Florida This Week: Recent Episodes
WEDU PBS
Florida This Week is Tampa Bay’s longest-running prime time public affairs program, now available as a podcast. Moderator Rob Lorei leads a diverse roundtable of journalists, academics, officials, and other political insiders for a lively talk.
This week's topics:
- Floridians prominent in Trump Choices
- Rays cross the Bay for 2025 Season
With guests:
- Barbara Haselden, President, St. Petersburg Republican Club
- Michael Van Sickler, Managing Editor/ News and Engagement, Tampa Bay Times
- Ray Arsenault, Author/Historian, John Hope Franklin Professor of History Emeritus, USF- St. Petersburg
- Richie Floyd, St. Petersburg City Councilman, District 8, Democrat
This week's topics:
- Trump wins in historic election
- Mixed results in state returns
- GOP gains strength in Florida Legislature
- Strong school support across Tampa Bay
With guests:
- Alex Sink, Former Florida Chief Financial Officer, Democrat
- Daniel Ruth, Honors College Visiting Professor of Professional Practice, USF
- Carmen Edmonds, Chair, Hillsborough County Republican Executive Committee
- Darryl Paulson, Professor Emeritus of Government & Politics, USF-St. Petersburg
This week's topics:
- DeSantis uses office to fight amendments 3 & 4
- Outrage over rough campaign insults
- GOP Voters lead the way in early Florida voting
- Tampa Bay Times joins other papers in Presidential Non-endorsement
With guests:
- Patrick Manteiga, Editor and Publisher, La Gaceta, Democrat
- Natalie King, Political Consultant, Republican
- Barry Edwards, Political commentator and pollster, Republican
- Alan Cohn, Journalist, Democrat
- Steve Bousquet, Opinion Editor, South Florida Sun Sentinel
This week's topics:
- Slow recovery from 2 hurricanes
- Regulatory concerns over St.Petersburg crane collapse
- Tropicana Field Roof collapse leaves Rays Homeless
- Hurricanes cause widespread pollution in Bay area waters
- TV stations threatened for airing ad that supports Amendment 4
- DeSantis disagrees with Trump on recreational marijuana
- Early voting begins in Florida
With guests:
- Craig Patrick, Political Editor, Chief Investigative Reporter, Fox 13 News
- Deveron Gibbons, Businessman, Vice-chair and Trustee at St. Petersburg College and FAMU, Republican
- Tara Newsom, Attorney, Political Science Professor at St. Petersburg College
- Bob Buckhorn, Former Tampa Mayor, Democrat
- Mark Katches, Editor, Tampa Bay Times
This week's topics:
- Cleanup and recovery from 2 hurricanes
- Flooding issues after 2 hurricanes
- Florida Homeowner's Insurance Woes
- Pushback on Climate change and hurricanes
- Taxpayer funded ads against Amendments 3 & 4
With guests:
- Lawrence Mower, Tallahassee Correspondent, Tampa Bay Times
- Rebecca Liebson, Real Estate Reporter, Tampa Bay Times
- Mary Ellen Klas, Policy and Politics Columnist, Bloomberg Opinion
- Adam Goodman, Edward R. Murrow Sr. Fellow, Tufts University, Political Consultant, Republican
- Alan Clendenin, Tampa City Councilman, District 1, Democrat
- Lisa Miller, President, Lisa Miller and Associates
- Christina Diamond, Chief Executive Officer, Ruth's List, Democrat
This week's topics:
- Hurricane Helene tears a path across the South
- Vice-Presidential Debate Face-off
With guests:
- Jennifer Griffith, Chair, Pinellas County Democratic Party
- Jeff Brandes, Former State Senator, President, Florida Policy Project, Republican
- Trimmel Gomes, Journalist, President, Gomes Media Strategies
- Kimberly Leonard, Politics Reporter, Author "Florida Playbook", Politico
This week's topic:
- The issues for younger voters in 2024
With guests:
- Brittany Jean, President, Tampa Bay Young Republicans
- Jake Hoffman, Executive Director, Tampa Bay Young Republicans
- Grace Tabor, President, USF College Republicans
- Marley Price, Community Activist, Democratic Socialist, Democrat
- David Moscrip, Chair, Hillsborough County Libertarian Party
- Richie Floyd, St. Petersburg City Councilman, District 8, Democrat
- Jonathon Chavez, President, Hillsborough County Young Democrats
- Bree Wallace, Non-Profit Director and Community Activist, Democrat
This week's topics:
- Trump-Harris Debate draws huge audience
- Abortion Amendment signatures checked by state police
- Florida U.S. Senate race Tightening up
With guests:
- Eric Deggans, NPR TV Critic & Media Analyst
- Yacob Reyes, Tampa Bay Reporter, Axios
- Tara Newsom, Attorney and Political Science Professor, St. Petersburg College
- Carmen Edmonds, Chair, Hillsborough County Republican Executive Committee
This week's topics:
- Florida Parks Whistleblower Fired
- Ben Sasse to receive $1 million yearly until 2028
- Reproductive Freedom Bus tour begins in Florida
- New law a blow to Unions in Florida
With guests:
- Maya Brown, Political Consultant, Democrat
- Stanley Gray, Former President, Hillsborough County Urban League, NPA
- Deveron Gibbons, Businessman, Trustee & Vice Chair, St. Petersburg College & FAMU, Republican
- Carlos Guillermo Smith, Florida State-Senator Elect for Florida District 17 , Senior Policy Advisor, Equality Florida, Democrat
This week's topic:
- The State of Labor in Florida
With guests:
- Rich Templin, Director of Politics and Public Policy, Florida AFL-CIO
- Valerie Chuchman, Secretary-Treasurer, Hillsborough County Classroom Teachers Association
- Jim Junecko, Union Representative, International Union of Operation Engineers, Local 487, Tampa
- Lee Bryant, President, Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association
- Kelly Benjamin, Higher Education Labor Organizer
This week's topics:
- Democrats nominate Harris & Walz in Chicago
- Florida Primary Election Results
- Proposed Hotels & Golf Courses at Florida State Parks
With guests:
- Dr. Judithanne Scourfield Mclauchlan, Delegate, Democratic National Convention, Political Science Professor, USF
- Victor DiMaio, Democratic Consultant, President, Hillsborough County Democratic Hispanic Caucus
- Travis Horn, President & CEO, Bullhorn Communications, Republican
- Jennifer Griffith, Chair, Pinellas County Democratic Party
- Hunter Branstner, Vice President, Polk County Young Republicans
This week's topics:
- Former U of F President Ben Sasse goes on spending spree
- Tampa Bay Times Cuts staff by 20 percent
- Moms for Liberty School Board Candidates Keep a Low Profile
With guests:
- Joe Henderson, Political Journalist, Former Columnist and Reporter, Tampa Tribune
- Rosemary Goudreau O’Hara, Former Editorial Page Editor, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
- Daniel Ruth, Honors College Visiting Professor of Professional Practice, USF
- William March, Columnist and Reporter, Floridapolitics.com
This week's topics:
- Faith Leaders on Politics and Religion
With guests:
- Rev. J.C. Pritchett II, President, Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Florida (IMA)
- Bill Bunkley, Host, Faith Talk 570 & 910, Salem Radio
- Reverend Kim Wells, Lakewood United Church of Christ, St. Petersburg
- Rev. Dr. Russell Meyer, Executive Director, Florida Council of Churches
- Rev. Andy Oliver, Pastor, Allendale United Methodist, St. Petersburg
This week's topics:
- Kamala Harris volunteers soar in Florida
- Tampa Bay Rays stadium approved by county commission
- Mixed support from GOP on Recreational Marijuana
- Senator Rick Scott's Medicare support questioned by Democrats
With guests:
- Mitch Perry, Political Reporter, Florida Phoenix
- Natalie King, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, RSA Consulting, Republican
- Robin Lockett, Regional Director, Tampa Bay, Florida Rising, Democrat
- Janelle Irwin Taylor, Journalist, Publisher, Southeast Politics
This week's topics:
- Presidential Torch is passed
- Questions over language on Abortion Amendment
- Florida a testing ground for Project 2025
- Hillsborough County School District Files Lawsuit against County Commission
With guests:
- Michael Van Sickler, Assistant Managing Editor, News, Tampa Bay Times
- Julia Aguayo Hassler, President, Libertad Club Hispano Republicano de Pasco, Republican
- Dr. Judithanne Scourfield McLauchlan, Delegate, Democratic National Convention, Political Science Professor, USF
- Deveron Gibbons, Business executive, Trustee & Vice Board Chair of FAMU & St. Petersburg college, Republican
- Patrick Manteiga, Editor & Publisher, La Gaceta, Democrat
This week's topics:
- Trump Nominated at GOP Convention
- Fact Checks from Politifact
- The GOP Convention and the 2024 election
With guests:
- Amilee Stuckey, Polk County Republican State Committeewoman
- Marta Campabadal Graus, Reporter, Politifact
- Travis Horn, President & CEO, Bullhorn Communications, Republican
- Alan Cohn, Journalist, Democrat
This week's topics:
- Jill Biden Stumps in Tampa
- Trump and Rubio Rally in South Florida
- Trump and Project 2025
- New "Free state of Florida" Highway Signs
With guests:
- Kimberly Leonard, Politics Reporter, Author "Florida Playbook", Politico
- William March, Columnist & Reporter, Tampa Bay Times
- Shelley Reback, Retired Attorney and host of WMNF radio's MidPoint Wednesday show, Democrat
- Brittany Jean, President, Tampa Bay Young Republicans
This week's topic:
- Tampa Man freed 37 years after wrongful conviction
With guests:
- Dan Sullivan, Criminal Justice Reporter, Tampa Bay Times
- Robert DuBoise, Exonerated for false conviction
This week's topic:
- Breaking down the Presidential Debate
With guests:
- Tara Newsom, Attorney and Political Science Professor, St. Petersburg College
- Kevin Cate, Political Consultant, Founder, Catecomm Communications, Democrat
- Carmen Edmonds, Chair, Hillsborough County Republican Executive Committee
- Ciara Torres-Spelliscy, Law Professor, Stetson University College of Law
This week's topics:
- Florida University Lessons argued in court
- Juneteenth not a State Holiday in Florida
- Democrats work to win more seats in November
- How is "Lawfare" used by politicians?
