Anti-Social: Recent Episodes
Tony Winton & Thom Mozloom
We' not anti-people, just anti-social media. Interesting topics, with some logic, originating from the island paradise of Key Biscayne, Florida.
OUR SHOW RESUMES at the 20th annual Key Biscayne Rib-Off, which has become a place where pork and politics mix under the haze of cooking meat. Our guest, one of the contest judges, is former WFOR-TV anchor Eliott Rodriguez, who told us he is likely to challenge GOP Rep. Maria Salazar as Key Biscayne's in Congress. Rodriguez is a former Key Biscayne resident.
It's a show done LIVE on location at the site of the Rib-Off, a charity event benefitting medical education. Special host THOM MOZLOOM is back, too.
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THE STOCK MARKET is soaring, but weak employment numbers and stubborn high prices are making many Americans feel uneasy as 2025 comes to a close. Our guest is veteran financial analyst MARK HAMRICK, who synthesizes the trends and says there is some hope that things will change course in 2026. And, he has some good financial tips of use to every household.
And -- we announce the winner of KBI's annual Newsmaker of the Year contest -- both the reader's and the editors choices.
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A HISTORIC AND POPULAR nature center near Miami has some environmental advocates feeling wronged by a government that wants to monetize a building named after ecology pioneer Marjory Stoneman Douglas. The center in Crandon Park teaces marine ecology to thousands of children each year -- but was facing eviction as part of plan to generate revenue for the cash-strapped parks system.
While the eviction notice has been withdrawn, the fate of the center is still very much unknown. Our guests, Mark Diaz and Theodora Long, are in charge of the nonprofit and respond to what they say are inaccurate statements by County officials.
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IN THIS SPECIAL edition of Anti-Social, live from the Give Miami Day Mission Control center, we interview two nonprofits that are using donor dollars for good.
Maj. Gene Hogg of the Salvation Army talks about how his organization handles disasters -- both natural and large, and personal and tragic.
Debra Albo-Steiger of the Children's Bereavement Center talks about how her group helps families deal with grief -- an often overlooked need that is so important when families deal with loss.
These are just two organizations of about 1,400 that will benefit from Miami's single biggest day of community generosity.
Listen, give, and know how much your gift helps others!
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A DISPUTE OVER A BELOVED NATURE CENTER is just one of the topics that one of Florida's top elected leaders is contending with. Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava says she wants a deal to keep programming - but also says she's facing a budget "storm" that is only likely to get tougher.
We ask the mayor -- and Transportation chief Stacy Miller -- about the sale of the Miami Seaquarium, the fate of the Rickenbacker Causeway, and big political moves that are happening in the County
It's a show you won't want to miss.
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THE TRUMP Administration is expanding its deportation efforts, leading to protests across the country. In Miami, where a majority of residents are Hispanic, a new campaign is seeking change from Republican members of Congress who -- so far-- have largely supported the crackdown.
Our guests are Michael Putney, formerly of WPLG-TV Channel 10, and Leticia Callava, a former anchor for Univison, who tell us why they are getting involved on the ICE crackdown issue.
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COMMUNITY GROUPS lift a city in so many ways. The Miami Women's Club can point to 125 years of bringing women together from the city's earliest days to the vibrant multicultural metropolis it is today.
Our Guest is Metris Batts-Coley, the organization's first black president who shares with us the clubs's history, goals, and growth. We also talk about how she is working to fight food insecurity as Miami-Dade County braces for the loss of SNAP benefits.
FOOD DONATIONS: LINK HERE
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WE START OUR TWELFTH SEASON by talking to a former investigator of the January 6th committee who is running for Congress in from Miami and Key Biscayne
ROBIN PEGUERO is a Harvard grad, novelist, and former Miami prosecutor who wants to be your next member of Congress. He's one of two Democrats hoping to unseat Republican Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar
Listen and learn more!
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INSURANCE, REPAIRS and high costs are just some reasons being given for a downward trend in home values in South Florida of late, but out guest KEN JOHNSON crunches numbers across the nation and his conclusions are -- different.
If you have to pay for a roof over your head -- buy, sell, or rent --- it's a show you don't want to miss.
Ken Johnson is the creator of a widely-known index that helps buyers and sellers understand the value of their homes compared to general market trends -- and he shares his decades of insight.
After years in South Florida, he is now the Christie Kirkland Walker Chair of Real Estate and Professor of Finance at the University of Mississippi School of Business Administration.
LINKS MENTIONED ON SHOW from the Beracha and Johnson Real Estate Initiative
HOME PRICES
https://therealestateinitiative.com/housing-top-100/
BUY VS RENT
https://therealestateinitiative.com/price-to-rent-ratios/#about-rankings
RENTS
https://www.ares.org/page/waller-weeks-johnson-rental-index
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THE 2026 MIDTERMS ARE A LONG WAY OFF, but two Democrats are already vying to take on incumbent Maria Elvira Salazar. Sensing growing disapproval with President Trump on topics like immigration and the economy, businessman Richard Lamondin announced a bid earlier this year. He will face former Key Biscayne Mayor Mike Davey in August. We ask him about his background, the main issues, and how he expects to be viable in a district that has shifted to the GOP.
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President Donald Trump wants to zero out funding to public radio and TV, cuts that would affect the programming you hear and see in South Florida. Measures in Congress would also cut funds for WLRN and WPBT, the stations that provide unique local news and entertainment programming, as well as bringing NPR and PBS programs free of charge to you.
Our guest is Sergio Bustos, the vice president of news for WLRN, whose department creates strong local reporting in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties.
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ERIC LANG stepped down as Key Biscyane's fire chief recently, wrapping up three decades of service on the barrier island. A founder of the department, he's helped respond to tragedies large and small. We talk to him about his decision, and the safety issues he think the island faces now and in the future.
And we also discuss the new plan from Commissioner Raquel Regalado for the Rickenbacker Causeway. It drew big applause, but faces many obstacles.
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NOT EVERY TOWN of 15,000 can boast a homegrown player who's now a teammate of Lionel Messi. But Key Biscayne can.
Our guest is Marcelo Radice, who's worked to build the island's soccer programs for both boys and girls. We ask him about how the program has grown, and the exciting goal of being connected to Major League Soccer.
Jan and Tony also talk about some of the biggest local news headlines ranging from e-bikes to condos.
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DAVID JOLLY is a former Republican Congressman from the Tampa Bay area who is looking at the Florida Governor's mansion -- and in our podcast, says he's planning a run as Democrat. Can he successfully find a winning lane as a political moderate in highly polarized state ? His answers might surprise you.
In our second segment, we talk about fluoridation and Immigration issues that have divided officials in South Florida.
With Special Guest host Thom Mozloom -- so brace yourselves.
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EARLIER THIS YEAR, some of Miami's best-known charities agreed that local news in our community is in deep trouble. They joined a national program, PRESS FORWARD, to help make sure local news coverage in Dade, Broward, and Monroe counties survives.
Our guest, is NIKISHA WILLIAMS of the Miami Foundation, who talks about why donors are stepping forward, and what the initiative hopes to achieve, and how the community can shape news coverage by taking a reader survey
Click HERE to take the survey
If you believe local news matters, listen and take the survey!
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SUNSHINE WEEK celebrates both press freedoms and the ability to get public records and know what's going on in your government. Our first guest is STEVE HERMAN, off the air after the Trump administration shuttered Voice of America. We talk about how listeners around the world have lost a key news source.
Closer to home, we speak with Bobby Block, head of the Florida First Amendment Foundation about some legislation that could erase even knowing where your lawmakers live - and how you can support nonpartisan efforts to keep information open and public.
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A FULL BLOWN TRADE WAR is now raging, after Donald Trump started slapping tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico, China, and now, most of Europe. But what is his theory, and does it have any economic history?
OUR GUEST is a JAMES FEIGENBAUM, a professor of economics who formerly worked for the Federal Reserve Bank, who says the president is following a centuries old script -- that most countries abandoned a long time ago.
We also talk about another area -- the impact of illegal immigration on the economy, which Feigenbaum has researched and written about.
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NO ONE KNOWS how deep the cuts are, but forecasters at America's weather agency, NOAA, say the quality of forecasts could be jeopardized with layoffs of scientists and other employees. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has a wide research mission that Floridians depend on for hurricanes and research into climate change and sea level rise.
Our guest is JAMES FRANKLIN, a veteran scientist who has flown dozens of missions into the eyes of hurricanes.
We ask him what's at stake.
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A LITTLE BIT OF BOASTING, but Key Biscayne's annual "Rib Off" is set in an idyllic bayside spot where smoke, pork, and community fuse together for one of the nation's best barbecue competitions -- all done for a great charitable cause
Our guest is Ron Magill, South Florida's best-known wildlife expert who just also happens to be a baby back rib lover and one of the judge's for this year's competition.
BONUS: stay tuned at the end of the show for an interview with one of Jorge Blanco, captain of the one of the winning teams, Smilin' Swine.
Here is a link to the results.
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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a sweeping package of immigration laws on Thursday aimed at carrying out President Donald Trump ’s mass deportation agenda.
Republicans say the laws put Florida — long a haven for immigrants — on the leading edge of conservative-controlled states working to leverage state and local resources for federal immigration enforcement.
Our guest is TIFFANY HANKINS, was right in the middle of this big decision Tallahassee - she is the director of policies and politics for the Florida Immigrant Coalition, an organization that assists and advocates for immigrants in Florida with extensive know your rights resources
And, Tony and Jan talk about the state of disarray in Key Biscayne's massive Big Dig project, the Super Bowl -- and the presidential retaliation over the Gulf of Mexico.
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YEARS OF PLANNING was thrown into turmoil this week when the mayor of Key Biscayne reversed position on the Big Dig, aimed at protecting the Miami barrier island from sea level rise. Joe Rasco ran for office on resiliency projects, but his announcement endorsing a pause came in response to public concern about rising costs.
Our guest is Thom Mozloom, a marketing and branding expert, joined with senior correspondent John Pacenti. We discuss how the project ran into opposition, and where the Village goes next.
