Firing Up a Political Feud

Firing Up a Political Feud

By Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — Florida Democrats hope to make wildfires that destroyed homes and other structures in the Panhandle the latest political wedge between Gov. Ron DeSantis and Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, who some believe could clash in the 2022 gubernatorial election. The Florida Democratic Party wasted little time […]

City Commissioners Approve Construction Contract for Renovations to Air Traffic Control Tower

City Commissioners Approve Construction Contract for Renovations to Air Traffic Control Tower

At their May 13 meeting, the City Commissioners voted to award a $1,460,327.40 construction contract for extensive improvements to an air traffic control tower at the Tallahassee International Airport. The contract will be awarded to OliverSperry Renovation and Construction, Inc., a Tallahassee construction company that has previously renovated several restaurants, churches, office spaces, and more […]

Gyms to Reopen, Restaurant Seating to Expand

Gyms to Reopen, Restaurant Seating to Expand

By Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — Gyms and fitness centers can start to reopen Monday and restaurants can seat more customers, as Gov. Ron DeSantis continued Friday to take “small steps” with his economic recovery plans amid the coronavirus pandemic. DeSantis said restaurants on Monday can expand their indoor seating to […]

LCS to Form Task Force on Reopening Schools

LCS to Form Task Force on Reopening Schools

At the May 12 Leon County School Board meeting, Superintendent Rocky Hanna announced that the school district will form a task force for reopening Leon County Schools in the fall. The task force will be responsible for planning multiple components of the 2020-2021 school year, including issues related to the budget and the digital divide. […]

Is COVID-19 Causing “Excessive” Deaths in Florida?

Is COVID-19 Causing “Excessive” Deaths in Florida?

In an effort to measure the impact of COVID-19, a number of experts are turning to a measure called excessive deaths. Excessive deaths occur when deaths during a current time period are greater than what would be expected based on an average of deaths over a previous time period. The measure of excess deaths does […]

Vote-by-Mail, Absentee Voting Prompts Security Concerns

Vote-by-Mail, Absentee Voting Prompts Security Concerns

Amid concerns about the impact of COVID-19 on the upcoming elections, many election officials across the United States -including Leon County Supervisor of Elections Mark Earley – have recommended voters take advantage of vote-by-mail or other absentee voting opportunities. Earley said he is encouraging all voters to request vote-by-mail ballots as an “insurance policy” in […]

As Washington Square Site is Demobilized, County Commission to Receive Status Update

As Washington Square Site is Demobilized, County Commission to Receive Status Update

The Leon County Commissioners will review a status report on the Washington Square development at their May 12 meeting. The project has been stalled since mid-2019, and cranes at the construction site started coming down last week. Back in March, Fairmont Development, the project’s developer, terminated its contract with Yates Construction, the project’s primary contractor. […]

Prime Meridian Bank Processes $80 Million in “Paycheck Protection” Loans

Prime Meridian Bank Processes $80 Million in “Paycheck Protection” Loans

Prime Meridian Holding Company recently announced that Prime Meridian Bank had received Small Business Administration (SBA) approval on 746 loans related to the SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). As of April 29th, $74.4 million of the $80.0 million in loans had been disbursed. “One thing is for sure,”said Sammie D. Dixon, Jr., Vice Chairman, President […]

City to Consider Selling Parcel Next to Academy Sports

City to Consider Selling Parcel Next to Academy Sports

At the May 13th Tallahassee City Commission meeting, elected officials will consider the sale of a city owned property near one of the busiest intersections in Tallahassee. Tallahassee City Commissioners are being asked by city staff for approval to market a 3.46-acre  parcel located at the intersection of Mahan Drive and Weems Road. The parcel is […]

County Commission Candidate Profile: Bryan Desloge

County Commission Candidate Profile: Bryan Desloge

In June 2019, County Commissioner Bryan Desloge filed to run for reelection for Leon County Commission, District 4. Brian Welch is also running for the position. Desloge, a Tallahassee native, has served as County Commissioner since 2006. He is a member of the Board of Directors at Florida Blood Services and the Village Square. He […]