will give it their all during the parade. They’ll be the first collegiate marching band from Florida to march in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2027.
Before the afternoon parade, tour the newly built Herbert Wertheim Center for Business Excellence, then cap the day at Seminole LIVE! 175.
FSU Homecoming events run from Nov. 13-21 and culminate with the football game against NC State. ESPN Analytics’ matchup predictor currently gives FSU a 73.1% chance to win.
But we aren’t even sure who will be rocking the headset for the Noles at that point in the season. Mike? Jimbo? Haggins? Deion? Peter Schorsch? Hell, it’ll maybe even be you, the one reading this right now. Let’s just get Central Arkansas finished first…
For more questions about Homecoming 175, visit homecoming.fsu.edu.
___
Coming up, the usual assortment of news, intel, and observations from the week that was in Florida’s capital city by 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 —
Toss Up — A national election ratings group continues to shift its read on the Florida Governor’s race in favor of Democrat David Jolly. “Florida’s gubernatorial race has shifted into the Toss Up column. Byron Donalds now has a 60% win probability, down from 68% at the start of September,” proclaimed Decision Desk HQ. This continues a hot streak for the former Congressman from Pinellas County this week. Sabato’s Crystal Ball changed the Florida race from “likely Republican” to “lean Republican.” That follows a similar upgrade from Inside Elections last week.
Lipstick on a pig — Proponents of Amendment 3 tout it as a relief measure that will save homeowners thousands in property taxes. But it’s really a ploy to benefit well-to-do residents at the expense of the less fortunate, Black leaders in South Florida say. Democratic Sen. Shevrin Jones put it in plainer terms. “Lipstick on a pig is what we’re looking at,” he said. “This is not a tax relief. This is a tax shift — you might not pay it on this, but you’re going to pay it on that.” Jones was among more than a dozen notable members of South Florida’s Black community who convened for a news conference outside Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Miami Gardens, Florida’s largest Black-majority municipality. The through line of the event: Voters shouldn’t fall for the bait-and-switch Republicans are offering, as it will devastate local budgets and, by extension, the myriad services they provide to Floridians.
Renters beware — When Floridians vote in November on whether to raise homestead exemptions through Amendment 3, they may also be voting to shift more of the property tax burden onto renters. That’s the conclusion of a new analysis by Jared Walczak, a Senior Fellow at the center-right Tax Foundation who is known nationally for his work on state tax reform. Walczak wrote the report through his firm, Walczak Policy Consulting, for the Florida Housing Coalition, the Florida Apartment Association, and Miami Homes For All. As Walczak sees it, the average property tax bill for an apartment unit in Florida could rise by $406 per year by 2028, when the homestead exemption for non-school taxes would reach $250,000. Single-family rental homes could see a $1,081 increase. Owner-occupied properties that do not qualify for a homestead exemption would take the biggest hit, at $1,196.
Busted! — Gov. Ron DeSantis and Attorney General James Uthmeier have announced the arrests of 20 people for election fraud. Uthmeier said the busts resulted from investigations by the Office of Election Crimes and Security and the Election Integrity Unit. Most of the arrests involved foreign nationals, but about one-fifth of them were felons who were stripped of their voting rights upon conviction of crimes. Uthmeier said a dozen of the suspects have already been arrested. Officials are rounding up the remaining suspects. “If you’re going to cheat, we’re going to get you,” Uthmeier said, noting that most lied on registration forms and then voted. Both are felonies. “I view these election crimes as among the most dangerous in our country,” Uthmeier said. “It challenges our American sovereignty.”
Sugar high — Uthmeier says the state is suing three insulin manufacturers, accusing them of inflating prices and pocketing profits while Florida patients pay the cost. Uthmeier announced this week he’s filing the legal action against Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk and Sanofi. The companies account for making 90% of the world’s insulin supply. Uthmeier is also suing three pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that process most U.S. prescriptions, including CVS Caremark, Express Scripts and OptumRx. “These companies told Florida families they were working to make insulin affordable,” Uthmeier said. “Instead, they inflated the sticker price of a medicine people cannot live without and left Florida patients to pay it. My office is holding them accountable.”