With guests:
- Jason Garcia, Publisher, "Seeking Rents" Newsletter & Podcast
- Adriana Novoa, Professor of Latin American History, University of South Florida
- Trimmel Gomes, Journalist, President, Gomes Media Strategies
- Darryl Paulson, Emeritus Professor of Govt. & Politics, USF-St. Petersburg
This week's topics:
- Governor signs new Florida Budget
- St. Petersburg Council has early vote on Rays development
- Hillsborough County Commissioner Owen Resigns to run for State Office
- Federal Judge Blocks Florida Transgender Law
With guests:
- Alex Sink, Former Florida CFO, Democrat
- Deborah Tamargo, Past President, Florida Federation of Republican Women
- Bob Buckhorn, Former Tampa Mayor, Exec. V.P. Shumaker Advisors-Democrat
- Travis Horn, Pres. & CEO, Bullhorn Communications, Republican
This week's topics:
- Pride Month Celebrated in U.S. and Florida
- Trump Supporters vow not to work with Democrats
- Right to Contraception act fails vote in Senate
- Florida Insurance woes discussed in D.C.
With guests:
- Carlos Guillermo Smith, Senior Policy Advisor, Equality Florida
- April Schiff, GOP Consultant, Hillsborough County Republican State Committeewoman
- Victor Dimaio, Democratic Consultant, Hillsborough County Democratic Hispanic Caucus
- Pam McAloon, Pinellas County Republican State Committeewoman
This week's topics:
- Record Heat and Hurricane Season
- Climate Change and Electric Rate Hikes
- Police Beat Young Man at Lakeland Apartments Complex
With guests:
- Jeff Berardelli, Chief Meteorologist and Climate Specialist, WFLA/WTTA/WSNN
- Kimberly Moore, Reporter, Lkldnow.com
- Craig Pittman, Columnist-Author, Florida Phoenix
- Emily Mahoney, Energy Reporter, Tampa Bay Times
This week:
- Ray Arsenault on civil rights leader John Lewis
With guest:
- Ray Arsenault, Author/Historian, John Hope Franklin Professor of History Emeritus, USF-St. Petersburg
This week's topics:
- Rick Scott ads make Socialism Claims
- Referendums on Hillsborough and Pinellas Schools this fall
- Skyway lights restricted due to commissioner's objections
- Bodycam video released of airman shot by Florida Deputy
With guests:
- Janelle Irwin Taylor, Journalist and Publisher, Southeast Politics
- Stanley Gray, Retired Businessman
- Barry Edwards, Political commentator and pollster
- Patrick Manteiga, Editor and publisher, La Gaceta, Democrat
This week's topics:
- Education Rankings in Florida Schools
- St. Pete Council Discusses new Rays Development Deal
- Governor Asks for Executive Privilege to keep Documents Secret
With guests:
- Maya Brown, Political Consultant, Democrat
- April Schiff, Hillsborough County Republican State Committeewoman
- Colleen Wright, St. Petersburg Reporter, Tampa Bay Times
- Darryl Paulson, Emeritus Professor of Government & Politics, USF- St. Petersburg
This week's topics:
- Florida's 6 Week Abortion ban now in effect
- Pro-Palestinian Protestors arrested on Florida campuses
- Florida Challenges federal Transgender protections
With guests:
- Tara Newsom, Attorney and Political Science Professor, St. Petersburg College
- Teresa Guzman Pagan, Director of Special Projects, Florida Rising
- Divya Kumar, Higher Education Reporter, Tampa Bay Times
- Sharon Calvert, Blogger, Eye on Tampa Bay, Republican
This week's topics:
- President Biden Campaigns in Tampa for Abortion
- Protestors come out over war in Gaza
- Seven Democrats to run against Luna
- Grayson enters race for the U.S. Senate
With guests:
- Jennifer Griffith, Chair, Pinellas County Democratic Party
- Janelle Irwin Taylor, Journalist, Publisher, Southeast Politics
- Danny Kushmer, Real Estate Broker, Businessman, Republican
- Mitch Perry, Political Reporter, Florida Phoenix
This week's topics:
- Florida Leads the Nation in School Book Bans
- Remembering Former Senator and Governor Bob Graham
- Ousted Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren Runs Again
- Tampa Bay Area Gaining in GOP Voters
With guests:
- Julia Aguayo Hassler, President, Libertad Club Hispano Republicano de Pasco
- Natasha Sutherland, Deputy Director, Florida Watch
- Craig Patrick, Fox 13 Political Editor, Chief Investigator
- Ciara Torress-Spelliscy, Professor of Law, Stetson University College of Law
This week's topics:
- The Pros and Cons of the Rays Stadium and Development Plans
With guests:
- Chris Steinocher, President & CEO, St. Pete Chamber of Commerce
- Richie Floyd, St. Petersburg City Councilman, District 8
- Janet Long, Pinellas County Commissioner, District 1
- Ron Diner, Nohomerun.com
This week's topics:
- Abortion Decisions from the Florida Supreme Court
- Recreational Marijuana Can Appear on State Ballot
- New Homeowner's Insurance Companies Enter Florida
With guests:
- Steve Bousquet, Opinion Editor, South Florida Sun Sentinel
- Senator Darryl Rouson, Florida District 16, Hillsborough & Pinellas, Democrat
- Tara Newsom, Attorney, Political Science Professor, St. Petersburg College
- Mafe Rajul, Former Judge/ Mediator, Independent
This week's topic:
- Immigration and the State of Florida
With guests:
- Dr. Alayne Unterberger, Anthropologist and Immigration Researcher
- Barbara Haselden, Insurance Broker, President of the St. Petersburg Republican Club
- Roberto Torres, Businessman, Host "Why Tampa Bay?", Democrat
- C.J. Czaia, Attorney, Owner, Czaia Law
This week's topics:
- Impending Refugee Crisis in Haiti
- Trump Wins in Florida Presidential Primary
- USF Students go on Hunger Strike Over Gaza
- Tampa Pride Parade Will Not Receive a Commendation
With guests:
- Brittany Jean, President, Tampa Bay Young Republicans
- Yacob Reyes, Tampa Bay Reporter, Axios
- Ben Montgomery, Author and Independent Journalist
- Reverend Andy Oliver, Pastor, Allendale United Methodist Church, St. Petersburg
- Shalyn Fluharty, Immigration Attorney and Advocate
This week's topics:
- NAACP Calls for Black Athlete Boycott of Florida Universities
- Significant Bills in the 2024 Florida Legislative Session
With guests:
- Douglas Soule, Florida First Amendment Reporter, USA Today Network-Florida
- Gayle Andrews, Political Consultant & Commentator, Democrat
- Jason Garcia, Publisher, Seeking Rents Newsletter, Podcast
- Deborah Tamargo, Immediate Past President, Florida Federation of Republican Women
This week's topics:
- Ruling Blocks "Stop Woke" Act
- Bill to Ban Sleeping in Public Areas
- Hillsborough Transit Tax Funds to Pay Legal Bills
- Florida Legislature Wraps up 2024 Session
With guests:
- Tom Lee, Former Florida Senate President, Republican
- Maya Brown, Political Consultant, Democrat
- Jeff Brandes, Former State Senator, President Florida Policy Project, Republican
- Patrick Manteiga, Editor and Publisher, La Gaceta Newspaper, Democrat
This week's topics:
- DeSantis Blocks Release of Government Documents
- Calls for Florida Surgeon General to Resign
- Tampa Journalist Arrested for Alleged Computer Hacks
- Senate President Censured by Florida GOP
With guests:
- Howard Simon, Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida
- April Schiff, Hillsborough County Republican State Committeewoman
- Kimberly Leonard, Politics Reporter, Author “The Florida Playbook”, Politico
- Lawrence Mower, Tallahassee Correspondent, Tampa Bay Times
This week's topics:
- Do Book Bans Score Political Points?
- Proposal to Define a Fetus as an "Unborn Child"
- Pressure for Bridget Ziegler to Resign
- Move to Limit Greenhouse Gas References
With guests:
- Mike Fasano, Pasco County Tax Collector, Republican
- Janelle Irwin Taylor, Publisher, Southeast Politics
- Alan Cohn, Journalist, Democrat
- Gene Siudut, Assistant Editor and Columnist, La Gaceta
This week's topics:
- Tampa Bay Regional Competitiveness Report
- Less Emphasis on "Anti-Woke" Laws
- Proposal to Change Florida Gun Laws
- Large Companies Buying Up Tampa Bay Homes
With guests:
- Bemetra Simmons, President and CEO, Tampa Bay Partnership
- Aakash Patel, Founder and CEO, Elevate, Inc., Republican
- Mitch Perry, Political Reporter, Florida Phoenix
- Jennifer Griffith, Chair, Pinellas County Democratic Party
- Kathryn Varn, Tampa Bay Reporter, Axios
This week's topics:
- Abortion-Rights Measure goes before Florida Supreme Court
- Proposal for Homeless Camps in Florida
- New College Dean Under Fire Over Comedy Routine
- New Proposal for State-Run Citizens Insurance
With guests:
- Alex Sink, Former Florida Chief Financial Officer, Democrat
- David Ponton III, Asst. Professor & Undergrad Director, School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies, USF
- Danny Kushmer, Real Estate Broker and Businessman, Republican
- William March, Political Columnist, Tampa Bay Times
This week's topics:
- Disney Free Speech Lawsuit Dismissed
- Andrew Warren Reacts to New Ruling
- DeSantis calls for Constitutional Convention
- No Gender Changes on Florida Driver Licenses
With guests:
- Howard Simon, Interim Executive Director, American Civil Liberties Union of Florida
- Deborah Tamargo, Past President, Florida Federation of Republican Women
- Hunter Branstner, Vice President, Polk County Young Republicans
- Tara Newsom, Attorney, Political Science Professor, St. Petersburg College
This week's topic:
- Interview with Patricia De Stacy Harrison, the longest serving president and CEO of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
With Special Guests:
- Guest Host, Dalia Colon
- Patricia de Stacy Harrison, President and CEO, Corporation for Public Broadcasting
This week's topics:
- Desantis Suspends Presidential Campaign
- Florida Supreme Court Considers Abortion Rights
- Bill on Work Restrictions for Florida Teens
- Big Business and Florida Workers
With guests:
- Paula Dockery, Former State Senator and Representative
- Stanley Gray, President and CEO, Hillsborough County Urban League
- Travis Horn, President and CEO, Bullhorn Communications, Republican
- Amy Weintraub, Reproductive Rights Program Director, Progress Florida
This week's topics:
- Desantis Continues Presidential Run
- Surprise Win for Democrat in Florida
- Possible Social Media Ban for Florida Youth
- More Limits on DEI in Florida
With guests:
- Trimmel Gomes, Journalist, President, Gomes Media Strategies
- Kimberly Leonard, Politics Reporter, Politico, Author, "Florida Playbook"
- Kirby Wilson, Politics Reporter, Tampa Bay Times
- Mary Ellen Klas, Politics & Policy Columnist, Bloomberg Opinion
This week's topics:
- Investigation of Video Voyeurism
- Florida Surgeon General Asks for Vaccine Halt
- Local Officials Bow out over New Law
- How Many Undocumented Immigrants Live in Florida?