In our second segment, the panel discusses the rapid moves by President Trump less than a month into his term.
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KIRSTEN HINES has a master's degree in biology, but it was later in life she learned the lens was the way to get close to the wildlife she loves. An award winning author, she knows Key Biscayne and Miami well. Join us for a fascinating discussion about the amazing beauty that exists even in big urban areas like Miami.
You can see her work here
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GOVERNOR RON DESANTIS called a special session to deal with a financial crisis facing millions of condo residents, but so far, the Legislature is balking.
It's all about dealing with expensive repairs to aging buildings in the wake of the deadly collapse of the Champlain Towers building in Surfside in 2021. Combined with property insurance rates, condo ownership is becoming unaffordable.
Our guest is Dana Goldman, a former mayor of Sunny Isles Beach and a condo law expert - we ask her about the challenges that policymakers are facing.
And, in in our second segment, Tony and Jan talk about how a man with a cigar changed policy in Key Biscayne.
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DOMINOES is a cultural touchstone in South Florida, but the annual gathering of players on the beach at Key Biscayne has a special purpose - furthering hopes and dreams in Liberty City, an economically-challenged area in Miami.
Our Guest for the first episode of season eleven (!) is Toby Rohrer, who with her husband Bill raises money for scholarships helping Liberty City residents. Tune in and learn about this cool program-- and about the passion players have for the game.
Details on event Jan. 18 here
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Layoffs. Billionaires. Hedge Funds. Influencers. Declining ad revenue.
Journalism has been hit with one Category-5 storm after another.
In our final show for Season 10, Sergio Bustos, a veteran journalist and VP of news for WLRN, joins the discussion. We talk about how news has changed, and how organizations are adapting against economic headwinds even as the public craves more fact-based coverage.
In our second segment, we talk about Luigi Mangione, accused of gunning down a health care executive in New York and public reaction.
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ALLISON MCCORMICK just wrapped up eight years as a member of Key Biscayne's Village Council, a term that saw four village managers, a pandemic, and the start of the biggest public works project in the barrier island's history.
We talk to her about the challenges of all that - and what is was like to be a public servant at the level closest to the people. And we welcome her as a new board member of Miami Fourth Estate, the parent nonprofit of the Key Biscayne Independent, the Liberty City Independent, and this podcast.
This show is on the eve of Giving Tuesday, and we ask our listeners to support the show and the Key Biscyane Independent so we can keep providing you factual information about your town.
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GIVE MIAMI DAY is a tradition in Miami where 1,300 nonprofits work together to fund a variety of worthy causes. We talk to a worker at a nonprofit who works directly on the city's streets to help the neediest -- and also with Nikisha Williams, who talks about how gifts are leveraged many times over.
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DO YOU HATE CLOCK SWITCHING? Twice a year the clocks are changed, and twice a year, there are gripes. But 'Natural Time' activist Jay Pea says momentum is building to move to standard time -- despite a move by Florida to go in the wrong direction.
Hey, it's not political -- but it's a surprisingly divided issue.
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IN A DISTRICT that has historically elected Democrats, State Rep. Vicki Lopez is running as a moderate Republican to keep her spot. House District 113, which covers Key Biscayne and coastal Miami.
Know for her work on condo issues, she is fending off a challenge from Jackie Gross Kellogg, the leader of Key Biscayne Democrats who says she will restore bipartisan balance after decades of Republican rule in Tallahassee.
We talk to both candidates about some of the top issues facing voters and what has been at times a nasty campaign.
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CRITICS are seeking to pause the Big Dig sea level rise protection project in Key Biscayne. It's the biggest public works program in Village history.
Critics challenge the science, costs, and the administration by Village Manager Steve Williamson, asking for new studies about whether the antiquated stormwater drainage system can last a few years longer
We have two guests who have the answers about the science, and the Village's plans.
- Jayantha Obeysekara, the director of the Seal Level Solutions Center at Florida International University, and a former modeler for the South Florida Water Management District
- Steve Williamson, the village manager of Key Biscayne who is trying to move to the next step of Zone 1
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DEBBIE MUCARSEL-POWELL, a former Democratic congresswoman from Miami, is trying to upset Republican Rick Scott for U.S. Senate. Recent polls show the race tightening to within the margin of error.
As Hurricane Milton's damage is still being assessed, we talk to her about the government's role in disaster response, environmental policy, and much more. Listen as she makes her case for election.
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TWO ACCOMPLISHED leaders are vying for the same spot in Miami's County government - District 7 - which includes the islands of Key Biscayne and Virginia Key, as well as Coral Gables, Pinecrest, and South Miami.
CINDY LERNER, the former mayor of Pinecrest, lost to RAQUEL REGALADO by a narrow margin in 2020 -- now the two are in a rematch.
We ask them about the future of the Rickenbacker Causeway, traffic, and other issues confronting our community.
- Last day to register — Oct. 7
- Last day to request mail ballot — Oct. 24
- Early Voting Oct 21 - Nov. 3
- Election Day - Nov. 5.
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OUR FINAL TWO CANDIDATES for Key Biscayne's Village Council are on the show -- Michael Bracken and Nicholas Lopez-Jenkins. Neither is completely new to public service, with both serving on important committees.
Bracken served as a member of the island's Undergrounding task force, while Jenkins served on the Virginia Key advisory board. We ask them about the "Big Dig" that could cost more than $310 million to protect Key Biscayne from sea level rise -- critics say it will cost much more and is overkill. What do they think?
ELECTION DATES
- Mail ballots go out - Sept 26
- Last day to register — Oct. 7
- Last day to request mail ballot — Oct. 24
- Early Voting Oct 21 - Nov. 3
- Election Day - Nov. 5.
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WE CONTINUE our series interviewing the six candidates for Key Biscayne's Village Council. Our guest is CHARLES COLLINS, who supports pausing the "Big Dig" projects. We ask about that -- and why he switched running for mayor to council
ALSO, we bring on our reporter Billy Jean Louis to talk about reaction in Little Haiti to Donald Trump's false claim that Haitian immigrants are eating pets in an Ohio town.
ELECTION DATES
- Mail ballots go out - Sept 26
- Last day to register — Oct. 7
- Last day to request mail ballot — Oct. 24
- Early Voting Oct 21 - Nov. 3
- Election Day - Nov. 5.
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NANCY STONER is one of six vying for three seats on the Key Biscayne Village Council. We get right into it with her views on the $300 million "Big Dig" project that some argue should be paused.
Stoner is a construction and real estate attorney and mediator -- listen and find out more about her.
Important Election Dates
- Mail ballots go out - Sept 26
- Last day to register — Oct. 7
- Last day to request mail ballot — Oct. 24
- Early Voting Oct 21 - Nov. 3
- Election Day - Nov. 5.
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WE START OUR 2024 SERIES of candidates for the Key Biscayne Village Council with two well known men on the island. Six people are vying for three seats in November.
We ask about a $350 million stormwater project -- the "Big Dig" -- and other top issues -- and the answers may surprise you.
--MARK FRIED, an attorney and service club leader, says he was motivated to run after the death of cyclist Megan Andrews.
--FRANK CAPLAN, a former mayor, is now running for reelection to his seat on the Council.
Important Election Dates
- Last day to register — Oct. 7
- Last day to request mail ballot — Oct. 24
- Early Voting Oct 21 - Nov. 3
- Election Day - Nov. 5.
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KAMALA HARRIS and new running mate Tim Walz have upended the presidential election, now leading Donald Trump and drawing large crowds in the days after President Joe Biden stepped out.
Is the momentum sustainable? And just as important, what does it mean for state and local races in Florida and Miami?
Our guest is top-tier Democratic strategist and pollster FERNAND AMANDI, who shares his insight on "Big Mo" and what kind of coattails the change at the top of the ticket might bring.
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It's less than 100 days to the U.S. presidential election, and if history is any guide, people will vote their pocketbooks.
So...how IS the economy doing in the four years since the pandemic?
We talk to Mark Hamrick, the Washington bureau chief of Bankrate and one of the nation's sharpest financial journalists, who says that when it comes to reading the economy, there's sometimes a conflict about economic data -- and how people feel about the economy.
With special co-host H. Frances Reaves
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JACKIE GROSS KELLOGG is a longtime Key Biscayne Democratic Party leader, and her first trip to the national convention is coming with the historic change in presidential nominees from Joe Biden to Kamala Harris. She'll be voting in an online roll call August 1st.
What is like to be one of 2,000 people making this decision? And what challenges face Harris and the Democrats in a year of stunning political developments?
Plus, we introduce Billy Jean Louis, our newest reporter who is working stories on Key Biscayne and our soon-to-launch publication, the Liberty City Independent.
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MIAMI's 27th DISTRICT is one of the nation's most evenly divided congressional districts, and this year's election is taking place in a time of intense political and in the wake of an assassination attempt.
MIKE DAVEY, a former Republican, is seeking to reclaim the seat for Democrats. He's best known for two terms as Key Biscayne mayor, where he was popular he didn't even have an opponent in his second term.
But first, he faces a primary election Aug. 20 against Lucia Baez-Geller, who had early support from many national Democratic groups.
And if he wins, can he defeat GOP incumbent Maria Salazar, who has embraced Trump?
This is an interview you can't miss.
Important links
Register to vote (DEADLINE FOR PRMARY IS JULY 22)
Renew your mail ballot (You Must renew for 2024 if you want to vote by mail)
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Every week it's a different headline in Miami. A verdict against a commissioner. Allegations against the City attorney. Unconstitutional voting districts.
And then there is the "cold war" with Miami's neighboring city, Key Biscayne over Virginia Key and ongoing traffic issues.
Our guest is Damian Pardo, who won an upset victory and has been part of major changes in the region's biggest municipality. His District 2 includes Virginia Key, the island adjacent to Key Biscayne.
We kick off season 10 with the question: is the war over?
And we also welcome guest co-host H. Frances Reaves to the program.
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LAST YEAR, ocean temperatures set records. And this year, it's looking even more extreme. What will that mean for the Atlantic Hurricane Season, just two months away?
