The Rotunda with Trimmel Gomes

On Trimmel Gomes' latest episode of The Rotunda, Florida's Republican leaders press forward with plans to ban abortions in the Sunshine State after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, ending nationwide protections on abortions. Gomes talks with Stephanie Fraim, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida. She says it's hypocritical for Gov. Ron DeSantis to veto birth control funding while limiting access to abortion services. She warns that most Republican leaders in Florida are set on ensuring that pregnancy is the only option. 

On Trimmel Gomes' latest episode of The Rotunda, lawmakers are back in Tallahassee to discuss and reform the state's property insurance market. Lawmakers like Sen. Jeff Brandes said the crisis has been brewing for too long. Governor Ron DeSantis scores another point in the legal saga over his controversial congressional redistricting map. A Florida appeals court is allowing it to take effect for now. Also, Doug Kelly of the American Edge Project calls on state leaders to be alert to Russia and China's increased cyberattacks and focus resources on American innovators. 

On this edition of The Rotunda Podcast hosted by Trimmel Gomes, lawmakers are back in Tallahassee for a four-day session to pass new congressional maps as part of the redistricting process. Ellen Freidin, CEO and general counsel of Fair Districts Now, who led the campaign in 2010 to pass a constitutional amendment to prevent politicians from doing what the governor is doing now, shares her concerns about Gov. DeSantis' push to dismantle black representation. Also, pro-choice advocates are concerned about what they see as a continual erosion of women's rights in Florida but say they're also encouraged by the reactions of private companies across the country. Gomes talks with Amy Weintraub, Reproductive Rights Program director at Progress Florida.  

On this edition of The Rotunda Podcast hosted by Trimmel Gomes, Florida's 2022 legislative is coming to a close. The record-setting $112 billion state spending plan is expected to be voted on Monday. Gomes zeroes in on educators concerned about some of the bills restricting speech, including Pranati "Pranoo" Kumar, founder of Rohi's Readery, social justice-focused children's book store, and learning center. Also, Dr. Candice Jones, a pediatrician in Orlando, shares her thoughts about Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo's announcement against vaccinating healthy children. 

The Wednesday edition of The Rotunda Podcast hosted by Trimmel Gomes looks at how L-G-B-T-Q advocates are turning their focus to encouraging words for young people who are gay, following the passage of Florida's "Parental Rights in Education" bill. Gomes talks with State Representative Carlos Guillermo Smith, D-Winter Park. Plus, a bipartisan bill vetoed by Governor DeSantis last year has passed both chambers. Christian Minor with the Florida Juvenile Justice Association explains how the measure could provide more leeway for juveniles to expunge or wipe clean their arrest records.

The Friday edition of The Rotunda Podcast hosted by Trimmel Gomes follows the passage of the 15-week abortion ban, which now heads to the governor. The Florida Senate also passes a bill to keep ‘unlawful' migrants from coming to the state.  Florida's Chief Information Officer, Jamie Grant, talks with Gomes about how the state is preparing for any cybersecurity threats, including increased escalation by Russia. 

The Wednesday edition of The Rotunda Podcast hosted by Trimmel Gomes features President Biden's first State of the Union speech Tuesday as he addresses the Ukraine crisis, pledging that the US will close off its air space to Russian flights.  Mitch McConnell and Senate Republican leaders are warning Sen. Rick Scott that his agenda for the GOP is problematic.  Gomes also shares highlights of ongoing budget negotiations in the Florida Legislature. 

The Friday edition of The Rotunda Podcast hosted by Trimmel Gomes tracks how some of Florida's leaders are speaking out against Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Gomes also covers passionate debate on the House floor as lawmakers approve bills limiting discussions on race and advance the “Don't Say Gay” bill. New episodes of The Rotunda Podcast are available every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during Florida's 2022 Legislative Session. 

The Wednesday edition of The Rotunda Podcast hosted by Trimmel Gomes explores how millions of Florida children could be in jeopardy of becoming uninsured. Alison Yager with the Florida Health Justice Project discusses new research by Georgetown University Center for Children and Families, which warns children could lose coverage as soon as April, when states will have to recheck eligibility for everyone enrolled in Medicaid, including kids. Gomes also covers the “Don't Say Gay” bill as it advances in the Florida House. Lawmakers take time to debate HB 7, entitled “Individual Freedom,” which bans the teachings of critical race theory in schools and workplaces. 

