Killearn Club Owner Changes Covenant, Extends Golf Course Protection

Killearn Club Owner Changes Covenant, Extends Golf Course Protection

The owner of the Killearn Country Club, Barton Tuck, informed club members that he has taken two steps to ensure that the club will remain an improved golfing facility for years to come. In a letter to members, Mr. Tuck said that he filed an amendment to the restrictive covenant of the golf course  which […]

Jury Awarded City Firefighter $700,000 for Mental Anguish

Jury Awarded City Firefighter $700,000 for Mental Anguish

Tallahassee Reports has learned that the recent jury verdict in favor of fired City of Tallahassee firefighter, Mark DeCarlo, included $700,000 for “mental anguish.” The total judgement awarded was $850,000. See our previous report here. Tallahassee Reports has obtained a copy of the verdict form. The entire form can be viewed here. The image below (click […]

City’s Ethics Board Delays Decision on Pledge

City’s Ethics Board Delays Decision on Pledge

The City’s Independent Ethics Board has been considering adopting an ethics pledge for Board members since November of last year. However, it appears the Board members cannot get comfortable with the language. In addition, during the meeting, City Attorney Lew Shelley, representing the City Commission, spoke to the Board and urged them not to adopt […]

Stewart’s Blog: Byron Dobson Refuses to Address Local Race Issues

Stewart’s Blog: Byron Dobson Refuses to Address Local Race Issues

The recent article by Tallahassee Democrat writer Byron Dobson, “Race: An issue too wide to get our arms around”,  helped me understand why we live in one of the most racially segregated cities in America and why it may never change. Mr. Dobson’s article was based on his coverage of a recent Village Square event entitled “Created […]

Where are the Northside Community Centers?

Where are the Northside Community Centers?

If you live in the Northeast part of town, past Interstate 10 (I-10), you are in a part of town that is responsible for a large share of City property taxes and City electric rates. In other words, you are a major financial supporter of City services. However, if you live in this part of […]

Former Commissioner Debbie Lightsey Benefits Monthly From City’s Deferred Compensation Which Ended in 2010

Former Commissioner Debbie Lightsey Benefits Monthly From City’s Deferred Compensation Which Ended in 2010

Six years after the City Commission voted to end deferred compensation – the practice of augmenting Commissioner salaries with $20,000 – one former City Commissioner continues to receive financial benefits every month due to the program, even though she retired after the program was voted down. This is how. The City of Tallahassee’s Charter says […]

Jury Awards City of Tallahassee Firefighter $850,000

Jury Awards City of Tallahassee Firefighter $850,000

Julie Montanaro of WCTV is reporting that a verdict has been reached in a Tallahassee whistleblower trial involving a City of Tallahassee firefighter. WCTV reports that former firefighter Mark DeCarlo, who claimed he was fired for blowing the whistle on leaky hoses and unsafe equipment, was awarded nearly $850,000 dollars in lost wages and benefits late […]

Since Recession, Leon Teacher Salaries Lose Ground to State Average, But More Teachers Were Retained

Since Recession, Leon Teacher Salaries Lose Ground to State Average, But More Teachers Were Retained

Since the Great Recession, Florida Department of Education data shows that K-12 Leon County teacher salaries have lost ground to average salaries state-wide. However, during the same period, Leon County was able to retain teachers at a higher rate when compared to state of Florida trends. The graph below shows the annual comparison of the […]

Baked Wings and Rabbit Coming to The Market District

Baked Wings and Rabbit Coming to The Market District

The Market District, located in North Tallahassee off of Thomasville Road, is home to well over 150 businesses, most of which are locally owned. Over the next two months, at least three new businesses will be opening their doors with some excited new options. On Market Street, the new location for Island Wings and Vertigo […]