The Oct. 2 order follows months of complaints from nearby residents about runoff from the facility at 1948 Capps Highway in Monticello. DEP identified wastewater associated with Trulieve’s operations as including reverse-osmosis reject water and condensate from dehumidifiers and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment. The wastewater is routed to an irrigation sediment basin and sprayed on designated areas of the property.

DEP found that Trulieve “sprayed the Wastewater onto its outdoor lawn,” with some moving outside the facility perimeter without a DEP permit. The agency determined the activity violated state environmental statutes and regulations.

The finding was welcomed by residents who have pushed state regulators to investigate the facility.

“This is a huge victory for our community,” Cindy Pyburn of Concerned Residents of Jefferson County wrote in an Oct. 3 letter to residents.

“For months, residents were told that what we were seeing leave the Trulieve property was rainwater and that the runoff issues had been addressed,” Pyburn wrote. “Now, DEP’s consent order puts its findings and the steps Trulieve must take in writing.”

Under the order, Trulieve has 30 days to submit an interim irrigation plan designed to prevent wastewater from leaving the property and reaching neighboring properties. DEP says the plan could include reduced application rates, alternating application zones and reduced irrigation times.

Trulieve also must apply within 120 days for a wastewater permit covering the discharges identified by DEP. The company and agency expect the permitting process to reach a final decision within 12 months.

The order requires Trulieve to pay $80,000 within 90 days. However, the company can instead propose a DEP-approved environmental enhancement, restoration or facility-improvement project worth at least $120,000.

Trulieve told WCTV that it worked with DEP to reach an agreement allowing environmental site improvements in place of the payment and said it takes environmental compliance seriously. WCTV reported that the company plans to pursue the $120,000 improvement option.

The consent order does not find that Trulieve contaminated neighboring drinking water or waterways with unsafe levels of pollutants. That is separate from DEP’s finding that wastewater left the property without the required permit. Earlier testing also found no contamination linked to the facility, according to State Rep. Allison Tant. WTXL reported in July that months of water testing found no contamination associated with the Trulieve operation.

The order nevertheless establishes increased state oversight. Trulieve must allow authorized DEP representatives access to the facility and property at reasonable times to determine compliance. Violating the consent order could subject the company to civil penalties of up to $15,000 per day for each violation.

Trulieve neither admits nor agrees that DEP’s findings constitute violations of statutory or common law, but agreed to be bound by the consent order and its enforcement provisions.

Pyburn said residents view the order as progress rather than the end of the dispute.

“There is still work ahead to make sure the requirements are carried out, and the wastewater and runoff problems are corrected on the ground,” she wrote. “Concerned Residents of Jefferson County will be following these matters and keeping our neighbors informed.”

LCSO reported 60 arrests across the schools it serves in 2025-26, down from 91 the previous year, a decline of approximately 34%. At the same time, deputies recorded 132 civil citations and 761 diversions, compared with 106 civil citations and 276 diversions in 2024-25.

The change was particularly noticeable at Leon County’s five major public high schools. Arrests at Leon, Lincoln, Rickards, Godby and Chiles fell from 65 in 2024-25 to 30 in 2025-26 — a 54% decline.

The latest numbers reverse the trend highlighted by Tallahassee Reports last year, when arrests at the five high schools increased 38%, from 47 in 2023-24 to 65 in 2024-25.

The new data also indicate that the decline in arrests was not simply the result of fewer incidents requiring law-enforcement attention. LCSO recorded 475 criminal complaints in 2025-26, virtually unchanged from 470 the previous year. Instead, the numbers coincide with a substantial increase in the use of diversion programs and civil citations as alternatives to arrest.

Diversions increased from 276 to 761, or approximately 176%, while civil citations increased about 25%, from 106 to 132.

At the high-school level, LCSO reported 30 arrests, 73 civil citations and 154 diversions during 2025-26.

The largest reductions in high-school arrests occurred at Leon and Rickards. Leon High School arrests fell from 36 to eight, a 78% decrease, while Rickards arrests declined from 17 to three, an 82% decrease.

Godby High School moved in the opposite direction, with arrests increasing from five to 11. Lincoln remained unchanged at six arrests, while Chiles increased from one to two.

The numbers suggest a significant change in how student offenses are being handled: criminal complaints remained essentially flat, but substantially fewer incidents resulted in arrests as the Sheriff’s Office increased its use of alternatives to the juvenile justice system.