With guests:
- Kim Droege, Host, "Connecting with Kim" on TBAE, Republican
- Barry Edwards, Commentator and Pollster
- John Dingfelder, Former Tampa City Councilman, Democrat
- Bill Bunkley, Salem Radio Talk Show Host
This week's topics:
Top Florida stories of the year for 2023
- Book Banning/ Book Removal from School Library Shelves
- Republican Takeover of New College
- Culture Wars in Florida
- Republicans surpass Democrats in Party Registration
- DeSantis Falls in Presidential Primary Polls
With guests:
- Eric Deggans, TV & Media Analyst, NPR
- Ray Arsenault, John Hope Franklin Professor of History Emeritus-USF St. Petersburg, Author-Historian
- Steve Bousquet, Opinion Editor, South Florida Sun Sentinel
- Emily Mahoney, Senior Political Writer, Tampa Bay Times
- Diane Roberts, Writer, Florida Phoenix, FSU English Professor
This week's topics:
"Once Upon a Time in Florida" celebrates 50 years of Florida Humanities
With guests:
- Dalia Colon, Journalist, Podcaster, Co-Host "WEDU Arts Plus"
- Gary Mormino, Emeritus Professor of History, USF- St. Petersburg, Author-Historian
- Pete Gallagher, Journalist, Photographer, Host-"Florida Folk Show" Podcast
- Jacki Levine, Editor, FORUM magazine, Florida Humanities
This week's topics:
- School board scandal in Sarasota
- Questions over Worrell Removal
- Rays name change discussed in St. Petersburg
- FSU Football snub investigation
With guests:
- Colleen Wright, St. Petersburg Reporter, Tampa Bay Times
- Scott Maxwell, Columnist, Orlando Sentinel
- Sheryl Wilson, Former Chair, Manatee County Democratic Party
- Aakash Patel, Founder & CEO, Elevate, Inc., Republican
- Jacob Ogles, Reporter, FloridaPolitics.com
This week's topic:
- Special program - The Power of Political Ads
With guests:
- Adam Goodman, Political Consultant, Edward R. Murrow Sr. Fellow at Tufts University, Republican
- Kevin Cate, Political Consultant, Founder, CATECOMM Communications, Democrat
This week's topics:
- DeSantis vs Newsom Debate
- Mysterious Death in Tallahasse
- Ziegler allegations in Sarasota
With guests:
- Trimmel Gomes, Journalist and President, Gomes Media Strategies
- Patrick Manteiga, Editor and Publisher, La Gaceta
- Kimberly Leonard, Politics Reporter, Author "Florida Playbook", Politico
This Week's Topics:
- How to Handle Homeowner's Insurance in Florida
With Guests:
- Chip Merlin, Attorney, President and Founder, Merlin Law Group
- Lawrence Mower, Tallahassee Correspondent, Tampa Bay Times
- Scott Johnson, Owner, President, Johnson Strategies LLC
This Week's Topics:
- Special Session Legislation
- GOP Candidates Debate in Miami
- Florida Lawmakers Tussle over Israel and Gaza
- Steve Martin Book Banned
With Guests:
- Alex Sink, Former Florida CFO, Democrat
- Danny Kushmer, Real Estate Broker and Businessman, Republican
- Mitch Perry, Political Reporter, Florida Phoenix
- Kimberly Leonard, Florida Politics Reporter, Politico
This week's topics:
- Shootings in Ybor Stuns the Region
- DeSantis Poll Numbers Slide
- Palestinian/Israeli War Spark Protests in Tampa Bay
- How Free Are We?
With guests:
- Deborah Tamargo, Immediate Past President, Florida Federation of Republican Women, Republican
- Tara Newsom, Attorney-Political Science Professor, St. Petersburg College
- Janelle Irwin Taylor, President, Summit Communications Strategies
- Victor DiMaio, President and CEO, DiMaio and Associates, Democrat
This week's topics:
- St Pete Council Looks at Rays Deal
- Protest groups banned on Florida Campuses
- Why are Homeowner's Rates on the Rise?
- Candidates Prepare to Run against Luna
With guests:
- Sean Shaw, Attorney, Democrat
- Deveron Gibbons, Trustee, St. Petersburg College and FAMU
- William March, Political Columnist, Tampa Bay Times
- Colleen Wright, St. Petersburg Reporter, Tampa Bay Times
This week's topics:
- Tampa Bay Reactions to violence in Israel and Gaza
- Judicial Court Changes Avoid the Sunshine Laws
With guests:
- Jonathan Ellis, Attorney, Chair of the Tampa Jewish Community Relations Council
- Ahmed Bedier, President, Tampa/Hillsborough County Human Rights Council
- Justin Garcia, State and Local Accountability Reporter, Tampa Bay Times
This week's topics:
- Gaetz leads the ouster of McCarthy
- Richard Corcoran chosen as the New College President
- Children lose Medicaid coverage in Florida
- Will Andrew Warren run again?
With guests:
- Matt Newton, Attorney, Columnist-La Gaceta, Democrat
- Stanley Gray, Pres & CEO, Hillsborough County Urban League
- April Schiff, Hillsborough Republican State Committeewoman
- Darryl Paulson, Emeritus Professor of Government & Politics, USF-St. Petersburg
This week's topics:
- Crosstalk at the GOP Debate
- Floridians lag in Healthcare Coverage
- Matt Gaetz and a possible shutdown
With guests:
- Steve Schale, CEO, Unite the Country, Democrat
- Ken Cuccinelli, Never Back Down PAC-Founder, Republican
- Sheryl Wilson, Former Chair, Manatee County Democratic Party
- Kim Droege, Host-Connecting with Kim on TBAE, Republican
This week's topics:
- Corcoran Defends New College
- Ladapo questions COVID-19 Boosters
- DeSantis on a Convicted Trump
- 300 Books Banned in Florida
With guests:
- Rep. Fentrice Driskell, District 67, Hillsborough County, Democrat
- Dawn Peters, Pinellas County School Board member, Republican
- Mike Deeson, Author, Independent Journalist, Democrat
- Danny Kushmer, Real Estate Agent, Businessman, Republican
This week's topics:
- Hurricane Idalia and Insurance Woes
- Hate Groups march in Florida
- School Voucher use questioned
- Jimmy Buffet remembered
With guests:
- Rep. Berny Jacques, Florida District 59, Pinellas county, Republican
- Gayle Andrews, Corporate & Political media consultant, Democrat
- David Decker, Photographer & Videographer, Creative Loafing
- Susan Glickman, Florida Clinicians for Climate Action, Policy & Programs
This week's topics:
- DeSantis and the GOP Debate
- Conventions Cancelled in Florida
- Book Bans linked to Two People
- Proposal to Shrink Florida Judicial Districts
With guests:
- Representative Michele Rayner, District 62, Pinellas & Hillsborough, Democrat
- Kimberly Leonard, Florida Playbook author & Reporter, Politico
- Dan Ruth, Faculty, Judy Genshaft Honors College, University of South Florida
- Travis Horn, Pres & CEO, Bullhorn Communications, Republican
This week's topics:
- PragerU approved for Florida Classrooms
- DeSantis Responds to Georgia Indictments
- Florida Taxpayers subsidize Presidential Campaign
- Insurance Bills Skyrocket in Florida
With guests:
- Jessica Wright, Director of Education and Empowerment , Florida Freedom To Read Project
- Darryl Paulson, Professor Emeritus of Govt. & Politics, USF- St. Petersburg
- Rochelle Reback, Host of WMNF's "MidPoint Wednesday", Democrat
- Stanley Gray, Pres. & CEO, Hillsborough County Urban League
- Barry Edwards, Political Commentator
This week's topics:
- Governor suspends another State Attorney
- Homeowners Insurance Woes and Hurricane Ian
- DeSantis Replaces Campaign Manager
- Much Ado about Shakespeare in Florida
With guests:
- Brianna Sacks, Extreme Weather and Disaster Reporter, Washington Post
- Romy Ellenbogen, Tallahassee Correspondent, Tampa Bay Times
- Ryan Wiggins, Chief of Staff, The Lincoln Project
- Tara Newsom, Attorney, Political Science Professor, St. Petersburg College
This week's topics:
- Donald Trump Faces Jan. 6th Charges
- Teaching Black History in Florida
- Hillsborough County Commission Changes
With guests:
- William March, Independent Political Correspondent, Columnist, Tampa Bay Times
- Kathryn Varn, Tampa Bay Reporter, Axios
- Jeff Brandes, Former State Senator, District 24, Pinellas County, Republican
- Senator Darryl Rouson, District 16, Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties, Democrat
- David Ponton III, Asst. Professor & Undergrad Director, School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies, USF
This week's topics:
- Florida Abortion Amendment Push
- Black History Lessons on Slavery
- DeSantis Campaign Layoffs
- Record high temps in Florida waters
With guests:
- Anna Hochkammer, Vice Mayor, Pinecrest, FL, Exec. Director, Florida Women’s Freedom Coalition
- Deborah Tamargo, Past President, Florida Federation of Republican Women
- Patrick Manteiga, Editor & Publisher, La Gaceta, Democrat
- Rev. J.C. Pritchett II, Pres. Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Florida, Exec. Director, Suncoast Tiger Bay Club
This week's topics:
- Teaching Black History in Florida
- DeSantis Campaign Finances
- Florida State Guard Concerns
- State Sued over Voting Rights
With guests:
- Steve Bousquet, Opinion Editor, South Florida Sun Sentinel
- Eric Deggans, TV/Media Critic, NPR
- Diane Rado, Editor-in-chief, Florida Phoenix
- Emily Mahoney, Political Editor, Tampa Bay Times
This week's topics:
- Temperatures Rise and Insurance Leaves
- DeSantis Campaign Faces Headwinds
- Which Democrat will run against Rick Scott?