— Simmer down Starbucks —
Uthmeier has announced a settlement of a lawsuit with coffee giant Starbucks.
The legal action, filed in December, alleged that Starbucks was engaging in “race-based quotas” when hiring employees at its 934 shops in Florida. Uthmeier now says the company has agreed to stop the alleged practice.
“Every Floridian deserves to be hired, promoted, and compensated based on merit, qualifications, and character — not race or sex,” Uthmeier said.
“This resolution ensures that Starbucks’ policies and practices fully comply with Florida’s civil rights laws. DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) can never be an excuse to violate civil rights. We appreciate Starbucks’ cooperation in reaching this settlement.”
The civil legal action against Starbucks was filed in the 10th Judicial Circuit Court in Highlands County. The 21-page lawsuit didn’t single out a particular incident or an individual. But it pointed to a series of practices Starbucks has engaged in over the past five years that the suit said resulted “in a pattern or practice of discrimination.”
Uthmeier said the company violated several Florida statutes, particularly the Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992, which prohibits employers from hiring based on race.
The settlement requires Starbucks to submit annual certifications to the state certifying its compliance with the law for the next four years. The company also has to pay the Florida Department of Legal Affairs $1 million to reimburse it for the costs of handling the lawsuit.
While Starbucks officials have agreed to those terms, the settlement does not require the company to admit any wrongdoing.
— NYT scoop —
Attorney General Uthmeier is stepping up measures in his probe of The New York Times on behalf of Florida’s public employee pension fund.
Uthmeier announced that he’s filing a court petition in New York Supreme Court to order Times management to provide detailed outlines of its standards and practices for news coverage. Florida’s state pension holds about 160,000 shares of The New York Times, and Uthmeier said the newspaper may not be meeting publication standards.
“This is not a defamation case. This is not about editorial discretion,” Uthmeier said during a news conference at Miami-Dade College. “This is about protecting investments.”
Last month, Uthmeier sent a 28-page letter to The New York Times demanding inspection of the company’s records in relation to its coverage of the conflict between Israel and Palestinian forces. He acted as a Trustee and legal counsel for the State Board of Administration (SBA), which oversees the Florida Retirement System Trust Fund.
Uthmeier said the Times has not complied, prompting him to file the court petition. He added that the move is only on behalf of Florida’s public employee pensions.
Uthmeier’s letter also raises concerns about the newspaper’s coverage between October 2023 and June 2024 when, Uthmeier wrote, “the Times admitted 72 errors of its coverage of the Israel-Hamas war that had to be corrected. And many, if not most, of those errors favored Hamas.”
Uthmeier said that since the SBA is a significant shareholder in The New York Times Co., he wants to see the company’s records to protect its value for Florida government workers. He said there are about 1.2 million retired state employees who are by proxy invested in the Times.
When the investigation was launched in August, a New York Times spokesperson raised questions about the legitimacy of Uthmeier’s probe of the company.
“We are aware of the demand letter, which, while positioned as a request under corporate law, is a clear attempt to chill First Amendment-protected journalism. We will respond more fully in due course,” the New York Times statement said.
— Best & brightest foodies —
Chow time.
On Monday, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the winners of the sixth annual Florida Future Chef student cooking competition. The contest concludes the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ statewide search for young talent and celebrates nutrition, innovation and Florida agriculture.
This year’s first-place winner is Logan Whisenhunt of Pinellas County, who knocked the taste buds off the judges with his Cast Iron Panhandle Chicken with First Coast Corn Crostinis and Sunshine Matcha Mangos — a unique twist on an elevated school meal that aligned with National School Lunch Program standards while pushing the flavor boundaries with Florida-grown lettuce and oranges.
Logan’s use of local foods, along with his dish’s flavor, presentation and execution, earned him $5,000 in a Florida Investment 529 Plan.
“Florida Future Chef is all about giving students a fun, hands-on opportunity to connect with the foods they eat at school while learning about nutrition and culinary skills. At the same time, Florida Future Chef helps to build a stronger understanding and connection between the next generation and where our food comes from and the farmers who work every day to feed our communities,” said Commissioner Simpson.
