TALLAHASSEE — State Sen. Ray Rodrigues is on track to become leader of Florida’s university system, after a search committee recommended him as its pick to become the system’s chancellor.

Rodrigues was one of eight candidates who applied to succeed Chancellor Marshall Criser, who announced in June that he would step down at the end of the year.

A search committee, made up of five members of the system’s Board of Governors, interviewed Rodrigues and one other finalist, Lori Cromwell, chief business officer for Emory University’s Candler School of Theology, on Friday. The committee decided to recommend Rodrigues to the full board.

Committee member Eric Silagy said Rodrigues would bring “a whole different level of experience” to the chancellor role over Cromwell, citing Rodrigues’ legislative experience and the senator’s employment at Florida Gulf Coast University. Rodrigues, R-Estero, also served eight years in the Florida House.

“Specifically, 16 years within the university system in Florida with budget authority. Interaction with the Board of Governors staff previously. Interaction with, obviously, the Legislature as a member … clearly demonstrates a deep knowledge of both the education system as well as the appropriation system,” said Silagy, who is chairman, president and CEO of Florida Power & Light.

Other committee members said Rodrigues’ previous work with General Electric made him an attractive candidate.

Rodrigues easily was the most politically connected applicant. As an example of his prominence in the Senate, he led redistricting efforts this year. Rodrigues announced in June he would not seek reelection to the Senate, with speculation quickly focused on him becoming chancellor.

The 17-member Board of Governors will meet Sept. 14 to consider approving Rodrigues for the job.

Cromwell and Rodrigues were interviewed Friday about topics such as free speech on campuses. Cromwell said free speech has become a “critical issue” in higher education.

“I think free speech should be protected unless there is significant harm to students or a specific population,” Cromwell said. “As (the) Board of Governors, as university administrators, it is our job to create a space in which intellectual development can occur. And I don’t necessarily think that can occur if people feel threatened in a sense that they are not comfortable.”

Rodrigues praised the university system’s past actions, which he described as reinforcing a commitment to freedom of speech. He cited a 2019 decision by the Board of Governors to sign onto what’s known as the Chicago Statement — a document published by the University of Chicago’s Committee on Free Expression.

Political editor Emily L. Mahoney will send you a rundown on local, state and national politics coverage every Thursday.

“I believe what we’ve done is correct. That speech, if it’s constitutionally protected, should be allowed on campus, anywhere on campus, and should be free,” Rodrigues said.

Rodrigues was the Senate sponsor of a controversial 2021 law (HB 233) that requires colleges and universities to annually survey students and employees about “intellectual freedom and viewpoint diversity” on campus.

Meeting before the search committee, the Board of Governors on Friday reviewed the results of the first set of surveys, which were conducted in April. Separate surveys were administered to students and employees and were optional to fill out.

Of 368,120 students who were invited to take the surveys, only 8,835 — or 2.4% — submitted responses.

“My college or university classes provide an environment for free expression of ideas, opinions and beliefs,” one of the survey’s prompts said, with 2,676 students responding with “strongly agree,” 2,534 with “agree,” 1,585 with “neither agree nor disagree,” 1,223 with “disagree” and 740 with “strongly” disagree.

A similar ratio of responses was given to a question about whether the students’ campuses foster free expression.

University employees had a higher response rate to the surveys, with 9,238 or 9.4% of the 98,704 employees, responding.

“My institution is equally tolerant and welcoming of both liberal and conservative ideas and beliefs,” said one prompt on the employee survey. In response, 2,243 employees strongly agreed, 2,060 agreed, 1,703 neither agreed or disagreed, 1,621 disagreed and 1,499 strongly disagreed.

Employees who disagreed or strongly disagreed with the question were asked to indicate the ideas and beliefs that were more prevalent. The vast majority of respondents said liberal ideology is most prevalent.

The state is embroiled in a lawsuit that challenges the survey law.

With Rodrigues set to go before the board next month, search committee member Charlie Lydecker attempted to head off criticism about Rodrigues being a politically connected choice.

“We’re just trying to be really thoughtful about not allowing folks that want to be critical, or naysayer, or somebody with hyper-partisan views, whatever that all is, our ability to not fall into a trap of appearing to be making political decision I think is really important,” Lydecker said. “I don’t think that has occurred, but I’m aware of the noise around us on any given day.”

