[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6557699,"mediaKeyId","3288488-7ad53d52ad728d6cbc4d924ab0823c23","parentId",3288488,"title","Leon County commissioners approve Amtrak station repairs, housing bond plan and appointments","audioSeconds",160,"startMs",4240000,"endMs",4400000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3288488-7ad53d52ad728d6cbc4d924ab0823c23&start=4240&end=4400","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3288488-7ad53d52ad728d6cbc4d924ab0823c23/thumbnail_4240000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6557699/Leon-County/Florida/Leon-County-commissioners-approve-Amtrak-station-repairs-housing-bond-plan-and-appointments","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6557699-65acdda2278e926bfcb8554db7acb260/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158870&Signature=mgv~1ZjoQ9ze0M~DZ4nupellZ6AR7dFblM3aPHwDSZBKb8wnvLkFsJnoVrelfUEcrTbzX8vMhs1poryU4rSzoQHCAG5X4Pj9cO2C7qvctLHJAzDCVkLVFaTVsuqpnzXtINEG9g1Xxo0cVbuAGKFpbPs~9x6XYGG~Hu6NSHXiwg83lgaNSRSds-safZs-5dDGub8a3yqUPg7xUh4~jRBDgr60egL6r12mmDWJg~p-v2LOLhubnIuHAaXd0pLiMGAjBobte5HiaF1mXCIl6oQS~2g-dvffTosBjJ1rZWp5gB6G1PRQmcrjWZZKdMNqpwaYkQfu8Vtss6odY3rCTlmTCA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Leon County, FL","date","2025-05-13T16:08:37Z","article","The Leon County Board of County Commissioners on Wednesday approved several business items, including a contract to repair tornado-damaged facilities at the Amtrak station, a financing plan tied to the Housing Finance Authority and multiple appointments to regional and county advisory bodies.

Amtrak station repairs: Commissioners approved a $2,160,000 construction contract to repair the Amtrak station and visitor center after wind and tornado damage on May 10. County staff said insurance proceeds would cover a portion of the cost, with tourism-fund reserves covering additional expense; the contract work timeline was described as about nine months. The motion to adopt staff recommendations (options 1 and 2) passed unanimously.

Housing Finance Authority financing plan: The board adopted a resolution approving a plan for the Housing Finance Authority of Leon County to seek up to $50,000,000 in single-family mortgage revenue bonds from the State of Florida. If the HFA secures the revenue bonds, staff said the authority would convert the financing to support eligible affordable multifamily rental developments in Leon County. Commissioners voted to adopt the resolution unanimously.

Appointments: The board reappointed a county commissioner to the Appalachian Regional Planning Council and filled six seats on the county's Citizen Advisory Committee for Quality Growth. After discussion, the board selected Shannon Butler to fill the contested seat (option 4) on the advisory committee. Those actions passed on motions from commissioners and unanimous voice votes.

Consent and other actions: The meeting also approved the consent agenda unanimously. Commissioners referenced the county's continuing work with ARPC (Appalachian Regional Planning Council) on region-wide projects including economic development and emergency-management coordination.

What passed at the meeting (selected items):
- $2,160,000 contract awarded for Amtrak station and visitor center repairs; funding from insurance proceeds and tourism reserves; timeline ~9 months.
- Resolution adopted for HFA financing plan seeking up to $50,000,000 in mortgage revenue bonds for potential conversion to affordable multifamily rental finance.
- Reappointments and citizen advisory committee appointments approved; Shannon Butler appointed to the Citizen Advisory Committee for Quality Growth (option 4).

Each item was approved by unanimous vote; staff will follow up with project timelines, budget amendments as applicable, and any required future board action.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of County Commissioners Meeting - May 13, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Leon County commissioners on Wednesday unanimously approved a $2.16 million contract to repair tornado-damaged sections of the Amtrak station, adopted a plan that would allow the Housing Finance Authority to seek up to $50 million in mortgage revenue bonds, and filled several advisory appointments including Shannon Butler.","taxTitle","Leon County, Florida","taxId",2870,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6557703,"Leon County details after-action progress and steps for 2025 hurricane season",636,2728000,3364000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3288488-7ad53d52ad728d6cbc4d924ab0823c23&start=2728&end=3364","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3288488-7ad53d52ad728d6cbc4d924ab0823c23/thumbnail_2728000.jpg","/articles/6557703/Leon-County/Florida/Leon-County-details-after-action-progress-and-steps-for-2025-hurricane-season","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6557703-4201c84296308d81d71b28343518a917/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158870&Signature=bMn3fUh4UuLBWO3uZIUbTgqfr-dXW63ogXBoL78SuwV51EzQEMdia7u4zWO495W8ePPgT2rjU6BDziHSB-k8k7oiIMBhnp99iyMPKzxzCHoGQi0KRu9WG4AUGPhPHLBzat0M~ZL~LlwiUgbQAeMYqaY2MKsIzVK3pIA3m9ck3jnUEuHk1OghQM6TE0S8vs08b2JEcanQtY~QiegbBvlaMfZmruDdaGGAxmC9Ef6UavneH6qaC24iQvEuXLsQrG-zbvTLd-kkyhOHcSzWZJpIBbiZmx48Ql661cXZR~SRPqdc5UHO9wLr-aY2kLcguA7PJz54Q-bxVZRBNyA-JSZxHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Leon County officials told the Board of County Commissioners on Wednesday that nearly all recommendations from the county's 2024 after-action reviews of storm events have been implemented and described preparations for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.