Monday, October 5, 2026

Weather: Today, showers and possibly a thunderstorm with a high near 77. Tonight, showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm with a low around 68. Tuesday, showers likely with a high near 76. Tuesday night, a 30 percent chance of showers with a low around 66. NWS

US stock markets rise Friday (S&P 500 +0.7%, Dow +0.5%, Nasdaq +1.2%) despite a Friday report showing just 29,000 jobs added in September; Nvidia hits all-time high during intraday trading (More).

Local Sports: Local high school bowlers competed in a tournament Sept. 30, 2026, at Capital Lanes, with the event also serving as Senior Night for all participating schools. Details

Local & State News

The annual rate of shooting deaths in Leon County has fallen by more than half from a recent peak, continuing a downward trend that began after shootings surged in 2023 and early 2024. Details.

Jeremy Matlow has built much of his political identity around one word: accountability. But two recent controversies raise an obvious question: Does Matlow’s standard of accountability apply to the people closest to him? Details.

National News

Ford narrowly retains third-place slot in US auto sales, despite sales dropping 6.6% in the third quarter; General Motors, Toyota claim top spots (More).

President Donald Trump announces formation of task force focusing on the risks and opportunities of artificial intelligence, led by Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton (More).

Chiles’ Nathan Smith led the boys qualifying standings, rolling games of 279 and 222 for a 501 total. Rickards’ John Nance finished second with 462, followed by Lincoln’s Dylan Fell at 460 and Lincoln’s Caleb Moore at 441.

Rickards’ Jayden Peterson finished fifth at 435, while Lincoln’s Jonah Perdue was sixth at 412. Chiles’ Asa Wilson finished seventh at 394 and Lincoln’s Hunter Mortham was eighth at 392.

In the boys bracket, Smith faced Moore in one semifinal, with Smith rolling a 223 and Moore a 183. The other semifinal matched Dylan Fell and John Nance, with Nance winning 222-171.

Nance then defeated Smith 239-224 in the championship match to claim the boys bracket title.

On the girls side, Rickards’ Grace Lee posted the highest qualifying total at 391 after games of 204 and 187. Lincoln’s Christine Lastinger was second at 316, followed by Rickards’ Taylor Rogers at 302 and Lincoln’s Brooklyn Rodgers at 276. Those four advanced to the girls bracket.

Lincoln’s Bella McCoy and Rickards’ Bhavana Punyala tied for fifth at 269, while Lincoln’s Medha Shanbag was seventh at 258 and Lexi Newton was eighth at 247.

The girls bracket opened with Grace Lee facing Brooklyn Rodgers. Both Lee and Rodgers bowled a 150 with Rodgers advancing to the championship after winning the roll off 8-7. In the other semifinal, Christine Lastinger defeated Taylor Rogers 179-122 meeting up with Rodgers in the final.

Lastinger then defeated Rodgers in the championship match, 202-120, to win the girls bracket.

The event gave the top individual bowlers from the participating schools one final head-to-head test after qualifying, with Nance and Lastinger coming through the single-elimination brackets to finish as the boys and girls champions.

Data compiled from a database of fatal shootings maintained by the Tallahassee Democrat shows the annualized number of shooting deaths falling to 15 as of September 2026, down from a recent high of 32 in the spring of 2024. The chart tracks the rolling annual number of shooting deaths in Leon County from March 2021 through September 2026.

The decline from 32 to 15 represents a reduction of approximately 53%.

The latest figure is also the lowest annual rate recorded since 2023 and represents a substantial reversal from the increase in shooting deaths that occurred between 2023 and 2024.

The data show Leon County’s shooting-death rate at approximately 26 in early 2021 before declining through much of 2021 and 2022. By the spring of 2023, the annual total had fallen to 11 deaths, the lowest point during the period examined.

That improvement proved temporary.

Beginning in mid-2023, shooting deaths increased rapidly. The annual total climbed above 20 by late summer and reached approximately 30 by early 2024. The rate subsequently peaked at 32 deaths in spring 2024.

After reaching that high, however, the trend generally reversed. The annual total dropped into the mid-20s during the second half of 2024. There was a brief increase to roughly 28 late that year before another decline brought the total to about 20 in early 2025.

Throughout most of 2025 and early 2026, the annual number fluctuated primarily between 17 and 23 deaths. More recently, the numbers have moved lower again. By September 2026, the annual rate stood at 15 shooting deaths—17 fewer than at the 2024 peak.