This year’s judge panel included Heather Trice, Director of Food and Nutrition for Columbia County School District; Rosezine Killins, School Nutrition Specialist for Hillsborough County School District; and Jacob Rios, Culinary Director for Next Level Brands in Tampa.
Second and third place went to Emily Piper of Manatee County for her Chicken Parm Fries with Garden Pasta and Strawberry Caprese ($3,000 in college funds) and Indy Zhao of Orange County for her Mini Cottage Pie ($2,000), respectively.
The scholarships and additional prizes were sponsored by the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation, which was also the event’s presenting sponsor. The finalists also got to enjoy a dessert experience at Bern’s Steakhouse, a pizza party with Sally O’Neal’s Pizzeria and gift bags from Fresh From Florida.
For more information about Florida Future Chef, visit floridafuturechef.com.
— Hurricane season still —
On Tuesday, Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia visited Lakeland (which is an oxymoron — you can’t be both!) on the tenth stop of his statewide hurricane preparedness tour.
Hurricane season started earlier this Summer, but the risk remains high, especially from August through October. Since the season began, the Department of Financial Services’ Division of Consumer Services has provided 26,465 Floridians with hurricane preparedness information.
The CFO was glad to pass that knowledge on to Polk County.
“Even though Florida has not been impacted by a hurricane this year, the season is not over yet. In fact, this is the exact time of year that previous major storms have devastated regions across the state. Now is the time to review hurricane safety information such as evacuation routes and emergency plans to keep you and your loved ones safe before the clouds start to form,” said CFO Ingoglia.
Before a storm arrives, check your home and flood insurance coverage; conduct a home inventory with photos and videos of both the inside and outside; keep important documents in a waterproof, fireproof box; and have cash on hand.
“Being prepared and vigilant throughout the hurricane season can make all the difference when a storm is headed towards Polk County. Thank you, CFO Ingoglia, for your continued support to ensure that Floridians have the resources they need to stay safe,” added Rep. Jennifer Canady.
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.
— Instagram of the week —
— FloridaCommerce farms businesses —
More rural businesses are getting commercial development help than ever before as FloridaCommerce touts the first year of the Florida Rural Business Resource Tour.
FloridaCommerce, the state’s business development bureau, launched a campaign to reach out to the least populous areas across 27 counties in Florida. The agency joined forces with the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network and other leaders to connect rural business owners with multiple state-level services to help strengthen rural economies.
“It is in partnership with state and local economic development stakeholders, Florida’s Rural Areas of Opportunity and many legislators that we have seen such success in the first year of Florida’s Rural Business Resource Tour,” said Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly.
“In establishing this outreach as a new best practice for serving our rural communities, we are meeting directly with business owners, entrepreneurs and community leaders right where they are — hearing about the challenges they face, their opportunities for growth and connecting them with resources that can help them succeed.”
The Rural Business Resource Tour’s delegates stopped at 40 rural businesses, workforce education sites and pad-ready sites across the state. Business visits spanned agricultural technology, aquaculture, manufacturing, shipping and logistics, shipbuilding, defense and maritime industries. Those stops helped connect business owners with state resources.
The tour’s final stop in Hardee County included a resource fair and a roundtable with state and local business leaders on economic development resources, according to a FloridaCommerce news release.
— Get low —
August’s jobless rate came in at 4.5%, down from July’s 4.6% and further down from June’s 4.7%, according to FloridaCommerce, the state’s economic development bureau.
While Florida’s jobless rate has declined for three months, the latest figure is still notably higher than in August 2025.
In August 2025, the unemployment rate was 0.5 percentage points lower at 4%. Before this Summer, Florida’s unemployment rate had generally climbed since late 2024. The rate didn’t start dropping until after a peak of 4.8% in both April and May.
Some 502,000 Floridians are currently out of a job. That’s out of a labor force of 11.12 million people. The nonagricultural employment base was 10.05 million in August, up 21,800 jobs, or 0.2%, from July.
Florida gained 59,000 jobs in the annual comparison, representing a 0.6% uptick from August 2025.
