Good morning, Tallahassee.

FAMU alumni filed a petition on June 16 against the Board of Trustees and Florida Board of Governors to call an investigation into the process that chose president Marva Johnson—stakeholders report that political backing and inexperience led to a rule-breaking selection—and the board meets today to consider her confirmation.

FSU’s Stavros Center has shared its global efforts in economics education—director Joseph Calhoun announced winners of the 2024 Economics Olympiad Final Round in Ancient Olympia, Greece, and outlined plans for international teacher training and a U.S. high school competition this summer. The center, founded in 1988, works with educators around the world to adapt key resources for local use.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection denied Clearwater Land and Minerals’ request to drill an exploratory oil well in Calhoun County after a judge recommended the permit be refused in April.

The department said the area is sensitive due to its proximity to the Apalachicola River basin — which is home to several protected species.

The Florida DEP has denied Clearwater Land and Minerals' permit to drill in the floodplain of the Apalachicola River following legal action by the Apalachicola Riverkeeper—this decision comes as a 'Kill the Drill' bill awaits Governor Ron DeSantis's signature to ban drilling near the sensitive area. The ruling follows past drilling plans in Calhoun County that had low chances of striking oil.

A WalletHub analysis ranked Tallahassee as Florida’s best-run city and 18th best-run overall, as the study compared 148 cities on six factors including financial stability, education, health, safety, economy, and infrastructure pollution.

Florida lawmakers passed a $115 billion balanced state budget for the next fiscal year that is $3.5 billion below last year's total—$500 million less than the governor's proposal.

The budget includes tax breaks, exemptions, job cuts, and school vouchers—now it goes to Gov. Ron DeSantis in France for his signature.

At Tuesday's workshop, the Leon County Commission unanimously advanced the preliminary sheriff’s office budget for 2026 with a 9% increase that adds $10 million for pay raises, new deputies, and overtime—while also setting aside $250,000 for gap funding for affordable housing.

Final votes on these measures will come on July 8.

Lawmakers ended their session Monday by approving a $115.1B budget for the new fiscal year beginning July 1—cutting spending by $3.5B with a $1.3B tax cut package—and then closed the session.

The plan—adding pay raises for state workers, more school funding, and funds for Everglades restoration—now heads to Gov. DeSantis for his veto option.

Big Al and the Heavyweights Concert

8 PM–12 AM — House of Music Tallahassee — Ticket prices vary — Experience a musical gumbo of Cajun, Zydeco, Blues, and Rock that promises to delight all attendees.

Creator Summit

4-7 p.m. — Pedro's Tacos & Tequila Bar — Register online for tickets — Explore the latest trends in digital media while networking with industry leaders.

Local Band Showcase: Cloud Storage

7 PM – 1 AM — The Bark — All Ages — Enjoy a night of local tunes featuring Cloud Storage and more.

An Afternoon with Ralph Roddenberry

2 p.m. — The Sound Bar — $10 Cover — Experience the debut performance of Ralph Roddenberry at The Sound Bar.

Smoking Guns Live Performance

7-11 p.m. — Oyster City Brewing Company Tallahassee — Free entry — Enjoy an energetic mix of classic rock and pop from the band Smoking Guns.

Infinity Con

10:00-11:30 a.m. — Donald L. Tucker Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience Infinity Con live in Tallahassee with exciting activities and guests.

Tally Devs Meetup at Momo's: Show & Tell Tech Tools

6-8 p.m. — Momo's Pizza — BYO$$ — Share your favorite tech tools and hacks in a relaxed setting with fellow enthusiasts.