The latest number is also approaching the low levels recorded before the 2023-24 surge. The September 2026 annual rate of 15 is only four deaths above the five-year low of 11 recorded in 2023.

As a Tallahassee city commissioner and now a candidate for mayor, Matlow has aggressively questioned city administrators, fellow commissioners, developers and others in Tallahassee government. His political brand rests largely on the argument that entrenched interests need someone willing to challenge them.

But two recent controversies raise an obvious question: Does Matlow’s standard of accountability apply to the people closest to him?

Consider Kristellys “Kris” Estanga, Matlow’s former campaign manager.

Estanga resigned in July after acknowledging responsibility for distributing damaging information about City Commission candidate Talethia Edwards through a Facebook page called “Tallahassee Conservatives.” The attack included Orlando police body-camera footage and emails in which Edwards discussed sensitive personal information.

There was also an unmistakable racial and political dimension to the episode.

Edwards is a Black Democrat. Yet the political attack against her was distributed through a page branded “Tallahassee Conservatives,” creating the appearance that conservatives—not a Democratic political operative working for Edwards’ political opponent—were responsible.

Edwards called the episode “Democrats creating a fake conservative page to attack another Democrat.” Mayoral candidate Daryl Parks went further, arguing that the tactic was designed to divide the community.

Estanga accepted responsibility and resigned.

That looked like accountability.

Except she never really left.

The Tallahassee Democrat reported Sept. 30 that Estanga remained involved with Matlow’s campaign, established a consulting company and returned to Matlow’s campaign payroll. Matlow confirmed she remained involved as a field organizer and data analyst. The Democrat article reports that her company received $4,000 from the campaign for field consulting and that Matlow’s campaign had paid her $14,000 during the election cycle.

And Estanga’s response to the renewed scrutiny was hardly contrite. Following publication of the Democrat story, she posted on social media: “I’m here to stay baby.”

Then there is Ryan Ray, Matlow’s taxpayer-funded City Commission aide.

Tallahassee Reports attributed hundreds of anonymous comments to Ray and found numerous comments overlapping his documented City work schedule. The comments repeatedly defended Matlow and attacked his political opponents, including fellow commissioners.

When Tallahassee Democrat Executive Editor William Hatfield recently asked Matlow whether he had questioned his aide about the anonymous activity, Matlow declined to engage the central issue, saying it was not part of Ray’s City Commission role.

That is a remarkable position for a politician whose calling card is accountability.

These actions provide voters with evidence about how Matlow responds when questionable political conduct involves people working directly for him.

Estanga resigned, then returned to his political operation. Ray faced serious questions about anonymous political activity overlapping his taxpayer-funded work schedule, and Matlow declined to publicly pursue answers.

Matlow has spent years demanding explanations and accountability from others.

Voters are entitled to ask why that same standard appears to become considerably less demanding when the controversy reaches his own political doorstep.

Friday, October 2, 2026

Weather: Today, a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a high near 85. Tonight, a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am, with a low around 73. Saturday, a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am with a high near 85. Saturday night, a chance of showers and thunderstorms with a low around 73. NWS

US stock markets close higher (S&P 500 +0.2%, Dow +0.0%, Nasdaq +0.0%) as 10-year Treasury yield hits 5.3%, its highest intraday level in 24 years (More).

Local Sports: The Maclay Middle School Football team has made a dramatic turnaround this season, going from a 0–6 record a year ago to 4–1 through its first five games this fall. Details

Local & State News

Candidates Tom Derzypolski and P.J. Perez faced questions on city leadership, development, affordability, public safety, the economy, housing, utilities and partisan politics during a Tallahassee City Commission Seat 3 candidate forum. Details.

Rep. Gallop Franklin, D-Tallahassee, is in line to become House Democratic Leader for the 2028-2030 legislative term. Details

The U.S. Department of Labor on Thursday estimated 4,955 initial unemployment applications were filed in Florida last week, down from a revised count of 5,284 the week ending Sept. 19. Details

National News

The Treasury Department yesterday unveiled proposed rules for the nation’s first federal tax-credit scholarship program, set to launch Jan. 1 and help cover private- and public-school expenses.

The Marauders have put together four wins, including three shutouts and double-digit victories, while building a team culture that coaches say has been a major factor in the turnaround.

Maclay opened the season with an 18–12 win over Aucilla Christian before traveling to North Florida Christian and earning a 32–0 shutout. The Marauders followed that performance with another win over NFC, this time 32–12 at home.

