Relative to 2025, the Passenger Traffic Report shows year-over-year passenger counts in April were down 3.3% for American Airlines and up 2.5% for the Delta Group. Impacting the numbers was the fact that Silver Airways ended service in June 2025.

The graph below shows the annualized number of passengers for the last 37-months. The highlighted numbers on the graph indicate the annual traffic during the month of April over the last four years. The annual rate of passengers at TIA in April 2026 – 876,929 – is down 8.92% when compared to one year ago (962,861). The annualized number of passengers is calculated by summing the previous 12 months of traffic.

This month, the Beyond Your Block program features local businesses and attractions, including restaurants, breweries, shops, museums, parks and events, while highlighting six historic America250FL Road Trip stops located within Leon County. 

Through an interactive challenge featured on the Visit Tallahassee mobile app, the campaign encourages residents and visitors alike to explore new areas of town, support local businesses during the summer season and experience Leon County as a destination beyond their usual routines. Participants can earn points by visiting featured locations and checking in through the app, with each stop contributing toward rewards and prize opportunities. 

To further encourage heritage tourism and exploration, check-ins at any of Leon County’s six official America250FL Road Trip sites will earn 50 points, the highest point value within the challenge. The first 50 participants to reach 250 points, will receive a limited-edition Tallahassee, FL, commemorative America 250 T-shirt celebrating the campaign. 

In addition, every location visited throughout the campaign will count as an entry into the grand prize sweepstakes. At the conclusion of the initiative, one grand prize winner will receive a two-night Tallahassee staycation package featuring hotel accommodation and tickets to local attractions. 

Throughout the program, the Leon County Division of Tourism will host on-site activations at six partner locations across the community. These pop-up promotions will feature “Summer Essentials” prize packs designed to encourage participation, drive engagement and inspire residents to explore new areas of Tallahassee-Leon County throughout the campaign. 

Pop-up promotion locations and activation times will be announced exclusively through Visit Tallahassee’s social media channels on Instagram and Facebook. 

To participate, download the free Visit Tallahassee mobile app and click the “Challenges” tab to begin exploring participating locations, earning rewards, and experiencing the unique character of your Leon County-Tallahassee all summer long. 

The proposal centered on whether Leon County should continue contracting with the Council on Culture & Arts (COCA) to administer cultural and tourism-related grants or move management of the program in-house through the county’s Division of Tourism.

County staff recommended bringing the grant program under direct county administration beginning in fiscal year 2027. According to agenda materials, the change would generate approximately $213,000 in annual savings, including the elimination of $150,000 in general revenue support currently provided to COCA. Staff estimated the proposal would maintain cultural arts grant funding at roughly $2 million annually while increasing tourism event grant funding to $1.4 million.

The recommendation drew significant public opposition. Fifty-one speakers addressed the commission in support of maintaining the current structure, known as Option 2. Many praised COCA’s long-standing role in supporting local arts organizations and argued that additional time was needed to evaluate the proposal before any changes were made.

Following public comment, Commissioner Carolyn Cummings initially moved, with support from Commissioner Bill Proctor, to postpone the issue until the commission’s budget workshop.

Commissioners spent more than an hour debating the proposal, possible alternatives, and uncertainty surrounding ongoing discussions in the Florida Legislature regarding property tax reform and state budget decisions.

Commissioner Brian Welch was absent from the chamber during the final vote, while Commissioner Rick Minor argued the board should carefully coordinate with all stakeholders before making any structural changes. Minor said the proposed transition could have a significant financial impact on COCA and noted that the issue originated from a commission request made in late 2025.

County Administrator Vincent Long emphasized that the proposal was not about reducing arts funding but determining whether the county could more efficiently administer the grants itself rather than paying another organization to do so. Long noted that similar proposals were considered by the commission in 2018 and 2020 but were not adopted.

Vice Chairman Christian O’Keefe questioned the need for the proposed changes and argued the commission should focus on larger county priorities. He opposed both the proposal and holding another workshop on the issue.

Ultimately, Commissioner Cummings, seconded by Minor, moved to revisit the matter during the June 16 budget workshop. The motion passed 5-1, with O’Keefe voting no and Welch absent from the chamber.

The commission is expected to continue evaluating both the financial and policy implications of the cultural grant program before making a final decision later this year.

