Couriel, 48, will succeed Justice Carlos Muñiz as chief justice, who has served in the role for two consecutive terms.

“I am grateful to my colleagues for their trust,” Couriel said in a released statement. He added that he is “indebted to the previous chief justices with whom I’ve served. I will do my best to serve the people of Florida as they so ably have.”

The chief justice is the administrative leader of not just the Florida Supreme Court but the entire state court system, helping to set the management and operational policies as well as the legislative and budget agendas for the judicial branch.

Before being appointed to the court in 2020 by Gov. Ron DeSantis, Couriel had never served as a judge. He grew up in Miami and earned his bachelor’s and law degrees from Harvard University.

Couriel worked as a federal prosecutor for the Southern District of Florida and also practiced at a firm in New York and at Kobre & Kim LLP, a global firm with offices in Miami.

The half-penny sales tax has been a longstanding funding source for local schools, first approved by voters in 2002 and renewed again in 2012. Since the last renewal, the tax has generated approximately $397 million in revenue to support school facilities and capital improvements. The current voter-approved funding authorization is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2027. District leaders are planning to ask voters to consider another renewal through a referendum proposed for the November 2026 ballot. If approved, the extension of the half-penny sales tax is projected to generate more than half a billion dollars in funding for the school district over the next 15 years, sustaining infrastructure investments.

A central message of the workshop is the growing mismatch between facility needs and available funding. District projections show approximately $1.1 billion in capital needs between 2028 and 2043, driven by aging buildings, safety upgrades, modernization, and enrollment changes. Without renewal of the half-penny tax, officials estimate a $620 million funding gap, which would significantly limit the district’s ability to maintain facilities or build new capacity. The average age of school buildings in the district is roughly 35 years, highlighting the scale of deferred maintenance and renovation needs.

The presentation also provided a detailed breakdown of projected expenditures across five major departmental or functional categories that would be funded through the sales tax extension. These categories represent the core areas of capital investment necessary to sustain school operations over the next 15 years.

Five Department Expense Categories and Projected Expenditures (2028–2043)

1) Facilities Renewal and Maintenance — approximately $520 million
This category represents the largest share of projected spending and includes roof replacements, HVAC systems, structural repairs, plumbing, electrical upgrades, and general building maintenance. Officials stress that routine maintenance is essential to avoid more costly emergency repairs in the future.

2) New Construction and Capacity Projects — approximately $260 million
Funding in this category would support construction of new school buildings, classroom additions, and campus expansions to address enrollment growth and changing program needs. The district noted that population growth and development patterns will drive demand for additional capacity in certain areas.

3) Safety and Security Improvements — approximately $140 million
This category includes campus security systems, access control technology, surveillance equipment, emergency communications infrastructure, and facility hardening measures. The presentation frames safety investments as a continuing priority following statewide and national school security initiatives.

4) Technology Infrastructure — approximately $110 million
Technology spending focuses on network systems, classroom connectivity, digital infrastructure, and equipment necessary to support modern instructional environments. Officials note that technology cycles require more frequent upgrades than traditional building systems.

5) Transportation and Support Facilities — approximately $70 million
This category includes maintenance and replacement of transportation infrastructure such as bus compounds, maintenance facilities, and operational support buildings required to sustain district services.

Collectively, these five categories account for the majority of projected capital expenditures through 2043 and illustrate the long-term planning framework used by district administrators.

Another key theme in the presentation is cost escalation. Officials highlighted rising construction and labor costs as major drivers of increased capital needs, noting that delaying projects typically results in higher long-term expenses. The workshop also emphasizes accountability measures, including public reporting, project tracking, and financial oversight to ensure tax revenues are spent only on voter-approved capital improvements.

Pittman’s Connections

ESPMedia is a local public relations firm that was founded in 2007 by Pittman. The firm represents political candidates, local agencies and both non-profit and for-profit organizations. In addition, a query of state business records shows that Pittman is the CEO of the Pittman Law Group and the Chairman of the Big Bend Minority Chamber of Commerce. Pittman is also the host of The Sean Pittman Show, a podcast which offers “a space for… a variety of individuals to let their voice be heard.”

