Daily
Tallahassee
Friday, March 20th, 2026
Good morning, Tallahassee. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A Tallahassee landscaping company is hosting a donation drive to support 48 TSA agents and their families working without pay amid the shutdown. Donation drop-offs are available at three Fielder locations Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tallahassee Democrat
- ➤ Leon County Sheriff's Office invites locals to vote online for K9 Rex in the Florida Sheriffs Association K9 March Madness tournament, with votes due by 7 p.m. EST on 3/23/26. FOX 49
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The Lunchbox reopened on Thursday after a car crashed into the restaurant earlier this week—injuring two people and damaging the dining area. A citation was issued for careless driving. WCTV
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The North Florida Renaissance Faire takes place this weekend at the North Florida Fairgrounds, where organizer Shane Adams, a former History Channel jousting star, brings a blend of medieval combat and fantasy displays to life. WFSU Public Media
- ➤ Ramadan ended on Thursday, March 19 and Eid al-Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast) begins today as local mosques and community centers across Tallahassee host special prayers, sweets, and family gatherings. Tallahassee Democrat
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ As of March 19, Florida gas prices edged up to nearly $4 a gallon with an average of $3.95, and six counties reported prices above $4 (Citrus at $4.002 and Monroe at $4.174), while Tallahassee rates remain lower. Tallahassee Democrat
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Leon County Virtual School may be spared from budget cuts after a board member said it was removed from the list of affected programs. The board will review enrollment data at next week’s workshop to decide if the virtual school will receive up to two more years to grow. WCTV
- ➤ FSU’s Institute for Governance and Civics (IGC) announced a new undergraduate Civics and Liberty Studies degree aimed at training civic leaders; students may enroll now for Fall with coursework covering constitutional thought and applied statistics. Florida State University
- ➤ Florida State University ranked No. 60 nationally for U.S. utility patents for the 2025 calendar year by the National Academy of Inventors, demonstrating its role as a leader in research and commercialization. The accolade highlights breakthroughs in engineering+medicine and materials science following record research spending. Florida State University
- ➤ Leon County School Board will discuss a policy that lets student athletes profit from their name, image and likeness at an upcoming meeting in Tallahassee. The policy follows FHSAA rules and limits product promotion during school hours. WCTV
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Recent rain did little to ease drought conditions as Leon County logged 3.72 inches below normal totals—making this the 20th driest year in 132 years; extreme drought continues in Northwest Tallahassee + the Big Bend and South Georgia with residents still under water restrictions. ABC 27
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ FSU and Apalachee Center signed a memorandum to improve mental health care in North Florida. They will collaborate on research and share de-identified data—focusing on treatment and behavior trends in Leon and Bay counties. Florida State University
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Florida State's men's basketball team declined a NIT invitation as its seniors chose to focus on recruiting and rebuilding next season. Coach Luke Loucks said the decision gives the program time to plan the roster and initiate fund raising for upcoming contests. Tallahassee Democrat
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Evening At The Farm
6-9 p.m. — Big Muddy Farms — BYOB — Enjoy a cozy night at the farm with animals, a buffet dinner, and fireside relaxation.
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4th International Smoke Symposium
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Tall Timbers Research Station — Check website for fees — Engage with leading experts at the forefront of smoke research and its implications.
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Jazz on the Green
6-10 p.m. — The Hub at Feather Oaks — Cost TBD — Unwind under the stars with smooth jazz, elegant ambiance, and community impact.
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Springtime Tallahassee Festival
5:30 PM – 5:00 PM — Tallahassee Downtown Improvement Authority — Cost info not provided — Celebrate spring with a vibrant music festival featuring national entertainment acts.
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Springtime 10K/5K/1 Mile Race
11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. — 605 Suwannee St, Tallahassee, FL — Registration fees vary — Participate in a fun-filled race event this spring with options for all fitness levels.
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ServSafe Certification Class with Same-Day Exam in Spanish
4 hours — Hilton Garden Inn Tallahassee — From $159 — Fast-track your food manager certification with expert instruction and instant results.
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Get Your FreeCon: The Official FreeCon Afterparty
9:30 PM – 2:00 AM — Florida State University Student Union — Free entry — Celebrate at the official afterparty of Tallahassee's premier anime and gaming convention.
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Florida Gators vs. Florida State Seminoles Baseball
6-9 p.m. — Dick Howser Stadium — VIP tickets available — Experience an exciting college baseball rivalry with premium seating options.
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Movies in the Park: 13 Going on 30
8-10 p.m. — Kleman Plaza — Free admission — Enjoy a nostalgic movie night under the stars in downtown Tallahassee.
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CCA 2026 Big Bend Chapter Banquet & Auction
6-10 p.m. — Tallahassee Automobile Museum — Supports marine resources — Gather for dinner, drinks, and exciting auction items to benefit Florida's ecosystem.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The graveyard is the richest place on earth, because it is here that you will find all the hopes and dreams that were never fulfilled.
~ Les Brown
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