Podcasts about Seminole County

The Suite Spot Road Trip is back! Tune in to the latest episode to hear from hospitality leaders from Choice Hotels and Newport Hospitality Group, as they celebrate the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Comfort Inn & Suites Orlando Sanford Airport.  Check out the exclusive interviews with Andre Hickman, Wayne West III, Adam Hill, & Dena Hansen, only on the Suite Spot.   Ryan Embree: Welcome to Suite Spot, where hoteliers check in, and we check out what’s trending in hotel marketing. I’m your host, Ryan Embree. Hello everyone, welcome to another episode of The Suite Spot. This is your host, Ryan Embry, here for a special edition of the TMG Suite Spot Road Trip Series right down the road in our backyard in beautiful Sanford, Florida to visit the grand opening and Ribbon cutting event at the Comfort Inn and Suites Orlando Sanford Airport. We were invited to cover this celebratory event and talk to some of the instrumental individuals that made this property happen. Andre Hickman, the owner of the property, Wayne West III, president at Newport Hospitality. Adam Hill, VP of Operations at Newport Hospitality. And finally, Dena Hansen, Director of Sales at this beautiful, gorgeous new property opened up here. We had the privilege to cover it, bringing it to you in this episode in a busy hotel lobby celebrating the grand opening of this property. We hope you enjoy. Wayne West III: Well, welcome and thank you for coming to the celebration of the opening of this great hotel, the Comfort Inn and Suites. So make sure I get it right. Between Orlando Sanford Airport. Thank you very much. This hotel is a great example of what happens when you put a lot of smart people together and visionary people in a growing market like the Sanford Airport area. So thank you again, we’re, it’s great being here. Uh, my name is Wayne List. I’m the president of Newport Hospitality. We are honored that we get to operate a couple hotels for Andre Hickman, who I’ll reduce introduce in a little while. You’ll hear me use a couple, you’ll hear me overuse a couple words as I talk to you tonight. Really, really proud of the Hickman family. When you walk through the hotel and you see the amenities that he’s put here, how thoughtful he was and how intentional every decision was to be successful, and not just successful for him, but to make sure that all the guests are well taken care of at every touch point in the hotel, whether it’s the guest laundry or the cabana, or the pool or the exercise room. He was very, very thoughtful. I’ve, I’ve been blessed over the years and I’m trying to find my partner. Mike. Mike, I know you’re here, Mike. Yes, the tall one over here. Mike and I have opened up a lot of hotels in our years. Uh, I’m not sure we’ve opened up one Mike, that the owner was as thoughtful about every step along the way and cautious and careful and trying to do it just right for the long-term legacy of this hotel. So I’ll have to thank the Hickman family for that. If you look at the design, the finishes, the touch and the construction, the touch points are just incredible for a hotel. So the Hickman family, if you would kind of raise your hand, Andre and the Hickman family, a lot of them are over here. We want to thank you personally. I want to, I wanna talk a little bit about businesses in the area. Um, the airport obviously is, is booming. Uh, Boomba, which I know has been here a few years, but needed a desperately needed a hotel in the market. I spoke to someone the other day that was so excited. We had, they had a hotel in the market to use Go Port, one of our biggest clients here. Uh, really want to thank the community, the leadership of the community, the chamber, the folks that have joined us, um, the lending and financial partners, which really is a testament to, to Andre and his team and his legacy of all the development that he’s done. Uh, the folks from Choice Hotels are here. If they would raise their hand, I’ll lose you in the back. We have Joe, who is the leader of the Choice Hotel, sys the choice, comfort in hotels system. So great to have you with us. Uh, I wanna thank some people particularly too personally here. You’ve met Mike Clinger. He raised his hand. We have a lot of our people here that worked really, really hard with Andre to get this right. Andre did the hard work. We came in behind him and tried to fill in where our responsibility of opening up a great hotel. But I’ve got Sandra Lucas here. I saw Sandra and her husband, Sandra’s in charge of revenue for about two thirds or a third of our portfolio of 36 hotels. Uh, Adam, Adam, where are you? Adam Hill. Adam is the back. Adam is the vice President of operation for this hotel. Reports to Andre about the hotel. Uh, Whitney Ties is Whitney is in the back. Whitney’s our, our chief commercial officer and senior vice president, also an owner along with Mike and I, Mike Pinger. You’ve