With guests:
- April Schiff, Hillsborough Republican State Committeewoman, President and Co-Founder, Strategic Solutions of Florida
- Representative Anna Eskamani, Florida District 42, Orlando, Democrat
- Travis Horn, President and CEO, Bullhorn Communications, Republican
- Maya Brown, Political Consultant, Democrat
This week's topics:
- Public Education Battle in Florida
With guests:
- Jenna Barbee, Former 5th Grade Teacher, Hernando County
- Brandt Robinson, History Teacher, Dunedin High School
- Lee Bryant, President, Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association
This week's topic:
- Immigrants and the State of Florida
With guests:
- Nanci Palacios, Deputy Director, Faith in Florida
- Shalyn Fluharty, Executive Director, Americans for Immigrant Justice
- Steve Cona III, President and CEO, Associated Builders and Contractors
- C.J. Czaia, Attorney, Owner, The Czaia Law Firm
This week's topics:
- GOP Leads in Voter Registrations
- Medicaid recipients lose coverage
- New Claims on Political Solicitations
- Florida becoming less affordable
With guests:
- Pam McAloon, State Republican Committeewoman, Pinellas County
- Tara Newsom, Attorney, Political Science Professor, St. Petersburg College
- Darryl Paulson, Emeritus Professor of Govt. & Politics, USF-St. Petersburg
- Victor DiMaio, Pres. & CEO, Dimaio & Associates, Democrat
This week's topics:
- Trump Indicted in Miami
- DeSantis and Artificial Intelligence
- New Pro-Choice Ballot Initiative
- Losing Local Control in Florida
With guests:
- Harvey Ward Jr., Mayor, Gainesville, Florida, Democrat
- Ryan Wiggins, Chief of Staff, The Lincoln Project
- Yacob Reyes, Tampa Bay Reporter, Axios
- Rep. Fentrice Driskell, District 67, Hillsborough County, Democrat
This week's topics:
- Pride Month and Florida
- New Migrant Flights to California
- Teachers Choose to Leave
With guests:
- Dr. Byron Green-Calisch, Co-Vice President, St Pete Pride
- Ray Roa, Editor-in-Chief, Creative Loafing Tampa
- Rep. Lindsay Cross, District 60-Pinellas County, Democrat
- Natalie King, V.P. & COO, RSA Consulting, Republican
This week's topics:
- Governor DeSantis hits Presidential Campaign Trail
- Hillsborough Taxpayers Owed Half a Billion Dollars
With guests:
- Bob Rohrlack, President and CEO, Tampa Bay Chamber
- State Senator Darryl Rouson, District 16, Pinellas & Hillsborough Counties, Democrat
- State Senator Ed Hooper, District 21, Pinellas & Pasco Counties, Republican
- Kimberly Leonard, Policy & Politics Correspondent, Insider.com
This week's topics:
- DeSantis Ready to Run
- New Laws Signed and Delivered
- Florida Guard Sent to U.S. Southern Border
- Healing the Political Divide
With guests:
- Ed Sabol, Past President, Longboat Key Democratic Club
- Lynn Larson, Member-Miracle of the Key Group, Republican
- Aubrey Jewett, Asst. Professor and Asst. School Director, UCF School of Policy, Security, & International Affairs
- Susan MacManus, USF Distinguished Professor Emerita , ABC Action News Political Analyst
This week's topics:
- Abortion Rights Push in Florida
- Textbooks Rejected
- Migrant Relocations Expanded
- Disney CEO Questions DeSantis
with guests:
- Steve Bousquet, Opinion Page Editor, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
- Sean Shaw, Attorney, Democrat
- Travis Horn, President & CEO Bullhorn Communications, Republican
- Rosemary Goudreau O'Hara, Former Editorial Page Editor, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
This week's topics:
- ALICE Report on Poverty
- Legislation on Immigration
- DeSantis Travel kept Secret
- DeSantis vs Disney
With guests:
- Jessica Muroff, CEO, United Way Suncoast
- Darryl Paulson, Emeritus Professor of Govt. & Politics, USF- St. Petersburg
- Trimmel Gomes, Journalist, CEO, Gomes Media Strategies
- Deborah Tamargo, Past President, Florida Federation of Republican Women
- Dan Ruth, Honors College Visiting Professor of Professional Practice, USF
This week's topics:
- Disney Sues Desantis
- University Woes
- Teacher Pay in Florida
- Officer Speaks out against Book Bans
With guests:
- Emily Mahoney, Political Editor, Tampa Bay Times
- Matt Dixon, Senior National Politics Reporter, NBC News Digital
- Barry Edwards, Political Commentator, Pollster
- Tara Newsom, Attorney, Political Science Professor, St. Petersburg College
This week's topics:
- DeSantis vs. Disney
- DeSantis vs. Trump
- Tallahassee Tax Cuts
- Earth Day Recycling Tips
With guests:
- Susan Glickman, Director, Florida Clinicians for Climate Action
- Mary Ellen Klas, Capitol Bureau Chief, Miami Herald-Tampa Bay Times
- Jason Garcia, Publisher-Seeking Rents, Newsletter-Podcast
This week's topics:
- Abortion ban close
- Tampa Bay and Women's Pay
- Tallahassee Blocks more Public Records
- Harsh Words from Lawmaker
With guests:
- Travis Horn, President & CEO, Bullhorn Communications, Republican
- Kenya Woodard, Independent Journalist
- Mike Deeson, Independent Journalist, Author
- Anders Croy, Communications Director, DeSantis Watch
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Rep. Lindsay Cross, Florida District 60, Pinellas County, Democrat
- April Schiff, President & Co-founder-Strategic Solutions of Florida, Hillsborough County GOP State Committeewoman
- James Call, Capitol Reporter, Tallahassee Democrat / USA Today Florida
- Zac Anderson, Political Editor, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
This week we discuss:
- Permitless carry is signed into law in Florida
- Democratic Party leaders are arrested for protesting the state’s proposed new abortion ban
- Disney’s CEO has some strong words for the governor
- With a month left in the session, controversial bills are being fast tracked in Tallahassee
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Sean Shaw, Attorney, Democrat
- Paula Dockery, Columnist, Former State Legislator
- Steve Bousquet, Opinion Page Editor, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
- Pam Mcaloon, Florida State GOP Committeewoman, Pinellas County
This week we discuss:
- Ruby Bridges Banned Again
- School Vouchers for All
- New Abortion Law Restrictions
- Disney vs. Desantis
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Senator Darryl Rouson, Florida District 16, Pinellas and Hillsborough, Democrat
- Kathleen Peters, Pinellas County Commissioner, District 6, Republican
- Janelle Irwin Taylor, Owner, Summit Communications Strategies
- Joe Henderson, Independent Political Journalist
This week we discuss:
- Tort Reform in Tallahassee
- Universal Vouchers Bill
- Expansion of "Don't Say Gay" Law
- Mass Shooting Stopped in Tampa
- Rise of the Rays
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Senator Blaise Ingoglia, Florida District 11, Republican
- Representative Susan Valdes, Florida District 62, Democrat
- Mitch Perry, Political Reporter, Florida Phoenix
- Mary Ellen Klas, Capitol Bureau Chief, Miami Herald-Tampa Bay Times
This week we discuss:
- Bill to Eliminate Democratic Party
- Homeowners Insurance Woes after Ian
- Permitless Carry Bill
- Trump Complaint Against Desantis
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Lawrence Mower, Tallahassee Correspondent, Tampa Bay Times
- Kimberly Leonard, Political Correspondent, Insider.com
- William March, Political Correspondent, Tampa Bay Times
- Trimmel Gomes, Journalist, President, Gomes Media Strategies
This week we discuss:
- Florida Legislature in Session
- Is book banning a hoax?
- Tampa City Election Upsets
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit
www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Ryan Wiggins, Chief of Staff, The Lincoln Project
- Eric Deggans, Author-TV Critic, National Public Radio
- Darryl Paulson, Emeritus Professor of Govt. & Politics, USF-St. Petersburg
- Adam Goodman, Edward R. Murrow Senior Fellow, Tufts University, Political Consultant, Republican
This week we discuss:
- Governor Writes a New Book
- How Free is Florida?
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Whit Remer, Sustainability & Resilience Officer, City of Tampa
- Phil Compton, Representative, Friends of the Hillsborough River
- Amilee Stuckey, Attorney, Polk County GOP State Committeewoman
- Maya Brown, Political Consultant, Democrat
This week we discuss:
- Tampa City Elections & PURE Program
- Desantis Travel the U.S.
- Students Protest Education Censorship
- Governor Targets School Board Members
- Lawmakers Move to Ban Rent Controls
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Matt Dixon, Senior Reporter, Politico Florida
- Tara Newsom, Attorney, Political Science Professor, St. Petersburg College
- Deborah Tamargo, Past President, Florida Federation of Republican Women
- Rep. Anna Eskamani, Florida District 47, Democrat
This week we discuss:
- Special Session Ends, New Bills Passed
- Parkland Anniversary and Gun Laws
- Black History Rally in Tallahassee
- Big Raise at New College
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Ray Arsenault, John Hope Franklin Professor of Southern History Emeritus, USF-St. Petersburg
- Dr Marvin Dunn, Professor Emeritus, Psychology, Florida International University
- Barry Edwards, Political Commentator, Pollster
This week we discuss:
- Teaching Black History in Florida
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Rep Berny Jacques, Florida District 59, Pinellas County, Republican
- Gay Valimont, Volunteer, Moms Demand Action, Florida Chapter
- Matt Newton, Attorney, Columnist, LaGaceta
- John Romano, Sports Columnist, Tampa Bay Times
This week we discuss:
- New College President Out
- New Proposal for Concealed Weapons
- Tom Brady says Farewell
- St. Petersburg and Rays Redevelop Together
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Dr Marvin Dunn, Professor Emeritus, Psychology, Florida International University
- Dana Galen, Chair, Hillsborough County Republican Party
- Patrick Manteiga, Editor-Publisher, La Gaceta, Democrat
- Charlie Frago, Tampa City Hall Reporter, Tampa Bay Times
- Justin Garcia, Reporter, Creative Loafing Tampa Bay
This week we discuss:
- Black History & Wokeism
- Tampa City Races Begin
- Right Books and Wrong Books
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Senator Joe Gruters, District 23, Sarasota, Republican
- Nikki Fried, Former Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, Democrat
- Craig Pittman, Author-Reporter, Florida Phoenix
- Joe Brown, Independent Journalist
This week we discuss:
- Call for Permanent Bans on Mandates
- Cost of Diversity Programs Examined
- Billions for Environmental Protection
- Buchanan Passed Over for New Role
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit
www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Christian Ziegler, Sarasota County State Committeeman, Republican
- Rep. Fentrice Driskell, Florida District 63, Democrat
- Zac Anderson, Political Editor, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- Diane Roberts, Writer ,Florida Phoenix, FSU Professor
This week we discuss:
- Big Changes at New College
- Democratic Party Chair Steps Down
- Florida National Guard and Refugees
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Stanley Gray, President & CEO, Hillsborough County Urban League
- Deborah Tamargo, Past President, Florida Federation of Republican Women
- Alan Cohn, Journalist-Democrat
- Susan Macmanus, USF Distinguished Professor Emerita of Govt. and Intl. Studies
This week we discuss:
- Desantis Sworn in
- Three Dissenters from Florida
- Book Bans on the Rise
- Immigration wave in the Keys
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, interviews special guest:
- Dan Ruth, Writer, Journalist, Visiting Professor of Professional Practice, USF Honors College, Tampa
On this New Year’s edition of Florida This Week…
We’ll run down the highs and lows of the past year with one of our favorite panelists…
Daniel Ruth looks back on the year 2022.
