TR has previously published comparison data on the number of staff members. This report looks at the dollars being spent the staff.

The comparison includes five similarly sized Florida school districts: Leon, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Alachua, and Bay counties. Leon County Schools has a student population of 30,964, placing it near the top of the peer group. The analysis found that Leon’s spending exceeds the peer group average in three of the four staffing categories reviewed.

The largest difference is in non-teacher instructional staff, which includes positions outside the traditional classroom setting that support instruction. Leon spends approximately $16.54 million in this category, compared to the peer group average of $12.22 million. That represents about $4.32 million more than the average district in the comparison.

Leon also spends more on school administration than its peers. The district allocates approximately $26 million for school administrative staffing, compared to the peer average of $19.33 million. The difference of $6.68 million is the largest staffing gap identified in the analysis.

The third category where Leon exceeds its peers is student support staff. Leon spends $13.4 million, while the average among comparable districts is $14.98 million. Unlike the other categories, Leon is actually below the peer average in this area by approximately $1.58 million.

Combined, the analysis shows Leon County Schools spending approximately $9.42 million more than the peer group average across the three staffing categories when adjusted for the differences identified.

Overall staffing costs for Leon total approximately $55.94 million, compared with the peer group average of $46.52 million. Among the districts studied, only Alachua County’s total staffing-related expenditures ($52 million) were closer to Leon’s level. Okaloosa County spent $47.39 million, Santa Rosa spent $46.30 million, and Bay County spent $40.40 million.

The comparison comes as Leon County Schools faces discussions about future funding needs, enrollment trends, and a proposed property tax referendum intended to generate additional revenue for district operations.

District officials have argued that additional funding is necessary to maintain educational programs and address rising costs. Critics have questioned whether the district should first evaluate existing staffing levels and spending patterns before seeking additional taxpayer support.

The data highlights areas where Leon’s spending patterns differ substantially from similar-sized school systems and may prompt further discussion about staffing priorities and resource allocation.

In her answer to question on the subject, Inman-Johnson said FSU Health is not contractually obligated to provide indigent care to patients served by Tallahassee Memorial Hospital (TMH) under the new agreement. Inman-Johnson said, “We don’t have a contract that shows a commitment that FSU will continue that commitment…”

However, that is not the case.

It has been widely reported that the agreement signed in April, which transferred city owned hospital assets to FSU Health, has the same provisions for indigent care that the City of Tallahassee agreement with TMH provided. The new agreement requires FSU Health and TMH to provide at least the same amount of indigent care that was provided under the City of Tallahassee agreement with TMH.

In addition to the contractual language, FSU Health has noted that “Charity care and low-income medical access are unchanged by the partnership with Florida State University. The transition explicitly protects vulnerable populations. The legal property deeds transferred from the city include strict, ironclad restrictions requiring FSU and TMH to maintain charity and indigent care commitments that are at least as generous as those previously set forth in the City-TMH lease agreement.”

TR was told that the failure of FSU Health to meet the contractual obligations and provide the appropriate level of charity care would be a breach of contract.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who recently pushed for a major overhaul of property taxes paid to cities and counties, will soon decide whether to increase the amount of money local governments and the state must pay out in negligence lawsuits.

The Legislature sent HB 145 to DeSantis June 15. The governor has until June 30 to sign it, veto it, or allow the bill to become law without his signature.

HB 145 was one of the most hotly contested pieces of legislation during the 2026 regular session, attracting hundreds of lobbyist registrations.

And at least two organizations have sent correspondence to the governor  requesting that he veto the bill. Fourteen superintendents signed on to an April 2 veto letter from the Florida Panhandle Area Education Consortium requesting DeSantis to veto the legislation due to the “significant fiscal impact” it would have on the school districts if it were to become law.