By Ryan Dailey, News Service of Florida

ATLANTA —

Peach State voters showed up to the polls this week, and now it's time for some fun. There are many events going on in metro Atlanta, including Veterans Day Celebrations coupled with deals and free stuff.

For those who are not army strong, there are festivals and even a tribute to Beyonce by candlelight.

To submit an event | Text "weekend" to (404) 885-7600

Bring the whole family to Candler Park, where they will host a two-day fall festival. The event will include music and food from people in the community. Three will also be rides, games and a few special attractions. It's on Saturday, Nov. 12 and Sunday, Nov. 13 at Candler Park and McLendon Ave NE.

The Atlanta History Center is hosting a ceremony in honor of Veterans Day. They said that all active duty service members, veterans, their families and community members are invited to come out for the event. Their website said that Major General Bret C. Larson, Commander, 22nd Air Force, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, would be the special keynote speaker. The event is free to the public at McElreath Hall in Atlanta.

And check out all these freebies and deals in metro Atlanta for all active duty service members, veterans and their families.

This is the second and final weekend. Eat and drink until you're full at Latin Restaurant Weeks in Atlanta. Several restaurants are participating in the weeks-long celebration of Latin food. This is the second and final week. There are restaurants listed all over town to visit these few weeks. Take some time from Nov. 4-18 to find your favorite Latin dish in Atlanta.

Christmas is not too far away, and the lights are going up in Atlanta. Ticket sales are open! Buy a ticket for the garden light show at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. The exhibit will stay up through January 14 and opens on Nov. 12.

Enjoy pastries and learn from a coffee connoisseur at Epicurean Atlanta. The event runs from 10 a.m. to noon and costs $40. People who come will learn from Ulli Winckler is the master coffee roaster at Dean St. Coffee Roastery at our sister property, Luminary Hotel & Co., and president of Rebel Coffee in Cape Coral, Florida. After the class, people will receive a personalized certificate of completion.

Leave your kids at home for this event because it features an open bar. Come out to the 26th floor of the Buckhead club in Downtown Atlanta for a fabulous trip down the yellow brick road. The event promises an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment, specialty acts, dancing, a silent auction, the exciting Dom Perignon wine pull, complimentary mask and more. It costs between $75 - $100 for a ticket.

Candlelight concerts are bringing the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Atlanta. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Beyoncé at The Wimbish House under the gentle glow of candlelight.

National Adoption Week is from Nov. 7 to 13, and Kitty Angel Rescue will have dozens of cats and kittens available for adoption at reduced adoption fees, giveaways, prizes and more.

LOCATION:

Hiram PetSmart4794 Jimmy Lee Smith PkwyHiram, GA 30141678-567-0583

Kennesaw PetSmart860 Cobb Place Blvd NWKennesaw, GA 30144770-424-5226

Every Friday, grab your friends and head to the dancefloor at X Midtown to dance the night away to all your favorite hits! Every Friday the party starts at 11 p.m.

The Downtown Festival and tour of Lofts is back on Nov. 12 and Nov. 13 at Underground Atlanta. Expect live music, food and drink and a kid's zone. The Tour of Lofts allows visitors to view a full range of Condominiums, Lofts, Apartments, "under construction sites," and Penthouse residences.

Do you know enough about Harry Potter to win a $100 gift card? Come try it out at Elsewhere Brewing Co. on Friday night. They will also have themed music, Butterbeer, plus other food and drinks. Teams can be no larger than 6. People wanting to play must be seated and registered by 9 p.m.

For the Star-Banner

CANDLER — Lula Mae Keaton, hailed as a caring mother, charitable neighbor and tireless worker, celebrated her 105th birthday along with family and friends at a gathering here on June 25.

"I'm fine," said Keaton as she chatted with well-wishers.

Local guests were joined by guests from locations including Albany, Georgia and Tampa.

Learn more:A look at Lula Mae Keaton

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Keaton said her faith is important to her and she feels God has blessed her with a long life.

Keaton smiled, fielded questions and spoke to guests throughout the celebration.

Guests included Keaton’s children Robert Taylor, Annie Harts, Diane Welcome and Judie Taylor. Keaton’s son Hardges Taylor Jr. died in 2018.

