Good morning, Tallahassee.

The Leon County Sheriff's Office and emergency personnel will host a community day at Maclay Gardens State Park on Saturday, July 12 from 11 until 2 so residents, including those with disabilities, can meet first responders.

FSU’s Center for Autism and Related Disabilities director Cathy Zemko said the event aims to build friendly ties before a crisis—entrance and activities are free—.

Florida State University mourned the passing of professor emeritus Charlie Rockwood, who died on June 26 after donating over $14 million to support several FSU colleges including a $10 million gift that established the Rockwood School of Marketing.

He retired in 1991 and remains a dedicated campus figure—his legacy will influence future university initiatives.

At a July 8 meeting, the Leon County Commission discussed revoking the city’s authority to bill residents for fire services—citing a past Ocala case that ruled such fees unconstitutional—to protect citizens from utility shutoffs.

Commissioners set an agenda item for a public hearing to consider shifting the fee to the property tax roll while arbitration continues before the September 15 meeting.

Feds argued Monday that the federal appeals court should overturn a district judge's ruling that blocked Florida's law SB 4-C— a measure that targets undocumented immigrants— while Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier asked the Supreme Court for a stay to allow the law's enforcement during ongoing legal challenges.

Backers of a proposed constitutional amendment to allow recreational marijuana use have submitted 613,206 valid signatures to qualify for the 2026 ballot.

The measure must reach 880,062 signatures and meet district requirements, and it faces a federal court challenge over new initiative restrictions—U.S. District Judge Mark Walker has not yet ruled on the request.

The Leon County Commission approved $500,000 for affordable housing projects on Tuesday to help developers build homes for very low- and extremely low-income households—local congregations in the Capital Area Justice Ministry pushed for the funding.

Commissioner Nick Maddox said half of the money came from the county general fund while Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency and the state supplied the rest—support stemming from community advocacy.

Faith leaders in Tallahassee asked Gov. DeSantis to pause the state's execution schedule as seven death penalties have been carried out this year, and Michael Bell is set for lethal injection on July 15—faith leaders say the process is too fast and favors a flawed system.

This appeal comes amid concerns about the record pace of executions in Florida.

Residents on Tallahassee’s Southside can now fill their prescriptions after Bond Community Health opened a new retail pharmacy on South Monroe Street — the service is set to address a gap in local healthcare access.

FSU’s Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases—partnering with the Sunshine Genetics Pilot Program—received $7.5 million in state funding to offer free full genetic sequencing to newborns that will detect rare diseases early.

FSU President Richard McCullough added $2 million to support the five-year initiative that will let doctors start treatment before symptoms appear.

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.

Angel Ocasio Live at Cash's Juke Joint

7-10 p.m. — The Sound Bar — $12.50 online, $15 at the door — Experience an evening of blues and soul with Cash's Juke Joint in Tallahassee.

Hotboii Summer Finale Concert

10:00-11:30 p.m. — Potbelly’s — Tickets available online — Witness Florida’s own Hotboii electrify the stage in this high-energy concert experience.

Forever Grads 2025 Graduation Party

10 PM – 2 AM — Potbelly's — Free entry for graduates — Celebrate your achievements and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere at the ultimate graduation party.

Back to School: Fuel the Future

10 AM – 1 PM — Florida Blue Center - Tallahassee — Free school supplies — A family-friendly event with fun activities and resources to kickstart an academic year.