Good morning, Tallahassee.

Second Harvest of the Big Bend and ABC 27 will hold an emergency food distribution on Saturday at 7 a.m. at the old Sears parking lot at Governor’s Square Mall to help families before SNAP benefits run out on November 1 — over 100,000 Big Bend residents rely on food aid while nearly 3 million Floridians face rising food insecurity due to the government shutdown.

At an FSU Discovery Days event held last week, the FSU Quantum Initiative showcased student and faculty work on quantum science with poster presentations and talks on superconductors and quantum computing—highlighting plans for a new graduate certificate and an undergraduate lab to train future researchers.

Florida State University hosted its first Graduate Research Showcase during Discovery Days where doctoral students shared research in history, farming, & leadership.

Attendees gave feedback to help guide the work as the scholars continue their studies.

FSU students attended a Discovery Days panel on STEM careers where academic and research leaders showed how a STEM degree can lead to many job paths.

Experts like Vice President for Research Stacey Patterson and College of Medicine Dean Alma Littles stressed the importance of building strong relationships — advice that may guide students as they plan for the future.

Emergency funding from Children’s Services Council of Leon County reopened four Head Start centers today, letting over 300 children return to class and easing work pressures for families affected by the government shutdown.

The funding will keep the centers open through Thanksgiving — federal aid is expected to resume before another closure occurs.

Leon County School District is considering outsourcing its breakfast and lunch services to a private provider to cut rising food costs while keeping menu options and staff employment stable; the district hopes to have a board review by March 2026.

It will invite bids starting Nov. 4 (ensuring free meals at Title I schools remain unchanged) (while preserving quality for students).

Florida Cabinet members are asking if the state's voucher program can legally fund Tampa Islamic schools because they believe it may support rules that clash with Western traditions.

They said their offices are investigating the schools while the Department of Education did not respond.

The City of Tallahassee’s Community Redevelopment Agency approved $5 million for South Meridian Road improvements to add sidewalks, a multi-use path, trees, and fill ditches — all to boost pedestrian safety.

The project is in the design phase with construction set to begin in fall 2028 and finish in fall 2029.

FSU student Cole Pridgen, diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma in early April and treated with specialized chemotherapy, has been declared cancer free after his fraternity announced his recovery on October 14 — he has since returned to campus and resumed his senior thesis on lymphoma detection.

Dr. Jack Atwater—who has over 30 years of clinical experience and has served as a clinical assistant professor at Florida State University College of Medicine since 2004—was named chief medical officer at HCA Florida Capital Hospital, where he will work with medical teams to enhance patient care.

On Oct. 26, Maclay hosted the Ladies Big Bend Golf Tournament at The Golf Club of Quincy with 10 schools competing—7 of which were from Leon County—and Florida High won the team title by two strokes as Peyton Johnson shot a 68 to clinch the individual title by a 13-stroke margin.

Little Dinner Series: Willie Nelson Celebration

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Dedman College of Hospitality — Cost upon inquiry — Enjoy a themed dinner featuring a cocktail reception and four-course meal inspired by Willie Nelson.

Aaron Watson III: PhoFunk Performance

9 p.m. – 1 a.m. — Fire Betty's — Tickets available — Experience the sonic storytelling of saxophonist Aaron Watson III and his band Pharaohs Of Funk.

Steve Sternberg Piano Performance

1:30-5:30 p.m. — Westminster Oaks — Tickets available — Experience the engaging and heartfelt piano music of local artist Steve Sternberg.

27th Annual Oktoberfest

2-6 p.m. — AC Hotel Tallahassee Universities at the Capitol — $50 General Admission; $100 VIP; $25 DD/Child — Celebrate the season with craft beer tastings, music, and games while supporting local seniors.

Red Hat Enterprise Linux Systems Administration Training I

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Next Step Healthcare Training LLC. — $2250 — Gain essential Linux skills through comprehensive lab exercises and expert lectures.

Choral Festival Featuring Andrea Ramsey

6 p.m. — Ruby Diamond Concert Hall — Free admission — Celebrate the treble voice with Levana and talented singers from Leon County Schools.

John Williams Cinematic Celebration

7:30-9 p.m. — Cascades Park — $32-$51 — Experience the magic of John Williams' film scores live with food trucks and costumes under the stars.

Bikers on Parade 2025

7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. — Tallahassee Harley-Davidson — Donations appreciated — Celebrate and support veterans and first responders during this patriotic bike ride.

University Singers: A Poet Sings

3 p.m. — Ruby Diamond Concert Hall — $10 Adult, $7 Child or Non-FSU Student — Experience the musical interpretations of iconic poets performed by the University Singers.

Tallahassee Professional Hiring Event

9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tallahassee — Free entry — Network with hiring managers and explore exciting career opportunities in various fields.