Both the Pittman Law Group and The Sean Pittman Show are listed as clients of ESPMedia.

A search of campaign finance records shows that ESPMedia was a vendor for Leon County School Board member Daryl Jones during the 2018 and 2022 election cycles. Jones is currently running for re-election in 2026. Jones has appeared on The Sean Pittman Show multiple times.

Also, public records show that the Pittman Law Group was hired by the Leon County School Board in 2021 to provide legal services. The contract designated Opal McKinney-Williams (Lead Counsel) as the Board’s General Counsel. The contract called for a monthly retainer of $6,500 which applies for the first 35 hours. Any services provided in excess of the first 35 hours will be billed at the rate of $195 per hour for the Lead Counsel, $165 per hour for all other attorneys, and $75 per hour for paralegals and legal assistants/clerks.

During a May 28, 2024 school board meeting, elected officials voted to exercise the Pittman Law Group’s contract renewal option through June 30, 2027, and revised the monthly retainer to $9,000.00 for forty (40) hours and the hourly billing rates in excess of the first forty (40) hours to $225.00 for the Lead Counsel, and $200.00 for all other attorneys effective July 1, 2024.

In addition, a query of state business records shows that Pittman is the Chairman of the Big Bend Minority Chamber of Commerce. This group lists several companies doing business with the Leon County School Board. In addition, the Leon County School Board and the Leon Schools Foundation are members of the group.

Under this new arrangement, the school board’s general counsel and an elected school board member will be working for different companies controlled by the same person, Sean Pittman, who has various financial interests with the Leon County School Board.

Nicolas told the Democrat “his new role does not pose a conflict with his service on the school board because any potential work between the board and ESPMedia would be handled directly by Pittman.”

Matlow responded to Governor DeSantis’ impeachment call of Leon County Judge Tiffany Baker-Carper as he signed Missy’s Law this week. The legislation demands judges keep defendants convicted of dangerous crimes in custody instead of freeing them ahead of sentencing.

“We live in a time where some people just don’t get it, and that includes some of these judges who just don’t want to hold these people accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” DeSantis said.

Missy was allegedly murdered by her stepfather, Daniel Spencer, while he was out on bail awaiting sentencing after being convicted in an underage sex sting for attempting to meet a 15-year-old girl. Judge Baker-Carper opted not to jail Spencer before he was sentenced, despite a request from prosecutors to do so.

State Attorney Jack Campbell blasted the decision to allow Spencer to remain free after he was found guilty weeks before the girl’s death. Campbell told the Tallahassee Democrat that Missy would still be alive had Spencer been locked up while he awaited sentencing in the child sex operation. He noted that prosecutors asked to remand him, but that Baker-Carper rejected their request.

During the hearing prosecutors stated, “the state would be asking that he be remanded into custody given the nature of this offense as well as the fact that he does score on his score sheet.”

Defenders of the decision say the judge followed the appropriate guidelines in allowing bail.

Matlow Enters the Fray

After Desantis called for impeachment, Matlow posted on social media that “Governor DeSantis attacks on Judge Baker-Carper are an attempt to stack the courts with far-right, partisan ideologues.”

In an opinion piece published by the Tallahassee Democrat, Matlow continued with the same theme as he wrote, ” it’s all a part of a long-standing right-wing effort to stack the courts with extremist conservative judges.”

In the article, Matlow stated that “So many powerful institutions failed Missy Mogle before and after her tragic murder at the tender age of 5”, and added that “Judge Tiffany Baker-Carper, the youngest woman and African American to be elected judge in the Second Judicial Circuit, is the least culpable in the flawed process that led to the death of Missy Mogle.” 

The article and a related video posted on Matlow’s Facebook account, which is promoting his run for Tallahassee mayor, garnered over 250 comments and approximately 10,000 views. The opinion article was also posted on the Tallahassee Democrat social media accounts.

