FSAcast

In this episode, FSA speaks with Holmes County Sheriff John Tate about his family tradition of serving and protecting the citizens of his county. First elected in 2016, Sheriff Tate has worked to strengthen and expand the services he offers, and that has certainly been the case with the recent addition of running emergency medical services. We also discuss his office's critically important work of not just arresting drug dealers but working with community providers to offer substance-abuse treatment and recovery support services to those in need. The results have been gratifying for all involved.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Citrus County Sheriff David Vincent, who was elected sheriff in 2024 after serving his community for more than two decades. Sheriff Vincent goes over his first 100 days in office as well as the new initiatives he is implementing for his office, which includes equipping all 115 deputies within the patrol division with body cameras. Sheriff Vincent covers the steps he has taken as a newly elected sheriff to be open and transparent. We also discussed some aspects of the job that surprised him as he was running for office for the first time. 

In this episode, FSA provides a Week 6 legislative update and dives into key public safety priorities as we pass the midpoint of the legislative session. We then sit down with the State Attorney for the 7th Judicial Circuit, RJ Larizza, to discuss the Jason Raynor Act, including the tragic case that inspired it. We explain the recent contention in the Senate over the bill and how both sides ultimately came together to reach a compromise.

In this episode, the Florida Sheriffs Association provides a Week 5 legislative recap as we highlight the Florida Sheriffs Association's successful Sheriffs Day at the Capitol. We discuss the progress of key bills and FSA priorities that are helping shape public safety. FSA then sits down with Representative Rachel Plakon (District 36 – Seminole County), the sponsor of not just one, but two of the FSA's top legislative priorities. We dive into the impact these bills will have on law enforcement and public safety across Florida.

In this episode, FSA provides a Week 4 legislative recap and then sits down with Senator Colleen Burton (District 12) to discuss her important work in protecting children with strong new legislation on hemp products (SB 438) as well as the enjoyment of representing the great citizens of Polk County…to include Sheriff Grady Judd!

In this episode, FSA provides a Week 3 legislative recap and then sits down with Senator Stan McClain (District 9) to discuss his work in the Legislature as Chair of the Senate Community Affairs Committee. Senator McClain talks about a bill he is working on this year that will allow sheriffs to obtain grant funding for expedited state-of-the-art DNA services. 

In this episode, FSA provides an overview of the new immigration law that passed the Florida Legislature during a special session in February. Widely viewed as the most aggressive crackdown on illegal immigration, FSA discusses key parts of the bill to lay the framework before listeners hear the FSA's legislative chair, Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, provide keen insights into the immigration problem we are currently facing and what local law enforcement agencies are doing to help the federal government address illegal immigration. 

In this episode, FSA provides a preview of the 2025 legislative session. We discuss the sheriffs' legislative priorities and then we sit down with two of FSA's contract lobbyists, Angela Drzewiecki of GrayRobinson and Jennifer Green of Liberty Partners. Angela and Jennifer offer key insights and what we can expect from our state Capitol at the start of another fast-paced legislative session.

In this episode, FSA speaks with the president of the National Sheriffs Association (NSA), Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue. Now serving his fourth term, Sheriff Donahue talks about the pride he has in serving and protecting the citizens of his county. We learn about the special features of Canyon County, Idaho, and why he ran and was then successfully elected the 84th president of NSA. Sheriff Donahue's platform during his one-year term as president is to focus on border security, national security, and addressing the epidemic of domestic violence. And we cover all three in great detail in this episode!

In this episode, FSA speaks with the newly elected sheriff of St. Lucie County, Richard Del Torro. Hear about Sheriff Del Torro's career path and how being the chief of the Port St. Lucie Police Department prepared him for a run for sheriff in 2024. We also find out why St. Lucie County is a special place to live and work and what new initiatives Sheriff Del Torro will lead during his first term in office. 