The Friday edition of The Rotunda Podcast hosted by Trimmel Gomes features Rep. Travaris McCurdy and Rep. Angie Nixon, two Black Democrats who are calling out racism after claiming Republican Rep. Cord Byrd, who is white, shouted expletives at them. The verbal altercation was triggered by protesters erupting in chants as Republicans approved a 15-week abortion ban. Gomes also tracks the questionable changes to the “Don't Say Gay” bill as it advances, and the Senate passes its $109 billion spending plan without punishing school districts over mask mandates. New episodes on Monday, Wednesday, Friday.  

The Wednesday edition of The Rotunda Podcast hosted by Trimmel Gomes follows the money on some big-ticket budget items impacting Florida's health care industry. The Florida Hospital Association warns that cuts to hospital funding in the House and Senate's budget could worsen staffing shortages at Florida hospitals. Gomes also talks with Jeff Johnson, State Director of AARP Florida, who shares the concern that HB 1239/SB 804, which revamps staffing standards in nursing homes, would put profits over patients.  Also, we hear the latest poll results showing Governor Ron DeSantis is favored to win his reelection if elections were today. 

The Monday edition of The Rotunda Podcast hosted by Trimmel Gomes covers the budget process. Some Republican lawmakers are attempting to take $200 million away from 12 school districts that defied the governor's orders and required students to wear masks to protect against the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Gov. Ron DeSantis has rejected the House proposal saying he'd rather see lawsuits filed by parents against the districts. Gomes also follows the battle over SB 2508, a last-minute measure that would alter Everglades restoration. Critics argue the bill would return control of Lake Okeechobee's water management to agricultural interests.

The Friday edition of The Rotunda Podcast hosted by Trimmel Gomes wraps up a busy week in the Florida Legislature where lawmakers advanced the controversial 15-week abortion bill, poised to become law. Florida's election officials tell Gomes the state's elections system is already at its best, and they are concerned about proposed changes that could disenfranchise voters. Gomes talks with LeonCounty Supervisor of Elections Mark Earley.  And Florida's tourism industry is booming, according to Visit Florida's CEO Dana Young. 

The Wednesday edition of The Rotunda Podcast hosted by Trimmel Gomes tracks the contentious confirmation hearing of Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo as Democrats tried to get the state's top health official to disclose his vaccination status. Gomes also follows the battle over net energy metering as the solar industry shines a spotlight on SB1024 & HB 741 as threats to thousands of jobs.  Gomes also talks with Madeline Pumariega, president of Miami Dade College, who highlights ongoing efforts to improve student retention. 

The Monday edition of The Rotunda Podcast hosted by Trimmel Gomes zeroes in on Florida's budget as newly proposed House and Senate budgets will get tweaked this week before each chamber votes on the spending plans. The Senate proposal is $108.6 billion, while the House proposal is nearly $105.3 billion. Gomes also continues his conversation with Republican Representative Anthony Sabatini. He considers himself the most pro-Trump member of the Florida Legislature, as he clashes with members of his party.  

The Friday edition of The Rotunda Podcast hosted by Trimmel Gomes tracks the next stage of Florida's once-a-decade redistricting process as legislative maps are headed to the Florida Supreme Court. Republican Representative Anthony Sabatini, who considers himself the most pro-Trump member of the Florida Legislature, tells Gomes about his ongoing feud with Speaker of the House Chris Sprowls and other legislative leaders. Also, as COVID-19 continues to change the healthcare landscape and expand the role of pharmacies, Peter Kounelis, Vice President of Elevate Provider Network for AmerisourceBergen, shares how pharmacy services administrative organizations (PSAOs) are helping the local pharmacy community. 

The Wednesday edition of The Rotunda Podcast hosted by Trimmel Gomes examines the bill that would ban public schools and private businesses from inflicting “discomfort” on white people during lessons or training about discrimination. On Tuesday, Florida Republicans also advanced a voting law package that would establish a police unit for election crimes, honoring a request by Gov. Ron DeSantis. New episodes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. 

The Monday edition of The Rotunda Podcast hosted by Trimmel Gomes features the newest member of the Florida House, Mr. Daryl Campbell, a 35-year-old mental health specialist. He was elected on Jan. 11 to represent Florida House District 94, and he shares his journey with Gomes ahead of his official swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday on the House Floor.  Gomes looks back on the petition drive to bring online sports betting to Florida as the effort fails to reach its signature targets. Gomes also talks with Dr. Guy Benrubi, a Jacksonville-based obstetrician and gynecologist, who explains the number of reasons why he thinks the proposed 15-week abortion ban is problematic. 