Maclay then traveled to face FAMU DRS and continued its strong start with a 38–8 victory.

The team suffered its first loss of the season in its most recent game, falling 38–0 to Franklin County. Despite the loss, Maclay’s improvement from last season remains significant.

Coach Jarod Bates, the only returning coach from last year’s staff, has coached the offensive and defensive lines and has had a front-row view of the team’s transformation.

Bates said the biggest difference between this year’s team and last year’s group has been the attitude and culture surrounding the program.

The additions of Head Coach Jim McNeill and Offensive Coordinator Mike Rodrique have helped establish what Bates described as a positive and upbeat atmosphere, while also raising expectations for the players.

The Marauders have continued to work and improve throughout the season, with Bates pointing to the team’s effort and willingness to embrace the coaching staff’s expectations as key reasons for the turnaround.

Maclay has two regular-season games remaining, both against Holy Comforter. The first will be played at home on October 8, followed by an away game on October 13.

With two games still remaining, Maclay has already accomplished something the program could not do at all last season: put together a winning record.

The forum was produced by the Capitol Region News Collaborative and the League of Women Voters of Tallahassee. Questioners included representatives from WTXL, the Tallahassee Democrat and the League of Women Voters.

Below is a condensed question-and-answer summary of the forum, with significant differences between the candidates highlighted.

How would your leadership differ from Commissioner Jeremy Matlow?

Tom Derzypolski: Said he would bring 25 years of executive and community leadership experience and emphasized his political independence. He said he is not aligned with other candidates and would work with whoever voters elect to move the city forward.

P.J. Perez: Emphasized his 16 years in public education and his family’s experience in both the public and private sectors. He said his priorities include neighborhoods, small businesses, environmental protection and opportunities for residents he believes have been overlooked.

Key Difference: Derzypolski framed the race around experience, independence and changing the governing culture at City Hall. Perez framed his candidacy around policy change and greater representation for neighborhoods and residents he believes have been underserved.

What is the main difference between you and your opponent?

Derzypolski: Experience. He pointed to 25 years of executive leadership, community relationships and experience addressing complex problems.

Perez: Perspective. He cited his career in education, his wife’s small business and his work with students and families.

Key Difference: Derzypolski argued that executive experience distinguishes him. Perez emphasized his public-education background and connection to working families.

Would you have supported the transfer of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare to FSU?

Perez: No. He supported an affiliation with FSU but opposed transferring the asset. He criticized the process and said alternatives proposed by residents were not adequately explored.

Derzypolski: Yes, with reservations. He supported bringing an academic medical center to Tallahassee but strongly criticized the process as predetermined and insufficiently transparent. He favored stronger local governance and participation by FAMU and Tallahassee State College.

Key Difference: This was one of the forum’s clearest policy differences. Derzypolski supported the ultimate TMH-FSU transaction despite concerns about the process. Perez opposed transferring the asset and preferred an affiliation that retained city ownership.

Would you have supported selling the Capital City Country Club property?

Derzypolski: No. He criticized selling city assets and described the transaction as a “fire sale.”

Perez: No. He argued the city should have retained the 178-acre property and considered financing maintenance through bonds. He also cited the historical significance of graves of enslaved people on the property.

Did you support the process used to hire the new city manager and the supermajority termination provision?

Perez: No. He said the city charter contemplates the manager serving at the pleasure of the commission and criticized requiring a supermajority to remove the manager.

Derzypolski: Opposed the contract provision but said the city ultimately hired a highly qualified manager. He attributed the controversy partly to the commission’s “toxic culture,” arguing threats to fire the manager prompted other commissioners to seek additional protections.

Key Difference: Both opposed the contract provision, but Perez focused on the charter and the structural problem with the supermajority requirement. Derzypolski placed the controversy within the broader context of dysfunction and mistrust among commissioners.

Do you support hyperscale data centers in Tallahassee?

Derzypolski: No, under current circumstances. He said too many questions remain concerning environmental effects, economic benefits, jobs and salaries.

Perez: No. He supports a moratorium, citing environmental concerns, water use, tax incentives and skepticism about promised job creation.

What is causing local gun violence, and what would you do about it?

Perez: Said young people lack opportunities and a sense of purpose. He advocated after-school music and arts programs, vocational training, Head Start and early intervention.