While Florida’s unemployment rate trend is an upbeat development, it’s still substantially higher than the national figure, which came in at 4.1% in August, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Up until this year, Florida had seen lower monthly unemployment rates than the national mark for about five years in a row.
The decrease in the unemployment rate across Florida over the past three months aligns with trends in first-time claims. New jobless filings also fell in most weeks this Summer.
— Come rail away —
Stay off the tracks and behind the line. It could save your life — or someone else’s.
Sept. 21–27 is Rail Safety Week. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is joining rail organizations, law enforcement agencies and community partners to promote safe decisions around railroad tracks through engineering, education and enforcement.
This year’s “Zero Room For Error” theme reminds motorists, pedestrians and cyclists that rail safety is everyone’s responsibility and that smart decisions at crossings can help prevent tragedies.
“Florida is focused on implementing transformational transportation projects that enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors. This includes rail initiatives, and FDOT is committed to taking a bold approach to move the needle on rail safety and save lives,” said FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue.
Since 2022, FDOT has invested more than $60 million in rail safety projects across the state and overhauled its rail safety standards. The new standards surpass national requirements and include design elements such as upgraded pedestrian-activated warning systems, double gates and LED-enhanced signage.
FDOT reminds everyone that every crossing deserves full attention and that signs, barriers and lights are there to protect you. Its safety tips:
— Obey all warning signals and lights.
— Stay alert and avoid distractions near railroad tracks.
— Always stop behind the white line at crossings.
— Never drive around lowered crossing gates or stop on railroad tracks.
— If you do find yourself on the tracks when the gate comes down, drive forward, break the gate, and move out of harm’s way.
— Never walk along or trespass on railroad tracks and cross tracks only at designated crossings.
— If your vehicle becomes stuck on the tracks, exit immediately, move away from the tracks, and call 911.
— Your Request is Very Important to Us —
On Tuesday, Florida Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky approved homeowners insurance rate decreases affecting more than 62,000 policies, according to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR).
OIR is reviewing additional requests for rate cuts or no increase. Since January 2024, 48 companies have filed for a rate decrease, and 53 have requested no change or a 0% increase.
Four recently approved decreases will take effect at renewal: One Alliance North America Insurance Company requested a 10.4% decrease, which would affect 17,148 policies; Safe Harbor Insurance Company, 4.1% for 10,501 policies; Unique Insurance Company, 3.2% for 8,266 policies; and Vyrd Insurance Company, 10.4% for 26,751 policies.
“This is the latest wave of significant rate decreases for Floridians, which continues to grow higher. I expect to see more aggressive rate cuts in the near future and going into 2027. OIR is receiving a flood of rate decrease requests ranging from -0.3 to -19.7. This is great news for Floridians, and OIR will expedite reviews of rate filings to ensure policyholders feel it in their pockets,” said Commissioner Yaworsky.
The 30-day average request for homeowners’ rates is -4.8%, compared with -1.1% one year ago and +5.2% five years ago.
Kin Insurance also recently announced rate decreases for new and existing policyholders in South Florida. The company said homeowners insurance rates will fall by an average of more than 20% in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties.
— Lotto ideas —
Are you feeling lucky?
This week, the Florida Lottery welcomed various lottery leaders and industry professionals from across the country to the Sunshine State for the 2026 National Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL) Annual Conference, which had the theme “Good Fun Under the Sun,” and aimed to bring the nation’s different lotteries together to exchange ideas and explore the industry’s future.
Unite not divide.
The conference also welcomed Gov. DeSantis, who spoke to lottery leaders and industry professionals.
“The Florida Lottery was proud to welcome our colleagues from lotteries across North America to our great state,” said Florida Lottery Secretary Reginald D. Dixon.
“This conference is an opportunity to learn from one another, share ideas, and continue looking for innovative ways to serve our players, retailers, and the people of Florida. We are grateful to NASPL for the opportunity to showcase Florida and to be part of these important conversations.”
The Florida Lottery this year hosted members representing 53 lottery organizations across North America, with a focus on education, and tackled technology, responsible gaming, innovation, and customer experience head-on.
