The controversy centers on a $4.4 million HUD Lead Hazard Reduction grant awarded to the City of Tallahassee to identify and remove lead-based paint hazards in older housing occupied by low-income residents. In early May, HUD designated the city’s grant program as “high risk” and launched an audit after raising concerns about contractor costs, project eligibility and compliance with federal regulations.

According to city records and correspondence with federal officials, approximately $1.6 million has been spent through the program, with HUD having reimbursed the city about $1.03 million. Federal officials questioned several expenditures, including the cost of replacing doors at an apartment complex on Holton Street, where some door replacements reportedly exceeded $8,000 each.

The situation escalated on May 26 when HUD informed the city that costs associated with the Holton Street project were ineligible for reimbursement under the grant. Federal reviewers also concluded the city failed to provide sufficient documentation verifying tenant income eligibility, occupancy requirements and whether the project prioritized households with children under six years old — a central goal of the lead hazard reduction program.

As a result, HUD is requiring Tallahassee to repay at least $1.03 million in federal funds and warned that additional ineligible costs could be identified as the review continues. The city has suspended grant activities while working with federal officials to address the findings.

However, city officials are disputing HUD’s conclusions and have indicated they intend to appeal the repayment determination. Assistant City Manager Christian Doolin told city commissioners that staff believes documentation previously submitted to HUD adequately demonstrates compliance with program requirements. City officials contend the issue is not whether the work was performed, but whether the documentation provided satisfies federal standards. The city maintains that it can address HUD’s concerns through the appeals process and hopes to overturn the repayment demand.

The controversy has also triggered political fallout at City Hall. Commissioners have debated responsibility for the program’s management, while calls have emerged for a forensic audit and further investigation into the handling of federal housing funds. Allegations from a former employee and public disputes among elected officials have added to the scrutiny.

Federal officials have not alleged criminal wrongdoing, but the audit continues. The outcome could determine whether Tallahassee must return additional grant funds and what corrective actions may be required before the city can resume the lead hazard reduction program. The appeal process is expected to focus heavily on whether the city can provide sufficient evidence that grant-funded projects met HUD’s eligibility and documentation requirements.

The update, presented during the May 13 City Commission meeting, outlined the city’s ongoing monitoring and testing efforts related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS. The chemicals, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are widely used in consumer and industrial products and have become a growing environmental and public health concern nationwide.

The update comes after local scientists requested a study on the city of Tallahassee’s Southeast Farm water treatment spray field on Tram Road as a potential source of contamination found in a number of private wells throughout the Woodville area.

According to the report, the city has conducted extensive sampling of drinking water, wastewater influent, treated effluent sprayed at the Southeast Farm, biosolids, groundwater wells, and industrial users connected to the wastewater system.

Testing results showed PFAS levels in treated wastewater sprayed at the Southeast Farm measured 2.2 parts per trillion for PFOA and 2.3 parts per trillion for PFOS. Those levels are below the federal drinking water standard of 4 parts per trillion established for both compounds.

City officials said groundwater monitoring data also supports the conclusion that the Southeast Farm is not the primary source of elevated PFAS levels discovered in central Woodville. The report noted that the groundwater contamination area identified by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is approximately 2.74 miles from the spray field.

The update stated that most private well samples collected by the Florida Department of Health in Woodville were below the new federal drinking water standard. As of March 25, 2026, 85 of 112 private well samples tested below 4 parts per trillion. One well on Oak Ridge Road East measured 76 parts per trillion for PFOS, above the state’s provisional groundwater cleanup target level of 70 parts per trillion.

City officials said additional sources are likely contributing to PFAS contamination entering the wastewater system. Sampling identified elevated PFAS levels associated with landfill leachate, laundry operations and car washes.

The city emphasized that Tallahassee’s public drinking water continues to meet all regulatory standards and said officials have been proactive in testing for PFAS prior to regulatory mandates.

The report also noted that PFAS regulations continue to evolve at both the federal and state levels. City officials said Tallahassee will continue monitoring drinking water and wastewater systems while working with state agencies on the broader Woodville investigation.

Officers responded to the area following reports of a shooting and quickly learned the victim had been transported to the corner of Seventh Avenue and Monroe Street. Life-saving measures were attempted; however, the victim sadly succumbed to his injuries.

