The Tallahassee 100 - 100 word stories & 100 second videos on topics of intrigue

The Summer Season

Cory Tilley, President, CoreMessage, Inc.

The summer season around the capitol means many things. Fewer people. No lawmakers. Less traffic. Heat. Rain. More Rain. Less crowded restaurants, less crowded everything.

But changes will be coming soon. Summer conference and fundraising season will wind down and lawmakers will return to Tallahassee in September for committee meetings. Students will be back next month. The pace will pick up. The heat and rain might stick around, however.

We all learned last year what else the end of summer brings – the most active period of hurricane season. Let’s hope the hurricane season gives Florida a break this time around.

– Cory Tilley, President, CoreMessage, Inc.

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Medical

Florida Medical Association Annual Meeting and Conference

The 2017 FMA Annual Meeting and Conference will be held at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando August 4-6.

The Florida Medical Association’s (FMA) CEO Timothy J. Stapleton’s recent opinion editorial, Fighting the Opioid Epidemic in the Exam Room, was published in newspapers throughout the state.

FMA’s Annual Meeting and Conference will be held in Orlando on August 4-6 to discuss key issues like this one. It includes the FMA PAC Board Meeting; Continuing Medical Education for physicians to maintain their licenses; caucus meetings; legislation and regulatory affairs sessions; and the annual “Good Government” Luncheon.

Known as the “Voice of Medicine,” FMA represents more than 20,000 physicians and promotes the highest standards of medical practice and care.

— Alix Miller, On 3 Public Relations

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Shopping

Back-to-School Shopping Could Mean Big Savings

Time to get shopping and save some money on those "must-haves" for the beginning of the school year. (Photo courtesy of the Florida Department of Revenue)

Summer has flown by, and fall is just around the corner. Students are heading back to school soon, and that means it’s time to go back-to-school shopping. But, did you know, if you do your shopping between August 4 and August 6, you could save yourself a little money? It’s true!

The 2017 Florida Legislature designated that weekend as the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday. School supplies under $15, clothing under $60 and computers and accessories under $750 are all tax free.

For a complete list of qualifying items, visit the Sales Tax Holiday website. Happy Shopping!

— Michael Williams, CoreMessage, Inc.

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Public Relations

FCTA Hosts ‘The Messengers’

13.5 million Floridians benefit from cable innovations every day.

The Florida Cable Telecommunications Association (FCTA) has a new president, Brad Swanson, and soon, a fresh look for the organization and its political and public affairs news show “Capital Dateline Online” – the “go-to resource for news and views in the state capitol.”

Recently, Swanson interviewed public relations and communications pros to talk messaging, legislative issues, social media, and women in PR. Watch it here.

FCTA has been representing the cable industry’s interest in the capital for 51 years. Florida cable companies have invested over $6 billion in Florida and continue spending to offer Floridians more choice and more value.

— Christina Johnson, On 3 Public Relations

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event

Brandon M. King Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser

Support the memory of a soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

The King Family will host the 7th Annual Brandon M. King Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser this Saturday, July 29, at 4PM. The family established the scholarship to honor their son, PFC Brandon M. King, who was killed serving his country in Afghanistan on July 14, 2010.

Multiple students will be rewarded with scholarships this year thanks to many generous contributions made in his memory. The fundraiser will be at the Dogwood House off Capital Circle.

The day’s events will launch another year for the scholarship and the King family to continue to honor Brandon’s legacy. We look forward to seeing you!

— Carrie Patrick, CoreMessage, Inc.

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Community

Top Four Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Tallahassee

Challenger Learning Center IMAX Theatre and Planetarium is a 50-foot, high-definition theatre with state-of-the-art projectors and sound system that seats 128. (Photo courtesy of the Challenger Learning Center IMAX Theatre and Planetarium)

As summer winds down, you may be in saving mode from all your wondrous summer travels. Or, you just like a good deal. We put together a short list of things to do in Tallahassee on a budget.

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

Admission prices are $6 per car, $4 for car and single driver and $2 per pedestrian.

Challenger Learning Center IMAX Theatre and Planetarium

Space, IMAX, under $10.

Tallahassee Museum

Zip lining, cute animals, under $11.50 for admission.

