Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 31st of July.
Good morning, Tallahassee.
🏘️ Community
Tallahassee will host the 8th Annual Back-to-School Community Block Party this weekend, giving local families a chance to gather and celebrate the new school year (as part of the What's Brewing series).
Local organizers also announced a Fall Seed Library Kickoff to complete a busy community event schedule.
🎓 Education
Leon County Schools has begun charging fees for homeschool and private students to join classes and activities today—fees vary from $86.25 to $1,500 and most costs are covered by PEP, with registration open until Aug.
6.
FSU researchers found North American mammals reached southern Mexico nearly 7 million years ago, before the Panama land bridge formed.
Their study, published Thursday in Science after fossils were gathered from 2022 to 2024, shows that early savanna grasslands helped the animals migrate.
🌲 Environment
Hurricane experts say the Atlantic remains quiet today because strong wind shear from El Niño is keeping storm activity low, making it unlikely a hurricane will form before Aug.
11. Historical storms such as Andrew from 1992, Charley from 2004 and Cleo from 1964 remind residents to stay prepared.
Local researchers and officials examined how AI data centers may affect water levels at Wakulla Springs (by mapping the cave system that feeds it).
The study will guide future decisions on groundwater use in the area.
🏛️ Government
Florida residents can buy back-to-school supplies and hurricane preparedness items without sales tax until Aug.
20, with disaster items permanently exempt. Schools start on Monday, Aug. 10.
🏥 Health
Food products sold in Florida were recalled because some may be contaminated or contain undeclared allergens including frozen blueberries, enoki mushrooms, sunflower seeds and iceberg lettuce.
The items were distributed over recent weeks and no illnesses have been reported so far.
Health officials confirmed three new cyclospora cases in Tallahassee on July 30, raising the local total to four + advising residents to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly to reduce infection risk.
The outbreak remains under state investigation.
The Florida Department of Health reports 95 new Cyclospora cases statewide, including three in Leon County which now totals 4.
Since June 1, there have been 246 cases with 258 reported overall this year.
📰 Real Estate
Tallahassee’s last cigar factory building may be demolished for a 73-apartment complex with a parking garage on the block bordered by All Saints, St Francis, South Macomb and Saint Michael Streets.
The plan will be reviewed on Aug. 10 by the Development Review Committee.
🏈 Sports
Florida State football head coach Mike Norvell resumed play calling yesterday, and tight ends coach Chris Tomsen expects more vertical plays in the offense during early practice sessions.
He noted players like Landen Thomas showed explosive moves+ the new system could open up additional opportunities this season.
Fans attending Florida State’s home opener on Aug.
29 at Doak Campbell Stadium are urged to review security rules and arrive early to avoid long lines. Officials emphasize the clear bag policy and item restrictions — measures enforced by FSU police and partner agencies.
🎉 Tallahassee Events
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Godby Class of 1986 Reunion
6 p.m. — AC Hotel Tallahassee Universities at the Capitol — $100 per person — Celebrate the 80s with food, drinks, and dancing at an unforgettable reunion night.
Tallahassee Beer Festival
2-6 p.m. — Donald L. Tucker Civic Center — Ticketed event — Experience North Florida’s largest beer festival with over 400 beverages and interactive fun.
🏠 Tallahassee Real Estate
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