“PAEC’s member districts operate within constrained local tax bases and narrow budget margins, leaving them with limited ability to absorb sudden financial liabilities. While we recognize the importance of ensuring fairness in the claims process, the increases to sovereign immunity caps contained in this legislation would create serious financial exposure for districts that are least equipped to manage it. For many small rural districts, the proposed caps in this legislation would have immediate and substantial consequences,” reads the letter written and signed by PAEC Executive Director John Selover.

DeSantis has not spoken about the bill publicly and his office didn’t immediately respond to request for comment.

HB 145 was supported by the Florida Justice Association, a group that represents trial attorneys. DeSantis has a history of vetoing legislation that has been supported by the trial bar group, including a 2025 bill that would have repealed a 35-year-old law that prevents some families from suing for the wrongful death of loved ones due to medical malpractice.

And in 2021 DeSantis vetoed FJA-supported legislation that would have repealed Florida’s no-fault automobile insurance system a and return to a fault-based system.

The king cannot commit a legal wrong

Sovereign immunity stems from the Latin phrase “rex non potest peccare,” which translates to “the king cannot commit a legal wrong.” It refers to the state’s authority to exempt itself from civil lawsuits, although the state does allow negligence claims against itself and its subdivisions — agencies, cities, counties, and public hospitals — within limits.

Injured parties can sue for damages and collect within the liability thresholds established by law, but if they win awards in excess of the limits they must go to the Legislature in the form of what’s called a claims bill to collect the overage. These in the past have involved harm from traffic accidents caused by government workers, medical malpractice at public hospitals, or wrongful convictions that have resulted in prison sentences.

The caps have been set at $200,000 per individual and $300,000 per incident since 2010, when the Legislature last agreed to address the issue.

HB 145 ups the caps from $200,000 per individual to $350,000 and from $300,000 per incident to $500,000.

An early iteration of the bill also would have changed the claims bill process, including amending the law to permit government entities to settle a claim or judgment in excess of the caps without requiring legislative approval. Moreover the initial bill also would have not allowed insurance policies to condition the payment of benefits on the enactment of a claims bill. Those provisions were removed before final passage.

Though not as much of an increase in the caps as she initially sought, House bill sponsor Rep. Fiona McFarland said she was happy the legislation passed during the 2026 session.

“Passing something is still significant right? We’re raising it [the sovereign immunity caps] from $200,000 to $350,000. That’s like a 75% increase. That’s still meaningful, right? If you are looking at medical bills or loss of wages or, or you know, all of the things that happened to these victims, an extra $150,000 sure goes a long way while you’re waiting for your claims bill to be passed,” the Sarasota Republican told the Phoenix shortly after the final House vote. “And I would rather do that now than … kick the proverbial can for another session and hope that we could maybe get half a million more.”

A lot of lobbying

Records show HB 145 drew 242 lobbyist registrations.

The FJA, meanwhile, reiterated its support for the bill in a prepared statement to the Phoenix Tuesday night.

“While HB 145 doesn’t address much needed reforms to the claims bill process, it is a small step toward addressing the lack of accountability that allows government entities to avoid fully compensating Floridians who have been injured by government negligence,” the FJA statement said.

Another association that opposed the bill was the Florida Hospital Association, which, according to an FHA spokesperson, also sent a letter to the governor June 9 requesting  that HB 145 be vetoed.

In a statement to the Florida Phoenix, FHA President and CEO Mary C. Mayhew said the existing framework is sufficient and “supports accountability without adding unnecessary stress and risk to an already strained system.”

“Florida’s current sovereign immunity framework already reflects a careful balance that supports accountability without adding unnecessary stress and risk to an already strained system,” Mayhew said in the statement. “Public hospitals play a vital role in Florida’s health care system … Every additional dollar diverted to litigation exposure, insurance premiums, settlements or claims administration is a dollar unavailable for patient care, workforce investment, access expansion, and community health priorities.”

The push for the veto comes after the PAEC and the FHA, and nine other organizations sent a letter to legislative leadership during the waning days of the 2026 session imploring them to kill HB 145.

The letter was sent by 11 organizations that collectively identified themselves as the “Sovereign Immunity Coalition.”