Lula Mae Keaton was born in 1917

Lula Mae Keaton was born June 15, 1917, near Monticello, Florida, and spent a number of years as a field worker, according to her son Robert Taylor, 76.

Keaton moved to Marion County in the late 1940s and then, after a brief return to the Monticello area, returned to Ocklawaha, where she worked for years in local orange groves.

Keaton and Diane Welcome currently live in Ocklawaha.

Keaton's husband, Hardges Taylor Sr., died in 2021.

Family members said Lula Mae Keaton has 15 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

"She's in good health," said Welcome.

The aging of America

According to "3 Ways that the U. S. population will change over the next decade," at PBS.org, U.S. Census demographers state the number of people aged 100 "grew from over 53,000 in 2010 to 90,000 in 2020."

By 2030, the number of 100-year-olds is expected to increase to "over 130,000."

Trasz Clayton, 35, one of Keaton's grandsons, called her "a blessing" who could outwork anyone and a person with "wisdom."

Aaron Keaton of Tampa, a nephew of Keaton's, attended the celebration and recalled Lula Mae Keaton as a hard worker.

Guests Roberta Welcome and Sandra Tribble helped serve ribs, baked chicken and more.

Roberta Welcome said Lula Mae Keaton is a “good cook” and "giving person," while Sandra Tribble described her as someone who "loves community.”

The 'hardest working woman in Ocklawaha'

Jon Howard, a great-nephew, came from Albany, Georgia to attend the celebration, while Cynthia Keeton, Juanita Keeton Cannon, Shirley Keeton Parker, Ollie Keeton Burgin and Betty Sue Coleman traveled from Tampa to wish Lula Mae Keaton a happy birthday.

Several guests described Lula Mae Keaton as “amazing.”

Robert Taylor Jr. said at the celebration that his grandmother ”gets around” and she “knows everybody."

Freddie Welcome said at the celebration Lula Mae Keaton is the “hardest working woman in Ocklawaha.”

Judie Taylor said her mother helped needy neighbors and called Lula Mae Keaton a "loving mother." Taylor said she is "so thankful to be her daughter.”

Annie Harts was accompanied by her daughter, Kayla Hart.

During the celebration, the group sang “Happy Birthday" to Lula Mae Keaton and she cut the first piece of birthday cake.

Valerie Wilson, Lula Mae Keaton's granddaughter, said at the celebration her grandmother raised children with manners and required them “to be mindful and respectful to others, especially adults” and say "yes, Sir and "yes, Ma'am.

“(Lula Mae Keaton) never held a “9 to 5” job but she was able to build a home from the ground up to raise her five children… My grandmother believes in having her own without depending on no one to do things for her,” Wilson wrote in a later text.

Wilson described Lula Mae Keaton as “independent.”

CANDLER, N.C. (WLOS) — Water woes have turned into a water crisis for many residents who have still yet to see their water restored.

As of Monday, the City of Asheville said that all service has been restored to the entire southern service area, in addition, all boil water advisories have been lifted.

In the western area, boil water advisories still remain where water has been restored.

'They’re just leaving us stranded out here,' a week without water

SOUTH ASHEVILLE AREA HAS WATER, MANY CANDLER KNOB AND SPIVEY MOUNTAIN CUSTOMERS STILL DRY

For many in the Candler community, they’re going on a week without water and no answers.

Justin and Amber have lived out in their trailer park in Candler for years, they said that they’ve never experienced an outage to last this long.

“When you’ve got disabled people all around the trailer park, we’ve got elderly people that can’t get out and get their water,” expressed Justin.

They lost water last Monday, and since then Justin said they have reached out to the city every day.

He said that the city’s response has been that they’re on a list and that crews will be coming out.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE OUTAGE MAP

When they called again on Friday to ask why no crews had come out yet, Justin said they were told by the city that they weren’t on the list.

They explained the situation again and as no crews came once again over the weekend, they called Monday morning.

“Called this morning we have no reports of yall being out of water and we don’t even know that you’re out of water, it’s so frustrating,” Justin expressed.

He added the frustration has grown as they can’t wash their kids' clothes and continue to haul water in for their neighbors in need.

“I know we’re at the bottom of the list but we’d just like a little bit of water, our kids go to school tomorrow they haven’t been able to get showers,” he said.

