Please listen to my comments from our Tuesday workshop on the Fire Services fee disagreement. Also, please remember that on September 17, 2025 the Mayor of Tallahassee said the following: “In regards to fire services, we are looking forward to terminating the relationship and we go our separate ways” Think about that statement for a minute. This was in response to the County saying NO to another City tax increase and demanding transparency around the status of the Fire Services Fund. To which we subsequently commissioned an independent 3rd party analysis that identified numerous violations of the inter-local agreement and billing discrepancies by the City. That is how and why our community has been put in this position. Any suggestion otherwise is just not true. Fortunately, I’m certain that after November 3rd, we will reach a new agreement with a new City Commission that provides for the accountability, transparency and fiscal responsibility that EVERY citizen of Leon County deserves. Because the Leon County Commission represents everyone, and that’s who we are fighting for.

Please listen to my comments from our Tuesday workshop on the Fire Services fee disagreement. Also, please remember that on September 17, 2025 the Mayor of Tallahassee said the following: “In regards to fire services, we are looking forward to terminating the relationship and we go our separate ways” Think about that statement for a minute. This was in response to the County saying NO to another City tax increase and demanding transparency around the status of the Fire Services Fund. To which we subsequently commissioned an independent 3rd party analysis that identified numerous violations of the inter-local agreement and billing discrepancies by the City. That is how and why our community has been put in this position. Any suggestion otherwise is just not true. Fortunately, I’m certain that after November 3rd, we will reach a new agreement with a new City Commission that provides for the accountability, transparency and fiscal responsibility that EVERY citizen of Leon County deserves. Because the Leon County Commission represents everyone, and that’s who we are fighting for. youtu.be/_0YC3k5Rg74

Hey Everyone, District 4's seat on the Leon County Code Enforcement Board is open, and I'd like to appoint a neighbor from our district. The Code Enforcement Board holds hearings on County code cases, including zoning and land use, junk accumulation, mowing, building code, and stormwater, trees and landscaping. Members also serve as the Nuisance Abatement Board. - Meets the 3rd Thursday of each month at 1 PM at the Renaissance Building, 435 N. Macomb St. - Must be a Leon County resident - 3-year term Interested? Apply here: www2.leoncountyfl.gov/Commit…

Hey Everyone, We wanted to post an update on the traffic situation in and around Roberts Elementary School and Montford Middle School. There will be several things happening over the next few weeks to try and address this issue. As you may know, traffic around the schools and near Pimlico Drive and Centerville road comes to a standstill during afternoon school pickup times. This is unquestionably caused by parents entering the car pickup lines far too early, causing traffic to back up onto Centerville road and into the surrounding neighborhoods. This creates a very dangerous situation where emergency vehicles cannot get access to the area and drivers have begun to enter oncoming traffic as a way to get around the jam. This week, we convened a meeting with Leon County Schools, School Administrators at both sites as well as Leon County Public Works and the Leon County Sheriff's office and these are the the results of that meeting. - Sheriff's Office Traffic Unit deputies will be in the school zone daily from 2:30 PM to at least 4 PM through October 23, issuing warnings or citations for traffic violations. After October 23, they will patrol during pickup one to two times per week. - Deputies will identify locations north and south of the school zone for warning messages reminding drivers not to cross double yellow lines or drive in opposing traffic. - Both principals will remind parents of pickup times and ask them not to arrive early. Pickup starts at 2:50 PM for Roberts and 3:50 PM for Montford. School staff will work to keep the on-campus pickup lines moving. - Yard signs on the school side of Pimlico Drive will discourage early arrival and stopping in the street. - School Board staff will evaluate a two-lane millings driveway around the property perimeter to move the queue onto school property, with an update next week. - Next week, Public Works will install DO NOT PASS and NO STANDING ANY TIME signs on northbound Centerville Road approaching Pimlico Drive. The DO NOT PASS sign will be south of Donnybrook Place; NO STANDING ANY TIME signs will be north of Donnybrook Place and between Donnybrook Place and Pimlico Drive. - We are investigating the construction of a turning lane at Centerville Road and Pimlico Drive. Public Works is collecting traffic data to evaluate whether a turn lane is warranted and its effects on the corridor. The analysis will be completed before Thanksgiving. Ultimately the cause of this problem is that parents are entering the car pickup lines FAR too early. This causes a massive traffic jam onto a major arterial road. It is illegal to park on a public road therefore when you are park your car on Pimlico Drive in front of the schools, you are breaking the law. FHP has taken it upon itself to start writing citations near the schools in Killearn Lakes that are experiencing similar issues. Once the car pickup lines are open and the cars move, the area clears out quickly. We want to encourage you to PLEASE WAIT to enter the car pickup lines until the times designated by the schools. Please remember, this is about SAFETY. The current situation creates a very dangerous scenario where people's impatience has led to some precarious and scary games of chicken with oncoming traffic, all while children are walking and riding bikes in this area. Please use patience and don't enter the pickup lines too early. Please don't park on Pimlico Drive, on the sidewalks, on the rights of way or on private residential streets. Thank you!