Railroad Square

Have you been lately? Window shop or grab some grub. Free, if you don’t buy anything.

— Anna Alexopoulos, On 3 Public Relations

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Restaurants

Tallahassee’s Outrageously Good Sub Shop

Visit OG Subs on West College Avenue for a delicious lunch or dinner. (Photo courtesy of Brianna Shoaf)

There’s no doubt Tallahassee’s newest sub shop, OG Subs, fulfills its mission to be “Outrageously Good.” Located a few blocks from FSU, guests are greeted by the smell of fresh-baked bread and a menu with every sandwich, wrap or salad one desires.

A friendly team member piles customers’ orders high with local produce and quality meats sliced to order. I recommend the homemade chicken salad, which is especially appetizing.

They can also cater your office lunch, tailgate, open house or other social gathering and even offer a four-foot-long sub. Visit OG Subs at 444 West College Ave.

— Brianna Shoaf, CoreMessage, Inc.

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Recreation

Florida Leaders Visit World’s Largest Sportfishing Trade Show

President Negron met with Kellie Ralston, Florida Fishery Policy Director of the American Sportfishing Association (left), and Keep Florida Fishing Director Gary Jennings (right) at ICAST 2017. (Photo courtesy of Keep Florida Fishing)

This month, Gov. Rick Scott and Senate President Joe Negron showed their support for Florida’s recreational fishing industry while visiting ICAST, the world’s largest sportfishing trade show. The event, hosted in Orlando from July 11-14 by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), drew approximately 15,000 attendees.

During their respective visits, Gov. Scott and Sen. Negron met with industry leaders and discussed the importance of sportfishing in Florida, the “Fishing Capital of the World.”

ASA’s Florida initiative, Keep Florida Fishing, also attended to advocate on behalf of the state’s 3 million+ anglers who generate $9.6 billion in economic impact.

— Holly Brooks, On 3 Public Relations

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Politics

The ABCs of a PC

Political Committees are becoming more common as the cost of campaigns grow.

Political campaigns are getting more expensive every year, yet individuals are only allowed to donate limited amounts of money per election. Many candidates have opened up Political Committees (PCs) to make up the difference.

Chapter 106 of the Florida Statutes regulates campaign financing and establishes the rules for how PCs may operate. Corporations and individuals are not limited in the amount they can give to PCs, and PCs may give limited funds to candidates and unlimited funds to political parties, other PCs or Electioneering Communication Organizations (ECOs).

For more information, check out the Florida Department of State Political Committee Handbook.

— Michael Williams, CoreMessage, Inc.

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Public Relations

FPRA Annual Conference Is Almost Here

Members of Tallahassee’s FPRA Capital Chapter pose for a photo during last year’s FPRA Annual Conference. (Photo courtesy of FPRA)

Public relations professionals from across Florida will gather in Orlando on August 6-9 for the Florida Public Relations Association’s (FPRA) Annual Conference. The event offers educational seminars and social activities (including a mid-afternoon chocolate break!), giving attendees the opportunity to learn about new PR strategies and tools, in addition to connecting with other professionals.

This year’s FPRA Annual Conference features a line-up of speakers from international brands, including Amazon, IKEA and JetBlue.

The conference is also a chance for PR practitioners to showcase their work through the Golden Image Awards competition. View the full event schedule here.

— Holly Brooks, On 3 Public Relations

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museums

Tallahassee Museum: History, Culture & Nature

The red wolf is just one of the many species of wildlife native to Florida on exhibit at the Tallahassee Museum. (Photo courtesy of the Tallahassee Museum)

Sitting on 52 acres off of Lake Bradford, Tallahassee Museum is one of the top-ranked outdoor museums in the state.

Also known to some as the “Junior Museum,” Tallahassee Museum provides a unique insight into North Florida’s natural, cultural and historical heritage. Here, you can see what an 1880s farmstead was like, have close encounters with native wildlife and learn more about the diverse cultural communities that have called this part of Florida home.

Stop by and meet the critically endangered red wolf pups, who were born at the museum in April – the first litter born there since 2005.

— Jennifer Fennell, CoreMessage, Inc.

