The reopening marks an important milestone in a major infrastructure project designed to improve the Market District for years to come. But for merchants that have operated alongside construction, the benefits have been accompanied by a significant short-term burden.

Now, businesses are preparing for what could be a new beginning.

The Market District will celebrate the reopening Sept. 3 with an all-day “ALL ACCESS Block Party on Market.” The event will feature live music throughout the district, food and drinks, family activities, business specials and exclusive offers. Organizers are promoting the event as a celebration of the businesses and community — as well as the return of unrestricted road access. “ALL ACCESS. All Roads Open. All Businesses Open,” organizers said.

Construction Comes with Price

The Market District project is intended to address infrastructure needs while making the area more attractive, connected and accessible. The work includes reconstruction of Maclay Boulevard and Maclay Commerce Drive, underground utility improvements, pedestrian enhancements, landscaped medians and two new roundabouts. The project also includes the Market District Park and East Stormwater Facility.

But reaching the finished product has required businesses to operate through construction zones and detours. For restaurants, retailers and other businesses that depend heavily on visibility and convenient access, changes in traffic patterns can have an immediate effect. A customer who must navigate a detour, find a different entrance or deal with construction may simply decide to go somewhere else. That makes the Aug. 31 reopening particularly important.

The end of detours will remove one of the most visible obstacles facing businesses during construction and restore the normal traffic circulation that customers have come to expect. The project has also forced businesses to compete for customers’ attention while the physical environment around them has been changing.

City and Blueprint Inter governmental Agency officials announced in February that construction sequencing would be changed to accelerate work on Maclay Boulevard and the central roundabout. The goal was to have the road work completed by late summer.

Looking Beyond Construction

The rationale for the project extends beyond simply replacing roads. The Market District Action Plan calls for improvements intended to make the area more connected, pedestrian-friendly and attractive. The current work is expected to improve traffic circulation while upgrading utilities, drainage, sidewalks and public spaces.

For property owners and businesses, those improvements could become an important competitive advantage once the construction equipment leaves. A more attractive district with improved access and pedestrian connections could encourage customers to spend more time in the area and make it easier to move among restaurants, retailers and other businesses. That is the potential payoff businesses have been waiting for.

The Sept. 3 celebration will effectively serve as the district’s welcome-back event. Throughout the day, customers will be encouraged to shop, dine and explore the businesses without having to navigate the construction-related road closures and detours.

The event also gives merchants an opportunity to reconnect with customers who may have avoided the district during construction. For the Market District, the next few weeks will therefore represent a transition. The construction that has disrupted daily business is nearing its end, while the infrastructure improvements that prompted the project are becoming reality. After months of asking customers to navigate around construction, Market District businesses will soon be able to deliver a much simpler message: The roads are open. The detours are gone. Come back to Market.

Two developments following the election are drawing particular attention: the appearance of former Jeremy Matlow and PJ Perez campaign manager Kristellys Estanga at an election-night gathering after she resigned over the fake Facebook operation, and unusually pointed post-election criticism of the tactics from people involved in or familiar with Tallahassee politics.

A Resignation — Then a Reunion

The controversy erupted in July after Tallahassee Reports revealed that a Facebook page previously associated with conservative political messaging had been repurposed in a manner that made it appear conservatives were attacking Edwards, a Black candidate running for Seat 3.

Estanga, who was serving as campaign manager for both mayoral candidate Jeremy Matlow and Seat 3 candidate PJ Perez, subsequently acknowledged responsibility for the fake page and said she acted alone. She resigned from the campaigns. Matlow said he had nothing to do with the operation and accepted her resignation.

But Estanga’s appearance at the Matlow/Perez election watch party after the primary has raised a new question about the practical consequences of that resignation.

A photograph by the Tallahassee Democrat shows Estanga at the election-night gathering with Matlow aide Ryan Ray.

Her attendance does not establish that she returned to an official campaign position, and there is no evidence provided to TR that she did. But politically, the appearance is significant.

When Estanga resigned in July, the action helped distance the campaigns from a tactic that had generated substantial criticism. Her return to the campaigns’ political orbit on election night — even simply as an attendee — raises questions about how serious that separation ultimately was.

Was Estanga’s resignation intended to sever her relationship with the campaigns, or merely remove her official title until the controversy subsided?

Post-Election Criticism

More significant may be what political figures are saying now that the primary is over.