We welcome back meteorologist Brian McNoldy from the University of Miami's Rosenstiel Schoo, who has been blogging about extraordinary ocean temperature changes.
Plus, our regular news discussion about social media.
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His name is RETRO BILL and he goes around the country with a sometimes zany message for kids - and he's passionate about stopping bullying.
Retro Bill just wrapped up a series of shows in Key Biscayne -- and he has a message for parents and kids.
After you've listened to his show -- check him out here
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CONDO SALES ARE PLUMMETING in Sough Florida, but is it a crisis?
Our guest is KEN JOHNSON from Florida Atlantic University, a real estate economist, who talks about the effect of the Surfside condo collapse on the market. "Condos are the canary in the coal mine."
We also discuss the Olea sex abuse case, where a police detective's recorded comments have led to an internal affairs investigation. Olea, a gymnastics coach, faces felony charges and has pleaded not guilty .
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TWO MAJOR SEX CRIME cases are now top of mind for many Key Biscayne residents, with defendants facing potential life sentences. Our guest is a former state and federal prosecutor who now is one of Miami's top defense lawyers -- David S, Weinstein.
We ask hin how these cases are likely to play out and how they will proceed in court,
We also discuss the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to take Donald Trump's bid to stop his insurrection prosecution based on claim of "presidential immunity."
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SEX ABUSE ALLEGATIONS and a fatal crash involving an e-bike collision. Idyllic Key Biscayne has been dealing with a series of serious problems that would challenge any town.
Our guest is former Anti-Social host THOM MOZLOOM, an expert in crisis communications and marketing. How can a government better communicate with its citizens?
We also discuss the new bid by former Key Biscayne Mayor Mike Davey to be the region's new member of Congress.
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A series of sexual misconduct cases have roiled the "Island Paradise" of Key Biscayne. Our guests are two reporters from the Miami Herald -- Clara-Sophia Daly and Ana Claudia Chacin whose stories about accusations against gymnastic coach Oscar Olea have led police to consider reopening an investigation. Some of the accusations are more than a decade old. Olea has not bee charged.
The stories came to light after the July arrest of a Key Biscayne attorney William McCaughan Jr., on child porn charges.
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WALT DISNEY WORLD is Florida's largest private employer, but few know that it's also a heavily unionized workforce. Contracts at Disney influence the entire state. Our guest is Mike Schneider, an AP correspondent and author of the book "MICKEY AND THE TEAMSTERS: A fight for fair unions at Disney" which looks at a years-long battle involving the "cast members" who play Mickey, Goofy, and other characters.
Plus, our regular discussion of upcoming news in the Key Biscayne Independent.
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WITH CONDO COMPLAINTS rising all over Florida, State Rep. Vicky Lopez has filed sweeping legislation that would add new criminal penalties for wayward condo boards. She talks about why the legislation is needed -- and the support she expects to get when the Florida Legislature convenes January 9th.
We also discuss the arrest of a Key Biscayne attorney accused of receiving child sex abuse images on his computer, a case that has many residents in shock.
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WE CLOSE 2023 with something every Key Biscayne motorist sees every day -- the big new electronic sign welcoming people to the Island Paradise. But a local group wants to add some cheery messages to the sign to boost spirits and promote the sense of community.
Our guest Oscar Sardiñas, a member of the Village Council, talks about this idea to promote goodwill.
John and Tony also talk about our upcoming end-of-the-year news items, such as the first ever KEY BISCAYNE PERSON of the YEAR and the the top stories list. Plus the usual discussion of things on social media.
Peace and Goodwill, everyone.
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$300 Million, $200 Million, $100 Million?
Next month, the Key Biscayne Village Council is expected to revise just how much flood water it needs to pump as sea level rise threatens the barrier island.
Our guest is Council Member Oscar Sardiñas, who is serving his first term and will be one of seven making this monumental decision
And we have a BIG ANNOUCEMENT about journalism for Miami. We're expanding
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It's not Sundance yet, but Key Biscayne is getting its own film festival. Our guests Isabel Custer and Maite Garrado Thornton talk about the first event in January and how the festival uniquely connects with the Island Paradise.
You can learn more about the festival here
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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE is the leading cause of injury to women in the U.S. Every year, more than 3 million children witness domestic violence in their homes.
Our Guest is Miami's top prosecutor, Katherine Fernandez Rundle, who has worked for years to improve the criminal justice system's response to these family-destroying problems.
The hotline for domestic violence 305-547-0140, or call 9-1-1
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IT WILL COST HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS -- making Key Biscayne hardened against sea level rise, increasing rains, and hurricanes. But protecting one of Miami's most scenic barrier islands is facing a big vote in the coming weeks -- a final decision on just how dry the streets should be, and whether there is the political will to borrow, spend, and manage a mammoth job.
STEVE WILLIAMSON, a former Army of Corps of Engineers colonel, is Key Biscayne's village manager. We ask him the latest on the costs, the trade-offs, and why his adminstration is pushing hard to get work started.
With Guest Host Jan Dillow -- and discussions on the latest news on social media.
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Once a year, Miami-Dade County comes together to support hundreds of nonprofits working to strengthen our community and is people.
It's called Give Miami Day and Our guest is Rebecca Fishman Lipsey, the leader of the Miami Foundation to talk about how the entire community can benefit when it works to support worthy causes
We also talk about how Key Biscayne's member of Congress voted in the selection of a new speaker of the house -- and local news headlines from the Island Paradise.
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With the horror of the Oct. 7 terrorist attack on Israel by the terrorist group Hamas and the subsequent air strikes on the Gaza Strip, we asked Middle East expert Eric Lob to break down the complex issues that led to the massacre and the perils of the conflict for the United States.
Lob is an associate professor at Florida International University in the Department of Politics and International Relations. His research focuses on the intersection of development and politics in the Middle East and on political violence and revolution.
Later in the show, Melissa White of the Key Biscayne Community Foundation joins us and talks about the planned vigil for Israel on Key Biscayne and how important it is to not lose sight of the human toll of the attack, as well as not to conflate Hamas with the plight of the Palestinian people.
John Pacenti also catches everybody up on the top news of the week for the island.
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Thom Mozloom returns to host this episode.
Miami-Dade Raquel Regalado talks about plans to refurbish Crandon Park golf course, those "bad trees" cut down on the side of the Rickenbacker Causeway and an issue close to her heart: employing the neurodivergent.
She also addresses rumors whether she would toss her hat in the ring to become Miami-Dade County mayor.
Amandi joins us for a freewheeling conversation about the body politic from city of Miami corruption, Gov. Ron DeSantis' struggling presidential bid and, of course, former President Donald Trump.
In the final segment, we talk about all that Thom's missed in Key Biscayne news over the last few months from the Vision Plan, to the arrest of the EmeraldBay property manager to all the drama surrounding the budget.
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RON MAGILL says known to a worldwide audience for his passion about animals, his wildlife photography, and his job as spokesman for Zoo Miami. But he's speaking out forcefully about a plan to put a water park at the Zoo, a move he says will endanger wildlife.
He says he's ready to put his job on the line.
In Segment 2, we talk about opposition to the Key Biscayne Budget, which passed 6-1 on first reading. Some say it's time to radically reduce spending even as the Village faces threats of sea level rise and climate change.
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KEY BISCAYNE families with special needs people recently succeeded in getting funding to enhance services on the island, but they're not done yet. Our guest is Dominique Breard, a member of the group "It Takes a Village KB."
We ask her about how local families organized, their challenges, and the future of special needs help for both kids and adults.
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The sudden death of Lolita, the "killer whale" at the Miami Seaquarium, saddened animal lovers everywhere. But trainers had long warned of problems.
Our guest is Mark Simmons, a former trainer and author of the book Killing Keikotalks about the orca's death and the what he thinks must be done in the future for marine parks
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An arrest in a months-long investigation of fraud rattled residents at a posh Key Biscayne condominium this week.
We start our show with the latest news in the scandal and audio of police interviews.
Our guest is nationally respected journalist Sergio Bustos , who leads the newsroom at WLRN. Sergio tells us about the state of local journalism and how nonprofit news organizations are making a difference for democracy. We discuss the state of the presidential politics while noticing that some empanadas that kept disappearing during the show.
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SOUTH FLORIDA is in the grips of an affordable housing crisis, with a combination of high rents, high values, and high interest rates making it difficult for many to make ends meet -- even though some values have leveled off in Key Biscayne
Our guest is Ron Shuffield, president and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices EWM Realty, a market veteran who recently briefed members of the Key Biscayne Chamber of Commerce about the market.
Unless you don't care about the roof over your head, it's an episode you won't want to miss.
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THIS WEEK, we turn the microphone over to our summer intern at the Key Biscayne Independent about her real-world journalism experience covering big stories.
But ANASTASIA IVANOVA has a story of her own - her family, refugees from Ukraine, is dealing daily with the ongoing invasion of her country. Her powerful first-person column is about what it's like to be a high school student and to deal with surprising attitudes from her Miami classmates.
Ana also talks about her experiences in journalism and how her social media feed is very different from John and Tony's.
Plus the local news of the week including an attempted suicide of Miami's top cop, Freddy Ramirez.
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JOE RASCO IS 233 DAYS into his term as mayor of Key Biscayne, and is fresh off a big wins. This week, after months of delay, the Village Council restarted a stalled $250 million project to protect the island from sea level rise. And the Village Council achieved a rare 7-0 vote on a potential tax increase for the 2024 budget -- but some 'wish list' projects may not make it.
We talk with mayor about all that -- as well as the iguana 🦎 problem.
And John and Tony talk about their reporting pet peeves.
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THIS JULY, record temperatures around the world are setting records in the oceans and in cities. Miami has had days of excessive, unprecedented heat. And scientists say the record surface temperatures could endanger corals and make hurricane forecasting unpredictable.
Our guest is BRIAN McNOLDY, a meteorologist at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science and hurricane expert. We talk to him about the records, what they mean -- and if there is any relief in sight.
