Tallahassee Reports: Local News Briefs for February 2, 2026

Budget Discussions and School Closures

As budget discussions intensify, Leon County School Board member Rosanne Wood is advocating for a $30 million property tax increase to preserve neighborhood schools. She argues that the typical $1 million savings from a school closure is negligible compared to the district’s $368 million operating budget.

Power Grid Demand Amid Cold Snap

Over the weekend, Tallahassee experienced abnormally low temperatures, leading to near-record power demand. On Sunday morning, demand exceeded 617 megawatts, approaching the system’s generation capacity. City Manager Reese Goad noted that the all-time peak demand was 633 megawatts some years ago. Residents are encouraged to conserve energy, especially between 6 and 9 a.m., when demand is highest.

Driver’s License Test Language Change

Starting February 6, Florida will administer driver’s license tests exclusively in English. The state Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles announced this change on Friday, affecting all applicants statewide.

Upcoming Events in Tallahassee

Looking ahead, Tallahassee is hosting several events this month. The Tallahassee Highland Games are scheduled for February 7–8 at Apalachee Regional Park, featuring athletic competitions and cultural displays. Additionally, the Southern Shakespeare Festival will present “The Tempest” from February 19–22 at Cascades Park, offering outdoor theater performances under the stars.

Community Health Fair

On Saturday, February 1, the Lincoln Neighborhood Service Center hosted a community health fair organized by the Bethel AME Church Health Is Life Ministry. The event attracted dozens of families and provided free health screenings and resources to the community.

Recent Traffic Incidents

On Sunday evening, February 1, a vehicle collision occurred at the intersection of Crawfordville Road and Gaile Avenue, resulting in reported injuries. Tallahassee Police and emergency crews responded promptly, and the incident is under investigation. Additionally, a 53-year-old man died after his vehicle submerged in a retention pond at Capital Circle SE and Orange Avenue on February 1. The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the crash.

Protest by CAIR-Florida

Members of the Council on American–Islamic Relations-Florida (CAIR-Florida) held a protest in Tallahassee on Monday, February 2, in response to Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier’s designation of the organization as a “designated foreign terrorist organization.” The protestors, chanting “Faith is a right, not a threat,” emphasized their commitment to meeting with elected officials to discuss their concerns.

Upcoming Planetarium Show

The Tallahassee Astronomical Society is hosting a free planetarium show titled “February Skies over Tallahassee” on Saturday, February 2, at the Downtown Digital Dome Theatre and Planetarium at the Challenger Learning Center. The show will review prominent constellations, stars, and planet positions visible in February, and is open to the public.

Weather Forecast

Today, expect sunny skies with a high near 54°F. Tonight, temperatures will drop to a low around 32°F. Tomorrow, Tuesday, will be partly sunny with a high near 65°F. Residents are advised to dress warmly during the early morning hours due to potential frost.