The controversy centers on a $4.4 million HUD Lead Hazard Reduction grant awarded to the City of Tallahassee to identify and remove lead-based paint hazards in older housing occupied by low-income residents. In early May, HUD designated the city’s grant program as “high risk” and launched an audit after raising concerns about contractor costs, project eligibility and compliance with federal regulations.

According to city records and correspondence with federal officials, approximately $1.6 million has been spent through the program, with HUD having reimbursed the city about $1.03 million. Federal officials questioned several expenditures, including the cost of replacing doors at an apartment complex on Holton Street, where some door replacements reportedly exceeded $8,000 each.

The situation escalated on May 26 when HUD informed the city that costs associated with the Holton Street project were ineligible for reimbursement under the grant. Federal reviewers also concluded the city failed to provide sufficient documentation verifying tenant income eligibility, occupancy requirements and whether the project prioritized households with children under six years old — a central goal of the lead hazard reduction program.

As a result, HUD is requiring Tallahassee to repay at least $1.03 million in federal funds and warned that additional ineligible costs could be identified as the review continues. The city has suspended grant activities while working with federal officials to address the findings.

However, city officials are disputing HUD’s conclusions and have indicated they intend to appeal the repayment determination. Assistant City Manager Christian Doolin told city commissioners that staff believes documentation previously submitted to HUD adequately demonstrates compliance with program requirements. City officials contend the issue is not whether the work was performed, but whether the documentation provided satisfies federal standards. The city maintains that it can address HUD’s concerns through the appeals process and hopes to overturn the repayment demand.

The controversy has also triggered political fallout at City Hall. Commissioners have debated responsibility for the program’s management, while calls have emerged for a forensic audit and further investigation into the handling of federal housing funds. Allegations from a former employee and public disputes among elected officials have added to the scrutiny.

Federal officials have not alleged criminal wrongdoing, but the audit continues. The outcome could determine whether Tallahassee must return additional grant funds and what corrective actions may be required before the city can resume the lead hazard reduction program. The appeal process is expected to focus heavily on whether the city can provide sufficient evidence that grant-funded projects met HUD’s eligibility and documentation requirements.

The amendment was approved on a 14-3 vote during a special committee meeting held specifically to revisit the issue. The proposal had failed earlier this year when the committee deadlocked 9-9, preventing it from moving forward. After the Leon County Commission voted to revive the concept and return it to the citizen committee for additional review, supporters revised the language in an effort to address legal concerns and broaden its scope.

The proposal seeks to require Leon County to examine the impacts of past public policy decisions on geographic areas within the county and consider actions to address lingering effects. Supporters say the amendment is intended to create a long-term framework for transparency, accountability, and data-driven evaluation of historical government actions.

Dr. Bruce Strouble, the amendment’s sponsor, said revisions shifted the focus away from race-based considerations and toward geographic impacts. According to reports presented to the committee, references that could raise concerns under state restrictions on diversity, equity and inclusion programs were removed. Supporters argued the measure would comply with state law while still allowing the county to study how past government decisions affected neighborhoods and communities.

Opponents, including county staff, questioned whether the amendment is necessary, arguing that Leon County already has authority to conduct similar analyses and warning about potential legal risks associated with Florida’s recently enacted anti-DEI legislation. Some commissioners and committee members have expressed concerns that the amendment could expose the county to litigation or jeopardize state and federal funding if interpreted as conflicting with state law.

The proposal remains several steps away from appearing before voters. The Charter Review Committee is expected to continue its work through the summer before submitting final recommendations to the Leon County Commission. County commissioners would then decide whether to place the amendment on the November 2026 ballot, where Leon County voters would have the final say on whether the charter should be amended.

The adopted resolution specifically targets “compensation” for teachers and staff. Board members spent significant time debating the word “compensation” versus “pay,” eventually settling on the former because it is broader and includes benefits. While the ballot title focuses on teachers due to word count limits, the full 75-word ballot language will explicitly include support staff, such as bus drivers, custodians, and cafeteria workers.

The lone dissenting vote came from Laurie Cox, who expressed deep concern over the burden on local taxpayers. Cox noted that while the board had not raised the millage rate in years, rising property values have already resulted in de facto tax increases. “I just feel like right now is not the right time to ask our taxpayers for more money,” Cox said, arguing the district should find savings within its existing budget rather than adding to a tax load that already includes the Children’s Services Council.

