Sales have been brisk for state lottery games after a brief period where inflation apparently caused consumers to dial back purchases of scratch-off tickets.

The Florida Lottery reported $9.7 billion in sales for all games in the fiscal year that ended June 30, a 6.35 percent increase from the prior year.

“Scratch-Off games continued to be a strong contributor to the Lottery’s success, generating $7.14 billion in sales, an increase of more than $308 million compared to Fiscal Year 2025,” Lottery Director of Communications & Strategic Partnerships Alecia Collins wrote in an email. “Draw game sales also experienced significant growth, reaching $2.56 billion, an increase of more than $271 million.”

The draw game sales figure doesn’t include state revenue from the recent rollover jackpots in the multi-state games of Powerball and Mega Millions, where the winning ticket on Tuesday was sold at a Wawa in Bradenton.

But the overall total indicates a potential reversal of an expected two-year slowdown in play, with sales down to around $9.1 billion in fiscal year 2024-2025 and $9.4 billion in fiscal year 2023-2024 after reaching $9.8 billion in fiscal year 2022-2023.  

In September 2024, state economists attributed the drop in play to a decline in scratch-off sales as consumers faced inflationary pressures coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic period, which saw a spike in Lottery purchases.

At the time, the economic forecast for the games projected Lottery sales to decline to $8.8 billion in the 2024-2025 fiscal year and slowly return to the $9 billion mark by the 2027-2028 fiscal year.

By January of this year, however, the Revenue Estimating Conference noted the increase in people playing scratch-off games as it revised its economic outlook for the state.

“The gain to the (Lottery) forecast in the current year was largely attributable to higher-than-expected Scratch-Off sales,” the conference wrote on Jan. 15. “The new sales data suggests that there will be stronger year-over-year growth than originally anticipated.”

“In its new forecast, the Conference projects 5.2 percent growth in the current year, before a return in the outer years to growth rates that mirror population growth as expected in August 2025,” the conference report continued.

State economists will again look at the Lottery numbers on Aug. 7, ahead of an overall update of the state’s general revenue on Aug. 14.

Collins noted that sales in the past fiscal year, along with earnings on investments and unclaimed prizes, generated about $2.36 billion from the Lottery to the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund.

Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Weather: Today, showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 5pm with a high near 98. Tonight, showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 11pm with a low around 78. Thursday, showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly between 2pm and 3pm with a high near 94. Thursday night, showers and thunderstorms likely before 11pm, then a chance of showers between 11pm and 2am with a low around 75. NWS

US stock markets close mixed (S&P 500 +0.2%, Dow +1.0%, Nasdaq -0.2%) (More).

Local & State News

The Leon County School Board approved a $615 million operating budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year Tuesday, adopting a spending plan that reflects declining enrollment, shrinking reserves and difficult cost-cutting decisions. Details.

City Commissioner Dianne Williams-Cox won the NEBA straw poll held for Seat 5 with 87% of the vote. Details.

Florida’s newest guidelines warn against prescribing psychotropic medications for children, echoing the Make America Healthy Again movement’s push to impose changes on childhood health care. Details

National News

President Donald Trump eulogizes the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) at memorial service in Washington, DC (More, w/photos).

Teen receives life sentence without parole for fatally shooting four people in 2024 at Georgia’s Apalachee High School (More).

The budget passed on a 4-1 vote, with District 1 board member Alva Smith casting the lone dissenting vote. The approved budget is approximately $32 million smaller than last year’s.

Superintendent Rocky Hanna said district leaders continue to face many of the same financial pressures that shaped last year’s budget.

“None of us are happy about this budget situation,” Hanna said. “Our staffing plan, we only funded at 98% this year. Our emergency reserves are at the lowest that I’ve seen now in my 11th year as superintendent.”

The district previously announced $7.8 million in budget reductions for the coming school year, citing continued enrollment declines. The cuts affect staffing, administrative operations, arts and athletics programs, and funding for community organizations.

Hanna said district operations have already absorbed significant reductions in an effort to protect classrooms.

“We cut our district cost centers, all district operations, by over 6% this year by consolidating positions and reducing operating expenses,” Hanna said. “We’ll continue to look at ways to cut at the district and not affect the classroom, but at some point, the classroom is going to be affected.”

Smith argued the district has not gone far enough to reduce spending before asking employees to shoulder the burden.

“I’m going to be a no on the budget this year until we find a way to make the deep cuts to support our teachers and support staff,” Smith said.

Board Chair Marcus Nicolas disagreed, saying substantial work has already been done to reduce costs and that school consolidation has been discussed as a possible future option.