Derzypolski: Cited gangs, broken homes, struggling neighborhoods and limited economic opportunity. He called for better coordination among law enforcement, nonprofits and community organizations, along with neighborhood revitalization and economic development.

Key Difference: Perez placed greater emphasis on youth programs and early intervention, while Derzypolski emphasized coordination, neighborhood revitalization and economic opportunity.

Do you support Flock cameras and license-plate surveillance technology?

Derzypolski: Expressed serious reservations. He said law enforcement should have effective technology but only with strict oversight and protections for civil liberties.

Perez: Criticized the city’s handling of automated license-plate readers and warned that surveillance technology can be misused. He emphasized balancing public safety against civil liberties.

Should the city and county operate separate fire departments?

Perez: No. He said city and county leaders should repair their relationship and restore cooperation, with firefighters involved in developing a solution.

Derzypolski: No. He called separate systems unaffordable and said he would immediately work toward mediation and restoration of a joint approach.

Do you support the 287(g) agreement with ICE?

Derzypolski: No. He said it creates anxiety and makes the community less safe.

Perez: No. He characterized the arrangement as federal overreach and said residents should not be treated as enemies.

Both said they would have voted to sever the agreement even if doing so exposed them to possible action by the governor.

What has been Tallahassee’s biggest economic-development success of the past four years?

Derzypolski: Said he could not identify one and characterized local economic development as “anemic.”

Perez: Also said substantial work remains. He called for greater support of small businesses and better commercialization of research and innovation from FSU, FAMU and TSC.

How do residents perceive Tallahassee’s economy?

Perez: Said voters he encounters are primarily concerned about affordability—rent, utilities and household expenses—not City Hall’s political divisions. He linked affordability to his opposition to urban sprawl.

Derzypolski: Said residents are experiencing genuine financial pressure and sometimes must choose among food, gasoline and prescriptions. He proposed reducing city-controlled utility rates and fees where possible.

Key Difference: Both described an affordability problem, but Perez connected it more directly to development patterns and urban sprawl, while Derzypolski emphasized reducing government-controlled household costs and growing the economy.

How would you create higher-income jobs?

Derzypolski: Would leverage FSU, FAMU, TSC, Lively, the academic medical center and the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory to attract private investment. He said government needs to operate at the “speed of business.”

Perez: Would use university research and student talent to develop commercially useful solutions to community problems, including water-quality challenges.

Key Difference: Derzypolski emphasized business recruitment and connecting private industry with Tallahassee’s existing institutions. Perez emphasized commercializing locally generated research and innovation.

What is Tallahassee’s most important environmental issue?

Perez: Water quality. He connected threats to water resources with urban sprawl and inadequate infrastructure.

Derzypolski: Water quality. He warned about the influence of large national developers and advocated cooperation among environmental groups, neighborhoods and local builders.

Give examples of responsible and irresponsible growth.

Derzypolski: Pointed to urban infill and affordable housing in existing neighborhoods as responsible growth. He criticized development pushing farther away from the urban core because of infrastructure costs.

Perez: Cited the Tallahassee Lenders’ Consortium’s Community Land Trust as a positive model. He criticized the proposed Lake Jackson-area annexation and Welaunee-area expansion as examples of sprawl that shift infrastructure costs to taxpayers.

Key Difference: Both favor infill, but Perez was more explicit in opposing specific Northeast development and annexation projects. Derzypolski focused more broadly on the financial and infrastructure advantages of developing inside the existing urban area.

Who is responsible for the City Commission’s 3-2 divide and “toxic” culture?

Perez: Downplayed the significance of what he called “palace intrigue,” saying most residents are more concerned about affordability and responsive government. He said disagreement among commissioners can be part of a healthy governing body.

Derzypolski: Said dysfunction matters because it prevents progress on affordability, crime, environmental issues and growth. He said he would work to restore civility and collegiality.

Key Difference: This was a fundamental difference. Derzypolski views City Hall’s political dysfunction as a major problem requiring a change in leadership style. Perez argues the 3-2 narrative receives too much attention compared with residents’ economic and policy concerns.

Is Democratic Party involvement in the nonpartisan Seat 3 race appropriate?

The candidates were asked specifically about the Leon County Democratic Party, chaired by Ryan Ray, who also works as Commissioner Jeremy Matlow’s aide, supporting Perez.

Derzypolski: Said voters want to move beyond partisan labels. He declined to make the ethical determination concerning Ray and Matlow himself.