met, uh, Matthew Hoffman, who I hope all of y’all have met, is the general manager of this great hotel, the back, Dina Hansen, who everybody needs to beat tonight because we want her to book business with you. She’s our director of sales of both of our hotels. And part of the remarks I’ll make is about, you know, why Sandford, we’re the first hotel, I guess this close to the airport anyway. I know there’s a couple of other hotels in the market, but we don’t pay a lot of attention to those. I’m sorry if I’m offending some of the owners and general managers that are here, but that’s the truth. Uh, the airport’s booming. Andre’s had this in his line of sight for a long time and waited for the time to be right. Uh, it’s always difficult building a hotel. It’s always difficult putting a great amount of equity down and then a year, a year and a half of, of painful getting it to the birth thing, right? Yeah. Not nine months, but a true year and a half. So we thank you for that. We thank all of our partners that are here. Thank you very much for showing up. This hotel I mentioned a little earlier, has a lot of amenities, whether it’s our shuttle to the airport, whether it’s the outdoor pool, the cabana, um, the, if you haven’t seen the exercise room, we have 36 hotels. Many of them are larger than this. None of them has an exercise room that has the quality touches and is as large as that. We’re gonna be super attracted to sporting groups that are going to Baba. We’re excited about joining and, and partnering with them. I, I will tell you, as Andre built this hotel, it was all about the messaging of getting it right for his family, our guests, and our team members. So it wasn’t just about Andre. He really made the decisions based on what, how he’s gonna be successful here is taking great care of our guests and great care of our team members. I hope you all will come back. Join us lots and lots in your relatives here, your colleagues here, your weddings, events here. So thank you very much. It is really my honor. Now to introduce you to Andre Hickman, who is the developer of this property. Probably many of you know Andre. He, he’s done several other ventures in this market. We have another great hotel. We operate him for him in Sanford. But it really is just an honor and a pleasure to be here with y’all to do this grand opening. Uh, again, it was so thoughtful and so intentional. When you walk around, those things don’t happen by accident. Those things happen because this gentleman here was thoughtful about it and really tried to produce the best hotel he could in this market. So thank you very much. It was great talking to a lot of y’all. Tonight I’ll let Andre take takeover. Ryan Embree: Hello everyone. Ryan Embree here with the Suite Spot live at the grand opening of the Comfort Inn & Suites, Orlando Sanford Airport here with the owner Andre. Andre, passion project, multi-year project. A lot of blood, sweat, and tears coming. We’re here finally at the grand opening, the ribbing front. How are you feeling right now? Andre Hickman: I’m ecstatic. Yeah, it’s been a long time in the making from the first phone call to finding the property and signing the franchise and, and, uh, just very blessed to be here today. Ryan Embree: A lot of choice representation, because this is really a star property for the comfort brand. Talk to us about the words I keep hearing is intentionality, very deliberate on all the amenities where even things you were talking about in your speech over here about even where parking spaces were. Talk to us about, you know, the passion behind this project and why you wanted to make it so intentional and so deliberate. Andre Hickman: Well, it was a labor of love a lot of years in the making. Yeah. Uh, we’re near the airport and so we did a little bit of theming with the, the metal and the, and the airplane wings and the, the portico. Uh, we did a lot of extra features. We, we had another com We have another comfort in in Sanford, and I wanted to do things a little different. Yeah. And so I went bigger, bigger, bigger, bigger. So bigger pool, bigger deck, barbecue grill area, bigger lobby, taller ceilings, bigger rooms, bigger bathrooms. Um, we wanted to do a walk-in shower. I really don’t like curtains and, and glass doors. And I said, you know, if we can make a, a walk-in shower and a comfort in, that’d be quite a feat. And so a lot of design work, and we’re really pleased with how it came out. Ryan Embree: Yeah. I love doing these types of episodes and grand openings and talking to owners like yourself because you don’t get these stories sometimes in the background of the labor of love, like you speak of in the background. Now I’m a resident of Seminole County, here in Oviedo, but we’re here in Sanford, just right up the road, yet a couple Sanford City officials here, also welcoming this new business. Talk about, uh, the special place in your heart and location. Just, just