“Lotteries are the most played and impactful gaming activities generating funds for public causes, and the strength of the industry comes from the people behind it and our willingness to share what works, learn from one another and continue to improve. Bringing our industry together in Orlando gave us an opportunity to exchange ideas, strengthen connections, and showcase the innovation across our industry, while experiencing the energy and hospitality the Florida Lottery team brought to this year’s conference,” said NASPL President Brian Rockey.
— 50 years of giving back —
And here’s to five more decades.
In Sarasota, members of the Florida Network of Youth and Family Services (FNYFS), elected officials and key stakeholders met for the Network’s annual meeting and a celebration of 50 years of work supporting children and families before they encounter trouble.
Discussions centered on the theme “Honoring the Past, Leading the Present, and Shaping the Future” and revisited milestones in the Florida Network’s history.
“For 50 years, generation after generation has accepted the responsibility of carrying this work forward. We are the stewards of what others built before us, and it is our responsibility to build on that foundation for the generations to come,” said Stacy Gromatski, president and CEO of the Florida Network.
“Prevention, partnership, community, family and second chances remain at the heart of who we are, and we look forward to carrying that mission into the next 50 years.”
The keynote address was delivered by veteran law enforcement officer and Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Matt Walsh, whom Gov. DeSantis appointed last year. Walsh has prioritized prevention initiatives and mental health support.
“The common theme across the continuum of care is that this work is a calling, and each of you has been called to serve at-risk youth through the lens of love and compassion. Whether you’ve been doing this work for weeks, months or years, you are part of a collective effort to raise the bar for youth and families across Florida. Together, we are leading into the future through increased collaboration, stronger advocacy and an unwavering commitment to the young people we serve,” added Secretary Walsh.
The night ended with recognition of former Gov. Bob Martinez and former First Lady Mary Jane Martinez, longtime advocates for Florida’s youth and families.
The former First Lady recalled: “When Bob was elected, I thought I would do what I could for the young people in the state of Florida, and it’s been an honor and a great privilege for me.”
Last year, the Network and its members supported 14,333 youth and their families, hosted 58 outreach events, provided safe shelter to 4,067 youth and logged 75,231 shelter bed-days.
— Rattlers dress to impress —
Dress for the job you want.
More than 250 Florida A&M University (FAMU) students got help preparing for career opportunities at a Suit Up JCPenney event, with access to discounted professional attire, gift cards and other resources ahead of the university’s Fall 2026 Career and Internship Expo. The expo begins at 10 a.m. Sept. 30 at the Al Lawson Multipurpose Center.
Hosted through FAMU’s School of Business and Industry (SBI) Career and Professional Development Services, the Suit Up event welcomed 257 students for an evening of shopping, music and giveaways at JCPenney in Tallahassee’s Governor’s Square Mall.
All students received 30% off eligible purchases, plus a 30% off coupon, providing extra savings as they shopped for professional attire.
“Because professional attire is an important component of career preparation, SBI wanted to ensure that our students have access to appropriate clothing as they participate in these experiences. We also intentionally chose to open the event to students from across the University so that the broader FAMU community can benefit from this opportunity,” said Vanessa Chatman, associate director of Career and Professional Development Services in FAMU’s School of Business and Industry.
SBI also awarded $1,875 in JCPenney gift cards to help students pay for professional attire for internships, interviews, career fairs and other opportunities to connect with employers.
“It means a lot as an out-of-state freshman. It is awesome that they put this event together to make professional attire more accessible to students, especially with no means of transportation,” said Gabrielle Jefferson, a first-year biology pre-medical student from Evans, Georgia.
The partnership also lets JCPenney connect with FAMU students as they prepare for internships and work.
“As a manager at JCPenney, I hope students take away more than just professional clothing. I want them to leave with greater confidence and a stronger understanding of what it means to present themselves professionally,” stated Toni Norsworthy-Davis, general manager of the JCPenney location at Governor’s Square Mall.
— Transferring into success —
A home for students continuing their education, wherever they started.