Serenity Williams, associated with the Tallahassee A.L.E.R.T. group, had distanced herself from the progressive operation following the fake Facebook controversy. After the election, Williams was even more direct.

“PJ team attacked Talethia because they couldn’t beat her in the booth in November,” Williams wrote on social media, adding, “Just know people will never forget that.”

The comments are notable because they frame the Facebook episode not simply as an isolated mistake by one campaign operative, but as a deliberate political strategy aimed at weakening Edwards.

Williams’ statement goes beyond what has been independently established about who participated in creating or operating the page. Estanga publicly said she acted alone, while Tallahassee Reports previously reported that sources described the operation as a “team effort.”

Seat 3 candidate Tom Derzypolski also weighed in after the election.

Responding to a social media discussion related to the race, Derzypolski wrote that Edwards “ran an honest campaign with integrity.”

“She didn’t have to fire her campaign manager or hide behind phony Facebook pages,” Derzypolski wrote. He added that nobody associated with Edwards’ campaign — or his own — “would be involved in those kinds of activities.”

Former Tallahassee City Commission candidate Louis Dilbert offered a broader assessment.

“This would not have been so bad if not for the smear campaign orchestrated against Talethia O. Edwards,” Dilbert wrote. “But it’s also another reminder that every vote matters!”

Dilbert’s comments are particularly relevant because he said similar tactics had been directed at him previously. In a response to Dilbert’s post, another commenter noted that Dilbert had experienced several attacks, prompting Dilbert to respond: “they did several against me as well. I just didn’t get a story.”

A Larger Question for Tallahassee Progressives

The political significance of the controversy extends beyond whether one campaign manager created one deceptive Facebook page.

The larger question is whether aggressive anonymous or misleading political tactics are becoming an accepted part of Tallahassee’s progressive campaign infrastructure — and whether there is any political cost when those tactics are exposed.

That distinction is important.

There is evidence that Estanga accepted responsibility for the fake Facebook page. There is also evidence that she resigned from the Matlow and Perez campaigns. What has not been publicly established is that Matlow, Perez or other campaign officials directed Estanga to create the page.

Those facts should remain separate from the political questions raised by the episode.

And one of those questions became harder to ignore on election night.

If Estanga’s resignation represented a genuine repudiation of the tactic, her appearance alongside members of the same political operation only weeks later sends, at minimum, a mixed message.

Meanwhile, the reaction from Williams, Derzypolski and Dilbert suggests the controversy may have left a deeper impression among local political observers than the campaigns anticipated.

Campaigns are often remembered as much for how they win as whether they win. The Seat 3 primary demonstrated that Tallahassee’s increasingly organized progressive political movement can mobilize voters and candidates.

The aftermath is now producing a different debate: whether the tactics used in pursuit of those victories will ultimately strengthen the progressive movement — or create a political backlash among voters and potential allies who believe local campaigns have crossed the line from aggressive politics into deception.

U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, the Republican nominee for governor, tapped state Sen. Bryan Avila of Miami as his running mate, who would become lieutenant governor if they win the general election in November.

Avila, 42, was elected to the House in 2014 and served eight years there before moving to the Senate in 2022. He was born in Hialeah and went to the University of Miami and later received masters degrees in criminal justice and public administration from Florida International University.

Donalds highlighted Avila’s background as the son of immigrants from Cuba who fled the communist government, and compared it with his Democratic opponent, former U.S. Rep. David Jolly, who will share a ticket with U.S. Senate Democratic nominee Angie Nixon a member of the Democratic Socialists of America.

Jolly picked former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham as his running mate, and both have rejected the “socialist” label but Donalds and Republicans are connecting them to Nixon and the broader push from socialists around the country that has seen DSA-backed candidates win Democratic primaries in Michigan and New York.

“David Jolly and Gwen Graham answer to the Democratic Socialists of America; we answer to the people of Florida,” Donalds said at an event in the Freedom Tower in Miami, a building honored by Cuban immigrants for its role in processing refugees. “In this critical fight I wanted a proven warrior to fight beside me.”

Avila is also a captain in the Florida National Guard and serves as dean of the School of Criminal Justice at Doral College, a private school that opened in 2012. As of the fall of 2024 it had 559 students.

“My parents fled communist Cuba and left behind their home and their business because they knew what happens when government takes over, when freedom despairs and when socialism turns an opportunity into misery,” Avila said.

