Florida This Week

This week's topics:Duel to lower property and sales taxesStorm repair funds cancelled in D.C.Florida most at risk in Climate Central ReportWith guests:Roberto Torres, Business owner, NPAKathryn Varn, Reporter, Axios Tampa BayTravis Horn, Founder & CEO, Bullhorn Communications, RepublicanJanelle Irwin Taylor, Journalist, Publisher, Southeast Politics

This week's topics:Tropicana Field Roof Repair up in the airLawmakers work to reconcile condo safety lawsNew Bill would rollback child labor lawsWith guests:Darryl Paulson, Professor Emeritus of Govt. & Politics, USF- St. PetersburgVictor Dimaio, Political Consultant, Dimaio and Associates, DemocratDeborah Tamargo, Past President, Florida Federation of Republican WomenDr. Susan MacManus, Distinguished Professor Emerita USF-Tampa/ABC Action News Political Analyst

This week's topics:Rays pullout of stadium deal in St. PetersburgPush to make failed insurance company records public5 year anniversary of the Coronavirus Pandemic shutdownWith guests:Yacob Reyes, Tampa Bay Reporter, AxiosBob Buckhorn, Former Tampa Mayor, DemocratApril Schiff, Hillsborough Republican State CommitteewomanMark Katches, Vice President and Editor, Tampa Bay Times

This week's topic:A new chapter for "Florida This Week"With:Lissette Campos, New Moderator for Florida This WeekRob Lorei, Outgoing FTW Moderator & WEDU Host

This week's topics:Legislature will investigate homeowner's insurance companiesDeSantis proposes eliminating property taxesDemocrats want more focus on Economy, not cultural issuesTrump criticizes social security in congressional  speechWith guests:Barry Edwards, Political Commentator and Pollster, RepublicanRosemary Goudreau O'Hara, Former Editorial Page Editor, South Florida Sun SentinelJennifer Griffith, Immediate Past Chair, Pinellas County Democratic PartyDaniel Ruth, Honors College Visiting Professor of Professional Practice, USF-TampaSteve Bousquet, Opinion Editor and Columnist, South Florida Sun Sentinel

This week's topics:Battle brewing over 2026 Gubernatorial raceDesantis creates Florida version of DOGELawmakers consider the elimination of Property TaxesFlorida sues Target for LGBTQ InitiativesWith guests:Travis Horn, Founder and CEO, Bullhorn Communications, RepublicanPatrick Manteiga, Editor and Publisher, La Gaceta, DemocratLissette Campos, Journalist, Communications and Media StrategistTara Newsom, Attorney, Political Science Professor, St. Petersburg College

This week's topics:Possible cuts threaten Floridians on MedicaidPeaceful protests against Trump PoliciesFlorida Black History Standards in 2025State Senator Geraldine Thomas RememberedWith guests:State Representative Berny Jacques, District 59, Pinellas, RepublicanEric Deggans, Author, TV and Media Analyst, NPRState Representative Michele Rayner, District 62, Hillsborough & Pinellas, DemocratTrimmel Gomes, Journalist, President Gomes Media StrategiesAlison Yager, Executive Director, Florida Health Justice Project

This week's topics:Second Special Session on ImmigrationWealthy Families benefit from School vouchersFewer people moving to FloridaPoll shows support for new restrictions on amendment processWith guests:Hunter Branstner, Vice President, Polk County Young RepublicansJanelle Irwin Taylor, Journalist, Publisher, Southeast PoliticsVictor Dimaio, Political Consultant, Dimaio and Associates, DemocratKimberly Leonard, Politics Reporter, Author “The Florida Playbook”, Politico

This week's topics:Undocumented Immigrants rounded up in FloridaAnti-Trump Protests across FloridaGovernor releases Proposed education budgetFlorida's Pam Bondi Sworn in as U.S. Attorney GeneralWith guests:Deveron Gibbons, Businessman, Vice-Chair & Trustee, St. Petersburg College and FAMU, RepublicanAlan Cohn, Journalist, DemocratApril Schiff, Political Consultant, Hillsborough Republican State CommitteewomanRochelle Reback, Retired Attorney, Host, WMNF MidPoint Wednesday Show, DemocratThomas Kennedy, Spokesperson, Florida Immigrant Coalition

