Staring at the Rectangle

Staring at the Rectangle

By Priscilla West Much has been written about our addiction to smartphones.  We see obvious problems with people too focused on these ubiquitous devices – in parking lots and checkout lines, at bus stops and traffic lights.   In time, experts will ascertain the effects on our brains, bodies, and personal skills.  Eventually, lawmakers will strike […]

City Commission Meeting Coming to Gilchrist Elementary

City Commission Meeting Coming to Gilchrist Elementary

For those who live in northeast Tallahassee and believe it is too difficult to travel downtown to a city commission meeting to voice concerns about an issue, it appears that city officials are going to make it easier for you – for at least one meeting. City Commissioner Dianne Williams-Cox posted on her Facebook that […]

Washington Post: Express buses speeding migrants to U.S. border

Washington Post: Express buses speeding migrants to U.S. border

The Washington Post is reporting that Mexican smugglers are now using buses to transport Guatemalan migrants directly to the U.S. southern border. The trip – which can cost up to $7,000 – speeds up the process and makes the trip safer. See a summary of the story – A “Conveyor Belt” to the US Border […]

Legislative Session Weekly Roundup

Legislative Session Weekly Roundup

By Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — Let’s be blunt. Less than two weeks into his first legislative session as Florida’s chief executive, Gov. Ron DeSantis is taking a well-deserved victory lap after strong-arming lawmakers into hoisting the white flag on pot. The Republican governor gave the Legislature an ultimatum shortly after […]

Leon County Report: Pretrial Release Program Saved $13 Mill in 2018

Leon County Report: Pretrial Release Program Saved $13 Mill in 2018

A Leon County report states that the Supervised Pretrial Release Program (SPRP) has saved $13,539,062 in jail costs by diverting defendants into the program during 2018. The Leon County’s SPRP is an alternative to monetary bail for defendants who are likely to appear in court and unlikely to present a danger to the community if […]

Leon County Commission Approves $1.5 Million for Social Services, Special Events in 2020

Leon County Commission Approves $1.5 Million for Social Services, Special Events in 2020

At the Tuesday Leon County Commission, officials voted to approve a $1.3 million funding level for the Community Human Service Partnership (CHSP) for fiscal year 2020. In addition, the County Commission voted to approve a five-year annual commitment of $100,000 to the Kearney Center/Homeless Shelter, $87,500 for county commissioner district budgets and $27,000 for special […]

First DCA Court Ruling Favors Killearn Golf Course Owner

First DCA Court Ruling Favors Killearn Golf Course Owner

Today the Florida First District Court of Appeal, after hearing oral arguments, denied an appeal filed by Jorge Piekarewicz and J. D. Rayburn and affirmed a lower court decision made in favor of Killearn Golf Course owner Barton Tuck. The decision affirmed a ruling made by Leon County Circuit Court Judge James O. Shelfer. The […]

‘Sanctuary Cities’ Bill Speeds Through Senate

‘Sanctuary Cities’ Bill Speeds Through Senate

By The News Service of Florida A Republican lawmaker’s effort to deport more undocumented immigrants detained by Florida law-enforcement agencies is quickly moving through the Senate. The Senate Infrastructure and Security Committee on a party-line vote Tuesday approved the bill (SB 168) without being able to finish hearing testimony from members of the public, who […]

Radio Host Using 4,000th Show to Benefit Hurricane Michael Survivors

Radio Host Using 4,000th Show to Benefit Hurricane Michael Survivors

When Hurricane Michael churned its way to the Gulf coast, morning drive radio host Preston Scott and his colleagues did what they have done each time a storm approached or hit the region – they broadcasted the important information to listeners. Michael was different and historic. Its legacy is one of devastation never seen in […]

Leon County Report: Ten Roads Operating Below Minimum Traffic Standards

Leon County Report: Ten Roads Operating Below Minimum Traffic Standards

At their last meeting, the Leon County Commission accepted the Concurrency Annual Report for 2018. One of the main purposes of the report is to evaluate the Level of Service (LOS) standards for roadways. LOS definitions are provided below. The report indicates that of the 444 roadway segments monitored, there were 21 roadway segments operating […]