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Steve Bousquet, Editorial Page Editor, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
- Diane Roberts, Writer, Florida Phoenix, FSU Professor
- Ernest Hooper, Former Reporter, & Host "That's All I'm Saying"
- Matt Dixon, Senior Reporter, Politico Florida
This week we discuss:
- 2022 Year in Review
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Chip Merlin, Attorney, President & Founder, Merlin Law Group, Republican
- Victor DiMaio, Political Consultant, Pres. & Ceo DiMaio & Associates, Democrat
- Mary Ellen Klas, Capitol Bureau Chief, Tampa Bay Times-Miami Herald
- Katie Sanders, Managing Editor, Politifact
This week we discuss:
- New Laws on Homeowner's Insurance
- Vaccine Investigation
- Politifact Lie of the Year
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Rochelle Reback, Former Attorney, Radio Host, Democrat
- Mark Proctor, Political Consultant, Republican
- Justin Garcia, Reporter, Creative Loafing
- Douglas Soule, Government Accountability Reporter, USA Today Network-Florida
This week we discuss:
- Tampa Police Chief Resigns
- Lower Turnout for Democrats
- What does "WOKE" mean?
- Frost Rejected on Rental
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Emily Mahoney, Political Editor, Tampa Bay Times
- Trimmel Gomes, Journalist, President, Gomes Media Strategies
- Brittany Wallman, Investigations Editor, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
- Lawrence Mower, Tallahassee Correspondent, Tampa Bay Times
This week we discuss:
- Innocence Sold
- Warren vs Desantis in Court
- Governor's Book Plans
- Sarasota Schools Oust Superintendent
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, interviews legendary Journalist and Author, Charlayne Hunter-Gault
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Maya Brown, Political Consultant, Democrat
- Eric Deggans, NPR TV Critic
- Mitch Perry, Senior Reporter, Florida Phoenix
- Natalie King, Political Consultant-RSA Consulting, Republican
This week we discuss:
- Trump Jumps Into the Race
- Rick Scott Challenge
- Hispanic Voters Key for GOP
- Abortion Questions in Florida
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Steve Bousquet, Columnist-Reporter, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
- Rabbi Barry Silver, Congregation L'Dor Va Dor, Boynton Beach, Democrat
- Rosemary Goudreau O'Hara, Former Editorial Page Editor, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
- April Schiff, Hillsborough Republican State Committeewoman
This week we discuss:
- Red Wave in Florida
- Wins and Losses
- Ron Desantis on the Rise
- Democrats Debate Future
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Rick Kriseman, Attorney, Former St. Petersburg Mayor, Democrat
- Deborah Tamargo, Past President-Florida Federation of Republican Women
- Peter Schorsch, Publisher- Florida Politics.com
- Darryl Paulson, Emeritus Professor of Govt. & Politics, USF-St. Petersburg
This week we discuss:
- Last Minute Campaigning
- GOP Voters Rise in South Florida
- New Voters Lean GOP
- Taxpayer Costs for Immigrant Transport
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Adam Goodman, Edward R. Murrow Sr. Fellow, Tufts University, Republican
- Tara Newsom, Attorney, Political Science Professor, St. Petersburg College
- Zac Anderson, Political Editor, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- Sean Shaw, Attorney, Democrat
This week we discuss:
- DeSantis vs Crist Debate
- Trump Rally in Miami without DeSantis
- Lynn vs. Luna Congressional Race
- Rubio Canvasser Attached in Miami
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Alex Sink, Former Florida CFO, Democrat
- Stanley Gray, CEO & President, Hillsborough County Urban League
- Barry Edwards, Radio Commentator-Pollster
- Sharon Calvert, Blogger "Eye on Tampa Bay", Republican
This week we discuss:
- Rubio-Demings Debate
- Voter Fraud Arrest Questions
- Early Voting Turnout
- New Classroom LGBTQ Rules
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Ernest Hooper, Former Reporter & Host, "That's All I'm Saying"
- Dr. Susan Macmanus, USF Distinguished Professor Emerita of Govt. & Intl. Studies, USF-Tampa
- Travis Horn, Public Relations Executive, Republican
- Ben Diamond, Attorney, Democrat
This week we discuss:
- Ian Creates Voting Obstacles
- January 6th Committee Hearing #9
- Who should run for president in 2024?
- Protest over UF presidential pick
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Colleen Wright, St. Petersburg Reporter, Tampa Bay Times
- Linda Robertson, Staff Reporter, Miami Herald
- Craig Pittman, Columnist-Author, Florida Phoenix
- Lindsay Peterson, Assistant Professor, School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa
- Dr. Jennifer Shafer, Co-Executive Director, Science and Environment Council of Southwest Florida
This week we discuss:
- Hurricane Ian Destruction
- Eyewitnesses from the Scene
- How to Prepare for the Next Storm
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- BEMETRA SIMMONS, PRESIDENT AND CEO, TAMPA BAY PARTNERSHIP
- DR. JENNIFER SHAFER, CO-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
- SEAN SULLIVAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, TAMPA BAY REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL
This week we discuss:
- AS SEA LEVELS RISE BY THE YEAR 2050, FLORIDA’S COASTLINE IS PROJECTED TO BE DRAMATICALLY ALTERED
- THE TAMPA BAY AND SARASOTA AREAS ARE AMONG THE MOST VULNERABLE AREAS IN THE COUNTRY BECAUSE OF CLIMATE CHANGE
- WHAT ARE LOCAL LEADERS IN BUSINESS AND GOVERNMENT DOING TO PREPARE?
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- DENNIS, ATTORNEY, TAMPA
- MONA, HAIRSTYLIST, WESLEY CHAPEL
- JOSH, ASSOCIATE PASTOR-COACH, PINELLAS PARK
- HOWARD, GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ST. PETERSBURG
- KELLY, GRADUATE STUDENT, ST. PETERSBURG
- VINCE, BUSINESS OWNER, ST. PETERSBURG
On this Edition of Florida This Week we’ll talk with independent voters from the Bay area to get insight on what issues motivate them as we near Election Day 2022.
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Maya Brown, Political Consultant, Democrat
- Mike Fasano, Pasco County Tax Collector, Republican
- April Schiff, Hillsborough Republican State Committeewoman, Co-founder, Strategic Solutions of Florida
- Patrick Manteiga, Editor & Publisher, La Gaceta Newspaper, Democrat
This week we discuss:
- Immigrants flown to Massachusetts
- Rubio endorses Abortion Ban Effort
- Sarasota GOP Shifts
- Federal Funds Help Floridians
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Mary Ellen Klas, Capitol Bureau Chief, Miami Herald/ Tampa Bay Times
- Matt Dixon, Tallahassee Bureau Chief, Politico Florida
- Michael Van Sickler, Assistant Managing Editor, News, Tampa Bay Times
- Adriana Novoa, Ph.D.,Associate Professor of History, University of South Florida
- Sam Rechek, Senior Student, University of South Florida
This week we discuss:
- Ex-Felon Voter Arrest Concerns
- Lawsuit filed against Anti-Woke Law
- Lieutenant Governor Questions
- Dark Money & Elections
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Nancy Velardi, President, Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association
- Rich Templin, Ph.D., Director of Politics and Public Policy, Florida AFL-CIO
- Jim Junecko, Union Representative/Organizer, International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 487, Tampa
- Cheryl Schroeder, Executive Director, West Central Florida Federation of Labor
- Cristian Cardona, Worker-Spokesperson, The Fight for 15
This week we discuss:
- The State of Labor and Working America 2022
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Yvette Lewis, President, Hillsborough County NAACP
- Senator Jeff Brandes, Florida District 24, Republican
- Rita Ferrandino, Innovation Consultant, Univ. of Pennsylvania Grad School of Education, Democrat
- Emily Mahoney, Political Editor, Tampa Bay Times
- Zac Anderson, Political Editor, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
This week we discuss:
- Crist vs. DeSantis
- School Board Wins
- "Biking While Black" Enforcement
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Adam Goodman, Edward R. Murrow Sr. Fellow, Tufts University, Republican
- Rochelle Reback, Attorney, Democrat
- Mitch Perry, Political Reporter, Spectrum Bay News 9
- Trimmel Gomes, Journalist, President, Gomes Media Strategies
This week we discuss:
- Warren sues Desantis
- Crist and Fried down to the wire
- 16-year old denied abortion
- Election Races to Watch
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Andrew Warren, Elected Hillsborough County State Attorney/Suspended by Governor, Democrat
- Sheryl Wilson, Former Chair, Manatee County Democratic Party
- Aakash Patel, Founder and CEO, Elevate, Inc., Republican
- William March, Independent Political Correspondent
- Howard L. Simon, Former Exec. Director, ACLU of Florida
This week we discuss:
- Andrew Warren on Suspension
- FBI Searches Trump's home
- GOP Candidates Clash
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Barry Edwards, Radio Commentator - Pollster
- Susan MacManus, USF Distinguished Professor Emerita, ABC Actions News Political Analyst
- April Schiff, Hillsborough Republican State Committeewoman, Co-Founder, Strategic Solutions of Florida,
- Susan Smith, Co-founder, Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida, Chair, Florida Progressives Political Committee
This week we discuss:
- The Governor suspends the Hillsborough state attorney
- The Governor claims kids are told in schools they may choose their own genders
- Local governments are asked to address the housing crisis
- The bill designed to protect homeowners from high insurance costs is a windfall for insurance companies
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Thomas Mantz, President and CEO, Feeding Tampa Bay
- Pam McAloon, Florida State GOP Committeewoman, Pinellas County
- Justin Garcia, Reporter, Creative Loafing Tampa Bay
- Victor DiMaio, President and CEO, DiMaio and Associates, Democrat
This week we discuss:
- Food Banks Help Out
- Swastikas in Downtown Tampa
- Governor and "WOKE" Corporations
- Teacher Shortage Solutions
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Alexis Spiegelman, Moms for Liberty, Florida Legislative Chair
- Maurice Cunningham, PhD, JD, Author, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Massachusetts at Boston
- Rick Wilson, Author, Co-Founder, The Lincoln Project
This week we discuss:
- Politicians come to Central Florida
- Conservatives Converge on Tampa
- January 6th Committee Findings
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Tracey McManus, Reporter, Tampa Bay Times
- Barbara Haselden, President, St. Petersburg Republican Club
- Manny Diaz, Chair, Florida Democratic Party, Past Mayor, City of Miami
- Ernest Hooper, Reporter & Host, "That's All I'm Saying" WEDU
This week we discuss:
- Presidential Possibilities in Tampa
- Democrats Down in Voter Registration
- Conservation Battles in Pinellas
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Yvonne Fry, Businesswoman & Consultant, Republican
- Patrick Manteiga, Editor & Publisher, La Gaceta Newspaper, Democrat
- Andrew Seidel, V.P. of Strategic Communications, Americans United for Separation of Church & State
- Rabbi Barry Silver, L' Dor Va-Dor Congregation, Boynton Beach, Florida
This week we discuss:
- Civics Curriculum Questions
- Lawsuit over Abortion Law
- Governor challenges Governor
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Christian Ziegler, Sarasota County Commissioner, District 2, Vice Chair, Republican Party of Florida
- Tara Newsom, Attorney, Political Science Professor, St. Petersburg College
- Deborah Tamargo, Immediate Past President, Florida Federation of Republican Women
- Mike Deeson, Author, Independent Journalist
This week we discuss:
- The Supreme Court decision on abortion
- Mask and vaccine mandates
- Limits on what can be taught about race and gender in schools
- Corporations being sanctioned by government
- The debate over guns and public safety
- Which major political party does better standing for personal freedom?
