2024-25 Tallahassee Newcomer Guide

WE’RE 1 IN THE PANHANDLE

Behavioral Health

Expert adult and pediatric mental health care to treat substance use disorder, mood and anxiety disorders and more through a collaborative team of psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers and other mental health professionals.

Emergency

With two emergency centers and the largest team of board-certified emergency medicine physicians in the region, TMH is ready for any emergency.

Cancer

The most powerful cancer program in the Big Bend region is also the longest continuously accredited comprehensive community cancer program in Florida.

Children

Home to the region’s only Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and Kids Corner, a 4-bed unit, providing a positive, kid-friendly environment for common outpatient procedures.

Heart & Vascular

A top complex and comprehensive cardiovascular program in the Southeast with the area’s only Structural Heart, Heart Rhythm, Heart Failure and Cardio-Oncology Programs.

Orthopedic

Home to the most experienced orthopedic team in the area with custom joint replacement procedures, orthopedic trauma care and compassionate rehabilitation.

Surgery

Largest and most experienced surgical team in the region, utilizing a state-of-the art facility, revolutionary technology, including robotics, and techniques tailored for each individual patient.

The Panhandle’s most advanced neurosurgery program with the only Comprehensive Stroke Center and Neurological Intensive Care Unit. Neuroscience

TMH Physician Partners

More than 35 primary and specialty care practices available across eight counties, TMH Physician Partners is a vast network of medical providers offering exceptional patient care.

Women & Babies

The region’s first and only accredited Baby-Friendly Hospital, focused on building better bonds between moms and babies. Home to the area’s only high-risk Labor and Delivery and Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Trauma

The only Level-II Trauma Center in the region with the area’s highest accreditations, including a Comprehensive Stroke Center and Chest Pain Center with PCI and Resuscitation.

Welcome Home

Allow me to welcome you to Tallahassee or strongly encourage you to make the decision to call Tallahassee your new home.

I have had the privilege of calling Tallahassee home since moving here in 1978, seeking professional opportunity and a better place to live than a big city. It was one of the best decisions of my life.

I consider Tallahassee a “big little city,” a vibrant and diverse place where you’ll find government in action, a college-town lifestyle, Southern hospitality and a bustling dining and shopping culture.

Too, it is an area that has seasonal change and offers quality of life and opportunity — opportunity that has allowed Rowland Publishing Inc. to become the region’s leader in producing niche magazines and telling timeless stories of interest through publications such as the Tallahassee Newcomer Guide and the Tallahassee Physicians & Medical Resource Guide. We developed

this magazine more than 20 years ago to provide new residents a quick reference guide to resources that our community offers.

So as you settle in, begin enjoying all that our Capital City, college town and the warmth of a Southern city can offer. If you want to know more about the fabric of our community, find and read another of our publications, Tallahassee Magazine which has been telling the story of this area for more than 40 years. There you’ll get to know the people of our great city and learn about all of the events that make our community so special.

Welcome home,

Brian Rowland, Publisher browland@rowlandpublishing.com

On behalf of Leon County Government, I want to be the first to thank you for choosing Florida’s capital county as your new home!

As you meet your neighbors and make new friends, I think you will find that moving here was one of the best decisions you could have made. Leon County is a warm, welcoming community that embraces its diversity. Whatever your background and aspirations, you are likely to form a special, genuine connection with this community.

Our citizens here enjoy an unmatched quality of life. Excellent universities and colleges, combined with top K-12 schools, make Leon County the most educated county in the state. We also feature a broad range of world-class recreational, cultural and educational activities. Our calendar is overflowing with concerts, festivals, museum tours, sporting events and art shows to suit every interest.

As a new resident, you will also find Leon County to be one of the most beautiful, historically rich and naturally

breathtaking places anywhere. My wife, two daughters and I spend a lot of time hiking our beautiful trails, playing in our award-winning parks and paddling on our lakes and rivers. You will find so much to explore in our great outdoors, and we make it easy to get started at Trailahassee.com.

We work each day to create and sustain this special place as one that is welcoming, healthy, safe and vibrant — truly one of the best places to live, work and raise a family. And we welcome your ideas and active engagement in shaping the future of our community together.

Chances are you will find a lot more than you expected in Tallahassee-Leon County, and hopefully your happiest times are just getting started.

Welcome home!

Rick Minor District 3 Leon County Commissioner

To learn more about Tallahassee or to access information on city services, please visit the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and download “DigiTally” for free!

Around Town

The city of Tallahassee invites exploration into its rich blend of history, unique charm, natural beauty and culture

ATTRACTIONS & POINTS

MUSEUM/ARTS

Bradley’s Country Store

10655 Centerville Road (850) 893-4742

Challenger Learning Center

IMAX Theatre and Planetarium

200 S. Duval St. (850) 645-7827

Goodwood Museum & Gardens

1600 Miccosukee Road (850) 877-4202

Governor’s Mansion

700 N. Adams St. (850) 488-4661

John G. Riley Center/Museum of

African American History & Culture

419 E. Jefferson St. (850) 681-7881

Mission San Luis

2100 W. Tennessee St. (850) 245-6406

Museum of Florida History

500 S. Bronough St. (850) 245-6400

Railroad Square Art District

567 Industrial Drive (850) 224-1308

Tallahassee Automobile Museum

6800 Mahan Drive (850) 942-0137

Tallahassee Museum

3945 Museum Road (850) 575-8684

Union Bank/Black Archives

219 Apalachee Parkway (850) 599-3020

PARK/GOLF

Cascades Park &

Capital City Amphitheater

1001 S. Gadsden St. (850) 891-3816

Maclay Gardens State Park

3540 Thomasville Road (850) 487-4115

Park Avenue Chain of Parks

Park Avenue Downtown

Seminole Golf Course & Club

2550 Pottsdamer St. (850) 644-2582

SouthWood Golf Club

3750 Grove Park Drive (850) 942-4653

Tom Brown Park

501 Easterwood Drive (850) 891-3866

CAMPUS/STADIUM

CollegeTown

805 W. Madison St. (850) 765-9925

FAMU Bragg Stadium

1800 Wahnish Way (850) 599-3141

FSU Doak Campbell Stadium/ University Center Club

288 Champions Way (850) 645-1318, (850) 644-8528

FSU Ruby Diamond Concert Hall

222 S. Copeland St. (850) 644-5541

FSU Turnbull Conference Center

555 W. Pensacola St. (850) 644-3801

North Florida Fairgrounds/ Gene Cox Stadium 441 Paul Russell Road (850) 878-3247

Tallahassee Community College

444 Appleyard Drive (850) 201-6200

PUBLIC/CIVIC

Capitol Complex

400 S. Monroe St. (850) 488-6167

C.K. Steele Plaza/ StarMetro Bus Depot

11 W. Tennessee St. (850) 891-5200

Donald L. Tucker Civic Center

505 W. Pensacola St. (850) 487-1691

Tallahassee/Leon County

Visitor Center & Gift Shop

1001 S. Gadsden St. (850) 606-2305

Tallahassee Regional Airport 3300 Capital Circle SW (850) 891-7800

Tallahassee Visitor

Information Center & Gift Shop

918 Railroad Ave. (850) 606-2305

Tallahassee Almanac

A compendium of facts and figures — and just plain fun stuff to know

 Tallahassee is positioned 30.45 degrees north of the equator and 84.28 degrees west of the prime meridian. Its elevation is 203 feet above sea level.

 The city was incorporated on Dec. 9, 1825. It has a total area of 103.1 square miles.

 Leon County’s population was 292,817 in the 2021 census. It was 275,487 in 2010 and 240,201 in 2000.

 At 22 stories, Florida’s Capitol is the tallest building in the city. The modern structure was built behind the more classically styled “old” Capitol, which was supposed to be demolished after the new building was completed. However, the Historic Capitol was preserved, and the juxtaposition of the old and new buildings creates a unique vista for those driving westward on Apalachee Parkway.

 Florida’s Prime Meridian — the marker from which all surveying in the state is based — is located about a quarter-mile away from the Capitol building in Cascades Park in a plaza behind the Capital City Amphitheater.

 Tallahassee was the only Confederate capital east of the Mississippi River that did not fall to the Union army.

 Tallahassee is the only municipality in Leon County, and about 66% of county residents live within the city limits. Voters have gone to the polls four times (1971, 1973, 1976, 1992) to vote on consolidating the city and county into one entity, but it was rejected each time.

 All of Tallahassee and Leon County is within Florida’s 2nd congressional district, represented since Jan. 3, 2017, by Republican Neal Dunn. Florida’s two U.S. senators are Republicans Marco Rubio, since 2011, and Rick Scott, since 2019.

 Historians suspected that Hernando de Soto wintered in Tallahassee in 1539 during his explorations, and in 1987 a state archaeologist, the late B. Calvin Jones, pinpointed and excavated the site. About a mile away from the Capitol building, it is the only site in the U.S. definitively associated with the de Soto expedition.

WEATHER

Does it ever snow? Tallahassee can be considerably colder than Central and South Florida, with temperatures dipping below freezing on some winter nights. According to the local office of the National Weather Service, Tallahassee has had measurable snowfall only eight times since 1891. The most snow Tallahassee has seen, 2.8 inches, fell in February 1958.

* From the Southeast Regional Climate Center, 30-year average for 1991–2021

TALLAHASSEE CITY LIMITS

LEON COUNTY

GOVERNMENT

State of Florida

Florida’s state government is overseen by the governor and three elected members of the state Cabinet — the Agriculture Commissioner, Attorney General and Chief Financial Officer. Each resident is also represented by a member of the Florida House of Representatives and a member of the Florida Senate. The House has 120 members, the Senate has 40. Leon County is represented by House Districts 7, 8 and 9 and by Senate District 3.

To determine which House and Senate districts you live in, you can contact the Leon County Supervisor of Elections. You can also use your zip code on the legislative websites (flsenate.gov or myfloridahouse.gov) to determine your representative and senator.

Representatives are elected every two years. Senators are elected every four years.

Leon County

Leon County is guided by an elected, seven-member Board of County Commissioners. Five board members are elected to serve specific commission districts, and two members are elected at-large. Each year, members of the board select a chairman and vice chairman from within the group. The Leon County Administrator and County Attorney are appointed by the board to oversee all functions, directives and policies. Other Leon County elected officials include county and circuit court judges, the State Attorney, Public Defender, the School Board, Superintendent and five constitutional officers: Clerk of the Court, Property Appraiser, Sheriff, Supervisor of Elections and Tax Collector.

City of Tallahassee

The Mayor and four-member City Commission are the governing body of the city, and all serve four-year terms. All of the seats are nonpartisan and

there are no districts: All members are elected citywide. The terms of office are staggered, with elections for two commission seats held every other year. The mayor, who is elected to that particular position, has a vote at commission meetings but no veto power.

Tallahassee’s executive staff — the City Manager, Attorney, Auditor and Treasurer/Clerk — are appointed to their positions by the city commission.

A wealth of information about the Tallahassee City Commission, as well as city operations and services, can be found at the talgov.com website.

VISIT THESE WEBSITES TO FIND LISTINGS OF LOCAL AND STATE OFFICIALS:

State of Florida Elected officials: StateofFlorida.com/elected-officials

Leon County Commissioners: CMS.LeonCountyFl.gov/home/countycommission/meet-your-commissioners

Tallahassee City Commission and Appointed Officials: TalGov.com/cityleadership

You can also visit FlSenate.gov or MyFloridaHouse.gov to determine your representative and senator by using your zip code.

Living History

In forward-thinking Tallahassee, the past beckons

BY SARA SANTORA

Mission

San Luis

There are so many wonderful things about Tallahassee. Picturesque parks, world-class universities, college game days and a vibrant local arts scene are among the city’s crown jewels.

You’ve arrived at a great time — 2024 marks Tallahassee-Leon County’s bicentennial year. To honor this historic milestone, Visit Tallahassee and a special bicentennial steering committee have created an evolving calendar jam-packed with events. These familyfriendly festivities encourage residents to reexamine Tallahassee’s past while simultaneously celebrating its future. The fun started in January and promises to last through December.

Still, there are plenty of ways to interact with Tallahassee’s illustrious history, even after all the pomp and circumstance has ended. That’s another great thing about this city — here, amid the hustle and bustle of modern city life, the past beckons.

Answer the call by visiting Mission San Luis. The location served as the capital of the western missions in La Florida from 1656 to 1704. Home to over 1,500 people, San Luis was one of early Florida’s largest colonial outposts. Today, the reconstructed site transports visitors back to the 1600s with hands-on exhibits and living history interpreters.

Or, take a stroll through Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park. Opened to the public in 1946, the 28-acre park was designed by Alfred Barmore Maclay beginning in 1923. Italian cypresses and “Aunt Jenny” camellias populate the park, along with the rare native Chapman’s Rhododendron and Torreya tree from the Apalachicola River bluffs and ravines region. The gardens are maintained to appear as they did in 1953, offering a nice reprieve from modernity.

Another exciting way to engage with the city’s history is through food. The Sweet Shop, for example, has served Florida State students and faculty for decades. Originally built in 1921, the cafe sells classic milkshakes, lattes, paninis, wraps and more. Many say dining at The Sweet Shop is similar to eating at home; cozying up in one of the cafe’s large booths feels like joining a legacy.

Off-campus, Bradley’s Country Store sells canned goods, local produce, honey, coarse ground grits and pork sausage made on-site. Built in 1927, the store

provides a no-frills atmosphere that harkens back to a simpler time. In an interview with Doug Alderson, chair of the Bicentennial History Task Force, owner and manager Jan Bradley Parker described Bradley’s as “just a basic business that sells really good sausage.” Go and see for yourself, but don’t be surprised if you’re forced to wait in a long line at the meat counter.

There’s so much more to experience in Tallahassee. From museums and the

Capitol building to natural wonders like state parks and springs, Tallahassee has something for everyone to enjoy. It’s a forward-thinking city grounded in the past; a place where history is both born and preserved.

For a more comprehensive list of sites, consult Visit Tallahassee’s website or Tallahassee Magazine, available online and at newsstands near you.

Welcome home! Tallahassee is so happy to have you.

Bradley’s Country Store

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens

Job Hunting

Key resources to propel you and your loved ones on the best career path

Whether you are moving to Tallahassee looking for a new job or following a loved one into town on their career path, a job search is probably on your horizon. Luckily there are several resources to aid in your job hunt.

CareerSource Capital Region offers many solutions at no cost to career seekers, including networking and recruiting events that connect employers to career seekers. Visit them online at CareerSourceCapitalRegion.com. They offer an Accompanying Partners Program for trailing spouses and also have an Executive Center that can help professional- and executive-level career seekers.

Resources are also available for those working across state lines in Georgia via the Florida-Georgia Workforce Alliance (FlGaJobs.com).

In addition, the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce has information about vacant jobs with Capital-area businesses at TalentHub2030.com

Finally, several of the top job databases used in the Capital area include:

 Employ Florida EmployFlorida .com

 People First Jobs .MyFlorida com

 Indeed Indeed .com

 Florida State University hr FSU edu

 Florida A&M University FAMU edu

 Tallahassee Community College TCC fl edu

 Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare TMH org

 HCA Florida Capital Hospital HCAFloridaHealthcare .com

We hope you love living and working in Tallahassee!

Tallahassee’s Job Market Snapshot

Fastest-Growing Occupations*

■ Combined food preparation and serving workers, including fast food

■ Management analysts

■ Registered nurses

■ Graduate teaching assistants

■ Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners

■ Waiters and waitresses

■ Cooks, restaurant staff

■ First-line supervisors of food

■ Preparation and serving workers

■ Retail salespersons

■ General and operations managers

Top Ten Direct Employers by Online Ads*

■ Florida Department of Corrections

■ State of Florida

■ Florida State University

■ Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Inc.

■ Deloitte

■ ICF

■ Hospital Corporation of America

■ Fiserv

■ Trulieve Inc.

■ Pearson

Top Ten Advertised Occupations*

■ Software developers, applications

■ Registered nurses

■ Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products

■ Customer service representatives

■ Retail salespersons

■ Management analysts

■ General and operations managers

■ First-line supervisors of retail sales workers

■ Medical and health services managers

■ Managers, all other

* All data via Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, Bureau of Workforce Statistics and Economic Research (FloridaJobs.org/ wser-home) at time of publication.

GETTING STARTED

Household Services

Reliable,

sustainable services offered by the City of Tallahassee Utilities

UTILITIES

City Utilities Services

The City of Tallahassee Utilities, also known as Your Own Utilities, offers its customers a full range of utility services. These include electric, water, wastewater, stormwater, natural gas and solid waste services, as well as a successful recycling program.

As a national award-winning public utility, Your Own Utilities is dedicated to protecting and enriching the quality of life in the Tallahassee community while providing reliable utility services, environmental leadership and customer service excellence. Through its Energy Smart Plus (e+) initiative, the City provides numerous products and services to help customers save energy, water and money. Free energy audits, ceiling insulation grants, appliance rebates and energy-efficiency loans are just a few of the many options available.

Going Solar

Electric utility customers with the City of Tallahassee now have the option to have either a portion or all of their monthly electric bill powered by solar energy. There are three participation levels customers can choose from: 25%, 50% and 100%. The rate for Tallahassee Solar is 5 cents per kilowatt hour, in lieu of the normal fuel charge. This will be the fixed rate for the next 20 years. For more information, visit Talgov.com/YOU/solar.aspx.

Inquiries

Customers can call (850) 891-4YOU (4968) for all utility information. Customer service representatives are available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Sunday (with emergency service available 24/7). Utility account information is available anytime through an interactive voice system and on the web through e+ Online, an innovative, easy account management tool. Hearing- and speechimpaired customers can contact Teletype services at 711. Online services are available at Talgov.com/YOU.

Starting/Changing Service

Requests to start, stop or transfer services can be made by going to Talgov.com/YOU. Customers also can use the interactive voice system at (850) 891-4YOU (4968) to transfer or stop utility services, get account information and request free energy audits. Written requests for residential utility services can be mailed

to Utility Customer Service, 300 S. Adams Street, Box A2, Tallahassee, Florida 32301. The customer’s name, address and Social Security number, along with the date of connection or disconnection, should be included with the request. In-person requests can be made at Utility Customer Service on the first floor of the Frenchtown Renaissance Center, 435 N. Macomb St. A photo ID is required.

Deposits

Deposits are required for each utility service and can be billed over the customer’s first three months’ utility bills. Deposits will be returned after three years if the customer maintains a good payment record or when the account is closed. In addition, a letter from the customer’s previous or current utility company indicating at least two years of service with a good payment record may eliminate any deposit requirement. This letter should be presented with the request for service. Service connection fees apply to utility accounts that are new, transferring or reconnecting after being disconnected for nonpayment.

Bill Payments

Utility bill payments can be made several ways, including online, through the DigiTally mobile app, in-person at the Frenchtown Renaissance

Center and at remote payment sites located conveniently throughout the city. Your Own Utilities also offers free electronic billing through the SmartBill, which is sent via email. The SmartBill provides a quick, free one-click payment option.