In this episode, FSA speaks with Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz during the 2024 Florida Sheriff's Academy. On January 7, 2025, Rosie Cordero-Stutz was sworn-in as the first elected sheriff of Miami-Dade County in almost 60 years. Learn about her extensive and distinguished service as a law enforcement officer in Miami-Dade and why she decided to run for sheriff. We also discuss how she will transform the highly successful Miami-Dade County Police Department into the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office.  A historic conversation you will not want to miss.

In the fourth installment of the Oral History of Amendment 10, we discuss the proceeding years since passage of Amendment 10 and the work of some in Miami-Dade County to create a bifurcated system in which there is both a sheriff and a countywide police department. We go in detail covering the steps sheriffs took to combat those efforts to include litigation against Miami-Dade County. Sheriffs ultimately prevailed by passing a state law during the 2023 legislative session that made it clear the sheriff in all counties, including Miami-Dade, had exclusive policing power in the unincorporated areas of the county.  We had a lot to unpack in this episode, but in the end the new sheriff of Miami-Dade County will be an elected and independent sheriff, just like the other 66 sheriffs in the great state of Florida.

In the third installment of the Oral History of Amendment 10, we discuss the lawsuits filed by several counties in the summer of 2018 in their attempt to toss Amendment 10 from the November ballot. We cover the litigation that went all the way up to the Florida Supreme Court and how the constitutional officers were ultimately victorious. Then with less than 50 days before the election, sheriffs got to work to educate the public about Amendment 10 by branding it the “Protection Amendment." We learn about the dedicated effort that united all sheriffs into garnering enough support for Amendment 10 to pass with more than 60% support. 

In the second installment of the Oral History of Amendment 10, we discuss Florida's 20-year quirk – the Constitution Revision Commission. What is this commission and how is it able to directly put amendments on to the ballot for voters to approve or reject?  We learn about the sheriffs' efforts to work with this unique commission and how one commissioner, Martin County Clerk of Court Carolyn Timmann, would become instrumental in getting a constitutional amendment on the 2018 ballot to protect the elected Office of Sheriff and get Floridians one step closer to resurrecting the long-lost office of sheriff in Miami-Dade County. 

In the first installment of the Oral History of Amendment 10, we discuss the past efforts that abolished the elected Office of Sheriff in several counties, and how, over many decades, sheriffs fought to regain their positions. Then, in 2017, a new state senator from Miami-Dade County introduced a bill to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot, ensuring that all voters could elect their sheriff.  We revisit our audio archives to explore this significant bill, learning how it progressed through the legislative process through featured compelling testimony from sheriffs and others in committee, yet ultimately failed to pass by the session's end.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Luke Niforatos, the executive vice president of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) about the dangers of statewide recreational marijuana legalization. Luke is widely recognized as one of the nation's leading drug policy experts and he covers what he has learned from other states. Luke highlights the perils of haphazard efforts to legalize marijuana and what Floridians need to learn before deciding about marijuana legalization this November.

In this episode, FSA speaks with the new president of the Florida Sheriffs Association Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell. We discuss his unique path into the field of law enforcement as well as his work as the chairman of the Statewide Commission on Mental Health and Substance Abuse. Sheriff Prummell also shares the programs and practices he is most proud of during his time as sheriff, and he discusses his goals for leading the FSA for the next year.   

In this episode, FSA speaks with Santa Barbara County (California) Sheriff Bill Brown, who is currently the president of the Major County Sheriffs of America. Sheriff Brown took time out during a busy Annual Conference in Palm Beach to cover all things Major County Sheriffs of America. With more than 2,700 square miles and a population of more than 450,000, being the sheriff of Santa Barbara County, is no easy task. Sheriff Brown is currently in his fifth term, and we discuss his role as president as well as unique ways he leads one of California's largest sheriff's offices.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw during the Major County Sheriffs of America's Annual Conference. Sheriff Bradshaw was first elected in 2004 and has served five terms as sheriff of one of Florida's most populous counties. We discuss the dynamics of Palm Beach County and what his deputies do each day to keep the coastline safe and secure. Sheriff Bradshaw has also led the way in domestic security and assisting sheriffs in responding to natural disasters as the Zone 7 Chair of FSA's Task Force. We cover all that and much more!