“While we recognize the importance of ensuring fairness in claims made against state and local governments, proposed increases and other changes to sovereign immunity caps raise significant fiscal and policy concerns that could negatively affect public services, and the taxpayers that pay for those services,” reads the letter.

According to the May 2026 sales data tabulated by the Florida Realtors® , the median single-family home sales price increased from $340,00 in Mayl 2025 to $355,000 in May 2026, a gain of $15,000 or 4.4%. The increase suggests that home values in the Tallahassee area continue to appreciate, although at a moderate pace that is more consistent with a stabilizing market than the rapid price growth experienced during the pandemic-era housing boom.

Sales activity also improved during the month. Total transactions increased from 330 homes sold in May 2025 to 357 in May 2026, an increase of 27 sales or 8.2%. The rise in transactions indicates that buyer demand remained strong enough to support increased market activity despite higher mortgage rates and elevated home prices.

Year-to-date figures present a somewhat different picture. While overall sales volume is stronger, median prices have softened slightly. Through the first five months of 2026, the median sales price stood at $339,300, compared with $331,000 during the same period in 2025, a decline of $8,300 or 2.5%. The decrease suggests that while May was a strong pricing month, lower-priced sales earlier in the year may have pulled down the cumulative median.

Meanwhile, year-to-date transactions rose significantly from 1,373 sales in 2025 to 1,466 sales in 2026, an increase of 93 homes or 6.8%. This stronger growth in sales volume indicates a healthier level of market participation and suggests that buyers remain active in the Tallahassee market despite economic uncertainties.

Overall, May’s data show a housing market characterized by modest price appreciation and increasing sales activity, while year-to-date figures point to stronger demand but slightly lower average pricing than a year ago.

County officials said a study found Leon County is more reliant on the funds from property taxes than a typical Florida county, with property tax revenue making up about 60% of the county’s budget. They also said there is no other revenue source that can replace the funds generated by property taxes.

Documents prepared for the workshop reviewed the FY 2027 Preliminary Budget, which totals $420.8 million — a 4.8% increase over the current fiscal year budget. County officials described the upcoming budget year as a transition period designed to prepare for potential structural changes if voters approve a proposed constitutional amendment affecting property taxes.

The proposed amendment, approved by the Florida Legislature for the November ballot, would increase the homestead exemption and direct the Legislature to establish procedures to gradually eliminate homestead property taxes. It would also reduce the annual assessment cap on non-homestead property from 10% to 5%. County staff estimate the measure could reduce Leon County’s property tax revenue by approximately $71 million, or 30%, during the first two years of implementation.

County leaders discussed cost saving measures to prepare for possible cuts like implementing a hiring freeze for non-essential positions and a voluntary separation program, similar to the one offered by the City of Tallahassee.

“Given the magnitude of the projected property tax reductions, I’m proposing that the county implement immediate stop-gap measures in the current fiscal year to the best position the county for the difficult decisions to be made in the coming months,” Leon County Administrator Vince Long said. “This includes a hiring freeze for all nonessential personnel, a freeze on nonessential travel and training not required to maintain certifications and licenses, a freeze on discretionary community sponsorships, not including those line items approved in March in your budget.”

Long said that these measures are designed to mitigate layoffs to the greatest extent possible by leaving vacant positions unfilled and to realize cost savings that can be used to delay service level reductions.

With commission approval, the hiring, travel and training freezes will extend to the constitutional offices, such as the Leon County Sheriff’s Office and the Leon County Clerk of Courts.

Amid all the cost saving discussion, commissioners voted 4-3 in favor or a 4% raise for county employees. This will cost the county an additional $800,000, but commissioners in support said this may be the last time they’re able to give raises for a while. Those against said they can’t support spending more on salaries when the potential for property tax revenue to be cut is on the table.

