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| | | Final Countdown. In this issue, we’re spotlighting leadership, legacy, and justice. An Associate VP and CIO at FSU has been named a finalist in the 2026 Florida ORBIE Awards, recognizing excellence in tech leadership across the state. For all the true crime geeks out there or those who haven’t closely followed it, we’ve outlined the long and complex legal saga surrounding the 2014 murder of an FSU law professor. 🏆⚖️ |
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| Quick SummaryIn our 505th edition, here’s the scoop: |
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| | IN THE SPOTLIGHT ORBIE FINALIST |
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| | ✨ Jonathan Fozard has been named as one of the finalists for the 2026 Florida ORBIE Awards. | Jonathan Fozard via LI Since 1998, the ORBIE Awards have celebrated over 25 years of honoring outstanding leadership, building executive connections, and inspiring future leaders. Participants are nominated by peers, with finalists and winners chosen by past ORBIE recipients through a peer-reviewed process. To date, the awards have recognized nearly 5,000 finalists and honored over 800 leaders. The winners of the Florida ORBIE Awards will be announced live on February 6 at The Conrad Orlando. It is the premier tech executive recognition program in Florida, honoring CIOs who exemplify excellence in technology leadership. | Finalists Jonathan Fozard, who serves as an Associate Vice President and Chief Information Officer at FSU, has been named as one of the finalists for the 2026 Florida ORBIE Awards in the Large Enterprise Category. He leads the FSU teams responsible for advancing technology and innovation across academics, research, athletics, advancement, medical, communications, engagement, security, and administrative areas. Recently confirmed by the Florida Senate, he also serves on the Governor’s Technology Modernization Council, where he advocates for technology and AI innovation statewide. Jonathan has served in higher education leadership for more than two decades. “I am passionate about helping others, innovative technologies, and supporting the true mission and purpose of higher education in everything we do,” Jonathan said.
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| | ⚖️ Life in prison for Donna Adelson over Dan Markel murder. | Tal Dem Donna Adelson, the 75-year-old matriarch of the South Florida family behind the 2014 murder-for-hire of Dan Markel, was sentenced to life in prison in a Tallahassee courtroom. State Attorney Jack Campbell said she’s entitled to a presentence report since the Markel case is her first felony, but regardless of its findings, she faces a mandatory life sentence. Citing Supreme Court precedent, Leon Circuit Judge Stephen Everett declined to grant a downward departure and, as expected, sentenced Adelson to life in state prison without the possibility of early release.
📜 Summarized Timeline: July 2014: Dan Markel, a Florida State law professor, was shot and killed outside his home in Tallahassee amid a bitter custody dispute with his ex-wife, Wendi Adelson (Donna’s daughter). 2016–2019: Investigators uncovered a murder-for-hire plot linked to the Adelson family. Hitmen Sigfredo Garcia and Luis Rivera were arrested; Garcia was later convicted, and Rivera pleaded guilty. 2022: Katherine Magbanua, who connected the Adelsons to the hitmen, was convicted after a retrial. Nov. 2023: Charles Adelson (Donna’s son) was convicted of murder, conspiracy, and solicitation. Aug. 2025: Donna’s trial began in Tallahassee. Sept. 4, 2025: She was found guilty on all charges after a short jury deliberation. Oct. 13, 2025: Donna was sentenced to life in prison without parole, plus additional years for related charges.
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| | Thursday, Oct. 23 Friday, Oct. 24 Saturday, Oct. 25 4th Annual Food Truck Challenge & Craft Show by Endless Events & Rentals | Saturday, Oct. 25 | 10 AM | Tallahassee Automobile Museum, 6800 Mahan Dr. | Free Learn More Featured Event: 10th Annual Halloween Symphony Spooktacular by Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra | Saturday, Oct. 25 | 6 PM | The Adderley Amphitheater at Cascades Park | Free Learn More
Thursday, Oct. 30 Alpine Lakes & Scenic Trains Trip Information Session by WFSU Public Media | Thursday, Oct. 30 | 11 AM | 1600 Red Barber Plaza | RSVP The Alpine Lakes & Scenic Trains trip is scheduled from April 9 to 16, 2026, featuring a cruise on Lake Maggiore and scenic trains in Switzerland & Italy. If you have questions about travel, email sarah.hipsher@fsu.edu.
Halloween Fest on the Plaza by Publix | Thursday, Oct. 30 | 5 PM | Donald L. Tucker Civic Center | Free Learn More New Jazz Underground by FSU Opening Nights | Thursday, Oct. 30 | 7:30 PM | Bricks & Brass, 316 W. Tennessee St. | From $15 Tickets | Learn More
Friday to Sunday, Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 Sunday, Nov. 2 Tallahassee Out of the Darkness Community Walk by AFSP | Sunday, Nov. 2 | 1 PM | Cascades Park, 470 Suwannee St. | Register | Learn More Harvest Moon High Tea by Wild Avalon Art & Events | Sunday, Nov. 2 | 1 PM | Goodwood Museum & Gardens | $65.08 Tickets | Learn More
Thursday to Sunday, Nov. 6 to 16 Friday, Nov. 7 Saturday, Nov. 8 Fall Festival by Tallahassee Farmers Market | Saturday, Nov. 8 | 8 AM | 2904 Kerry Forest Pkwy. | Learn More 29th Annual Artisans in the Garden by Tallahassee Nurseries | Saturday, Nov. 8 | 9 AM | 2911 Thomasville Rd. | Learn More
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| | | ✨ We love it when people send us their stories, updates, and events! Have a relevant topic, press release, or event for us? Please submit info via form here. Note: We may not be able to publish items submitted. |
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