In this episode, FSA speaks with the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) Executive Director Chuck Wexler at their Annual Meeting in Orlando. Chuck led a lively town hall with sheriffs and police chiefs, and we discuss the various topics that were covered; from staffing and the use of civilian personnel to reducing violent crime in our communities.  We learn about the history of PERF and how they play an important role for independent public safety research. We end by discussing innovative ways sheriffs and police chiefs are using Integrating Communications, Assessment & Tactics (ICAT) training to defuse a range of critical incidents safely and successfully. ICAT was developed by PERF with input from hundreds of law enforcement professionals nationwide.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez from the Police Executive Research Forum's (PERF) Annual Meeting in Orlando. During the meeting, Sheriff Gonzalez was awarded the PERF Leadership Award for his outstanding public safety work in the Houston area. First elected sheriff in 2016, Sheriff Gonzalez runs the largest sheriff's office in Texas. He directs more than 5,000 employees to protect the 4.5 million residents living within the 1,700 square miles of Harris County. Early in his first term, Sheriff Gonzalez had to lead the citizens of his community after Hurricane Harvey, one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history. He discusses how those difficult times helped him and his team build a foundation of trust with those they serve. We also learn about the innovative programs the Harris County Sheriff's Office operates from diversion programs and establishing a sobering center to addressing the complex issue of homelessness.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford.  Sheriff Ford was first elected sheriff in 2016 and has been a leader in addressing numerous public safety issues in the panhandle. Early on in his first term, Sheriff Ford had to respond to the devastation of Hurricane Michael. Hear about the lessons learned from that tragedy and how he has taken on the role of chairing the FSA Task Force as a way to give back to those sheriffs who helped him, and his community, recover in their time of need.  We also discuss ways in which all Floridians should get prepared for hurricane season and the steps needed to keep your loved ones safe.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Alachua County Sheriff Emery Gainey.  A veteran of the Office who began his career in 1982, he rose through the ranks holding leadership positions in numerous areas of the sheriff's office operations.  Then, after a 25-year career with the sheriff's office, Sheriff Gainey became the Director of Law Enforcement & Victim Services for three Florida Attorneys General as well as the Sheriff of Marion County in 2016. We cover many other important public safety topics, but also learn about why serving as a board member for the Florida Special Olympics was such an honor and a great way to support the amazing work they do every day. 

In this episode, FSA speaks with Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast, who has served his country in the U.S. Army, his state as the executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs and now the citizens of Citrus County as their elected sheriff.  We talk about how those life experiences helped shape his service as sheriff as well as the numerous leadership roles he has accepted within the Florida Sheriffs Association. Sheriff Prendergast currently serves as the Chair of FSA's Cold Case Advisory Commission, is the Zone 4 Task Force Chair and is also the Vice Chair of the FSA's Board of Directors. We cover a lot of ground in this episode, and you will gain a better appreciation for why Sheriff Prendergast is so passionate about serving and protecting those in need.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Gulf County Sheriff Mike Harrison. First elected sheriff in 2012, Sheriff Harrison serves as a member of FSA's important Legislative Committee and on the association's Board of Directors. Hear about Sheriff Harrison's past experiences in law enforcement and how it has shaped his work in Gulf County, a special place in the panhandle that is a pleasant place to live, work and raise a family. We also learn about his new assignment as the Chair of the Board of Managers for the Florida Sheriffs Risk Management Fund, and why this organization is so critically important to the day-to-day successes for so many of Florida's sheriffs.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters, who was recently elected sheriff after serving the people of Duval County for more than 30 years. Before being elected sheriff, he worked in the county jail then graduated from the police academy and rose through the ranks working in numerous capacities within the agency's major departments of Patrol & Enforcement and Homeland Security & Investigations. His experiences have helped shape his vision for the office and how he uses new methods to communicate with citizens by being transparent and building trust within the community. Sheriff Waters also explains why Duval County has a consolidated form of government and how it works for the people of Jacksonville. 