Ausley is a registered Democrat.

A New Opportunity

After the 3-2 vote to transfer city-owned hospital assets to FSU, Ausley posted a statement on Facebook urging the community take advantage of the “opportunity.”

“Tallahassee now has the opportunity to create a true academic medical center that brings more specialists, residency training, clinical trials and cutting-edge care to the city we love. This transformation won’t happen overnight – it will take long-term collaboration, hard work and strong partnerships. This is going to grow local capacity, improve recruitment and retention of providers, and strengthen health outcomes for everyone in our region, said Ausley.

Ausley continued, “Now that the city has voted to transfer TMH to FSU and this bold vision is moving forward, it is time to roll up our sleeves and start the hard work. That means our next Mayor must be ready on day one to work with all parties to ensure the vision becomes a reality. Our next Mayor must stand firm in enforcing the agreed protections including the most important protection for charity care. Today begins the long-term investment in health care access, quality, and economic stability for all of Tallahassee. As your next Mayor, my sleeves are rolled up and I’m ready to go to work.”

The post generated approximately 65 comments and 232 other engagements, with 223 of the engagements supporting Ausley’s statement.

Included in the comments was a question from the local Democratic Party which asked, “Do you support the transfer of assets as approved this morning, Senator?” The post by the Democratic Party was liked by Dr. Bruce Strouble, chair of Tallahassee ALERT, a group that voiced opposition to the sale.

Ausley never responded to the inquiry.

The post from the Democratic Party, during the campaign for Tallahassee mayor featuring at least three registered Democrats, raises questions about the role the Democratic Party will play in the election.

Will the party only promote positions endorsed by City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow?

Can Democrats running for mayor take a position supporting the sale of the hospital assets to FSU without fear of being attacked by their own political party?

TR has reached out to the Democratic Party for a comment.

The Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce sent a similar letter last week encouraging commissioners to support the agreement.

NEBA, which was created in the early 1990’s and holds monthly meetings with guest speakers, periodically takes positions on important community issues.

The city commission is scheduled to vote on the agreement on Wednesday, March 11, at City Hall.

The NEBA letter noted that “Academic medical centers are powerful engines of innovation and economic growth, drawing leading physicians, biomedical researchers, healthcare startups, and life-science investment into the communities they serve. For entrepreneurs, employers, and investors, these institutions help create the type of environment where businesses want to locate and grow.”

The Board of Directors gave credit to TMH for their years of service. The letter stated, “the partnership recognizes the extraordinary work of Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare, whose leadership and commitment to patient care over the past four decades have positioned our community for this next stage of growth.”

NEBA Letter Encouraging Support for Hospital Sale

The Board of Directors of the Network of Entrepreneurs and Business Advocates (NEBA) strongly encourages the Tallahassee City Commission to approve the agreement transferring the City’s hospital assets to Florida State University to establish an academic medical center under FSU Health.

For the business community, access to world-class healthcare is not simply a medical issue, it is an economic development imperative.

The proposed partnership will bring hundreds of millions of dollars in new investment into our local healthcare infrastructure, expand specialized medical services, and attract research funding and talent to Tallahassee.

Academic medical centers are powerful engines of innovation and economic growth, drawing leading physicians, biomedical researchers, healthcare startups, and life-science investment into the communities they serve.

For entrepreneurs, employers, and investors, these institutions help create the type of environment where businesses want to locate and grow.

This agreement also ensures the continuation of our hospital’s critical community mission by protecting indigent care policies, maintaining access to healthcare for all residents of our region.

At the same time, the partnership recognizes the extraordinary work of Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare, whose leadership and commitment to patient care over the past four decades have positioned our community for this next stage of growth.

This proposal represents a rare alignment between healthcare advancement, economic development, and community impact.

Tallahassee has an opportunity to strengthen its position as a regional leader in academic medicine, medical research, and advanced patient care. Opportunities of this magnitude do not come often, and we believe the long-term benefits to our community are significant.

