Daily
Tallahassee
Thursday, April 16th, 2026
Good morning, Tallahassee. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 16th of April.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Chain of Parks Art Festival will run Saturday and Sunday (April 18, 19) in downtown Tallahassee. Volunteers have prepared live art, a puppet parade with 30 puppeteers, over 15 food trucks, and live music for an event that last year drew 42,000 visitors. WFSU Public Media
- ➤ STITCH FSU hosted a spring runway at Torchlight Studios on April 12 that featured 36 handmade outfits for a Spring/Summer collection inspired by transformation, displaying creative design & student performance in a vibrant setting. FSU News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Leon County School Board stated that school closures are off the table as it shifts focus to renewing the half-penny sales tax to help avoid a $30 million deficit. One board member continues to support closing under-enrolled schools (arguing it cuts costs) while the board plans to send the resolution to the county commissioners. Tallahassee Democrat
- ➤ Google visited FSU campus to help students manage finals stress and learn to use Gemini AI tools for studying. The event offered demos on creating flashcards and study guides—providing practical tips as exams approach. FOX 49
- ➤ Florida State University named Professors Laura Reina (Physics) and Brad Schmidt (Psychology) as Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professors for 2026-2027, recognizing their careers in discovery, teaching, and service. The professors will also be invited to deliver commencement addresses at the university. Florida State University
- ➤ FSU College of Law's Dean O’Connor steps down and remains on the faculty as the college searches for her replacement. A farewell event is set for April 30 at the D’Alemberte Law Rotunda while the immigration clinic pauses due to lost funding. FSU News
- ➤ On April 8, FSU hosted a New York Times Game Night at Club Down Under where students competed in Wordle, Connections and mini crosswords. Teams of four won prizes such as reusable water bottles & matcha-making kits while building new connections across campus. FSU News
- ➤ Following the spring 2026 SGA elections, Burning Spear’s role in FSU politics is under scrutiny — longtime members switched to the new Legacy FSU party, prompting demands for more transparency among student leaders. FSU News
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ Financial advisers in Tallahassee report that despite the Iran War's market volatility, investors have seen a rebound and some windfalls as oil stocks soared roughly 30+ percent from earlier undervalued buys. Local consultant Marshall Cassedy expects the situation to ease in six to nine months. Tallahassee Democrat
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Tallahassee International Airport was renamed to honor Bobby Bowden after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the bill on April 15 near the airport. The governor announced that the first phase of the Capital Circle widening project — from Springhill Road to orange Avenue — will open a year ahead of schedule. WFSU Public Media
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The AIDS Healthcare Foundation is criticizing Gilead Sciences over steep HIV medication costs that forced Florida to drop Biktarvy from its ADAP formulary; lawmakers approved a $31 million funding fix to keep the program running through June even as concerns over long-term patient access persist. ABC 27
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ FAMU President Marva Johnson announced a full programmatic assessment & new academic monitoring after an APR score of 911 led to a postseason ban, though the team retains most players and will play a 12-game schedule starting Aug. 29. Tallahassee Democrat
- ➤ FSU head coach Mike Norvell said he is not ready to name a starting quarterback after spring practice and will decide after fall camp as he watches the competition between Ashton Daniels and Kevin Sperry — both have shown promising growth in scrimmages. Tallahassee Democrat
- ➤ FSU baseball ended its four-game losing streak with a 9+2 win over Stetson on April 14, as Hunter Carns had a career night with a three-run home run and five RBIs. The team now prepares to face Notre Dame on Friday, April 17. FSU News
-
TMH Golden Gala 2026
5:30-11:30 p.m. — Donald L. Tucker Civic Center — Admission varies — Experience a night with Grammy-nominated Teddy Swims supporting behavioral health services in the community.
-
Gladiator Challenge
12 – 4 PM — Christ Classical Academy — Entry fee may apply — A family adventure race with fun obstacles for all ages.
-
Tails & Trails Half Marathon
7-11 a.m. — J. R. Alford Greenway — $40 — Participate in a scenic half marathon winding through the lush Greenway and surrounding trails.
-
Mother's Day Brunch
11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. — Eve on Adams — Cost varies — Delight in a rooftop brunch with mimosas and stunning city views to celebrate Mom.
-
Texas Southern Tigers vs. Florida A&M Rattlers Baseball
1-2 p.m. — Moore-Kittles Field — Secure your seats now — Feel the thrill of college baseball as the Texas Southern Tigers take on the Florida A&M Rattlers!
-
Texas Southern Tigers vs. Florida A&M Rattlers Baseball
1-2 p.m. — Moore-Kittles Field — Secure your seats — Experience the excitement as Texas Southern takes on Florida A&M in an action-packed baseball game.
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 price of freedom is eternal vigilance.
~ Thomas Jefferson
About Daily Tallahassee
Welcome to the Daily Tallahassee, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Tallahassee, Florida community. If you like the Daily Tallahassee, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Tallahassee.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Tallahassee and across Florida. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Tallahassee
A free Tallahassee community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailytallahassee.com/sitemap