Donalds and Avila also emphasized his record in the Legislature, including sponsoring a bill this year (SB 484) to put some restrictions on large data centers.

The new law, pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, requires technology companies building the behemoths that use more energy than typical centers and are central to the burgeoning artificial intelligence industry to pay for their share of the energy consumption rather than spreading it out among ratepayers.

During the GOP primary, Donalds was hit by his opponents for taking money from tech companies and largely favoring the construction of data centers.

Avila stressed the importance of driving down prices and especially the cost of owning a home for young Floridians, whom he addressed directly in his speech.

“I know you’re concerned about when you’ll be able to purchase your first home,” Avila said. “We hear you and we will fight for you.”

Concerns about the cost of living have heightened, though, among voters, as the Iran war drags on, gas prices remain high, inflation still elevates grocery prices and housing and insurance costs remain exorbitant in Florida.

In reaction, Jolly hinted he’ll highlight Donalds’ connection with President Donald Trump during the next 70 days before the general election Nov. 3.

“I congratulate former State Sen. Bryan Avila on his selection as the Republican Lieutenant Governor nominee. I wish him well,” Jolly posted on X. “But, let’s be honest: this race won’t come down to Byron Donalds’ relationship with Avila, it will come down to Byron’s relationship with Donald Trump.”

The statement notes that “Administrative leave should not be interpreted as a presumption or finding of wrongdoing. This action allows the district to conduct a thorough and appropriate review of circumstances and determine whether any official action is warranted.”

Background

Dr. Michelle Gayle is the Deputy Superintendent of Leon County Schools, serving as one of Superintendent Rocky Hanna’s senior administrators. She leads the district’s Office of Professional, Intervention and Community Services.

Gayle’s responsibilities are unusually broad. She oversees or works with School Board administration, prevention and intervention services, admissions, attendance and discipline, mental health and wellness services, purchasing, planning, marketing and events, School Choice, volunteers and mentors, business and community partnerships, the District Advisory Council and the Foundation for Leon County Schools.

Before becoming deputy superintendent, Gayle served as LCS Assistant Superintendent for Professional and Community Services. In that position, she acted as a liaison between the superintendent, School Board and community organizations and oversaw areas including communications, volunteers, school choice and the Foundation.

Margaret Farris is the Executive Director of the Foundation for Leon County Schools, the nonprofit direct-support organization associated with Leon County Schools. LCS lists Farris among its district administrators and places the Foundation under Deputy Superintendent Dr. Michelle Gayle’s Office of Professional, Intervention and Community Services. Farris works from the LCS administrative complex and uses an LCS email address and telephone number.

The available employment information indicates that Farris became executive director in April 2025, succeeding Eric Clark. A professional employment profile gives her tenure as April 2025 to present, and contemporaneous LinkedIn search results contain an announcement welcoming her as the Foundation’s new executive director.

The Foundation for Leon County Schools (FLCS) is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that serves as the direct-support organization for Leon County Schools. It was created in 1986 to raise private and community resources for programs benefiting LCS students, teachers and schools.

The meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. Monday, Sept. 14. Although the City resource URL contains “2027,” the official agenda identifies the meeting date as Sept. 14, 2026.

Sigma Chi Fraternity

The first item, TAB260004, involves the Sigma Chi Fraternity property at 410 Lorene Street, near West Pensacola Street. The 0.07-acre property is zoned University Transition and is located within the city’s Multi-Modal Transportation District.

The applicant is requesting the abandonment of a portion of the Pensacola Street right-of-way along the south side of Pensacola Street, just west of Lorene Street. Moore Bass Consulting is listed as the agent for the project.

Mt. Bethlehem Church Addition

The second item, TDR260004, involves Mt. Bethlehem Church at 2130 Midyette Road.

The church is seeking a deviation from city development standards to reduce the required front setback from 20 feet to 10 feet to accommodate an addition to the existing religious facility. The project site covers 0.54 acres and is zoned Activity Center.

The Development Review Committee reviews development proposals for compliance with city land-development regulations and other applicable requirements.

View the Sept. 14 DRC agenda.

Type A Meeting

Five development proposals, including a new restaurant, 27 townhomes and a self-storage facility, are scheduled for review during the City of Tallahassee’s Type A and pre-submittal meeting on Thursday, Aug. 27.

