News Summary
Tallahassee radio personality Joe Bullard has filed a lawsuit alleging age discrimination following his resignation from 96.1 JAMZ. Bullard, who has a long history with the station, plans to take a part-time consulting role at FAMU’s radio station. The FAMU community mourns the tragic deaths of two graduates in a drunk driving incident, while other local events bring attention to the political and environmental issues affecting the region.
Tallahassee – Joe Bullard, a prominent radio personality in Tallahassee, has filed a lawsuit against the owner of his former station, alleging age discrimination and a violation of Florida’s Civil Rights Act. Bullard’s departure from 96.1 JAMZ (WHBX-FM) occurred on June 17, after he spent nearly three decades with the station, which has been a significant part of his career.
In a recent announcement at an appreciation party, Bullard revealed that he will be taking on a new role at Florida A&M University’s radio station and may join another local station in the near future. This move comes after a long tenure as a radio announcer for the university’s Marching 100, a role he has filled for over 50 years. Alonda Thomas, the vice president and chief marketing and communications officer at FAMU, confirmed that Bullard will work as a part-time consultant in the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication.
In his upcoming position, Bullard is expected to contribute to student success initiatives, assist with fundraising efforts, and provide radio identification for WANM. While he has expressed interest in returning to the airwaves on WQTL VIBE 106.1 FM, he has not yet signed a contract.
Additionally, a heart-wrenching incident involving two Florida A&M University graduates has come to light. Ronnie Burns and Jayden Flemming were tragically killed by an alleged drunk driver in Houston, Texas, on August 2. The responsible suspect, 21-year-old Rene Hernandez, is expected to face two counts of murder in relation to the incident.
Burns, who was originally from Dallas, graduated with a degree in computer science and worked as a software engineer for MasterCard. Meanwhile, Flemming, a Miami native, earned a degree in accounting and was scheduled to begin a Global Business Development master’s program in Germany. Both young men were actively involved in university activities, with Burns participating in FAMU’s Collegiate 100, and Flemming engaging with the Big Brother Little Brother Mentoring Program.
Following their untimely deaths, a GoFundMe campaign was launched in their memory and rapidly raised over $40,000 to help cover funeral expenses and related costs. The tragedy has deeply affected the fraternity and the broader FAMU community, leading to an outpouring of condolences and grief.
In related news, the community is mourning the loss of Margaret O’Connor Hall, who made history as the first woman to serve as principal at Leon High School. She passed away at the age of 84 on August 1, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to education.
Environmental matters are also in the spotlight as Florida wildlife officials are considering lifting restrictions on oyster harvesting in parts of the collapsed fishery of Northwest Florida’s Apalachicola Bay. This discussion reflects ongoing efforts to manage local natural resources effectively.
Additionally, a recent legislative report card from advocacy groups Progress Florida and Florida Watch has rated nearly all state lawmakers based on their performance in relation to working families and corporate interests, highlighting the political landscape in the state.
On a different note, a serious incident occurred at Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield in Georgia, where a gunman wounded five soldiers. The suspect, a 28-year-old Army sergeant, was apprehended approximately 40 minutes after the shooting took place.
In national news, President Donald Trump announced a new 25% tariff on India concerning its Russian oil purchases, raising the total tariffs to 50%, effective August 27. Meanwhile, the U.S. stock markets saw positive movement, with the S&P 500 rising by 0.7%, the Dow increasing by 0.2%, and the Nasdaq advancing by 1.2%. This economic climate continues to evolve, impacting various sectors across the nation.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: Joe Bullard Returns to FAMU Radio
- Florida Newsline: Tallahassee Opens Registration for Fall Sports
- Tallahassee.com: Florida A&M Fraternity Brothers Texas Crash
- ABC News: Florida Couple’s Affair Leads to Murder
- Legacy: Linda Peterson Obituary
- Google Search: Joe Bullard FAMU radio
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