Through their investigation, detectives with TPD’s Violent Crimes Unit identified King as a suspect. The investigation revealed the victim was asked to leave the Sound Bar following an argument with staff. A disagreement continued outside the business, during which the victim reportedly made threats and entered a vehicle. King then retrieved a firearm kept on-site for security and discharged the weapon multiple times, striking the victim.

Following consultation with the State Attorney’s Office, King was charged with second-degree homicide.

Goad notified commissioners of his intent to retire effective Sept. 30, 2026, or when a successor is hired. Goad has worked for the City of Tallahassee for 26 years, including serving as deputy city manager before being appointed interim city manager on Nov. 8, 2017. He was formally appointed city manager in September 2018 and has led the city for nearly nine years.

The city manager is one of four appointed officials established by the city charter and serves as the administrative head of city government. The position oversees daily operations, public safety services, utilities, budgeting, personnel decisions and implementation of commission policies.

Under Goad’s leadership, the city has managed a fiscal year 2026 operating and capital budget of approximately $1.2 billion and assets totaling nearly $6 billion, including pension funds. The city manager also supervises roughly 2,923 employees and oversees six municipal utilities, the region’s largest law enforcement agency, Tallahassee Fire Department operations, more than 100 city parks and the Tallahassee International Airport.

To guide the transition, city staff reviewed proposals from two executive recruitment firms already under contract with the city — Ad-Vance and S. Renée Narloch & Associates. Staff recommended hiring S. Renée Narloch & Associates based on experience, qualifications and cost.

The proposed recruitment process is expected to take about 16 weeks and cost approximately $30,000, including advertising, candidate screening, background checks and finalist interviews. The search will include national advertising through professional organizations and direct outreach to experienced public sector administrators.

Following the recruitment process, finalists will participate in public interviews with the City Commission before a final selection is made.

The YTD Numbers

The incident data -tabulated by TR – show that YTD property crime incidents were up 12.0% and YTD violent crime incidents are up 33.7% through April when compared to one year ago.

Property crimes encompass burglaries, thefts, and incidents of vandalism. Violent incidents include aggravated assaults, armed robberies, and physical altercations.

A look at specific crimes reveals the increase in property crime was driven by increases in residential (25.4%) and commercial burglaries (89.6%). The Auto Burglary & Theft category – which accounts for approximately 55% of all property crimes – is down 7.2%.

The violent crime data shows that robbery incidents were up 32.2% while assault & battery incidents were up 24.5%.

12-Month Trends

The chart below shows the 12-month trends of property and violent crime incidents from January 2023 through April 2026.

Property crime incidents began to decline in December 2024 and reached a 3-year low in October 2025. For a brief period, the change in property crime has remained flat. However, over the last three months these crimes have started to increase.

Violent crime incidents peaked in October 2023 and reached a 3-year low in June 2025. Since then, violent crime incidents have been trending up.

City staff outlined the potential impact of Senate Bill 1134, titled “Official Actions of Local Governments,” in a agenda item prepared for the May 13th city commission meeting. The law, signed April 22, 2026, takes effect Jan. 1, 2027.

The measure broadly prohibits cities and counties from funding, promoting or taking official action related to diversity, equity and inclusion, commonly referred to as DEI. The statute defines DEI efforts as programs or activities tied to race, color, sex, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation, including initiatives intended to influence hiring composition, provide preferential treatment or conduct targeted training and programming.

City staff warned that the law could affect multiple areas of municipal operations. Among the areas identified for further review are human resources policies and employee training programs, city-sponsored events and celebrations, minority and women-owned business enterprise initiatives, community grant programs and ordinances containing DEI-specific language.

The proposed staff recommendation asks commissioners to direct a comprehensive review of all city ordinances, policies, programs, sponsorships, grants and contracts that could be impacted by the legislation.

The law also prohibits local governments from funding or staffing DEI offices or employing DEI officers. In addition, municipal contracts and grants will now require recipients to certify they will not use city funds for DEI-related instruction or materials for employees or agents.

Staff noted that the legislation creates a resident enforcement mechanism allowing citizens to sue municipalities or officials for alleged violations. Potential remedies include injunctions, damages and legal costs. The law further states that local officials who knowingly violate the statute may be deemed guilty of misfeasance or malfeasance in office, which under Florida law could expose them to suspension by the governor.

City officials said several exceptions remain in place, including actions necessary to comply with federal and state anti-discrimination laws and recognition of official holidays and commemorative observances.

During legislative debate, bill sponsor Clay Yarborough said public events open to all residents generally would not violate the law, while programs limited to specific groups could face scrutiny.