This week's topics:The Governor and Legislature spar in a special sessionWith guests:Tom Lee, Former Florida Senate President, RepublicanRep. Anna Eskamani, Florida District 42, Orlando, DemocratSenator Carlos Guillermo Smith, Florida District 17, Orlando, DemocratRep. Lawrence McClure, Florida District 68, Hillsborough County, Republican

This week's topics:The second term of President Trump BeginsFlorida Defendants show little remorseLaw enforcement and Prosecutors speak out against pardonsRacism as Motive for attack on capitol and some police officersWith guests:Ray Arsenault, Author/ Historian, John Hope Franklin Professor of History Emeritus, USF- St. PetersburgDaniel Ruth, Honors College Visiting Professor of Professional Practice, USF- TampaRosemary Goudreau O'Hara, Former Editorial Page Editor, South Florida Sun SentinelStanley Gray, Former President, Hillsborough County Urban League, NPA

This week's topics:Floridians prominent in new Trump administrationAshley Moody to take over for Rubio in the SenateDeSantis calls for Special Session on January 27thGovernor wants to make it more difficult to put amendments on the ballotWith guests:Patrick Manteiga, Editor & Publisher, La Gaceta Newspaper, DemocratCarmen Edmonds, Chair, Hillsborough County Republican Executive CommitteeMitch Perry, Senior Reporter, Florida PhoenixTrimmel Gomes, Journalist and President, Gomes Media Strategies

This week's topics:Meta drops independent fact checking on FacebookBiden blocks drilling in parts of the GulfMatt Gaetz considers a run for GovernorRays want to be back in the Trop in 2026With guests:Katie Sanders, PolitiFact Editor-in-ChiefDeborah Tamargo, Past-President, Florida Federation of Republican WomenMike Deeson, Independent Journalist- AuthorRepresentative Michele Rayner, District 62, Pinellas & Hillsborough, DemocratTravis Horn, President & CEO, Bullhorn Communications, Republican

This week's topic:The state of Florida's agriculture industryGuest:Wilton Simpson, Florida Agriculture Commissioner, Republican 

This week's topics:Back to back hurricanes strike central FloridaRepublicans sweep elections in FloridaAbortion and Marijuana amendments fail to pass in FloridaUniversity of Florida President Ben Sasse Suddenly ResignsRays Stadium deal stalls after stormsWith guests:Daniel Ruth, Honors College Visiting Professor of Professional Practice, USF- TampaRosemary Goudreau O'Hara, Former Editorial Page Editor, South Florida Sun SentinelSteve Bousquet, Opinion Page Editor and Columnist, South Florida Sun SentinelTara Newsom, Attorney, and Political Science Professor, St. Petersburg College

This week's topics:Rays stadium plan still up in the airPolitifact "Lie of the Year"Who will Replace Marco Rubio in the Senate?Lakeland woman charged for threat on Health care companyWith guests:Colleen Wright, St. Petersburg Reporter, Tampa Bay TimesDanny Kushmer, Real Estate Broker, Businessman, RepublicanMark Katches, Editor and Vice President, Tampa Bay TimesAndy Oliver, Pastor, Allendale United Methodist Church, St. Petersburg, Democrat

This week's topics:Top agenda items for the 2025 Florida LegislatureRep. Susan Valdes changes Party affiliation to RepublicanWith guests:Rep. Karen Gonzalez Pittman, Florida District 65-Hillsborough County, RepublicanRep. Lindsay Cross, Florida District 60-Pinellas County, DemocratSenator Nick Diceglie, District 18, Pinellas County, RepublicanSenator Darryl Rouson, Florida District 16, Hillsborough & Pinellas, Democrat