Other members, however, argued that the district has reached a breaking point. Rosanne Wood contended that the board has already “cut to the bone”. She noted that Leon County is competing with Georgia, where teachers often make significantly more, and with 29 other Florida counties that have already passed similar millage increases. Wood stated that to find equivalent funding without the tax, the district would have to close approximately 26 neighborhood schools, which she called “pillars of our communities”.

Member Smith offered what she called “reluctant support”. Though she campaigned on increasing teacher salaries, she expressed frustration that the board had not pursued school consolidations or administrative downsizing before asking the public for more money. Ultimately, she decided to support the measure to let the community decide the value of teacher pay.

Member Daryl Jones emphasized the importance of “direct democracy,” framing the vote as an opportunity for citizens to weigh in on community values.

Addressing public concerns about “administrative bloating,” the Chair Marcus Nicolas acknowledged the issue but insisted the board could “walk and chew gum at the same time,” addressing administrative structure through separate, ongoing discussions while the tax measure proceeds.

Dr. Nute joins TOC following a distinguished career in the United States military, where he gained extensive experience in diagnosis and treatment of hand, wrist, and upper extremity conditions, including fractures, arthritis, tendon and nerve injuries, sports-related injuries, and minimally invasive surgical procedures. His patient-centered approach and advanced surgical expertise will help provide patients with expanded access to specialized upper-extremity care.

“I’m excited to join the talented team at TOC and begin serving patients throughout the region,” said Dr. Drew Nute. “My goal is to help patients return to the activities they enjoy as quickly and safely as possible by providing the latest treatment options and surgical techniques. I look forward to building relationships within the community and contributing to TOC’s strong reputation for orthopedic excellence.”

The press release noted that the “addition of Dr. Nute strengthens TOC’s growing network of orthopedic specialists and reinforces the organization’s commitment to delivering high-quality, comprehensive musculoskeletal care close to home.”

“We are excited to add another highly dedicated hand and wrist specialist to our growing team as we continue investing in advanced orthopedic services for our communities,” said Kelby Tardi, Chief Executive Officer of TOC. “Dr. Nute’s experience, clinical excellence, and patient-focused philosophy align perfectly with TOC’s mission and vision for compassionate care.”

TOC continues to expand its physician network and services to meet the evolving healthcare needs of patients across the region. With more than 10 locations and a multidisciplinary team of orthopedic specialists, TOC remains dedicated to providing innovative treatment options and exceptional patient care.

Dr. Nute is now accepting new patient appointments in Tallahassee and Panama City Beach, with patient visits beginning June 12, 2026. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit TeamTOC.com.

The UCF-HCA Florida Healthcare GME Consortium is the fastest growing residency and fellowship training program in Florida, designed to address the state’s physician shortage. By June, it will be training more than 820 physicians in 49 accredited programs across Florida that have graduated almost 1,300 physicians. About 50 percent of those graduates stay in Florida to practice.

HCA Florida Capital Hospital has had a dermatology residency program since 2022. Specialties such as dermatology, anesthesiology and physical medicine and rehabilitation require residents to do a transitional year of training that emphasizes inpatient medicine, ambulatory care, emergency medicine, critical care, surgery and elective specialty experiences tailored to each resident’s future field of practice.

The program is expected to welcome its first class of 15 residents in July 2026 and interviews are complete for the incoming cohort. This new residency expands graduate medical education opportunities in North Florida and strengthens the UCF/HCA Florida Healthcare’s commitment to developing highly skilled, adaptable physicians prepared to enter specialized residency pathways.

“The launch of the Transitional Year Residency Program at HCA Florida Capital Hospital represents an exciting step forward in the continued growth of graduate medical education at our institution,” said Sarah Vocelle, DO, program director. “We are building a program that prepares physicians to lead, innovate and deliver exceptional care across a wide-range of specialties.”

In the 2023 legislative session, Florida’s elected leaders took serious steps to curb the crisis in Florida we had come to know as lawsuit abuse.   It reached a crisis level and even had Florida listed on the annual “Judicial Hellholes” report produced by the American Tort Reform Association.  But in 2023, under the leadership of Gov. DeSantis and the legislature, Florida passed new laws that restored sanity to the legal process and stopped some of the frivolous games that came to be associated with “get-rich-quick-schemes” via lawsuit.

