Florida's Latest News

How is the federal government shutdown affecting Tallahassee area?

Here’s what we know about what’s open, what’s closed, and what just became more difficult to get done, now that the federal government officially entered a partial shutdown at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday.  

After two failed votes in the U.S. Senate on separate budget agreements, White House Office of Management and Budget Director Russel Vought told federal agencies they should “execute their plans for an orderly shutdown.” 

This marks the 21st shutdown since 1977, records show. The shortest lasted six hours and occurred overnight in February 2018 with little disruption. The longest was also in December 2018. It lasted 35 days and led to community food drives for federal workers going without pay. 

Federal workers in fields deemed “essential,” such as patient care, air traffic control and law enforcement, are required to stay on the job. They will be paid once the shutdown ends. 

But services may be delayed because of staff shortages, with workers calling in sick or fleeing federal employment if the shutdown lasts longer than their savings. 

Florida SAT scores increase in 2025, but still lag national averages

The state continues to lag the national average but remains among the better scorers among states with high participation rates.

Florida’s average SAT score rose to 970 out of 1600, a 22-point increase from 2024, according to recently released data from the College Board, makers of the SAT, compared to a national average score of 1029. The increase largely mirrors the national trend.

But the state’s average is still well below its level before the COVID-19 pandemic, which educators and experts have said fundamentally impacted students’ college readiness. Florida’s average score was 1017 in 2017, the oldest comparable year because the College Board adjusted the SAT scoring scale, and 999 in 2019.

Florida’s SAT participation rate dropped from 95% to 87% this year. Paul Cottle, a physics professor at Florida State University who tracks education issues, wrote in an email that it is possible the students who didn’t take the SAT were weaker students, which would have moved Florida’s scores up.

First Republican files to succeed Josie Tomkow in HD 51

Hilary Holley, an agricultural leader in the state, is the first Republican to announce a bid for House District 51 to succeed Republican Rep. Josie Tomkow, who is term limited.

Holley is the Executive Director for the Florida FFA Foundation, which she joined in 2021. Also known as Future Farmers of America, Holley oversees the Florida chapter’s strategic initiatives, fundraising efforts, and outreach programs supporting more than 65,000 Florida FFA members.

“The foundation for our state’s success is rooted in the bold, conservative actions of leaders in Tallahassee who prioritized fiscal responsibility, enforced the rule of law, and defended parental rights,” Holley said in a campaign announcement.

“Over the past decade, Florida has emerged as a beacon of freedom and prosperity. To continue this momentum, we need leaders committed to defending conservative values, advocating for common sense, and making life more affordable for hardworking Floridians.”

Gov. DeSantis appoints former lawmaker Bobby Payne to Public Service Commission

As a lawmaker, former Rep. Bobby Payne sponsored legislation with bearings on the Public Service Commission. Now he’ll experience firsthand the effects of the changes he backed.

Gov. Ron DeSantis just named Payne and Ana Ortega, a chief policy adviser to PSC Chair Mike La Rosa, to serve on the panel beside him.

Both appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.

Payne, a former Seminole Electric Cooperative executive who now owns and operates an eponymous consulting firm in Palatka, served in the House from 2016 to 2024, when fellow Republican Judson Sapp succeeded him.

During his time in office, he successfully carried multiple PSC-focused bills, including: