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🍬🏫 Sweet and Campus Access. Florida is making headlines on two fronts. First, FDOH revealed candy results in several popular products, raising questions about safety for children and families. Meanwhile, lawmakers are debating whether public universities should reserve more seats for in-state students, sparking discussion about diversity, tuition revenue, and access for Florida residents. Big changes are happening, from what kids are snacking on to who gets into college. Paying attention today can help families make smarter, safer decisions tomorrow.
Quick Summary
In our 578th edition, here’s the scoop:
Food: Candy Results in FL
Education: Prioritizing In-State Students
Featured: Rezijual | Intent Governance
TLH Weekend Events
FOOD
CANDIES
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🍬 Toxic Treats? DeSantis Revealed Candy Test Results Impacting Florida Families | Palm Beach Buzz
Florida officials announced new testing results under the Healthy Florida First initiative. In January and February 2026, the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) analyzed 46 candy products from 10 companies for heavy metals, detecting arsenic in 28 of them and prompting further review of potential exposure risks—particularly for children.
Ron DeSantis, alongside Casey DeSantis and State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, said the testing effort is focused on transparency and accountability in products marketed to families. Telling people, parents shouldn’t have to worry that food sold in stores could quietly harm their kids’ health over time.
Affected Brands: Popular candies, including Sour Patch Kids, SweeTarts, Jolly Ranchers, Nerds, Twizzlers, Black Forest Gummy Bears, Kit Kat, 3 Musketeers, and Snickers, tested positive for arsenic.
Goal of Releasing the Data: Inform consumers and encourage higher safety standards from food manufacturers. Parents and caregivers are advised to stay informed, check updates from health officials, and enjoy sweets in moderation. We know it’s hard to get over sweets, but health matters. 🫶🏼
EDUCATION
ENROLLMENT FOCUS
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🏫⚖️ Florida Lawmakers Move to Prioritize In-State Students at Public Universities | CBS News
Florida lawmakers are advancing House Bill 1279 that would require 95% of freshman seats at the state’s top public universities to go to Florida residents—up from the current 90% statewide average. The remaining 5% would be reserved for out-of-state and international students. | The College Navigators via IG
Supporters say the change ensures that Floridians, who fund these schools through taxes, get priority access to limited seats. Critics, however, warn the move could reduce diversity and cut a critical source of revenue, as out-of-state and international students typically pay higher tuition that helps fund programs, facilities, and scholarships.
This legislation highlights the ongoing debate in Florida over resident access, campus diversity, and university finances.
📌 Takeaway: If you’re a student, parent, or educator, this bill could impact admissions, tuition, and campus demographics—and it’s worth keeping an eye on as it moves through the legislature.
FEATURED
Image Source: Rezijual
Rezijual | Intent Governance
Intent Governance is Rezijual’s strategic advisory offering that helps organizations maintain clarity and purpose as they scale and navigate complexity, compliance, leadership changes, or public pressure. It ensures decisions remain aligned with intent, even when challenges increase.
Rezijual helps organizations translate intent into strategy, messaging, design, and action—get in touch today. 🫱🏻🫲🏽
📞 Contact no. (813) 477 8260
📧 Email: [email protected]
EVENTS
MUSICAL REVUE
Image Source: FAMU Essential Theatre via FB
Wednesday to Sunday, Feb. 25 to Mar. 1
Featured Event: Echoes of the Heart: A Musical Revue by FAMU Essential Theatre | Wednesday to Sunday, Feb. 25 to Mar. 1 | 8 PM | Charles Winter Wood Theatre, 515 Orr Dr. | Learn More
Friday to Sunday, Feb. 27 to Mar. 1
Tallahassee Gem Show by Panhandle Gem & Minerals Shows | Friday to Sunday, Feb. 27 to Mar. 1 | 10 AM | North Florida Fairgrounds | Learn More
Saturday, Feb. 28
Brad Stine: Night of Comedy by Wildwood Church | Saturday, Feb. 28 | 7 PM | 100 Ox Bottom Rd. | $25 Tickets | Learn More
Sunday, Mar. 1
9th Annual Field Day Music Festival | Sunday, Mar. 1 | 2 PM | The Phipps Farm, 4300 N. Meridian Rd. | $0 to $39.19 Tickets | Learn More
Mahjong Tiles & Taps by Allison Beaty Campbell | Sunday, Mar. 1 | 2 PM | Amicus Brewing Ventures, 717 S. Gadsden St. | From $13.45 Tickets
16th Annual Links Beautillion by Tallahassee Chapter of The Links, Inc. | Sunday, Mar. 1 | 6 PM | FSU Dunlap Champions Club, 225 Champions Way, Bldg. B | From $23.18 Tickets
Saturday, Mar. 7
Shamrock Scurry 5K/1Mile | Saturday, Mar. 7 | 8 AM | Killearn Methodist Church, 2800 Shamrock St. S. | From $17 Register | Learn More
Food & Wine Festival by Cleaver & Cork | Saturday, Mar. 7 | 12 PM | Intramural Field, 444 Appleyard Dr. | $133.26 Tickets
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