Featured
🪑🏅 Expansion and Recognition. Moving season is kicking in as schools wind down, graduation ceremonies take over, and summer heats up. IKEA continues its U.S. expansion with a new store planned for Sarasota, bringing more accessible and modern home shopping options to Florida communities. At the same time, Tallahassee officials have been honored as 2026 Home Rule Heroes, recognizing their efforts to strengthen local governance and protect municipal decision-making powers during the legislative session.
Quick Summary
In our 618th edition, here’s the scoop:
New Spot: IKEA Coming to Sarasota
Recognition: TLH Officials Earned FLC’s Award
Featured: College Cleaning Crew | Testimonials
TLH Weekend Events
NEW SPOT
IKEA TO SARASOTA
Image Source: IKEA
📍 IKEA Expands to Sarasota with New Store Opening
IKEA U.S., the big box furniture retailer slated to open late summer 2026, marking the 6th location in the state. Located in the University Town Center, the store will offer a 48,000 sq. ft. showroom tailored to local living needs, featuring inspiring room setups and smart home solutions.
Shoppers will find over 5,000 products on display, including more than 3,000 curated items, accessories, lighting, textiles and 100+ small furniture pieces, available for immediate takeaway.
The store will also provide personalized planning services to help customers design kitchens, bedrooms, and more.
IKEA is continuing its U.S. expansion, with 10 new stores planned for 2026. In FY25, IKEA U.S. reported total sales of $5.3B, including $1.9B from e-commerce. The company also welcomed nearly 61M in-store visitors and over 457M online visits.
RECOGNITION
HOME RULE AWARDEES
Image Source: City of Tallahassee
🏅 5 Home Rule Heroes Awardees | City of Tallahassee
Mayor John E. Dailey, Mayor Pro Tem Curtis Richardson, Commissioner Dianne Williams-Cox, City Manager Reese Goad, and Dr. Thomas Whitley has been honored by the Florida League of Cities (FLC) as 2026 Home Rule Hero Award recipients.
The recipients were formally recognized at the Tallahassee City Commission meeting a few weeks ago.
The recognition highlighted their efforts to protect Home Rule powers, ensuring Florida’s municipalities can address local issues with local solutions and minimal state interference.
According to FLC, the award honors local leaders who actively engaged during the 2026 legislative session to elevate municipal perspectives and support key legislative priorities.
FEATURED
Image Source: College Cleaning Crew
College Cleaning Crew | Testimonials
From top to bottom, College Cleaning Crew keeps your home spotless and shining.
🌟 "Came out on a cold morning and got our house washed, plus the inside & outside windows! Courteous staff who do a great job!" - Cassi Bonds, 2026.
🌟 "You don't realize how dirty your house was until the College Cleaning Crew comes out! When they leave the windows are sparkling and the siding shines! Great job. I fully recommend them!" - Scott Boyd, 2026.
Schedule your full-service cleaning with the College Cleaning Crew today!
📧: [email protected] | 📞: (850) 329-5734 | 🔔 Connect: FB and LI
EVENTS
Image Source: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - West Florida Chapter
Sunday, Apr. 26
Big Bend Crime Solvers Music Festival feat. Jamal Roberts | Sunday, Apr. 26 | 4:30 PM | Donald L. Tucker Civic Center | From $44 Tickets | Learn More
Tuesday, Apr. 28
Alabama Shakes with Lamont Landers by Visit Tallahassee and Scott Carswell | Tuesday, Apr. 28 | 7:30 PM | Adderley Amphitheater at Cascades Park | From $84 Tickets | Learn More
Thursday, Apr. 30
College & Career Showcase by Lively Tech | Thursday, Apr. 30 | 3:30 PM | Lively Technical College, 500 Appleyard Dr., Bldg. 6 | RSVP | Learn More
Saturday, May 2
24th Annual Tails & Trails by Animal Shelter Foundation | Saturday, May 2 | 7:30 AM | Tom Brown Park | From $20 Register | Learn More
Featured Event: Tallahassee Great Strides 2026 by Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - West Florida Chapter | Saturday, May 2 | 8 AM | Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park | Register | Learn More
Thursday, May 7
Rotary Roast & Toast Honoring George Avant by The Rotary Club of Tallahassee | Thursday, May 7 | 6 PM | The Moon | $150 Tickets and Sponsorships | Learn More
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