Other automated options include a bank draft program; an automated phone payment option; a quick-pay online option for those wishing to make a payment that day; and a

Energy Smarts

Your Own Utilities offers several Energy Smart Plus (e+) energy conservation programs for homes and business, including:

• Free energy audits

• Loans for energy-efficient appliances and systems

• Grants for ceiling insulation

• Rebates for solar water heating

• Rebates for natural gas or ENERGY STAR appliances

• Rebates for high-efficiency heat pumps and air conditioners

phone payment option at (877) 765-8189 With the latter, customers will be connected to Western Union Speedpay’s automated phone payment system, managed for the City of Tallahassee. Payments can be made using a customer’s checking or credit card account. Transactions over the phone are subject to the Western Union transfer fee.

In-person payments can be made at the cashier’s window at the Frenchtown Renaissance Center, located at 435 N. Macomb St., weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Remote payment locations and operating hours can be found by visiting Talgov.com/YOU or by calling (850) 891-4YOU (4968).

WASTE SERVICES SOLID WASTE

Your Own Utilities provides solid waste services for all residents who live inside the city limits. Solid waste crews collect garbage and recycling once a week at the curb; yard waste and bulky items are collected every other week. Schedules and information on solid waste services are mailed to customers once a year. Charges for solid waste service are included on the customer’s monthly utility bill. Customers can view their pickup schedule or report a missed pickup by visiting Talgov.com/ YOU or by calling Utility Customer Service at (850) 891-4YOU (4968).

Household Garbage

Rolling garbage containers are provided to residents for household garbage disposal. If utility customers don’t have a garbage or recycling container at their home, they can call 891-4YOU (4968) to request one to be delivered.

Garbage is collected once a week at curbside. Customers’ containers should be at the curb no earlier than the day before the scheduled collection day and should be at least 3 feet away from obstacles such as mailboxes or shrubbery and away from low-hanging lines. Garbage containers must be removed from the curb no later than the day after service.

Nonhazardous and nonrecyclable materials should be placed in garbage bags before being put in the container.

Customers with medical/physical limitations who are unable to roll their garbage container to the curb can apply for Helping Hands Service at no additional charge. Back-door garbage and recycling premium services may also be purchased in accordance with the established rates. To apply for either service or for more information, call 891-4YOU (4968) or visit Talgov.com/YOU.

Mosquito Control

Leon County offers free residential property inspections to help determine where mosquitoes are breeding and how to stop them. If you have standing water, such as ponds or pools, Mosquito Control will treat it with larvicides to prevent mosquitoes from hatching. Inspections, prevention and treatments are free to residents. Citizens may request to have their address not sprayed during normal operations. Call (850) 606-1400 for more information.

Recycling

The City of Tallahassee makes recycling convenient. No sorting is needed, and all, glass, metal and cardboard can be placed together in the recycling container. Recyclable items include plastic containers holding less than 3 gallons, metal cans, glass bottles, newspapers, magazines and cardboard. Plastic bags and Styrofoam are not recyclable.

To avoid bugs and odors, cans, bottles and jars should be rinsed out. Crushing containers and breaking down boxes will increase the amount of material that will fit into the recycling container. For a complete list of recyclable items and a list of where to recycle items that don’t go into the container, visit Talgov.com/YOU.

Recycling is scheduled for pickup every week on the same day as garbage pickup. Containers should be at the curb no earlier than the day before the scheduled collection day. The container should be placed so that it is at least 3 feet away from obstacles such as mailboxes or shrubbery and not located under low-hanging lines. The recycling container must be removed from the curb no later than the day after service to prevent a safety hazard.

Customers with medical or physical limitations who are unable to roll their container to the curb can apply for Helping Hands Service at no additional charge. To apply for this service, call (850) 891-4YOU (4968) or visit Talgov.com/YOU.

Yard Waste

Yard waste is scheduled for pickup from the curb every other week according the customer’s Red/Blue week schedule. Yard waste includes grass clippings, pine straw, leaves, twigs, small limbs and shrub trimmings. If placed at the curb off schedule, it will be

picked up on the next scheduled collection day. Customers may request a special collection to have waste removed prior to the scheduled collection day for a fee.

Items should not be loose; they should be in heavy-duty plastic or paper trash bags or cardboard boxes. Limbs and trimmings that can’t be bagged should be stacked in piles no higher than 4 feet. The maximum size of limbs is 6 feet long and 4 inches in diameter. Larger items should be properly disposed of by the customer or scheduled for a special pickup by calling (850) 891-4YOU (4968). If a special pickup is requested, the fee for collection will be added to the customer’s utility bill.

Bulky Items

Bulky items are scheduled for pickup from the curb every other week according the customer’s Red/Blue week schedule. Bulky items are those that are too large to fit in the garbage barrel and are not yard waste. These include furniture, mattresses, bicycles, appliances, swing sets, lawn furniture, barbecue grills and plastic pools. If placed at the curb off schedule, they will be picked up on the next scheduled collection day. Customers may request a special collection to have waste removed prior to the scheduled collection day for a fee.

Hazardous waste items that cannot be collected as bulky items include car batteries, paint cans still containing paint, tires and electronics. Other hazardous waste can be taken to the Leon County landfill’s household hazardous waste center. Electronics can be donated to Goodwill or placed at the curb for pickup on Thursday of the customer’s scheduled week.

Talquin Utilities

Talquin provides electricity, water and wastewater services to portions of Tallahassee and the surrounding areas. TalquinElectric.com

Customer

Service (Outage)

Auto (866) 899-4832

Live (888) 802-1832

Lake Jackson Office

4808 Portal Drive

Tallahassee, FL 32303 (850) 562-0125

Bradfordville Office 6724 Thomasville Road Tallahassee, FL 32312 (850) 893-6853

Vehicle & Voter Registration

Motor Vehicles & Licenses

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

flhsmv.gov

Leon County Tax Collector’s Offices

LeonTaxCollector.net

Driver’s License

Persons living in Florida who want to operate a motor vehicle on public streets and highways are required to obtain a Florida driver's license within 30 days of becoming a resident. Customers are required to present proof of legal name and lawful presence (birth certificate or passport and any legal documents pertaining to name change), Social Security number (Social Security card or W2) and two forms of residential address (two pieces of official mail from two different companies). All required documents have to be originals, no copies. A new resident is exempt from taking any test if they can provide evidence of a driver’s license issued in another jurisdiction. There are fees associated with all transactions performed.

Documentation attesting a change of address for in-state drivers moving to Tallahassee, must be submitted to one of the Leon County Tax Collector’s offices or online at flhsmv.gov within 30 days of a move.

Vehicle Registration

In the state of Florida, motor vehicles are required by law to be registered and titled within 30 days of the owner becoming employed, placing children in school or establishing residency. To obtain a vehicle registration, you will need proof of ownership (original out-of-state or in-state title), Florida insurance and your identification. If you are still making loan payments on your vehicle and your out-of-state title is being held by a lienholder, the current out-ofstate registration is needed along with the name and address of the lienholder. The Tax Collector’s office will assist you in contacting the lender to obtain the vehicle title. All pre-owned, out-of-state vehicles coming into the state of Florida will need a vehicle identification number verification. This verification can be done at the Tax Collector’s office as long as weather permits.

Florida license plates are valid until midnight of the owner’s birthday. License plate renewals are accepted 90 days prior to the registered owner’s birth month.

Registration fees are assessed according to the weight of the motor vehicle.

There are fees to register and title vehicles. For more information, call DHSMV at (850) 617-2000 for assistance.

Fortunately, obtaining your Florida driver’s license, vehicle registration, title and license plate can all be done at any of the Tax Collector’s offices. Go to LeonTaxCollector.net for locations. Due to COVID-19, please make an appointment online or by calling (850) 606-4700. Face coverings are encouraged in all service centers. These locations accept cash, check and all major credit and debit cards.

Voter Registration

Leon County Supervisor of Elections Office LeonVotes.org

Residents may register to vote any time of the year. To register, you must be a U.S. citizen, a Florida resident and in full possession of your civil rights. If you have been adjudicated

as mentally incapacitated or if you have been convicted of a felony, call the Office of Executive Clemency at (850) 488-2952 to restore your rights.

You must be 18 years old to register. You may pre-register if you are 17 or if you have a valid driver’s license before your 17th birthday. To vote in an upcoming election, you must be registered to vote 29 days prior to the day of the election. Changes in political party must also be updated before the registration deadline.

Florida is a closed primary state, meaning only voters who are registered members of political parties may vote for their respective party’s candidates in a partisan primary election. Those registered as independents or with minor parties are eligible to vote in primaries that have nonpartisan elections. A universal primary may occur when the only candidates for a public office are of the same political party. In that case, all registered voters in the candidates’ race may participate, regardless of party affiliation. In general elections, all voters may vote for any candidate or question on their precinct-specific ballot.

Florida voter applications are available at the Supervisor of Elections’ office at 2990-1 Apalachee Parkway.

You may also register to vote at all public schools, libraries, driver's license offices and public assistance agencies, as well as numerous banks and businesses around the Capital City. Or you can download the registration form from the Supervisor of Elections website, leonvotes.org.

There are three ways to vote: by mail with an absentee ballot, early voting prior to the election and on election day at the 165 polling locations in Leon County. Absentee ballots are mailed at least 45 days prior to an election and can be tracked by the voter on the Supervisor of Elections website.

You can visit the website and, with a few keystrokes, know your voter registration status in Leon County. The site offers complete information about upcoming elections, precincts, elected officials and more. Or, call (850) 606-VOTE (8683) for more information.

State of Florida Driver’s License Requirements

Florida law requires identification, proof of date of birth, residential address and social security number.

If you are a new Florida resident or are moving within the state and have changed your name or address, you will need to provide supporting documents to get your new license or renewal. Here are a few of the items you may need:

• Certified U.S. birth certificate (not hospital certificate), valid U.S. passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship

• Social Security card (with current legal name), W-2 form, pay check/stub, SSA-1099 or any printed 1099

• Deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement, residential rental or lease agreement, Florida Voter Registration Card, Florida Vehicle Registration or Title, Florida Boat Registration or Title, utility hook up or work order, auto payment book, Selective Service Card, medical or health card with address listed, current homeowner or automobile insurance policy or bill, educational transcript for current school year, unexpired professional license, W-2 or 1099 form, utility bills, mail from financial institutions, etc.

For a full, customized list, visit GoRenew.com.

Pet Positive

Everything you need to know about pet-friendly places and care

Animal Organizations

Tallahassee–Leon Community Animal Services Center

The center offers companion animals for adoption, provides care for impounded animals, helps lost pets return to their homes, provides microchip IDs for adopted pets and provides humane euthanasia for terminally ill pets. (850) 891-2950, talgov.com/animals

Leon County Animal Control

Offers information on state laws regarding animal ownership and owners’ rights and responsibilities. (850) 606-5400, leoncountyfl.gov

Leon County Humane Society

Offers information and details on between 200 and 250 animals waiting to be adopted into a loving home. Adoption fees start at $80. All animals are spayed or neutered, microchipped, brought up to date on vaccines and free of parasites, and they come with 30 days of health insurance. (850) 224-9193, leoncountyhumane.org

St. Francis Wildlife Association

This nonprofit organization receives and cares for more than 3,500 wild animals a year. Animals in need of care may be brought to the Northwood Animal Hospital, to be transported to St. Francis’ rehabilitation facility. (850) 627-4151, stfranciswildlife.org

Dog Parks

Canine-Only Recreation Areas

Tom Brown Park

East of Capital Circle Northeast, between Mahan Drive and Apalachee Parkway

This park provides separate, fenced areas for large and small dogs. It also offers picnic benches, water, nature trails, a children’s play area, waste bags and trash receptacles.

San Luis Mission Park

On San Luis Road near Tharpe Street

This park provides a large fenced area for dogs to roam. It also provides some seating, water and trash receptacles.

Bradfordville Dog Park

Just off of Bannerman Road and near Chiles High School at 6808 Beech Ridge

At 13 acres, this is the largest dog park in Leon County, offering plenty of romping room for dogs of all sizes.

J. Lee Vause Dog Park

Just west of Lake Jackson at 6024 Old Bainbridge Road

This well-appointed, 1.5-acre park offers amenities including a drinking fountain with dog water bowl attachment, a log tunnel, jumping hoops and benches.

24-Hour Emergency Care Clinics

Allied Veterinary Emergency Hospital 2324 Centerville Road (850) 222-0123 alliedveterinary.com

Northwood Animal Hospital

1881-B N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. (850) 385-8181 or (850) 385-7387, northwoodanimalhospital.com

Rabies Vaccinations

Want A Pet?

Local rescue and adoption groups rotate bringing adoptable pets to: PetCo

1624 Governors Square Blvd. (850) 656-0395

1380 Village Square Blvd. (850) 668-0048

PetSmart

3220 Capital Circle NE (850) 297-1500

1759 Apalachee Parkway (850) 688-1002

Pursuant to law, only rabies vaccinations are required; they are required for cats and dogs beginning at four months of age. Vaccinations administered by an owner are not recognized as valid. By law, only licensed veterinarians may vaccinate an animal against rabies. In the unincorporated area, the vaccine is recognized for its duration, so if the vaccine is of a one-year duration, it is recognized for one year. If the vaccine is of a three-year duration, it is recognized for the full three years.

A new rabies tag must be obtained each year so that pets are wearing current rabies vaccination tags.

PHOTO BY DANIEL VITTER

2636 Centennial Place (850) 668-4769

License #: C02LE0507

6266 Old Water Oak Rd. (850) 224-4769

License #: C02LE0518

1271 Metropolitan Blvd. (850) 386-4769

License #: C02LE0578

Schools Libraries

Local public schools are under the direction of the Leon County School Board. A wealth of information about local public education and individual schools is available on the district’s website at LeonSchools.net. The site includes information on registering new students, as well as an easy-to-use page to determine what school zones you live in.

Parents registering a student for the first time should be prepared to provide proof of residence (such as a utility bill), the child’s birth certificate and other identification, proof of immunizations and, if appropriate, transcript information from the child’s previous school. For more information, call (850) 487-7100

You can learn what bus routes serve your area by accessing the school system’s Transportation Department web page.

Registration

Parents with children who will be entering kindergarten or who will be attending public school in Leon County for the first time are encouraged to register their kids during pre-registration, which schools generally hold in late April and/or early May for the next school year. Schools continue taking registrations throughout the summer for new families moving to Tallahassee. In all cases, parents should contact their zoned schools to get the registration process started as soon as possible after securing their residence. Students who will be entering kindergarten must have certain immunization documentation on file at school before the start of the new school year. Students entering seventh grade need documentation of a TD/TDAP booster vaccine. The Leon County Health Department provides routine back-toschool immunizations Monday through Friday by appointment or at special extended-hour immunization clinics. All children receiving immunizations through the Health Department must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Public School Options

Leon County also offers a variety of school choice options to provide as many options as possible to maximize student learning. There are a variety of special programs available, such as International Baccalaureate, science, technology and fine arts. Families apply by March 1 of each school year for controlled choice that includes magnet schools and other special programs. Contact the School Choice Office at (850) 561-8950 for more information about attendance zones and choice options.

Charter School Options

Charter Schools are public schools contracting with the district to provide services to students. Leon County has five charter schools. Each offers a unique opportunity and setting. Families can obtain more information about each

school by visiting their websites or calling the schools directly.

Home Schooling

Families who choose not to send their students to a public school are responsible for all aspects of the education of their students. However, there are a few requirements families must satisfy in order to home-educate their children. For example, students must be evaluated annually. The District’s Home School Office can assist families who choose this option. Their number is (850) 561-8375.

Private Schools

Tallahassee is also served by several private schools, which offer education opportunities from preschool through high school.

The Leroy Collins Leon County Public Library system consists of a main library in downtown Tallahassee as well as six branches and a traveling bookmobile. Leon County residents are eligible to apply for a free library card (children under 18 must have a parent or guardian co-signer). The library offers patrons a plethora of services, and many — including requesting and renewing books — are available online.

Libraries are also located at Tallahassee’s three institutions of higher learning — Florida A&M University, Florida State University and Tallahassee Community College.

In addition, the State Library of Florida is located in downtown Tallahassee. It is open to the public and offers an extensive Florida Collection as well as many online resources at dlis dos state fl us/library

Leroy Collins Leon County Public Library

200 W. Park Ave (850) 606-2665 leoncountyfl .gov/library

Branch Libraries

Eastside Branch Library

1583 Pedrick Road (850) 606-2750

Jane G. Sauls Fort Braden Branch Library

16327 Blountstown Highway (850) 606-2900

Dr. B.L. Perry Jr. Branch Library

2817 S. Adams St. (850) 606-2950

Lake Jackson Branch Library 3840-300 N. Monroe St.. (850) 606-2850

Bruce J. Host Northeast Branch Library

5513 Thomasville Road (850) 606-2800

Woodville Branch Library

8000 Old Woodville Road (850) 606-2925

Florida A&M University

Coleman Memorial Library

525 Orr Drive, FAMU Campus (850) 599-3370

Florida State University Strozier Library 116 Honors Way, FSU Campus (850) 644-2706

FSU Law Library

425 W. Jefferson St. (850) 644-3405

Tallahassee Community College

TCC Campus

444 Appleyard Drive (850) 201-8376

Ghazvini Center

1528 Surgeons Drive (850) 558-4537

State Library of Florida

R.A. Gray Building

500 S. Bronough St. (850) 245-6700

Medical & Emergency

Essential services and resources for your safety and well-being

MEDICAL FACILITIES

Leon County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) (850) 606-2100

Nonemergency (850) 606-5808

Call or text 911 If you are in a life-threatening situation or need immediate assistance from the police, fire department or ambulance.