We have recently been informed of the Florida Highway Patrol performing traffic stops and issuing citations near Killearn Lakes Elementary School and in Killearn Lakes Plantation. First, we want to clarify that FHP has complete jurisdiction to enforce traffic laws on any roadway in the State, City, County or otherwise. Secondly, we did not request this enforcement and are not sure how it has become a priority of the agency. Lastly, we reached out to LCSO and FHP and received the following response: "The Florida Highway Patrol has received several complaints regarding vehicles passing stopped school buses in the area, Troopers have increased their presence in that area to address these concerns and help ensure the safety of students since we do have statewide jurisdiction. While conducting enforcement in the area, Troopers also observed several other traffic violations, including motorist passing vehicles stopped in the roadway by driving onto the shoulder to pass on the right. This driving behavior also creates additional safety concerns for motorist, pedestrians, and others in the area. Although, this may have been a common practice in the past, we are now also getting complaints regarding driving patterns in the area. It may be beneficial for the county and/ or school administration to evaluate the current increased traffic flow and determine whether adjustments can be made to help prevent traffic from backing up into the roadway to ensure traffic lanes remain clear so that vehicles can move safely through the area to reduce congestion and discourage motorist from attempting unsafe or unlawful maneuvers. Our primary concern is the safety of the students and the motoring public. We appreciate everyone's cooperation and welcome any efforts to improve traffic flow and safety in the area." We want to encourage everyone to PLEASE obey the traffic laws in and around our schools. We see a lot of congestion in these areas which caused drivers to do things that will result in citations. Parents are encouraged to please NOT arrive to car pickup lines too soon. This results in cars illegally blocking roadways and has a ripple effect on traffic congestion in the area. As a reminder, it is illegal to park your car on an active roadway. It is also illegal to pass a bus, or enter an oncoming lane of traffic, or speed in areas where children are present. These actions have resulted in FHP's enhanced enforcement. The ultimate result is SAFETY, so please use caution in these areas and don't get in the car pickup lines before the appropriate times. Thank you!

Hey Everyone, This Saturday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., @Walmart pharmacies are hosting The Wellness Event: free health screenings, flu shots (no cost for most insured) and pharmacist Q&A at any participating Walmart pharmacy. More: Walmart.com/wellnesshub

Our recently commissioned Fire Service’s study has been completed and as I have said from the beginning, this issue is about accountability and honesty. As elected officials, we have an obligation to ensure that the fees we charge our taxpayers are justified and applied fairly. In Leon County, we take that responsibility seriously. Our report shows that the City has not adequately managed the Fire Services fund. As a result of this mismanagement, the City unilaterally (in violation of the inter-local agreement) raised the Fire Services fee only 2 years into our 5 year agreement. When the County started asking questions, the City voted to “terminate” the agreement. Our study shows that the City was supposed to shore up the fire fund by using transfers from their general fund, rather than tax increases, which did not occur. Plainly stated, the City did not adequately collect the proper amount of money to fund its fire department, full stop. (The Fire Department we ALL depend on) Their solution was simply to raise taxes. The County said, “No, we have some questions” The City said, “Ok, we terminate the agreement, y’all just figure it out yourselves” I’m proud of our County Commission for standing up to the bullying tactics of the City of Tallahassee, which would rather jeopardize the provision of fire safety, than take accountability for the blatant mismanagement of it’s own house. I’m confident that we will find a new agreement or a new model entirely, that provides our community with the honest, forthright and well-managed fire services that we deserve. At the end of the day, tax payers not only expect accountability, they deserve it. tallahassee.com/story/news/l…