The county administrator introduced a status report summarizing 41 recommendations from 2024 after-action reports following the Bicentennial Storm, a May tornado outbreak and Hurricane Helene in September. Staff reported 39 of the 41 recommendations have been completed within existing departmental operations; two remaining recommendations involving disaster pay and personnel policy will return to the board at a June 17 workshop for formal consideration.

The report highlighted several implemented items intended to reduce public risk during flooding and storm response, including high-visibility barricades placed along roadways with deep ditches to reduce vehicle water rescues, expanded communications and GIS tools, targeted trainings for residents in manufactured-home communities, and a countywide mailing of 140,000 printed disaster survival guides to begin in June.

\"Out of all of the water rescues during that activation, all of them were cars in ditches. Once we implemented those barricades . . . that number dropped to 0,\" a county presenter said during the meeting.

Emergency Management Director Kevin Peters briefed the board on the 2025 seasonal outlook. Using the 1991'020 climatological baseline, he noted average seasons contain 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes.

Peters summarized forecasts from Colorado State (17 named storms, nine hurricanes, four majors), The Weather Channel (19 named storms, nine hurricanes) and Mexico's meteorological service (13'17 named storms, six\b hurricanes, three\u0004 majors). NOAA's official outlook was scheduled for release May 22. He concluded the county should expect a \"busy\" season but emphasized that forecasts do not specify timing or landfall locations; preparedness, he said, remains the primary mitigation tool.

Commissioners praised the county's response systems, particularly outreach to manufactured-home residents and planning for senior living facilities. The board moved to accept staff's recommendation (option 1) on the item; the motion carried unanimously.

The report also addressed federal funding and program uncertainties. Staff said recent federal suspensions and reviews of certain FEMA mitigation monies did not affect current local projects but that the county would monitor developments at the federal level.

What the board approved: acceptance of the status report on after-action implementation and preparations for the 2025 hurricane season, with staff to return on June 17 with proposals on disaster pay and personnel matters not yet implemented.

The county encouraged residents to review the mailed disaster survival guides and to sign up for county alert systems and transportation assistance when evacuation orders are issued.

The county administrator and Emergency Management staff said they would continue coordination with state and federal partners while monitoring changes to federal mitigation funding and data collection operations that feed national forecasts.

The board closed the item with unanimous support and no public speakers signed for that agenda item.","County staff reported implementation of 39 of 41 recommendations from 2024 after-action reports, outlined outreach to residents of manufactured homes, and reviewed forecasts calling for a slightly above-average Atlantic hurricane season; the board accepted the status report unanimously.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6557689,"Refuge House seeks expanded shelter and trauma-focused services as domestic-violence need grows",207,5131000,5338000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3288488-7ad53d52ad728d6cbc4d924ab0823c23&start=5131&end=5338","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3288488-7ad53d52ad728d6cbc4d924ab0823c23/thumbnail_5131000.jpg","/articles/6557689/Leon-County/Florida/Refuge-House-seeks-expanded-shelter-and-trauma-focused-services-as-domestic-violence-need-grows","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6557689-2559ded562e4736ac9061d39bf3eb8eb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158870&Signature=EP3OqVdrgqUzRhKYXv~IMOoVQPaPqoH2XgfYnw5v7sxfGqYt3P~IvJAOIJ8JeGLKJNzuhOC1KTgyp1H7j83wEIt97mX8AoDUns3~Qb73VkyJFIgGof~bv91MDcgZ91PpDBxKbUp1dkTvH4GB0IMkGqgI~ZdrM6sVsgvevahHhDHGoj3i0PISpvWO7Gu253J0wMLIl05ZEjS5x7W6Tl7q8InP-nodQko2QHK9QOCCvYAOiu9AESagC736UV1kewLXoTZlhwQT7zeWAgj6TA9Zp6IjMTZcRjJO2x7mS20KqBKMqFoMEe6wKdbGK62KmEL7h24EfQZXo~WS-AZOlBkY1w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Refuge House, the certified domestic and sexual violence services provider for Leon County and seven surrounding counties, told the Board of County Commissioners on Wednesday that demand for emergency shelter is rising and the nonprofit is planning a major expansion.