The projects include:

Commonwealth Boulevard Warehouse: A modification to a 10.03-acre light-industrial property calls for construction of a vehicle storage yard along with an 11,500-square-foot vehicle detailing and office building. The proposal, listed as TSP260043, is scheduled for review at 8:30 a.m.

Koger Center Restaurant: Developers are proposing a 3,400-square-foot restaurant with an additional 500 square feet of outdoor seating on a 1.08-acre site in the Koger Center area. The property is zoned Activity Center. The pre-submittal review is scheduled for 9 a.m.

Hannon Hill Limited Partition: A proposal involving a 605-acre property at 2800 W. Hannon Hill Drive would divide one existing parcel into five residential lots. The property is zoned Residential Preservation-1. The project is scheduled for review at 9:30 a.m.

Trimble Road Townhomes: A 4.95-acre property at 2331 Trimble Road is proposed for subdivision into 27 lots for single-family attached homes. The property is zoned R-3, which allows single detached, attached and two-family residential development. The proposal is scheduled for a 10 a.m. review.

Knox Lane Storage: Developers are proposing a 30,510-square-foot self-storage facility on 1.9 acres at 1617 Old Bainbridge Road. The property is zoned M-1 Light Industrial and is within the city’s Multi-Modal Transportation District. The pre-submittal meeting is scheduled for 10:30 a.m.

Pre-submittal meetings are an early step in the city development-review process and allow applicants to receive feedback on proposed projects before submitting formal development applications.

View the City of Tallahassee development agenda.

Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Weather: Today, a slight chance of showers between 1pm and 2pm, with a high near 91. Tonight, with a low around 74. Wednesday, showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly between 2pm and 5pm, with a high near 90. Wednesday night, a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, with a low around 74. NWS

US stock markets close mixed (S&P 500 -0.3%, Dow +0.3%, Nasdaq -0.8%) as the US warns of global sanctions against Iran (More).

Local Sports: High school football returned to the Capital City on Friday night, and Leon County’s teams delivered a statement opening week. Details

Local & State News

Tom Derzypolski will face P.J. Perez in the November runoff for Tallahassee City Commission Seat 3 after a manual recount increased Derzypolski’s advantage over Talethia Edwards to 15 votes. Details.

The firm conducting Tallahassee’s nationwide search for a new city manager has recommended three candidates for interviews, including the city’s current deputy city manager and two candidates with executive-level government experience outside Florida. Details.

Florida’s cattle ranchers are criticizing President Donald Trump’s move to import 300,000 tons of tariff-free beef to lower prices for consumers. Details

The state of Florida wants to remove four immunizations from entry requirements for PreK-12 public and private schools. Details

National News

The Trump administration expanded secondary sanctions against Iran yesterday, threatening penalties against foreign countries and companies that do business with Tehran. The move could restrict their access to the US financial system. The Treasury also sanctioned nearly 60 people, entities, and vessels that it says are tied to Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, oil trade, and cyber operations. 

The Leon County Canvassing Board completed the manual recount Monday, Aug. 24, and certified the official results of the 2026 primary election, according to the Leon County Supervisor of Elections Office.

The final tally showed Derzypolski with 10,533 votes compared to 10,518 for Edwards, according to WCTV. Perez, who finished first in the six-candidate primary, received 11,634 votes.

The final result capped nearly a week of uncertainty in a race in which the margin between Derzypolski and Edwards changed several times as election officials completed the canvassing and recount process.

On election night, Derzypolski led Edwards by 24 votes. After election officials reviewed provisional ballots and vote-by-mail ballots that required additional attention, the margin dropped to 14 votes.

A machine recount conducted over the weekend narrowed the margin again. WCTV reported that Derzypolski lost one vote during that process, leaving him 13 votes ahead of Edwards. Because the margin remained below the threshold requiring a manual recount, the Canvassing Board ordered the hand review.

During Monday’s manual recount, election workers reviewed 2,122 ballots identified as undervotes or overvotes in the Seat 3 contest. Of those, 25 ballots were presented to the Canvassing Board to determine voter intent.

The board determined that four of the 25 ballots contained valid votes that should be added to the totals. Derzypolski received two of those votes, while Perez and Darryl “Dar Wavemaker” Alfred each received one. The other 21 ballots remained classified as undervotes or overvotes. The two additional votes for Derzypolski increased his advantage over Edwards from 13 to the final 15-vote margin.