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Jessica Vaughn, Hillsborough County School Board Member, District 3, Democrat
- Danny Kushmer, Businessman, Republican
- Darryl Paulson, Emeritus Professor of Government & Politics, USF- St. Petersburg
- Stanley Gray, CEO & President, Hillsborough County Urban League, NPA
This week we discuss:
- Supreme Court Overturns Roe vs Wade
- Gillum indicted on Federal Charges
- Desantis weighs in on Elections
- Fried responds to Vaccine Rollout
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Steve Yerrid, Attorney
- Rosemary Goudreau O'Hara, Former Editorial Page Editor, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
- Eric Deggans, NPR TV Critic
- Diane Roberts, Writer, Florida Phoenix, FSU Professor
This week we discuss:
- A court filing reveals how the Proud Boys, let by a south Florida resident, planned to take over government buildings
- The Tampa lawyer who sued Big Tobacco and won has some thoughts about curbing mass shootings
- The state government puts up roadblocks to COVID 19 vaccines for children
- the governor’s Stop Woke Act is slated to go to court
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Sharon Calvert, Blogger "Eye on Tampa Bay", Republican
- Mac Stipanovich, Attorney, NPA
- Maya Brown, Political Consultant, Democrat
- Zac Anderson, Political Editor, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
This week we discuss:
- Florida connection to insurrection
- Governor vetoes $3 Billion in spending
- Governor wants permitless carry
- Taddeo leaves governor’s race
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks with one of Florida’s top historians Gary Mormino about his new book DREAMS IN THE NEW CENTURY.
- Gary Mormino, Ph D, Emeritus Professor of History, USF-St. Petersburg, Author/Historian
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Alex Sink, Former Florida CFO | Democrat
- Mike Fasano, Pasco County Tax Collector | Republican
- Lawrence Mower, Tallahassee Correspondent, Tampa Bay Times
- Tamiko Armbrister, Volunteer-Broward Chapter, Moms Demand Action, Florida
This week we discuss:
- Mass Shootings Stun Again
- Lawmakers Tackle Homeowners Insurance
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Peter Schorsch, Publisher, Florida Politics
- Yvonne Fry, Businesswoman & Consultant, Republican
- Patrick Manteiga, Editor & Publisher, La Gaceta Newspaper, Democrat
- Sean Shaw, Attorney, Democrat
This week we discuss:
- Domestic Anti-Terrorism Bill Passes House
- Florida's new Secretary of State
- Some Dems Avoiding District 13 Race
- Opening Doors to Cuba
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Al Friedman, President, Florida State Letter Carriers
- Tony Diaz, Florida State Letter Carriers President, Tampa Chapter
- Joseph Bonasia, Chair, Florida Rights of Nature Network, Inc
- Cathy Antunes, Radio Host, WSLR 96.5, Sarasota
- Travis Horn, President & CEO Bullhorn Communications, Republican
This week we discuss:
- School Board Battles
- Food Drive from Letter Carriers
- Moves to Clean Up Florida Waters
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Emily Mahoney, Political Editor, Tampa Bay Times
- Steve Bousquet, Editorial Page Editor, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
- Chris O'Donnell, Health & Medicine Reporter, Tampa Bay Times
- Darryl Paulson, Emeritus Professor of Gov't. & Politics, USF-St. Petersburg
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Ida Eskamani is a political advocate and organizer. She has worked as a public policy director for a number of Florida organizations to expand democracy, criminal justice reform, and community wealth issues.
Sean Shaw is an attorney, former Candidate for Florida Attorney General and a Democrat
Deborah Tamargo is the immediate past President of the Florida Federation of Republican Women
and Rosemary Goudreau O’Hara is the former Editorial Page Editor for the South-Florida Sun Sentinel
Florida mayors try to stop another power grab by Tallahassee….
Will taxpayers be on the hook for the Governor’s move against Disney?
Housing in Florida is the least affordable in the nation….
And the governor vetoes a bill that would make solar customers pay more…
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Cecile Scoon, Attorney, President, League of Women Voters of Florida
- State Senator Jeff Brandes, Florida District 24, Republican
- Mary Ellen Klas, Capitol Bureau Chief, Tampa Bay Times-Miami Herald
- Joe Henderson, Columnist, Floridapolitics.com
This week we discuss:
- Special Session on Maps
- Desantis vs. Disney
- Math Books and CRT
- Tenure Changes in Florida
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Dr. Susan Macmanus, USF Distinguished Professor Emerita, ABC Action News Political Analyst
- Matt Isbell, Data Analyst, Political Consultant
- William March, Independent Political Correspondent
This week we discuss:
- The elections are coming, in August it’s the primary, and in November it’s the general.
- Voters here and around the state will select a governor, a US Senator, members of the legislature, county commissions and school boards.
- Which party has the advantage when it comes to registration and turnout?
- What issues will motivate voters this year?
- A special session of the legislature on redistricting.
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Mike Vasilinda, Capitol News Service, President, MVP Productions
- Eve Samples, Executive Director, Friends of the Everglades
- Jeff Johnson, AARP, Florida State Director
- Zander Moricz, High School Student, Osprey
- Roberta Kaplan, Attorney, Founding Partner, Kaplan, Hecker & Fink
This week we discuss:
- Challenge in Court
- Nursing Care and Concern
- Everglades Oversight
- Capping a Capitol Career
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Ellen Freidin, Attorney, CEO, FairDistrictsNow.org
- Peter Schorsch, Publisher, Floridapolitics.com
- Justin Garcia, Investigative Journalist, Creative Loafing Tampa Bay
- Stanley Gray, Businessman, NPA
This week we discuss:
- Special Session on Redistricting
- Tampa City Council Turmoil
- Don't Say Gay Bill now a Law
- Florida Sues Feds over Mask Mandates
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Diane Roberts, Writer, Florida Phoenix, FSU Professor
- Eric Deggans, NPR TV Critic
- Rosemary Goudreau O'Hara, Former Editorial Page Editor, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
- Barry Edwards, Radio Host WHBO AM 1040
This week we discuss:
- Fair District Challenges
- Politics and Disney
- AARP Nursing Home Concerns
- Housing Crisis Help
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Rita Ferrandino, Innovation Consultant, University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education | CEO & Founder, Arc Capital | Democrat
- Darryl Paulson, Emeritus Professor of Government & Politics, USF-St. Petersburg
- April Schiff, President & Co-Founder, Strategic Solutions of Florida | Republican
- Mary Ellen Klas, Capitol Bureau Chief, Tampa Bay Times / Miami Herald
This week we discuss:
- The Legislature finishes work on a $112 Billion dollar budget and a long list of new laws.
- Among them the Parental Rights or the Don’t Say Gay Bill which is getting pushback from some quarters including - Disney employees.
- The Legislature focused on social issues and decided not to address many kitchen table issues such as rising rents, condo safety or homeowner’s insurance.
- And powerful industries won favors from this session including the sugar industry and the nursing home industry.
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Our "Florida This Week" panel for Friday, March 11th is:
Dr. Michael Teng
Associate Professor of Medicine, USF Health
Matt Dixon
Senior Reporter, Politico Florida
Laura Finaldi,
Reporter/Columnist, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Charlie Frago
Tampa City Hall Reporter, Tampa Bay Times
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Amy Hollyfield, Senior Deputy Editor, Tampa Bay Times
- Trimmel Gomes, Journalist, President, Gomes Media Strategies
- Steve Bousquet, Editorial Page Editor, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
- Emily Mahoney, Political Editor, Tampa Bay Times
This week we discuss:
- As the legislature wraps up the 2022 session, we’ll look at what’s been accomplished so far;
- The conservative political action committee wraps up its annual convention in Orlando;
- And the governor’s message telling young people to remove their masks goes viral.
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Ihor Hron, Post Commander, Post 40, Ukrainian American Veterans
- Mac Stipanovich, Attorney, NPA
- Sharon Calvert, Blogger, Eye on Tampa Bay, Republican
- Patrick Manteiga, Editor and Publisher, La Gaceta, Democrat
This week we discuss:
- We’ll look at how Russia’s invasion is viewed by the Ukrainian American community in Florida;
- Senator Rick Scott issues a platform for the Republican Party;
- The legislative session is about to end...we’ll look at the new laws that are being passed;
- And, it’s been ten years since Trayvon Martin was killed.
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Victor DiMaio, President & CEO, DiMaio and Associates, Democrat
- Aakash Patel, Founder & CEO, Elevate, Inc., Republican
- Tara Newsom, JD, LLM, Professor, St. Petersburg College
- Darryl Paulson, Emeritus Prof. of Govt. & Politics, USF-St. Petersburg
This week we discuss:
- A ban on some kinds of speech in schools moves closer to passage.
- Outlawing abortions in Florida after 15 weeks moves closer to reality.
- The state is threatening to cut hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue to some school systems.
- The housing affordability crisis gets worse for young people and some full-time workers.
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Cecile Scoon, Attorney, President, League of Women Voters of Florida
- Zac Anderson, Political Editor, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- Sen. Jeff Brandes, Florida-District 24, Republican
- Nadine Smith, Executive Director, Equality Florida, Democrat
This week we discuss:
- The legislature passes its version of new legislative maps.
- A Bradenton group claims it has information about voter fraud.
- What is Tallahassee doing about skyrocketing homeowner’s insurance?
- A bill restricting what can be said about LGBTQ issues in schools moves forward.
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Christian Ziegler, Sarasota County Commissioner, District 2, Vice Chair Florida Republican Party
- Eric Deggans, NPR TV Critic
- John Romano, Sports Columnist/Reporter, Tampa Bay Times
This week we discuss:
- The debate continues in Tallahassee over critical race theory;
- Nazi groups hold rallies in Central Florida;
- An attempt to ban books in Florida schools;
- And, what’s next after Tom Brady retires?
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Zachary Sampson, Environment Reporter, Tampa Bay Times
- Langston Taylor, Data Editor, Tampa Bay Times
- Susan Glickman, Director, Florida Clinicians for Climate Action
- Diane Roberts, Writer, Florida Phoenix & FSU Professor
This week we discuss:
- An in-depth report in the Tampa Bay Times looks at the future dangers of storm surge and flooding along Florida's west coast.