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Photography

Carolyn Allen Photography

From the Capitol to the capital's favorite photographer (Photo courtesy of Carolyn Allen Photography)

Chances are, if you’ve been anywhere near Gov. Rick Scott over the past couple of years, you’ve seen her. A friendly young woman with a camera in her hand, often crouching or standing on chairs to get the best shot.

Carolyn Allen graduated from FSU and spent two years as the governor’s photographer, banking more hotel points than most of us will in our lifetimes.

She recently started her own photography business, Carolyn Allen Photography, which already has an impressive client list. Her portfolio includes weddings, couples, families, travel and food. Follow her work on Instagram for your daily pretty.

— Alix Miller, On 3 Public Relations

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History

Greatest Political Evil

John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and the committee of five present their draft of the Declaration of Independence on June 28, 1776.

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson met at the 1775 Continental Congress in Philadelphia and became close friends. They survived disagreements on many subjects, but on one they were aligned:

Adams once wrote: “There is nothing which I dread so much as a division of the republic into two great parties, each arranged under its leader, and concerting measures in opposition to each other. This, in my humble apprehension, is to be dreaded as the greatest political evil under our Constitution.”

Jefferson wrote: “If I could not go to heaven but with a party, I would not go there at all.”

– Chris Schroder, The Atlanta 100

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marketing

Podcasts: Changing the Game

Apple's plans to make analytics available for podcasts could be a game-changer.

In today’s digital marketing age, analytics are everything.

And soon, the power of analytics to shape and rank content is coming to podcasts – already a medium with millions of listeners. Until now, podcasts have had few metrics, but when Apple launches podcast analytics later this year, marketers will gain valuable insights into how a podcast’s audience is engaging, such as:

– when and where people listen;

– if and when they stop listening;

– and whether they stay tuned for ads.

Analytics should make podcasts more appealing to marketers, in turn increasing financial support for podcasts – a win for marketers, producers and listeners.

– Kyle Parks, The Tampa Bay 100

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Capitol View

Capital Tiger Bay Club Hosts Members of Press Corps

Mary Ellen Klas, Miami Herald; Jeff Ryan, Tiger Bay First VP; Christina Johnson, On3PR/moderator; Dara Kam, News Service of Florida; Gary Fineout, Associated Press; at the June 30 Tiger Bay event. (Photo courtesy of Tiger Bay)

Capital Tiger Bay Club, founded in 1971, provides a non-partisan forum on current political issues and listens to the views of newsmakers and opinion leaders of the day.

Tiger Bay board members invite Democrats, Republicans, liberals and conservatives at the local, state and federal level, who share a passion for politics.

This occasion brought journalists of the capitol press corps to review and share their insight into the 2017 Legislative Session, issues passed, vetoed, and left on the table as major initiatives to be discussed next session, as well as Florida’s political landscape heading into the 2018 campaign season.

– Christina Johnson, President, On 3 Public Relations

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Associations

Amy Zubaly Takes the Helm at FMEA

Amy Zubaly is the new executive director of the Florida Municipal Electric Association. (Photo courtesy of the Florida Municipal Electric Association)

The Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) – the association serving the state’s public power utilities – recently named Amy Zubaly as its new executive director. She was serving as the interim executive director.

“As we celebrate our 75th anniversary and rich history, it’s fitting that Amy – the first woman to serve as the association’s executive director – lead us into the future,” said Clay Lindstrom, FMEA President and Fort Pierce Utilities Authority General Manager.

Prior to assuming the interim executive director position, Zubaly was the association’s deputy executive director of public affairs and strategic communications. She has been with FMEA for 18 years.

– Jennifer Fennell, CoreMessage, Inc.

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Government

Business Owner and Former Legislator Jimmy Patronis Appointed as Florida’s CFO

Florida CFO Patronis was sworn in twice on Friday, June 30: as CFO and as State Fire Marshal.

Florida has a new Chief Financial Officer: business owner and former legislator Jimmy Patronis.

At his swearing in ceremony standing next to his wife Katie and two sons, Governor Rick Scott, and now former CFO Jeff Atwater, Florida’s fourth CFO expressed gratitude and a passion for serving.