HOSPITALS

HCA Florida Capital Hospital

2626 Capital Medical Blvd. (850) 325-5000 hcafloridahealthcare.com

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Tallahassee 1675 Riggins Road ......................... (850) 656-4800

Select Specialty Hospital

1554 Surgeons Drive (850) 219-6800

Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare

1300 Miccosukee Road (850) 431-1155 tmh.org

WALK-IN CLINICS

Urgent Care Center at TMH

1541 Medical Drive (850) 431-7816

3900 Esplanade Way ..................... (850) 431-3868

Southwood ER

2674 Capital Circle SE (850) 404-5800

Patients First

1690 N. Monroe St. (850) 385-2222

505 Appleyard Drive ..................... (850) 576-8988

3258 N. Monroe St. (850) 562-2010

3446 Thomasville Road (850) 386-2266

1660 W. Tennessee St. (850) 359-9307

1705 E. Mahan Drive .(850) 877-7164

3652 Mahan Drive (850) 329-8429

WOMEN’S CLINICS

North Florida Women's Services

2412 W. Plaza Drive (850) 877-3183 northfloridawomenshealth .com

Women’s Clinic

1605 E. Plaza Drive, Ste. 103 (850) 656-9177 womensclinictallahassee .com

Planned Parenthood

2618 W. Tennessee St. (850) 574-7455 plannedparenthood org/planned-parenthoodsouth-east-north-florida

EMERGENCY

Emergency (police, ambulance, paramedics, fire and rescue) 911

American Red Cross 1115 Easterwood Drive (850) 878-6080

Allied Veterinary Emergency Hospital (open 24/7)

2324 Centerville Road (850) 222-0123

Florida Poison Information Center For emergencies (800) 222-1222

Direct line to Jacksonville (904) 244-4465

Leon County Emergency Management (for evacuation assistance during a natural disaster) (850) 488-5921

Refuge House (for victims of spousal abuse and sexual assault, open 24/7)

24-hour hotline (850) 681-2111

Administrative Office (850) 922-6062 Outreach Office (850) 922-5570

HCA Florida Capital Hospital 2626 Capital Medical Blvd. ....... (850) 325-5000

Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare 1300 Miccosukee Road (850) 431-1155

2-1-1 Big Bend (telephone counseling and referral service) 211

NON-EMERGENCY

City utilities services (850) 891-4968

Bus schedule information (850) 891-5200

Call Before You Dig hotline 811

Drainage problems (850) 891-5300

Energy audits ....................... (850) 891-4968

Garbage, trash and recycling services (850) 606-1800

Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Affairs Department (850) 891-3866

Leon County Parks and Recreation Department (850) 606-1470

Signal and sign repairs (850) 891-5355

LAW ENFORCEMENT

Tallahassee Police Department

Chief Lawrence Revell

234 E. 7th Ave.. (850) 891-4200

Crime Stoppers (850) 574-8477 or (800) 577-TIPS

Duty Office (24 hours) (850) 891-4387

Leon County Sheriff’s Office

Sheriff Walt McNeil

2825 Municipal Way (850) 606-3300

Crime Prevention and Resources (850) 606-3332

Florida A&M University Police Department

Chief Terence M. Calloway

2400 Wahnish Way

POM Bldg. A, Ste. 128 (850) 599-3256

Florida State University Police Department

Chief Rhonda Harris

830 W. Jefferson St. (850) 644-1234

Tallahassee Community College Campus Police Department

Sean McGovern

444 Appleyard Drive (850) 201-6100

Airport Police

3300 Capital Circle SW (850) 891-7506

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Pickleball

Continuum of Care

Music as Therapy

Imparting a

Pickleball for All

Players of all ages can handle the heat as long as they stay out of the kitchen

BY PAIGE AIGRET / PHOTOS BY THE WORKMANS

The USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) has reported that the sport has grown nearly 40% since 2018, with 4.8 million players across the U.S. in 2022. The game combines elements of tennis, badminton and pingpong, according to the USAPA, and is played — singles or doubles — on a badmintonsize court with a modified tennis net. Paddles, larger than those for pingpong but smaller than a tennis racquet, are used to strike a plastic, perforated ball similar to a Wiffle ball. Players serve underhand and cross court. The serve must bounce once but never twice, and the “kitchen,” or non-volley zone, is off

limits. The game is typically played to a score of 11 or 15.

Although new to many, pickleball got its start over half a century ago in Bainbridge, Washington, as a backyard game created by a few dads with bored children.

So what accounts for its widespread popularity now?

Lenin Mongerie, the tennis and pickleball operations supervisor for the City of Tallahassee, said celebrity influencers including Serena Williams and LeBron James have been a factor; both have invested in their own leagues.

“If all of a sudden a pro football, tennis or any player or person

that has stature does something, everybody sees it, right? And you want to try it,” Mongerie said. “That has played a huge role in pushing the sport forward.”

When pickleball was elevated via celebrity platforms, younger people became interested. But the sport first started gaining traction among the 55-plus crowd. Its ease of play and accessibility appealed to players as a healthy form of exercise that presented less risk of injury than games like tennis.

Pickleball arrived in Tallahassee when the city’s tennis superintendent, Glen Howe, introduced pickleball to the local senior center.

Lenin Mongerie, the director of tennis and pickleball operations for the City of Tallahassee, credits sports superstars Serena Williams and LeBron James with helping to popularize pickleball. The city has responded by adding more public courts.

“Without question, one of the biggest benefits is it allows people to get exercise,” Mongerie said. “For people who may not have chosen another sport or maybe found another sport too difficult, it allows them to maximize their ability to enjoy a sport, at the same time getting the benefits of moving around and being social.”

Mongerie said Tallahassee’s USA Pickleball Association ambassador, Carolyn Allaire, has been instrumental in popularizing the sport and introducing it to longtime tennis players.

Mongerie, himself, caught the bug, finding that he enjoyed pickleball’s social aspects.

“Very few people play singles in pickleball; the majority of the game is doubles,” he said. “The socializing is a lot more in the sport than in tennis right now.

“I could go out there and play with you, and we’ll have a fun time. You might not win, but we’ll have fun,” he joked.

For sure, Mongerie would be formidable. He played tennis at Florida A&M and is a United States Professional Tennis Association elite player who has worked as a tennis instructor for 17 years and is now a certified pickleball instructor.

The city recognized pickleball’s growing popularity and adapted tennis courts for use as pickleball courts. Mongerie began overseeing pickleball along with tennis and hosted lessons, clinics and roundrobin tournaments.

Now, the city has 47 courts across Tallahassee’s parks and community centers.

Tom Brown Park stands to be the most popular, with four permanent pickleball courts available and regular open play sessions where anyone can come to learn, play and socialize with other pickleballers.

Tom Brown also hosts leagues on Tuesdays and Thursdays for beginners, advanced beginners and intermediate advanced players.

City of Tallahassee racquet sports operations manager Lenin Mongerie is an accomplished tennis player who played at FAMU. He took up pickleball in part due to the social aspects of the game. Doubles play is predominant in pickleball, which has grown 40% since 2018, especially among older adults.

The new Four Oaks Park at Tram Road and Four Oaks Boulevard has six permanent courts and is now offering court reservations and open play. Winthrop, Jack L. McLean, Lafayette, Jake Gaither and Walker-Ford parks and the LeVerne Payne and Walker Ford community centers have outdoor tennis/pickleball courts. And a number of indoor courts can be found at other community and senior centers.

“There are a lot of grassroots programs that have sprung up

that are really all about growing the sport in Tallahassee,” Mongerie said.

Local groups like the Tallahassee Pickleball Association promote the sport through fundraising, volunteering and advocating for court improvements.

Mongerie anticipates that Tallahassee will host national pickleball tournaments.

“I think pickleball is going to be growing and continue to grow,” he said.

CALL A FRIEND, GRAB A COURT AND PLAY!

A Tom Brown Park

443-557 Easterwood Drive

4 courts (reserve or first-come)

B Winthrop 1601 Mitchell Ave. 6 courts (reserve or first-come)

C Lafayette 501 Ingleside Drive 3 indoor and 3 outdoor courts (business hours only)

D LeVerne Payne 450 W. 4th Ave 2 courts (bring own balls and paddles)

E Jack L. McLean Jr. 700 Paul Russell Road 3 indoor and 2 outdoor courts (bring own balls and paddles)

F Walker–Ford 2301 Pasco St. 3 indoor and 3 outdoor courts (nighttime play available)

G Jack Gaither 801 Bragg Drive 2 courts, can reserve

H Sue Herndon McCollum 501 Ingleside Ave. 3 courts (indoor only)

I Lawrence–Gregory 1115 Dade St. 3 courts (indoor only)

J Tallahassee Senior Center 1400 N. Monroe St. 2 courts (indoor only)

K Four Oaks Park 51 Four Oaks Blvd. 6 courts (reserve or first-come)

U.S. health care spending grew 2.7% in 2021, reaching $4.3 trillion or $12,914 per person. As a share of the nation’s gross domestic product, health spending accounted for 18.3%, according to the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). As recently as 1980, that figure stood at 8.9%.

Continuum of Care

Leaders seek a seamless approach to health care

BY STEVE BORNHOFT

IAn the United States, health services are delivered based on what Mark O’Bryant sees as a “reverse model.”

Some might even call it a perverse model.

“You get paid for treating people when they are sick,” said O’Bryant, the president and CEO at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Inc., the parent corporation of Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. “And, you get paid more when they’re sicker. You make your biggest dollars when you have your sickest patients. There is very little incentive to keep people well because you don’t get paid for it.”

That is to say, too, O’Bryant stressed, that the model is episodic in nature. A person develops a health issue and engages a health care provider who treats the patient and charges fees for services.

All of that is changing, according to O’Bryant, due to forces impinging upon health care systems including population dynamics.

U.S. health care spending grew 2.7% in 2021, reaching $4.3 trillion or $12,914 per person. As a share of the nation’s gross domestic product, health spending accounted for 18.3%, according to the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). As recently as 1980, that percentage stood at 8.9%.

“Unfortunately, that number is growing because we have an aging population, and the demand curve certainly follows the age continuum,” O’Bryant said. “If we don’t watch it, that percentage is going to get to the point where it creates real problems for our economy. You can’t compete economically if one of every four dollars is going to health care. We have got to create different dynamics.

“If we are going to live longer, we need to be able to afford to do so. And not just live longer, but live well longer.”

The perverse system will have to be reformed.

O’Bryant firmly believes that in the near future, the fee-based model of reimbursement will evolve to become a value-based system.

“At the end of the day, we’re going to be measured and paid on how we manage a continuum of care,” he said.

Already, he is making plans and trying to get ahead of the curve, working in concert with Bill Wertman, the CEO at Big Bend Hospice (BBH).

“As we grow as an organization, understanding the changes that are coming down from CMS, we will have to find a more sustainable approach to health care,” Wertman said. “It is not going to be enough to simply be a hospice in the future. We will have to become a hospice that provides

a number of other services in order to build scale. In the value-based world, as opposed to the fee-for-services world that we currently inhabit, payers are going to align themselves with organizations that are capable of achieving cost savings or sharing costs.”

For Wertman, payers equate almost exclusively to Medicare and Medicaid. The two entitlement programs supply BBH with 97% of its revenue. Increasingly, he said, they will be looking for health care service providers that “have scale, cover a lot of territory, and are partnered with other nonprofits in relationships adding up to a continuum of care.”

That concept is illustrated, at least in microcosm, by the newly opened First Commerce Center for Compassionate Care, a hospice unit operated by BBH and located at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. Its development was preceded by years of discussion among O’Bryant, Wertman and their respective board chairs, a dialogue that has now expanded in scope to include other possible relationships.

“Talking about hospice services opened the door to other conversations about what we can do in our community to improve care,” O’Bryant said. “All of us on the TMH and BBH teams are willing to look at what that might mean. We went from the inpatient hospice unit consideration to looking at the bigger picture.

“Bill brought some great strategists into his organization, and long story short, we found that there are synergies that we have the potential to capitalize on. But we might never have landed on them, had we not had an established relationship.”

Such interconnectedness characterizes Tallahassee, a community that O’Bryant thinks of as a “cosmopolitan Mayberry.” The city, he said, provides a great laboratory for developing, testing and refining new approaches to delivering health care.

COVID-19, too, advanced the dialogue in its way. A pandemic can serve as a mother of invention.

“We looked at emerging technologies and our experience during COVID, when we learned to do a lot more with remote monitoring and more telemedicine services,” O’Bryant said. “We in health care are not taking full advantage of that. So, the question comes to be how we could better use technology to enable people to receive certain levels of service at lower costs and at home, a place that they are comfortable and familiar with.”

Wertman and O’Bryant recognized that BBH and TMH have differing core competencies, and that there are health care services and activities that neither is engaged in. That realization led to their focus on a continuum whereby health care, from womb to tomb, might be made seamless, accessible, affordable and community-based.

“At the hospital, we take care of very sick, highly acute patients, everything from trauma to strokes to heart attacks,” O’Bryant said. “Those are always, to a degree, going to take precedence over other areas. But I can see 20% to 30% of the cases we have in the hospital today being treated at home, if we can monitor patients properly. If you can use technology to create an observation platform in the home and give people access to resources on a timely basis, then you could see a big chunk of what we do here move to a different, lower-cost environment.”

In the future, O’Bryant envisions, TMH will function as a big intensive and intermediate care unit by providing high levels of care while relying on a partner to address transitional and rehabilitative care.

Supplying those less acute types of care should not be a secondary project for TMH, O’Bryant said. Instead, it needs the primary role of an entity committed to making it its top priority.

“If you can use technology to create an observation platform in the home and give people access to resources on a timely basis, then you could see a big chunk of what we do here move to a different, lower-cost environment.”

— Mark O’Bryant, the president and CEO at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Inc.

Accordingly, Wertman has created a new nonprofit, Seven Oaks, which is focused as O’Bryant suggests. It is governed by a board made up of the same people that comprise the BBH board. In addition, a TMH board member will sit on the BBH and Seven Oaks boards and vice versa.

“Seven Oaks is going to take this new transitional care model, and they are going to be the drivers of the transitional care strategy,” O’Bryant said.

Wertman and O’Bryant are confident that a reliable continuum of care delivered by community-based nonprofits will make for a healthier Tallahassee and Northwest Florida.

TMH and BBH have a shared vision and cultures that align, Wertman said.

“TMH has a number of organizations that they work with, and so do we,” he added. “By coming together, we can coalesce in an even stronger network that will reach

LEFT: CEOs Bill Wertman of Big Bend Hospice and Mark O’Bryant of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare were photographed at the First Commerce Center for Compassionate Care, a hospice unit operated by Big Bend Hospice and located at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. The project, they say, exemplified what cooperating nonprofits can do to deliver affordable, accessible health care to patients of all ages.

BELOW: Parents participate in an online medical consultation from the comforts of their home. Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare president and CEO Mark O’Bryant envisions that 20% to 30% of today’s in-hospital cases will one day be treated at home, given the ability to properly monitor patients remotely.

people in outlying communities and in rural areas. We will be working on a more robust model for health care delivery that will include homehealth and palliative care in addition to creating more opportunities for 24/7 health care.”

TMH has involved Dr. Jing Wang, dean of the FSU College of Nursing, in its research into extending care to populations including underserved groups. In 2023, she and two other researchers combined to write an article about how artificial intelligence can be incorporated in homes and hospitals through various digital health platforms, embedded with sensors, wearables and remote monitoring devices.

Technology is sure to play an expanding role in efforts to take health care to the house.

Notions of house and home are central to O’Bryant’s outlook.

“Tallahassee is my home, and if I’m going to be a patient in

Tallahassee, I don't want to have someone a thousand miles away making decisions about the kind of health care we are going to have in our community,” he said. “We have board members from our community, we have doctors who live here and aren’t just rotating in and out. Health care is better when driven locally. Our accounts aren’t stripped nightly. We are able to retain and reinvest our resources locally.”

O’Bryant often thinks about a comment made by John Hogan, who retired last year after more than four decades as the chief executive at Capital Health Plan in Tallahassee.

Paraphrasing Hogan, O’Bryant said, “You better make communitybased health care good because you’re gonna see everyone in town at the Walmart, at Publix, at church or somewhere. And you have to answer to them. You can’t hide from them in cosmopolitan Mayberry. We live here. And that’s a good thing.”

Music as Therapy

Therapists utilize a range of instruments and music to enhance patients’ well-being

BY EMMA WITMER

Elvis Presley took the stage at Chicago’s International Amphitheater on March 29, 1957, in a gold lamé suit and proceeded to cause 13 girls to faint. One even fainted twice.

Elvis catalyzed a ravenous fanbase, but there may be more to this story than star power. Music, as it turns out, has power all on its own.

The dedicated team of certified music therapists at Tallahassee

Memorial HealthCare (TMH) leverages the psychological and neurological impacts of music to address a wide variety of issues in patients of all ages, from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to geriatric care.

Valerie Williams, the director of TMH’s music therapy department, leads a team of four full-time, certified music therapists, five parttimers and two interns who use

guitars, ukuleles, piano and other percussion instruments and recorded music to reach clients in ways that only music can.

“In the simplest definition, music therapy is using music to accomplish nonmusical goals,” Williams said.

Anyone can engage with music on a physical level by swaying to a tune or tapping toes to a beat. These movements make people feel more present and alive. There

OPPOSITE: Music therapist Brittany Rosado leads a Little One’s Music Play class, an early childhood development group representing a partnership between Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare and Florida State University. The project received support from the National Institute for Infant and Child Medical Music Therapy.

RIGHT: Above: NICU music therapist Hannah Sellers helped a mother on the Antenatal Care Unit write a song thanking the medical staff on the unit for the care she received at TMH.

are, however, distinct differences between enjoying music and music therapy. Certified music therapists hold a four-year degree in music therapy or a master’s degree equivalent and complete a 1,200-hour internship. They must also pass the CBMT Board Certification exam to work in a therapeutic setting.

“As board-certified professionals, we have a lot of training beyond just music,” Williams said. “We are trained in counseling techniques, psychology, neurobiology, basic anatomy skills. We look at how the brain works and why the music is working, not just the knowledge that music works.”

Williams and her team develop individual treatment plans, employ flexible intervention options and continually analyze data to measure progress. As part of the TMH ecosystem, Williams and her team operate in every unit in the main hospital as well as outpatient care centers and parent-child groups. Some specialize in particular populations.

Hannah Sellers works in the NICU, using simple lullabies to introduce new stimuli to infants who are otherwise isolated due to their premature birth.

“One of the protocols that we use is the PAL, which is the pacifieractivated lullaby,” Sellers said. “That uses contingent music based on their sucking. So, they suck for 10 seconds and developmentally appropriate music plays. Then we can adjust those settings, making it harder for the music to trigger, so either they

have to suck more times or stronger to get that music to play.”

The PAL was invented by FSU’s Dr. Jayne Standley and is now used to teach sucking to infants across the country.

Sellers is especially cautious when working with premature infants. Music therapy offers many benefits, but done carelessly, music can have counterproductive effects.

“Infants in the NICU can’t listen to the same music that we listen to because they’re premature, and their

brain literally will stop developing properly,” Sellers said.

These risks are also present in adolescent and adult patients.

“The one that always gets me is blood pressure,” added Michaela Schenkel, another music therapist with TMH. “People get excited when they hear music they like, but you could be working with a patient who’s on five different medications for their blood pressure. Then the nurse comes in because the excitement is raising their blood pressure and heart

rate. Socio-emotionally, this is great for the patient, but physiologically, we can’t be hyping them up with their favorite songs.”

TMH’s music therapists assist in the treatment of cognitive issues, Parkinson’s disease, emotional issues, lactation support, pain management, stroke and speech therapy among other conditions. Often, music helps to sublimate pain, discomfort and anxiety. Other times, music therapy can establish neurological shortcuts that, to laymen, can appear miraculous.

Processing music, rhythm and sound utilizes both sides of the brain, which can be of great benefit to patients with brain injuries. Patients who have suffered a stroke or traumatic brain injury may lose the ability to speak, but through music therapy, many can learn to communicate by singing.