This week's topics:St. Pete Council votes to approve Rays Stadium BondsMany Floridians in Trump Administration ChoicesFlorida is Ground Zero in high cost of rentsTECO gets thumbs up for rate increasePasco Sheriff settles lawsuit over predictive policingWith guests:Eric Deggans, TV & Media Analyst, NPRJanelle Irwin Taylor, Publisher, Southeast PoliticsMitch Perry, Senior Reporter, Florida PhoenixRay Roa, Editor-in-chief, Creative Loafing Tampa

This week's topic:Historians on a New Era in Florida PoliticsWith guests:Ray Arsenault, Author-John Hope Franklin Professor of History Emeritus-USF-St. PetersburgDavid Ponton, Author-Associate Professor, Director of Institute on Black Life, USF TampaGary Mormino, Author, Professor of History Emeritus, USF- St. Petersburg 

This week's topics:Rays stadium deal up in the airTrump deportations will affect Florida ImmigrantsPam Bondi is new nominee for Attorney GeneralOpen-carry laws blocked by incoming Senate PresidentWith guests:Dr. Teresita Matos-Post, Executive Director, Beth-El Farmworker Ministries, Inc.John Romano, Sports Columnist, Tampa Bay TimesApril Schiff, Political Consultant, Hillsborough County Republican State Committee WomanVictor DiMaio, Political Consultant, Democrat

This week's topics:Floridians prominent in Trump ChoicesRays cross the Bay for 2025 SeasonWith guests:Barbara Haselden, President, St. Petersburg Republican ClubMichael Van Sickler, Managing Editor/ News and Engagement, Tampa Bay TimesRay Arsenault, Author/Historian, John Hope Franklin Professor of History Emeritus, USF- St. PetersburgRichie Floyd, St. Petersburg City Councilman, District 8, Democrat

This week's topics:Trump wins in historic electionMixed results in state returnsGOP gains strength in Florida LegislatureStrong school support across Tampa BayWith guests:Alex Sink, Former Florida Chief Financial Officer, DemocratDaniel Ruth, Honors College Visiting Professor of Professional Practice, USFCarmen Edmonds, Chair, Hillsborough County Republican Executive CommitteeDarryl Paulson, Professor Emeritus of Government & Politics, USF-St. Petersburg

This week's topics:DeSantis uses office to fight amendments 3 & 4Outrage over rough campaign insultsGOP Voters lead the way in early Florida votingTampa Bay Times joins other papers in Presidential Non-endorsementWith guests:Patrick Manteiga, Editor and Publisher, La Gaceta, DemocratNatalie King, Political Consultant, RepublicanBarry Edwards, Political commentator and pollster, RepublicanAlan Cohn, Journalist, DemocratSteve Bousquet, Opinion Editor, South Florida Sun Sentinel

This week's topics:Slow recovery from 2 hurricanesRegulatory concerns over St.Petersburg crane collapseTropicana Field Roof collapse leaves Rays HomelessHurricanes cause widespread pollution in Bay area watersTV stations threatened for airing ad that supports Amendment 4DeSantis disagrees with Trump on recreational marijuanaEarly voting begins in FloridaWith guests:Craig Patrick, Political Editor, Chief Investigative Reporter, Fox 13 NewsDeveron Gibbons, Businessman, Vice-chair and Trustee at St. Petersburg College and FAMU, RepublicanTara Newsom, Attorney, Political Science Professor at St. Petersburg CollegeBob Buckhorn, Former Tampa Mayor, DemocratMark Katches, Editor, Tampa Bay Times

This week's topics:Cleanup and recovery from 2 hurricanesFlooding issues after 2 hurricanesFlorida Homeowner's Insurance WoesPushback on Climate change and hurricanesTaxpayer funded ads against Amendments 3 & 4With guests:Lawrence Mower, Tallahassee Correspondent, Tampa Bay TimesRebecca Liebson, Real Estate Reporter, Tampa Bay TimesMary Ellen Klas, Policy and Politics Columnist, Bloomberg OpinionAdam Goodman, Edward R. Murrow Sr. Fellow, Tufts University, Political Consultant, RepublicanAlan Clendenin, Tampa City Councilman, District 1, DemocratLisa Miller, President, Lisa Miller and AssociatesChristina Diamond, Chief Executive Officer, Ruth's List, Democrat