The CFO has diverse responsibilities including being a Florida Cabinet member and the State Fire Marshal, and overseeing the division of insurance fraud. A common thread, though, is financial accountability and economic stability. Those who know CFO Patronis, know his decades of business experience and passion for serving Florida will guide him well.

– Anna Alexopoulos, On 3 Public Relations

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Education

Florida Public Schools Strengthen Statewide

More than half of Florida's public schools earned A or B grades in the annual report cards released by the Department of Education.

Florida’s public schools showed strong signs of improvement with report cards released last month by the Department of Education. More than half of our state’s 3,200 schools achieved an A or B grade, increasing to 57 percent from last year’s 46 percent.

On the other end of the spectrum, the number of schools with F marks dropped by 61 percent.

Schools are graded annually based on graduation rates, standardized tests, student achievements and the number of pupils enrolled in challenging courses, among other factors.

Did your local school make the honor roll this year? Click here to find out.

– Brianna Shoaf, CoreMessage, Inc.

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Fitness

KAOS Group Training

Here to help people live healthier and happier lives

KAOS Group Training was established in 2015 and has been impacting people’s lives positively ever since. We offer a wide variety of services and help people of different age and ability levels reach their fitness goals.

Our classes include:

• Group Training (weights and cardio for all ability levels)

• High Cardio group training

• Pure Strength group training

• Kids fitness, speed and agility classes

• Sports Performance for athletes

• Open Gym/Board workout

We also offer personal training with any of our certified trainers. Check out our schedule on our website, or explore our schedule and register for classes though the MINDBODY app.

– Tyler Davis and Melissa Johnson Warmack, Owners, KAOS Group Training

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Recreation

Get Your Scalloping On!

Bay scallops are bottom dwellers that live in four to eight feet of water. (Photo courtesy of Amanda Prater)

Scallop season has begun for Big Bend coastal areas and will continue until September 24.

Scallops are part of the mollusk family found in shallow seagrass beds along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Locally, Saint Marks is one of the most popular scalloping spots where you will find boaters throughout the season hunting for these delicious little sea creatures.

With a mask and snorkel, people of all ages can easily spot and catch the scallops. Each person is limited to two gallons of scallops per day—which is more than enough to create your perfect summer scallop dinner. Find more information here.

– Amanda Prater, Cooperative Strategies

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Craft Beer

Ology Brewing Co.: Tallahassee’s Newest Craft Brewery

Ology Brewing Co. is an experimental brewery that focuses on reviving old-world recipes and creating small batch ales. (Photo courtesy of Dave Barfield and Ology Brewing Co.)

That craveable craft beer is now even closer to your fingertips as Tallahassee’s newest brewery opens in Midtown.

Ology Brewing Co. is led by Head Brewer Nick Walker and offers multiple core beer styles, including a citrusy and smooth New England IPA – one of the first in the Tallahassee area. The brewery also features a barrel program that ages beer in French red wine and bourbon barrels.

The brewery’s name is inspired by Walker’s grandfather and father who were scientists in taste and smell (olfaction) at Florida State University since the 1950s.

Come taste the delicious brewed science at Ology.

— Jessica Clark, Skye Creative Marketing

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Public Policy

Special Session Brings Framework for Medical Marijuana

Florida patients may soon be prescribed medical marijuana.

Voters had high expectations after the 2016 elections when Floridians approved the legalization of medical marijuana by 71 percent. In late June, Gov. Scott signed SB 8A, laying the framework for Florida’s medical marijuana regulations.

The bill calls for the Department of Health to develop regulatory rules for full implementation, which were just set last week. At least 10 Florida companies will now be allowed to legally grow marijuana and doctors can begin prescribing marijuana to patients by October 3.

Patients may be prescribed medical marijuana in the form of pills, oils, edibles or vaping. The law still prohibits smoking.

– Michael Williams, CoreMessage, Inc.

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Events

Celebrate Bastille Day With a Little ‘Joie de Vivre’

Joie de Vivre is filled with all things French. Recently renovated, the shop is as charming as ever. (Photo courtesy of Joie de Vivre: A Country French Shop)

There is a piece of France in Tallahassee and its name is Joie de Vivre: A Country French Shop. Karen Nutting, who owns the boutique, has shared her love of France with customers for 23 years. Francophiles can find lavender soaps, ceramics and books.