When asked what questions Justin would like answered from the city, he said that they would just like to be acknowledged.

He explained how they just keep getting told by the city that crews are coming and then days later there are no crews and the city doesn’t know anything about a water outage in their area.

Justin said he just wants his community to be acknowledged that they don't have water.

He said the response they’ve gotten from the city has left them feeling stranded.

“It would be nice if the city would just either tell us the truth or give us a time that they’re going to have water restored back in this community,” Justin expressed.

Justin’s family isn’t the only one out in the Candler community that has felt these same struggles.

That has led to groups coming together and providing water distribution sites for those still without water.

Those groups include Asheville for Justice, Asheville Survival Program, and Mutual Aid Disaster Relief.

One member, Grace Barron-Martinez said that she had heard from people that there’s been a lot of distrust in the timelines for restoration that the city has given.

“We just decided to come out and make sure people got what they needed because the city’s communication has been so poor and we’re just trying to meet people where they’re at,” Grace expressed.

Grace added that they believed that they need to know why there hasn’t been a greater response of communication and getting water to the people in need from the city.

“Clearly a lot has gone wrong, and this is a major disaster and we are not sure why there aren’t more hands on the ground,” said Grace.

She said that it seemed that the city doesn’t even have a clear understanding of who doesn’t have water.

'WE WILL DO BETTER' OFFICIALS SAY THEY AIM TO PREVENT FUTURE, WIDESPREAD WATER OUTAGES

“Lots of people come by and say well my neighbor doesn’t have a car you know or people don’t have access to the internet, people don’t have cellphones so the ways that the city has been communicating have not made a lot of sense.”

Another member, Elliot Patterson explained how they’ve had distribution sites set up in Candler since Friday due to a lack of communication from the city.

“I think there’s still definitely a need for this kind of community of neighbors helping neighbors,” Elliot expressed.

When asked what questions should be addressed to the city, Elliot expressed that there’s a big question mark as to why communication was not given early enough for people to plan for this outage.

They will continue to donate water to those in need on Tuesday.

Anyone who is able to make donations can do so from 11am-6pm at Starnes Cove Baptist Church.

Other ways to help them be able to continue donating water is to donate monetarily through their Venmo: @AshevilleforJustice or their CashApp: $streets1de

The city will hold another press conference on the water service restoration process on Tuesday at 4pm.

Ocala Star-Banner

Hurricane Ian, packing 155 mph wind, made its official landfall at 3 p.m. Wednesday over Cayo Costa, a barrier island just north of North Captiva Island off the cost of Fort Myers.

It is the exact same place where Hurricane Charley made landfall in August 2004. Charley, also a Category 4 storm, was much smaller than Ian.

Hurricane Ian then began making its way across Florida, toward the east coast.

Check back here during the day for the latest Marion County news

Live updates:Follow the storm throughout the day

Previous coverage:Wednesday's live Hurricane Ian updates in Marion County

Previous coverage:Tuesday's live Hurricane Ian updates in Marion County

7 p.m. | 'We are blessed in our community to only have minor impacts from Hurricane Ian.'

In a statement posted to Facebook Thursday night, County Commission Chairman Carl Zalak thanked the sheriff's office, the county's Emergency Operations Team and the community for all their work through the storm.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with those in Southwest Florida that have been heavily impacted by this storm," he concluded. "We will do everything in our power to support them through this difficult time."

5:15 p.m. | The latest on power outages in Marion County

This was the report as of 5:15 p.m. Thursday:

Provider (Customers): Outages

Central Florida Electric Cooperative (9): 0

Clay Electric Cooperative (16,605): 1,710

Duke Energy (74,536): 2,749

Ocala Electric Utility (52,146): 412

SECO Energy (64,766): 603

Total (208,062): 5,474 (about 2.63% of all customers countywide)

1:55 p.m. | Marion County will help its neighbors to the south

By now many people have seen the devastation that Hurricane Ian caused in Fort Myers and other parts of southwest Florida.

The Marion County Sheriff's Office will do its part to help down there.

"The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is currently assembling personnel, equipment, and supplies to dispatch to the Southwest Florida counties who were devastatingly impacted by Hurricane Ian. Our prayers are with those who have lost so much during this difficult time. Further updates about these efforts will be forthcoming as arrangements are finalized," the sheriff's office said in a news release Thursday afternoon.