--We also discuss a new soccer phenom who from Key Biscayne is now playing with Lionel Messi on Inter Miami...the controversy over the new Barbie movie
AND WE ARE CELEBRATING the 3rd BIRTHDAY of the Key Biscayne Independent
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RACISM ALLEGATIONS are in the news almost nonstop. Accusations of racial slurs at MAST Academy, a prestigious Miami magnet school. A Supreme Court ruling striking down affirmative action. And other court rulings involving racial unfairness in the election system.
Our guest is Harold Ford, the head of the South Dade Chapter of the NAACP. An educator, he has strong views on the how the schools system is failing to address racism, but also talks about hope for the future.
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IN FLORIDA and across the nation, legislatures have passed restrictive laws that many in the LGTBQ+ community feel are targeting their right to exist. In Florida, the "Don't Say Gay" law was expanded, and some teachers feel a chilling effect.
Our guest is Orlando Gonzalez, executive director of SAVE/LGBTQ. We ask him about the challenges the community is facing, recent court rulings, and the how the issue will unfold in upcoming elections.
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SOME KEY BISCAYNE residents are up in arms over a proposal to mandate flood barriers on private property in Key Biscayne. And some members of council have delayed the next big step in advancing the island's $250 million dollar plan to fight sea level rise and increase resiliency.
Village Manager Steve Williamson, a former Army Corps of Engineers Colonel, has said the island is already behind schedule on voter-approved measures to combat flooding, protect coastlines, and bury electrical power lines.
What's going on? We talk to former Mayor Mike Davey about the new political pushback on resiliency initiatives.
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THE TRAGIC COLLAPSE OF THE CHAMPLAIN TOWERS SOUTH in Surfside two years ago this month had huge impacts on condominiums where millions of Floridians live. New inspections and new costs are coming at a time when insurance rates are skyrocketing and buildings are confronting deferred maintenance.
In Key Biscayne, the largest complex is the news, with multiple legal issues.
Our guest is veteran condominium attorney DANA GOLDMAN, the former mayor of Sunny Isles Beach, who has been holding seminars for owners about coping with these problems.
What can owners do to protect themselves?
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FEW VOTERS KNOW that a mammoth change in law enforcement is coming to Miami-Dade County. That's because for the first time in decades, voters will elect a sheriff who will run the nation's sixth-largest police agency.
It means that the job - currently non-political - will become a political office with Republicans and Democrats competing.
The current MDPD director, Freddy Ramirez is the top current contender for the job, which will be arguably the single most important elected position in the County. What are his credentials and viewpoint? What challenges does he see? And for Key Biscayne voters, how would he address continuing safety and traffic problems on the Rickenbacker Causeway?
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THE RECENTLY CONCLUDED LEGISLATIVE SESSION was one for the books with contentious votes on abortion, immigration, guns, and a fight with Disney. It also brought a million dollars to Key Biscayne -- but the island didn't get everything it wanted.
Our guest is State House Representative Vicki Lopez who talks about her votes, how the system is working -- and a lot more.
We also cover a contentious meeting on Key Biscayne's Vision Plan.
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A RECENT REPORT CARD gave Biscayne Bay another set of poor ratings for water quality. And despite increased attention and new regulation in recent years, the bay is getting worse, not better. It's at a "tipping point," scientists say
OUR guest is Audrey Siu, the policy director for Miami Waterkeeper, a nonprofit group working to restore health to Miami's most precious resource - the waters that surround it.
We also discuss the impact of the ending session of the Florida Legislature on a top issue in Key Biscayne -- density, with lawmakers wiping out a 16-year old provision that let voters decide on land development regulations.
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A conversation with U.K artist Luke Jerram about an illuminated globe installed for Earth Day weekend in Key Biscayne. Measuring nearly 23 feet in diameter, this installation is a scale replica of Earth, created using detailed NASA imagery of the planet’s surface.
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AFTER YEARS, a plan meant to meet future challenges for Miami's "Island Paradise" had a raucous final public meeting before coming to a vote. Critics have organized against it, claiming it will promote density. Village leaders pushed back as they defended the lengthy document.
Our guest is former Council Member Luis de la Cruz, a member of the panel who talks about the document's goals -- and the criticism.
Joining Tony to host this week is John Pacenti, the Key Biscayne Independent's new executive editor for a review of his reporting about the killer whale Lolita.
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THE KEY BISCAYNE Rib Off is a charity event in honor of abeloved local physician that has expanded to more than 20 teams, drawing an ever growing audience.
Details here
Our guest is York Flik, one of the organizers of the competition who gives the history, some insights on what makes a winning rib, and the impact that the charity has had on on medical education
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Lolita has been at the Miami Seaquarium for decades, but an unlikely partnership this week announced a plan to return her to her home waters in the Pacific Northwest after five decades in captivity.
Our guest is Charles Vinick, the co-founder of Friends of Lolita, who describes how a plan to privately fund her preparation and transport came about.
We also talk about a new affordable housing bill that many people in Miami thrilled -- but not so much in Key Biscayne
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Major criminal cases are daily work in America's fourth-biggest prosecutor's office, but Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle says pay is so low, she lost 100 lawyers in the past year. She's pleading with the Florida Legislature to fund law enforcement offices so criminal cases can go forward as pandemic backlogs are straining resources,
We also talk to her about bills to tighten penalties for mismanaged condo and homeowner associations in the wake of Surfside and other scandals.
Next, we introduce new Key Biscayne Independent Executive Editor John Pacenti and ask him about his new role.
We talk about a brewing controversy over a new workforce housing bill that could mean massive development on Key Biscayne
And finally -- we talk about how likely presidential candidate Ron DeSantis decided to come up with his controversial position on aid Ukraine.
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It's 20 MONTHS before Election Day, but DANIELLA LEVINE-CAVA announced her re-election campaign for the top job in Miami March 1. Why so early? And what is the state of play as the 2024 presidential race gets closer?
Our guest is Fernand Amandi, who is one of Florida's leading pollsters and analysts, who shares his views of what could one of the biggest municipal races in the U.S.A.
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Governor Ron DeSantis thinks it should be easier to sue for libel, and a bill in the Florida Legislature would to exactly that. Our guest is veteran newsroom leader Bobby Block, the head of Florida's First Amendment Foundation, to talk about how this proposed law would chill speech -- whether it's from the right or left, and whether it's a newspaper or a WhatsApp post.
We also talk about Dilbert Creator Scott Adams racist rant on YouTube and how it led to many newspapers dropping his strip.
Finally, Thom asks Tony about a threat of violence that came after news coverage of scooters and e-bikes in the Key Biscayne Independent.
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OUR GUEST Sofia Schott has devoted her life to teaching people good manners, and her business is now taking off. Our world may be politically polarized, but that's no reason to ignore the social rules that just make life more pleasant for you -- and everyone else.
Join us -- so you won't be Anti-Social.
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Former Florida Agirculture Commissioner Nikki Fried wants to be the chair of the Florida Democratic party, which took a drubbing in November's election. What is her plan to turn the party around in the Sunshine State.
And the Chat GPT artificial intelligence software has exploded into all kinds of fields, what about education? We talk with a Sofia Barnett, a writer for WIRED magazine about how the program is fueling debate on what constitutes plagiarism
Plus, the local news from the island paradise, including a crackdown on scooters.
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Are schools back from the pandemic? Out guest is Anne Rothe, the director of the Key Biscayne Presbyterian School, which is celebrating 25 years of service.
Also joining us: Miami-Dade Commissioner Raquel Regalado with updates on e-bikes, scooters, and the Rickenbacker Causeway
We also discuss a big battle in the largest condo complex in Key Biscayne. What's the fight all about?
Our podcast now also available on Youtube
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Key Biscayne is about to start a crackdown on e-bikes and electric scooters, while state officials consider granting local communities more tools to promote safe ridershi
Police Chief Frank Sousa joins us on our OUR 100th SHOW!We also ask the chief about some serious local crimes, his reaction to the police beating of Tyre Nichols, and a proposal to let people carry concealed weapons in Florida without a permit
And Thom talks about his reaction to writing a column in the Miami Herald on Crypto and damage to the region's brand
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GROWTH is 2.9 percent, unemployment is low, and inflation has cooled down a lot. So why do so many think we're headed into a recession. We talk the "R" word with Bankrate.com analyst Mark Hamrick.
As we welcome new co-host Mike Davey to the show, we talk about an inflation issue locally -- wages for sanitation workers
On the fun side we also get into some wacky social media ranging from M&M's to a bizarre Tweet by the Associated Press Stylebook about "the French." (a reference manual in every U.S. newsroom).
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Starbucks is in the news -- not for it's new latte flavors, but for dozens of alleged labor law violations as baristas try to form unions across the country. We talk to two employees in Miami, one of whom says he was illegally fired in retaliation for trying to unionize the Hialeah store. We also discuss the national trends where there's been an large increase in the number of union elections -- but the overall rate of unionization remains low.
In Segment 2, we talk about Key Biscayne's new Vision Plan, which was sent to the Village Council in October and was set for approval this week -- but was not. And Thom had a very cool thing happen on his social media feed.
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Meet Olena Goncharova, part of a team of journalists covering the war in Ukraine. We as her about the KYIV INDEPENDENT, a new English nonprofit newspaper that
We ask Olena about the war and how her colleagues are covering -- and coping -- with the bloodshed in their homeland after Russia's full-scale invasion 11 months ago,
You can support her work and the Kyiv Independent here
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Should e-bikes be banned in Key Biscayne?
A leading seller of the powered devices, Don DiCostanzo, joins us on the show. He is an e-bike expert and CEO/ Founder of one of the nations largest e-bike chains, Pedego.
He'll give us a 101 course on the various classes of e-Bike and weigh in on the Village's proposed ban on the vehicles.
Plus we dive into a the breaking story of a former reporter posing as a current reporter in order to stir up a political mud-storm
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Brianna Wu, political activist, gamer, follower of Elon Musk and Crypto joins us. She fills us in on whether Twitter is doomed. She's also got a lot to say about the fall of FTX, what the means for the rest of the crypto-world, and how it's all going to impact Miami's brand.