This week's topics:Hurricane Helene tears a path across the SouthVice-Presidential Debate Face-offWith guests:Jennifer Griffith, Chair, Pinellas County Democratic PartyJeff Brandes, Former State Senator, President, Florida Policy Project, RepublicanTrimmel Gomes, Journalist, President, Gomes Media StrategiesKimberly Leonard, Politics Reporter, Author "Florida Playbook", Politico 

This week's topic:The issues for younger voters in 2024With guests:Brittany Jean, President, Tampa Bay Young RepublicansJake Hoffman, Executive Director, Tampa Bay Young RepublicansGrace Tabor, President, USF College RepublicansMarley Price, Community Activist, Democratic Socialist, DemocratDavid Moscrip, Chair, Hillsborough County Libertarian PartyRichie Floyd, St. Petersburg City Councilman, District 8, DemocratJonathon Chavez, President, Hillsborough County Young DemocratsBree Wallace, Non-Profit Director and Community Activist, Democrat

This week's topics:Trump-Harris Debate draws huge audienceAbortion Amendment signatures checked by state policeFlorida U.S. Senate race Tightening upWith guests:Eric Deggans, NPR TV Critic & Media AnalystYacob Reyes, Tampa Bay Reporter, AxiosTara Newsom, Attorney and Political Science Professor, St. Petersburg CollegeCarmen Edmonds, Chair, Hillsborough County Republican Executive Committee

This week's topics:Florida Parks Whistleblower FiredBen Sasse to receive $1 million yearly until 2028Reproductive Freedom Bus tour begins in FloridaNew law a blow to Unions in FloridaWith guests:Maya Brown, Political Consultant, DemocratStanley Gray, Former President, Hillsborough County Urban League, NPADeveron Gibbons, Businessman, Trustee & Vice Chair, St. Petersburg College & FAMU, RepublicanCarlos Guillermo Smith, Florida State-Senator Elect for Florida District 17 , Senior Policy Advisor, Equality Florida, Democrat

This week's topic:The State of Labor in FloridaWith guests:Rich Templin, Director of Politics and Public Policy, Florida AFL-CIOValerie Chuchman, Secretary-Treasurer, Hillsborough County Classroom Teachers AssociationJim Junecko, Union Representative, International Union of Operation Engineers, Local 487, TampaLee Bryant, President, Pinellas Classroom Teachers AssociationKelly Benjamin, Higher Education Labor Organizer

This week's topics:Democrats nominate Harris & Walz in ChicagoFlorida Primary Election ResultsProposed Hotels & Golf Courses at Florida State ParksWith guests:Dr. Judithanne Scourfield Mclauchlan, Delegate, Democratic National Convention, Political Science Professor, USFVictor DiMaio, Democratic Consultant, President, Hillsborough County Democratic Hispanic CaucusTravis Horn, President & CEO, Bullhorn Communications, RepublicanJennifer Griffith, Chair, Pinellas County Democratic PartyHunter Branstner, Vice President, Polk County Young Republicans

This week's topics:Former U of F President Ben Sasse goes on spending spreeTampa Bay Times Cuts staff by 20 percentMoms for Liberty School Board Candidates Keep a Low ProfileWith guests:Joe Henderson, Political Journalist, Former Columnist and Reporter, Tampa TribuneRosemary Goudreau O'Hara, Former Editorial Page Editor, South Florida Sun-SentinelDaniel Ruth, Honors College Visiting Professor of Professional Practice, USFWilliam March, Columnist and Reporter, Floridapolitics.com

This week's topics:Faith Leaders on Politics and ReligionWith guests:Rev. J.C. Pritchett II, President, Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Florida (IMA)Bill Bunkley, Host, Faith Talk 570 & 910, Salem RadioReverend Kim Wells, Lakewood United Church of Christ, St. PetersburgRev. Dr. Russell Meyer, Executive Director, Florida Council of ChurchesRev. Andy Oliver, Pastor, Allendale United Methodist, St. Petersburg