- Tallahassee may put up more roadblocks to solar energy in the state.
- Governor DeSantis takes on Dr. Fauci.
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Cecile Scoon, Attorney, President, League of Women Voters of Florida
- Alex Sink, Former Florida CFO, Democrat
- Travis Horn, President & CEO, Bull Horn Communications, Republican
- Michael Clayton, Former Buccaneer, Pre/ Post Game Host, WDAE AM & FM
- Tom Krasniqi, Co-Host, Ronnie & T Kras, WDAE AM & FM, Contributor, Spectrum Bay News 9
This week we discuss:
- The state senate passes a version of redistricted congressional and legislative maps, while the governor tries to inject himself in the process.
- Major League Baseball rejects the plan to split the Ray’s season with Montreal.
- Orange County’s health director is placed on leave for sending an email to employees about their low COVID vaccination rates.
- We’ll have the latest on the move by Tallahassee to take away more power from cities and counties.
- And the Bucs play the Rams this Sunday; we’ll get some straight talk about the game.
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Mary Ellen Klas, Capitol Co-Bureau Chief, Tampa Bay Times/Miami Herald
- Tom Lee, Former State Senate President, Republican
- Damien Filer, Communications Director-Progress Florida, Democrat
This week we discuss:
The state legislature begins its annual session with far reaching proposals from the governor and the majority party. How far will the legislature go in an election year?
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Laura Cassels, Reporter, Florida Phoenix
- Matt Joyner, Director of Government Relations, Florida Citrus Mutual
- Ray Arsenault, John Hope Franklin Professor of Southern History Emeritus, USF-St. Petersburg
This week we discuss:
- With Florida’s COVID cases surging, some north Florida activists have a few questions for Governor DeSantis
- What’s the latest on the Florida citrus industry, decimated by a deadly disease...will it ever recover?
- We’ll talk with Florida historian Ray Arsenault about the anniversary of the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Dan Ruth, Columnist, Professor, Judy Genshaft Honors College USF-Tampa
- Adam Goodman, Edward R. Murrow Sr. Fellow, Tufts University, Republican
- Gayle Andrews, Political Consultant & Commentator, Democrat
- Ernest Hooper, Moderator, “That’s All I’m Saying” - WEDU PBS
This week we discuss the top 10 stories of the year:
-
Ken Welch is elected mayor of St. Petersburg, the first African American to hold the position.
-
A massive toxic spill at the Piney Point phosphate plant in Manatee County leads to killing of marine life.
-
Record increase in Florida property values for 2021. Governor DeSantis increases money in budget for affordable housing
-
School board meetings become battlegrounds in the Covid-19 culture wars
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The Capitol insurrection. Florida leads the nation in the number of people arrested for the capitol attack.
-
Tampa Bay buccaneers win the super bowl in Tampa. Tampa Bay Lightning repeat as Stanley Cup champions.
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Over 1000 manatees die in Florida waters in 2021. 13% of the population is now gone.
-
Academic scandal rocks the University of Florida. School leadership accusing of bowing to political pressure.
-
New voting law, SB 90, is passed. Law imposes restrictions on drop boxes, voter registration drives, and ballot counting. Several civil rights groups challenge the law in court.
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Governor DeSantis' handling of Covid-19 outbreak. Pushes vaccines early on, later resists mandates, calls for special session to block mandates.
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Paul Guzzo, Culture Reporter, Tampa Bay Times
- James Borchuck, Multi Media Producer, WEDU
- Christy Foust Ph D., Former High School Teacher
- Shannon Hannon-Oliviero, Feeding Tampa Bay
We’ll catch up with some of our guests from past shows:
- An educator who was concerned that classrooms were dangerous places for the spread of Covid
- Reporters whose discoveries of long forgotten grave sites have led to searches for more burial sites state wide
- The ongoing efforts of workers and volunteers at feeding Tampa Bay to help out those who are facing food insecurity
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Katie Sanders, Managing Editor, PolitiFact
- Matt Dixon, Senior Reporter, Politico Florida
- Maya Brown, Political Consultant, Democrat
- Deborah Tamargo, President, Florida Federation of Republican Women
This week we discuss:
- PolitiFact announces its Lie of the Year
- The governor wants a new effort to ban critical race theory
- The legislative session begins next month and the budget picture looks good, with a help from Washington
- Tampa republicans accuse a member of congress of being a communist
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Kevin Sharp, Attorney and Former U.S. District Judge
- Ed Sabol, President of the Longboat Key Democratic Club
- Scott Gray, President of the Longboat Key Republican Club
- Jordana Pomeroy, Director of the Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum, Florida International University
This week we discuss:
- The case of Native American activist Leonard Peltier and those advocating for his release.
- Longboat Key Democrats and Republicans have found a way to actively communicate across the political aisle.
- A new exhibit of paintings by Bob Dylan comes to Florida International University.
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Travis Horn, President and CEO, Bullhorn Communications, Republican
- Victor Di Maio, President and CEO, Di Maio Associates, Democrat
- Janelle Irwin Taylor, Reporter, Floridapolitics.com
- Rick Wilson, Editor, The Daily Beast, Co-Founder The Lincoln Project
This week we discuss:
- The house releases its proposed maps to redraw congressional districts and democrats are not happy.
- The governor is proposing a pay increase for first responders.
- There’s an effort to make Florida's school board races partisan.
- And Tallahassee begins another move toward pre-empting the power of city councils and county commissions.
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Craig Pittman, Columnist-Author, Florida Phoenix
- Martine de Wit, DVM, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
- Jaclyn Lopez, Florida Director, Staff Attorney, Center for Biological Diversity
This week we discuss:
The manatees are dying this year at an alarming rate. We’ll take a look at what’s causing their deaths and what can be done to save these gentle giants.
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Steve Bousquet, Columnist-Reporter, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
- Omar Rashid, MD, JD, Surgeon Scientist, Incoming Member of ACS CAN Board of Directors
- Tracey McManus, Clearwater Reporter, Tampa Bay Times
- Kathi Ruvarac, PE, ASCE Florida Section, District II, Chair, 2021 Report Card for Florida's Infrastructure
This week we discuss:
- The special session of the legislature wraps up with new laws blocking vaccine and mask mandates.
- Major health groups say Tallahassee is risking the health of people with pre-existing conditions.
- Now that the infrastructure bill has passed, what are the major infrastructure needs in Florida that need to be addressed?
- Developers win a battle to build a major project near the Gulf of Mexico.
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Amy Hollyfield, Senior Deputy Editor, Tampa Bay Times
- Stanley Gray, Businessman, NPA
- Patrick Manteiga, Editor & Publisher, La Gaceta, Democrat
- Adam Goodman, Edward R. Murrow Sr. Fellow, Tufts University, Republican
This week's topics:
- We’ll preview the upcoming special session of the legislature in which republicans plan to push back against coronavirus safety precautions.
- The governor says the Republican party now has the lead when it comes to party registration in the state.
- The first drafts of new Florida congressional maps have been released and we’ll look at how they will affect the makeup of the state’s delegation.
- And new questions raised about the resume of Florida’s new surgeon general.
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Colleen Wright, St. Petersburg Reporter, Tampa Bay Times
- Darryl Paulson, Emeritus Prof. of Govt. & Politics, USF-St. Petersburg
- Tara Newsom, JD, LLM, Professor, St. Petersburg College
- Diane Archer, President & Founder, Just Care USA
This week we discuss:
- Historic election in St. Petersburg
- Academic freedom at risk at the University of Florida
- And how the debate over the Build Back Better bill in congress will affect Florida seniors
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Mary Ellen Klas, Capitol Co-Bureau Chief, Tampa Bay Times/ Miami Herald
- Zac Anderson, Political Editor, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- Trimmel Gomes, Journalist, President, Gomes Media Strategies
- Renaud Brossard, Quebec Director & Interim Atlantic Director, Canadian Taxpayers Federation
This week we discuss:
- Calls for the resignation of Florida’s surgeon general
- Local connection to the January 6th capitol insurrection riot
- A Canadian taxpayer’s group opposes plans for the Ray’s stadium in Montreal
- And the battle over redistricting
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Aakash Patel, Founder & CEO, Elevate, Inc., Republican
- Maya Brown, Political Consultant, Democrat
- Alan Cohn, Journalist/Democrat
- Dr. Michael Teng, Associate Professor of Medicine, USF Health
This week we discuss:
- The Governor calls for a special session to push back against vaccine mandates.
- Democrat Annette Taddeo enters the race for Florida Governor.
- Florida election supervisors are asking those in power to tone down the rhetoric about voting systems.
- How close are we toward achieving herd immunity from COVID-19?
To learn more about Florida This Week, please visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Mac Stipanovich, Attorney, NPA
- Sharon Calvert, Blogger, Eye on Tampa Bay, Republican
- Darryl Paulson, Emeritus Prof. of Govt. & Politics, USF-St. Petersburg
- Lawrence Mower, Tallahassee Correspondent, Tampa Bay Times
This week we discuss:
- Florida companies under investigation for mandating vaccines;
- School board members talk about harassment from anti-vaxxers;
- We’ll look at the campaign donations pouring in for next year’s big elections in Florida;
- And trump loyalists plan another big flotilla off Pinellas County beaches.
To learn more about Florida This Week, please visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Nelly Henjes, President, Pinellas Education Support Professionals Association
- Jamie Bullock, Local Activist
- Charlie Frago, Tampa City Hall Reporter, Tampa Bay Times
- Judith Lisi, President & CEO, Straz Center, Tampa
This week we discuss:
- The state cracks down further against mask mandates in schools;
- Charges are dropped against some Black Lives Matter protestors in Tampa;
- The latest on reports that the Ray’s baseball team is eyeing a new location in Ybor;
- Concert venues are re-opening and still wrestling with how to do it safely.
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Candidate Conversation - St. Pete Mayoral Race 2021
Voters in St. Petersburg will be going to the polls in November to pick a new mayor. The race is between Pinellas County Commissioner Ken Welch and St. Petersburg City Council Member Robert Blackmon. What ideas do they have for the city and what role should St. Petersburg play in the growth of the Tampa Bay Area? Host Rob Lorei moderates a discussion with the candidates.
Topics:
- Rays baseball and Tropicana field plans
- Gun violence in St. Petersburg
- Affordable housing in St. Petersburg
- Police reform and Black Lives Matter efforts
- Vaccine-mask mandates and local control
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Chief Justice Peggy Quince, Retired, Florida Supreme Court
- Mindy Murphy, President & CEO, The Spring of Tampa Bay
- Max Richtman, Pres. & CEO, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare
- Daniel Ruth, Faculty, The Judy Genshaft Honors College, University of South Florida
This week we discuss:
- The fight over redistricting gets underway in Tallahassee.
