On September 17, at approximately 10:30 a.m., the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) responded to the Fresh Market parking lot after reports of an auto burglary. Detectives quickly identified the crime as part of a bank jugging scheme. (Jugging refers to a type of robbery where the thieves work in teams of two to perpetuate a crime.)

The investigation revealed the victim had withdrawn cash and left it inside the vehicle before entering the store. The suspects then burglarized the car and fled the area. Working quicky, TPD tracked the suspects’ movements and determined they had left Tallahassee, traveling south along the coast toward central Florida.

Information was quickly shared with partner agencies, including the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) North Florida Fusion Center. With coordinated support, FHP located the suspect vehicle and apprehended the individuals, who were later identified as being from Texas.

“Staying vigilant and being able to quickly identify crime trends is essential to keeping our community safe,” said Chief Lawrence Revell. “This case is a perfect example of how we can address problems head-on. Let this be a message: Tallahassee is not the place to come to commit crimes and then leave. Our officers, detectives, analysts, and partners will find you, and you will be held accountable.”

This case is a testament to TPD’s ongoing commitment to seeking justice, the speed of real-time intelligence sharing, and the strength of interagency partnerships. Anyone with information related to criminal activity is encouraged to contact TPD at 850-891-4200 or remain anonymous by calling Crime Solvers at 850-574-TIPS.

Arrested:

• Jostin Moore, 28, Burglary of an Unoccupied Conveyance, Grand Theft
• Darwin Foster, 28, Burglary of an Unoccupied Conveyance, Grand Theft

Warrant Issued:

• Ephraim Bernard, 30, Burglary of an Unoccupied Conveyance, Grand Theft

The Tallahassee Police Department is currently conducting a homicide investigation following a shooting that occurred at approximately 1:53 a.m. on September 20th, in the 2700 block of Kennedy Drive.

When officers arrived on scene, they located one adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. Life-saving measures were attempted, however the male died as a result of the injuries he sustained.

This remains an open and active investigation, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Detectives ask anyone who may have information about the incident but did not speak with an officer on scene to please call 850-891-4200. They may also remain anonymous by calling Crime Solvers at 850-574-TIPS.

Paul was born in Boston, Massachusetts on August 5, 1949 to Charles Glenn and Betsy Ivey Sawyer. The oldest of four children, Paul was raised in Winston-Salem, NC. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Davidson College (1971) and attended medical school at UNC-Chapel Hill (1975). Residency brought him to the University of Florida where he met and fell in love with Jonette Muszynski, who was by his side as his wife and best friend for the past 49 years. 

Paul and Jonette started their married life together by moving cross country to San Diego, CA. There, Jonette worked as a nurse while Paul served two years as a ship’s doctor in the U.S. Navy touring the South Pacific and as an emergency room physician at Balboa Naval Hospital. In 1978, they returned to Gainesville, FL, where Paul completed his residency and they welcomed their first child, Nikki. 

Paul and Jonette moved to Tallahassee, FL in 1982 to begin Paul’s career as a urologist. They grew their family with the addition of two sons, Glenn and Peter. A dedicated physician, Paul loved taking care of people. It seemed impossible for him to be out in Tallahassee and not be greeted by a thankful patient. 

Over the course of his career, Paul served two terms on the Medical Executive Committee and as Chairman of the Medical Staff at Tallahassee Memorial Regional Medical Center. He served as President of the Florida Urological Society, board member of the Southeast Section of the American Urological Society, and managing partner of the Southeastern Urological Center. He was also a member of the Rotary Club of Tallahassee. Upon retiring from private practice in 2015, he practiced part-time at the VA clinic. He served on the vestry for St. John’s Episcopal Church, where he had been a member since 1982. Paul was a Founding Member of the Tallahassee Sette of Odd Volumes and enjoyed membership in the Colonels and the Cotillion Club. 

Paul loved spending time with his three children and their families and was a doting grandfather to his three “grand girls.” His children knew he had been called into the hospital overnight when there was a box of fresh Krispy Kreme doughnuts on the table in addition to his usual daily preparation of a hot breakfast for the family. He taught all of his children how to hook a grouper, back up a boat trailer, and slalom ski – but also the importance of pitching in on washing the dishes and mowing the lawn. 

While his happy place was Alligator Point, FL surrounded by family and friends, Paul liked an adventure. He enjoyed hiking and camping with his family in the Florida Keys, California, the Pacific Northwest, the Canadian Rockies and Maine. In recent years, he and Jonette traveled everywhere from Poland and Syria to Cape Horn and China. 

Embodying his philosophy of “work hard, play hard,” Paul happily woke up in the dark of morning to meet his walking buddies for a before-sunrise walk, and was always game for pickle ball or a round of golf. He made lamps from clay, carved bowls from tree branches, crafted elegant wooden pens on the lathe, and dabbled in drawing and painting. He loved telling and hearing a great story. He was top-notch company for any occasion. 

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control describe Paul’s spirit. We will miss him dearly. 