This week's topics:Kamala Harris volunteers soar in FloridaTampa Bay Rays stadium approved by county commissionMixed support from GOP on Recreational MarijuanaSenator Rick Scott's Medicare support questioned by DemocratsWith guests:Mitch Perry, Political Reporter, Florida PhoenixNatalie King, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, RSA Consulting, RepublicanRobin Lockett, Regional Director, Tampa Bay, Florida Rising, DemocratJanelle Irwin Taylor, Journalist, Publisher, Southeast Politics

This week's topics:Presidential Torch is passedQuestions over language on Abortion AmendmentFlorida a testing ground for Project 2025Hillsborough County School District Files Lawsuit against County CommissionWith guests:Michael Van Sickler, Assistant Managing Editor, News, Tampa Bay TimesJulia Aguayo Hassler, President, Libertad Club Hispano Republicano de Pasco, RepublicanDr. Judithanne Scourfield McLauchlan, Delegate, Democratic National Convention, Political Science Professor, USFDeveron Gibbons, Business executive,  Trustee & Vice Board Chair of FAMU & St. Petersburg college, RepublicanPatrick Manteiga, Editor & Publisher, La Gaceta, Democrat

This week's topics:Trump Nominated at GOP ConventionFact Checks from PolitifactThe GOP Convention and the 2024 electionWith guests:Amilee Stuckey, Polk County Republican State CommitteewomanMarta Campabadal Graus, Reporter, PolitifactTravis Horn, President & CEO, Bullhorn Communications, RepublicanAlan Cohn, Journalist, Democrat

This week's topics:Jill Biden Stumps in TampaTrump and Rubio Rally in South FloridaTrump and Project 2025New "Free state of Florida" Highway SignsWith guests:Kimberly Leonard, Politics Reporter, Author "Florida Playbook", PoliticoWilliam March, Columnist & Reporter, Tampa Bay TimesShelley Reback, Retired Attorney and host of WMNF radio's MidPoint Wednesday show, DemocratBrittany Jean, President, Tampa Bay Young Republicans

This week's topic:Tampa Man freed 37 years after wrongful convictionWith guests:Dan Sullivan, Criminal Justice Reporter, Tampa Bay TimesRobert DuBoise, Exonerated for false conviction

This week's topic:Breaking down the Presidential DebateWith guests:Tara Newsom, Attorney and Political Science Professor, St. Petersburg CollegeKevin Cate, Political Consultant, Founder, Catecomm Communications, DemocratCarmen Edmonds, Chair, Hillsborough County Republican Executive CommitteeCiara Torres-Spelliscy, Law Professor, Stetson University College of Law

This week's topics:Florida University Lessons argued in courtJuneteenth not a State Holiday in FloridaDemocrats work to win more seats in NovemberHow is "Lawfare" used by politicians?With guests:Jason Garcia, Publisher, "Seeking Rents" Newsletter & PodcastAdriana Novoa, Professor of Latin American History, University of South FloridaTrimmel Gomes, Journalist, President, Gomes Media StrategiesDarryl Paulson, Emeritus Professor of Govt. & Politics, USF-St. Petersburg

This week's topics:Governor signs new Florida BudgetSt. Petersburg Council has early vote on Rays developmentHillsborough County Commissioner Owen Resigns to run for State OfficeFederal Judge Blocks Florida Transgender LawWith guests:Alex Sink, Former Florida CFO, DemocratDeborah Tamargo, Past President, Florida Federation of Republican WomenBob Buckhorn, Former Tampa Mayor, Exec. V.P. Shumaker Advisors-DemocratTravis Horn, Pres. & CEO, Bullhorn Communications, Republican

This week's topics:Pride Month Celebrated in U.S. and FloridaTrump Supporters vow not to work with DemocratsRight to Contraception act fails vote in SenateFlorida Insurance woes discussed in D.C.With guests:Carlos Guillermo Smith, Senior Policy Advisor, Equality FloridaApril Schiff, GOP Consultant, Hillsborough County Republican State CommitteewomanVictor Dimaio, Democratic Consultant, Hillsborough County Democratic Hispanic Caucus Pam McAloon, Pinellas County Republican State  Committeewoman 