“Speech and singing essentially get to the same place in the brain, but they take different routes.”

— Michaela Schenkel, music therapist

“Speech and singing essentially get to the same place in the brain, but they take different routes,” Schenkel explained. “Think of it like this: If you know the way to your house, there’s probably a road that you always take, and you don’t have to pull up a map to get there. You might know a couple of other ways to get to your house. Let’s say that

ABOVE: Department director and former NICU music therapist Valerie Williams teaches a parent at the unit how to use Multimodal Neurologic Enhancement to increase tolerance to stimulation and improve neurologic development in premature infants.

route you always take just does not exist anymore. That doesn’t mean that you can’t get to your house.”

The music therapy department at TMH began in 1995 with a single therapist funded by Florida State University. At that time, the department served to fulfill internship requirements for FSU music therapy students, but having seen the positive impacts of music therapy firsthand, TMH, FSU and other charitable organizations have invested more and more funding to support the department.

Williams and her team hope that trend continues.

MEDICAL LISTINGS

Note: These listings are not comprehensive and do not include every doctor or specialty clinic available in Tallahassee.

For a map of provider locations turn to page 34.

AESTHETICS

/ ANTI-AGING / WELLNESS

Square One

Aesthetics & Wellness

HANNAH WALKER, APRN 863 E. Park Ave. Tallahassee, FL 32301 (850) 765-9923

SquareOneAesthetics.com

TIMOTHY WALKER, MD 863 E. Park Ave. Tallahassee, FL 32301 (850) 765-9923

SquareOneAesthetics.com

DENTISTRY

Bastien Dental Care

RICHARD J-P BASTIEN, DMD 1433 Piedmont Drive East Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 425-1300

BastienDentalCare.com

LAUREN WEIR MILLER, DMD 1433 Piedmont Drive East Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 425-1300

BastienDentalCare.com

W. HARRISON MILLER, DMD 1433 Piedmont Drive East Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 425-1300

BastienDentalCare.com

David W. Cardman

DAVID W. CARDMAN, DMD 1001 Thomasville Road, Ste. A Tallahassee, FL 32303 (850) 224-4151

Tallahassee Dental Associates

JULIE BAILEY, DMD 2929 Capital Medical Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 656-2636

SmilesByBeck.com

BRIAN BECK, DMD, MS 2929 Capital Medical Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 656-2636

SmilesByBeck.com

HUNTER BRANTLEY, DMD, MS 2929 Capital Medical Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 656-2636

SmilesByBeck.com

WILLIAM A. TYRE, DMD

2929 Capital Medical Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 656-2636

SmilesByBeck.com

James Walton III, & Toby Thomson

TOBY THOMSON, DMD 1280 Timberlane Road Tallahassee, FL 32312 (850) 893-2136 TimberlaneSmiles.com

JAMES WALTON III, DDS 1280 Timberlane Road Tallahassee, FL 32312 (850) 893-2136 TimberlaneSmiles.com

DENTISTRY – PEDIATRICS

Tallahassee Pediatric Dentistry

SHAWN HANWAY, DMD 2304 Killearn Center Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32309 (850) 900-1950 TallahasseePediatricDentistry.com

DENTISTRY –PERIODONTICS

Capital Periodontal Associates

WILLIAM T. BALDOCK, JR. DMD, MS 2621 Mitcham Drive, Ste. 1 01 Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 942-8111

CapitalPerio.com

Periodontal Associates of North Florida

WALTER E. COLÓN II, DMD, MS

2160 Capital Circle NE, Ste. 100 Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 562-6111 TallahasseePerio.com

AIXA GUZMÁN, DMD 2160 Capital Circle NE, Ste. 100 Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 562-6111

TallahasseePerio.com

JAKE ZELLNER, DMD, MS 2160 Capital Circle NE, Ste. 100 Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 562-6111

TallahasseePerio.com

NEUROLOGY

Tallahassee Neurological Clinic

RICARDO AYALA, MD 1401 Centerville Road, Ste. 600 Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 878-8121

TNC-Neuro.com

DANNY ESTUPINAN, MD 1401 Centerville Road, Ste. 600 Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 878-8121

TNC-Neuro.com

JAMES MARTIN, MD 1401 Centerville Road, Ste. 600 Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 878-8121

TNC-Neuro.com

EFRAIN MARTINEZ–ALVERNIA, MD 1401 Centerville Road, Ste. 601 Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 878-8121

TNC-Neuro.com

WINSTON ORTIZ, MD 1401 Centerville Road, Ste. 600 Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 878-8121

TNC-Neuro.com

NEUROSURGERY

Tallahassee Neurological Clinic

GRIFFIN BAUM, MD 1401 Centerville Road, Ste. 300 Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-5115 TNC-Neuro.com

NARLIN BEATY, MD 1401 Centerville Road, Ste. 300 Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-5115 TNC-Neuro.com

MATTHEW DAVIS, MD 1401 Centerville Road, Ste. 300 Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-5115

TNC-Neuro.com

MATTHEW LAWSON, MD 1401 Centerville Road, Ste. 300 Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-5115 TNC-Neuro.com

ALBERT LEE, MD 1401 Centerville Road, Ste. 300 Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-5115

TNC-Neuro.com

ONCOLOGY

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute Tallahassee Cancer Center

VIRALKUMAR BHANDERI, MD 2351 Phillips Road Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-8166 FLCancer.com/VBhanderi

TIEN DO, MD 2351 Phillips Road Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-8166 FLCancer.com/TDo

PARESH PATEL, MD 2351 Phillips Road Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-8166

FLCancer.com/PPatel

SCOTT TETREAULT, MD 2351 Phillips Road Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-8166 FLCancer.com/STetreault

OPHTHALMOLOGY

Eye Associates of North Florida

VIET BUI, MD

2020 Fleischmann Road Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 878-6161 EyesNF.com

JERRY FORD, MD

2020 Fleischmann Road Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 878-6161 EyesNF.com

KENNETH KATO, MD 2020 Fleischmann Road Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 878-6161 EyesNF.com

FANG SARAH KO, MD 2020 Fleischmann Road Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 878-6161 EyesNF.com

DEANNA LOUIE, MD 2020 Fleischmann Road Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 878-6161 EyesNF.com

TONY WEAVER, MD

2020 Fleischmann Road Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 878-6161 EyesNF.com

OPTOMETRY

Eye Associates of North Florida

PAUL HARMAN, OD

2020 Fleischmann Road Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 878-6161 EyesNF.com

ELIZABETH STRICKLAND, OD

2020 Fleischmann Road Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 878-6161 EyesNF.com

JOSHUA TRAFTON, OD 2020 Fleischmann Road Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 878-6161 EyesNF.com

BRIAN WOOD, OD 2020 Fleischmann Road Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 878-6161 EyesNF.com

ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY

Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic TOC Canopy Clinic

CHESLEY DURGIN, MD 2605 Welaunee Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-8174

TeamTOC.com

HANK L. HUTCHINSON, MD 2605 Welaunee Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-8174

TeamTOC.com

MATTHEW C. LEE, MD 2605 Welaunee Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-8174

TeamTOC.com

HECTOR MEJIA, MD 2605 Welaunee Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-8174 TeamTOC.com

KYLE S. MOBLEY, MD

2605 Welaunee Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-8174

TeamTOC.com

THOMAS M. PARK, MD 2605 Welaunee Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-8174

TeamTOC.com

JORDAN D. WALTERS, MD 2605 Welaunee Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-8174

TeamTOC.com

ANDREW M. WONG, MD 2605 Welaunee Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-8174

TeamTOC.com

BRIAN J. ZIRGIBEL, MD 2605 Welaunee Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-8174

TeamTOC.com

TALLAHASSEE’S BEST CHOICE IN ACTIVE SENIOR LIVING

TALLAHASSEE’S BEST CHOICE IN ACTIVE SENIOR LIVING

Enjoy an active lifestyle emphasizing wellness and lifelong learning opportunities at our Life Plan Community on 140 acres of rolling hills in Tallahassee. At Westminster Oaks, every residence is maintenance-free, so you can take a wellness class in the fitness center, savor a chef-prepared meal, or enjoy the many walking and biking paths nearby instead of keeping up with your home. You’ll love the wide variety of spacious residences available, all with great services and amenities to enhance your lifestyle, like housekeeping, scheduled transportation and 24-hour security. Best of all, you’ll find safety and security for the future with our full continuum of healthcare services, including Assisted Living, Nursing Care, Memory Care and more, should your needs change.

Enjoy an active lifestyle emphasizing wellness and lifelong learning opportunities at our Life Plan Community on 140 acres of rolling hills in Tallahassee. At Westminster Oaks, every residence is maintenance-free, so you can take a wellness class in the fitness center, savor a chef-prepared meal, or enjoy the many walking and biking paths nearby instead of keeping up with your home. You’ll love the wide variety of spacious residences available, all with great services and amenities to enhance your lifestyle, like housekeeping, scheduled transportation and 24-hour security. Best of all, you’ll find safety and security for the future with our full continuum of healthcare services, including Assisted Living, Nursing Care, Memory Care and more, should your needs change.

Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic

TOC Capital Medical Clinic

DAVID ALVAREZ, MD

3334 Capital Medical Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-8174

TeamTOC.com

DAVID A. BELLAMY, MD

3334 Capital Medical Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-8174

TeamTOC.com

DAVID C. BERG, MD 3334 Capital Medical Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-8174

TeamTOC.com

ANDREW H. BOROM, MD

3334 Capital Medical Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-8174

TeamTOC.com

TONY L. BRYANT, MD

3334 Capital Medical Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-8174

TeamTOC.com

AARON J. GUYER, MD 3334 Capital Medical Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-8174

TeamTOC.com

D. JASON OBERSTE, MD 3334 Capital Medical Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-8174

TeamTOC.com

GARRISON A. ROLLE, MD

3334 Capital Medical Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-8174

TeamTOC.com

W. BRAD STEPHENS, MD

3334 Capital Medical Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-8174

TeamTOC.com

Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic TOC Thomasville (Georgia)

COREY A. MESSERSCHMIDT, MD 113 West Hansell St. Thomasville, GA 31792 (229) 226-3060

TeamTOC.com

BRADLEY N. WALTER, MD 113 W. Hansell St. Thomasville, GA 31792 (229) 226-3060

TeamTOC.com

NON-SURGICAL ORTHOPEDICS

Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic

TOC Canopy Clinic

TODD D. HEWITT, MD 2605 Welaunee Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-8174

TeamTOC.com

PAIN MANAGEMENT

Tallahassee

Neurological Clinic

JOSHUA FUHRMEISTER, MD

2160 Capital Circle NE, Ste. 200 Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 558-1260

TNC-Neuro.com

WINDRIK LYNCH, MD 2160 Capital Circle NE, Ste. 200 Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 558-1260

TNC-Neuro.com

THOMAS REGAN, MD 2160 Capital Circle NE, Ste. 200 Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 558-1260

TNC-Neuro.com

Tallahassee

Orthopedic Clinic TOC Canopy Clinic

CHRISTOPHER W. BABL, MD 2605 Welaunee Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-8174

TeamTOC.com

GILBERT S. CHANDLER, MD 2605 Welaunee Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-8174

TeamTOC.com

PEDIATRIC –ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY

Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic TOC Capital Medical Clinic

RYAN PRICE, DO 3334 Capital Medical Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-8174

TeamTOC.com

PEDIATRICS

North Florida

Pediatric Associates

SARAH M. ALVAREZ, MD 2255 Killearn Center Blvd., Ste. 100 Tallahassee, FL 32309 (850) 877-1162 NorthFloridaPeds.com

ANNA T. KOEPPEL, MD

2255 Killearn Center Blvd., Ste. 100 Tallahassee, FL 32309 (850) 877-1162 NorthFloridaPeds.com

MACI MCDERMOTT, MD 2255 Killearn Center Blvd., Ste. 100 Tallahassee, FL 32309 (850) 877-1162 NorthFloridaPeds.com

SCOTT NELSON, MD 2255 Killearn Center Blvd., Ste. 100 Tallahassee, FL 32309 (850) 877-1162 NorthFloridaPeds.com

CAULLEY SOTO, MD 2255 Killearn Center Blvd., Ste. 100 Tallahassee, FL 32309 (850) 877-1162 NorthFloridaPeds.com

PLASTIC SURGERY

Southeastern Plastic Surgery, PA

CHRIS DEROSIER, MD 2030 Fleischmann Road Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 219-2000 Se-PlasticSurgery.com

BEN J. KIRBO, MD 2030 Fleischmann Road Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 219-2000 Se-PlasticSurgery.com

LAURENCE Z. ROSENBERG, MD 2030 Fleischmann Road Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 219-2000 Se-PlasticSurgery.com

Tallahassee Plastic Surgery Clinic

LARRY HARPER, MD, FACS 2452 Mahan Drive, Ste. 101 Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-2126

TLHPlasticSurgery.com

ALFREDO A. PAREDES JR., MD 2452 Mahan Drive, Ste. 101 Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-2126

TLHPlasticSurgery.com

JEFFREY M. RAWLINGS, MD, FACS 2452 Mahan Drive, Ste. 101 Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-2126

TLHPlasticSurgery.com

PHOTO BY ISTOCK

PRIMARY CARE

SPORTS MEDICINE

Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic TOC Capital Medical Clinic

CAMERON D. STRAUGHN, DO, CAQSM

3334 Capital Medical Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-8174

TeamTOC.com

SUSANNA ZORN, MD 3334 Capital Medical Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-8174

TeamTOC.com

PSYCHIATRIC/ MENTAL HEALTH

Lifespan Psychiatric Services, LLC

JULIANNE FOLSOM, ARNP, PMHNP 3606 Maclay Blvd. South, Ste. 102 Tallahassee, FL 32312 (850) 999-2996 Lifespan.care

STROKE AND ENDOVASCULAR NEUROLOGY

Tallahassee Neurological Clinic

MENA SAMAAN, MD 1401 Centerville Road, Ste. 300 Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-5115 TNC-Neuro.com

VASCULAR CARE

Vascular Surgery Associates

The Vein Institute

ROBERT S. BRUMBERG, DO, FACOS 2631 Centennial Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-8539 VSAFL.com

AARON W. HAYSON, MD, RPVI 2631 Centennial Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-8539 VSAFL.com

LAWRENCE D. KAELIN, MD, FACS 2631 Centennial Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-8539 VSAFL.com

MEGAN I. MARCH, MD, RPVI, FSVS 2631 Centennial Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-8539 VSAFL.com

PHOTO BY

and convenience

Offering a broad range of treatments and services on-site for patients with all forms of cancer and blood disorders:

• Behavioral Health Therapy

• Chemotherapy

• Clinical Trials

• DigniCap ® - Cool Cap Therapy

• Genetic Testing

• Hematology

• Imaging

• Infusion Therapy

• Laboratory

• Medical Oncology

• Non-oncology Infusions

• Nutrition Counseling

• Oncolytic Pharmacy

– Rx To Go

• Pathology Lab

• PET/CT Scan

• Radiology

• Targeted Therapy

• Telemedicine

Tien Do, MD

Viralkumar Bhanderi, MD

Paresh Patel, MD

Scott Tetreault, MD

FACILITIES

Capital Periodontal Associates

2621 Mitcham Drive, Ste. 101

Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 942-8111

CapitalPerio.com

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute Tallahassee Cancer Center

2351 Phillips Road Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-8166

FLCancer.com/Tallahassee

Lifespan Psychiatric Services, LLC

3606 Maclay Blvd. South, Ste. 102

Tallahassee, FL 32312 (850) 999-2996

Lifespan.care

Periodontal Associates of North Florida

2160 Capital Circle NE, Ste. 100 Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 562-6111

TallahasseePerio.com

Tallahassee

Orthopedic Clinic

TOC Canopy Clinic 2605 Welaunee Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-8174

TeamTOC.com

Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic

TOC Capital Medical Clinic 3334 Capital Medical Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-8174

TeamTOC.com

Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic TOC Now Urgent Care 2605 Welaunee Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 219-6100 TeamTOC.com

Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic

TOC Thomasville 113 W. Hansell St. Thomasville, GA 31792 (229) 226-3060

TeamTOC.com

Tallahassee Primary Care Associates (TPCA)

1803 Miccosukee Commons Drive Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 297-0114

TallahasseePrimaryCare.com

The Vein Institute

2623 Centennial Blvd., Ste. 102

Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 531-VEIN (8346) TVIFL.com

Vascular Surgery Associates

2631 Centennial Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 877-8539

VSAFL.com

Westminster Oaks 4449 Meandering Way  Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 878-1136

WestminsterOaksFL.org

Sofwave™ is the only FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment to IMPROVE facial lines and wrinkles, LIFT the eyebrow, LIFT lax submental and neck tissue, IMPROVE the appearance of cellulite, and TREAT acne scars. One treatment protocols. Safe for all skin types. No downtime in your daily routine.

LOCATIONS OF PHYSICIANS, SPECIALISTS, CLINICS & HOSPITALS

BASTIEN DENTAL CARE 1433 Piedmont Drive East

CAPITAL PERIODONTAL ASSOCIATES 2621 Mitcham Drive, Ste. 101

DAVID CARDMAN 1280 Timberlane Road

EYE ASSOCIATES OF NORTH FLORIDA 2020 Fleischmann Road

FLORIDA CANCER SPECIALISTS & RESEARCH INSTITUTE

TALLAHASSEE CANCER CENTER 2351 Phillips Road

HCA FLORIDA CAPITAL HOSPITAL 2626 Capital Medical Blvd.

LIFESPAN PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES, LLC 1618 Mahan Center Blvd.

NORTH FLORIDA PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATES 2255 Killearn Center Blvd., Ste. 100

PERIODONTAL ASSOCIATES OF NORTH FLORIDA 2160 Capital Circle NE, Ste. 100

SOUTHEASTERN PLASTIC SURGERY, PA 2030 Fleischmann Road

SQUARE ONE AESTHETICS & WELLNESS 863 E. Park Ave.

TALLAHASSEE MEMORIAL HEALTHCARE 1300 Miccosukee Road

TALLAHASSEE NEUROLOGICAL CLINIC 1401 Centerville Road

TALLAHASSEE NEUROLOGICAL CLINIC (PAIN) 2160 Capital Circle NE, Ste. 200

TALLAHASSEE ORTHOPEDIC CLINIC TOC CANOPY CLINIC 2605 Welaunee Blvd.

TALLAHASSEE ORTHOPEDIC CLINIC TOC CAPITAL MEDICAL CLINIC 3334 Capital Medical Blvd. #400

TALLAHASSEE ORTHOPEDIC CLINIC TOC THOMASVILLE 113 W. Hansell St., Thomasville, GA 31792 (30 mi drive from Interstate 10)

TALLAHASSEE PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY 2304 Killearn Center Blvd.