The Friday edition of The Rotunda Podcast hosted by Trimmel Gomes follows the crowd which broke in protest during a House committee meeting on Thursday. The audience chanted, “let us Speak; let us speak” after Committee Chairman Bryan Avila announced the end of public testimony on the controversial 15-week abortion ban bill (HB5).  Gomes also looks back at the tumultuous confirmation hearing for Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo. And following Monday's episode featuring local government leaders, Gomes tracks the Senate as it approves a bill that would give businesses more power to challenge local governments. 

The Wednesday edition of The Rotunda Podcast hosted by Trimmel Gomes looks at the history of Florida's revenge porn law as Senator Lauren Book pushes legislation to strengthen the law after personal photos were from her and shared over the internet. Gomes revisited an interview with Carly Hellstrom, a victim of revenge porn who encouraged lawmakers to make the action a crime.  Healthcare advocates hope a "slimmed down" version of President Joe Biden's Build Back Better plan, with 150-billion dollars for Home and Community-based Services, will help increase worker pay and provide critical services.  Also, Gomes checks out this year's Red Dog, Blue Dog celebrity bartending event. Organizer Sarah Clement says the goal simply brings Republicans and Democrats together to raise money for a great cause.New Episodes Available: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. 

The Monday edition of The Rotunda Podcast hosted by Trimmel Gomes explores how local governments fight state lawmakers to maintain local control, similar to how state governments fight the feds. Gomes interviews Miami Mayor and president of the U.S.Conference of Mayors, Francis Suarez. The mayor called on fellow Republicans in Tallahassee to respect local control.  Gomes also talks with Ralph Thomas, the Florida Association of Counties president. He expressed concerns over bills like (S.B. 90), allowing businesses to claim damages from local governments if they pass an ordinance that causes a revenue loss of 15% or more. Also, Governor Ron DeSantis keeps his COVID-19 booster status to himself, sparking speculation that he's no longer in tune with former President Joe Biden, who is considered a close ally. -New episodes are on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. 

The Friday edition of The Rotunda Podcast hosted by Trimmel Gomes looks at the Senate's passage of its redistricting plans. Plus, the Miami Herald's state government reporter Ana Ceballos is tracking bills by Republican lawmakers that could allow some political groups to shield funding sources from scrutiny. Gomes visits a kava bar in Tallahassee as the owner expresses concern over the Florida Kratom Consumer Protection Act, which would ban the sale of kratom products to people under 21 and require processors to ensure the products do not contain dangerous substances. Also, the Florida Association of Nurse Anesthesiology called on lawmakers to approve bills that would allow Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists to provide anesthesia independently in collaboration with licensed health care practitioners. Plus, Gov. Ron DeSantis shares an update on First lady Casey DeSantis. The Rotunda Episodes: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday! 

The Wednesday edition of The Rotunda Podcast, hosted by Trimmel Gomes, follows race and critical race theory debates at the Florida capitol. Republican Senator Manny Diaz defends his bill against arguments from Democratic Senator Shevriin Jones, who argued such legislation would suppress the freedoms of teachers to address certain subject areas. Gomes highlights reactions after Gov. Ron DeSantis proposes a redistricting map favoring the GOP.Also, Republican Senator Dennis Baxley's bill, SB 944, advanced to protect consumers from the sale of fraudulent goods. 

The Monday edition of The Rotunda Podcast, hosted by Trimmel Gomes, observes the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday focusing on the nation's day of service. Gomes also features a 2016 interview with King's son, Martin Luther King III, and looks ahead to activities around Florida's capitol. 

The Friday edition of The Rotunda Podcast, hosted by Trimmel Gomes, wraps the first week of the 2022 Florida legislative session.  Redistricting sped forward with lightning speed this week, and the League of Women Voters of Florida president Cecile Scoon gives credit to the Senate for leading a more transparent process than the House. Governor Ron DeSantis scores a win as the Supreme Court rejects part of the Biden administration's plan to mandate vaccine and testing requirements aimed at large businesses. Gomes also highlights SB 7014 by Republican Sen. Danny Burgess, extending liability protections to healthcare providers. Gomes also interviews Democratic Representative Carlos Guillermo Smith, who says he wants to know what taxpayers will be getting for all liability protections offered to nursing homes and others.  And for NORML's lobby day at the capitol, there were samples to help lawmakers consider bills to relax restrictions on marijuana possession. Gary Stein of Suncoast NORML chats with Gomes. 

