WFSU Local News

A Tallahassee jury says Sigfredo Garcia is guilty for his role in the 2014 murder of Florida State University Law Professor Dan Markel. But they couldn't reach a decision on his co-defendant and ex-girlfriend, Katherine Magbanua. 

A year ago, Hurricane Michael steamrolled through the Florida panhandle, damaging nearly everything in its path - including three military bases along its route--Tyndall Air Force, the Navy’s naval support facility, and the U.S. Coast Guard. Blaise Gainey reports on efforts to fix what the storm broke.

The person who may now hold the title of “most prolific living American author” is enroute to Tallahassee. Novelist Stuart Woods began his writing career in 1981.

One of Tallahassee’s oldest public schools is trying to restore an important part of its history, while also adding some new technology to its campus. The school is reaching out to the community for help.

One of Tallahassee’s oldest neighborhoods will soon be telling its story through the voices of its most prominent residents, even though they are no longer alive.  Frenchtown’s historic celebration, including these "Soul Voices," will play out over four upcoming weekends.

The community of Boston, Georgia just northeast of Thomasville may be small. But its residents know how to have big fun and everyone is invited to the community’s party that happens October 25th and 26th.

Following Hurricane Michael’s destructive path through Florida’s panhandle, headlines painted a grim future for timber, a major industry in the region. The losses were huge – valued at $1.3 billion. Yet not all was lost, as some lumber and paper mills in the region are still going strong.

Saturday, October 5 was Leon County's 22nd Annual Volunteer Firefighter and Fire Truck Roundup. This year, a true life-saver was honored as "Firefighter of the Year."

At least 90% of structures in Panama City were damaged in Hurricane Michael. One year later, city officials are about to resume code enforcement actions, and residential property owners say they’re ready for the city to begin cracking down on neglected lots that pose a health and safety hazard to their neighborhoods.

Last year, after Hurricane Michael wrought havoc in the Panhandle, school officials began raising concerns about an emergent mental health crisis among students. Bay County Superintendent Bill Hussfelt said in the first four months following the storm, 70 kids had been involuntarily held for mental health treatment through the Baker Act. But in the first two months of this school year, 50 students have already been institutionally committed. 

Prosecutors in the murder trial for a slain Florida State University law professor are focusing on the ties between the people accused of killing him, and his ex-wife’s family. Markel was entangled in a bitter child custody fight at the time of his death. 

Ken Burns’ recent PBS series on the history of country music was a profound experience for millions of viewers. One of those viewers was Billy Dean, the Quincy native who achieved country music stardom and has now returned to his North Florida roots.