For these reasons, the Network of Entrepreneurs and Business Advocates respectfully urges the Tallahassee City Commission to vote “Yes” on the proposed agreement.

This decision will help ensure a stronger hospital, a stronger economy, and a stronger future for our community. 

Respectfully,

NEBA Board of Directors

“It is with heavy hearts that we share that in the early morning hours of March 1st, John Paul Bailey passed away peacefully.”

“John proudly served our country in the United States Navy for four years before dedicating over 25 years of his life to the Tallahassee Police Department. He later continued his service to the community as a City Commissioner for the City of Tallahassee . His life was marked by dedication, integrity, and a true heart for serving others. More than his titles, he was a beloved husband to his wife, Donna, a loving uncle and brother, and a loyal friend to so many. He was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by all who had the honor of knowing him.”

Bailey’s entry into elective politics began with his successful bid for a seat on the Tallahassee City Commission. During his time on the Commission, he earned re-election from city voters, reflecting sustained support for his agenda on fiscal and service-delivery issues. Bailey built a reputation as an advocate for neighborhoods with a focus on economic development and public safety.

Bailey served on the Tallahassee City Commission during a period marked by rapid growth, redevelopment debates and heightened scrutiny of municipal utilities and public infrastructure.

In 2003, Bailey launched a campaign for mayor of Tallahassee. He finished second in the first round of the special mayoral election with about 29% of the vote against a crowded field, advancing to a runoff—but was defeated by John Marks, who won roughly 67% to Bailey’s 33% in the final tally.

Bailey was the last Republican to serve on the city commission.

Florida GOP Chairman Evan Power posted on social media, “I am saddened to hear of the passing of John Paul Bailey. John Paul was a Republican leader his whole life serving on the City Commission and my predecessor a Chair of the @leongop. Leon County and our movement will miss his leadership.”

Services are currently being arranged, and we will share updates as soon as details are finalized.

The Democrat reported the “hospital insider” would only speak on background to avoid retaliation.

The Tallahassee Democrat report came after the City of Tallahassee announced an agreement with FSU for the transfer of all City-owned hospital assets currently leased to TMH. A public hearing is scheduled for the City Commission to take final action on March 11 at 9 a.m. in the City Commission Chambers.

When questioned by TR, Sarah Connor, the Director of Marketing & Communications for TMH, provided comments which were at odds with the statement provided by the “insider”.

On the negotiations, Connor said, “These are complex legal documents, and all of them are being worked on collaboratively from both sides. We are in the process of reviewing and working through them all – they aren’t finalized yet, but we’re making progress.”

On the “hospital insider” and the fear of retaliation, Connor said “I don’t know who the ‘hospital insider’ is, but there are no concerns of retaliation from our partners at FSU for speaking to the media.”

The session will be held at City Hall, 300 South Adams Street.

The current contract, which expires in October 2026, was adopted on March 22, 2023, when the Tallahassee City Commission voted 3-2 to approve the collective bargaining agreement with the Big Bend Chapter of the Florida Police Benevolent Association, Inc. (PBA). Mayor John Dailey, City Commissioner Curtis Richardson and City Commissioner Dianne Williams-Cox voted for approval, while Commissioner Jeremy Matlow and Commissioner Jack Porter voted against ratifying the agreement.

The Commission vote came after the union members voted overwhelming to accept the agreement. According to officials, 85% of officers and investigators approved of the agreement as did 95% of sergeants and lieutenants.

The agreement covered a period of three years, commencing on October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2026. The estimated three-year base cost for the wage component of the agreement is $6,139,996. In FY24, the estimated cost for the pension component of the agreements is $239,000.

Under the last agreement, police officer starting salaries will increase from under $50,000 to $60,000.

The 287(g) program allows local police and sheriff’s deputies to carry out certain federal immigration enforcement functions — including identifying and detaining individuals suspected of being in the country illegally — when trained and authorized by ICE. The agreements have become a flashpoint in Florida politics, where many local governments and law enforcement agencies have opted in under recent state policy and legislative pressure.

