TALLAHASSEE CITY COMMISSION PASSES ZONING AMENDMENT AND SETS STAGE FOR POLICE BOARD REVIEW
TALLAHASSEE – On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, the Tallahassee City Commission made a decisive move by voting 3-2 in favor of a proposed zoning amendment related to land near Kerry Forest Parkway. This decision was met with opposition from Commissioners Matlow and Porter, who cast the dissenting votes. The commission’s agreement paves the way for further development in the area, which some residents view with skepticism.
Details of the Zoning Amendment
The amendment’s specifics involve adjustments that will allow for new developments in the vicinity of Kerry Forest Parkway, indicating a potential shift in land use in this part of Tallahassee. As the city grapples with ongoing debates about urban planning and community impact, the support from the majority of the commissioners highlights a focus on economic growth.
Future of the Citizens Police Review Board
In another significant move, the City Commission has scheduled a hearing for January 2025 to discuss the possible repeal of an ordinance that established the Citizens Police Review Board. This board was intended to foster transparency and accountability within the police department, but recent discussions suggest a wave of public sentiment questioning its effectiveness. The outcome of this upcoming hearing could reshape the relationship between law enforcement and the community.
LOCAL SPORTS UPDATE: FSU VOLLEYBALL
In local sports, Florida State University (FSU) senior middle blocker Khori Louis played a critical role in taking the Seminoles to the NCAA National Championship volleyball tournament. Despite a challenging first-round match against the University of Mississippi, where they narrowly lost in a tense fifth set, Louis had an impressive season filled with numerous accolades. Her performance throughout the season reflects a career peak that has garnered attention and admiration from fans and sports analysts alike.
FLORIDA SUPREME COURT CHIEF JUSTICE CRITICIZES UTILITIES REGULATORS
In broader Florida news, Chief Justice Carlos Muniz of the Florida Supreme Court has voiced strong criticism against the state’s Public Service Commission. He described the commission’s decisions as lacking clear justification, referring to it metaphorically as a “black box.” This criticism underscores ongoing concerns regarding utility regulation and its impact on consumers.
National Headlines: Leadership Changes and Market News
On the national scene, FBI Director Christopher Wray has announced plans to resign ahead of President-elect Donald Trump‘s inauguration next month. This comes after Trump appointed Kash Patel as his intended replacement. The news signals potential shifts within the FBI as it transitions under new leadership.
Additionally, grocery giant Albertsons has terminated its proposed $25 billion merger with Kroger, instead opting to pursue a lawsuit against its rival for breach of contract. This decision marks the end of a two-year effort to create what would have been the largest supermarket chain in the United States.
Despite varying fortunes in different sectors, U.S. stock markets saw mixed results, with the S&P 500 rising by 0.8% and the Dow Jones decreasing by 0.2%. Notably, the Nasdaq Composite Index surpassed 20,000 for the first time, driven by strong performances from major tech companies including Alphabet, Tesla, Amazon, and Meta.
As Tallahassee navigates these changes at both local and national levels, residents remain keenly interested in how these developments will impact their community and beyond.