We'll also fill you in on the latest efforts by the Key Biscayne Village Council to ban certain e-bikes.
Follow Brianna on Twitter https://twitter.com/BriannaWu
or Mastodon @briannawu@mstdn.social
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MIKE DAVEY is ending his stint as the 8th mayor of Key Biscayne. We ask him to take stock of his two terms, both ups and downs. And his advice for the next mayor in the wake of the most expensive and nastiest election in the island's history.
Also, you'll learn that someone had the experience of being "unbossed." Listen to find out who.
This is also the start of NewsMatch a national program to fund nonprofit news, please click the link below to support the show
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THIS ELECTION SEASON the debate is over proposed changes to Key Biscayne's Charter, which some opponents and elected officials say are part of a plot to increase development of Island Paradise. If adopted, they would increase a borrowing cap and allow a supermajority of council members to make zoning changes as the island prepares an expensive fight against sea level rise.
The charter change opponents declined invitations to appear on the show, so we did the next best thing -- we took some of their arguments and posed them to a member of the independent commission that proposed them.
Our guest is Marco Gomez, a former banker.
In segment two, we talk about Tulsi Gabbard, and head of lettuce in the United Kingdom that is getting heavy interaction on social media.
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VICKI LOPEZ is the Republican running to succeed outgoing Democrat Nick Duran in the district representing much of coastal Miami in the Florida House of Representatives.
A former Lee County legislator, She served time in prison, but had her sentence commuted by President Clinton, and courts later found she had committed no crime. Learn about this episode an how it impacted her life, as well as her positions on the issues in this episode of Anti-Social
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HURRICANE IAN's devastation dominated the questioning at a mayoral debate for two men vying to mayor of another Florida barrier island, Key Biscayne.
Listen to the session with our panel of journalists including Emily Cardenas of the Miami Times and Tess Riski of the Miami Herald
Graciously sponsored by the Key Biscayne Community Foundation and the Key Biscayne Chamber of Commerce. Assistance from the Ritz-Carlton Miami Key Biscayne
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ED LONDON is running for a third term on the Key Biscayne Village Council - he's the only incumbent in the race...so he's the only one with a record. We ask him about his famously strong views on reducing budgets, but also about how he thinks village government is functioning and the contentious mayor's race.
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FERNANDO VAZQUEZ is an engineer and a former Village contractor who helped developed the goals for what could be $250 million in sea level rise projects.
Now, he wants to bring his expertise in a bid for one of three seats on the Village Council -- but what are his views on other subjects?
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Nicolas Lopez-Jenkins is one of five candidates for Key Biscayne's Village Council, and is a political rookie seeking office at a time when the island is facing big decisions about sea level rise protection. What are his priorities, and how would he govern?
With special guest host Jan Dillow.
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FIVE MEN are competing for three seats on Key Biscayne's Village Council.
Oscar Sardiñas is giving it second try after running once before. We ask him what's different about this campaign, and how he sees the big issues of protecting against sea level rise and dealing with traffic issues on the Rickenbacker Causeway.
With special guest host Jan Dillow.
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LUIS LAUREDO is a former U.S. ambassador and one of the founders of the Village of Key Biscayne, but he decided recently to NOT run for re-election to the Village Council. It means that the new village council taking office in November will be quite different than the current body.
We ask him why he decided not to run -- and what he sees as troubling trends on the "island paradise," and what advice he has on some of the big issues facing the island.
In segment two, we talk about President Biden's recent national address decrying "MAGA Republicans."
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FORGET ABOUT PLAN Z -- the Village of Key Biscayne has its own plan for redeveloping the Rickenbacker Causeway. Developed by the administration of Manager Steve Williamson, it focuses on traffic and resilience, creating express lanes to avoid traffic jams on Virginia Key.
Out guest is the manager, Steve Williamson, and the village planning chief, Jeremy Gauger.
Take a look at the plan here
What's in the plan, and more importantly, can it work?
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This is the audio version of the mayoral debate held August 9th at Crossbridge Church by the Key Biscayne Independent.
Sponsored by the Key Biscayne Community Foundation, the Key Biscayne Chamber of Commerce, First Service Residential. With assistance from the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne Miami.
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ANNETTE TADDEO is leading in the polls to win the Democratic nomination for the Congressional seat covering Miami and Key Biscayne, House District 27. She was a late entrant into the race -- dropping a bid for governor.
We ask her about her priorities -- and why Democrats should choose her.
The primary is Aug. 23 - Register to vote here https://registertovoteflorida.gov/home
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KEN RUSSELL, a sitting city commissioner in Miami, wants to be the member of Congress repping Miami and Key Biscayne. But those two cities haven't gotten along in recent years.
We ask him about those issues, and why Democrats should pick him in the Aug. 23 primary.
Ballots are going out by mail on July 21st! Click here if you need to register to vote.
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FAUSTO GOMEZ is a former lobbyist who once had the Village of Key Biscayne as a client. Now, he wants to be its mayor. We ask him about the big questions facing the Island Paradise.
The primary is Aug. 23, but mail ballots are going out July 21.
Important deadlines
The deadline to register to vote for the Key Biscayne Mayoral Primary is July 25th
REGISTER TO VOTE HERE https://registertovoteflorida.gov/home
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Joe Rasco was the former mayor. Now he wants his old job back. What are his positions on financing up to $250 million of upcoming sea level rise projects and many other big issues facing the barrier island of Key Biscayne.
The primary is Aug. 23, but ballots will be mailed July 21. This is an interview you won't want to miss.
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WHO WILL BE MAYOR of KEY BISCAYNE? -- There is a three-way primary for mayor on August 23, with mail ballots going out in a few weeks.
Our guest is KATIE PETROS, a former council member who is competing with Fausto Gomez and Joe Rasco for the seat being vacated by Mayor Mike Davey.
We ask her about top issues like resiliency and whether the island's debt cap should be raised, policing, government transparency, education, and of course - how to address safety and traffic on the Rickenbacker Causeway.
Get informed -- the last day to register is July 25th. Click here to register
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MIAMI is facing huge challenges - roads, bridges, affordable housing, and the environment. Our guest is Miami-Dade Commissioner EILEEN HIGGINS, who briefly was a Democratic candidate for Congress, about all of these -- especially the iconic Rickenbacker Causeway. What does she think are he next steps for the roadway that carries millions of people a year and recent moves to make it safer for cyclists after a tragic fatal collision.
Thom and Tony also discuss the impact of the January 6th Congressional hearings. Will they matter?
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After an update about a tropical system that is causing flooding in Miami, we talk to JESSE RICHARDSON, whose Australia based group SCHOOL OF THOUGHT is fighting for civil, respectful debate on social media - Just like we are!
The group's logic poster gave us the idea for this program Check them out here
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AJ D'Amico, Democratic candidate for Florida House District 113 is on the show to tell you why you should vote for him in the upcoming primary.
And an interview with architect Bernard Zyscovich, who talks about the tragic fatalities on the Rickenbacker Causeway and his "Plan Z" proposal for a redevelopment of the roadway that was shelved by Miami-Dade County.
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KEY BISCAYNE calls itself the "Island Paradise," but guest MARIO GARCIA-SERRA thinks he can make it even better. A Strategic Vision Board is nearing work on a wish list of improvements from traffic to crime to revitalized shopping district. Mario is the chairman.
What is the vision for one Miami's top destinations - listen in and find out.
Check out the draft plan here
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THE LEAK of what could be a major decision on abortion rights is the focus of this week's show - we talk to Supreme Court litigator Karen Harned about how appellate lawyers see the case, the process of opinion drafting, and what might happen next.
We also talk about the messy defamation case brought by actor Johnny Depp against ex-wife Amber Heard -- and why anyone would think bringing that kind of a civil lawsuit would make any sense.
In segment three, some Key Biscayne residents could see their stormwater bills double or more...but is it fair? And will anyone mind?
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KEY BISCAYNE VOTERS will be asked in November if they're comfortable with doubling the amount of money that can be borrowed for huge projects like sea level rise. The current cap of 1% is one of the strictest in the State. But opponents say the measure will monopolize the political debate.
OUR GUESTS are two members of the Charter Review Commission who talk about that and seven other changes: Jennifer Stearns Buttrick, and former Mayor Joe Rasco.
And we have a whole segment about a new law that would erase a special district that lets Walt Disney World essentially govern itself in Florida.
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INFLATION IS AT A 40-YEAR HIGH as prices soar for energy, food, and in South Florida, housing. Our Guest is Mark Hamrick, a veteran business journalist and the Washington bureau chief for Bankrate.com.
- What's causing it
- How long will it last
- What can be done
We also ask Mark about Elon Musk's attempt to buy Twitter and what that might mean for democracy and debate
PLUS -- it was a busy week -- we cover the top stories in the Key Biscayne Independent
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Season 5 of Anti-Social kicks off with Village Manager, Steve Williamson, stopping by to talk about all of the big ticket projects that are coming to Key Biscayne. . Projects such as stormwater drainage, undergrounding, beach nourishment, and many more.
- When will these projects start?
- How long will they last?
- How much will they cost?
- How is the Village going to pay for them? (NO.... "BLANK CHECK" IS NOT THE ANSWER).
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On this Episode, District 27's elected official to the US House of Representatives didn't call in for our show. (Her staff said she was running too late to join us). We'll tell you what we would have asked Representative Maria Elvira Salazar had she actually made the show.
PLUS find out which Key Biscayne Resident has been nominated by the Governor to a statewide position.
AND will the next Village Council meeting have a rapper visit?
Support the show (https://kbindependent.networkforgood.com/projects/118797-quality-journalism-for-key-biscayne)
PASSION AND PROTEST over education matters this week in Miami -- involving the "Don't Say Gay" bill and how a large school on Key Biscayne is being run.
Our guest is Dr. Michael Lewis, the central superintendent for Miami-Dade County Public schools. We ask him about student protest at MAST Academy, and what the action plan is for the K-8 Center.
Read these stories and more in the Key Biscayne Independent.