The budget also leaves little room for teacher pay increases. Hanna said the district may ultimately seek voter approval of a property tax increase to generate additional local funding for teacher and staff salaries.

The Leon Classroom Teachers Association posted a comment a social media account addressing the teacher pay issue.

The statement said ” We have consistently advocated for consolidating non-school operations before considering the consolidation or closure of schools. At the same time, the District cannot continue to make two conflicting arguments: that declining enrollment requires school consolidation while also claiming that vouchers have had little impact on student enrollment. Both cannot be true to the degree they are being presented…..Our analysis of the District’s financial data from the 2017–18 through the 2024–25 school years shows that instructional spending increased by approximately 9%, while administrative site spending increased by approximately 42%. We have repeatedly asked Leon County Schools to explain the reasons for this disparity, but to date no rationale has been provided. Before discussing the consolidation of schools, this is one area that deserves careful examination as a potential source of savings.”

The board is scheduled to formally adopt the final budget at its Sept. 8 meeting.

Florida’s newest guidelines warn against prescribing psychotropic medications for children, echoing the Make America Healthy Again movement’s push to impose changes on childhood health care.

On Friday the Florida Department of Health issued guidance for psychotropic pharmacotherapy in children 5 to 17, recommending against the use of drugs to treat mental health conditions like depression, anxiety or attention-deficit related disorders in most cases.

Two months prior, at a Make America Healthy Again summit in Washington, D.C., Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. said the agency would address the overuse of psychiatric medications among children.

Florida’s guidance follows suit.

“As more families seek support for conditions such as anxiety, depression, and attention-deficit disorders, treatment should be guided by a thorough understanding of each child’s unique circumstances and needs,” State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo said in Orange County on Friday. “Parents deserve access to clear information about the benefits, risks, and available alternatives so they can make informed decisions regarding their children’s health.”

It’s the latest instance of Florida channeling Kennedy’s MAHA agenda.

In the last year, First Lady Casey DeSantis and Ladapo have toured the state promoting the Healthy Florida First initiative, which tests for toxins and heavy metals in food.

A more controversial proposal was Ladapo’s call for the Legislature to repeal all vaccine mandates, and DeSantis’ push for pediatricians to accept all patients regardless of vaccination status. Lawmakers didn’t pass either plan in the legislative session earlier this year.

In the state’s new guidance statement, the DOH “cautions” health care providers in prescribing psychotropic medications for anxiety, depression, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and behavioral disorders.

Instead, the state recommends employing other strategies, including psychotherapy, evidence-based behavior management and deprescribing medications.

“Psychotropic medications can play an important role in treatment when they are clinically appropriate and medically necessary, but they should never be used as a substitute for individual therapy and other psychosocial care options,” said Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Shevaun Harris in a released statement. 

In response to HHS in May, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) said the agency’s statement “broadly and imprecisely challenges established psychiatric diagnoses and evidence?based treatments,” creating risk for children and families.

“AACAP urges policymakers to ensure that decisions affecting access to psychiatric medications and mental health services are grounded in evidence and informed by child and adolescent psychiatrists and other qualified clinicians,” said Dr. John Walkup, AACAP president.

The Florida chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the AACAP could not be reached for comment.

A spokesperson for DOH said the state’s guidelines do not contradict the AACAP’s recommendation and are intended to raise awareness.

“The Department’s guidance emphasizes the importance of comprehensive assessment before psychotropic medications are prescribed, including evaluating underlying risk factors and ensuring appropriate clinical oversight,” said Nathalia Medina, deputy director of communications.

Leon County Schools announced that Julie Lawson was not reappointed as principal and that Nikki Bradley would lead the Midtown elementary school beginning with the 2026-27 school year. The district did not publicly detail the findings at the time of the personnel change, but confirmed the decision followed an internal investigation.

According to reporting by the Tallahassee Democrat, the investigation centered on the school’s handling of an incident involving a student and examined whether administrators followed district policies for reporting, documenting and communicating with parents. The investigation also reviewed allegations involving Lawson’s treatment of employees who raised concerns about school operations.

The investigation concluded Lawson failed to comply with several district policies, including timely parental notification and appropriate administrative procedures following the incident. The report also detailed allegations of retaliation against employees who reported concerns.

Leon County Schools has not publicly released the complete investigative report, citing personnel confidentiality requirements under Florida law. The district has also not announced whether Lawson resigned or whether additional disciplinary action was taken beyond her removal as principal.

Lawson became principal of Kate Sullivan Elementary in 2021 after serving as an assistant principal in Leon County Schools. During her tenure, she was recognized by the district and community organizations for her leadership and school improvement efforts.

