Good morning, Tallahassee.

On May 20th, Tallahassee will observe Florida Emancipation Day with city office, animal services, community center, and library closures, and residents will face delayed waste collection while free public events are offered at local museums, including the John G.

Riley Center & the Knott House Museum.

City listings highlight cultural events this week: blues shows at The American Legion on May 15 (featuring Allastair Greene) and May 16 (with Roger Wilson) and a solo exhibit by Julie Torres at the Gadsden Arts Center starting May 15, plus dance at FSU.

DeSoto Trail Elementary unveiled today a vibrant mural — a youth-inspired postcard of school life — that greets visitors at the front entrance; the reveal comes a day before the annual Senior Walk.

FSU Law students have been chosen for competitive public service fellowships across Florida — earning placements in the executive, judicial, and legislative branches.

The fellowships offer hands-on experience with state agencies and courts to prepare them for leadership.

The 21st annual Best and Brightest Awards ceremony honored 130 high school seniors with scholarships up to 5000 dollars at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall yesterday.

The event celebrated achievements in 15 categories including English, music, and leadership as graduation season begins.

The City of Tallahassee has launched PREP, a free series of hurricane preparedness workshops that equip residents with starter emergency buckets and kit guidance + address rising flood concerns; the next session is scheduled at the Jake Gaither Community Center on Bragg Drive on May 26.

The Leon County Sheriff’s Office celebrated 50 years of the Citizens Academy on Tuesday by honoring the 2025 graduates in a program that trains residents in the daily work of deputies.

The ten-week course builds understanding between law enforcement and the community.

Sen. Corey Simon announced the Water First North Florida Project will not proceed in its current form after residents and local leaders raised concerns yesterday in Madison County — the initiative will return to planning to better protect local water resources.

A Florida State University study warns that routine coastal flooding may cause nearly 10,000 deaths among older adults by 2100 due to delayed emergency care from flooded roads (Florida is most at risk given its low-lying coasts and aging population).

Infrastructure improvements could reduce these losses, the study adds.

FSU baseball hosts Miami in a rivalry series starting today at 6 p.m. at Dick Howser Stadium.

The series will set ACC tournament seeding as coach Jarrett monitors reliever John Abraham and outfielder Chase Williams’ recovery ahead of the contests + further updates pending.

FAMU softball ended a nine-year championship drought by winning its first SWAC title on May 9 with a walkoff victory over Southern + now will compete in the NCAA Tournament’s Gainesville Regional on Friday, May 15 at 11 a.m. at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium.

Juniors Journee Belcher and Davion Crumitie won six gold medals at the state track meet for Rickards High School by earning three wins each in sprint, relay and field events.

Their achievement highlights the school's strong track legacy.

Tallahassee voters are invited to choose the best high school softball player ever, with nominees from Florida High (Stephannie Rossman), Lincoln (Billie Ann Gay), Chiles, Wakulla, Leon, and NFC; the vote celebrates the area’s sports legacy.

FSU women’s golf qualified for their tenth straight NCAA Championship after finishing second in the Tallahassee regional on May 13 — coach Bond and sophomore Fullbrook expressed confidence as the team prepares for national rounds starting May 22 in Carlsbad.

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.

MenWalking in Tallahassee

9:00 – 10:30 a.m. — J. R. Alford Greenway — Free entry — Connect with other men while enjoying a refreshing walk outdoors.

Moth Madness

10-11 a.m. — Native Nurseries — $5.00 fee — Explore the nocturnal world of moths and learn how to create welcoming spaces for them.

Benefits After Hours: Maximize Your CHP Plan

4:30-5:30 p.m. — Governor’s Square — Free for members — Learn to optimize your health plan benefits in this informative workshop.