Florida State University announced this week that 85% of students who enrolled with an associate in arts degree from another institution graduated within three years — a record and the highest rate among Florida’s state universities.
The rate builds on last year’s 80% figure and reflects the Noles’ growing focus on helping transfer students transition smoothly to FSU and stay on track to graduate.
“This record reflects who we are as a university: a community committed to ensuring every student has the support and opportunities to thrive. It demonstrates that when FSU invests in transfer students and creates pathways for their success, they achieve at the highest level,” said DeOnte Brown, dean of Undergraduate Studies.
About a quarter of FSU’s undergraduates transferred from other institutions. That makes the graduation rate more than a metric: It reflects outcomes for thousands of students.
And it’s important to make sure these students feel at home.
“I have learned that what many transfer students yearn for is a sense of community. We have been successful in creating such a community through our innovative peer-led initiatives, and I believe it is a major factor in our transfer student success,” said Heather R. Bishop, assistant dean for Undergraduate Studies.
The National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition recently honored Bishop with its Bonita C. Jacobs Transfer Impact Award, which recognizes people who significantly shape institutional support for transfer students. Bishop works in FSU’s Transfer Student Success (TSS) department.
So it’s safe to say she knows a thing or two about the importance of helping transfer students and passing it along.
“FSU’s transfer students bring tremendous experiences, perspectives and aspirations to our university, and we’re proud to provide resources designed with their success in mind,” stated Brown.
— In-state women —
Who run the world?
This week, Florida State University (FSU) was named to Forbes’ 2026 lists of America’s Best-In-State Employers and Best Employers for Women.
The annual rankings are based on independent employee surveys conducted in partnership with Statista, a global provider of statistics and industry rankings.
The Best Rankings list measures employee satisfaction and workplace reputation, while the Best Employers for Women list focuses on workplace experiences and opportunities for women.
FSU ranked No. 29 among Florida employers across all industries and was the highest-ranked employer in the education category.
“These recognitions from Forbes affirm Florida State University’s commitment to providing an exceptional workplace experience for our employees,” said FSU Associate Vice President for Human Resources Renisha Gibbs.
“We are proud to cultivate a culture that supports professional growth, well-being and opportunity, and we remain dedicated to helping our faculty and staff succeed in meaningful and rewarding careers.”
FSU also ranked No. 74 among 700 employers nationwide on Forbes’ Best Employers for Women list and in the top 15 of the education category.
FSU sees its inclusion on both lists as a reflection of its workforce and its efforts to support faculty and staff throughout their careers.
— $27.3 million, TSC, & Wakulla County —
On Monday, Tallahassee State College (TSC) announced a $27.3 million investment in a new Workforce Training and Resilience Facility in Wakulla County — the largest TSC capital project in the county and a major step toward the College’s long-term vision for a unified Wakulla campus.
The cool $27 million is supported by $17,064,633 from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), $10,007,946 from Triumph Gulf Coast, and $266,158 from TSC Foundation donors. The novel facility will bind together programs already offered at the TSC Wakulla Center, which in turn will make a central destination for education, workforce development, and community engagement in the county.
“This investment represents the next chapter in Tallahassee State College’s commitment to Wakulla County. For years, we have worked alongside this community to expand access to education and create pathways to opportunity. This facility will allow us to build on that foundation in a significant way, connecting students to high-demand careers, helping employers develop the skilled workforce they need, and creating an even stronger partnership between the College and the community we serve,” said Jim Murdaugh, president of TSC.
The two-story facility will have classrooms, specialized laboratories, a healthcare simulation center, conference and community meeting spaces, and advanced instructional technology; plus its elevated design will allow portions of the building to serve as a Category 3-rated hurricane shelter, which can prove to be an important resource for emergency response and disaster recovery in Wakulla County.
Knock on wood, as we’ve avoided a massive storm this year (so far), but knowing Florida, the shelter will get its use.
“As trustees, we are entrusted with making investments that create lasting value for the communities we serve,” said Christian Caban, Chair of the TSC District Board of Trustees.