a couple miles from the airport closest actually to the airport right now. Andre Hickman: We’re very fortunate to have county and city commissioners here today. Several choice representatives. Flew in to see the new hotel. Uh, we’re here by the airport. We had some airport folks here. It’s, uh, quite a, quite a unique spot because we’re located almost halfway between the Sanford Airport entrance as well as the Boomba Sports Complex. Yeah. And I think we’re in a unique spot to, to hopefully capture, uh, visitors from both those markets. Ryan Embree: Absolutely. That’s what you want. And it is the, uh, be able to attract all in every segment. Um, congratulations here on this project, Andre. Again, labor of love. It turned out perfect. We’ll let you get back to your grand opening party. Thank you so much for visiting with us. Andre Hickman: Thank you. Speaker 4: Hello everyone. Welcome to another episode of The Suite Spot. We are here at the grand opening at the Comfort Inn and Suites, Orlando Sanford Airport here with Wayne West, the third. Wayne, we saw you out in Hunter a couple years, uh, weeks, months ago. In Atlanta. Here we are in Sanford, Florida. Beautiful property opening up here. Tell us a little bit about this project. Wayne West III: Well, this is the second project for this owner we’ve operated for, for 25 years. Great owner. Takes great care of the guest, take great care of my team members, and obviously build a beautiful hotel. And the word I will use for Andre Hickman, the owner developer, is that it was so thoughtful about this property and every little nuance of it is intentional to take great care of the guest. Whether it’s a sports team coming into the boom by complex, or whether it’s distressed gas staying at the airport, which is only quarter of a mile away, the airport entrance. He was just so intentional and so thoughtful about every aspect of the property at his own expense. Yeah. He really put a lot more into this than the typical choice hotel. Ryan Embree: We talked right now, we talked at Hunter about, right now it’s about strategic growth for Newport and it needs to be the right partner. Wayne West III: Yeah. Ryan Embree: Why was this project and this owner the right project for you at Newport? Wayne West III: Well, actually we’ve been blessed enough to, to work for Andre for 25 years. When he started talking about this three years ago, he involved us from the very beginning. He was, he would come out to the site and look at it. He would talk about what the drivers were going to be, what he wanted to do to take care of those drivers. And frankly, he needed to be financially successful, but he’s put a tremendous amount of equity time and energy and effort into this to get to this product. Yeah. So he is a perfect partner for us. He’s a perfect partner for Seminole County. He’s a perfect partner for all the business around him. Ryan Embree: It’s absolutely beautiful property. Very unique. Like I said in his speech, he was actually talking about, you know, using some dry erase on some parking lots. That’s how, you know, how intentional and deliberate each decision there. We love that in hospitality, right. ’cause sometimes now they get accused of just the big box hotel. This certainly doesn’t fit that bill. Wayne West III: No. And I think if you would talk to the choice people, this is the showcase for them though. This is an example of an owner that did it right.And in some cases, what above and beyond their brand standards, just to make sure the guests are taken great care of. Ryan Embree: Love to see it, continue to see those guest expectations elevated and love to see. Can’t wait to see the feedback that everyone gets. Appreciate you taking the time to spend some time. Wayne West III: Great to do that. Thank you again. Good being with you. Ryan Embree: Thank you. Thank you so much. Appreciate it. Ryan Embree: Hello everyone. Ryan Embree here with the Suite Spot at the Comfort Inn & Suites Orlando Sanford Airport here with Adam. Adam, thank you so much for taking the time. Wonderful project, beautiful property. Just spoke to Wayne about really the high level relationship between ownership and Newport Hospitality Group. You’re the boots on the ground. You’re a little bit closer to the project. Talk to us a little bit about the story. ’cause it, you know, it didn’t just spread out of the ground. That’s a labor of love, right? Adam Hill: This project is probably 10 plus years in the making. I mean, the Hickman family, started one of the drawing board literally over 10 plus years ago. It’s one of our longest standing partners. They’ve been with Newport for almost 30 years. So for them to take this and do it, I mean, Andre painstakingly worked over the plans. They were written. I came on board about three years ago. And I was like, we’re never gonna get this over the finish line. So then we went from the site and we started with moving some dirt