Daily
Tallahassee
Wednesday, May 20th, 2026
Good morning, Tallahassee. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 20th of May.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Tallahassee’s Red Lobster, which served the community for 56 years, will close on May 24 due to post-bankruptcy cuts — locals say the change marks the end of an era for a much-loved dining spot. Tallahassee Democrat
- ➤ Fazoli's reopened on May 19 at 3122 Mahan Drive (Suite 1000) after years of waiting, drawing fans eager for Italian comfort food with a unique double-drive thru lane and modern decor. It serves guests from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday to Sunday and to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tallahassee Democrat
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Four red wolf pups born on April 19 at the museum will be viewable this summer, offering local visitors a rare chance to learn about these animals. Tallahassee Democrat
- ➤ Residents joined a bus tour on Monday, Apr. 18, to visit historic burial sites including Betton Hills, Munree, and Hickory Hill where local historians and volunteers restored markers to honor enslaved ancestors — an important part of Florida Emancipation Day observances. WFSU Public Media
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A new Education Scorecard by Harvard and Stanford reports Florida ranked last for academic reading growth among 35 states, with students nearly 0.7 grade levels behind 2019. The study also shows math scores remain below pre-pandemic levels (data covers 2022 to 2025). Tallahassee Democrat
- ➤ Veteran educator Pink Hightower died unexpectedly on May 14 in Tallahassee as a beloved FAMU DRS administrator and principal. His viewing is set for 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. May 22 at Bethel AME Church and his funeral for 2 p.m. May 23 at the Old West Enrichment Center. Tallahassee Democrat
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Florida’s Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson said fireworks might be banned for Fourth of July if drought and wildfire risks continue. Officials warn communities to clear brush, plan for quick evacuations — a move aimed to reduce fire risks ahead of Independence Day celebrations. Tallahassee Democrat
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Florida State University chemists synthesized two new molecules from bacteria in a Pacific sea sponge and published their work in the Journal of the American Chemical Society; the breakthrough may improve cancer drug development by reducing reliance on natural sponge samples & enabling easier production of medicinal compounds. Florida State University
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ In Tallahassee, residential building permits for single family homes increased 27.3% in April versus last year, with 70 permits issued instead of 55. A three month average showed an 18.8% rise in permit count + a small uptick in average value from $12.1 million to $12.2 million. Tallahassee Reports
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Two Big Bend softball teams from Madison County and Wakulla reached the state semifinals at Boombah-Soldiers Creek Park. Madison County played Trenton at 1 p.m. Tuesday and Wakulla will face Eustis at 11:30 a.m. Thursday (each team is two wins from a state title). Tallahassee Democrat
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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.
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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.
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Real Madrid Foundation Soccer Camp in Tallahassee
8 a.m. - 2 p.m. — FSU Rec Sportsplex — Registration required — Enhance your soccer skills with Real Madrid's professional coaching and core values.
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
It's not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.
~ Edmund Hillary
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