“This project is a powerful example of what can happen when federal, regional, local, educational, and community partners come together around a shared vision. We are investing not only in a stronger workforce pipeline, but in the long-term economic vitality and resilience of Wakulla County and our entire region.”
The project also received critical support from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) through the 2025 Disaster Supplemental Grant Program and from Triumph Gulf Coast, with the EDA providing the final push to secure the needed funding to get the project off the ground. TSC leaders provided renderings of the new facility at the news conference on Monday.
“This is a vision we have been working toward for years, and I could not be more excited that we are now at the point where we can share what that vision will look like,” said Shelly Bell, vice president for Workforce Development at TSC.”
“Our goal has always been to connect people with opportunity while helping employers build the workforce they need to grow.”
The project is also a hopeful reminder of TSC’s broader vision for being a steady and reliable presence in Wakulla County, bringing educational programs, workforce training, employers, and community partners together under one roof.
“These are ultimately investments in people,” Bell continued.
“Students who want to build careers here. Employers who need skilled workers. And the future economic growth of Wakulla County and our region.”
— Let’s-a-go to the movies at Cascades —
“♫♫ Where we at, only few have known. Want some next level? Super Mario ♫♫”
Make sure to save the date; the little ones will have a blast, and who knows, maybe you will too if you haven’t seen the film.
The City of Tallahassee announced this week that its free Movies in the Moonlight series will feature “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” at Cascades Park on Oct. 17.
The festivities begin at 6 p.m. in the Adderley Amphitheater, with Mario-themed family activities and photo spots, featuring props from the games and films.
The movie starts at 7:30 p.m., and everyone is encouraged to dress up for the screening — whether that means donning your favorite overalls, going full Princess Peach pink or spiking it out à la Bowser.
Attendees can get a complimentary bag of popcorn while supplies last, and food vendors will offer dinner options, drinks and snacks. Seats in the Adderley Amphitheater are first-come, first-served, but attendees may bring a blanket and watch from the grassy hill at the back.
“The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” has grossed more than $1 billion worldwide and has a 42% score on Rotten Tomatoes, a 6.3/10 rating on IMDb, and a 3.4/5 rating on Letterboxd. Its voice cast includes Chris Pratt, Jack Black and Anya Taylor-Joy.
For more information about what the City of Tallahassee Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Affairs is getting up to, including fun screenings like this, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
— Capitol Directions —
Debates — ↓ — Can we finally stop pretending these things matter?
Byron Donalds — ↓ — His website is a memory hole with a donation button.
David Jolly — ↓ — He had momentum until David Jolly weighed in.
Angie Nixon — ↓ — We’ll leave the dancing alone. If only she’d done the same with the mayoral race.
Casey DeSantis — ↓ — Families needed help. Hope Florida sent hyperlinks.
FDACS — ↑ — The mealybugs came for the sugarcane. FDACS came for the mealybugs.
Blaise Ingoglia — ↑ — Florida Treasure Hunt traded its pirate hat for a URL that gets to the point.
Henry Mack — ↑ — He gave districts homework before parents had to ask. Extra credit for the hair.
Lauren Book — ↑ — Her new ad came out swinging. Giffords just stepped into her corner.
Fabián Basabe — ↓↓ — He’d like to call his mirror as a character witness.
Christine Hunschofsky — ↓ — A September victory lap on July numbers. November may request an update.
Marshall Rawson — ↓ — Define “with them.”
Florida Chamber — ↑ — First Times Square, now Chicago. Washington and California might want to look up.
PBMs — ↓ — Florida named Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk and Sanofi in its insulin lawsuit, too. That’s a lot of company for middlemen.
Sarasota County — ↓ — It asked the AG for a second opinion on Live Local. It may want a third.
FAMU — ↑ — Most Florida schools got the chute. The Rattlers took the 13-rung ladder.
Marva Johnson — ↑ — Apparently the honor roll pays.
New College — ↓ — It says it’s on the rise. Sure, No. 150 is higher than No. 135.
Mike Norvell — ↔ — Now accepting arguments that Central Arkansas is better than people think.
Second Harvest of the Big Bend — ↑ — They built 28,000 square feet of room to do good. And they own every inch.