Kate Sullivan Elementary, one of Tallahassee’s oldest neighborhood schools, serves approximately 725 students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. Nikki Bradley assumed leadership of the school following the district’s decision not to reappoint Lawson.

Tuesday, July 28, 2026

Weather: Today, a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm with a high near 97. Tonight, mostly clear, with a low around 78. Wednesday, showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 5pm with a high near 98. Wednesday night, showers and thunderstorms likely before 2am, with a low around 76. NWS

US stock markets close mixed (S&P 500 +0.0%, Dow +0.5%, Nasdaq -0.2%) (More).

Local & State News

Daryl Parks held a press conference today to address what he described as “deeply troubling” revelations regarding the campaign tactics used by his opponent, Mr. Matlow. Parks accused the Matlow campaign of employing online manipulation and misleading tactics designed to “confuse voters” and “divide our city”. Details.

The latest information from the Tallahassee International Airport shows the June 2026 passenger traffic decreased 5.4% when compared to traffic one year ago. Details.

Republican gubernatorial candidate James Fishback will remain on the Aug. 18 primary ballot after a Leon Circuit Court judge ruled Monday his opponent, Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, didn’t prove he lived outside the state within the last seven years. Details

National News

More than 300,000 Haitians and roughly 4,000 Syrians have lost their ability to work and live in the US legally after a temporary protected status expired yesterday. The lapse comes after a Supreme Court ruling in June empowered the Trump administration to end protections.

Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Masino, who oversaw controversial 2025 logo redesign, to step down, remain in advisory role until October (More).

During a comprehensive presentation, David Solz, Director of School Improvement and Accountability, reported that Leon County saw proficiency increases across every core subject area. English Language Arts (ELA) proficiency rose by 4% district-wide, while math scores saw a significant 5-point gain in grades 3-5. Science scores were particularly strong, increasing by 5 points across all levels and placing the district 7 points above the state average in Biology.

“I have never been more proud of our school district,” said Superintendent Rocky Hanna, noting the achievements of staff and students alike. “We’re point twenty-five. Point 25 away from an A”.

The individual school results were equally striking, with 85% of schools (33 out of 39) either maintaining or improving their letter grade. The district now boasts 28 schools rated “A” or “B,” the highest number since 2012. Notable highlights included:

• Bond Elementary earned the first “A” in the school’s history, with historic growth for its bottom 25% of students (88% in reading and 90% in math).
• Fairview Middle School jumped from a “C” to an “A”.
• Cobb Middle School and Sealy Elementary both secured “A” ratings.
• Griffin and Oak Ridge successfully exited “Differentiated Accountability” status.

Board members attributed the success to “intentional investments,” particularly in early learning and the introduction of the UFLI reading program. Board Member Jones remarked, “The proof has been in the pudding,” while highlighting the “full evolution” of the district’s budget investments in student preparation.

Comparing Leon County to similarly sized districts, Board Member Wood highlighted that Leon’s 72% performance metric significantly outpaced Alachua (59%), Bay (68%), and Escambia (63%). “That’s the kind of comparison we need to be making right there,” Wood said.

Board Member Smith added that the data serves as a powerful marketing tool for public education. “No matter what area of town you live in… you’re going to be successful in Leon County Schools,” Smith noted. Superintendent Hannah concluded that the district would “scream it from the mountain tops” to ensure the community recognizes these historic gains .

Republican gubernatorial candidate James Fishback will remain on the Aug. 18 primary ballot after a Leon Circuit Court judge ruled Monday his opponent, Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, didn’t prove he lived outside the state within the last seven years.

The seven-year residency requirement to be eligible to run for governor is in the state constitution. Collins alleged Fishback voted in Washington D.C. in 2020 and established a homestead there when he bought an apartment in 2021, making him ineligible.

But Judge David Frank found that the burden of proof was on Collins to show Fishback abandoned his residence in Florida and the presumption in state law is to follow the candidate’s declared statement of residence.

“Florida residency law places great weight on the subjective intent of the person declaring residency,” Frank wrote. “That law may be imprudent, or it may give too much leeway to a person seeking or maintaining residency. But it is the law.”

The ruling means Fishback, who has trailed in polls along with Collins to the frontrunner, U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Naples, will remain on the ballot and any votes for him will count. A fourth major GOP candidate, former state House Speaker Paul Renner, is also in the mix for the primary.

Mail ballots have already been returned throughout the state.

“This isn’t just a victory for our campaign. It’s a victory for the constitution and for every Floridians who believes elections should be decided by voters, not politicians trying to rig the system,” Fishback stated after the ruling was released.