The Wednesday edition of The Rotunda Podcast, hosted by Trimmel Gomes, highlights the first day of the 2022 Florida legislative session.  Gomes recaps Gov. Ron DeSantis' State of the State address and opening day speeches from Senate President Wilton Simpson and House Speaker Chris Sprowls. Gomes interviews Democratic Senator and gubernatorial candidate Annette Taddeo and longtime lobbyist Barbara DeVane, Florida NOW (National Organization of Women). Republican Rep. Cord Byrd addresses the void in public input during public testimony on redistricting, as Democratic Rep. Dan Daley calls for changes to improve public participation. And Mary Ellen Klas of the Miami Herald vows to continue asking “tough questions” in the face of criticism from Florida Power and Light and Senate President Wilton Simpson. -The Rotunda Podcast releases episodes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. 

The Rotunda Podcast, hosted by Trimmel Gomes, is back from hiatus with a new episode featuring the Miami Herald's senior Tallahassee reporter, Mary Ellen Klas, who responds to Florida Power & Light's unusual public attack against her coverage. The nation's largest power company launched a webpage accusing Klas of being “a reporter with a historically anti-utility bias.” Klas tells Gomes the Herald's executive editor, Monica Richardson, stands in support of her coverage and has said: “a hit dog will holler.”Also, on the program, Republican state Representative Alex Andrade rejects the suggestion that the 2022 Legislative will be a battle of “culture war” issues and highlights some of the top issues that will dominate. The Rotunda Podcast will drop new episodes during the 2022 Legislative Session on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. 

On Trimmel Gomes' latest episode of The Rotunda, U.S. Representative Al Lawson, D-Tallahassee, reflects on his time in Congress. As he seeks re-election, he fights off accusations from opponents that he's a special interest candidate. One of Lawson's challengers, Democrat Albert Chester, tells Gomes that constituents in Congressional District 5 need new energy and claims his experience as a pharmacist will help solve the country's healthcare problems. Also, Florida House candidate Elijah Manley says he's running to wake up Rep. Bobby DuBose, D-Fort Lauderdale, who won his last two terms unopposed. Follow on @RotundaPodcast on Twitter and visit www.rotundapodcast.com for daily updates.

On Trimmel Gomes' latest episode of The Rotunda, the protester at a news conference who shouted and called for the resignation of Governor Ron DeSantis over his handling of the pandemic says he would do it again. Gomes talks with Thomas Kennedy, a longtime Miami-Dade advocate for undocumented immigrants, about his vocal opposition. Also, former Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum breaks his silence, opening up and discussing his time in rehab and therapy. Plus, the Florida Education Association president Fedrick Ingram says they have filed suit against the state of Florida over Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran's order to open school buildings in August as coronavirus infections surge. Follow on @RotundaPodcast on Twitter and visit www.rotundapodcast.com for daily updates.

On Trimmel Gomes' latest episode of The Rotunda, Governor Ron DeSantis outlines his plan for reopening Florida this week. Gomes talks with Debra Bennett, Florida state organizer for the National Council of Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls, who highlights the growing number of COVID-19 cases at the Department of Corrections. Other guests include, Leon County Commission Chairman Bryan Desloge as the National Association of Counties calls on Congress to steer more COVID-19 relief funds to local governments. Plus, as the need for local news increases, Jean Kiddoo, with the Federal Communications Commission, joins the program to discuss the national switch of TV station frequencies impacting several Florida cities this week. Follow on @RotundaPodcast on Twitter and visit www.rotundapodcast.com for daily updates.

On Trimmel Gomes' latest episode of The Rotunda, former Tallahassee Mayor and Democratic candidate for governor Andrew Gillum announce he's entering into rehab to seek treatment for alcohol abuse. Gomes looks back on one of Gillum's first one-on-one interview about his 2018 bid for governor. As state officials urge citizens to isolate during the Coronavirus pandemic, social media company Facebook lends a hand with a new “Local Alerts” tool. Gomes talks with U.S. Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla., about the company's other initiative called “Boost with Facebook” designed to help small businesses grow. Follow on @RotundaPodcast on Twitter and visit www.rotundapodcast.com for daily updates.