excavating, getting the walls up, moving it. And I mean, the project has just come to life in the last two and a half years. It’s ridiculous. But I mean, just to see all the love and hard work that the Hickman family have put into it is just amazing. This is probably the best choice product out there. You’re not gonna see a Comfort Inn like this. It’s very unique for 107 rooms, all the square footage, every room is meticulously designed to be exceptional. Ryan Embree: Absolutely an incredible story. A beautiful property here. 10 plus years in a challenging environment. Right now for hospitality. Talk to us about, you know, having that communication with ownership with the contractors, making sure even the GM, the agent, the director of sales, who’s probably planning these rooms before the hotel’s even open, trying to get some groups in here. So talk us through a little bit about that process and how that communication is key to. Adam Hill: So I think we’re very fortunate in this market. I mean, like I said, we’ve been here almost 30 years. We’ve established great grounds, great roots with the businesses that are here. We knew that the businesses were gonna grow. Even during COVID, this hotel did not suffer. I mean, this hotel did extremely well. And they’re talking about our sister hotel in the market. But, so when we knew when this room was gonna be built, we knew with Boomba right here, the airport growing, there was an opportunity. We seized that opportunity. I know there’s several other hotel projects that were planned. They’ve never got off the ground. We got this off the ground and I mean, we were able to get the financing behind it. We were able to get a solid GC that had never built a hotel before. And I mean, this is a hotel that a GC did not ever built. So I mean, it was a very, like, the stars aligned. We got a perfect team. So just tremendously happy with how it happened. Ryan Embree: The excitement was matched. We had a couple representatives from the city of Sanford talking about this property and it was equally matched because they’re excited about the airport being right here. And that’s gotta be great for the location. How is that kind of working with the city in tandem with them to help a project like this move across the finish line? Adam Hill: So I, again, our partnership extends beyond just the Newport team. So Dena serves on the Seminole County Chamber of Commerce board of Directors. We have Andre who serves on the sports district for Seminole County, so forth. So we’re very connected. We’re a very community partner. We make sure that we’re very active in our community by giving back. So, I mean, that’s opened a lot of doors for us too, where we don’t really have a major challenge of getting our head in with city leaders. ’cause we give back at the communities that we work in. Ryan Embree: Love that. That’s hospitality at its core, right? So, Adam, appreciate it. Congratulations on the property. Congratulations on the project. Biggest celebration for you as well. We’ll let you get back to it. Thank you so much for joining us. Adam Hill: Thank you. I appreciate it. Ryan Embree: Hello everyone. Ryan Embree here with the Suite Spot at the beautiful Comfort Inn and Suites Orlando Sanford Airport here with Dena, Director of Sales. You have now become the envy of every director of sales in this area. ’cause you have the nicest, most beautiful property here. Thank you for having us at your grand opening and ribbon cutting. Talk to us about this passion project. It’s just absolutely gorgeous here. Here we are in the lobby. Dena Hansen: Thank you. Well, thank you for coming and celebrating with us. Our property has really been built and created by design for those travelers coming in, not only for cruises, but the sports teams that are traveling in. We are about a mile from Boombah Sports Complex, and they have a lot of different tournaments, whether it’s baseball, lacrosse, field hockey, so lots of comfort here. We have 107 rooms. Most of them are double queens. Again, thinking of those families coming in, and I like to say it’s like Texas over here. Everything’s bigger. The pool is bigger, the deck is bigger. There’s a cabana with some lounge seating. There are two barbecue grills with patio seats as well. So if you don’t wanna go out and spend that money on food at a restaurant, uh, you’re welcome to go to Publix, which is two miles down the road, grab some food and just grill it up and have a good time. Ryan Embree: What type of traveler segment are you really getting interest from and like, inquiries for groups? Dena Hansen: Yeah. So in the beginning, a lot of wedding blocks, a lot of reunions, obviously a lot of sports blocks coming in for boombah but most recently the word has gotten out from corporate companies and they’re wanting some corporate rates. They wanna utilize our meeting space. So it’s, it’s kind of ebbs and ebb and flows a little bit. But very