Due to one-way attorney fees, litigation was the all-time heavyweight factor in driving up the cost of Florida’s auto and homeowners insurance.  While the number of frivolous lawsuits to consumers and subsequent financial impact have been largely reduced as a result of 2023’s legislative action, there is still much more to do, and as we begin the 2026 hurricane season, legislators missed a great opportunity as to take steps to further reduce the cost of insurance.

One of the main things that could have been done is to bring some reasonable regulation to the financing of lawsuits by third parties.  Third party financing can sound like a good idea because it gives some people who may not have the ability to pay for their own expenses during a lawsuit recovery period an opportunity to receive an unsecured loan to keep the lawsuit going. 

This one benefit comes at a high cost however.  Third party financiers have engaged in playing the odds by keeping lawsuits going even after a sound decision for the plaintiff would have been to take an offered settlement.  Financiers can and have taken over other decisions on the direction of the case, ignoring any considerations for the plaintiff.  Financiers can and have charged exorbitant interest rates to the point that the plaintiff receives little to nothing from a final settlement or award. 

Moreover, financial third-party funds can and have been set up to even receive funding from international investors, including foreign governments.  The sole idea that international profiteers could be using our courts system to attack our small businessmen and women in Florida should be enough to question this system.  Proposed legislation should require certain public disclosures about the nature of the financing to the court, limitations on the amount of control a financier can have over a lawsuit, and limitations on the amount of interest a financier can charge a plaintiff.  These are all reasonable reforms that should protect plaintiffs and bring transparency to a process that is being abused.

Moving forward with more accountability for third-party lawsuit financing will restore fairness to our courts and eliminate a couple of the remaining cracks in the foundation of Florida’s economy.  Long-standing prosperity will result.

The commission voted 6 – 0 with Commissioner Welch out of Chambers, to direct the County Attorney to bring back an agenda item which analyzes the Board’s legal purview and oversight options regarding the use of video cameras in public spaces to protect privacy rights and limit the collection of data by third parties.

The May 12 agenda item, requested by commissioners last month, examined the use of public-space cameras by Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Tallahassee, Leon County Schools and the Capital Region Real Time Crime Center.

County staff reported Leon County currently operates approximately 400 closed-circuit cameras at county buildings and parks to support public safety and protect public property. The county budgets about $50,000 annually for camera hardware, maintenance, software and licensing. Officials said the county does not use facial recognition or other artificial intelligence technologies with its existing surveillance systems.

However, the report notes artificial intelligence is becoming more common in traffic enforcement and law enforcement technology. Leon County recently authorized school-zone speed cameras in unincorporated areas and is seeking a vendor to install and operate the automated systems. Officials said AI-assisted speed detection and license plate readers are considered industry standards for accuracy.

The report also detailed the extensive camera networks operated by other agencies. The City of Tallahassee manages approximately 245 traffic cameras through its Regional Traffic Management Center, while Tallahassee Police utilize body cameras, license plate readers, infrared cameras and drones. TPD’s camera operations cost roughly $850,000 annually.

Leon County Schools operates more than 3,000 cameras districtwide, including surveillance cameras on campuses and stop-arm cameras mounted on school buses. The district also uses artificial intelligence software designed to detect visible firearms and alert law enforcement within seconds.

Meanwhile, the Sheriff’s Office reported spending about $114,000 annually on video camera systems and related services. LCSO uses AI-supported facial recognition and license plate reader technology tied into the Capital Region Real Time Crime Center, which was established in 2022 through a partnership involving local governments, Florida State University and state law enforcement agencies.

A major focus of the report was Connect Tallahassee, a voluntary program launched in March that allows residents and businesses to share security camera footage with law enforcement. Officials said the system currently includes 172 registered cameras and 215 integrated cameras connected to the crime center.

County officials said the initiative supports the board’s strategic effort to combat graffiti and roadside littering. Through the county’s “Love Leon County… don’t trash it” campaign, officials are encouraging residents to report vandalism and littering incidents while also promoting participation in Connect Tallahassee to expand investigative resources available to law enforcement.

The update, presented during the May 13 City Commission meeting, outlined the city’s ongoing monitoring and testing efforts related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS. The chemicals, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are widely used in consumer and industrial products and have become a growing environmental and public health concern nationwide.

The update comes after local scientists requested a study on the city of Tallahassee’s Southeast Farm water treatment spray field on Tram Road as a potential source of contamination found in a number of private wells throughout the Woodville area.