City staff said additional legal guidance from the Florida League of Cities is expected later this summer as municipalities across the state prepare for implementation.

Matlow’s full statement is provided below:

“For the last six years I’ve raised warnings of the mismanagement and toxic culture created by Reese Goad after his appointment by a lame duck city commission in the height of the Maddox Corruption era.

While the timing of his resignation immediately following the sale of the hospital and golf course for pennies on the dollar is suspicious, it is a great day for the City of Tallahassee and an opportunity for us to move on to a brighter future.

In the interim we are in very capable hands with DCM Karen Jumonville who will bring stability during a national search for the next City Manager.

In November, a new City Commission will be sworn-in and should have the opportunity to select the new administrator from a broad pool of qualified candidates from across the country that can turn the page on division and help unify our city.”

Officers originally responded to the business at approximately 1:30 a.m. on April 5 in reference to a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Life-saving measures were immediately initiated, and the victim was transported to a local hospital, where he sadly succumbed to his injuries.

Through their investigation, detectives with TPD’s Violent Crimes Unit determined that a fight broke out inside the business. During the incident, Williams produced a firearm and shot the victim multiple times before fleeing the scene.

Witness statements and evidence collected at the scene, led detectives to identify Williams as the suspect and locate the firearm used in the shooting.

On April 24, Williams was taken into custody and charged with second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The YTD Numbers

The incident data -tabulated by TR – show that YTD property crime incidents were up 13.9% and YTD violent crime incidents are up 32.8% through March when compared to one year ago.

Property crimes encompass burglaries, thefts, and incidents of vandalism. Violent incidents include aggravated assaults, armed robberies, and physical altercations.

A look at specific crimes reveals the increase in property crime was driven by increases in residential (19.8%) and commercial burglaries (100.0%). The Auto Burglary & Theft category – which accounts for approximately 55% of all property crimes – was down 3.4%.

The violent crime data shows that robbery incidents were up 64.1% while assault & battery incidents were up 25.0%.

12-Month Trends

The chart below shows the 12-month trends of property and violent crime incidents from January 2023 through March 2026.

Property crime incidents began to decline in December 2024 and reached a 3-year low in October 2025. For a brief period, the change in property crime has remained flat. However, over the last three months these crimes have started to increase.

Violent crime incidents peaked in October 2023 and reached a 3-year low in June 2025. Since then, violent crime incidents have been trending up.

The TPD watch commander said the shooting happened inside a sports bar called Zingales Billiards & Sports Bar, located at 1147 Apalachee Parkway.

At approximately 1:31 a.m. on Sunday morning, TPD responded to the area following reports of a shooting. When officers arrived, an adult male was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Life-saving measures were immediately attempted, and the victim was transported to a local hospital, but sadly, he succumbed to his injuries.

Preliminary findings indicate the shooting occurred during a large physical altercation. Currently, there is no known ongoing threat to the public.

This remains an open and active investigation and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Following a thorough investigation, detectives with TPD’s Violent Crimes Unit determined that a large altercation occurred stemming from an ongoing dispute involving multiple individuals. During the incident, the victim attempted to intervene and stop one of the fights, at which point he observed the suspect, Jessie Davis V, striking another individual with a firearm. As the victim attempted to stop Davis, he was shot. Davis fled the scene after the shooting.

On April 1, Davis was taken into custody and charged with second-degree murder and aggravated battery.

The YTD Numbers

The incident data -tabulated by TR – show that YTD property crime incidents were up 16.7% and YTD violent crime incidents are up 22.0% through February when compared to one year ago.

Property crimes encompass burglaries, thefts, and incidents of vandalism. Violent incidents include aggravated assaults, armed robberies, and physical altercations.

A look at specific crimes reveals the increase in property crime was driven by a 160.0% increase in commercial burglaries and a 27.5% increase in residential burglaries. The Auto Burglary & Theft category – which accounts for approximately 55% of all property crimes – was down 8.3%.

The violent crime data shows that robbery incidents were up 100.0% while assault & battery incidents were up 6.4%.

12-Month Trends

The chart below shows the 12-month trends of property and violent crime incidents from December 2022 through February 2026.

Property crime incidents began to decline in December 2024 and reached a 3-year low in October 2025. Since then, the change in property crime has remained flat.

Violent crime incidents peaked in October 2023 and reached a 3-year low in June 2025. Since then, violent crime incidents have been trending up.