Good morning, Tallahassee.

Gas prices in Florida reached $4.14 per gallon on Monday while diesel hit $6.31, and analysts say rising oil costs from Middle East tensions may push rates higher — local drivers already see differences across counties.

Leon County Schools is hosting community meetings to explain a proposed renewal of the half-penny sales tax that funds school improvements.

Voters will decide in November on the tax renewal that may generate up to $600 million, with a meeting at Chiles High happening today and others later in September.

FSU’s talent search program has received a five-year federal grant of $1M a year to help middle and high school students in eight Panhandle districts explore college and career paths.

The funding will start in October and is set to grow the program from 500 to 2,000 students (offering mentoring, financial aid help and AI study tools).

Florida public colleges will require students to show legal status next fall after a Board of Governors vote approved a new rule, & a UCF professor questioned how the change affects the state's investment in K-12 education.

Local groups have led efforts to remove the invasive coral ardisia from native wooded areas.

The FSU Environmental Service Program held four removal events during the spring semester to physically remove berries and roots that could harm local ecosystems.

After the hurricane season peak passed, forecasters say Florida remains at risk as they monitor tropical development in the Gulf (Sept.

17-19) and in the Atlantic (Sept. 17-21); residents should stay informed of weather updates.

FSU Emergency Management and FSU Libraries hosted a Build a Bag, Make a Plan workshop on Sept.

10 to help students prep for the rest of hurricane season, which runs until Nov. 30; officials advise students to download the free SeminoleSAFE mobile app + check campus alerts if weather disrupts classes.

Governor DeSantis will propose an AI Bill of Rights to guide chatbot use after reports linked them to tragic events—cybersecurity expert Blake Dowling warned that too few rules could hurt small tech companies.

The move comes as Florida works toward safer AI practices.

FSU College of Nursing has received $1.96 million to develop an AI tool called Glow that delivers personalized behavioral health coaching to people at risk.

Led by Assistant Professor Liying Wang and funded by NIH, the project will test new ways to merge tech+care.

Students began moving into Perla over the weekend but many report water issues, trash buildup, and a possible mold concern after weeks of delays — construction teams say the problems are being addressed as move-in remains incomplete.

The polls remain open for voting on Big Bend Preps Athlete of the Week (eight nominees) as votes close at noon Thursday, Sept.

17.

FSU coach Mike Norvell said Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell is a daunting dual-threat that will challenge the Seminoles' defense missing key players - defensive coach Ernie Sims stressed stronger linebacker play is needed before the game against Alabama on Sept.

19.