Hey Everyone, @Comcast has opened its public @Xfinity WiFi hotspots across Leon County during Hurricane Isaias. They are FREE for anyone, including non-Xfinity customers. Select "xfinitywifi" and then "Accept and Connect." Find one near you: xfinity.com/learn/mobile/net… Thanks!

Hey Everyone, With Hurricane Isaias on the way, here is our updated list of phone numbers to know. Save it to your phone or print a copy in case the power goes out. Please reach out to our office if you have any questions. Thanks!

Hey Everyone, Tropical Storm Isaias is expected to bring 3 to 6 inches of rain to Leon County from late Thursday night through the weekend. There are no watches or warnings for our area at this time. Leon County will open five sandbag sites tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 8 at 9 a.m., open dawn to dusk: - Northeast Branch Library, 5513 Thomasville Road - Apalachee Regional Park, 7550 Apalachee Parkway - Fred George Park, 3043 Capital Circle NW - Oak Ridge Road at Ranchero Road - Fort Braden Community Park, 15000 Blountstown Highway Sand, bags and ties are provided. Limit 15 bags per household. Please reach out with any concerns. Thanks!

We wanted to provide some clarification on the issues involving the @FishCampTally. We have confirmed that @LeonCounty Government is not involved in the enforcement actions currently limiting occupancy at the business. The regulatory actions currently being enforced involve a consent order from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. If you have any questions, they can be directed to FDEP's contact for the Consent Order and the outstanding septic and water well violations, Dana L. Grissom, Environmental Administrator, who can be reached at 850-595-0652. Thank you!

Hey Everyone! Cue the Rocky music, there's new exercise equipment at Pimlico Park. Leon County just finished installing a chest press, leg press and elliptical walker at the park, right by the lake and just steps from the playground. Next time you're out with the kids or taking a walk around the lake, stop by and get a workout in. Pimlico Park is in Killearn Acres at 4811 Pimlico Drive. As always, please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns, or comments.

Today, while picking up a few things at Heinz Nurseries, I was able to grab an absolutely delicious sourdough baguette with some pesto from a local home-based bakery named Pazotti Bakery. Y’all check them out at @pazzoti.bakery! It was delicious!

Hey Everyone, Here is the October update on @Blueprint_IA projects going on in Northeast Leon County. As always, please don't hesitate to reach out with any comments, questions, or concerns and we will follow up ASAP. Thank you.

It's time to vote for the next Monthly Business Spotlight, highlighting businesses and venues owned locally that call District 4 home. Choose from previous nominations or submit a new one at linktr.ee/CommishWelch. The aim is to highlight our hard-working neighbors that own, operate, work at and support these businesses right here in Northeast Leon County. We can't wait to see all the nominations. Send yours in now! linktr.ee/CommishWelch

The Bannerman Road roundabout lane striping and directional arrows are looking bright after a fresh painting last week. Thank you to @WCTVMike for the suggestion! If you see something that needs our attention, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Hey everyone! We are excited to announce our September Small Business Spotlight winner, as voted on by you! Congratulations to The Prepared Table! The Prepared Table is a NE Leon County favorite for curated and thoughtful kitchenware, tableware and everything you need for that special meal with friends and family. Keep them in mind the next time you need the perfect gift. We encourage you to swing by there this evening during the first Bannerman Block party of the season. You will find live music, great food and outstanding shopping at Bannerman Crossings tonight! Thank you to everyone that voted. We are looking forward to featuring next month’s winner!