Before a hearing in the case last week, Fishback declared he’d throw Collins campaign consultant John Cardillo, who attended the hearing, in jail when he became governor for pursuing the lawsuit.

Ultimately, Frank wrote in his ruling, Collins’ attorneys didn’t present enough concrete evidence to refute Fishback’s claim that he ended up being “stuck” in Washington D.C. during the Covid-19 pandemic and he was really living at his grandmother’s house in Broward County during that period.

The apartment he bought was only for investment purposes, Fishback maintained during the hearing, even though he acknowledged that meant he gave false information on mortgage papers he signed saying it would be his primary residence.

Frank stated the most compelling piece of evidence against Fishback was a letter regarding his purchase of a home in Madison County, Florida in 2022, which declared, “my new purchase will serve as my new primary residence. I plan to keep 2325 42nd St NW Washington DC as a second home or as a future investment property.”

Yet that piece of evidence wasn’t enough to overcome Fishback’s defense, which pointed to his background of being born and raised in Florida, along with his “family, social, and business ties to Florida.”

Collins “has not brought forth enough substantial and competent evidence to rebut these important presumptions,” Frank wrote. “This Court will not be deciding the race between the Lieutenant Governor and Mr. Fishback. That will be in the very sound hands of the voters.”

Relative to 2025, the Passenger Traffic Report shows year-over-year passenger counts in June were down 7.5% for American Airlines and up 1.4% for the Delta Group. Impacting the numbers was the fact that Silver Airways ended service in June 2025.

The graph below shows the annualized number of passengers for the last 37-months. The highlighted numbers on the graph indicate the annual traffic during the month of June over the last four years. The annual rate of passengers at TIA in June 2026 – 865,546 – is down 8.99% when compared to one year ago (951,015). The annualized number of passengers is calculated by summing the previous 12 months of traffic.

June 2026 is the 15th consecutive month that annual passenger traffic has declined.

At the center of the allegations is a Facebook page originally titled “Pause the TMH Deal Vote No on December 10th,” which was later renamed “Tallahassee Conservatives”. Consistent with media reports, Parks, noted the page was administered by Matlow’s campaign manager and that the Matlow campaign ran political advertisements through that same account.

TR first reported that mayoral candidate Jeremy Matlow and his campaign manager were tied to a fake Facebook page designed to impact local elections. After the story was published, Matlow’s campaign manager, Kristellys Estanga resigned. Estanga’s political consulting clients have included U.S. Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, and former Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum.

Matlow has denied any involvement with the Facebook renaming controversy.

Parks characterized these digital tactics as “deceptive” and “divisive,” alleging that the name change was a calculated effort to make it appear as though conservatives were attacking city commission seat 3 candidate Talietha Edwards, a Black woman. Parks argued this was a “deliberate attempt to inflame division” and “manipulate public perception” within the local race.

The Capital Conservative Club of Tallahassee, a local politically active group founded in 2009, issued a press release about the controversy.

“The Capital Conservative Club of Tallahassee is expressing concern about a fake Facebook page that used the name ‘Tallahassee Conservatives’ and appeared to suggest that local conservatives were encouraging the Tallahassee Police Benevolent Association to withdraw its endorsement of a candidate for the Tallahassee City Commission. We want to reassure Tallahassee residents that the Capital Conservative Club has no connection and has never had any connection to this Facebook page, which has since been taken down, or to any group using the name ‘Tallahassee Conservatives….Introducing misleading information into our community is not helpful to voters or to the election process. We believe campaigns should be conducted with transparency and respect for the people of Tallahassee. This type of activity contributes to the frustration many residents feel toward politics. We encourage anyone involved in creating or promoting misleading content to take responsibility for their actions.”

Parks Questions Matlow’s Tactics

Parks took the opportunity to questions Matlow’s political tactics.

“Tallahassee needs leadership that unites us, not leadership that hides behind misleading pages and divisive tactics,” Parks said. He further asserted that this behavior is not an isolated incident, claiming that for the last eight years, Matlow has consistently used tactics that “divide, mislead and inflame”.

Matlow’s city commission aide, Ryan Ray, runs a political blog that has published unflattering stories about fellow Democrats that do not walk the progressive line.

Parks called on community leaders, organizations, and Democrats who have endorsed Matlow to denounce these actions. Emphasizing that the mayoral race is a non-partisan “people election,” Parks argued that the contest should be defined by character, integrity, and accountability rather than the weaponization of identities for political points.

“We can debate ideas, we can disagree on policy, but we should never manipulate voters and mislead the public,” Parks concluded, pledging that his own commitment to the city would be rooted in truth and transparency.

See full press conference here.