Good morning, Tallahassee.

Pace Center for Girls in Leon County has launched its Sponsor a Girl initiative to give holiday gifts to girls ages 11 to 17 in need — gifts must be dropped off at 311 East Jennings Street or sent via an Amazon wishlist by December 12.

Free Thanksgiving meals will be available in Tallahassee as Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church hosts dinner from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at the Walker Ford Community Center & Confidence Cuts offers a food drive giveaway from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday.

The Salvation Army will serve a community dinner from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday at 2410 Allen Road, and Second Harvest will deliver meals before Thanksgiving & updates continue for other Big Bend and South Georgia events.

The Tallahassee community has many volunteer opportunities this holiday season to help local families and students with meal services, clothing programs, and pet rescue — groups such as Good Shepherd and Project Annie will host events and ask for donation support.

FSU students and other residents can lend a hand to relieve hardships from recent events.

Most big retailers in Tallahassee will be closed on Thanksgiving while a few like CVS and Dollar General remain open, and on Black Friday many stores will open early at 5 a.m. and stay open until 9 p.m. or later—helping shoppers plan their holiday trips.

Florida lost veteran journalist Bill Cotterell on November 24—he was known for his clear reporting on state politics—and his decades-long career inspired local colleagues and readers with memorable stories and honest commentary.

Tributes from community leaders and former peers show how deeply his work shaped Florida journalism.

FSU appointed Zach Newswanger as chief facilities officer and he will join in December to manage campus facilities, maintenance, utilities, and grounds.

He brings over 20 years of experience in higher education facilities management—having worked at University at Albany and Ithaca College—ensuring strong oversight of campus operations.

FSU's College of Fine Arts and the Department of Art Education announced a new fully online Master of Arts program in arts administration that will launch in fall 2026—designed for working professionals to build skills in leadership and financial management.

Applications are open with a deadline of Feb. 1.

Today, FSU oceanographers led by Heather Forrer revealed research that links small-scale microbe actions to deep ocean carbon storage—using water samples from several regions to show how surface conditions affect the particles sinking into deeper waters.

The study adds crucial details to our understanding of the ocean’s role in keeping our air clean.

Leon County declared a Local State of Emergency and set a burn ban on November 22 that stays in effect until November 26 due to extreme drought conditions.

County Commission Chairman Christian Caban said the ban aims to lower fire risk and protect lives & property.

FSU professors Jamila Holcomb and Nari Jeter are available today for interviews on managing holiday stress and family dynamics—offering guidance on setting clear boundaries.

They advise balancing time with multiple families during gatherings—insights meant to help families navigate traditions without extra pressure.

Florida State announced coach Mike Norvell will return in 2026; offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn and defensive coordinator Tony White said his staying is a positive boost as players prepare for the upcoming rivalry game and work to earn bowl eligibility—team meetings and practices were held as usual.

All Girls Love R&B Bingo

8-11 p.m. — Potbelly's — Free entry — Enjoy a night filled with 90s & 2000s R&B hits while playing Bingo.

Market Days

10 AM - 4 PM — North Florida Fairgrounds — Early Bird tickets available now — Celebrate arts and crafts while supporting the Tallahassee Museum with live music and vibrant local culture.

Chelcie Lynn Live Show

7:30-9 p.m. — The Moon — Tickets available — Enjoy the comedic talents of Chelcie Lynn as she brings her viral humor to life.

Tallahassee Ultra Distance Classic

12-10 p.m. — Wakulla Springs State Park — Registration required — Experience a scenic road race in the heart of Florida's nature.

Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Florida State Seminoles Women's Basketball

6-7:30 p.m. — Donald L. Tucker Civic Center — Cost info not provided — Experience collegiate women's basketball as Virginia Tech faces Florida State.

December VG League Cup

Tournament — All Day — Gamescape — Entry Fee Required — Join the excitement of the December VG League Cup tournament.

Christmas at the Farm 2025

9 a.m. - 1 p.m. — Redemptive Love Farm — $10-$15 admission — Celebrate Christmas with farm animals, festive activities, and Santa in a magical setting.