Paul is survived by his wife Jonette; his daughter Nikki, her husband North Moore, and their daughters Isabel, Imogen and Sawyer of Charlotte, NC; his son Glenn and his partner Heather Akers of Evergreen, CO; his son Peter and his partner Elizabeth Stoutamire of New Orleans, LA; and his dog, Mia, his constant companion and favorite snacking partner. 

Paul is also survived by his brother Chris Sawyer and his wife Julie of Atlanta, GA; by his brother Jon Sawyer and his wife Kem of Washington, DC; by his sister Elizabeth Sawyer Kelly and her husband Bill of Winston-Salem, NC; by beloved cousins, in-laws, nieces, and nephews; by Barbara Ellis of Lloyd, FL; and by the many people who were lucky enough to call Paul a friend. 

The family extends their sincere gratitude to Dr. Michael Forsthoefel, the doctors, nurses and staff at Big Bend Hospice, and Paul’s compassionate team of caregivers. 

A funeral service is scheduled for 3 PM on Thursday, September 18th at St. John’s Episcopal Church. A reception will follow in Alfriend Hall. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Paul’s memory may be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church Foundation (211 North Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301) or Tallahassee Memorial Hospital Foundation (TMHFoundation.org or TMH Foundation, 1331 East 6th Avenue, Tallahassee, FL 32303).

The LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee is composed of 15 members and was approved by both the Superintendent and School Board. The aim of the meeting was to develop a guide for LCS employees to be trained on to help navigate laws, policies, and regulations related to LGBTQ+ students.

Assistant Superintendent of School Management, Alan Cox, facilitated the Committee review process.

The Committee reviewed the legal section of the “Inclusive School Guide for LCS Employees” editing various portions including the requirement that teachers use the students preferred name and pronoun found on the student information system, the FOCUS portal.

The most relevant portion of the document addressed the best practices related to LGBTQ+ students and policies regulating dress code, locker rooms, names and pronouns.

The Committee agreed to allow students to dress in ways that are consistent with the dress code reflecting their gender identity and gender expression. In regards to gender fluid students, they are allowed to dress within either sex’s dress code based on whichever identity they are expressing that day.

When asked about the dress code on jewelry and makeup, Jessica Chapman, the Sail High School principal, stated that it would be “a big no no” for students to wear offensive clothing and jewelry. The example of a dress code violation given by Ms. Chapman was a student wearing a confederate flag on a necklace.

Additionally, the Committee addressed the best practice when it comes to locker rooms and transgender students. There was a discussion about transgender students being allowed to use the locker room of their expressed identity on a case by case basis. However, the guidance on this issue was not finalized and will be discussed at a future meeting.

They also made it clear that all students would be allowed to request an individual changing room without having to explain any specific reason.

The final topic discussed before concluding the meeting was names and pronouns. As previously stated, parents or students of legal age can edit students’ preferred names and pronouns in the FOCUS portal. If the student and parents disagree on changing the preferred pronouns on FOCUS, teachers are to make the administration aware so they can have a conversation with the parents. This conversation could include recommendations to guidance counselors, therapists, and in extreme cases, involve the Florida Department of Children and Families.

The Committee will reconvene to finish editing the second half of the “Inclusive School Guide for LCS Employees” on May 25th.

On July 25 at 2:45 a.m. a homicide occurred in the parking lot of 1143 Orange Ave. During the course of TPD’s investigation hundreds of people gathered at the crime scene.

Despite the presence of numerous potential witnesses, TPD reported they are having problem collecting information related to the crime. Frustrated with the situation, TPD indicated, via a press release, that “this incident is part of a multi-faceted issue occurring locally.”

TPD has asked for any source of pictures or videos from the crowd to be shared with them. They also have offered an anonymous tip line in an attempt to draw in more witnesses.

Without the cooperation of possible witnesses, TPD indicated they can’t bring closure to this case.

Why the lack of cooperation?

Research by the Urban Institute indicates that a police department’s effectiveness in controlling and preventing crime is closely related to residents’ perceptions of the law.

Negative views of the justice system contribute to “legal cynicism,” whereby people neither report crime nor cooperate with the police. The research stated that neighborhoods with high levels of legal cynicism often have high crime rates.

In addition to the lack of cooperation from witnesses, TPD is also having issues with local business owners.

TPD reported that COVID-19 has shifted nightlife activities, and recently, there has been an increase in crowds gathering in parking lots at both closed and open businesses throughout the city.

Due to the legal limits on police power over private businesses, TPD requires the cooperation of business owners in order to assist in dispersing crowds that may gather in empty parking lots on their property.

However, TPD is not getting this cooperation.

TPD said that the recent incident that took place on Orange Ave. underscores why law enforcement must have the cooperation. Officers worked in the area throughout the late evening, conducting a traffic stop in the 1100 block of Orange Avenue, completing community policing business checks near midnight and receiving two noise complaints from neighbors due to vehicles in the parking lot of 1143 Orange Ave.

However, TPD received no calls for service from the business itself requesting to clear the private parking lot.