In this episode, FSA visits with the former Sheriff of Jacksonville Nat Glover. Sheriff Glover recently published a book entitled, “Striving for Justice: A Black Sheriff in the Deep South.” We discussed his long and distinguished law enforcement career that culminated with him being elected sheriff in 1995. Sheriff Glover was the first Black sheriff elected in the state of Florida in over 100 years in the post-Reconstruction South. As sheriff, he garnered national recognition for pioneering community policing efforts and was recently inducted into the Florida Law Enforcement Officer's Hall of Fame. 

In this episode, FSA talks to Zack Smith, co-author of the recent book Rogue Prosecutors: How Radical Soros Lawyers are Destroying America's Communities.  Zack is a Legal Fellow at The Heritage Foundation and previously served for several years as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Northern District of Florida.  We visited with Zack after his presentation to the sheriffs at our Winter Conference and he lays out the premise of his book and why all citizens should be focused and engaged on who serves them as their locally elected prosecutor. 

In the final episode for the 2024 session, FSA sits down with House Majority Leader Representative Michael Grant. Leader Grant served as Majority Leader for two House Speakers, and he explains to us what the Majority Leader must do to ensure a successful legislative session for all members. We end with summarizing all the public safety wins sheriffs achieved during this session. Spoiler alert: Lots of good bills passed this year.

In this episode, FSA provides a Week 8 legislative recap. With one week left, the House and Senate spent most of the week on the floor or in budget conferencing meetings. We highlight those budget discussions and focus on the new recurring funding the Florida Department of Corrections will receive for maintenance and building repairs. We also provide updates on the status of the Florida Sheriffs Association's priority bills. Good news: The bills are in nice shape and are heading toward final passage next week. Stay tuned.

In this episode, FSA provides a Week 7 legislative recap. This week we highlight HB 1 and why sheriffs support this social media bill's passage into law. House Speaker Paul Renner recently stated HB 1 is the most important measure Florida can take to empower parents and save children from irreparable harm of the addictive features employed by many social media platforms. We also have Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson testifying in committee in support of the SAFE Act, which will voluntarily permit a special designation on a person's driver license who has been diagnosed with certain disabilities or disorders. Sheriff Johnson enlightens us as to why this bill is necessary and how having more information before encounters with citizens with special needs can saves lives. We end with an update on the progress we are making during session on school safety legislation with the House passing HB 1473 this week.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Congresswoman Laurel Lee who proudly represents the 15th Congressional District of Florida, which encompasses eastern Hillsborough County as well as parts of Pasco and Polk counties. Congresswoman Lee highlights the work she is doing during her first term in the U.S. House of Representatives to protect our nation from threats both abroad and at home. Prior to her election, Congresswoman Lee served as Florida's 36th Secretary of State under the DeSantis Administration and was previously a circuit court judge as well as a federal prosecutor.

In this episode, FSA provides a Week 5 legislative recap. It's the halfway point of the 60-day legislative session, and FSA's priority legislation on juvenile justice as well as school safety continues to move ahead. We hear from FSA's Legislative Chair Sheriff Bob Gualtieri on why these bills are important as he testifies in committee. We also sit down with Erin Rock of The Southern Group and cover all the angles of the state budget. 

On this special 100th episode of FSAcast, we talk to Hamilton County Sheriff Harrell Reid, the Dean of the Florida Sheriffs. First elected in 1988, Sheriff Reid talks about his distinguished law enforcement career and highlights what he has seen over his nine terms as sheriff. We also discuss what makes Hamilton County a special place to live and work. As the Dean of the Florida Sheriffs, Sheriff Reid shares with us entertaining stories and some of the wisdom he has shared with his fellow sheriffs over the years.