“We’re lucky to have a gap year to prepare for what we have to deal with next year. But as we make our decisions today, let’s make our decisions today understanding what we’re going to have to deal with a year from now, and understanding the position that Leon County – not just the commissioners and not just the constitutionals – but Leon County as a whole is going to be in when we have to deal with those cost-savings,” Leon County Commissioner Nick Maddox said.

The county may also enact a voluntary separation program for employees. It would be the second local government to institute that form of cutback.

Specific details related to the issues discussed will be provided at another workshop in July.

Under a plan given initial approval by the commission Tuesday with a 6-1 vote (Proctor against), COCA will continue to administer arts and cultural grants funded by the county, but how those dollars are doled out will be determined by the Leon commissioners every year during the budgeting process.

The move comes as the commission recently considered giving control of the entire grant process to the county’s tourist development arm. Commissioners describe the new approach as a “compromise” between the sole administrator model (current), where COCA decided all grant distributions and the in-house model, which would have placed COCA under the County’s Division of Tourism, potentially saving $213,000 but reducing COCA’s independence.

“When I get in situations like this. This is exactly where I end up. Everybody gives a little bit, we get a compromise, we can move forward, but nobody’s hurt too bad to where it’s not working as for our community,” Leon County Commissioner Nick Maddox said.

The county says COCA’s agency status and funding level are unchanged.

Supporters say the model brings consistency similar to other county partnerships (e.g., Community Human Service Partnership) and improves stewardship of taxpayer dollars. However, COCA Executive Director Kathleen Spehar has expressed worries about the impact on drawing down National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grants, though the county says COCA will still be eligible WTXL ABC 27.

The ordinance to implement the change must pass with at least 5/7 votes after a public hearing.

The Council on Culture & Arts is a non-profit organization serving as the umbrella agency for arts and culture in Florida’s capital area, including Leon County Tallahassee Arts Guide. It was established in 1985 to provide a centralized voice and support system for the region’s arts and cultural sector.

COCA is not a government entity but works closely with the City of Tallahassee, Leon County, the state, and local school districts as a cultural industry partner. The group currently oversees $2 million in grant programs anually to promote and support the arts, ensure equitable access to creative opportunities, and advocate for the cultural sector’s economic and social value.

There were 66 permits issued in May 2026, compared to 46 permits issued one year ago. There were 70 permits issued last month, April 2026.

The 3-Mnth Avg. data (Mar. – May.), which smooths out the month-to-month volatility, shows a 32.0% increase in the number of permits issued over the same 3-month period one year ago.

The 3-Mnth Avg. data show a 6.1% increase in monthly average permit value during this period. The 3-month average permit values increased from $13.1 million in May 2025 to $13.9 million in May 2026.

The chart below shows the number of permits issued each month for the last 37-month period. A 3-month average line is also included. The highlighted numbers relate to permits issued in the month of April back to 2023.

The chart shows that the 3-month average declining trend that began in June 2025 has been reversed. The year-to-date (YTD) numbers through May show 2026 permits (259) is behind the number of permits issued during the first six months of 2025 (301).

Born on November 25, 1941, Ralph grew up in Palmetto, Florida, a community he would proudly represent throughout much of his life. He developed his lifelong sweet tooth while working his first job at The Dairy Bar, his family’s diner and ice cream shop. Throughout his childhood and into high school, Ralph played baseball as a left-handed pitcher, with a self-described unhittable screwball. He attended The Citadel Military College and earned degrees from the University of Florida and Cumberland School of Law. He was a diehard Gator fan, never missing the opportunity to watch every Gator game, regardless of the sport. Ralph then created a career that blended law and politics, putting his charisma and formidable advocacy to good use as a prosecutor, judge, member of the Florida House of Representatives, and ultimately Speaker of the Florida House from 1980 to 1982.

After leaving public office, he built a distinguished legal career, becoming a trusted and influential lobbyist and counselor to clients, colleagues, and friends. He was a mentor to many, starting countless conversations with “dude, here’s the problem,” before proceeding to offer advice that was as good as gold.

Those who knew him best understood that professional accolades never fully captured the man.