On July 14 and 15, the shop will celebrate Bastille Day. Door prizes, promotions and Karen’s lavender lemonade punch (lavender from France, naturally) will be part of this year’s celebration.

If you go: Joie de Vivre’s Bastille Day celebration, 1453 Market Street, Friday, July 14, 11:30AM to 5PM, and Saturday, July 15, 11:30AM to 4PM.

– Anna Alexopoulos, On 3 Public Relations

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Events

WWE Live Comes Back to Tallahassee

Expect to see WWE Champion Jinder Mahal and Women's Champion Naomi at Sunday's SummerSlam Heatwave Tour event.

Get ready for some live summer wrestling action as some of the WWE’s biggest stars are coming back to Tallahassee this Sunday, July 16.

AJ Styles, Dolph Ziggler, The New Day, and the Usos — the current smackdown tag-team champions, along with many other fan favorites, will there to battle it out live in the wrestling ring.

The event will be held at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center at 5PM, but doors will open at 3:30PM. Ticket prices range from $15 to $100 and can be purchased here. For more information on the SummerSlam Heatwave Tour, click here.

– Amanda Prater, Cooperative Strategies

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Travel

Away Just for the Day

Sometimes you just need to get out of town.

Weekends in the summer tend to translate to short jaunts to the beach to escape the oppressive and stagnant heat in Tallahassee. When time is of the essence – vacay away just for the day style.

Just shy of an hour from downtown Tallahassee is St. Teresa. Spend time on the pristine beach and then head across the Ochlockonee Bay for local favorite Posey’s Steam Room & Oyster Bar in Panacea.

Select one of its seafood platters and specialties, or have its chef cook what you catch. On your way home, stop in and learn something at the Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratories.

– Alix Miller, On 3 Public Relations

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Restaurants

Z. Bardhi’s Still a Top Choice for Italian

For more than two decades, Z. Bardhi's has offered Tallahassee an Italian fine dining option. (Photo courtesy of Scott Fennell)

Tucked inside the Killearn Lakes Plantation neighborhood is a Tallahassee culinary jewel that has stood the test of time. Serving delicious Italian cuisine amid old-world ambiance for more than 20 years is Z. Bardhi’s.

Dining inside or alfresco on the terrace patrons can enjoy traditional Italian favorites for dinner and lunch. Dinner favorites of mine include the Chicken Picatta and Shrimp Zeke. For a more casual option, I recommend the pizza. Be careful not to fill up on the amazing house-baked bread!

As we welcome new restaurants to town, it’s important not to forget treasures like Z. Bardhi’s.

– Jennifer Fennell, CoreMessage, Inc.

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Health

Screen Your Sunscreen

Read the labels on your sunscreen carefully. Although sunscreen is a great product to protect against harmful rays, it can contain harmful ingredients.

Sunscreen should be worn year-round. But, now that it’s officially summer, we’re more likely to apply the guard at the beach or by the pool to avoid the vacation-ruining sunburn! Now that the shelves are stocked with the latest and greatest sunscreens, what should you buy?

Tiffany Amorosino, CEO & co-founder of Bella Santé Spa, recommends checking the back of the bottle before committing. “Two chemicals you want to avoid are oxybenzone and octinoxate” Amorosino said. “And make sure you’re buying a broad-spectrum SPF lotion, not spray, that will protect your skin from UVA and UVB light.”

– JoJo Gutfarb, The Boston 100

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Business

Don’t Let Your Website Get Stale if You Want to Engage

Continue to update your website to attract more business.

If you haven’t updated your website in years, you may be losing valuable leads for your business.

Web design trends change annually, and investing in a new site can be costly but worthwhile. There are cost-effective changes that you can make to be more current and influence your potential customers. High-quality original photography can speak volumes about your relevance and build trust. The popularity of video is still on the rise, and studies have shown video increases engagement.

Your budget may not allow a redesign annually, but you can keep your site competitive with strong copy and visuals.

– Chuck Norman, The North Carolina 100

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