County Commissioners Approve 2020 Florida Legislative Session Final Report

County Commissioners Approve 2020 Florida Legislative Session Final Report

At their meeting today, Leon County Commissioners approved the 2020 Florida Legislative Session Final Report. They also extended the County’s state and federal lobbying contracts. The 2020 Florida Legislative Session ran from Jan. 14 to March 19. The Legislative Session Final Report details legislation that may impact Leon County’s budget. The report includes appropriation requests […]

State Officials File Financial Disclosure Reports

State Officials File Financial Disclosure Reports

By Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis saw his net worth increase nearly 3 percent in his first year residing in the governor’s mansion. DeSantis reported a net worth of $291,449 as of Dec. 31, 2019, up from $283,605 at the end of 2018, according to a new financial […]

Union Says Push to Reopen Schools is Rushed

Union Says Push to Reopen Schools is Rushed

The News Service of Florida The head of a union that represents thousands of school employees said Monday that Florida’s push to reopen schools in August is rushed and “putting lives in danger.” AFSCME Florida President Vicki Hall said in a statement the state lacks a comprehensive plan to ensure students and employees will be […]

Sheriff McNeil Proposes Plan for Review Committee

Sheriff McNeil Proposes Plan for Review Committee

At their July 14 meeting, the Leon County Commissioners endorsed a plan for the Leon County Sheriff’s Office to establish a committee of experts to make recommendations on law enforcement policies, funding allocations, and more. Staff reports that the Sheriff McNeil’s proposed committee would include representatives from law enforcement, social services agencies, Florida A&M University, […]

City Commission Candidate Profile: Bill Schack

City Commission Candidate Profile: Bill Schack

In January 2020, Bill Schack filed to run for City Commission Seat 2. Incumbent Curtis Richardson is also running for the position, as well as Trish Brown, Lynette Halter, and Geraldine Seay. Schack has lived in Tallahassee for over 30 years. He graduated from Florida State University and went on to work in hospitality. Currently, […]

City Commission Candidate Profile: Curtis Richardson

City Commission Candidate Profile: Curtis Richardson

In October 2019, City Commissioner Curtis Richardson filed to run for reelection for City Commission Seat 2. Bill Schack, Trish Brown, Lynette Halter, and Geraldine Seay are also running for the position. Richardson was elected to the City Commission in 2014. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology and master’s degree in School Psychology from […]

Public Defender Candidate Profile: Jessica Yeary

Public Defender Candidate Profile: Jessica Yeary

Jessica Yeary is running for Public Defender of the Second Judicial Circuit against incumbent Andy Thomas. Yeary graduated from the Stetson University College of Law in 2009. After graduating, she volunteered for retired Public Defender Nancy Daniels. She has served numerous roles in the Public Defender’s Office, including public defender assistant and division chief. Main […]

Public Defender Candidate Profile: Andy Thomas

Public Defender Candidate Profile: Andy Thomas

Andy Thomas, incumbent Public Defender of the Second Judicial Circuit, is running for re-election in 2020. Jessica Yeary is also running for the position. Thomas earned his law degree from the University of Florida Levin College of Law in 1979. He has worked as a criminal defense lawyer since 1981 and has worked in many […]