The Leon County Link connects citizens with Leon County services. For Leon County news and information, please visit: LeonCountyFL.gov/News 

Vincent S. Long Earns Top Award for Local Government CEOs Internationally

The International City/County Management Association (ICMA) has recognized Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long as the 2022 recipient of the Award for Career Excellence, the highest honor for a local government CEO internationally. Vince earned this honor for his leadership in implementing transformational projects and policy, managing historic crises, protecting public safety during disaster, and consistently setting the highest standard in public service and transparency. He has demonstrated success in leading an organization that delivers transformational projects, fosters strategic partnerships, and achieves community priorities year after year.

Leon County Commission Chairman Bill Proctor said, “The distinct honor that Vince Long has warranted for himself and our community is very much appreciated by our Board. We respect that leaders across this community are high achievers. We are glad, however, and immensely proud that our institution’s administrative leader is revered by his colleagues worldwide. Under the poised mastery of Vince Long, we at Leon County will remain: People Focused. Performance Driven.”

Fall Seed Library Kickoff

The Fall Seed Library kicks off this Saturday, August 13 at 11 a.m. with a fun and educational event at the downtown Main Library. In partnership with the Leon County Office of Sustainability and UF/IFAS Leon County Extension, citizens can pick up a variety of seeds, participate in educational activities, and learn how to create a successful home garden. Seeds will be available at all Library branch locations starting August 13. Citizens can check out up to three seed packets each month while supplies last. No need to return them, they are yours to keep. Learn more at LeonCountyLibrary.org/SeedLibrary. 

"Cultura Tallahassee: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage" Exhibit Call for Artists

Residents of all ages are invited to submit artwork celebrating Hispanic culture, heritage, and history for the upcoming exhibition “Cultura Tallahassee: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage” at the LeRoy Collins Leon County Main Library. Submissions can be submitted online through Monday, August 29 at 11:59 p.m. EST. The exhibit will be on display during Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 through October 14, 2022. Learn more at LeonCountyFL.gov/HispanicHeritageMonth. 

Wander & Wonder Trail Ribbon Cutting

Leon County, in partnership with the Friends of the LeRoy Leon County Public Library System and the Knight Creative Communities Institute (KCCI), will host a ribbon cutting for the Wander & Wonder Trail at Pedrick Pond outside the Eastside Branch Library on Thursday, August 25 at 10 a.m. The trail gives families the opportunity to read a story together as they walk the trail at Leon County’s scenic Pedrick Pond Park. Additional Wander & Wonder Trails will be unveiled at two additional County libraries later this fall. Learn more at LeonCountyLibrary.org/WanderandWonder. 

Leon County News & Events

Leon County Library to Host Fourth Annual CosmicCon. The fourth annual CosmicCon will take place at the downtown Main Library on Saturday, August 27 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. This year’s theme, “Fantastic Tales of the Fourth CosmicCon,” celebrates the world of fantasy, comics, and fandoms with events and activities for all ages. CosmicCon will also feature an exhibition by artist Rayna Sassano titled “Illuminating Illustrations of Lapis Lantern Studio” on display at the Main Library from August 13 through September 13, 2022. Check out a complete list of events at LeonCountyLibrary.org/CosmicCon. 

Leon Ready Neighborhood Readiness Training. Prepare for the Atlantic Hurricane Season with your neighborhood by registering for Leon Ready’s Neighborhood Readiness Trainings. Neighborhood trainings will begin in June to coincide with the start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season. Trainings are roughly 30 minutes and are designed to be a part of regularly scheduled neighborhood meetings. At each neighborhood training, a County representative will bring five pre-made disaster preparedness buckets for neighborhood distribution. Learn more and register for a training at LeonCountyFL.gov/NeighborhoodServices. 

Fertilizer Rain Delay Continues in August. The Fertilizer Rain Delay campaign reminds homeowners and professional fertilizer applicators not to apply fertilizer for at least one day ahead of forecasted heavy rain (1 inch or more in 24 hours). Check Leon County social media pages for a reminder to refrain from fertilizing whenever there is heavy rain in the forecast.

Learn Before Your Burn Humans are the leading cause of wildfires in Florida. However, there are many tools that can help reduce the chances of a wildfire, including creating defensible space around your home and safely burning yard waste. Learn more at BeWildfireReadyFL.com.

STACPRO: Human Trafficking Business Training Leon County Government and Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center offer STACPRO, a free, on-demand training program that empowers all businesses, workplaces and employees with greater knowledge about how to recognize and respond if they suspect sex or labor trafficking. Learn more about this initiative and register for training here: STACPRO.org.

Tallahassee-Leon County Arts Guide With events ranging from Art, Dance, Film, History & Heritage, Music, Theatre & Literature, and Workshops & Classes, the Tallahassee Arts Guide can help you and your family get connected with events, opportunities and arts education! Visit TallahasseeArts.org to check out COCA's Calendar of Events.