Developing Story: Porter, Inman-Johnson Campaigns Support Major Increase in Fire Service Spending

Developing Story: Porter, Inman-Johnson Campaigns Support Major Increase in Fire Service Spending

Tallahassee City Commission candidates Jack Porter and Dot Inman-Johnson are proposing $60,000 starting salaries for firefighters, which – if implemented – would result in a major increase in the fire service fund budget and a possible increase in the fire service fee. All Tallahassee residents pay a fire service fee via the City of Tallahassee […]

Democrats Accuse Party Leader, Matlow Aide, Ryan Ray of Bias, Promoting Division on City Commission

Democrats Accuse Party Leader, Matlow Aide, Ryan Ray of Bias, Promoting Division on City Commission

There is mounting criticism directed at Leon County Democratic Executive Committee Chair Ryan Ray from other Democrats about Ray’s role as the LCDEC chair – he was elected in 2022 – and his position as the aide to City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow. In addition to a complaint filed by city commission candidate Rudy Ferguson alleging […]

NEBA Forum Highlights Differences, Ideological Divide, Between Richardson, Inman-Johnson

NEBA Forum Highlights Differences, Ideological Divide, Between Richardson, Inman-Johnson

On Tuesday, June 25th, the Network of Entrepreneurs and Business Advocates (NEBA) forum featuring Tallahassee city commission Seat 1 candidates, Commissioner Curtis Richardson and challenger Dot Inman- Johnson, revealed candidate positions on important issues and addressed the progressive versus moderate Democrat split on the city commission. The divide between the candidates became obvious before the […]

Rudy Ferguson Defends Law Enforcement, Asked to Leave Democratic Party by DEC Chairman, Ryan Ray

Rudy Ferguson Defends Law Enforcement, Asked to Leave Democratic Party by DEC Chairman, Ryan Ray

Rudy Ferguson, a candidate for Tallahassee City Commission and challenger to Commissioner Jack Porter, filed a complaint with the Florida Democratic Party accusing officials with the Leon County Democratic Executive Committee (LDEC) – including Chairman Ryan Ray – of siding against him in the Porter race. In addition, the complaint documents that Ray asked Ferguson […]

Public Records Show Porter Ignored City Attorney’s Advice, Concealed Source of Financial Gifts

Public Records Show Porter Ignored City Attorney’s Advice, Concealed Source of Financial Gifts

The latest documents obtained by Tallahassee Reports indicates City Commissioner Jack Porter ignored advice from the Tallahassee city attorney and concealed financial gifts received from the left-wing progressive group, Local Progress. The Local Progress group advocates for the implementation of progressive policies at the local government level by paying for local elected officials to travel […]

Big Bend PBA Announces Campaign Endorsements

Big Bend PBA Announces Campaign Endorsements

On The Steve Stewart Show on Tuesday, Richard Murphy, the President of the Big Bend Chapter of the Florida Police Benevolent Association (PBA), announced the union’s endorsements in several local races. Murphy noted that the candidate evaluations involve interviews and the review of public positions on issues import to law enforcement. The endorsements cut across […]

Leon County Pedestrian Safety: What Do the Numbers Show?

Leon County Pedestrian Safety: What Do the Numbers Show?

With the recent tragic pedestrian death on the FSU campus, the focus on pedestrian safety is making the rounds in the news cycle. And as is often the case, the reporting fails to provide proper context while highlighting a tragic event. A recent headline by a local media outlet exclaimed, “Study reveals Leon County is […]

Leon County Commission Budget Workshop Meeting Briefs: April 23, 2024

Leon County Commission Budget Workshop Meeting Briefs: April 23, 2024

The Leon County Commission (LCC) voted unanimously to accept a report on the preliminary budget overview which included performance raises for all employees averaging 3%. The FY2025 estimates indicate a revenue increase of approximately $15 million. This estimate is based on a 6.5% increase in property values which, under the current millage rate, would result […]

Enrollment at Five Leon County Elementary Schools Have Declined by 20% Since 2019

Enrollment at Five Leon County Elementary Schools Have Declined by 20% Since 2019

On April 22, 2024, Leon County School (LCS) Board Member Alva Smith stated one of her budget priorities is to look at the financial impact of downsizing the school district due to declining enrollment. Smith explained it was a vital conversation about downsizing stating, “We are not being fiscally responsible and good stewards of tax […]