This week's topics:Record Heat and Hurricane SeasonClimate Change and Electric Rate HikesPolice Beat Young Man at Lakeland Apartments ComplexWith guests:Jeff Berardelli, Chief Meteorologist and Climate Specialist, WFLA/WTTA/WSNNKimberly Moore, Reporter, Lkldnow.comCraig Pittman, Columnist-Author, Florida PhoenixEmily Mahoney, Energy Reporter, Tampa Bay Times

This week:Ray Arsenault on civil rights leader John LewisWith guest:Ray Arsenault, Author/Historian, John Hope Franklin Professor of History Emeritus, USF-St. Petersburg

This week's topics:Rick Scott ads make Socialism ClaimsReferendums on Hillsborough and Pinellas Schools this fallSkyway lights restricted due to commissioner's objectionsBodycam video released of airman shot by Florida DeputyWith guests:Janelle Irwin Taylor, Journalist and Publisher, Southeast PoliticsStanley Gray, Retired BusinessmanBarry Edwards, Political commentator and pollsterPatrick Manteiga, Editor and publisher, La Gaceta, Democrat

This week's topics:Education Rankings in Florida SchoolsSt. Pete Council Discusses new Rays Development DealGovernor Asks for Executive Privilege to keep Documents SecretWith guests:Maya Brown, Political Consultant, DemocratApril Schiff, Hillsborough County Republican State CommitteewomanColleen Wright, St. Petersburg Reporter, Tampa Bay TimesDarryl Paulson, Emeritus Professor of Government & Politics, USF- St. Petersburg

This week's topics:Florida's 6 Week Abortion ban now in effectPro-Palestinian Protestors arrested on Florida campusesFlorida Challenges federal Transgender protectionsWith guests:Tara Newsom, Attorney and Political Science Professor, St. Petersburg CollegeTeresa Guzman Pagan, Director of Special Projects, Florida RisingDivya Kumar, Higher Education Reporter, Tampa Bay TimesSharon Calvert, Blogger, Eye on Tampa Bay, Republican

This week's topics:President Biden Campaigns in Tampa for AbortionProtestors come out over war in GazaSeven Democrats to run against LunaGrayson enters race for the U.S. SenateWith guests:Jennifer Griffith, Chair, Pinellas County Democratic PartyJanelle Irwin Taylor, Journalist, Publisher, Southeast PoliticsDanny Kushmer, Real Estate Broker, Businessman, RepublicanMitch Perry, Political Reporter, Florida Phoenix

This week's topics:Florida Leads the Nation in School Book BansRemembering Former Senator and Governor Bob GrahamOusted Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren Runs AgainTampa Bay Area Gaining in GOP VotersWith guests:Julia Aguayo Hassler, President, Libertad Club Hispano Republicano de PascoNatasha Sutherland, Deputy Director, Florida WatchCraig Patrick, Fox 13 Political Editor, Chief InvestigatorCiara Torress-Spelliscy, Professor of Law, Stetson University College of Law

This week's topics:The Pros and Cons of the Rays Stadium and Development PlansWith guests:Chris Steinocher, President & CEO, St. Pete Chamber of CommerceRichie Floyd, St. Petersburg City Councilman, District 8Janet Long, Pinellas County Commissioner, District 1Ron Diner, Nohomerun.com

This week's topics:Abortion Decisions from the Florida Supreme CourtRecreational Marijuana Can Appear on State BallotNew Homeowner's Insurance Companies Enter FloridaWith guests:Steve Bousquet, Opinion Editor, South Florida Sun SentinelSenator Darryl Rouson, Florida District 16, Hillsborough & Pinellas, DemocratTara Newsom, Attorney, Political Science Professor, St. Petersburg CollegeMafe Rajul, Former Judge/ Mediator, Independent