In a statement this week, Jolly said he would not mandate participation in 287(g) programs and suggested suspending such agreements while ensuring proper oversight and due process protections are in place. “I would not, as governor, require the 287(g) agreements, because I would trust local law enforcement to decide whether or not that’s something they should engage in,” Jolly told NEWS 9. He added that he believes oversight is necessary to ensure ICE agents are held accountable and individual rights are protected.

Jolly’s position sharply diverges from current state policy under Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has expanded cooperation with ICE, including a statewide 287(g) agreement that empowers the Florida Highway Patrol and other agencies to assist federal immigration enforcement. Supporters say these partnerships are crucial to public safety, while critics argue they can lead to racial profiling and erode trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement.

The Democratic candidate’s comments have drawn immediate backlash from Republican leaders. Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia derided Jolly’s stance as tantamount to creating sanctuary cities, arguing the governor’s job is to protect citizens from crime. Jolly responded by emphasizing his faith in local sheriffs and police chiefs to set enforcement priorities without state mandates.

The debate over 287(g) agreements is shaping up as a key issue in the 2026 governor’s race, reflecting broader national tensions over immigration enforcement and local control. Jolly’s stance could appeal to voters wary of federal overreach, but it also risks alienating those who want aggressive immigration enforcement at all levels of government.

As budget discussions intensify, Leon County School Board member Rosanne Wood is making a public plea to preserve neighborhood schools, arguing that the typical $1 million in savings gained from a closure is a negligible fraction of the district’s $368 million operating budget.

Instead, Wood is advocating for a $30 million property tax increase.

During a recent Board meeting, Wood responded to statements by fellow Board member Alva Smith, who has consistently highlighted the district’s financial hurdles and the impact of declining enrollment on the capacity of some schools. Smith has argued that closing schools needs to be considered when addressing the current financial difficulties facing the district.

However, Wood characterized the potential savings from closing schools as a mere .002% of the budget, questioning whether “the juice is worth the squeeze” given the immense social disruption involved.

Wood described schools as “beehives” of activity and essential “pillars of a community” where memories and history are made. Closing these facilities, she argued, does more than save money; it “disappears” the magnets that hold neighborhoods together and causes significant transportation and rezoning issues for families.

Instead of shuttering buildings with lower enrollment, Wood lauded a strategy to utilize existing capacity by bringing in external resources, such as early childhood Head Start programs.

One specific example highlighted was Hartsfield, which is currently moving in three such programs. The speaker noted that this approach not only fills facility capacity but also secures a “brighter” future through strategic investment in early childhood development.

The push to keep schools open comes at a time of severe financial strain for the district. Resources are dwindling as funds “go out the door” to private schools and home schooling. While “hard cuts” that will “hurt” are expected, the speaker emphasized that school closures are not an effective solution for these immediate budget shortfalls.

The proposed “game changer” for the district’s fiscal health according to Wood is not a cut, but a request for public support. Wood advocated for a 1-mill property tax increase, which would generate nearly $30 million. This influx of capital would be directed toward critical needs, including improving school safety and boosting teacher salaries.

“The relatively speaking, small amount of money we get for closing a school is not nearly worth the impact that it has on those community neighbors,” Wood concluded. Wood stated she believes the community will respond to the request for a millage increase as they have in the past.

Financial Challenges

Board member Alva Smith’s comments during the meeting addressed schools that are currently operating below 70% capacity. Smith argued that any discussion about the district budget needs to address school closures. Smith noted that savings could be used to increase teacher salaries which ranked 49th among 67 Florida school districts.

The issue of school closures has dominated the Florida public education landscape over the last two years, with many school districts closing schools due to demographic changes and competition from charter schools.

However, public comments by Superintendent Hanna, consistent with the majority of the Board, indicate a lack of support for school closures.