TALLAHASSEE PLASTIC SURGERY CLINIC 2452 Mahan Drive, Ste. 101

TALLAHASSEE PRIMARY CARE ASSOCIATES (TPCA) 1803 Miccosukee Commons Drive

THE VEIN INSTITUTE 2631 Centennial Blvd., Ste. 102

WESTMINSTER OAKS 4449 Meandering Way

Outdoor Recreation

Explore Tallahassee’s vibrant parks, sports facilities and scenic trails

Youth and Adult Team Sports

Leon County Parks and Recreation leoncountyfl.gov/parks

Tallahassee Adult Baseball League (ages 32+) tarbl.leagueapps.com

Tallahassee Leon Babe Ruth Baseball (ages 13–15) tallahasseebaberuth.org

Tallahassee Parks and Recreation

Offers cheerleading, baseball, basketball, flag and tackle football, soccer, softball, track and girls volleyball for youth ranging from 6 to 17. They also sponsor adult teams for basketball, flag football, softball and ladies’ volleyball. (850) 891-3866 or talgov.com/parks

Tallahassee Soccer Association (18-plus) tsa.sportsaffinity.com

Florida Elite Tallahassee tallahasseesoccer.com

Warner Soccer (ages 3–adult) (850) 386-3866 or warnersoccer.com

Individual Sports

In addition to a variety of team sports, the City of Tallahassee offers ample opportunity to train in individual athletics such as swimming, golfing, gymnastics, tennis, skateboarding and biking.

Aquatics

Tallahassee Parks and Recreation offers aquatic sports programs at seven public pools. Public pool hours vary based on staffing and are updated weekly. For information on swim lessons, water aerobics, lifeguard training, synchronized swimming or the Area Tallahassee Aquatic Club (ATAC), call any of the following listings or visit talgov.com/parks/aquatics

Forestmeadows Pool Temporarily Closed 4750 N. Meridian Road (850) 891-3922, (Mon–Fri Noon–5:15 p.m.; Sat–Sun 11:30 a.m.–6 p.m.)

Jack McLean Aquatics Center

700 Paul Russell Road (850) 891-2500, Open summer season (Mon–Fri 11:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Sat 11:30 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun 1–6 p.m.)

Levy Pool

625 W. Tharpe St., (850) 891-3950

(Mon–Fri Noon–5 p.m.; Sat–Sun 11:30 a.m.–5 p.m.)

Morcom Aquatic Center

2560 Pottsdamer St., (850) 644-POOL (7665) FSU pool, offers select public hours

Robinson Trueblood Pool 1115 Dade St., (850) 891-3911 (Noon–5 p.m. daily)

Trousdell Aquatics Center

298 John Knox Road, (850) 891-4901

Open summer season (Mon–Fri 11:30 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sat–Sun 11:30 a.m.–6 p.m.)

Wade Wehunt Pool

1206 Myers Park Drive, (850) 891-3985

Open summer season (Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sat–Sun 10 a.m.–5 p.m.)

Walker-Ford Pool Temporarily Closed 2301 Pasco St., (850) 891-3973

(Sun–Thurs Noon–5 p.m.; Fri–Sat Noon–8 p.m.)

Multi-Use Trails

Trailahassee.com supplies information on 600 miles of trails in and near Tallahassee and Leon County for walking, hiking, running, cycling, paddling, horseback riding and ATV riding. Also find blogs, maps and information on guides and outfitters.

✦ Off-road biking

❖ Paved biking

✪ Bike lanes on roads

Bradwell Bay Loop ✦

32 miles stretching through Wakulla County to the Ochlockonee River.

Cadillac Trail ✦

7 miles running from Tom Brown Park past Lake Lafayette and Piney Z Lake.

Capital Circle Northeast from Park Avenue ✪ From Park Ave to Thomasville Road.

Deerlake Road ✪

Throughout Killearn Lakes Plantation.

Goose Pond Trail ❖

A series of three short, paved paths stretching nearly 5.41 miles on the northeast side of Tallahassee.

Hartsfield Road ✪ From Old Bainbridge Road to Capital Circle Northwest.

J.R. Alford Greenway ✦

Nearly 18 miles of shared-use trails, for easy hiking or advanced mountain-biking, along Lake Lafayette

Lafayette Heritage Trail ✦

Includes the renowned Cadillac Trail and Loblolly Trail, with segments for advanced mountain biking.

Maclay Gardens Trails ✦ Gardens off of Thomasville Road.

2.8 miles of diverse terrains through Maclay.

J.R. Alford Greenway

Miccosukee Greenway ✦

More than 17 miles of shared-use trails in the woodlands off Miccosukee Road.

Munson Hills ✦

7.5 miles running through the woods of the St. Marks Trail. A shorter loop of 4.25 miles is also available.

Ocala Road ✪

From Tharpe Street to Pensacola Street.

Lake Overstreet Trails ✦

8 miles of varied terrain with many entrances off Meridian Road north of Maclay School.

Red Bug ✦

4 miles of challenging terrain at the Forest Meadows Athletic Club off Meridian Road.

San Luis Trails ✦

Various paths and types of terrain throughout San Luis Mission Park off San Luis Road.

St. Marks Trail ❖

An 8-foot-wide path stretches 16 miles along U.S. Highway 319 from Tram Road to the St. Marks River.

Tom Brown Park ✦

5 miles around a wooded loop circling the park off Capital Circle Northeast, including challenging mountain-bike terrain at Magnolia Trail.

Golf

Public and private golf courses in Tallahassee-Leon County:

✦ 18 holes with driving range & pro shop

Capital City Country Club ✦ 1601 Golf Terrace Drive (850) 222-0419

Golden Eagle Golf Club ✦

3700 Golden Eagle Drive, (850) 893-7700

Hilaman Park Golf Course ✦

2737 S. Blair Stone Road, (850) 891-2560

Jake Gaither Golf Course

(Nine holes and pro shop)

801 Bragg Drive, (850) 891-3942

Killearn Country Club

(27 holes, driving range and pro shop)

100 Tyron Circle, (850) 692-3942

Seminole Golf Course ✦

2550 Pottsdamer St., (850) 644-2582

SouthWood Golf Club

(18 holes, clubhouse and golf shop)

3750 Grove Park Drive, (850) 942-4653

The Golf Club at Summerbrooke ✦

7505 Preservation Road, (850) 894-4653

Tennis

Public parks and private subdivisions offer tennis day and night.

Forestmeadows Park & Athletic Center

4750 N. Meridian Road, (850) 891-3920

7:30 a.m.–10 p.m. (Monday through Friday)

7:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday) Court reservations needed.

Hilaman Park

2737 S. Blair Stone Road, (850) 891-2560

Monday–Sunday is 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

Jack L. McLean Park Tennis Courts

700 Paul Russell Road, (850) 891-2505

9 a.m.–9 p.m. (Monday through Saturday).

Closed Sunday

Jake Gaither Tennis Courts

801 Bragg Drive, (850) 891-3942 sunrise to 10 p.m.

Lafayette Park Tennis Courts

403 Williams St., (850) 891-3946 sunrise to sunset.

Myers Park Tennis Courts

1000 Myers Park Drive, (850) 891-3866 sunrise to 10 p.m.

Tom Brown Park Tennis Center

501 Easterwood Ave., (850) 891-3966 Sunrise to 10 p.m

Walker-Ford Tennis Courts

2301 Pasco St., (850) 891-3970 sunrise to 10 p.m.

Winthrop Park Tennis Center

1601 Mitchell Ave., (850) 891-4940

5:30–10 p.m., Mon–Fri; 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., weekends. Court reservations needed.

Skateboarding

FAMU Skateable Art Park

Local Tallahassee artist Peter Koenig brought the park’s 225-foot central snake sculpture to life by using FAMU’s colors. Open 24/7. 810 FAMU Way.

Mike Blankenship Skate Park

A public, 26,000-square-foot facility located between James Messer Fields and the StarMetro Administrative Offices on Jackson Bluff Road. The park is open from sunrise to midnight and offers free admission. You must wear a helmet to skate. For more information, call (850) 891-3879 or visit leoncountyfl.gov/parks

Recreation Clubs

Apalachee Bay Yacht Club (850) 926-7775 abyconline.org

Apalachee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association (850) 668-0091 apalachee.floridatrail.org

Area Tallahassee Aquatic Club (850) 891-4906, swimatac.com

Canopy Road Cruisers canopyroadcruisers.com

Capital City Cyclists (850) 294-1840, cccyclists.org

Gulf Winds Track Club gulfwinds.org

St. Marks Yacht Club (850) 925-6606

Serinas (synchronized swimming) (850) 210-6837, serinas.org

Shell Point Sailboard Club (850) 926-8802, 20knotsnob.com

Tallahassee Mountain Bike Association tmba.bike

Tallahassee Rowing Club tallahasseerowing.weebly.com

Tallahassee Tennis Association ttatennis.org

Tallahassee Trail Riders (850) 591-5386 tallahasseetrailriders.ridetrails.org

City Parks Must-See

A comprehensive list of the of the Capital City’s captivating parks

A.J. Henry Park

2701 A.J. Henry Drive

This 72-acre gem amid Killearn’s seven northeast neighborhoods offers a playground, four picnic shelters, a large picnic pavilion, a boardwalk, trails and plenty of shade. It can be accessed from Gardenview Way or Whitney Drive East.

Cascades Park

1001 S. Gadsden St.

This is the crown jewel of Tallahassee’s urban parks. Cascades is a green, spacious gathering place for pedestrians, picnickers, festivalgoers and concert fans. At the center of its rolling hills and water features is the Adderley Amphitheater, hosting national and local bands. The park, just blocks from the Capitol, also includes a lake, monuments, a splash pad, fountains, a playground, shaded coves, multi-use trails and the Smokey Hollow commemorative site.

Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park

4000 N. Meridian Road

Located on the east side of Lake Jackson, this wild, 670-acre tract is one of the largest outdoor recreation sites in Tallahassee, with room for hiking, biking and horseback riding

Fred George Greenway and Park

3043 Capital Circle NW

In northwest Leon County are 170 acres of woodlands, knee-high grass patches, waterways and trails. Ten open acres are dedicated to multipurpose fields for Pop Warner football, regulation baseball, soccer, tennis, disc golf and a dog park.

Governor’s Park

700 N. Blair Stone Road

Hidden in plain sight, Governor’s Park is between Mahan Drive and East Park Avenue. Its gently sloping fields, scattered trees and woodsy trails make it ideal for tossing Frisbees and balls to friends or pets.

Jack McLean Jr. Park, Center and Pool

700 Paul Russell Road

There are 52 acres of fun at Jack McLean Park. The park features a swimming pool, picnic shelters, a playground, courts for basketball, tennis and volleyball, horseshoe pits and a 24-hole disc golf course.

Lafayette Heritage Trail Park

4900 S. Heritage Park Blvd.

Lafayette Heritage Trail Park

Community Recreation Centers

Dorothy B. Oven Park and House 3205 Thomasville Road (850) 891-3915

Jack L. McLean Jr. Community Center 700 Paul Russell Road (850) 891-2505

Jake Gaither Community Center 801 Bragg Drive (850) 891-3940

Lafayette Park Arts and Crafts Center

501 Ingleside Ave. (850) 891-3945

Lawrence-Gregory Community Center 1115 Dade St. (850) 891-3910

LeVerne Payne Community Center 450 W. 4th Ave. (850) 891-3930

This once continuous wet prairie was parsed by a dam into three sections: Upper Lafayette, Piney Z Lake and Lower Lafayette. It is a wonderful place to fish, bike, run, walk and paddle.

Park Avenue Chain of Parks

Park Ave.

The Chain of Parks is actually a series of seven small urban parks in Tallahassee’s historic Park Avenue district. An April art festival and weekly arts and crafts and food market are held here. It’s a great place to be in the spring, when the rose bushes and azaleas are in bloom.

San Luis Mission Park

1313 San Luis Road

Adjacent to the 17th-century museum Mission San Luis, the park features covered picnic pavilions, lots of shade trees, trails around Lake Esther and a playground. Feel free to walk your pooch here.

Tom Brown Park

443-557 Easterwood Drive

This is one of Tallahassee’s favorite outdoor playgrounds and hosts the annual Fourth of July fireworks show. It has fields for softball, baseball and soccer as well as a disc golf course, a dog park, tennis courts and lots of other open spaces.

For more information about parks, historic sites and public play spaces, please contact the City of Tallahassee Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Affairs Department at (850) 891-3866 or talgov.com and the Leon County Parks and Recreation Department at (850) 606-1470 or visit leoncountyfl.gov/parks.

Lincoln Neighborhood Service Center 438 W. Brevard St. (850) 891-4180

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) FSU Campus 636 W. Call St. (850) 644-7947

Palmer Munroe Teen Center 1900 Jackson Bluff Road (850) 891-2569

Senior Center 1400 N. Monroe St. (850) 891-4000

Smith-Williams Services Center 2295 Pasco St. (850) 891-1860

Sue Herndon McCollum Community Center at Lafayette Park 501 Ingleside Ave. (850) 891-3946

Walker-Ford Community Center 2301 Pasco St. (850) 891-3970

Landmarks

Explore Tallahassee and Leon County, known for Red Hills, historic sites, state parks and charming districts

State Parks and Historical Sites

1. Alfred B. Maclay State Gardens

3540 Thomasville Road

This park, comprising 1,176 acres, was once the winter estate of talented landscaper and New York financier Alfred B. Maclay and his wife. Their home is located at the center of the ornamentally landscaped grounds featuring 200 varieties of camellias, azaleas trees and shrubs, bejeweled by decorative gates, fountains and a reflecting pool. The park is on Lake Hall, equipped for picnicking, swimming, fishing and non-motorized boating. Surrounding trails are excellent for walking, hiking and cycling. Guided tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays during the height of blooming season, Jan. 1 through April 30, and the park hosts an annual winter holiday event. Open daily, 8 a.m.–8:30 p.m., year-round. Fee applies during blooming season. (850) 487-4556, floridastateparks.org/maclaygardens

2. Civil Rights Heritage Walk

Jefferson St. and Monroe St.

The 1956 bus boycott and lunch counter sit-ins of 1960–63 helped end racial discrimination in public transportation here. Those peaceful demonstrations are commemorated in 16 terrazzo panels and brass inlays on East Jefferson Street between North Monroe Street and Adams Street. Nearby, find a monument of civil-rights activist Rev. C.K. Steele, and on FAMU campus, look for a monument to Carrie Patterson and Wilhelmina Jakes, students who refused to give up their seats on the bus, were jailed for it, and launched the bus boycott.

3. Florida State University Reservation

3226 Flastacowo Road

Located on 73 shady acres along Lake Bradford, the FSU Reservation — “The Rez” — is the picturesque place to enjoy a sunny day. Activities include swimming, rope courses, rock climbing, canoeing, sailing and volleyball. Watersports rentals are available. The Rez also hosts summer camps for children. Open daily. (850) 644-6892, campusrec.fsu.edu/outdoors

4. Goodwood Museum and Gardens

1600 Miccosukee Road

Originally a 2,400-acre cotton and corn plantation dating back to the 1830s, Goodwood

Museum and Gardens is now a 16-acre museum featuring an antebellum mansion, spacious lawns, heirloom gardens and centuries-old live oak trees. The main house, on the National Register of Historic Places, contains original furnishings, garments and dishes and the first fresco ceilings made in Florida. Art collected during the occupants’ travels in Europe is evident throughout the house. Other structures, including a water tower and a covered pool pavilion, date from 1835 to 1925. Open Tuesday through Saturday. (850) 877-4202, goodwoodmuseum.org

5. Governor’s Mansion

700 N. Adams St

On the National Register of Historic Places, the mansion was designed in Greek Revival style to resemble Andrew Jackson’s home, The Hermitage. It serves as home to each sitting Florida governor and first families. Call to schedule tours. (850) 488-4661, floridagovernorsmansion.com

6. Grove Museum

902 N. Monroe St.

The Grove Museum, circa 1840, is a Greek Revival-style mansion in downtown Tallahassee set in a venerable grove of magnolia trees and live oaks. Its last owners were former Florida Gov. LeRoy Collins and his family. Demonstrating the dramatic changes that occurred here across two centuries, the house Collins occupied was built by enslaved people but he, as a public official, rose to national heights as a civil rights champion. The site is on the National Register of Historic Places. Open Wednesday through Saturday. (850) 245-6100, thegrovemuseum.com

7. Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park

3600 Indian Mounds Road

This archaeological site features four earthen temple mounds — stairs allow two to be climbed — constructed by the native Fort

MAP BY SCOTT SCHILLER

Walton people who inhabited the area from 1050 to 1500 A.D. Artifacts found during excavations include ornate copper plates, carved shell objects and stone and ceramic tools. The park has a nature trail and picnic area. It offers guided tours and interpretive programs. Open daily. Use the honor box to pay fees; correct change is required. (850) 922-6007, floridastateparks.rg/parks-and-trails/ lake-jackson-mounds-archaeological-state-park

8. Lake Talquin State Park

14850 Jack Vause Landing Road, just off State Road 20

In 1927, the Jackson Bluff Dam was constructed on the Ochlockonee River. The waters that were held back formed the expansive Lake Talquin, which now offers outstanding recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy nature walks, picnicking, boating, canoeing and sport fishing. The River Bluff picnic site is located on Lake Talquin with large tables and a barbecue pit. No swimming is allowed because of the number of logs and stumps in the lake. To reserve the picnic pavilion, call at least two weeks in advance. Open daily. Use the honor box to pay fees; correct change is required. (850) 487-7989, floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/ lake-talquin-state-park

9. Leon Sinks Geological Area

6605 Crawfordville Road

At Leon Sinks, within Apalachicola National Forest, visitors find a unique natural experience walking a 3-mile trail through thickets of oak, magnolia, hickory, holly, ash and longleaf pine. Boardwalks and trails form a path for viewing natural sinkholes and water-filled grottos. Wildlife observation and photography is best in the mornings and evenings. Swimming is not allowed. (850) 926-3561, fs.usda.gov/apalachicola

10. Letchworth–Love Mounds

Archaeological State Park

4500 Sunray Road S., six miles west of Monticello

This state park includes the largest preColumbian earthen mound in Florida. Research indicates it is one of the oldest mound complexes in the Southeast, dating to the Late Swift Creek and Early Weeden Island periods (circa 200–900 A.D.). A picnic pavilion is available. Pets on leash are permitted in this park. Open daily. (850) 487-7989, floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/letchworth-lovemounds-archaeological-state-park

11. Natural Bridge Battlefield

State Historic Site

7502 Natural Bridge Road, six miles east of Woodville

A Confederate victory on these grounds late in the Civil War made Tallahassee the only Southern capital east of the Mississippi River that did not fall into Union hands. Each March, an elaborate reenactment of the battle is

held at this site, named a for a natural rock formation over a segment of river that flows underground. Open daily. (850) 487-7989, floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/ natural-bridge-battlefield-historic-state-park

12. Ochlockonee River State Park

429 State Park Road, 4 miles south of Sopchoppy

This riverside park is ideal for swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, camping, picnicking and viewing of wildlife, especially birds. Open daily. Use the honor box to pay fees; correct change is required. (850) 962-2771, floridastateparks.org/ parks-and-trails/ochlockonee-river-state-park

