City Commission Approves Permits for Springtime Tallahassee

City Commission Approves Permits for Springtime Tallahassee

At Wednesday’s meeting, the City Commissioners approved granting permits for Springtime Tallahassee subject to its plans for COVID mitigation. During the City Commission Retreat held in January, the commissioners directed staff to reinstate COVID-19 mitigation plans for spring special events in the area. These events, which would be co-sponsored by the City, must have approval […]

City Commission Changes Policy to Encourage Affordable Housing

City Commission Changes Policy to Encourage Affordable Housing

At Wednesday’s City Commission meeting, the commissioners voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance 21-O-04AA. The ordinance, which amends the Tallahassee Land Development Code (TLDC), will change the definition of “Dwelling Unit” to include obsolete hotels and motels converted into residential units. The new ordinance states, “When applied to the conversion of a previously existing hotel or […]

City Commission Approves Acceptance of the Rook, Other TPD Equipment Donations

City Commission Approves Acceptance of the Rook, Other TPD Equipment Donations

The Tallahassee City Commission met Wednesday and voted 3-2 to authorize the acceptance and expense of proceeds from the U.S. Department of Justice’s 2020 Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership, as well as the authorization to accept equipment and supplies that were donated to the Tallahassee Police Department. Commissioner Jeremy Matlow and Commissioner Jack Porter dissented. […]

Biden Prepares for “Build Back Better” Plan After Covid-19 Bill

Biden Prepares for “Build Back Better” Plan After Covid-19 Bill

As President Biden and his administration is working to have his $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill, known as the American Rescue Plan, passed through Congress, another recovery package is currently in development by the administration. While the package may become unpopular among Congress-members concerned about high-cost spending, Biden (who served 36 years in the Senate) […]

Ten Big Issues to Watch During the 2021 Session

Ten Big Issues to Watch During the 2021 Session

By Jim Saunders, The News Services of Florida TALLAHASSEE — The 2021 legislative session will start March 2, with Gov. Ron DeSantis giving the annual State of the State address. Lawmakers will take up a wide range of issues during the 60-day session, along with negotiating a budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Here are […]

Nikki Fried Won’t Lower Flags for Limbaugh

Nikki Fried Won’t Lower Flags for Limbaugh

By The News Service of Florida Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried intends to defy a call by Gov. Ron DeSantis to lower flags to half-staff to honor conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh, who died last week. Fried, the only statewide elected Democrat, issued a statement Monday that she will direct offices within her Cabinet agency […]

Tallahassee Airport Traffic Begins Year Down

Tallahassee Airport Traffic Begins Year Down

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to take a toll on air travel. The latest information from the Tallahassee International Airport shows passenger traffic decreased 62.0% in January when compared to traffic one year ago. The number of passengers was down from 70,7077 during January 2020 to 26,653 this year. Last month passenger traffic was […]

City Commission Votes to Resume Utility Disconnections

City Commission Votes to Resume Utility Disconnections

The City Commission met Wednesday and voted to resume disconnecting utilities when payments are not made. The City will provide a 60-day notice before disconnecting. City staff will also work with utility customers to apply for U.S. Treasury utility and rent assistance funds and establish payment agreements with utility customers on a case-by-case basis. When […]

TPD Conducting Patrols to Improve Pedestrian Safety

TPD Conducting Patrols to Improve Pedestrian Safety

Three months ago, the Tallahassee Police Department arrested a man linked to a fatal hit-and-run that killed a Florida State University student. Now, TPD is aiming to increase safety for pedestrians and bicyclists through education. “Leon County is one of the top 25 counties in the state for traffic crashes resulting in serious and fatal […]