As a result, TPD officers are now being asked to work overtime to deal with these “pop-up” crowds even tough they have no authority to breach the premises. TPD has reported that these “pop-up” crowds have been associated with “open manipulation of firearms, parking issues and suspected drug activity.”

It appears that the LCTA feels like the LCS is not properly negotiating the parameters of reopening policies with the union.

According to the letter, LCTA is “formally requesting that LCS inform all parties involved to cease public conservation on any platform that defines the working conditions of instructional bargaining unit as final.”

The LCTA Board of Directors stated that “conversations that use terminology such as ‘teachers will’ and ‘teachers should’ sends the message that LCTA and LCS have reached an agreement”, which is not the case.

The LCTA states the best method to develop procedures and address concerns is through Memorandums of Understanding. These MOU’s will address issues that impact working conditions and contract language. Many LCTA members have been reached for imput on the newest reopening plan.

The letter stated, “We have expressed during several meetings the importance of discussing issues that impact teachers’ working conditions as protected under Florida Statute.”

LCTA has requested a meeting to discuss all of these concerns.

“The public health science is clear—face coverings are one of our most effective tools to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long.

Businesses, defined as a local employer, nonprofit, association, and place of worship, are eligible for up to 100 face coverings. Local businesses with multiple storefronts are eligible for up to 200 face coverings.Free face coverings, distributed first come first serve, will be made available for pickup at OEV and each chamber with details listed below.

Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality (315 S. Calhoun Street, Suite 110, Tallahassee, FL 32301) Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce (300 E Park Ave., Tallahassee, FL, 32301) Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Curbside pickup only at the TalChamber Carport

Big Bend Minority Chamber of Commerce (1028 E Park Ave., Tallahassee, FL, 32301) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Capital City Chamber (1020 Lafayette St., Suite 110, Tallahassee, FL, 32301) – By appointment only, call 850-329-895

In addiction to this, Individuals can pickup up to 5 face masks at any leon county public library from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. Tuesday through Saturday.

• Main Library (200 West Park Avenue)
• Dr. B.L. Perry, JR. Branch Library (2817 South Adams Street)
• Eastside Branch Library (1583 Pedrick Road)
• Jane G. Sauls Fort Braden Branch Library (16327 Blountstown Highway)
• Lake Jackson Branch Library (3840 North Monroe Street)
• Northeast Branch Library (5513 Thomasville Road)
• Woodville Branch Library (8000 Old Woodville Road)

“Many of our vendors rely on our Market not only for extra income, but also for socializing,” said Director of Downtown Experience Allen Thompson. “It’s really exciting to be able to bring our Market back in a way
that makes the experience safe and fun for our vendors and patrons.”

The Downtown Market will now require vendors to wear face coverings, remain 6 feet apart and space their booths in 8 to 10 foot increments. Tape will be used to mark a 6 foot pathway for patrons to walk. Masks will be provided but patrons will not be required to wear masks.

One of the unique features of the Downtown Market is its weekly local performing artist. With the new sanitation policies, patrons are welcome to stand 6 feet from the performer.

The suspect vehicle was first identified at the intersection of South Adams and Osceola street. After several blocks, the vehicle accelerated to a high rate of speed while northbound on Jim Lee Road. Officers lost sight of the vehicle near Magnolia Drive, ending the pursuit.

The car was again located in the area of James Street and Coleman Street where it collided with a marked police vehicle head-on, injuring the officer who was driving.

Gariah Jones, 22, was taken into custody at 1:22 AM and has since been charged with attempted murder.

The driver of the vehicle fled and has yet to be apprehended.

This year’s march marked the 46^th annual March for Life. Drawing an estimated 700,000 or more participants, this is the largest pro-life protest in the United States.

A group of teens from Tallahassee had the chance to go with Good Shepherd Catholic church and support their beliefs at the march.

The Tallahassee teens participated in a four-day trip that was anything but luxurious, spending two of the nights on a bus and the third on the tile floor of a church. Mary Terese Stavres, a third-year marcher says, “I considered this trip a pilgrimage and an opportunity to step outside my comfort zone for my beliefs.”

The bus ride from Tallahassee was 12 hours long, approximately 867 miles. Joining them on the bus ride were other groups of teens from both Pensacola Catholic High School, in Pensacola, and JP II high school, in Tallahassee.

In addition to the march, the group participated in the “Life is Very Good Youth Rally” which is organized by the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. Josh Santos told TR, “The rally was a great way to get me going for the march itself, seeing all the other teens there for one cause,” when asked about the event.

On the morning of Friday, January 18^th, everyone in their group got ready to march with pre-made signs and slogans.  Joined by many people from all around the United States, the participants dedicated their day to standing up for their beliefs. One teen, Sara Bibby, says “It’s so special because my mom was at the first March for Life and I get to carry on what she started.”

After the march, there were testimonies given in front of the Supreme Court from women who have had abortions. “I was able to feel the love radiating from everyone and feel united to them even though you don’t know most of the people there,” stated Maria Cascio after her first time marching and hearing the testimonies.

Many students said they enjoyed the pilgrimage and would return next year.