In this episode, FSA provides a Week 3 legislative recap. We discuss the status of several FSA priority bills and then sit down with Lt. Abby Hilley and Lt. Eloilda “Ellie” Shea of the Orange County Sheriff's Office. We discuss their careers and work as part of the Legislative Affairs Team at the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

In this episode, FSA provides a Week 2 legislative recap by discussing the status of several of the sheriffs' top legislative priorities and how they are progressing early on in session. Then FSA's Director of Communications Logan Lewkow sits down with FSA President Sheriff Bill Leeper of Nassau County to discuss his busy day at the state Capitol. They talk about the work sheriffs are doing to combat human trafficking as well as ways FSA is working to access a portion of the state's opioid settlement fund to address deputy mental health and wellness. 

In this episode, FSA provides a Week 1 legislative recap by discussing the Governor's State of the State address. St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick is also the guest of House Speaker Paul Renner for the first day of session where he is recognized as the Law Enforcement Officer of the Day.  We then sit down with Senator Tom Wright to discuss what he is working on for the 2024 session to help support sheriffs and law enforcement.

In this episode, FSA provides a preview of the 2024 legislative session. We discuss the sheriffs' legislative priorities and how they are working to ensure another successful public safety session for Florida. We then sit down with two of FSA's contracted lobbyists, Angela Drzewiecki of GrayRobinson and Jennifer Green of Liberty Partners.  Angela and Jennifer offer key insights and what we can expect from our state Capitol during this early start of legislative session.

Episode 95: Florida Department of Corrections Secretary Ricky Dixon In this episode, FSA speaks with Florida Department of Corrections Secretary Ricky Dixon, who oversees the largest state agency with more than 23,000 employees. We discuss how this agency keeps our communities safe by securely confining violent criminals in prison, but also how they monitor offenders in our communities who are on state community supervision. Secretary Dixon also explains how the department is working to recruit and retain the very best employees and how they work with sheriffs throughout the state to build safer communities. 

In this episode, FSA speaks with George Schein, the Technical Director of Advanced Consulting Group with Nationwide Retirement Group. What is Secure 2.0? Why is important to you?  How can saving more money sooner help in your retirement, no matter how old you are today? George has advised both for-profit and not-for-profit employers as an employee benefits attorney in private practice for over a decade before joining Nationwide Financial in 2018. His work in the Advanced Consulting Group focuses on providing technical expertise and education to financial professionals and plan sponsors as it relates to qualified retirement plans and welfare benefit plans.

In this episode, FSA speaks with trust strategist and body language expert Pamela Barnum. A former undercover police officer, federal prosecutor and now national public speaker, Pamela was a keynote presenter during the Sheriffs' Executive Leadership Conference about ways we can all do a better job of building trust. She has spoken in front of audiences ranging from 50 to 12,000 in the United States, Canada, and Australia, and Pamela's recent TEDx Talk, “What Drug Dealers Taught Me About Trust,” was viewed more than 200,000 times in the first six months. 

In this episode, FSA speaks with Orange County Sheriff John Mina, who was first elected sheriff in 2018 and then reelected in 2020. Before being elected sheriff, he had a 27-year career with the Orlando Police Department, culminating with being Chief of Police.  Orange County is the fifth-most populous county in the state and had more than 74 million travelers from around the world visit last year. With so much sun, fun and tourism in the county, it is never a dull day. Sheriff Mina shares his insights about providing public safety services to such a large and diverse population as well as the new programs he has instituted to keep citizens and visitors safe. 