Support the show (https://kbindependent.networkforgood.com/projects/118797-quality-journalism-for-key-biscayne)
IS VLADIMIR PUTIN CRAZY?Our guest is an expert on geopolitics at the University of Miami who has extensively studied “decoding” Russian intentions regarding Ukraine.
Dr. Dina Moulioukova is assistant Director and co-founder of the Global Security Initiative. We ask her about how we got to this global crisis, and is there any way out
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From Abortion to "Don't Say Gay," legislators in Florida's state capitol are working on major legislation in the Sunshine state. And this show will give you a run-down of both the debate and what's expected. Our guest Nick Duran, D-Miami, who represents most of coastal Miami including Key Biscayne
In Segment 2, we talk about the latest in the Key Biscayne Independent and the kick-off of the 2022 Mayoral race.
And in Segment 3 -- we talk Olympics and Luke Skywalker.
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THIS SUPER BOWL SUNDAY, the National Football League is awash in fresh controversy. A lawsuit claims the organization's hiring practices are racially biased -- it was filed by a fired black Miami Dolphins head coach, Brian Flores. The NFL and the Dolphins say the allegations are without merit.
Our guest is professor Richard Lapchick, a na tional expert who's studied diversity in sport and is the director of the Institute for Diversity and ethics in Sport that rates efforts to improve diversity.We ask him how bad the problem is, why it exists, and what might be done to makes sports more diverse.
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RUSSIA, UKRAINE, Jan. 6th. The world is in turmoil, but our guest's new book points out that turmoil is a part of U.S. history. Jonathan Katz is a former AP correspondent whose book Gangsters of Capitalism traces the career of a decorated Marine Corps general who realized he'd been sent around the world to secure profits for business.
Next we talk about a new legal action in Key Biscayne filed against the Islander News by a former Village council candidate - and her search for someone named Paul Nichols. Who is he? Listen in.
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EVERY YEAR, politicians debate making more and more government records secret in Florida. Our guest tries to keep government in the sunshine. Learn about a "dark money" bill that seems to be racing forward from Pamela Marsh, the head of the First Amendment Foundation.
In major league Sports, perhaps no annual debate gets more attention than who should be in the Hall of Fame. This year, two famed players lost their last chance to become "enshrined." Our guest is Steve Wine, former Associated Press sportswriter and a member of the select group of baseball writers who decide who gets the honor of being inducted into Cooperstown.
In segment three -- well, we'll just say it's about some big fight going on in the Spotify streaming service
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An early morning armed robbery on Key Biscayne has residents rattled. Our guest is the island's new chief of police, Frank Sousa. We get the latest on the arrests and his plans to address policing.
Special guest host Frances Reaves joins in the questioning.
Also this week -- a plan to privatize the Rickenbacker Causeway was scuttled by Miami-Dade County elected leaders. But what happens next?
Finally, we review our social media feeds in segment 3.
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The state's largest utility, FPL, ran paid ads critical of Mary Ellen Klas, ostensibly over a story about rooftop solar power. But there's a lot more to it -- including the "ghost candidate" story unfolding in Key Biscayne and other Florida communities.
We interview Klas, the Tallahassee bureau chief of The Miami Herald about the story that expanded to something seemingly totally different -- the ongoing process of redrawing Florida's state and federal election districts.
We did ask FPL to come on the show, but it declined.
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THE OMICRON VARIANT appears to be everywhere -- Key Biscayne Mayor Mike Davey got it this week, joining many other members of the Village government who've contracted the virus. It's added another wave of disruption -- is there any good news?
Our Guest is Daniel Chang, health care reporter for The Miami Herald, who's been covering COVID-19 and its impact locally.
In Segment 3 -- we talk about the impact of January 6th.
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District 7 Commissioner Raquel Regalado joins the show to fill us in on the latest with the Rickenbacker RFP. Will the project die? What's the alternative? Why is this process such a mess? The Commissioner gives us her thoughts on this project and on Miami-Dade County government in general.
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"MEAT THE PRESS" - - A special edition of our show that emanated live from the smoke tents of the 15th Annual Key Biscayne Rib Off, with literally hot news about about a major report new report on the financing of the Rickenbacker Causeway that may decide next steps about the $500 million proposed Causeway renovation. **Our guest is Key Biscayne Mayor Mike Davey.
In Segment Two, we talk about the Rib Off celebrity judge Ron Magill from Metrozoo**, who visited the Key Biscayne Independent's barbecue tent ( where we ask his opinion on barbecued meat and the controversial Calusa development),. We also chat with Melissa White, to talk about the success of the Rib Off for a medical scholarship program and other causes supported by donors.
In Segment Three -- we thank supporters for coming out on Give Miami Day and also shed some light on why these gifts matter so much to the hyper-local news movement, with our treasurer Jan Dillow.
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ON THIS EPIODE --we are joined by special guest host Frances Reaves
We talk about rising seas on the biggest high tide of the year -- King Tide -- that is making soggy records all over South Florida. Our guest is Miami-Dade County's chief residence officer -- Jim Murley, who talks about how our community is addressing climate change.
Then -- do you hate switching clocks twice a year? We talk to time activist Jay Peas whose organization wants to have permanent standard time year round . Confused about standard time and daylight savings ? You''ll want to hear this interview.
And in segment three -- we talk about how a NASCAR driver's name is now in the news.
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ON THIS EPISODE we talk about a proposed $115 million renovation of one of Miami's most prominent marinas = the Rickenbacker Marina. City of Miami voters are being asked to waive competitive bidding - after years of contentious debates. Our guest is Aabad Melwani, whose family has been running the marina for decades.
On segment three -- we talk about Facebook's new name and safety on movie sets.
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MIAMI-DADE COUNTY is moving forward with a plan to possibly privatize a road between the city and its popular beaches, despite resident pleas to reverse course. Why? What are the political drivers? We talk to political analyst Fernand Amandi about political dysfunction.
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Mayor Davey is live in the studio to talk about Village Council's unanimous decision to request that the Rickenbacker RFP process be stopped. Find out the driving factors on this rare unanimity and hear whether the Mayor thinks it can last.
Also: The Mayor updates us on the new budget as well as the finalized Library deal.
PLUS: Which team will win the highly competitive Key Biscayne Rib Cook-off???
Stay tuned for more about the newest and, possibly, most informed team: The Key Biscayne Independents own "Meat The Press."
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THE CITY OF MIAMI is considering new laws to remove homeless people from downtown streets, and one commissioner suggested a temporary encampment on the island of Virginia Key. We talk to Miami Herald city hall reporter JOEY FLECHAS.
Next we track stories in the Key Biscayne Independent - a contentious meeting about the Rickenbacker Causeway and two people who were arrested as a mask policy was enforced. And the adoption of a new budget that had council members shouting at each other.
And in SEGMENT THREE -- you'll just have to listen
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Key Biscayne is down to just two candidates for police chief -- we talk to Thomas "Pat" Hanlon, one of the finalists. He's a former assistant director of Miami-Dade County's police department. What can he bring to the job? A decision is expected soon.
And it's Budget Season - Key Biscayne's $35 million budget goes for a final vote on Sept. 21. We talk to Chief Financial Officer Benjamin Nussbaum about a very, very tiny tax increase that's being proposed.
And in a special SEGMENT THREE, we cover all the social media about rapper Nicki Minaj and her false tweeting about vaccines and maybe a trip to the White House.
You know Thom just couldn't resist.
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Key Biscayne is down to two finalists for police chief. Our guest is Frank Sousa (SOO'-sah), Fort Lauderdale's interim chief. We ask him why he's interested in being chief and his philosophy of policing in a time of deep societal change.
We also talk about why a routine budget vote went haywire, and President Biden's decision to impose new COVID-19 rules.
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It's one of Miami's biggest public projects -- rebuilding the iconic Rickenbacker Causeway connecting islands with the mainland. Our guest -- before a live studio audience -- is Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava , who is proposing a privatization plan.
In Key Biscayne, some leaders say the plan is too oriented to cyclists and doesn't go far enough to address other needs. We ask the mayor about the project and how it might change as it moves forward through a complex process.
A special thanks to Crossbridge Church Key Biscayne and the Key Biscayne Community Foundation for event assistance in helping with our first live studio audience. And thanks to those who attended! We hope to do it again soon!
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The United Nations climate report said that global warming is "a code red for humanity." Associated Press Science Writer Seth Borenstein joins us to talk about the grave report. It's bad, but is there any good news?
Then, Fire Chief Eric Lang fills listeners in about Tropical Depression Fred, and the latest stats about coronavirus in Key Biscayne. Despite a high vaccination rate, the positivity remains stubbornly hight.
And you'll have to wait to the end of the show to hear about next weeks' special guest -- but the guest is so newsworthy, we will have our first ever LIVE STUDIO AUDIENCE
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THE DELTA VARIANT is raging and some businesses like Wal-Mart, Google, and even some cities are requiring employees to get the shot. Should that happen in Key Biscayne? We ask Mayor Mike Davey. And we welcome H. Frances Reaves, a local condo leader and senior citizen advocate as a guest host.
- BRIDGE TALKS -- late breaking news on a new round of meetings between the Village and Miami-Dade County about the Rickenbacker Causeway. Is the "seat at the table" sufficient in front of an Aug. 15 deadline?
- FOUNDATION EXIT-- Citing a smear campaign. the Key Biscayne Community Foundation is terminating to its contract with the Village of Key Biscayne. How will many popular programs be impacted? We asked the Mayor.
Finally -- due to a technical fault on our end, we lost the last few minutes of the live radio program to a corrupted audio file. Our apologies to our guests and listeners and we will follow up on these topics in the weeks ahead. (We are seeing if there is a backup and will post if we locate it).
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ON THIS EPISODE -- We talk to Gene Stearns, a prominent attorney, about plans to rebuild the Rickenbacker Causeway -- a project that's expected to cost hundreds of millions of dollars. We hear his take on --
- the sad shape of the bridges connecting Miami to many of its most popular beaches
- why privatization is being explored.
- what Key Biscayne officials must do to safeguard the only way on and off the island
Later, Thom and Tony talk about Dr.Anthony Fauci's confrontational exchange with Sen. Rand Paul, and a new name for a baseball team from Cleveland.
