At today’s Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency Meeting, the board reviewed a status report on the results of the Local Emergency Assistance for Nonprofits (LEAN) grant program. The board authorized the LEAN program in April 2020 in response to the economic crisis caused by COVID-19. The goal of the program was to offer financial assistance to local […]
By Dara Kam, The News Service of Tallahassee TALLAHASSEE — Opening the door for hundreds of thousands of convicted felons to be added to Florida’s voting rolls, a federal judge on Sunday struck down major parts of a state law requiring felons to pay court-ordered “legal financial obligations” to be eligible to vote. U.S. District […]
At their special COVID-19 response meeting on Thursday, the Leon County Commissioners reviewed a presentation on Leon County’s three-phase reopening plan. Earlier this week, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-123, outlining Florida’s statewide reopening plan and initiating phase one. Leon County’s plan reflects the executive order as well as state and federal guidelines. In […]
A vote scheduled for May 26 will decide what future growth will look like in Leon County for the next 20-30 years. The vote – which will amend the Comprehensive Plan – had been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, at the end of the last Leon County Commission meeting, Chairman Bryan Desloge made […]
By Ana Ceballos, The News Service of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday said he is lifting coronavirus-related restrictions on youth activities, including summer camps and athletic events, because he trusts parents and local governments will make the right decisions for kids. “We trust parents to use common sense. We trust our local officials. We […]
The City Commissioners approved an amendment to the Canopy Inclusionary Housing Agreement at their May 13 meeting. The amendment passed 4-1, with Commissioner Jeremy Matlow dissenting. Under the amendment, homebuyers eligible for inclusionary housing can make up to 100% of the area median income (AMI). Matlow commented that he is not in favor of adjusting […]
By Brian Burgess, The Capitolist Dozens of media outlets, both in Florida and nationally, published the sensational story of Dr. Rebekah Jones, a state Department of Health employee who was fired by the administration of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a Trump ally, after – she says – she refused to manipulate data to support the […]
By Ana Ceballos, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — Vacation rentals in seven Panhandle counties Tuesday were allowed to reopen with some restrictions, after weeks of being shut down as part of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ response to the coronavirus pandemic. Halsey Beshears, secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, approved plans […]
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration said Tuesday evening that a Department of Health employee who helped create Florida’s COVID-19 information “dashboard” was fired for insubordination, disputing allegations that she was terminated for refusing to manipulate data. “Rebekah Jones exhibited a repeated course of insubordination during her time with the department, including her unilateral decisions to modify […]
UPDATED The Independent Ethics Board tabled their decision on a pay raise for Attorney John Reid at their May 19 meeting. Reid has been the Board Counsel to the Ethics Board since Feb. 2019. ORIGINAL The Independent Ethics Board is considering a pay raise for Attorney John Reid at their May 19 meeting. Reid has […]