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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. 🏆⚖️
Quick Summary
In our 505th edition, here’s the scoop:
In the Spotlight: Jonathan Fozard | ORBIE Finalist
Local: Adelson Trials
Featured: KB Studio | Website Management
TLH Weekend Events
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
ORBIE FINALIST
Image Sources: CentralFloridaCIO and ORBIE Awards
✨ 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.
LOCAL
TRIAL TIMELINE
Image Source: New York Post
⚖️ 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.
Donna was arrested at the airport attempting to flee to Vietnam. She is charged with first-degree 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.
FEATURED
Image Source: KB Studio
KB Studio | Website Management
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TLH EVENTS
SPOOKTACULAR
Image Source: Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra via FB
Thursday, Oct. 23
3rd Annual 2025 Taste in the Garden | Thursday, Oct. 23 | 6 PM | Tallahassee Nurseries, 2915 Thomasville Rd. | $125 Tickets | Learn More
All proceeds support Second Harvest of the Big Bend, the region’s leading food bank. They’ve raised $110k (Goal: $150k). Help the cause by attending the event or making a donation.
Friday, Oct. 24
Gladys Knight by Visit Tallahassee | Friday, Oct. 24 | 6 PM | The Adderley Amphitheater at Cascades Park | $64 to $112 Tickets | Learn More
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 [email protected].
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
FSU Law Homecoming | Friday to Sunday, Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 | 2 PM | 425 W. Jefferson St. | RSVP | Learn More
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
83rd Annual North Florida Fair | Thursday to Sunday, Nov. 6 to 16 | 441 E. Paul Ressell Rd. | Learn More
Friday, Nov. 7
A John Williams Cinematic Celebration with the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra | Friday, Nov. 7 | 7:30 PM | The Adderley Amphitheater at Cascades Park | From $32 Tickets | Learn More
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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