The Leon County Supervisor of Elections Office subsequently announced that the Canvassing Board had completed the manual recount and certified the official primary election results.

Both Derzypolski and Edwards praised the way the recount was conducted.

Derzypolski called Leon County’s election operation “world-class” and said the process was conducted methodically and transparently. Edwards also thanked Supervisor of Elections Mark Earley, the Canvassing Board and elections staff, describing the process as meticulous.

Derzypolski now advances to the Nov. 3 general election against Perez. The winner will replace Jeremy Matlow, who gave up Seat 3 to run for mayor.

The final outcome means a race that began with six candidates and tens of thousands of ballots cast ultimately came down to 15 votes separating second and third place.

Godby 35, Rickards 13

The Battle of the Blue finally swung back to the Cougars. Godby ended a six-game skid against crosstown rival Rickards behind a sharp performance from senior quarterback Landon Dougherty, who completed 13 of 24 passes for 219 yards and four touchdowns — earning Tallahassee Quarterback Club Offensive Player of the Week honors. Running back Kamren McMillan added 156 yards and a score on just 13 carries, while Lacari Murray hauled in a touchdown pass. Highlight stat: Dougherty’s four touchdown passes, more than Godby needed to snap the six-game losing streak to Rickards.

Chiles 50, Impact Christian 0

The Timberwolves turned their home opener into a ground-and-pound clinic. Markus Lundy ran for 110 yards and a touchdown on only six carries, and Chris Mitchell wasn’t far behind with 102 yards and two scores on five attempts. Chiles’ defense pitched the shutout to move to 1-0. Highlight stat: Chiles piled up 268 rushing yards.

Leon 42, Fernandina Beach 24

The Lions opened with a win at home behind a breakout rushing performance. Ka’Yun Adger ran for 129 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 7.2 yards per carry, while Markeith Buggs contributed 105 receiving yards and a score. Senior linebacker Randon Manausa earned Defensive Player of the Week recognition for his play on both sides — he added 48 yards and a touchdown on six carries. Highlight stat: Adger’s 129 rushing yards and two touchdowns powered a 42-point opener.

Lincoln 13, Crestview 10

The Trojans authored the night’s best comeback, rallying from a 10-0 deficit on the road at Jack Foster Stadium. Quarterback Thomas Hutchinson hit Trevor Jacobs for the game-tying touchdown with just over two minutes left, and kicker Barron Burris split the uprights on a go-ahead field goal in the final minute after Reginald Thompson carried the offense to the 1-yard line. Highlight stat: Lincoln erased a 10-point second-half deficit on the strength of Burris’s two field goals, including the game-winner.

Florida High 37, Navarre 13

The Seminoles made it look easy at home, jumping out to a 21-7 lead after the first quarter and never letting Navarre back in it. Senior tackle Micah Deem (6-foot-3, 255 pounds) anchored the line and was named Offensive Lineman of the Week. Highlight stat: Florida High outscored Navarre 13-0 in the second half, turning an early lead into a 24-point rout.

Maclay 38, Lafayette 0

The Marauders cruised on the road behind a prolific passing attack. Quarterback Beau Beshears completed 78.6 percent of his throws for 253 yards and four touchdowns, and senior Henry Richardson was named Impact Player of the Week after catching four passes for 125 yards and two scores while adding two interceptions on defense. Highlight stat: Richardson’s two-way night — two touchdown catches plus two interceptions.

Around Leon County

Elsewhere, North Florida Christian fell 34-14 at Franklin County, while FAMU DRS dropped a 31-18 decision to Abbeville Christian (Ala.) on the road, leaving the Eagles and Baby Rattlers looking for their first wins.

It was a dominant Friday for Leon County football: five of the six teams that played at home or in winnable road matchups came away victorious, led by Godby’s long-awaited rivalry triumph. The Cougars now head to Mosley with momentum, Chiles hosts Florida High in a marquee county clash next week, and Lincoln — fresh off its dramatic win — looks to build on the opening-night momentum.

Florida’s cattle ranchers are criticizing President Donald Trump’s move to import 300,000 tons of tariff-free beef to lower prices for consumers.

Blaming President Joe Biden for increased prices, Trump announced the deal on social media on Friday, saying it would drop the cost of beef to 25 percent below current market prices.