- The death of a North Port woman focuses again on the need to protect against domestic abuse.
- What’s in the congressional infrastructure and budget reconciliation bills for seniors?
- The governor appoints a new Secretary of Health who downplays the need for quarantines and mask mandates to fight COVID.
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Jane Goodwin, Vice-Chair, Sarasota County School Board
- Travis Horn, President and CEO, Bull Horn Communications, Republican
- Patrick Manteiga, Editor and Publisher, La Gaceta, Democrat
- William Kilgore, Co-Founder, St. Petersburg Tenants Union
This week we discuss:
- The number of Covid death cases in Florida has been setting records in the last month.
- Governor DeSantis is vowing to penalize cities that impose mask mandates. Previously he vowed to penalize school boards…we'll have a debate.
- The cost of housing is out of reach for many Floridians.
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Dan Christensen, FloridaBulldog.org
- Kristin Breitweiser, Co-Founder-September 11th Advocates
- Nishant Anand, MD, Chief Medical Officer, BayCare
This week we discuss:
- This is the twentieth anniversary of 9/11; some of the attackers lived and trained to fly right here in Florida.
- The federal government is still keeping secrets about how the hijackers funded, planned and carried out the attack; we’ll meet two people trying to get the government to reveal those secrets.
- An investigative reporter from south Florida and a family member of one of the victims killed in the attack.
- BayCare, the largest provider of health care in southwest Florida, says it will follow president Biden's call for mandatory vaccines for all employees at health care agencies which receive Medicare and Medicaid.
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Mona V. Mangat, M.D., Allergist, Immunologist, Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
- Ghadir Kassab, Executive Director, Radiant Hands
- Barry Edwards, Radio Host, WHBO AM 1040
- Rich Templin, Director of Politics and Public Policy, Florida AFL-CIO
This week we discuss:
- DeSantis administration moves forward with punishing school districts that require mask wearing.
- Some Afghan refugees are moving to the Tampa Bay area—after the U.S. ends its long war.
- The redistricting process is beginning and will have a big impact on the makeup of the legislature and Florida’s congressional delegation.
- And as Labor Day approaches, we’ll talk with a state labor leader.
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Dr. Chris Mason, Asst. Professor of National Security, Strategic Studies Institute, U.S. Army War College
- Dr. Donna Petersen, Senior Associate V.P., USF Health, Dean, College of Public Health
- John Romano, Sports Columnist, Tampa Bay Times
- Colleen Wright, St. Petersburg Reporter, Tampa Bay Times
This week we discuss:
- A terror attack in Afghanistan as the U.S. evacuation nears an end.
- There will be a runoff in November to see who will be St. Petersburg’s next mayor.
- More school boards around the state resist the governor and mandate masks.
- The latest on what the Rays want to stay in the Tampa Bay area.
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Nadia Combs, Hillsborough County School Board Member, District 1
- Veronica McDonald, Parent/Education Advocate
- Kevin Belickis, Marine Corps Veteran
- Vanessa Brito, Political Activist, Republican
This week we discuss:
- More school districts defy the state government over mask mandates.
- We’ll talk with the Hillsborough school board member who proposed the mask requirement.
- A local military veteran wants the us to embrace Afghan refugees.
- Florida still has not fixed its unemployment system.
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Jaclyn Lopez, Florida Director, Staff Attorney, Center for Biological Diversity
- Sean Shaw, Attorney, Democrat
- Damaris Allen, Founding member, Safe Schools, Safe Communities
- Mac Stipanovich, Attorney, NPA
This week we discuss:
- Lawsuits are filed against the owners of the Piney Point disaster – and what many believe is the cause of the massive red tide outbreak.
- A victory for those who want to amend Florida’s constitution.
- As the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise in Florida, we’ll look at the battle over masks in schools.
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Dr. Jay Wolfson, DRPH, JD, Senior Associate, Morsani College of Medicine, Asso. V.P. USF Health
- Barry Burton, Pinellas County Administrator
- Rep. Anna Eskamani, Florida, District 47, Democrat
- Deborah Tamargo, President, Florida Federation of Republican Women
This week we discuss:
The number of COVID cases and deaths jump in Florida. Governor DeSantis continues to refuse mask mandates, setting up a conflict with the president and local government leaders around the state.
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Dr. Jason Wilson, Associate Director, Adult Emergency Dept., TGH-USF Health
- Jessica Vaughn, Hillsborough County School Board Member, District 3
- Rita Ferrandino, CEO & Founder, Arc Capital, Democrat
- Yvonne Fry, Businesswoman & Consultant, Republican
This week's topics:
- With coronavirus cases spiking in the state the question of mask mandates comes up again…the governor says no.
- Nikki Fried says the governor is not leading enough on the issue—so she says she’ll give regular updates on how to protect against COVID.
- Governor DeSantis formally asks the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade.
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Dr. Donna Petersen, Senior Associate V.P., USF Health, Dean, College of Public Health
- Captain Chris Wittman, Co-Founder, Captains for Clean Water
- Joe Henderson, Columnist, Florida Politics
- Tara Newsome, JD, LLM, Professor, St. Petersburg College
This week's topics:
- Florida sees a big spike in coronavirus cases
- The red tide outbreak expands to the beaches
- Several significant endorsements in the St. Petersburg mayor’s race
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Rick Kriseman,Mayor, St. Peterburg, Democrat
- Arturo Jimenez-Bacardi Ph.D.,Assistant Professor of International Relations & Political Science, USF-Tampa
- Al Fox,Founder-Alliance for Responsible Cuba Policy Foundation, Democrat
- E.J. Otero, Jr., Colonel (ret.), USAF Business Development Manager, Gemini Industries, Republican
This week's topics:
- Red Tide problem kills millions of fish in and around Pinellas County—leaving a stinking mess behind
- Anti-government protests in Cuba spread to the US this week including Tampa and Miami—as Cubans on the island demand more food, medicine and freedom
- The assassination of the Haitian President by a hit squad raises questions about who ordered the assassination
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- Dr. Michael Teng, an Associate Professor of Molecular Medicine & Dean of Internal Medicine at the USF College of Medicine.
- Rosemary Goudreau O'Hara, Former Editorial Page Editor, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
- Stanley Gray, Businessman, NPA
- Colin Wolf, Digital Content Editor, Creative Loafing Tampa Bay
This week's topics:
- The more aggressive variant of COVID is taking hold here in Florida
- Former President Trump holds a big rally in Sarasota
- After the assault on Congress the Capital Police will set up an office in Tampa
- Hurricane Elsa brushes Florida, the state comes out largely unscathed
- The Lightning extend the winning streak of professional sports teams in the Tampa Bay area
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:
- State Senator Joe Gruters,District 23, Sarasota, (R)
- Alan Cohn,Journalist, (D)
- Dr. Timothy Dixon,Distinguished Prof & Director, USF, School of Geosciences, Geologist
This week’s topics:
- The legislature passed a lot of new laws this year, but some are being blocked by the governor and by the courts.
- Former President Trump holds a rally in Sarasota—what many of his supporters hope is the beginning of another presidential run.
- The search for victims and answers continues after that sudden condo collapse last week in Surfside.
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, gets political insights from guests McKenna Schueler,Independent Writer, Creative Loafing and Cecile Scoon,President, League of Women Voters of Florida.
This week’s topics:
- Highlights and analysis from St. Petersburg’s mayoral debate
- U.S. Senate votes to block debate about new voting rights legislation…How will that impact the new voting limits approved by the legislature?
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, gets political insights from guests Ray Arsenault,John Hope Franklin Professor of Southern History Emeritus, USF-St. Petersburg; Fred Hearns,Black History Curator, Tampa Bay History Center; Mariella Smith,Hillsborough County Commissioner, District 5; Ed Sherwood,Executive Director, Tampa Bay Estuary Program.
This week’s topics:
- A recording about an alleged Russian hit squad roils a local congressional race
- The mystery surrounding lost graves of African Americans
- Environmentalists try to protect two giant tracts of undeveloped land
- Is the red tide outbreak tied to the Piney Point phosphate spill?
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, gets political insights from guests Christian Ziegler,Vice Chair, Sarasota County Commission, Florida GOP Party; Amy Donofrio,High School Teacher; Bacardi Jackson,Managing Attorney, Children’s Rights, Southern Poverty Law Center; Timothy Dudley, Jr.,Department Director, Hillsborough County Emergency Management.
This week’s topics:
- Florida passes a ban on teaching critical race theory in the classroom and we hear from both sides of the debate.
- We’re now in hurricane season, so what do local emergency managers fear the most about the threat?
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, gets political insights from guests Dr. Susan MacManus,USF Distinguished Professor Emerita and ABC Action News Political Analyst; Sean Shaw,Attorney, Democrat; Craig Pittman,Columnist/Author, Florida Phoenix.
This week, we discuss:
- Nikki Fried enters race for Florida Governor
- Lawsuit filed over toxic working conditions at Tampa lead smelting plant
- The Florida Springs and why they are endangered
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, gets political insights from guests Yvette Lewis,President, Hillsborough County NAACP; William March,Independent Political Correspondent; Josh Solomon,St. Petersburg City Hall Reporter, Tampa Bay Times; Dan Ruth,Professor, Honors College USF-Tampa.
This week, we discuss:
- Peaceful protests and a divide in Tampa over the police review commission mark the anniversary of George Floyd’s killing.
- Governor Ron DeSantis moves to end extra unemployment benefits.
- The St. Petersburg mayoral race is getting crowded.
- Dominoes fall as Congressman Charlie Crist runs for governor.
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, gets political insights from guests Senator Jeff Brandes,District 24, Florida, Republican; Representative Anna Eskamani,District 47, Florida, Democrat; Amy Donofrio,High School Teacher; Zac Anderson,Political Editor, Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
This week, we discuss:
- The legislature passes a new gambling agreement with the Seminole Tribe of Florida…but does it violate the state constitution?
- A Sarasota company is leading the presidential recount in Arizona
- A teacher, Amy Donofrio, is removed from her position for putting up a Black Lives Matter flag in her classroom
To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
Host, Rob Lorei, gets political insights from guests Mac Stipanovich,Attorney, NPA; Joe Brown,Independent Journalist; Jennifer Martinez,President, Florida PTA; Micah Kubic,Executive Director, ACLU of Florida.
This week, we discuss:
- As Liz Cheney is booted from the Republican leadership in Congress—what does it mean for the party in Florida?
- The special session on gambling expansion gets underway next week.
- More state money is heading to private schools.
- A lawsuit is filed against the new state law expanding penalties on protestors.
To learn more about Florida This Week, go to www.wedu.org/floridathisweek