Ralph lived his many lives to the fullest. He was an avid fisherman, often taking friends and family on his prized Hatteras, “Frayed Knot,” for fishing trips in the Gulf, the Florida Keys, and the Bahamas. He spent many days riding his motorcycle across the country and beyond with his friends and his wife, Michelle. He took several dedicated motorcycle excursions, including trips to South Dakota, California, Canada, and more. He was proud to have ridden the legendary Tail of the Dragon, a world-famous motorcycle run with over 300 curves along the Tennessee-North Carolina state line.

Ralph’s life story included more than its fair share of excitement and plot twists. Over the years, he survived a plane crash, a black widow spider bite, a near-death case of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and the sinking of a boat 12 miles offshore. Ralph’s friends and family often joked that fate kept trying to schedule a meeting with Ralph, and Ralph kept rescheduling.

Above all, Ralph was devoted to his family. He shared a loving partnership with Michelle, his wife of 30 years, and was the proud father of their daughter, Elizabeth (“EJ”), whom he touted as his favorite daughter. He delighted in hosting dinners for family and friends to show off his grilling prowess, and to captivate the room with his stories – especially when he happened to be the hero of them.

He leaves behind a legacy not only of great accomplishment but of personal generosity, steadfast friendship, and deep love for his friends and family. Those who knew Ralph will remember his sharp mind, strong convictions, and remarkable resilience. It is fitting that a man who survived so much ultimately leaves behind something even more enduring than his accomplishments: the example of a life fully lived.

Ralph was preceded by his parents, Ralph Haben, Sr., and Jonnie Claire Haben. He is survived by his wife, Michelle Haben; his daughter, Elizabeth Watford (Sam); and his granddaughter, Sophie Watford.

He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and frequently quoted.

The family asks that friends honor Ralph’s memory by telling a good story – preferably one that improves slightly with each retelling, a tradition Ralph himself greatly appreciated.

A Celebration of Life will be held to honor his legacy. Date, time, and location will be announced soon.

Trulieve Cannabis Co., Florida’s largest marijuana provider and one of the biggest in the nation, has been approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

Voting shares are expected to begin trading on the NYSE floor under the ticker symbol TRLV on Wednesday morning.

When that happens, it will have become the first U.S. cannabis company to list on the NYSE.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche reclassified medical marijuana to Schedule III in April, opening a pathway for Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration for state licensed medical marijuana companies. The classification means a drug has some medical use and a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence.

“As the first U.S. cannabis company to list on a major U.S. exchange, we are excited for the opportunity to expand our shareholder base, increase liquidity, and raise awareness for the benefits of medical marijuana,” Kim Rivers, Trulieve founder and CEO, said in a press release. “Uplisting to the NYSE is a major advancement for Trulieve and the industry.”

Trulieve provided the financial muscle in 2024 to fund Smart & Safe Florida, the advocacy group that worked to place recreational cannabis on the ballot. The measure received nearly 56% support, short of the 60% required for passage.

The company came back last year to fund a similar effort to get the issue on the ballot this November, but the Florida Supreme Court ended that push in March when it declined to rehear Smart & Safe’s lawsuit against Secretary of State Cord Byrd. That lawsuit challenged a directive by Byrd to invalidate more than 70,000 petition signatures collected by the campaign.

Trulieve has been listed on the Canadian Stock Exchange since 2018, but will no longer do so following the close of the market on Tuesday.

Documents prepared for an upcoming budget workshop reviewed the FY 2027 Preliminary Budget, which totals $420.8 million — a 4.8% increase over the current fiscal year budget. County officials described the upcoming budget year as a transition period designed to prepare for potential structural changes if voters approve a proposed constitutional amendment affecting property taxes.

The proposed amendment, approved by the Florida Legislature for the November ballot, would increase the homestead exemption and direct the Legislature to establish procedures to gradually eliminate homestead property taxes. It would also reduce the annual assessment cap on non-homestead property from 10% to 5%. County staff estimate the measure could reduce Leon County’s property tax revenue by approximately $71 million, or 30%, during the first two years of implementation.