Perez: Said party affiliation inevitably provides information to voters even in nonpartisan elections. He highlighted Derzypolski’s roughly two decades as a registered Republican.

Key Difference: Perez considers partisan history relevant information in a nominally nonpartisan election. Derzypolski argues the contest should be judged primarily on candidates, leadership and independence rather than party affiliation.

Is Republican criticism tying Perez to out-of-town socialists fair?

Perez: No. He dismissed such attacks as political “boogeymen” and “McCarthyism.”

Derzypolski: No. He rejected the attacks, said they did not help his campaign and called on people to stop them.

What does Derzypolski say about his former Republican registration?

Derzypolski: Said his voting history demonstrates independence, pointing to support for Democrats including Bill Montford, Allison Tant and Loranne Ausley. He said becoming NPA better reflected his political outlook.

Perez: Said voters should consider Derzypolski’s approximately 20 years as a Republican, including during Donald Trump’s presidencies. Perez said he consistently voted Democratic despite previously registering NPA.

Key Difference: Derzypolski portrays his former Republican registration as less important than his history of crossing party lines. Perez portrays the duration of Derzypolski’s Republican affiliation as relevant information about his political background.

What progressive position does Derzypolski hold?

Derzypolski: Said access to health care should be a basic right and also identified environmental protection.

Would Perez create a new progressive 3-2 voting bloc?

Perez: Said voters should judge his published policies rather than political labels and vote based on whether those policies reflect their values.

Derzypolski: Said party-based concerns are overrated in a nonpartisan election and emphasized his independence.

Key Difference: Perez defended the policies associated with his candidacy without distancing himself from the progressive coalition supporting him. Derzypolski made independence from political groups and voting blocs a central argument for his candidacy.

Name an issue where Perez disagrees with Commissioner Jeremy Matlow.

Perez: Said he had not studied Matlow’s complete eight-year voting record closely enough to identify a specific vote. He suggested affordable housing could be an area of difference, citing his support for a Montgomery County-style approach.

Key Difference: The exchange underscored one of Derzypolski’s broader campaign arguments: Perez did not identify a specific Matlow vote he opposed, while Derzypolski repeatedly presented himself as independent of the existing City Commission factions.

What about Derzypolski’s support from developers, builders and Chamber interests?

Derzypolski: Said his donor support reflects relationships and trust developed through 25 years of community service. He also pointed to support from retirees, veterans, teachers and environmentalists.

Perez: Said criticism is warranted to the extent those interests have influenced decisions that frustrate voters. He contrasted his individual donor base with contributions associated with business and development interests.

Key Difference: Derzypolski portrays business and development support as evidence of broad community trust. Perez portrays support from those interests as potentially tying a candidate to the same forces he believes have shaped City Hall decisions.

Does Perez bear responsibility for the fake Facebook operation targeting Talethia Edwards?

Perez: Said consultant Kris Estanga acted independently. Perez said he would not have made that decision but believes people make mistakes and deserve second chances.

Derzypolski: Said the incident may be history in terms of the news cycle but remains relevant from a leadership perspective. He questioned how such activity could occur within a campaign’s orbit without the candidate knowing.

Key Difference: Perez treats the incident as the independent mistake of a consultant and largely a closed matter. Derzypolski treats it as an ongoing question about leadership, campaign culture and accountability.

How would you reduce utility costs?

Perez: Proposed removing the fire-services fee from utility bills and replacing it with an assessment-based approach. He also questioned other fees appearing on utility bills.

Derzypolski: Promised to lower utility bills during his first year and cited reconnection and after-hours charges as examples of fees that could be reconsidered.

Key Difference: Perez proposed changing how major city services are financed. Derzypolski focused more heavily on reducing fees and other city-controlled costs charged directly to utility customers.

If you could do one thing to make housing more affordable, what would it be?

Derzypolski: Prioritized expedited permitting for urban infill to increase affordable housing supply in existing neighborhoods.

Perez: Proposed eliminating parking minimums, streamlining permitting, expanding community land trusts, legalizing “missing middle” housing and encouraging smaller starter homes.

Key Difference: Both support infill and additional housing supply, but Perez proposed broader zoning and housing-policy changes, while Derzypolski emphasized permitting reform and private-sector construction within existing neighborhoods.

Does increasing housing supply reduce prices?

Perez: Generally yes, but said the type of housing matters. He argued that building additional luxury student apartments does not necessarily address affordability for working families.

Derzypolski: Agreed that housing type matters and again emphasized urban infill and neighborhood revitalization.