1:20 p.m. | Emergency operations are winding down in Marion County

At 1:20 p.m., the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management announced that the citizen information line is now closed. Also, all emergency shelters began closing at 9 a.m.

"Citizens who have special needs were assisted and officials ensured their homes had functioning utilities and were safe to return to," the division said in a news release.

"We are currently monitoring any additional impacts from Hurricane Ian and working to remove debris, clear roadways and restore utilities," the release says.

12:05 p.m. | The latest on Marion County power outages

This was the report as of noon Thursday:

Provider (Customers): Outages

Central Florida Electric Cooperative (9): 0

Clay Electric Cooperative (16,605): 5,214

Duke Energy (74,536): 4,914

Ocala Electric Utility (52,146): 167

SECO Energy (64,766): 548

Total (208,062): 10,843 (about 5.2% of all customers countywide)

11:20 a.m. | Not a good day for shopping in Marion County

As Hurricane (now Tropical Storm) Ian made its way east on Thursday, many Ocala stores remained closed.

10:15 a.m. | National Weather Service reports initial rainfall totals from Hurricane Ian

Thursday morning, National Weather Service meteorologist Will Corless said rainfall for Marion County within the past 36 hours has been less than predicted.

Corless said the eastern portion of the county recorded 3.46 inches. In Candler, the reading was 2.55 inches. The Villages reported 1.88 inches and in Dunnellon it was 0.64 inches.

10:05 a.m. | Local agencies begin reporting damage assessments

It's early still, but this is what the Star-Banner has learned so far:

10 a.m. | Several hundred people rode out the storm in shelters

Several hundred people did utilize shelters overnight into Thursday morning. Marion County School Board Chairman Eric Cummings shared on Facebook that there were 100 people, and 35 animals, at the pet-friendly shelter at Vanguard High School.

6:20 a.m. As Hurricane Ian leaves the area, cooler weather moves into Marion County

A cold front, which helped push Ian across Florida, has arrived in Marion County. Wednesday's high temperature was only 77 degrees and the low on Thursday dipped below 60 in some locations.

The high temperature each day for most of the next week is not expected to reach 85 degrees, according to the National Weather Service in Jacksonville. Each day will be sunny, except for a partly cloudy Wednesday.

The high temperature in Ocala on Friday is expected to be 76 degrees, with northwest wind of up to 17 mph.

The highs on Saturday through Wednesday are predicted to be about 83 degrees, with lows about 60.

5:55 a.m. | Do you have storm-related questions? The Marion County Sheriff's Office reminds residents that the citizen information line is still being staffed.

5:05 a.m. | Power outages: Updated power outages across Marion County

As of 5 a.m., 6,762 out of 208,049 Marion County customers with five power companies were without power. That means 96.75% of all customers have power at 5 a.m. Thursday.

Provider (Customers): Outages; %Power still on

Central Florida Electric Cooperative (9): 0; 100.0%

Clay Electric Cooperative (16,601): 337; 97.98%

Duke Energy (74,536): 3,069; 95.89%

Ocala Electric Utility (52,146): 3,084; 94.13%

SECO Energy (64,766): 272; 99.59%

Total (208,049): 6,762; 96.75%

5:05 a.m. | National Weather Service says worst of Ian has passed for Marion County

Hurricane Ian continues to skirt far southeastern Marion County Thursday morning and National Weather Service forecasters say no major damage has been reported countywide so far.

Jason Hess, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, said the worst of Ian, which is now packing 65 mph as it heads toward Cape Canaveral, has passed for Marion. Ian is now a tropical storm.

When asked about reports of major storm damage so far in Marion, Hess said there have not been any. He said there have been tropical storm wind gusts and some localized rain totals of above 5 inches.

"There was peak wind gusts were 30 to 40 mph," Hess said. "So, that continued shift to the south and east of Marion County may mean the tropical storm warnings and flood watches may fall (or be discontinued)."

Hess said Ocala may get another 1 inch of rain, up to 4 inches in the Ocala National Forest, throughout Thursday. He said the wind will continue to taper off through the evening, with wind speed up to 20 mph and gusts up to 40 mph.

Hess said today's high in Marion County will only hit 73 degrees.