On Trimmel Gomes' latest episode of The Rotunda, a look at the ongoing fight for independence between nurses and physicians. David Herbert, the CEO of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, explains why he thinks removing physician oversight from qualified nurse practitioners will help solve the problems of increasing healthcare costs and the shortage of primary care physicians. Also, Gomes talks with civil-rights activists and families of people serving time in Florida prisons rallying support for a package of prison-reform bills. Gomes talks with Rep. Dianne Hart, D-Tampa, as she explains why so many of the reform bills are hitting roadblocks. Follow on @RotundaPodcast on Twitter and visit www.rotundapodcast.com for daily updates.

On Trimmel Gomes' latest episode of The Rotunda, Alan Abramowitz, the executive director of Florida's Guardian ad Litem program, discusses policy priorities and tactics by child advocates to ensure lawmakers address the needs of Florida's children in the state budget. In honor of Black History month, Gomes profiles the Rev. C.K. Steele, who led the Tallahassee Bus Boycott in 1956 after two Florida A&M University students were arrested for sitting in the "whites only" section of a segregated bus. Throughout Black History Month, The Rotunda will highlight notable African Americans and related topics in Florida's history. Follow on @RotundaPodcast on Twitter and visit www.rotundapodcast.com for daily updates.

On Trimmel Gomes' latest episode of The Rotunda, Leon County Republican Party chairman Evan Power discusses his campaign to become National Committeeman for the Republican Party of Florida. Power explains the loyalty-mindset of Trump voters and why he thinks the GOP brand is untarnished, despite critics. Follow on @RotundaPodcast on Twitter and visit www.rotundapodcast.com for daily updates.

On Trimmel Gomes' latest episode of The Rotunda, Melba Pearson with the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida (ACLU of Florida) explains their fight to get a judge to block Florida's law requiring fees be paid before ex-felons can vote. Plus, educators like Brian Dean of Instruction Partners tells Gomes why he's urging state officials to improve, instead of eliminating Florida's Common Core educational standards. Gomes also talks with Doug Wheeler, president and CEO of the Florida Ports Council about their new study, which shows Florida's 15 seaports are leading the nation in resiliency for sea level rise and natural disasters. Follow on @RotundaPodcast on Twitter and visit www.rotundapodcast.com for daily updates.

Trimmel Gomes' latest episode of "The Rotunda," features former congresswoman Gwen Graham, the daughter of former Florida governor and U.S. Sen. Bob Graham. Last year Graham sought the Democratic nomination for governor but lost to Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum. Graham tells Gomes that she was ready to join the Gillum campaign to help him win, but says they never engaged. Graham explains how she has returned or donated all of her leftover funds from her campaign war chest, including recent checks from unspent ads. Meanwhile, Gillum is locked in a feud with mega-donor John Morrgan for refusing to give back leftover campaign funds. Graham is a vocal critic of both the DeSantis and Trump administration and is calling for swift changes. Currently, Graham works closely with Joe Biden's presidential campaign and serves on multiple boards, including the Tallahassee Ethics Commission. She is also helping her father write his autobiography. Follow on @RotundaPodcast on Twitter and visit www.rotundapodcast.com for daily updates.

On Trimmel Gomes' latest episode of The Rotunda, a closer look at the student-powered enterprise news operation about Florida government making waves in Florida's capitol. Gomes chats with student journalists Katie Campione and Max Chesnes at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications “Fresh Take Florida” news service. Plus, citizen groups are raising concerns over proposals at the capitol that would restrict citizen ballot initiatives. Follow on @RotundaPodcast on Twitter and visit www.rotundapodcast.com for daily updates.

On Trimmel Gomes' latest episode of The Rotunda, tech-savvy lawmakers Sen. Jeff Brandes, R- St. Petersburg, Rep. James Grant, R-Tampa, Rep. Jason Fischer, R-Jacksonville, and Rep. Jennifer Webb, D-Gulfport, discuss some of the more ‘disruptive' issues facing Florida. Gomes spotlights the special roundtable featured in the Spring 2019 edition of INFLUENCE Magazine. Gomes also talks with advocates like Roy Miller with the Children's Campaign who is concerned the state isn't doing enough for today's youth. Freelance journalist Kenya Woodard is also a featured guest this week, and with just a year left before the start of the 2020 Census, Gomes highlights how some organizations are ramping up public awareness campaigns to urge people to fill out census forms. Follow on @RotundaPodcast on Twitter and visit www.rotundapodcast.com for daily updates.