Do you support Amendment 3?

Derzypolski: No. He said it would shift power from local governments to the state and could create severe fiscal problems for cities and counties.

Perez: No. He likewise characterized it as an attack on home rule that could particularly hurt rural communities and reduce local government’s ability to provide services.

What would you do if Amendment 3 creates an $18 million annual city revenue loss?

Perez: Said he would target executive “bloat,” development subsidies, travel, licensing expenses and other spending while reviewing the budget line by line.

Derzypolski: Also advocated a line-by-line budget review. He argued that city revenues have expanded substantially and that government could return spending closer to previous levels while protecting public safety.

Key Difference: Perez identified particular programs and spending categories he would target, including development subsidies. Derzypolski made a broader fiscal argument that city government has expanded and should reduce overall spending toward earlier levels.

Do you support an across-the-board 4% employee raise?

Derzypolski: No. He prefers compensation based on employee performance.

Perez: Said across-the-board increases should incorporate merit-based standards.

Should the commission remove the 30-minute limit on off-agenda public comment?

Perez: Yes.

Derzypolski: Yes.

Who do you support for governor?

Both candidates said they planned to vote for David Jolly.

Who do you support for Tallahassee mayor?

Perez: Said he would vote for Commissioner Jeremy Matlow.

Derzypolski: Said he had not decided and would evaluate the candidates based on who could best serve Tallahassee. He said he was prepared to work with either candidate.

Key Difference: Perez explicitly backed Matlow, reinforcing his political alignment with the existing progressive coalition. Derzypolski declined to choose between the mayoral candidates and again emphasized his political independence.

Do you support city-county consolidation?

Derzypolski: No. He questioned whether consolidation produces sufficient savings to justify the disruption.

Perez: No. He similarly said the savings do not justify the complications involved.

Name a position held by your opponent that you respect.

Perez: Said he appreciates Derzypolski’s emphasis on concerns about urban sprawl.

Derzypolski: Said he agrees with Perez’s emphasis on urban infill and neighborhood revitalization.

What should outside PACs supporting your candidacy do?

Perez: Said supporters do not need to tear down opponents and emphasized that candidates will remain neighbors after the election.

Derzypolski: Said he would publicly stand alongside Perez to reject false attacks against him and said dark-money and outside-money attacks have no place in his leadership.

How would you improve Tallahassee International Airport?

Derzypolski: Focused on costs, particularly parking, arguing that high airport expenses encourage residents and businesses to drive to competing airports.

Perez: Favored attracting more budget airlines and studying successful airport strategies in similarly sized communities.

Key Difference: Derzypolski focused on reducing the cost of using the existing airport, while Perez emphasized increasing airline competition and flight options.

Should StarMetro services be cut during a revenue shortfall?

Perez: Indicated no, describing public transportation as a public good rather than a profit-making enterprise.

Derzypolski: Did not advocate service cuts. Instead, he proposed restoring commercial advertising on buses to generate additional revenue.

Key Difference: Perez emphasized preserving transit because of its role as a public service. Derzypolski emphasized finding new revenue to help sustain the service without relying entirely on city funding.

What was each candidate’s closing argument?

Derzypolski: Presented himself as the independent and experienced candidate. He emphasized 25 years of executive and community leadership, bridge-building and his willingness to work with all commissioners. He said Tallahassee voters are looking for “independent thought and leadership.”

Perez: Presented himself as the change candidate. He argued Tallahassee needs a “clean break with the status quo” and criticized the influence of “monied interests.” He emphasized his grassroots campaign, affordable housing and government responsiveness to neighborhoods.

Key Difference: The closing statements captured the central contrast of the forum: Derzypolski argued that Tallahassee needs independent, experienced leadership capable of repairing a divided City Hall. Perez argued that Tallahassee needs a policy and political break from the existing power structure and development interests.

First-time jobless claims in Florida dipped last week.

The U.S. Department of Labor on Thursday estimated 4,955 initial unemployment applications were filed in Florida last week, down from a revised count of 5,284 the week ending Sept. 19.

The state has reported fewer than 6,000 claims weekly since the end of August.

Nationally, Labor estimated 197,000 claims were filed last week, a decrease of 1,000 from the revised count for the prior week.

Florida’s unemployment rate stands at 4.5 percent, representing 502,000 unemployed Floridians in mid-August from a workforce of 11.1 million.

The national unemployment rate stands at 4.1 percent.