Emily Mitchum, executive director of Refuge House, said the organization has provided domestic-violence services in the community for more than 45 years and is seeing an increase in the number and complexity of cases. Mitchum said the current emergency shelter has about 23 beds and transitional housing is consistently full, forcing some survivors and children to remain in unsafe situations or to become homeless.

Mitchum described worsening trauma among survivors and children, including higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder and sensory-processing disorders. She said the organization has worked for two years with Architects Lewis & Whitlock on a donated design for a new, transformative housing facility that would more than double immediate bed capacity and provide child-focused trauma-healing, case management and supports designed to improve long-term outcomes.

\"The goal of this project is not only to provide safe shelter, but to offer comprehensive services that will heal childhood trauma, build resilience in children, and set mothers up for success upon departure,\" Mitchum said.

Refuge House outlined the project concept but did not seek a specific vote or funding action at the meeting. Mitchum said the nonprofit would welcome county collaboration and pledged to share progress as planning and fundraising continue.

Following the presentation, commissioners and staff thanked Refuge House for the work and noted the county's broader focus on homelessness and services for vulnerable populations. Later in the meeting, a motion passed asking staff to examine whether a proposed sheriff's HOST position (a sheriff-funded outreach post) could include a percentage of duties devoted specifically to homeless women and girls should the sheriff fund the position in his budget request.

Refuge House said it will continue design and fundraising activity and will report back to commissioners as the project advances.","Refuge House, the certified domestic violence services provider for Leon and surrounding counties, told commissioners its shelter and transitional housing are operating at capacity and announced plans to expand with a new, trauma-informed multi-generational facility; the presentation requested ongoing county support as planning continues.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6557694,"Leon County commissioners honor local leaders and declare May Bike Month",2094,366000,2460000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3288488-7ad53d52ad728d6cbc4d924ab0823c23&start=366&end=2460","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3288488-7ad53d52ad728d6cbc4d924ab0823c23/thumbnail_366000.jpg","/articles/6557694/Leon-County/Florida/Leon-County-commissioners-honor-local-leaders-and-declare-May-Bike-Month","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6557694-a2ea3725f26510ec6fd61ed32f702d7f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158870&Signature=KpFx0g~58YiJrzR8sXxcfUnW5hkvmwW9zA4K0LW~OZ9QnIz~I58qw9EQA7uEZ1nKNUmxVbF40174YdqWNJqeeTT4IobtPF6Pp5BV3cX0i7sfgpxlxO~Tvj1w3JPZBKdtD6glpqPRm66Wx~DCiDQc6XySh9Gr7xT0LptEK0vspgXsiQIQALMxfUoZoSeP0au4AFu7NtbBtZv-Yk3IqQS8i0LHENuNsWrsZEnw3LkGH3Y9w7KWgAsodn6eZj56MB15FmGAmiolUMIxEP~I~SR5I6OBagW0BzLqmFNZBIeBl8caxfQZNq6XsOMTsM6OR3BSVPxRV0C3xONmuKBivM7GJA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Leon County commissioners used a portion of Wednesday's meeting to present proclamations and recognitions to community leaders, cultural institutions and to declare May 2025 as Bike Month in Leon County.

The board read and presented a proclamation recognizing Quincy \"Bishop Quincy D.\" Griffin Sr. for leadership at Family Worship and Praise Center and for his Shoes for School outreach, which last year provided thousands of shoes to area schoolchildren, county officials said.

Commissioners also presented a proclamation recognizing Scott and Julie Carswell on the 40th anniversary of The Moon, the longtime Tallahassee music and event venue. Commissioner remarks at the dais cited the venue's economic contributions to the local arts scene, artist fees, hotel nights for touring artists and charitable events over four decades.

Another proclamation honored Theophilus \"Mac\" McBride and the Top Flight Club for more than five decades of cultural contributions and community events on Tallahassee's South Side.

Separately, the board proclaimed May 2025 as Bike Month to promote bicycle safety and active transportation. Speakers included local cycling advocates who emphasized bike-to-work events, workforce riders who rely on bicycles, and the county's trail and complete-streets work. The board urged residents to sign up for safety education and county alerts.

In other ceremonial recognition, the county attorney acknowledged a 35-year employee in the county attorney's office who is retiring at the end of the month and the board unanimously approved issuing a private proclamation to honor the employee's service.

The proclamations and awards were purely ceremonial and required no board action beyond the resolution to present them. Commissioners used the occasion to thank honorees for service and community outreach.","At a May meeting the board presented proclamations and recognitions to local faith and cultural leaders, longtime venue owners and to mark National Bike Month; honorees included Bishop Quincy D. Griffin Sr., Scott and Julie Carswell of The Moon, and Theophilus \"Mac\" McBride of Top Flight Club.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Leon County commissioners approve Amtrak station repairs, housing bond plan and appointments

Leon County details after-action progress and steps for 2025 hurricane season

Refuge House seeks expanded shelter and trauma-focused services as domestic-violence need grows

Leon County commissioners honor local leaders and declare May Bike Month