On Trimmel Gomes' latest episode of The Rotunda, Tampa Bay Times political editor Adam Smith explains his decision to jump from journalism to public relations during what he thinks is an unusually slow time in Florida politics. Also, after Secretary of State Mike Ertel resigned after photos of him in blackface was leaked to the press, Gov. Ron DeSantis picks Tampa Bay judge Laurel Moore Lee to fill the vacancy. However former Leon County Supervisor of Elections Ion Sancho tells Gomes why he thinks the replacement should've been another elections supervisor. Gomes also interviews Coral Springs Commissioner Dan Daley about his bid for House District 97. Follow on @RotundaPodcast on Twitter and visit www.rotundapodcast.com for daily updates.

On Trimmel Gomes' latest episode of The Rotunda, former Republican Gov. Bob Martinez said Florida's environment has been neglected for eight years and is excited about the swift change of course with Gov. Ron DeSantis. Martinez also shares his concerns with seeing Florida's public education system being starved of resources in favor of competition and suggests ways for more equitable reforms. Gomes also talks with state Sen. Joe Gruters of Sarasota who just became chairman of the Republican Party of Florida. Gruters pledges that Gov. DeSantis and the Republican party will be responsible for the environmental cleanup of the state. Gomes also interviews Gilbert King, author of “Devil in the Grove,” the Pulitzer Prize-winning book about four black men falsely accused of raping a white woman in 1949. The book renewed interest in the case leading to posthumous pardons. The accuser, Norma Padgett, speaks publicly for the first time since 1952. Follow on @RotundaPodcast on Twitter and visit www.rotundapodcast.com for daily updates.

Trimmel Gomes' latest episode of The Rotunda previews inaugural events celebrating Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis and Florida's next Cabinet members. Also, Senator Lauren Book, D-Plantation, discusses policy changes in the Florida Senate to prohibit sexual harassment of employees. Book also talks about her efforts to shift oversight of the state's concealed firearms program to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. With the automatic restoration of voting rights for some of Florida's convicted felons expected to go into effect Tuesday, a recent study from Cornell University shows nearly 1 in 2 adults in the United States has seen an immediate family member go to jail or in prison. Gomes talks with Zoë Towns, senior director of criminal justice reform at Fwd.us, a nonprofit advocating for immigration and criminal justice reform. Follow on @RotundaPodcast on Twitter and visit www.rotundapodcast.com for daily updates.

On Trimmel Gomes' latest episode of The Rotunda, Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey pledges to bend over backward to make sure Gov.-elect Ron Desantis will have one of the most successful inaugurations in the history of the state of Florida. Dailey reveals to Gomes why technically this is his second time being sworn in as mayor and his plans to transform the office. Also, some Floridians still sleeping in tents since Hurricane Michael are being pressured to relocate their tent cities. Concerned volunteers claim Panama City officials are rushing to attract tourists with an "open for business mantra," although city officials claim health and safety reasons for forcing the displaced to evacuate. Gomes talks with Steve Lowe, a volunteer doing post-hurricane relief work in the Panama City area. Follow on @RotundaPodcast on Twitter and visit www.rotundapodcast.com for daily updates.

On Trimmel Gomes' latest episode of “The Rotunda,” Ion Sancho, a longtime Leon County supervisor of elections, calls for reform in Florida's election laws to prevent the recurring nightmare of problematic recounts from happening. In an extended interview, Sancho tells Gomes some of the problems that plagued Brenda Snipes, the outgoing supervisor elections for Broward County, couldn't be avoided under current statutes. Sancho also blames the state for approving ineffective voting machines in Palm Beach County. Gomes also checks in on a statewide listening tour by the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition. The group's executive director Desmond Meade explains how he's working to help give back full citizenship rights to Florida's 1.4 million ex-felons who were convicted and completed sentences for past crimes, as outlined in the voter-approved Amendment 4. Follow on @RotundaPodcast on Twitter and visit www.rotundapodcast.com for daily updates.