In response, county administrators proposed immediate “stop gap” measures intended to preserve financial flexibility and avoid more severe cuts later. The recommendations include freezing hiring for non-essential positions, limiting non-essential travel and training, freezing discretionary community event sponsorships, and seeking participation from constitutional officers in similar cost-control efforts.

County officials said the measures are designed to maintain liquidity, reduce expenses, and provide time for a more deliberate review of county operations. The goal is to avoid widespread layoffs by leaving vacant positions unfilled and allowing the County Commission to evaluate staffing needs and service priorities.

The proposed FY 2027 budget also shifts the county’s capital program toward maintaining existing infrastructure rather than expanding capacity. Projects were evaluated based on whether they addressed critical maintenance, health, safety, or infrastructure needs. One example is the Main Library Essential Libraries Initiative expansion, where the planned project scope was reduced from $4 million to $200,000 so funds could be redirected to more immediate infrastructure priorities.

Officials noted the budget challenges are compounded by uncertainty over state-shared revenues, rising healthcare costs, inflation affecting contracts and capital projects, and potential state actions limiting local government revenue options.

A second budget workshop is scheduled for July 14, when county staff will present a more detailed implementation plan addressing potential organizational restructuring, revenue options, service priorities, and long-term financial strategies.

The vote introduced the ordinance and scheduled the first and only public hearing for Aug. 26, 2026.

The annexation request follows a previous effort involving Phipps’ property near Lake Jackson, where proposed comprehensive plan changes that would have allowed more intensive development generated significant public debate. Environmental advocates raised concerns about potential impacts near the Lake Jackson Aquatic Preserve, Carr Lake, and Mallard Pond.

City staff report that the parcels meet the geographic requirements for voluntary annexation under Florida law. Three parcels are within the City’s electric service territory, while two would continue receiving electric service from Talquin Electric Cooperative. Water and sewer services are either available or planned within the City’s five-year Capital Improvement Plan.

The properties are currently designated Rural on both the City and County future land use maps and zoning maps. No immediate rezoning would be required if the annexation is approved.

Supporters of annexation have noted that extending city services can help address infrastructure needs, while opponents have raised broader concerns about growth patterns, environmental protection, and expansion into rural areas.

The Leon County Commission is expected to review the annexation request before the City Commission’s public hearing.

One of the most recent incidents occurred following a physical disturbance as a large crowd gathered in the parking lot of 2020 South Adams Street just before 3 a.m. on Sunday, June 7. A short time after the fight, one of the involved individuals retrieved a firearm and began shooting, striking three people. All three victims were shot while attempting to flee the area.

Following an investigation, the suspect was arrested and now faces three counts of attempted murder.

Over the last month, Tallahassee has experienced nine separate shootings resulting in 13 people injured and three homicides. Many of these incidents have occurred in or around locations where large crowds had gathered.

Check out TR’s latest analysis of crime incident data here.

While preliminary findings indicate each case is isolated in nature, the common denominator is clear: large, unsanctioned gatherings can create environments where conflicts escalate quickly, and innocent people are placed at risk.

In response, TPD is continuing to dedicate significant resources toward addressing these incidents through increased patrols, proactive enforcement, and focused monitoring of areas where large crowds are known to gather.

“Every shooting is unacceptable, and every victim is one too many,” said Chief Lawrence Revell. “Our officers, detectives and specialized units are working tirelessly to prevent violence, hold offenders accountable and keep our community safe. We have made arrests and will continue to pursue those responsible for these crimes. But public safety is a shared responsibility. We encourage residents to partner with us by reporting large gatherings and suspicious activity before violence occurs.”

TPD is asking community members to immediately notify law enforcement when they observe large crowds gathering in public spaces, parking lots or other locations where disturbances may develop. Early notification allows officers the opportunity to respond proactively, deter criminal activity and prevent situations from escalating.