The Tallahassee Reports Morning Briefs: Wednesday, Feb. 22

The Tallahassee Reports Morning Briefs: Wednesday, Feb. 22

LOCAL NEWS

After 4 hours and 58 public speakers, the Leon County Commission voted 5-2 to allow a change in zoning from Residential Acre (RA) to Single-Family Detached Residential District (R-2) for 32.18 acres located at 3762 Capital Circle NW. Commissioners Rick Minor and David O’Keefe voted against the request.

At Tuesday’s Capital Tiger Bay Club luncheon, both Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil and Second Judicial Circuit State Attorney Jack Campbell voiced opposition to the “permitless carry” bill being considered in the Florida Legislature.

On Wednesday, February 22nd, the Tallahassee City Commission will consider the approval for payment of $19,104 in traffic concurrency mitigation fees to support the conversion of a Motel 6 into affordable housing for low-income individuals. If approved, the City will use funds from the American Rescue Plan Act Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Relief Funds (ARPA) as payment for the fees.

The Tallahassee City Commission will also consider directing staff to work with Big Bend Homelessness Coalition (BBHC) to develop a purchase and sale vacant property located on Capital Circle NW. BBHC contacted the city about a purchase of 4.54 acres of vacant land at 1665 Capital NW to transform the property into an estimated 60-95 units for formerly homeless veterans.

FLORIDA NEWS

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis warned against a proxy-war with China in Ukraine. DeSantis said that the open-ended war with no clear objective is a concern. “Well, they have effectively a blank check policy with no clear strategic objective identified and these things can escalate. And I don’t think it’s in our interest to be getting into proxy war with China, getting involved over things like the borderlands or over Crimea,” DeSantis said. DeSantis also said that Russia was not a serious threat, as the last year has shown that given its lack of progress in subjugating Ukraine.

The Florida Department of Education has been meeting with an education testing company for developing a possible alternative to the SAT. The company focuses on the “great classical and Christian tradition.” While DeSantis has not specifically mentioned any one alternative, he did say that he wants to look at other options that could serve as a better option than the SAT. Approximately 200 predominately faith-based schools across the country accept this particular assessment. Ten of them are in Florida, including Stetson University, Ave Maria University, Reformation Bible College, Palm Beach Atlantic University, Pensacola Christian College and Trinity Baptist College.

The Florida Senate has advanced the constitutional carry legislation on Monday. The Senate bill (SB 150), sponsored by state Sen. Jay Collins, not only removes the state permit requirement but also beefs up a series of school safety measures aimed at preventing school shootings.

SPORTS

Florida State’s Lottie Woad finished in third place with a 10 under par score of 206, and the Florida State Women’s Golf Team finished in 11th place in the team standings as play in the Moon Invitational on the Classic Course at the Suntree Country Club came to a close.  Woad’s final score of 206 tied her personal best, while her score vs. par of minus 10 ranked as a personal best in just the sixth tournament of her Florida State career.

FSU baseball defeated the Jacksonville Dolphins last night 11-2 to continue their undefeated start to the season. Florida State’s offense continued to shine Tuesday, recording 15 hits and they are now averaging 11.3 runs per game so far. Florida State heads to Fort Worth, Texas, for a three-game series with No. 8 TCU.

TALLAHASSEE WEATHER

6 Responses to "The Tallahassee Reports Morning Briefs: Wednesday, Feb. 22"

  1. Western civilization was built on Christian tradition. So, of course, Christian tradition has a place in education. Since, they are looking for an alternative to the SAT, it sounds like a very appropriate alternative.

  2. Walt McNeil and little Jackie Campbell are very worried the concealed carry bill will allow enough good guys to drive the out of control local crime down and prevent Tallahassee from surpassing $hitcago and New Woke City in top crime cities.

  3. @Pat — I wonder if the language can be tailored to suggest that all Florida residents (and residents of other states meeting certain criteria) have a de facto CCW permit and therefore meet the federal requirements?

  4. As an avid gun collector, hunter and 2nd Amendment supporter, I am opposed to the Permitless Carry Bill. It is a violation of Federal Law to be in a “school zone” with a firearm UNLESS you possess a Concealled Carry Licence issued by that state. Without a CCW permit, you cannot travel with your pistol: between Tallahassee and Havana, between Havana and Quincy, the entire length of Tennessess/Mahan St, Tharpe St, Old Bainbridge Rd, and all the other roads where “school zone” is painted on the road. And the bill should be amended to allow open carry. Instead make the CCW application faster and free. I’m worried this bill, if made law, will set up innocent people to break the law. IMO, having watch the debate on the Florida Channel, Republicans are not listening to any group or person.

Leave a Reply to Pat A. Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published.