On Trimmel Gomes' latest episode of “The Rotunda,” Florida's election recounts are underway in three of the state's biggest races — governor, U.S. Senate and agriculture commissioner. The unprecedented review is dredging up memories of the 2000 presidential recount. Gomes talks with legal experts involved who argue frequent mistakes and glitches, particularly in Broward and Palm Beach counties, undermine the entire electoral process. Len Collins, an attorney representing the Republican Party of Florida chats with Gomes from the epicenter of the controversy in Broward County. Democratic Strategist Steve Schale is also guest. Follow on @RotundaPodcast on Twitter and visit www.rotundapodcast.com for daily updates.

On Trimmel Gomes' latest episode of “The Rotunda,” highlights from Ron Desantis and Andrew Gillum's fiery exchanges during their first national debate on CNN. Plus, in exploring new models for journalism Gomes talks with Florida Phoenix Editor-in-Chief Julie Hauserman about her approach to covering state government and politics. Follow on @RotundaPodcast on Twitter and visit www.rotundapodcast.com for daily updates.

On Trimmel Gomes' latest episode of “The Rotunda,” Governor Rick Scott discusses ongoing response and recovery efforts with Hurricane Michael, how it compares to Hurricane Hermine and he's asked about the impact of climate change on Florida's environment. David Hastings, a marine and chemistry professor at Eckerd College, talks with Gomes about Florida's ongoing red tide bloom. How will voters respond to negative campaign ads aired during and after the storm? Aubrey Jewett, a political science professor at the University of Central Florida addresses the potential impact on campaigns. Gomes also talks to a group of Republicans calling for the country to have a united front in holding the Trump administration accountable. Chris Truax with Republicans for the Rule of Law is a guest this week. Follow on @RotundaPodcast on Twitter and visit www.rotundapodcast.com for daily updates.

On Trimmel Gomes' latest episode of “The Rotunda,” John Mills, an attorney for the League of Women Voters explains why he thinks Gov. Rick Scott's attempts to appoint three new justices to Florida's Supreme Court defies common sense. Mills tells Gomes that Scott is on the verge of causing a constitutional crisis. After emceeing an awards dinner at Florida's 2018 Court Reporters' Workshop, which featured Chief Justice Charles Canady and retiring Justices Barbara Pariente, R. Fred Lewis, and Peggy Quince, Kinsey predicts a fourth justice could soon leave the high court. Follow on @RotundaPodcast on Twitter and visit www.rotundapodcast.com for daily updates.

On Trimmel Gomes' latest episode of “The Rotunda,” a closer look at the many dog whistles that could lead the Andrew Gillum campaign into the “Trumpian Trap,” according to Brian Burgess of The Capitolist. Burgess claims the racial undertones from the Ron DeSantis campaign are unintended. Gomes also talks with Danny McAuliffe of Florida Politics about some of the highlights in Florida's gubernatorial race. Even, if shocked at running mate choices, you are not alone. Plus we a look back at the big primary night stunner with Gillum campaign advisor, Kevin Cate. Follow on @RotundaPodcast on Twitter and visit www.rotundapodcast.com for daily updates.

On Trimmel Gomes' latest episode of “The Rotunda,” Rep. Shevrin Jones, a Democrat from Broward County shares his ‘announcement of freedom' that he is gay. Jones chats with Gomes about his decision to step out of the closet and his plans to continue being an advocate for the LGBTQ community in Tallahassee. Gomes also offers up a quick guide to Florida's primary election. Follow on @RotundaPodcast on Twitter and visit www.rotundapodcast.com for daily updates.

On Trimmel Gomes' latest episode of “The Rotunda,” a discussion about how some Florida candidates are inspired and are trying to replicate the grass-roots success of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's New York primary win over high-ranking Democrat Rep. Joe Crowley. Gomes talks with Anna Eskamani, a Democrat running for Central Florida's House District 47 and Tallahassee City Commission Seat 3 candidate Jeremy Matlow. Both share their thoughts about the future of the Democratic Party. Follow on @RotundaPodcast on Twitter and visit www.rotundapodcast.com for daily updates.

On Trimmel Gomes' latest episode of “The Rotunda,” former Judge Ashley Moody shares her background including being a former federal prosecutor and explains why she thinks she's the best candidate to replace Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi who is facing term-limits. Moody is hoping to secure the Republican primary nomination over state Rep. Frank White, R-Pensacola. Moody shares her thoughts with Gomes about Florida's “stand your ground law,” how she would handle police brutality cases and her plans to find solutions to the state's opioid epidemic. Follow on @RotundaPodcast on Twitter and visit www.rotundapodcast.com for daily updates.