In this episode, FSA addresses the issue of our nation's opioid epidemic. The number of drug overdose deaths increased more than 16% from 2020 to 2021, and last year over 75% of the nearly 107,000 drug overdose deaths involved an opioid. To help solve this problem, Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma has established a holistic approach, and he and his team shared their insights during a panel discussion during the Major County Sheriffs of America's Fall Conference. After the panel discussion, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, Rodger Handberg, and Captain Sammy Gibson of the Seminole County Sheriff's Office discussed the steps they are taking to prevent and reduce the number of opioid deaths in central Florida.

In this episode, FSA addresses the issue of cybersecurity.  Ransomware attacks on public institutions have risen sharply in recent years. On April 7, 2023, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department in California discovered they were victims of a hack, and it forced the department to temporarily shut down some of its computer systems. During the Major County Sheriffs of America's Fall Conference, Andy Lerma, the Departmental Information Systems Administrator and Jonathan Alonzo, the Cybersecurity Manager, explain what happened and highlight the steps we can all take to ensure our computer systems remain safe and secure. 

In this episode, FSA speaks with Mickey Osterreicher, the general counsel of the National Press Photographers Association. Mickey presented during the Florida Sheriffs Association's Summer Conference in Tampa on the topic of balancing citizens' First Amendment rights with the operational challenges of law enforcement. He is also a reserve deputy in New York and brings a well-rounded perspective to both public safety as well as supporting a free and vibrant press.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Taylor County Sheriff Wayne Padgett. First elected in 2016, Sheriff Padgett shares his passion for public service and what made him interested in a career in law enforcement later in life. We then discuss strategies on how to build positive relationships with county commissioners as well as the general public. We conclude by finding out some of Sheriff Padgett's hidden talents before he became sheriff.  *Note this interview was recorded before Hurricane Idalia made landfall in Taylor County. The beginning of the episode includes remarks from Governor Ron DeSantis and Sheriff Padgett on the recovery efforts the day after the storm. Those interested in assisting Taylor County can donate to the Florida Disaster Fund by going to www.volunteerflorida.org/donatefdf/.

In this episode, FSA speaks with the Bill Frye, president of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches. Founded in 1957 by Florida's sheriffs, Bill highlights how their three residential care campuses and numerous summer camps have helped more than 173,000 children. Bill has had a chance throughout his amazing career to help many young people and we talk about just a few examples that emphasize the long-lasting work that is achieved by the people who work at the sheriffs ranches. During this episode you will learn about the rich history of this amazing organization and how you can help support the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches.

In this episode, FSA speaks with the new president of the Florida Sheriffs Association Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper. We discuss the biggest challenges facing law enforcement today and why serving in a law enforcement position is an admirable endeavor.  Sheriff Leeper shares his goals as FSA president, and we also learn about a few of his secret talents outside of being a sheriff.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Commissioner Mark Glass. We discuss the history of how this statewide law enforcement office was created over 50 years ago as well as how this Cabinet-level agency operates on a day-to-day basis. Commissioner Glass highlights how FDLE is constantly adapting to address the crime du jour issues of Florida.  We also breakdown what a Fusion Center does and why they play a pivotal role in the sharing and dissemination of actionable intelligence to keep communities safe.  

In this episode, FSA speaks with Carl Herold, the Director of Gaming Enforcement for the Florida Gaming Control Commission. Learn about Florida's newest state law enforcement agency and how Director Herold and his team are working with sheriffs to ensure our state's gambling laws are enforced, gambling contraband is seized, and illegal gaming activities are stopped. With a changing and evolving legal gambling landscape, hear the overall strategy for accomplishing gaming enforcement in the state of Florida.  

In this episode, FSA speaks with Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook. Learn why Sheriff Cook decided to run for office in 2020 and how she has hit the ground running by serving on FSA's Legislative Committee and being appointed the Zone 3 Chair of the FSA Task Force. We also discuss effective ways of dealing with our nation's drug epidemic and how Clay County is leading the way with its new forensic lab, which will be a great regional asset for agencies needing electronic evidence analyzed.