13. Pebble Hill Plantation

1251 U.S. Highway 319 S., 25 miles north of Tallahassee

Just north of Tallahassee, near Thomasville, find Pebble Hill, a grand example of an early 20th-century shooting plantation. The main house features sporting art, antiques and Audubon prints. The lush grounds feature brick stables, a kennel, a firehouse, a cemetery and a log-cabin schoolhouse. The plantation hosts annual public events. Open Tuesday through Sunday. (229) 226-2344, pebblehill.com

14. San Marcos De Apalache

State Historic Site

148 Old Fort Road, St. Marks

At the convergence of the St. Marks and Wakulla rivers, the site offers picnicking, nature trails and a museum displaying tools and pottery discovered in the area. Open Thursday through Monday. (850) 925-6216, floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/ san-marcos-de-apalache-historic-state-park

15. Frank Lloyd Wright Spring House

3117 Okeeheepkee Road

Built in 1954 for the Lewis family, the Spring House is the only residence in Florida designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Privately owned, it is on the National Register of Historic Places and offers public tours monthly. (850) 321-6417, preservespringhouse.org

16. St. George Island State Park

1900 E. Gulf Beach Drive, St. George Island Adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico and Apalachicola Bay, the barrier island named St. George is home to a state park with 9 miles of white-sand beaches. The park has two pavilions with picnic tables, showers, boardwalks, a boat launch and campgrounds. Open daily. (850) 927-2111, floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/ dr-julian-g-bruce-st-george-island-state-park

17. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

1255 Lighthouse Road, St. Marks

This refuge along the Gulf of Mexico encompasses 68,000 acres of coastal marshes,

islands, tidal creeks and estuaries for seven North Florida rivers. A habitat for migratory birds and home to a diverse community of plant and animal life, the refuge is home to the St. Marks Lighthouse, built in 1832 and still in use today, and has a Visitors Center with park information and binoculars to lend. Open daily. (850) 925-6121, fws.gov/saintmarks

18. Tallahassee-St. Marks

Historic Railroad State Trail

4778 Woodville Highway

What once was the oldest operating railroad in Florida is now a 16-mile trail from Tallahassee to historic St. Marks. The trail offers recreational activities for bicyclists, hikers, joggers, skaters and horseback riders. Bicycles and in-line skates are available for rent at the north end of the trail, and a paved parking lot is located on State Road 363, just south of Tallahassee at the entrance of the trail. Open daily. (850) 487-7989, floridastateparks.org/ parks-and-trails/tallahassee-st-marks-historicrailroad-state-trail

19. Torreya State Park

2576 NW Torreya Park Road, Bristol

This park is named for an extremely rare species of tree that grows only on the 150-foot bluffs along the Apalachicola River. It provides access to scenic camping with two primitive campsites, hiking trails and a restored 1840s cotton planter’s mansion. A picnic area supplies covered shelters. Guided tours of the restored Gregory House are available daily. The park is located on State Road 271 between Bristol and Greensboro Open daily. Use honor box to pay fees; correct change is required. (850) 643-2674, floridastateparks.org/arks-and-trails/torreya-state-park

20. Wakulla Springs State Park and Lodge

465 Wakulla Park Drive

Wakulla is one of the largest, deepest freshwater springs in the world, a place where archaeologists have found and excavated mastodon bones and other prehistoric artifacts from the depths of the spring. It also was the set for portions of the films “Creature From The Black Lagoon” and “Tarzan’s Secret Treasure.” Enjoy nature trails, swimming, picnicking and guided boat tours of the spring-fed Wakulla River, teeming with wildlife including many birds, fish, alligators and, seasonally, manatees. The state park is operated separately from Wakulla Lodge, a once-private resort at springside that offers overnight accommodations, an excellent restaurant and a gift shop. Located 14 miles south of Tallahassee on State Road 267, at State Road 61. Open daily. Wakulla Springs, (850) 561-7276, floridastateparks.org/ wakullasprings

For more information about historic sites in Tallahassee-Leon County, browse VisitTallahassee.com.

Beaches & Fishing

Exploring the natural beauty and abundant fishing destinations in and around Tallahassee

Freshwater

LEON COUNTY BEACHES

Leon County Parks & Recreation (850) 606-1470

Tallahassee Parks & Recreation (850) 891-3866

Lake Hall

Sandy beach; lifeguard, restrooms, boating, fishing, nature trails and picnic tables/grills. Entrance fee: $6 per vehicle, up to eight people. 3540 Thomasville Road/Maclay State Gardens, (850) 487-4556

Lake Bradford

Sandy beach; lifeguard, dock, restrooms, canoe rentals, boating and picnic tables/grills. Entrance fee: $2 per adult, $1 per child (7–15), and free for children under 6. Florida State University Reservation, 3226 Flastacowo Road, (850) 644-6892

WAKULLA COUNTY BEACHES (850) 926-1848, wakullacountychamber.com

Wakulla Springs

Crystal-clear natural springs, grassy beach; lifeguard, restrooms, high dive, picnic tables/ grills, boat tours, restaurant, lodge. Entrance fee: $6 per vehicle, up to eight people. Wakulla Springs State Park, (850) 561-7276

Saltwater

FRANKLIN COUNTY BEACHES (850) 653-9419, apalachicolabay.org

Alligator Point Beach

Secluded natural dune beach; nearby accommodations/camping, dining and groceries.

Carrabelle Beach

Coarse, sandy beach; restrooms, picnic tables/ shelters, nearby accommodations/camping, dining, gas, groceries, boat charters and golf.

Dog Island Beach

Secluded, pristine, sandy beach accessible only by boat, water taxi or plane.

St. George Island State Park

Pristine beach; restrooms, showers, camping, trails, picnic tables, shelters, grills, nearby accommodations, dining, gas and groceries, (850) 927-2111

TAYLOR COUNTY BEACHES

(850) 584-5366, taylorflorida.com

Dekle Beach

Popular for boating, fishing, scalloping; nearby accommodations/camping, dining, gas/groceries and boat charters/guides.

Keaton Beach

Coarse, sandy beach; swimming, restrooms and picnic tables.

Steinhatchee and Econfina River Area

Fishing and boating.

WAKULLA COUNTY BEACHES

Wakulla County Chamber of Commerce (850) 926-1848, wakullacountychamber.com

Mashes Sands Beach

Beach, shallow bay water; restrooms, showers, picnic tables, shelters/grills, nearby accommodations/camping, dining nearby, gas and groceries.

Shell Point Beach

Coarse, sandy beach; sailing/wind surfing, boat rentals/charters and proximity to St. Marks Wildlife Refuge.

GULF COUNTY BEACHES

Gulf County Chamber of Commerce, (850) 227-1223, gulfchamber.org, visitgulf.com

Port St. Joe

A historic seaport community; shopping, dining, walking trails, bayside beach, restroom facilities, Constitution Museum and a golf course.

Cape San Blas Lighthouse and Gift Shop

Voted best beach in the continental United States by beach experts; camping, hiking, boating, shelling, birding and a choice of three beautiful parks — St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, Cape Palms Park and Salinas Park.

Mexico Beach

White-sand beach; accommodations, dining, marina, boat charters, fishing and shopping. (888) 723-2546, mexicobeach.com

Fishing

With the Florida coast, rivers and lakes in close proximity, Tallahassee is a prime spot for angling. Here are some of the area’s best fishing holes:

Lake Jackson

Fish found in the lake include bass, shellcracker, speckled perch and bream.

Lake Talquin State Park

This lake supports largemouth and striped bass, speckled perch, shellcracker and bream. restrooms

Ochlockonee River State Park

Abundant fresh and saltwater species including largemouth bass, bream, catfish, speckled perch, redfish and speckled trout.

St. George Island State Park

Grouper, Spanish mackerel, speckled trout, pompano, amberjack and redfish are found in the waters of Apalachicola Bay.

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

The river and bay are home to speckled trout, redfish, grouper, mangrove snapper, kingfish, migrating cobia and black sea bass.

Licenses

Florida fishing licenses are required for all anglers ages 16 and older. Licenses are available online at myfwc.com/license, and can also be purchased at any of the Leon County Tax Collector’s offices, which are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m., and can be reached at (850) 488-4735.

Picture ID and application are required. If you are 65 or older, there is no fee. The costs for all other applicants are as follows:

Freshwater Fishing: $17 (annual)

Saltwater Fishing: $17 (annual)

Freshwater/Saltwater Fishing: $32.50

St. Mark’s Lighthouse

Culture & Arts

From galleries to theaters and live performances, uncover the city’s lively cultural scene

Artist Series of Tallahassee

Increasing the depth, diversity and profile of classical music audiences in Tallahassee and greater North Florida by presenting an affordable five-concert season featuring a variety of leading classical musicians. (850) 445-1616, TheArtistSeries.org

Challenger Learning Center

Combining education and entertainment, the Challenger Center features an IMAX 3-D theater, Digital Dome theater and planetarium, Space Mission Simulator, exhibit hall and gift shop. Monday through Saturday 10 a.m.–10 p.m., Sunday noon–10 p.m., Fee. 200 S. Duval St. (850) 645-7827, ChallengerTLH.com

FAMU Essential Theatre

Features African American playwrights and new interpretations of the classics and musicals. Fee. Florida A&M University. (850) 561-2425

Florida Historic Capitol Museum

Built in 1845, the Old Capitol is a symbol of Florida’s government. Photographs, recordings, interactive multimedia and more than 250 artifacts in 21 rooms provide visitors with fascinating insights into Florida’s politics and history. Free (donations appreciated). Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Sunday noon– 4:30 p.m.

400 S. Monroe St. (850) 487-1902, FLHistoricCapitol.gov

FSU College of Music

More than 500 concerts and recitals are performed at Florida State University each year. Notable concert series include the Florida State Opera; The Artist Series, hosting renowned classical musicians; the Rainbow Concert of World Music, held every spring; and the Kaleidoscope, featuring classical and jazz chamber music concerts performed by faculty members. Season and single-performance tickets available. (850) 644-3424, Music.FSU.edu

FSU Museum of Fine Arts

FSU’s Museum of Fine Arts, part of the Fine Arts department, offers the community the ability to have a better understanding of art. Art displayed in the gallery includes artworks from faculty and students in the Fine Arts Department. Admission is free.

530 W. Call St., 250 Fine Arts Building. (850) 644-6836

FSU School of Theatre

View a single show or sign up for the entire season. Performances are held in three theaters: Mainstage, The Lab and the Studio Theatre. Fee. Discount tickets available. Fine Arts Ticket Office, corner of Copeland and Call streets. (850) 644-6500, Theatre.FSU.edu

Grove Museum

Tallahassee’s newest state museum is The Grove Museum, an antebellum home with a rich history set in a grove of massive magnolia

LeMoyne Arts

trees and live oaks. Its last owners were former Florida Gov. LeRoy Collins and his family. Collins rose to national heights as a civil rights champion. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Wednesday–Friday, 1 p.m.–4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–4 p.m., 902 N. Monroe St. (850) 245-6100, TheGroveMuseum.com

Knott House Museum

Temporarily closed for renovations Built in 1843, the Knott House is a monument to the past. Displaying all of the original furnishings from when the Knott family took possession in 1928, visitors can explore what life was like during the time when William Knott served as state treasurer. Poems written by Luella Knott hang from the items of furniture, just as she left them, giving the building its nickname: The House That Rhymes. Tours every hour. Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Sunday noon–4:30 p.m. Free. 301 E. Park Ave. (850) 922-2459, MuseumOfFloridaHistory.com

LeMoyne Arts

LeMoyne galleries host eight to 10 exhibits annually, and the center offers art education classes year-round for children and adults. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, LeMoyne also includes an outdoor sculpture garden. Tuesday–Saturday 11 a.m.–6 p.m., Free for members and children under 12. $5 donation requested for non-members. 125 N. Gadsden St. (850) 222-8800, LeMoyne.org

Mission San Luis

This National Historic Landmark is the site of a mission where Spaniards and Apalachee natives coexisted four centuries ago. Living history interpreters walk the grounds, which include a church, an Apalachee Council House, a Spanish fort and other structures recreated in the archaeological footprints of the originals. Open 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Tuesday–Sunday. Entrance fees: $5 for adults; $3 for seniors 65 and over; $2 for children ages 6–17; free for active-duty military and members. 2100 W. Tennessee St., (850) 245-6406, MissionSanLuis.org

African American Tribute Garden

Museum of Florida History

Temporarily closed

The official state history museum traces the history of Florida from prehistoric times through the 20th century and hosts outstanding temporary exhibits about Florida topics. Annual events include Children’s Day, Florida History Day and the Capital City Quilt Show. Check the museum’s website for a calendar of events. Open daily until 4:30 p.m. Opens at 9 a.m. Monday–Friday, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, and at noon on Sunday and holidays. In the R.A. Gray Building, 500 S. Bronough St., (850) 245-6400, MuseumOfFloridaHistory.com

Pas De Vie Ballet

A semi-professional company dedicated to the preservation of the art of dance. Productions include a springtime performance of “Spotlight on Dance” and the holiday classic “The Nutcracker.” PasDeVieBallet.com

Railroad Square

Art District

Railroad Square is a center for creative arts and is home to more than 50 studios, galleries, shops and dining establishments, as well as a cafe built in a railroad caboose. The park hosts a free Gallery Hop community event on the first Friday of every month where visitors can browse the galleries and enjoy different

types of live music. There also is a drumming circle and occasional shows from a belly dance studio. In addition, Railroad Square hosts other events, such as benefits and open mic nights. 602 McDonnell Drive. (850) 224-1308, RailroadSquare.com

Riley House Museum

The John Gilmore Riley Center is a museum of African American history and culture. It features an oral history program, a genealogical and architectural studies program, an after-school cultural literacy program and an intercultural outreach program that features workshops, lectures, walking tours, exhibits and cultural events. $5 for adults and children $3. Tuesday–Thursday 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 419 E. Jefferson St., (850) 891-3560, RileyMuseum.org

Tallahassee Automobile Museum

This museum features cars as more than just a means of transportation but as works of art. What began as a collection is now a nonprofit, educational display of over 150 diverse automobiles from an 1894 Duryea to the original Batskiboat from the movie “Batman Returns.” Fee (donations also accepted). Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–5 p.m. 6800 Mahan Drive. (850) 942-0137, TACM.com

Tallahassee Bach Parley

Presents a five multi-concert season of Baroque music (1600–1750) using period instruments, with a fresh sound immediately accessible to today’s audiences. Commentary is provided before each piece. Concerts are held on Sunday afternoons at various venues, most often at St. John’s Episcopal Church. 211 N. Monroe St. TallahasseeBachParley.org

Tallahassee Ballet

This regional, semi-professional company offers three major concerts annually: an Evening of Music and Dance in September, holiday favorite “The Nutcracker” in December and a spring production in May. Fee. 2910 Kerry Forest Parkway. (850) 224-6917, TallahasseeBallet.org

Tallahassee Civic Chorale

The Tallahassee Civic Chorale is one of Tallahassee’s chorale ensembles and has a strong affiliation with Tallahassee State College. The ensemble has three concerts a year with an eclectic arrangement of music. They also perform in “Sing Outs” at Springtime Tallahassee and the Winter Festival. (850) 942-1893, CivicChorale.org

Tallahassee Community Chorus

The Tallahassee Community Chorus has been a part of the Tallahassee community for 30 years. It’s hailed as one of the best non-auditioned,

Tallahassee Museum

mixed choirs in the country. The chorus holds a fall, winter and spring concert every year and participates in FSU’s Seasonal Celebration. They have even had the opportunity to travel for performances in Carnegie Hall in New York, Prague and most recently Rome. (850) 597-0603, TCChorus.org

Tallahassee Museum

Established in the 1950s to provide hands-on experiences for children, the Tallahassee Museum now serves all ages with exhibits and programs about this region’s natural environment, pioneer history and culture. Exhibits include the Big Bend Farmstead, the Natural Florida exhibit of indigenous animals and various galleries for art and hands-on science. The museum is home to tree-to-tree zip lines and challenge courses (additional fee), offers workshops and hosts annual music festivals. Monday–Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

$14.50 for adults, $13.50 for seniors and students with ID, $10 for children 4–15, free to members and children 3 and under. 3945 Museum Drive. (850) 575-8684, TallahasseeMuseum.org

Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra

The symphony’s season includes concerts from the Masterworks Series, Pops in the Park, An American Celebration and an annual “Holiday Magic” concert. One of the country’s finest regional orchestras led by dynamic young conductor, Maestro Darko Butorac. Annual offerings include classical concerts and concerts for families and young people. We also feature innovative Symphony Lab and TSO Jazz Orchestra performances. Fee. 507 N. Calhoun St., (850) 224-0461, TallahasseeSymphony.org

Tallahassee Youth Orchestras

TYO consists of three ensembles, from beginners to the TYO Symphony Orchestra. TYO has been a part of the Tallahassee Community since 1990 and offers students the opportunity to learn, practice and perform in string, wind and brass instruments. 122 N. Copeland St. (850) 559-5025, TallahasseeYouthOrchestras.com

Theatre Tallahassee

Theatre Tallahassee is home to outstanding community productions throughout the year, from popular Broadway musicals and plays to more avant garde presentations. Fee. 1861 Thomasville Road. (850) 224-8474, TheatreTallahassee.org

Theatre TSC!

All Theatre TSC! performances take place in the beautiful Turner Auditorium in TSC’s Fine & Performing Arts Center with 490 seats with plenty of leg room, great sight lines and fantastic acoustics. Season subscriptions, lifetime sponsorships, benefit performances and group rates are available. (850) 201-9882, TSC.FL.edu

Theatre With A Mission

Made up of actors, scholars and cultural explorers, this nonprofit corporation unites to rediscover history by reviving plays from el Siglo de Oro, the Spanish Golden Age. TheaterWithAMission.com

Young Actors Theatre

Youngsters present classic productions with the flair of a professional theater. 609 Glenview Drive. (850) 386-6602, YoungActorsTheatre.com

For more information about the area’s arts and cultural community, visit COCA (Council on Culture & Arts) at TallahasseeArts.org or call (850) 224-2500.