Fewer Students, More Administrators

The talk about a property increase comes amid a drop in public school student enrollment and an increase in spending.  The chart nearby shows that over the last seven years Leon County School spending has increased approximately $41.7 million, a 14.4% increase, while the number of students has declined from 33,391 to 29,990.

During this time, the number of teachers has dropped from 2,070 to 1772.
In addition, FDOE reports show that the district added 47 School Administrator positions over this period.

From 2018-219 to 2024-25, the number of School Administrators increased by 28%, from 170 to 217 and the “School Administration” budget line item increased from $20.4 million to $25.1 million.

The 47 positions added during this period included 24 Administrator & Managers, 13 Assistant Principals, 6 Deans/Curriculum Coordinators/Registrars and 4 Consultants/ Supervisors of Instruction.

It appears that any tax increase proposal will come after a discussion about current spending priorities and the projected impact of demographic changes on student enrollment.

Due to the controversy related to local officials helping with the enforcement of immigration laws, Leon County commissioners debated whether or not to accept the State Board of Immigration Enforcement funds.

The LCSO senior executive director and CFO, Elise Gann, told commissioners that if they denied the grant, the sheriff’s office would pay the costs with local tax money.

After the meeting, O’Keefe took to social media to explain his vote and wrote, “I will not abandon my morals, my integrity, or my belief in the human dignity of every person. Leadership means standing firm when it matters most. Grant dollars should never come at the cost of fear or harm.”

He added, “Whenever we detain or arrest someone for ICE and transfer them to ICE custody, we bear some responsibility for what happens next.”

O’Keefe also compared the agreement to the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 and to municipal orders under the Nuremberg Laws. The Nuremburg Laws were antisemitic and racist laws enacted in Nazi Germany on September 15, 1935.

Commissioner Rick Minor, who voted to support the grant, noted that “A yes vote means the state pays for this. Today’s vote only determines who pays for this.”

The Grant

Under the agreement with ICE, LCSO will enforce immigration violations as part of their routine duties and allow ICE to train, certify, and authorize local law enforcement to serve and execute administrative warrants in their jails.

A $250,000,000 appropriation was authorized to pass through to local law enforcement agencies and county detention facilities in support of the grant program.

LCSO has been awarded up to $499,523 for the reimbursement of costs incurred between February 17, 2025, until June 30, 2026.

LCSO’s CFO says the sheriff’s office has spent about $29,000 to support immigration enforcement and has had 87 ICE detainers at the Leon County Detention Facility.

FULL STATEMENT BY LEON COUNTY COMMISSIONER DAVID OKEEFE

Today, I voted to approve eight important public safety grants for Leon County—grants that protect children, assist victims, combat human trafficking, and keep our community safe. However, I voted NO on the immigration enforcement grant, and I want to explain why.

The Commission voted 6-to-1 to accept the immigration grant funding. As my colleagues said at the meeting, they are not voting in agreement or in support of the ICE campaign of so-called immigration enforcement. They only voted to accept state tax dollars for this activity.

I also want to be clear that I understand the Sheriff is in a difficult position under these overreaching dictates from the State of Florida. Our Leon County Sheriff is the best law enforcement professional we could ask for.

As for my vote.

History warns us that “just following the law” has led to grave injustices before—from the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 to municipal orders under the Nuremberg Laws. Accepting this grant means agreeing to participate in a system that harms people, instills fear, and strips people of their dignity. Whenever we detain or arrest someone for ICE and transfer them to ICE custody, we bear some responsibility for what happens next.

Today, we learned that the State is requiring deputies to deploy to state immigration camps across Florida. The terms of this grant impose additional requirements beyond the previously mandated cooperation: reporting all interactions with suspected immigrants into a database—including full details about their lives, work, families, and photo—even if they are not arrested. It allocates $250,000 for ICE training and bonuses for 62 deputies, making up over half of the state grant total.

I will not abandon my morals, my integrity, or my belief in the human dignity of every person. Leadership means standing firm when it matters most. Grant dollars should never come at the cost of fear or harm.