“This deal will reduce prices for Americans while giving space for our Great American Beef Herd to grow again,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

But Florida’s cattle ranchers, and ranchers across the country, are “disappointed,” said Colin Woodall, CEO of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

The Florida Cattlemen’s Association agrees.

“Artificially interfering with the cattle market is not sound policy — especially when producers continue to face record-high prices for many of the inputs required to raise cattle,” said the group’s president, John Williamson. “Strong markets are encouraging cattlemen to rebuild their herds, and government intervention that disrupts those market signals threatens both producer confidence and the long-term stability of America’s beef supply.”

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, beef and veal prices are expected to increase 10.7 percent this year. This past April, the average retail price for beef set a record high at $9.64 per pound, up about 13 percent from 2025.

Excessive drought across the country, the COVID-19 pandemic and increased operating costs have dwindled the U.S. cattle herd to a 75-year low after pushing farmers to liquidate their herds, according to the Federal Farm Bureau Federation.

In Florida this year, the state battled the harshest drought in decades, with approximately 80 percent of the state facing extreme conditions in April, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Florida currently ranks ninth in the country for beef production, according to the Annual Florida Cattle Market Report. In January of this year, the average price for a calf in Florida was 59 percent higher compared to last year and 76 percent higher than in 2024.

When asked for comment, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, who is running for a second term and has been endorsed by Trump, said the best response is to promote the Fresh From Florida program, which markets Sunshine State produce.

“Our brand awareness and sales are as high as they’ve ever been,” Simpson said. “We know how important our Florida farmers and cattlemen are; we will continue to do all we can to help them. I encourage everyone to buy local Fresh From Florida products to support our farmers.”

The state of Florida wants to remove four immunizations from entry requirements for PreK-12 public and private schools.

The Florida Department of Health is proposing a rule to remove Hepatitis B, varicella (chicken pox), Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines for public school attendance, a move that has been in play for almost a year after Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo announced his intent to get rid of all vaccine mandates in the state.

The rule, which was approved by Ladapo on Aug. 20, has a 21-day period for public input before final approval. DOH did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday.

The proposed rule also expands religious vaccine exemptions to include moral and ethical beliefs and lets parents and college students opt out of having their records included in the state vaccine database.

Florida currently allows religious exemptions “if immunizations are in conflict with the religious tenets and practices of the child’s parent or guardian,” according to DOH.

Without an exemption, Florida law requires students to receive vaccinations for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), polio, diphtheria, rubeola and tetanus to attend K-12 public schools. But the immunizations considered for repeal by DOH are only an agency rule, not in state law, and can be repealed by the agency itself.

Last September, Gov. Ron DeSantis and Ladapo called on the Legislature to roll back all vaccine mandates in the state. 

“Every last one of them is wrong and drips with disdain and slavery,” Ladapo said in Valrico, Hillsborough County, at the time.

“Who am I to tell you what your child should put in their body? I don’t have that right. Your body is a gift from God,” he added.

In response, American Academy of Pediatrics President Dr. Susan Kressly said the move will put children at risk of getting sick.

“The AAP believes every family should have access to immunizations to keep their community healthy,” Kressly said in a released statement. “Schools are an important part of that community. For many kids, the best part of school is being with friends — sharing space, playing on the playground and trading germs. Close contact makes it easy for contagious diseases to spread quickly.”

Even though the move to repeal all vaccine mandates was supported by DeSantis, First Lady Casey DeSantis and then-Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas, no legislator filed a bill in any of the multiple legislative sessions in 2026 to remove those requirements from Florida law.

Multiple attempts at a “Medical Freedom” bill that would have expanded vaccine exemptions and mandated doctors to provide an alternate vaccine schedule passed the state Senate but failed to pass the state House.

In December 2025, DOH held an open meeting in Panama City to discuss changing the vaccination requirements for public schools, which Emma Spencer, a director within DOH, said was “grounded in policy based on considerations that favor parental rights and medical freedom.”

Parents’ rights advocates praised the state and also repeated false claims, such as vaccines cause autism, while doctors from around the state pleaded with DOH to reconsider and said it would turn back the clock on medical advancements.

Eehab Kenawy, a Panama City pediatrician, said religious exemptions already exist to allow parents and guardians to opt out of vaccinations for their children.

“You’re not forced. But sending a message to the general public that vaccines are not important, vaccines are not needed, is not the way to do it,” Kenawy said.