Good morning, Tallahassee.

Florida's minimum wage will increase to $15 an hour for non-tipped employees on Sept.

30 while tipped workers will see their rate rise to $11.98 (from $10.98) following a 2020 amendment. Future increases will be tied to inflation.

The Florida Board of Education approved rules on Sept.

3 that require the state’s 12 public universities to verify students’ citizenship or legal status. Officials have not yet clarified whether the policy will affect fall enrollment (or current students), which could impact tuition revenue.

FSU Family Weekend 2026 celebrates 175 years with over 700 families gathering Sept.

25-27 on campus to enjoy tailgates, a football game, and two performances by the returning FSU Flying High Circus. Tickets for signature events are available until Sunday, Sept. 20.

After an audit found FAMU misreported $29.5 million due to recordkeeping flaws, the university hired interim CFO Richard Schweigert and extended its contract with Mitchell Titus to boost financial controls — a move praised by the Board of Governors as it works to address ongoing issues.

Florida residents are expecting periodic heavy rain and thunderstorms this week through Labor Day weekend as the National Hurricane Center watches three tropical waves while Gov. DeSantis declared September as Florida Preparedness Month & urged residents to update emergency supplies.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission urges beachgoers to keep at least 50 feet from nesting sea turtles and shorebirds this holiday weekend to protect the state's ongoing nesting season; local guidance includes securing beach gear, closing curtains, and turning off lights near beaches + safely disposing of trash.

Judge N. Sanders Sauls, known for his role in the 2000 recount, died at 85; a graveside service was held at Roselawn Cemetery & a celebration of life took place at Golden Eagle Country Club on Sept.

3. His long tenure on Florida's 2nd Judicial Circuit left a local legacy of service.

FSU professor Thomas Joiner leads suicide prevention research and says open conversations during Suicide Prevention Month help lower suicide risk.

His work uses timely intervention and community connection to support mental health and improve care for those who need it.

Florida health officials have proposed a rule change that would remove vaccine requirements for hepatitis B, chicken pox, Hib and pneumococcal shots for public and private school students — while keeping MMR, polio and DTaP vaccines mandatory.

Residents may submit comments until Sept. 14 as the state reviews the proposal.

Montford Mustangs held off Cobb Cubs 16-14 at Chiles High School on Thomasville Rd — a win sealed by a late touchdown — and remain unbeaten at 3-0 in Leon County while Cobb now prepares to face Raa.