Full-service cat care company that provides care in clients’ homes

• Feeding and water

• Litter box scooping

• Medication administration

• Mail retrieval

• Trash cans to curb

• Lights adjusted

• Watering of plants

• Lots of love and playtime

• Daily updates including pictures

Tallahassee Ballet

Annual Events

February

Harambee Festival

Hosted by FAMU, the Harambee festival seeks to inspire “unity in the community.” This is an all-day event featuring live music, African drum and dance, spoken word, international food and vendors from across the region. On FAMU campus.facebook.com/FAMU1887

National High Magnetic Field Laboratory Open House

The “Mag Lab” is a research facility housing the world’s largest, most powerful magnets. The popular open house offers tours, demonstrations, displays, hands-on activities and more. Free. Innovation Park, 1800 E. Paul Dirac Drive. (850) 644-0311, nationalmaglab.org

Opening Nights

Florida State University hosts the Opening Nights Performing Arts Series throughout the year, with a concentration of performances in February. The artists include nationally and internationally renowned musicians, authors, actors, dancers and others, performing at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall and other venues throughout the area. Fees. (850) 644-6500, openingnights.fsu.edu

Tallahassee Marathon

Starting in downtown Tallahassee, the USA Track & Field-sanctioned marathon and half-marathon wind through local parks and districts, past local landmarks and back to the permanent finish line at Kleman Plaza. It also is a qualifying event for the Boston Marathon. Fee to run. tallahasseemarathon.com

March

Downtown Marketplace

In Tallahassee’s downtown historic district, Saturdays come alive with local produce, entertainment, arts and crafts, and special programs. Saturdays through November, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Free. Downtown, Ponce de Leon Park. (850) 224-3252, tlhdowntown.com/downtownmarket

Jewish Food & Cultural Festival

Grab your fill of pastrami and falafel — but save room for hamantaschen and rugelach. Savor and learn about Jewish customs, both culinary and cultural, including arts and crafts, dancing and live music. Free. Temple Israel, 2215 Mahan Drive. (850) 877-3517, templeisraeltlh.org

Springtime Tallahassee

The Capital City’s premier festival, a rowdy celebration of springtime and Tallahassee heritage, includes the Grand Parade, entertainment, and arts and crafts. Free. Downtown Tallahassee and Cascades Park. (850) 583-9613, springtimetallahassee.com

Tallahassee Wine Mixer

Red, white or rosé, enjoy unlimited samples as you wine and dine your way between Madison Social and Township with over 50,000 ounces of wine to taste. Fee. Madison Social, 705 S. Woodward Ave. (850) 894-6276, madisonsocial.com

April

Flying High Circus Temporarily closed Florida State University students perform daring high-wire acrobatics and precision stunts on trapeze and ropes under the big top. Fee. FSU campus, 269 Chieftan Way. (850) 644-4874, circus.fsu.edu

LeMoyne Chain of Parks Arts Festival

More than 100 artists from around the nation exhibit their sculptures, paintings, photography and other media under the oaks in this downtown event presented by the LeMoyne Center for the Visual Arts. Free. (850) 222-8800, chainofparks.com

Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival

Hear jazz, blues and gospel performed by local musicians on the museum’s outdoor stage. Fee. Tallahassee Museum, 3945 Museum Drive. (850) 575-8684, tallahasseemuseum.org

USTA Tallahassee Tennis Challenger

Competitors from around the globe find their way to Tallahassee to play pro-circuit tennis while supporting the Vogter Neuro-Intensive Care Unit and the Sharon Ewing Walker Breast Health Center at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. Fee. Forest Meadows Tennis Complex, 4750 N. Meridian Road. (850) 891-4979, tallahasseechallenger.com

Word of South

The Word of South Festival of Literature and Music is a three-day celebration of literary arts and musical performances. The lineup features poetry and prose readings by emerging and established authors, concerts by national artists, writer/musician mashups, interviews, Q&A sessions, conversations with Florida Book Award winners and a children’s story fort. Free. Some concerts require tickets. Cascades Park. wordofsouthfestival.com

May

Emancipation Celebration

Temporarily closed

The first time the Emancipation Proclamation was read in Florida, it was 1865 and the reading was done on the steps of the Knott House in Tallahassee. Each May 20, the historic event is re-enacted on those same steps with military decorum followed by gospel music, dancing, an African American historic-site tour and lunch in the park. Free. Knott House Museum, 301 E. Park Ave. (850) 681-7881

Southern Shakespeare Festival

Come out to Cascades Park to enjoy a threeday celebration of the works of William Shakespeare. This festival features a full-length production of one of Shakespeare’s plays, fencing demonstrations, readings, food and more! Free. 1001 S. Gadsden St. southernshakespearefestival.org

Tour of Gardens

Guided tours of select private and public gardens in the area. Special speakers. Fee. Alfred B. Maclay Gardens, 3540 Thomasville Road. (850) 487-4556, friendsofmaclaygardens.org

PHOTO BY

June

Big Bend Model Railroad Show

Check out the layouts, test and buy model trains, themed paraphernalia and more at this fundraising event sponsored by the Big Bend Model Railroad Association. Fee. North Florida Fairgrounds. (850) 524-4399, bbmra.org

July

Infinity Con

This family-friendly comic book and pop culture convention features major and independent comic books, video and tabletop gaming, anime, plus events and entertainment for all ages all weekend long. Fee. Tucker Civic Center, 505 W. Pensacola St. InfinityConTally.com

Swamp Stomp

Bluegrass, folk and acoustic music on the Tallahassee Museum’s outdoor stage, plus folk tales, cloggers, old-timey games and more. Fee. 3945 Museum Drive. (850) 575-8684, tallahasseemuseum.org

Tallahassee Celebrates America

In honor of Independence Day, the city presents the area’s largest fireworks display, activities, arts and crafts, music, food, free shuttle service and more. Free. Tom Brown Park, off Conner Boulevard. (850) 891-3866

August

Tallahassee Beer Festival

Sample over 200 different beers, ciders, ales, meads and sparkling sodas from more than 75 home brewers and breweries. Fee. Tucker Civic Center, 505 W. Pensacola St. TLHBeerFest.com

September

Experience Asia Festival

The Asia Festival showcases the cultures of Asian and Pacific communities within the Tallahassee area. Featured performances include EPCOT’s Matsuriza Taiko Drummers, with Japanese dancing, live music, arts and crafts and cultural food. In Tom Brown Park. asiantlh.org

Grape Harvest Festival

Featured activities include a grape-stomping contest, grape throwing, grape and wine sampling, and a 2K/5K vineyard run. FAMU Center for Viticulture and Small Fruit Research, 6361 Mahan Drive. famunews.com/grape-harvest-festival

Tallahassee Caribbean Carnival

An event that brings the Islands and its culture to you with food, vendors, a parade and live performances. Free. The Pavilion at The Centre of Tallahassee, 2415 N. Monroe St., tccarnival.com

Southern Shakespeare Festival

October

Greek Food Festival

Whether you are Greek by birth or just Greek for a day, enjoy pastries, gyros, spanakopita and moussaka, along with wine, ouzo, music and dancing. Holy Mother of God Greek Orthodox Church, 1645 Phillips Road. (850) 878-0747, tallahasseegreekfoodfest.com

Oktoberfest

Don your lederhosen, practice your chicken dance and join in for a barrel of fun at Oktoberfest, featuring traditional German food and a biergarten, beer tasting, silent auction and live entertainment. The fundraiser supports the work of Elder Care Services. Fee. Cascades Park. (850) 921-5554, ecsbigbend.org

Zoobilee

Spend an evening at the Tallahassee Museum enjoying an open bar, AYCE food from 20-plus local restaurants, and live dance music performed on the outdoor stage in this festive benefit. Fee. 3945 Museum Drive. (850) 575-8684, tallahasseemuseum.org

November

Best of Tallahassee

Tallahassee Magazine readers vote and the best of the best are honored at the Best of Tallahassee event. More than 100 winners are honored in the categories of entertainment, food and beverage, shopping, services and online. The evening’s guests also enjoy food, live auctions and raffles. Fee. tallahasseemagazine.com

Bradley’s Fun Day

Famous homemade sausage, grits ground on-site, arts and crafts, syrup making, Model A rides and more. Free. Bradley’s Country Store, 10655 Centerville Road. (850) 893-4742, bradleyscountrystore.com

North Florida Fair

The area’s largest agricultural fair includes Nashville stars, giant midway rides, games and food. Fee. North Florida Fairgrounds, 441 Paul Russell Road. (850) 878-3247, northfloridafair.com

December

Market Days

The Southeast’s largest curated arts and crafts show and sale, just in time for holiday shopping. An event by and for the Tallahassee Museum. Fee. North Florida Fairgrounds, 441 Paul Russell Road. (850) 575-8664, marketdays.org

The Nutcracker

The Tallahassee Ballet brings the treasured Christmas classic to life to delight all ages. Fee. Ruby Diamond Concert Hall, FSU Campus. (850) 224-6917, tallahasseeballet.org

Winter Festival

Celebrate the winter holidays by joining locals and guests downtown for the lighting of the oak trees, the Jingle Bell Run, a twilight parade, live music and wonderlands of fun. Free. Downtown in and around the Chain of Parks. (850) 891-3866, talgov.com/parks/winter_festival

Visit VisitTallahassee.com and the Council on Culture & Arts at TallahasseeArts.org for your local event needs.

Shopping

From vintage boutiques to artisan markets and more, navigate many of Tallahassee’s most loved shopping spots

Downtown District/ Marketplace

Downtown Tallahassee offers high-end men’s fashion, gift shops and the Downtown Marketplace. Saturdays come alive with live entertainment and farmers markets.

Awards4U

1387 E. Lafayette St. (850) 878-7187

awards4u.com

BumbleBee Skincare and Waxing

359 N. Monroe St. (850) 631-1868

bumblebeewaxing.com

Downtown, Ponce de Leon Park

At Park Avenue and Monroe Street (850) 224-3252

tlhdowntown.com/downtownmarket

Elinor Doyle

Florist and Gifts

324 N. Monroe St. (850) 222-1298

Nic’s Toggery

212 S. Monroe St. (850) 222-0687 nicstoggery.com

Gaines Street/ All Saints District

Located between Florida

A&M University and Florida State University, this upand-coming neighborhood offers an eclectic mix of fashion, art, shopping, dining and nightlife.

Ooh La La Boutique

699 W. Gaines St. (850) 583-8980

A.P.B. Store

799 W. Gaines St., Ste. 117 (850) 765-2281 apbstore.com

CollegeTown

Shopping district, featuring on-trend fashion.

Urban Outfitters

717 S. Woodward Ave. (850) 577-0051 urbanoutfitters.com

Railroad Square

Art District

Tallahassee’s Historic Art District hosts more than 50 artists’ studios, galleries, a sculpture garden, dining options and unique shops.

602 McDonnell Drive (850) 222-6889 railroadsquare.com

621 Gallery

650-3 Railroad Square (850) 222-6210

The Other Side Vintage 607 Railroad Square (850) 224-6666 theothersidevintage.com

Phaze One Skate Shop

615 Railroad Square, Unit 1 (850) 364-8850

Northside

This Tallahassee shopping district contains Bannerman Crossings and a host of new stores.

J. Lynn’s Boutique 2887 Kerry Forest Parkway, Ste. 4 (850) 765-0342

Gypsy Rose Boutique

3421 Bannerman Road, Ste. 101 1350 Market St., Ste. 104 (850) 321-3022

The Prepared Table

3425 Bannerman Road, Ste. 104 (850) 354-8352 tptkitchenshop.com

Malls

Bannerman Crossings

3425 Bannerman Road (850) 219-5300 bannermancrossings.com

Governor’s Square Mall

1500 Apalachee Parkway (850) 877-8107 governorssquare.com

The Centre of Tallahassee 2415 N. Monroe St., (850) 385-7145

Market District

At Timberlane Road and Market Street, this district offers everything from hip boutiques and upscale menswear to specialty furniture shops and a local farmers market.

Bedfellows

1495 Market St. (850) 893-1713 bedfellowsgallery.com

Chrysalis Fabrics

1410 Market St., Ste. B1 (850) 224-2924 chrysalisfabric.com

PHOTO

Hearth & Soul

Cigars of Tally

1401 Market St., Ste. 1 (850) 224-4277

Temporarily closed 926 N. Monroe St. (850) 727-0085 cigarsoftally.com

Cotton Etc

1355 Market St., Ste. A12 (850) 668-1334

Coton Colors

1355 Market St., Ste. A9 (850) 668-0149 coton-colors.com

Hearth & Soul

1410 Market St., Ste. D1 (850) 894-7685 hearthandsoul.com

Find Home

Market & Design

1410 Market St., Ste. A2

DM on Facebook for appointment

JoS. A. Bank

1350 Market St., Ste. 109 (850) 668-2492 josabank.com

My Favorite Things

1410 Market St., Ste. C3 (850) 681-2824 shopmft.com

Narcissus

1408 Timberlane Road (850) 668-4807 narcissusstyle.com

Nic’s Toggery

1455 Market St. (850) 893-9599 nicstoggery.com

Pink Narcissus

Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store 1350 Market St., Ste. 100 (850) 597-8201

Tallahassee

Diamond Center

1355 Market St., Ste. A2 (850) 906-9213 tallahasseediamonds.com

The Wine House

1355 Market St., Ste. A1 (850) 893-2254 thewinehousemarketst.com

Midtown District

Tallahassee’s flourishing Midtown features an array of shopping and boutiques.

AR Workshop

1950 Thomasville Road, Ste. J (850) 810-3052 arworkshop.com/tallahassee

Divas & Devils House of Style

1300 N. Monroe St. (850) 580-6662 divasanddevils.com

Fleet Feet

1845 Thomasville Road #125 (850) 727-8011

Kitchenable

967 Briarcliff Road (850) 264-2308

M&M Monogramming

2030 Thomasville Road, Ste. 1 (850) 514-3148 mmmonogramming.com

Robert’s Jewelry & Design

1950 Thomasville Road, Ste. M (850) 422-1373 robertsjewelry.net

Southern Compass Outfitters

Temporarily closed 1817 Thomasville Road, Ste. 610 (850) 765-7172 southerncompassoutfitters.com

Strauss Gallery

1950 Thomasville Road, Ste. B (850) 222-6983

Vocelles, The Bridal Shoppe 1301 N. Monroe St. (850) 841-7663 vocellesbridal.com

Shops At Lake Ella

Located within the Midtown District on North Monroe Street around the multifunctional park, local residents flock to Lake Ella seeking a quiet place to walk, shop and enjoy a cup of coffee.

Avant Garb Vintage & Shoppe 1699 N. Monroe St. (850) 514-GARB

Barb’s Brittles

1671 N. Monroe St., Unit 6A  (850) 385-9839 barbsbrittles.com

Big Easy Snowballs

1621 N. Monroe St.  (850) 329-6010 bigeasysnowballs.com

Divine Consign

1661 N. Monroe St.  (448) 200-2469 facebook.com/divineconsignatlakeella

Joe’s Bike Shop

1637 N. Monroe St.  (850) 222-3855

Quarter Moon Imports Shop

1641 N. Monroe St. (850) 222-2254 facebook.com/quartermoonimports

Nic’s Toggery

Dining

Savor

Tallahassee with

an

in-depth guide to Capital City eateries

The restaurants that appear in this guide are included as a service to readers and not as recommendations of the Tallahassee Newcomer Guide editorial department, except where noted.

2023 Best of Tallahassee Winner ★ Breakfast/ Brunch Lunch Dinner B L D Outdoor Dining Live Music Bar/Lounge $ $$ $$$ Inexpensive Moderately Expensive Expensive

American

Backwoods Crossing ★

Sit down at this 2023 Best of winner for fresh gourmet food at Tallahassee’s farmto-table, destination concept restaurant featuring locally caught and produced softshell crabs, sausage, duck and blueberries. 6725 Mahan Dr. (850) 765-3753 $$ L D

Bar 1903 ★

Located in the historic Walker Library, Bar 1903 honors the history of mixology while pushing the boundaries of the cocktail experience. Small plates, snacks, bar sandwiches, sweets. Intimate setting, 36-seat capacity. Voted Best Bar and Best Martini/Cocktail for 2023. 209 E. Park Ave. (850) 354-9739 $$ D

Bird’s Aphrodisiac

Oyster Shack ★

Tallahassee’s classiest oyster shack and Best of Tallahassee winner for 2023 in the Best Burger category. Serving burgers, veggie burgers, chicken and grouper sandwiches plus hot dogs, with sides. Full bar. Entertainment includes live music, comedy and karaoke. Close to downtown and the FSU campus. 325 N. Bronough St. (850) 222-1075. $$ L D

Charlie Park

Tallahassee’s first rooftop cocktail experience offering small plates and shareables has an innovative and exciting menu built around plates to share and experience with others. The specialty craft cocktails are inventive, and the views of Tallahassee’s downtown and beyond are spectacular. 801 S. Gadsden St. (850) 759-4300. $$ D

Dog et al ★

Foot-long and veggie entrees alike grace this award-winning menu. Also ask about their incredibly valued family packs. 1456 S. Monroe St. (850) 222-4099 $ L D

The Edison

This relaxed, fine dining establishment is equipped with a beer garden, wine cellar, casual cafe, open-air alternatives and a gorgeous view that has become a Tallahassee favorite. 470 Suwannee St. (850) 765-9771 $$/$$$ B L D

Food Glorious Food ★

The name says it all! This restaurant boasts a palate-pleasing combination of personalized service, eclectic ambiance and award-winning cuisine and is the Best Desserts winner for 2017–23. 1950 Thomasville Rd. (850) 224-9974 $$ L D

Hopkins’ Eatery ★

A Best of 2023 winner, Hopkins’ provides favorites such as the Ultimate Turkey, the Linda Special and a variety of salads to keep customers coming back. Multiple locations. Hours vary $ L D

Island Wing Company ★

Get baked! This 2023 Best of winner for Best Wings won’t serve you up greasy, fried wings; instead Island Wing bakes them fresh. 1370 Market St. (850) 692-3116. $ L D

Liberty Bar and Restaurant

Carefully crafted unique cocktails mixed with a gourmet menu that features fresh, local produce. 1307 N. Monroe, Unit No. 2. (850) 354-8277. $$ D

Lofty Pursuits ★

This old-fashioned soda fountain serves ice cream, milkshakes and candy — plus brunch dishes and a selection of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. 1355 Market St., A11. (850) 521-0091 $ B

Mimi’s Table

Bistro & Wine Bar

American Southern cuisines inspired by French and Italian Old World cooking with fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever available. 1311 Miccosukee Rd. (850) 999-8406. $$$

Ology Brewing Co. ★

Craft brewery born in a spirit of innovation. Best of Tallahassee winner for 2023 in Brewery/Craft Beer category. From IPAs to stouts and sours to barrel-aged brews, an ever-evolving tap list invites a journey of taste and exploration. Also offers shareable plates. 2910 Kerry Forest Pkwy. (Northside location). (850) 296-2809 $$

Sage Restaurant

Sage’s menu masterfully melds regional influences, including Southern and French. The setting is gorgeous but cozy, and the

outdoor patio sets a charming, romantic tone for a relaxing evening. 3534 Maclay Blvd. S. (850) 270-9396. $$$ B L D

Table 23 ★

This “Southern porch, table and bar” is cozied up among oak trees on one of Tallahassee’s favorite street corners. Lucky Goat coffee-rubbed ribeye and Schermer pecan-crusted chicken are among the regional offerings. 1215 Thomasville Rd. (850) 329-2261 $$$ L D