And Please -- support us with a donation today -- link below
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On this Episode,
Professor Ana M. Lòpez, director of the Cuban and Caribbean Studies Institute at Tulane University, joins us to talk about historic demonstrations in Cuba. What lead to this and do the protestors have a chance to succeed without U..S intervention? You'll hear her opinion of what can be done, what should be done, and what most likely will be done.
Also joining us is Jonathan Myerson Katz, an author and AP correspondent know for his reporting on Haiti to talk about the assassination of President Jovenel Moise. He weighs in on what happened and talks about the last 100-years of US involvement in Haiti that lead to the turmoil that nation is struggling through today.
Finally, Thom and Tony spend happy hour figuring out just how wet a wobbly moon will make Key Biscayne.
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Miami-Dade Commissioner Raquel Regalado's coastal district has thousands of condos. She is live in the studio sharing insight on how the condo collapse in Surfside may change laws and policies regarding HOA's throughout the county and beyond. Plus, the commissioner shares her thoughts on the latest idea to rebuild the iconic Rickenbacker Causeway connecting Miami across the turquoise waters of Biscayne Bay.
And in the now infamous "Segment Three" -- What does New York City have against Cleveland? Hint - They better not mess with the 305.
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Key Biscayne Council Member Brett Moss, who is also an architect, reacts to the collapse of Champlain Towers South in Surfside and what it means for communities with many condos like Key Biscayne
Condominium lawyer and Sunny Isles Commissioner Dana Goldman walks us through the potential legal fallout from such a high-profile case.
In Segment 3, Tony and Thom comment on a tense community budget workshop.
Email the Village of Key Biscayne about building degradation concerns at vkbrecert@keybiscayne.fl.gov
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Executive Director of the Key Biscayne Chamber of Commerce Tatyana Chiocchetti, stops by the studio to update us on the state of the Key Biscayne business community as the pandemic grinds to a close. Find out how Key businesses are staying safe, staying open, and handling the labor shortage.
We'll also give an update on Chamber Chair Art Yerian's health. If you would like to donate to Art's rehabilitation and recovery fund, please go to www.GoFund.me/1920D53D.
Also, Thom and Tony catch up on the future location of the Key Biscayne Library, the skatepark, and, most importantly, the formation of a task force to help in the search for Key Biscayne's next police chief.
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In this episode, the chairman of of the Protect KB Paradise political action committee, Alan Fein tells us why the lawsuit agains the results of the November election is ridiculous and off base. On the other side of the issue, Attorney David Winker, who filed the lawsuit and committed to being on this episode, stood us up 3 minutes before air. Listen to Tony and Thom to try and figure out the claims of the lawsuit and the sweeping demand to force Mayor Mike Davey and nine other people to give sworn deposition testimony. Is it politics?
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THE COVID threat may thankfully be lessening but another threat is rising -- the start of hurricane season. We talk to Fire Chief Eric Lang who has been preparing the Village for both problems.
Plus, Key Biscayne Independent reporter Annali Hayward joins us to talk about the health of Biscayne Bay and the new Biscayne Bay Commission.
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What will it take to re-open services to pre-COVID status? What's going on with an uptick in youth crime?
Newly minted Village Manager Steve Williamson comes on to tell us. He also talks about how a new library, possible new skate park and problems with kite surfers on the island paradise.
Then in Segment 3.... The Grumpy Old Man makes his Anti-Social debut.
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Pharmaceutical scientist David Haus joins us to discuss the real impact of the Governor's order lifting all COVID restrictions. How much of a danger does he see? We ask him about COVID variants and vaccine effectiveness.
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TWO JUVENILE SUSPECTS were arrested in connection with a what police say was a brutal beating on Crandon Boulevard, setting the tranquil Island Paradise on edge.
We talk to Charles Press, the island's longtime police chief, who is serving as interim village manager about the case, the facts , and the larger issue of a rise in youth offenses in Key Biscayne and elsewhere.
And then Thom and Tony talk about a reporter's expulsion --for the second time-- from covering a Village Council meeting in person.
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Fausto Gomez was recently named president of Key Biscayne Condominium Presidents Council. He stops by to tell us where the priorities are for the organization that speaks for the Key's condo owners.
Plus Tony and Thom have a meaty discussion about steak.
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LUIS DE LA CRUZ didn't win when he ran for mayor, but he now holds an even more coveted island post -- Commodore of the Key Biscayne Yacht Club. We talk to him about the job -- and also about the endgame and controversy in the search for Key Biscayne's village manager and the controversy over the selection process.....
And we also talk about the ejection of Tony's ejection from attending a council meeting in person and what will happen when the Council makes what is expected to be a final decision on April 15.
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There's controversy over possibly making Police Chief Charles Press the next Village Manager. Why? Our guest is Council Member Luis Lauredo.
In our second segment, we talk about a major marketing foul-up and the lessons that can be learned.
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Executive Director of the Key Biscayne Community Foundation, Melissa White, talks about COVID testing and COVID vaccine availability on the Key. Find out the "wheres" "whens" and most importantly "whys."
Also, veteran reporter Associated Press Correspondent Thelma LeBrecht educates us on the history of the filibuster and gives us a peak behind the latest attempts to end it - and the potential risks to Democrats if they alter the decades old practice.
And in our final segment -- we talk about Spring Break on Miami Beach and its potential economic impact, and upcoming stories in the Key Biscayne Independent.
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The district covering Key Biscayne was the subject of statewide news when a political operative and an a "ghost candidate" were charged with election crimes. We talk to another local lawmaker, District 112 Rep. Nick Duran about that. And also a bill to create a new authority to protect enviromentally-threatened Biscayne Bay.
In our second segment, we talk to pollster Fernand Amandi about new polling showing big changes in the Cuban American communities political views.
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Barbara Stein, Executive producing director of Actors Playhouse at Miracle Theater talks about what it's like now that live theater is back in Miami, the impact of COVID on venues like hers, and what is being done to make sure you can safely go out to the theater.
Also, Alex Roy, Cannonball Run record holder, rally car racer, film producer and Director of Special Operations for Argo (self driving cars) talks about the technology that is being deployed right now that may prove to be the future of transportation in Key Biscayne and throughout Miami.
Please consider supporting the show. Click here
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SOME 74 MILLION PEOPLE live in condominiums and homeowner associations, organizations that have many of the powers of government, but don't play by the same rules. Increasingly, they are playing political roles outside of their communities. Is that a good thing?And in Key Biscayne, there's a new president at the island's largest complex
Guests
- Professor Evan McKenzie of the University of Illinois Chicago, author of "Privatopia: Homeowner Associations and the Rise of Residential Private Government,"
- David McDanal, the new president of the Key Colony Homeowners' Association
And, our usual chit chat about this and that.
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Local newsrooms are dying all across America - and in South Florida, both major daily newspapers are under the control of hedge funds. But a new movement of Independent, nonprofit journalism is taking root. Our guest is Jonathan Kealing from the Institute for Nonprofit News which has welcomed the Key Biscayne Independent into membership.
Is nonprofit news the future?
In our second segment, we talk to a local blogger, Rafal Momeñe Erhardt from the Tropical Rag. We ask what happened when he opined about some of Key Biscayne's empanadas and the problem with WhatsApp chats on the "Island Paradise." And we also ask him what's up with the 2021 Key Biscayne 4th of July Parade -- will it be back?
And we eat some empanadas, of course.
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WE WRAP UP OUR SERIES on the finalists for the top job in Key Biscayne - the village manager. This job pays $200K a year and whoever is selected will be faced with sea level rise and other major challenges.
- Tom Bradford is the former manager of Palm Beach
- Chris Rose is the City of Miami's former budget director
Then, Tony and special guest host Brian Andrews talk about other big stories dominating social media, like Elon Musk's plan to dig giant tunnels.
And we preview this weeks' news in the The Key Biscayne Independent.
CLARIFICATION- During this program one of the hosts speculated about Charles Press plans after his service as the interim village manager ends. Press says he will return to his position as chief of police after the manager is chosen.
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Who better to put out the fires that are sure to come with the top Village job than a former fireman? Joe Fernandez, one of five finalists, stops by the studio to make his case as to why he's who the Village should hire into the most important job on Key Biscayne .
Then, attorney Jan Jacobowitz, a former law professor and expert on social media ethical issues, joins us to talk about all the chatter about censorship, banning, section 230, and the rest of the ongoing "Big Tech" controversy. Also, a story in the Key Biscayne Independent has struck a nerve. Find out why.
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THERE ARE FIVE FINALISTS for Key Biscayne's top job. The two frontrunners for Village manager are both accomplished military men. We asked how that would be of help on an island threatened by sea level rise and acrimonious politics.
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MORE THAN 200 STUDENTS ARE QUARANTINED at MAST Academy as Key Biscayne gets close to 2000 cases. Dr. Hamid Keshvari-Rasti gives his thoughts and how variant strains are spreading -- and what vaccines mean
Also, historian and author Kristin Du Mez talks about her new book, Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation.
We also hear from Crossbridge Key Biscayne Pastor Felipe Assis on how the challenge posed by white nationalism for church leaders and congregations.
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- Key Biscayne Fire Chief Eric Lang gives us the latest information about the Beach Cub fires. If you have any information about the incident, please call (305)365-5555.
- Thom and Tony discuss the inauguration of our 46th president, Joe Biden. They'll give their opinions on whether unifying the country is a realistic goal.
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VETERAN PHOTOJOURNALIST J.SCOTT APPLEWHITE made shocking images of the siege of the Capitol January 6th. He shares his experience about that attack and tight security for the inauguration of Joe Biden.
Closer to home, new Miami-Dade County Commissioner Raquel Regalado talks about COVID-19 vaccine issues and how she's working to resolve a lawsuit about the Key Biscayne library.
Finally, Key Biscayne's Village Council literally went to the dogs last week. Find out what we mean.
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Former Mayor Mayra Peña Lindsay joins us to share her insights about the search for the next Key Biscayne Village manager. She talks about the fine line between "national level professionalism" and "home grown" knowledge.