According to the report, the city has conducted extensive sampling of drinking water, wastewater influent, treated effluent sprayed at the Southeast Farm, biosolids, groundwater wells, and industrial users connected to the wastewater system.

Testing results showed PFAS levels in treated wastewater sprayed at the Southeast Farm measured 2.2 parts per trillion for PFOA and 2.3 parts per trillion for PFOS. Those levels are below the federal drinking water standard of 4 parts per trillion established for both compounds.

City officials said groundwater monitoring data also supports the conclusion that the Southeast Farm is not the primary source of elevated PFAS levels discovered in central Woodville. The report noted that the groundwater contamination area identified by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is approximately 2.74 miles from the spray field.

The update stated that most private well samples collected by the Florida Department of Health in Woodville were below the new federal drinking water standard. As of March 25, 2026, 85 of 112 private well samples tested below 4 parts per trillion. One well on Oak Ridge Road East measured 76 parts per trillion for PFOS, above the state’s provisional groundwater cleanup target level of 70 parts per trillion.

City officials said additional sources are likely contributing to PFAS contamination entering the wastewater system. Sampling identified elevated PFAS levels associated with landfill leachate, laundry operations and car washes.

The city emphasized that Tallahassee’s public drinking water continues to meet all regulatory standards and said officials have been proactive in testing for PFAS prior to regulatory mandates.

The report also noted that PFAS regulations continue to evolve at both the federal and state levels. City officials said Tallahassee will continue monitoring drinking water and wastewater systems while working with state agencies on the broader Woodville investigation.

Florida A&M University (FAMU) recently announced the appointment of alumnus Robert E. Nobles, II, DrPH, MPH, as the new Senior Vice President for Health Sciences Enterprise and Research Innovation. He will report to Executive Vice President for Health Sciences Enterprise and Research Innovation Donald Palm, III, Ph.D.

“I am both deeply honored and genuinely excited to extend a warm welcome to Dr. Robert E. Nobles II as our new Senior Vice President for Health Science Enterprise and Research Innovation at Florida A&M University,” said Palm. “He joins us as a nationally respected research leader with an exceptional record in driving significant research growth, building world-class infrastructure, and nurturing a culture of excellence. His impressive background will be invaluable as we accelerate our pursuit of R1 distinction.”

Nobles will spearhead FAMU’s strategy to become a Carnegie R1 classified institution, which is the designation for research universities with the highest level of research activity, doctoral programs, and scholarly publications. He is especially skilled at mobilizing institutions to reach ambitious goals, while maximizing exceptional talent and collaborations to strengthen and architect new and existing programs and opportunities. 

“I’m excited to be called back to the Hill as we begin this transformation process of becoming a Carnegie Classified R1 institution, with the highest level of research activity, doctoral programs, and scholarly publications,” said Nobles. “Following the visionary leadership of President Marva Johnson and Executive VP Dr. Donald Palm, and partnering closely with the exceptionally talented Provost, Dr. Allyson Watson, FAMU will be a destination for future scholars ready to make a positive impact on the world around them.”

Most recently, Nobles served as the vice president for Research Administration at Emory University where he oversaw a $1.1B research enterprise supported by more than 500 professionals. To accomplish more than 50% growth in less than 5 years, he leveraged partnerships across the university and provided strategic and operational direction for all major research administrative functions—from compliance and grant management to technology transfer. He is also the deputy director for the SECURE Center, which is a $50M NSF funded national research security initiative. Previously, Nobles held research leadership roles at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Texas A&M, University of Texas Health Science Center – Houston, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Nobles currently serves on the executive committee of the Federal Demonstration Partnership. He is the chair of the finance and audit committee for the Oak Ridge Associated Universities Board of Directors, and he serves on the Advisory Council of Public Responsibility in Medicine & Research.

Nobles received his Bachelor of Science in molecular biology and a Master of Public Health in epidemiology from Florida A&M University. He obtained his Doctor of Public Health in health policy & management, health economics, and epidemiology from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

“Throughout his career, Dr. Nobles has played a pivotal role in leading and scaling billion-dollar research enterprises while championing innovation, ensuring compliance, and promoting faculty success. We look forward to working together to boldly enhance our status as a premier institution of innovation, discovery, and impact,” said Palm.