Local Business Group Calls for Dismissal of City Manager

Local Business Group Calls for Dismissal of City Manager

Citizens for Responsible Spending (CRS), a group of Tallahassee business people who formed in 2015 to address the lack of a transparent budget process, held a press conference today and called for the “immediate dismissal of Rick Fernandez as City Manager.” The City Commission recently voted to keep Mr. Fernandez on administrative paid leave and […]

Appeals Court Rejects Miami Beach Minimum Wage

Appeals Court Rejects Miami Beach Minimum Wage

In a win for business groups, a South Florida appeals court Wednesday said state law prevents Miami Beach from moving forward with a local minimum wage. A panel of the 3rd District Court of Appeal upheld a circuit judge’s ruling against the city minimum wage, which was expected to take effect in 2018. The appeals […]

Constitution Revision Commission Closer to Making it Harder to Raise Taxes

Constitution Revision Commission Closer to Making it Harder to Raise Taxes

THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, December 12, 2017……… A measure that would require future tax or fee increases to be approved by two-thirds votes of the Legislature is ready for consideration by the state Constitution Revision Commission. The commission’s Finance and Taxation Committee on Tuesday voted unanimously to advance a proposed constitutional amendment (Proposal 72), sponsored by Commissioner Fred Karlinsky […]

Marijuana Law Carve Out for “Black Farmer” Challenged in Leon Court

Marijuana Law Carve Out for “Black Farmer” Challenged in Leon Court

A Leon County circuit judge will hear arguments Thursday on a request for a temporary injunction to block the Florida Department of Health from carrying out part of a new law that calls for issuing a medical-marijuana license to a black farmer. Judge Charles Dodson will hear an injunction request by attorneys for Columbus Smith, a black […]

The State Capital Weekly Roundup: Gun Bills Killed, Sexual Harassment, Text Messaging

The State Capital Weekly Roundup: Gun Bills Killed, Sexual Harassment, Text Messaging

THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, December 8, 2017……… Christmas trees have been hoisted inside the House and Senate chambers, but lawmakers won’t be around to spread the holiday cheer. They’ve scattered to the three corners of the state and burgs throughout the peninsula for a month-long break before the 2018 legislative session dawns on Jan. 9. For many, […]

City Ethics Board Gets Another Ausley Connection

City Ethics Board Gets Another Ausley Connection

On Wednesday the City Commission voted to fill a vacancy on the City Independent Ethics Board with Bill Hollimon -the husband of Florida State Representative Lorrane Ausley. Mr. Hollimon is the owner of Hollimon, P.A. Lorrane Ausley’s father, Dubose Ausley, is listed as the Director of the Ausley & McMullen law firm. The Ausley & […]

President Thrasher Touts FSU Progress, Addresses Challenges

President Thrasher Touts FSU Progress, Addresses Challenges

As John Thrasher begins his fourth year as president of Florida State University, he said he has changed. In his annual “state of the university” address to the Faculty Senate on Wednesday, Thrasher likened his transformation to the students who were freshmen when he assumed the presidency in fall 2014 and who will graduate as seniors […]

The Fate of Rick Fernandez: Reinstated, Status Quo, or Terminated?

The Fate of Rick Fernandez: Reinstated, Status Quo, or Terminated?

The agenda for the next city commission meeting on December 6th contains Item 11.01 which is  titled “City Manager Administrative Leave.” The agenda item states: On November 8, the City Commission voted to approve paid administrative leave for the City Manager until such time as the Florida Commission on Ethics resolves the matter of a […]

Dr. Erwin Jackson, Rep. Ausley’s Husband, Among Those Seeking Ethics Board Appointment

Dr. Erwin Jackson, Rep. Ausley’s Husband, Among Those Seeking Ethics Board Appointment

On Wednesday the City Commission will vote to fill a vacancy on the City Independent Ethics Board. Notable applicants include Dr. Erwin Jackson, former City Commission candidate Luther Lee and Bill Hollimon -the husband of Florida State Representative Lorrane Ausley. Dr Erwin Jackson, who calls himself the “Tallahassee Truth Teller”, filled out an application and […]