Then Thom and Tony debate the effort by Texas and 17 other states to overturn the presidential election.
And -- we talk about how and why you can help local journalism by supporting the Key Biscayne Independent.
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COVID FINES? With cases surging again, Mayor Mike Davey joins us to talk about the reinstitution of Key Biscayne's mask mandate. We'll talk about how that will be enforced, who gets fined, and if any of it could actually stand up.
WILL PEOPLE TAKE THEIR SHOT? Also, Sarah Kreps from Cornell Tech Policy Lab joins us to discuss her ongoing research regarding public opinion about taking a vaccine. Will people do so willingly, or will the government or corporations have to force the issue.
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THE ELECTION IS OVER, but can different factions on Key Biscayne's Council work together on issues like sea level rise, burying power lines, and collective bargaining with police and fire unions?
Our Guests are Council Members Ed London and Allison McCormick. We'll put them to the civility test.
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TROPICAL STORM ETAis threatening with nearly a foot of rain, storm surge, and sustained winds of 65 mph - and the barrier island of Key Biscayne is in the warning area. Our guest is Village Fire Chief Eric Lang, who talks about the threat and how residents should prepare before Eta arrives late Sunday
THE OTHER POLITICAL STORM -- is the election. Now that Joe Biden has been called the winner, does that mean storm clouds are clearing? And what about fierce contest on Key Biscayne? Will the opposing sides play nice?
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TRICK OR TREAT -- - Key Biscayne Police Chief Charles Press joins us to talk about how his team took down a group of suspected car thieves, his recommendations for Halloween safety, and what is being done to gear up for election day security. Also
- We discuss a case of a candidate demanding a retraction for a letter to the editor and the use of a bullhorn in politics
- And we attempt to do a Halloween radio costume party that, predictably, gets silly.
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SINKING FEELING
Author, reporter and climate change expert Mario Ariza joins us to talk about his new book "Disposable City: Miami's Future On The Shores of a Climate Catastrophe. Can Key Biscayne escape the rising tides, and what will that cost?
STATE OF THE RACE
Plus, we thought Republican strategist, Adam Belmar and Democratic strategist, Fernand Amandi would give us very different views on how the presidential election would turn out. We were wrong. Find out why both are predicting that one party will dominate both nationally and locally in Miami and Key Biscayne elections.
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HAVE WHATSAPP CHATS GOTTEN OUT OF CONTROL? Join us with former Key Biscayne Council Member Luis de la Cruz to discuss the vitriol going on in the "4LTX" discussion group and other social media forums. How do the online conversations and attitudes bleed into real life? And how does that impact politics, policy, and to civility?
We also talk about the recent meltdown in the collective bargaining process with the fire and police departments, COVID protocol in our schools, and what we can learn about the election from diving into the data on mail-in ballots.
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WILL SHE BE MIAMI-DADE's FIRST WOMAN MAYOR? Daniella Levine Cava stops by the studio to tell us why she should be elected to the most powerful position in South Florida. Also, the Miami Herald's Mary Ellen Klass makes sense of the sometimes confusing Florida constitutional amendments on this year's ballot. Plus, learn about the dark money tactics that helped get some of those amendments on the ballot, while keeping other amendments off.
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**ARE SCARY THINGS HAPPENING BOTH NATIONALLY AND LOCALLY?
AUTHOR INTERVIEW Rhetoric professor Jennifer Mercieca, Demagogue for President: The Rhetorical Genius of Donald Trump a joins us to talk about the last Presidential debate.
Also joining us: Sunny Isles Beach commissioner and expert on homeowners association law, Dana Goldman** comes to save Tony and Thom from being sued. She also clarifies the role condo associations can and should play in local politics with Key Biscayne being an exampl.
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WHO SHOULD HOLD THE MOST POWERFUL POSITION IN Miami-Dade County? Current commissioner and candidate for mayor Steve Bovo joins us to talk about why he's just the man for the job. Also Key Biscayne Village Manager Andrea Agha put in her resignation. Now she's joining us to talk about why, what's next, and what are the issues Key Biscayne is going to need to face... without her. And, of course, no show can go without some controversy over the resilency bond question on the ballot.
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COUNTY COMMISSION CANDIDATE CINDY LERNER talks about what's broken and how she can fix it representing Key Biscayne and much of coastal Miami And VILLAGE COUNCIL CANDIDATE REYNALDO FIGUEREDO tells us why he's a "no" on a proposed $100 million resiliency bond -- but also, what would turn that vote to a "yes."And -- a special guest tells a personal story about how Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg touched his life. Listen now.
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TEN CANDIDATES RUNNING - and we get to interviews number five and six with Vice Mayor Brett Moss and newcomer Michael Kelly to talk about the issues and why voters should choose them. Is it time for a youth movement in Key Biscayne politics, or will it take experienced candidates to lead the Village?
Plus Tony wants to talk about the latest controversy about something green -- and it's not the environment. You'll have to listen to find out.
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WITH JUST 25 DAYS BEFORE MAIL BALLOTS GO OUT, Raquel Regalado tells us why she wants to represent Key Biscayne on the Miami-Dade County Commission. Also, former Key Biscayne mayor and current candidate for Village Council Frank Caplan talks about why back to the future might be just what Key Biscayne needs.
Finally, for a bit of fun, listen to an impassioned speech about -- boneless chicken wings.
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TWICE THE CANDIDATES, TWICE THE FUN! On this show, we interview Oscar Sardiñas and Matt Bramson, two of TEN -- count them TEN -- candidates running for Key Biscayne Village Council. Hear their thoughts on issues ranging from the resiliency bond issue to education, to how they think they can help the Village. PLUS -- Thom apologizes.... again. About what??? You'll have to listen.
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"A" IS FOR ALLISON: On this episode, TEN -- count them TEN candidates are vying for three spots on the Key Biscayne Village Council. We start in the A's by interviewing candidate and current Council Member Allison McCormick who is seeking a second term. We ask about a $100 million sea level rise bond issue, traffic, and civility at sometimes fractious council meetings.
Also, friend of the show Fernand Amandi, a nationally-known pollster, joins us to talk about the Democratic National Convention and the Miami-Dade County races for mayor and District 7 commissioner.
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Thousands of fish are dying in Biscayne Bay. Why? We talk to scientists to find out the causes and what kind of solutions are being investigated -- and how people are scrambling to help see creatures literally gasping for air.
But that's not all – there are increasing concerns that actions by top USPS officials might cause problems for **mail ballots for upcoming elections
Thom and Tony talk about some of the topics filling our social media feeds.
Guests
Segment 1 - Dying Fish
- Rumya Sundaram, Coordinator Key Biscayne Citizen Scientist
- Elizabeth Kelly, Water Quality Research Manager, Miami Waterkeeper
Segment 2 - Postal Problems?
- Wanda E. Harris, General President, American Postal Workers Union, Miami Area Local 172
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Donald Trump's Palm Beach Club is in the news all the time, a new Winter White House.
On this episode we speak with the authors of The Grifter's Club, a detailed account of the opulent club, the kinds of people who come to Mar-a-Lago, and their expectations.
Sarah Blaskey and Jay Weaver share their reporting.
Also -- as schools prepare to reopen, we discuss the case of a high school student whose picture of a crowded hallway at her school went viral.
Thom and Tony disagree -- but civilly!
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Have social media flame wars spread to the chambers of government?
There's a huge debate going on about public borrowing and spending to fight sea level rise in one of Miami's wealthiest barrier islands. But people aren't being civil about it.
Is too much testosterone to blame?
In this episode we talk about the continuing verbal battles that occur during public meetings. Why can't people who are serving as volunteers because they love their communities behave themselves?
(Aired live on WSQF Blink Radio Key Biscayne 94.5 FM, Aug. 1 2020)
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Special Episode -- Tony Winton interview on approach of Hurricane Isaias, with Key Biscayne Fire Chief Eric Lang and listener questions
Aired live on WSQF 94.5 FM 7/31/2020
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Whats the bigger evil? Sea level rise.... or paying for it?
On this episode, we talk about the push for a $100,000,000 general obligation bond to pay for resiliency projects on Key Biscayne. Guests are Key Biscayne Council Member Luis Lauredo, environmental attorney Julie Dick, and Jan Dillow, who is a former senior analyst of corporate bond research and Goldman Sachs, Lehman Brothers and Barclays Capital.
(Aired live July 25 2020 on WSQF, 94.5 FM)
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TESTING, TESTING...the microphone is on and we're talking about big increases in positive cases locally and in Florida -- including Key Biscayne's police chief.
We hear about the next steps to fight COVID-19 and also a discussion of how science is being politicized.
Guests
- Dr. Jorge Mendia, medical advisor for the Key Biscayne Community Foundation and
- Miami Herald Health Reporter Ben Conarck.
Finally --Thom and Tony ask, is all the misinformation intentional?
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In this Episode, we talk to restaurant owner Antonio Braschi about the latest order from Miami-Dade's mayor to close all indoor seating at restaurants. Former CNN national corespondent, Susan Candiotti, drops by to talk about the state of the news industry. And Thom and Tony talk about politics, the electoral college and boycotting Goya.
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In this episode, Mayor Mike Davey joins us to talk about canceling of the 4th of July parade, a $100 million sea level rise proposal for the island, and a strange but true YouTube video posted by the Village Manager about the Village budget.
We'll also treat you to The Holderness Family Hamilton parody video that's been making it's rounds on social media. Also if you know anyone Mario Gil, Manny Quintana, or anyone affiliated with the musical group Quintana, please have them get in touch with us. We love their song, "Key Biscayne." You will hear it at the open and close of this episode.
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OUR FIRST EPISODE -- If you don't think social media debates make much sense, we agree! This is Anti-Social, where topics get the logic treatment. Focused on the experiences of South Florida and Key Biscayne in particular -- originally aired live 6/27 on WSQF-FM.
In this episode -- Taking down statues is hotly debated on social media, including ones of Jesus Christ. And some people want to limit cyclists on Key Biscayne to stop COVID-19.
Really ?
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