The Huntsman ★

This Best of Tallahassee winner for 2023 in the Celebration/Special Occasion Restaurant category creates exceptional dining experiences focused on ethically sourced wild game, as well as field and stream to table. Also offering vegan and vegetarian fare. Five-course guided culinary expeditions require group participation. Happy-hour and late-night offerings. 320 E. Tennessee St. (850) 765-1887 $$$ D

The Monroe

Modern American cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere. This restaurant is the mainstay to the entire South Monroe restaurant and retail development. SoMo Walls on the Southside.1327 South Monroe St. $$$ D

Uptown Café

Specialties at the bustling, family-run cafe include apricot-glazed smoked salmon, one-of-a-kind omelets, banana bread French toast and flavorful sandwiches. 1325 Miccosukee Rd. (850) 219-9800. $ B L

Walk-On’s

Sports Bistreaux ★

Not your usual sports bar, this import from Louisiana offers seafood, traditional Cajun cuisine and burgers built for two hands — plus 40 beers on tap and wall-to-wall TVs for the big games. 3390 Capital Circle NE. (850) 597-7736 $$ L D

Asian

Azu Lucy Ho’s

Enjoy an extensive array of classic dishes with a modern flare, including gyoza dumplings, crab rangoon, General Tso’s chicken and Szechuan beef, all in a relaxed setting. 3220 Apalachee Pkwy., Ste. 13. (850) 893-4112. $$ L D

Dao Restaurant ★

Asian fusion restaurant and a Best of Tallahassee 2023 winner in the Best Asian category. Indulge in lobster, blue crab, spicy prawns, Peking duck or a grouper filet with mapo tofu. 3425 Bannerman Rd., Unit A102. (850) 999-1482. $$ L D

Kiku Japanese Fusion ★

From tempura to teriyaki and sushi to sashimi, Kiku Japanese Fusion, voted Best Sushi in 2023, fuses vibrant flavors with fresh ingredients. 800 Ocala Rd., Ste. 370. (850) 575-5458, 3491 Thomasville Rd., Ste. 12. (850) 222-5458 $$ L D

Masa

Masa’s menu offers a creative blend of Eastern and Western cuisines. 1650 N. Monroe St. (850) 727-4183 $/$$

Osaka Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar ★

Rated Best Hibachi for 2023, Osaka provides dinner and a show, with the chefs

seasoning and preparing your meal right in front of you. 1489 Maclay Commerce Dr. (850) 900-5149. $$$ D

Rock 'n Roll Sushi

This American-style sushi chain born in Mobile offers fresh rolls, salads and hibachi — all with a rock-and-roll theme. 1415 Timberlane Rd. #305. (850) 999-1748. $$ L D

Breakfast/ Brunch/Bakery

Canopy Road Café ★

Traditional breakfasts, fluffy omelets, skillets, French toast and sweet potato pancakes keep customers coming back to this 2023 Best Breakfast winner. Canopy also goes all out on lunch favorites. Multiple locations. (850) 668-6600 $ B L

Lucky Goat Coffee ★

Coffee roaster, wholesaler, distributor, online retailer and cafe serving high-quality beverages. Flavored coffees include pumpkin spice and Southern pecan. Best Coffee winner as voted by the readers of Tallahassee Magazine in 2023. Multiple locations including Bannerman Crossings. (850) 727-4767.

Jeri’s Love On A Plate ★

Filling bellies and hearts with love. This Best of Tallahassee winner for 2023 in the Best Brunch category offers homestyle dishes created with farm-to-table, top-quality ingredients. Brie from France, baguettes from New York and heaping portions of gouda grits and shrimp, enough to share with a fellow diner. 1370 Market St., Ste. #1 (850) 756-7660. (Midtown location). (850) 385-7268 $$ B L

Ma’s Diner

No one does it like Ma! Ma’s Diner serves family-style food in a family-friendly setting. Homestyle classics are served for breakfast and lunch with quick, attentive and friendly service. 6668-9 Thomasville Rd. (850) 765-1910 $ B L

The Egg Café & Eatery

When you’re looking for breakfast favorites, even if it’s lunchtime, The Egg is the place to be. Multiple locations. (850) 907-3447 $$ B L

Canopy Road Cafe

Tasty Pastry Bakery ★

Tallahassee’s original cakery and 2023

Best Bakery winner features fresh breads, bagels, pies, cakes and catering. Mon–Sat 6:45 a.m.–6 p.m. 1355 Market St., Ste. A-5. (850) 893-3752 $ B L D

Cajun

Coosh’s Bayou Rouge ★

This Best Cajun Restaurant winner for 2023 brings a menu jam-packed with Louisiana-style dishes, including favorites like jambalaya, crawfish etouffee, po’boys and seafood gumbo. Multiple locations. (850) 894 - 4110 $$ B L D

Catering

Black Fig ★

Provides family-size and smaller-portion meals that are flavorful and stress-free. Best of Tallahassee winner for 2023 in Catering category. Appetizers; salads; chicken, pork, beef and seafood entrees; and desserts. Vegetarian and gluten-free options. 1400 Village Square Blvd. #7. (850) 727-0016. $$ L D

Catering Capers

Offering meals, bar services and more, Catering Capers makes entertaining and planning corporate events, weddings or private parties in Tallahassee easy. 2915 E. Park Ave., Unit 4. (850) 385-5953.

Simply Entertaining

Serving as a “one-stop shop” for intimate parties. Committed to making events simple by taking care of everything. Also offering Simple Dinners on Tuesday and Thursday nights. 1355 Market St. (850) 668-1167.

Italian/Pizza

Bella Bella ★

Voted Best Italian in 2023, this locally owned and operated restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and serves all the classics to satisfy your pasta cravings. 123 E. Fifth Ave. (850) 412-1114. $$ L D

IL Lusso ★

Homemade pasta, local seafood and a choice of prime steaks define this downtown fine dining experience. 201 E. Park Ave., Ste. 100. (850) 765-8620 $$$ D

Momo’s ★

After devouring a slice “as big as your head” at this 2023 Best Pizza winner, chain pizza simply is not gonna cut it. Multiple locations. (850) 224-9808. $ L D

Riccardo’s Restaurant

A Tallahassee tradition since 1999, Riccardo’s features savory Italian classics, from pasta and pizza to homemade subs and calzones — plus a wide-ranging selection of wines and craft brews. 1950 Thomasville Rd. (850) 386-3988. $$ L D

Mexican

El Jalisco ★

In the mood for sizzling fajitas and frozen margaritas? Make your way to the 2023 Best Mexican/Latin American Restaurant, El Jalisco, where they do Mexican cuisine to perfection. Multiple locations. $ L D

Seafood/Steak

Crafty Crab

Offering the freshest seafood and most authentic recipes in the area, including crab, crawfish, calamari, lobster, oysters, mussels, scallops and more. 1241 Apalachee Pkwy. & 2226 N. Monroe St. (850) 671-2722. $$ L D

Georgio’s Fine Food & Spirits

George Koikos has over 50 years of experience in Tallahassee restaurants, and his hands-on commitment has made this upscale restaurant a local favorite featuring local seafood, prime steaks and banquet rooms for private parties. 2971 Apalachee Pkwy. (850) 877-3211. $$$ D

Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille

Serving Southern, Cajun and Creole flavors in classic and modern dishes since 1987. Full bar is available at each location.

301 S. Bronough St., in Kleman Plaza. (850) 222-3976. $$ L D

Shula’s 347

Located in Hotel Duval. Keep it light and casual with a premium Black Angus beef burger or a gourmet salad, or opt for one of their signature entrees — a “Shula Cut” steak. Reservations suggested. 415 N. Monroe St. (850) 224-6005. $$$ L D

Southern Seafood ★

Whether you’re looking for fish, shrimp, oysters, scallops, crab or lobster, the 2023 Best Seafood Market winner brings the ocean’s freshest choices to Tallahassee. 1415 Timberlane Rd. #311. (850) 668-2203

Tally Fish House

& Oyster Bar ★

Explore four types of topped oysters, load up with stuffed grouper or opt for “turf” with a chef’s choice cut steak. Serving brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Voted Best Seafood Restaurant winner in 2023. 6802 Thomasville Rd. (850) 900-5075. $$ L D

Ted’s Montana Grill

Co-founders Ted Turner and George W. McKerrow imagined a restaurant that would provide friends and family with an experience founded on the ideals that made America great — simplicity, honesty and authenticity. And nothing is more authentically American than bison. 1954 Village Green Way. (850) 561-8337. $$ L D

The Seineyard

Fried, grilled or blackened, the area’s best and freshest seafood is found at The Seineyard. Grab your basket or mix it up with a plate of grouper, catfish, shrimp, oysters, scallops and more. 3870 Coastal Hwy., Crawfordville. (850) 926-9191 $$ L D

South American

Café de Martin & El Bar

The home of Peruvian cuisine in Tallahassee. Chef Martin, originally from Lima, Peru, is renowned in Leon County’s Hispanic community for his authentic dishes. Located in the Esposito’s Shopping Center at 2743 Capital Circle NE, Café de Martin & El Bar offers a lovely outdoor garden for dining. (850) 900-5969. $$ L D

Oyster City Brewing Company

Craft Beer

Breweries

Deep Brewing

A former diver leads the brewing at DEEP, including a concoction using locally roasted Lucky Goat Coffee. Flagships include Spear Pressure, Reef Dweller and British Golden Ale. 2524 Cathay Court. No. 2, DeepBrewing.com

Lake Tribe Brewing

Father and sons named the company after their YMCA Indian Guides tribe name. Flagships include Red Cloud IPA, Beckster’s Wh’ell Behaved Wheat and Old Chief. 3357 Garber Drive, Unit 4, LakeTribeBrewing.com

Proof Brewing Co.

In the heart of downtown Tallahassee, PROOF has a tasting room and a spacious beer garden stocked with lawn games and a stage for live music.

Flagships are EightFive-O, Mango Wit and La La Land IPA. 1320 S. Monroe St., ProofBrewingCo.com

Ology Brewing Co.

Ology, midtown, loves the science of brewing, reflected in beer names such as Sensory Overload and Quantum Stimuli. It also serves kombucha and ginger sodas, and it has a second location in Power Mill. 118 E. Sixth Ave., OlogyBrewing.com

Oyster City

Brewing Company

Enjoy Oyster City's flagship beers, such as the Hooter Brown, the Mangrove pale ale with mango and their German-style lager Tates Helles. Kick back in the spacious beer garden with live music on the weekends. 603 W. Gaines St. #7, OysterCity.beer

Watering Holes

Popular craft-beer spots that feature local brews include:

7th Hill Taproom 2475 Apalachee Parkway Facebook/7thHillTaproom

Blue Tavern 1206 N. Monroe St. BlueTavernTallahassee.com

The Brass Tap Midtown: 1321 Thomasville Road BrassTapBeerBar.com

Fermentation Lounge and Fools Fire

Brewing Co. 415 All Saints St. #113 FermentationLounge.com

Growler Country 3305 Capital Circle NE GrowlerCountry.com

Liberty Bar & Restaurant

1307 N. Monroe St. LibertyTLH.com

Madison Social 705 S. Woodward Ave. #101 MadisonSocial.com

Oyster City

Brewing Company

603 W. Gaines St. #7 OysterCity.beer

Tallahassee Brew Bus

Brewery Tours 3305 Capital Circle NE Facebook/TallahasseeBrewBus

Township

619 S. Woodward Ave. TownshipTLH.com

Music in the Capital

Uncover the vibrant soundscape of Florida’s capital

Light streams from Doak S. Campbell stadium, and thousands of voices erupt in the night, not in football cheers and chants, but in song. In a converted feed store, honky-tonk tunes reverberate off exposed-brick walls, and boots stomp hardwood floors. Under a starlit sky in Cascades Park, couples sit close on blankets as they listen to the smooth rock of Train. Beer glasses clink in a bar on Gaines Street as college students sing along to Top 40 covers and Eagles tunes played by an acoustic duo. The next morning, mimosas and eggs Benedict are enjoyed in the presence of a folk-music trio.

“Tallahassee’s music scene has exploded in the past few years,” said Kim Morton, representing the concert venue/sports arena at Donald L. Tucker Civic Center.

“Tallahassee, itself, has grown immensely over the past five years, which has brought a new generation to this city. We’re in a location that is a desirable stop for touring artists.” Notes are bumping from all quadrants of Tallahassee.

Cascading Scales

At Cascades Park, the crown jewel of the city’s urban parks, college students throw Frisbees on the green space, families picnic by the lake, joggers run by with their dogs and, on sunny days, children frolic on the splash pad. At the heart of the downtown park is The Adderley Amphitheater, a beautiful stage framed in a half dome of white. The amphitheater draws people together for free concerts, ticketed concerts and theatrical performances. Musical acts have included Train, Alabama Shakes, The Avett Brothers, Wilco, Jason Isbell, The Beach Boys, Tank, Dawes, Lisa Loeb, Joan Osborne, Boz Scaggs and Peter Frampton.

Cascades Park hosts premier events such as the Word of South Festival of Literature & Music and the Southern Shakespeare Festival, which employs a live orchestra. The amphitheater, with 3,500 fixed seats, and the surrounding, blanket-friendly hillside, fills frequently with fans of music, literature and theater. The air is fresh, the crowd is friendly and there is plenty at hand to eat and drink Learn more at TheAdderleyAmphitheater.com.

Doak After Dark

Doak S. Campbell Stadium, home stadium of the FSU Seminoles, went without a concert for over 30 years. Now, with the addition of one of the best jumbotrons in the country, it has become a concert destination.

Recent years have welcomed in SaltN-Pepa, Vanilla Ice, Rob Base and Cole Swindell. Previous names on stage at Doak include Old Dominion, Tyler Farr, Blake Shelton, Jake Owen and Big & Rich. Stay tuned for future concert announcements.

Up the Road

Between the stadium and downtown is the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, hosting FSU men’s and women’s basketball and stellar concert performances. The Civic Center has welcomed the likes of Elton John, Drake, Eric Church, Carrie Underwood, Jimmy Buffett, Garth Brooks, Bruce Springsteen, Prince, Usher, George Straight, Corey Smith, Earth, Wind & Fire, Alabama, Bon Jovi, Keith Urban and Def Leppard. TuckerCivicCenter.com

Another concert icon is The Moon, Tallahassee’s dance central, which has featured headliners such as Bassnectar, George Clinton, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Hall & Oates, The Tempations, Bonnie Raitt, George Strait, Willie Nelson, The Judds, B.B. King, Kenny Chesney, Joe Cocker, Pat Benatar, Billy Preston, Chris Tucker and many more. MoonEvents.com

National celebrities and stars of the music realm will always attract a crowd and create revenue, but those idols started somewhere — in hometown bars, at county fairs, in writers’ rounds or opening for touring acts. Likewise, Tallahassee nurtures its own fellowship of soon-to-be-famous local musicians. Read on to learn where to hear them now.

In Every District

On the Southside, it’s easy to mistake House of Music Tallahassee for a feed store, because that’s exactly what it is — or what it was.

“We have taken an 80-year-old feed store and converted it,” explained Russ Pangratz, who opened House of Music as The Junction at Monroe back in 2014. “It was originally a rehearsal space for me and my band and other bands, but the acoustics were too good to not do something more with the place.”

Cascades Park

Pangratz explained he has always “had a heart for musicians.” He began the Tallahassee Area Musicians Guild with fellow board members Barrence Dupree, Russ Hamby and Margie Bertram. The Guild works as a hub for resources and music advocacy, providing a community for local professionals and aspiring amateurs to encourage, teach, learn and share with one another.

Mainstage bands come from Atlanta, Nashville, New York City … and House of Music boasts itself as a karaoke bar. Pangratz kept the building as original as possible, with exposed brick and concrete floors softened with worn Oriental rugs. Once offering simplicity with fridges full of sodas, craft beer and wine, House of Music now offers a fullservice bar and restaurant. Stickers from bands have become ingrained in the bar, and an impressive collection of CDs and hot sauces are for sale in the lobby. It’s a full experience. HouseOfMusicTally.com

One of the best hidden party spots in Leon County, the Fish Camp at Lake Iamonia brings together a relaxing lake-side vibe, food trucks, live music and good seafood and burgers. Located

north of Bradfordville, the Fish Camp has been around since 1951 and has been painstakingly improved to keep its original look and feel. The camp is a great place to catch a sunset and is biker friendly, family friendly and pet friendly. So come early and stay late at one of the area’s hidden hangout spots FishCampRestaurant.com

Over in midtown, the Lake Ella American Legion regularly hosts the Bradfordville Blues Club which recently closed its iconic rustic, cinder block juke joint on the northside of Tallahassee. The famed location once hosted appearances from such kings and queens of the blues as Bobby Blue Bland, Bobby Rush, Jimmy Rogers, Duke Robillard, Kenny Neal and Big Daddy Kinsey and the Kinsey Report, Johnnie Marshall and a host of others.

The club has been Florida’s home to authentic blues acts since the segregated years of the Chitlin’ Circuit, a string of venues across the Southeast where Black musicians and mixedrace audiences who weren’t welcome in white venues could make music and dance together all night long. Now,

members of the BBC are keeping the blues alive with weekly performances at the Legion. BBCLegion.com

Within walking distance of Lafayette and Levy parks near Midtown sits the Blue Tavern. Opened in 2016, this hidden gem plays several different notes as coffee house, pub and music venue — including a modest menu with New Orleans-style fare and sandwiches.

This laid-back locale also plays host to a bevy of local musicians and performers, ranging from jazz and blues to comedy and film screenings. BlueTavernTallahassee.com

Music Makes the World and Tallahassee Go ’Round

Bill Wharton, affectionately titled The Sauce Boss, has played the BBC and nearly every club in the Southeast since the late ’60s. His rowdy blues shows and on-stage gumbo-making are his trademarks. With other accomplished locals, such as Pierce Pettis, Del Suggs, and Eric Durrance, The Sauce Boss has seen Tallahassee change and evolve. Like the others, he always returns.

“Tallahassee has always been a retreat for me,” said Wharton. “The kind of place where you can write and explore a creative performance. A great town for an artist. I’ve seen a lot of creative spirit here. It feels good jamming with the young’uns as well as old friends, and welcoming new faces and new venues. It makes for a hoppin’ scene. We keep growing and creating.”

Music grows within us, and because it does, it creates emotions. It transports us to a time with someone we love, a loss or even just a fall day when the sun shone a little brighter than usual. Music enhances our intelligence, as seen in the test scores and creative abilities of those who study it. It soothes those in need of a smile, and it heals. Take, for instance, stroke victims whose voices have been taken, but who suddenly and unexplainably find their words, thanks to music.

Music is meant to be heard, yes, but also to be felt. When the stage lights have dimmed, the equipment has been cleared and the musicians are on their way home or heading to the next show, they hope they’ve struck a chord that will resonate long after the last note is played.

PHOTO BY JOHNSTON ROBERTS

Blue Tavern