exciting. Ryan Embree: This location has really been starved for something here. We had a couple of city officials here that were talking about this and so happy they were equally as excited to be opening this up because the airport is growing so much. What is some of the feedback that you’ve been hearing? You’ve already have some guests in here we’ve seen coming in and out of the lobby doors. What is some of the feedback that you’ve been hearing so far from maybe the individual travelers and then maybe some of the groups that you’ve hosted here as well? Dena Hansen: Yeah. So positive feedback all around. I don’t think I’ve heard one negative thing about the hotel. They enjoy the space. They love the pool area, especially for families that have littles. There’s a sun shelf on the pool. So it’s easier for them to watch the kids. Just the extra space and how wide and open and comforting everything is is amazing. Somebody actually said they love our sheets. Ryan Embree: Okay. Yeah. That’s a new one too. Awesome. Well, I wanna wrap up by just talking about maybe the relationship that as a DOS you gotta have really good relationships and connections with local businesses. Obviously the community. Seminole County, I’m a resident of Seminole County, right down the road. So, talk to us a little bit about how you’ve been able to build those and give back to the community and how they’ve supported you, and vice versa. Dena Hansen: Yeah. So, not only are we a part of both Seminole County Chamber and the Sanford Chamber. I’m on the board of Directors for the Sanford Chamber as well. And doing that it is really all about building the relationships, maintaining contact and just helping each other out and partnering together. That’s really what it’s about. So if, if they need a meeting space, we actually house the Sanford Chamber breakfast, weekly breakfast meetings for Q3. We’ll be here every Wednesday from 7:30AM – 9:00AM. Shameless plug. But yeah, relationship building, it’s mandatory. Nobody wants to do business with somebody you don’t know. You wanna know that you’re gonna be taken care of. And when you walk through those doors, I guarantee you from the moment you step through to the moment you leave, we have you. Ryan Embree: That’s hospitality. Dena Hansen: Living hospitality at its best at Comfort Inn & Suites Orlando Sanford Airport. Ryan Embree: Dena, thank you so much. Thank you. Congratulations. We’ll let you get back to the party here. Thank you. And celebrate this incredible property. Dena Hansen: Thank you very much. Ryan Embree: To join our loyalty program, be sure to subscribe and give us a five star rating on iTunes. Suite Spot is produced by Travel Media Group. Our editor is Brandon Bell with Cover Art by Bary Gordon. I’m your host Ryan, and we hope you enjoyed your stay.

Today's EM Morning Brief covers Super Typhoon Sinlaku's devastating impact on Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, where winds up to 185 mph knocked out power and water and displaced more than a thousand residents. A multi-day severe weather outbreak has produced confirmed tornadoes across six states, including an EF-3 near Union Center, Wisconsin, and an EF-2 in Ottawa, Kansas. Florida's extreme drought—the worst since 2012—has fueled more than 1,600 wildfires and 100,000 acres burned in the first 100 days of 2026, with multiple counties declaring local emergencies. CISA continues its active advisory cadence with new KEV additions and the ongoing Cisco SD-WAN emergency directive. FEMA housing inspectors begin property evaluations in Washington state under the newly approved disaster declaration. The national wildfire picture remains above average at 231 percent of the ten-year norm, with Red Flag Warnings active across the Southern Plains. EM Morning Brief is your concise daily update on national and state-by-state emergency management news. Produced by Sitch Radio, an EOC Voices podcast.Key Takeaways• Super Typhoon Sinlaku: Winds up to 185 mph devastated Saipan and Tinian; power and water out for potentially weeks; 1,000+ residents sheltered; presidential emergency declarations active for both Guam and CNMI.• Multi-Day Tornado Outbreak: Confirmed tornadoes across Kansas (EF-2), Wisconsin (EF-3), Oklahoma (EF-1), Iowa, Minnesota, and Arkansas from April 13–15; three injured in Ottawa, KS; continued severe threat through April 16.• Florida Drought Emergency: Nearly 80% of the state is in extreme drought—the worst since 2012; over 100,000 acres burned from 1,600+ wildfires in 2026; multiple county burn bans and local emergency declarations.• Southeast Drought and Fire Risk: Georgia reports D4 Exceptional Drought in Seminole County; North Carolina's statewide burn ban enters its third week with 554 fires; Virginia is under critical fire weather warnings.• CISA KEV and Emergency Directive: Nine new Known Exploited Vulnerabilities added April 13–14, including Fortinet and Adobe flaws; Cisco SD-WAN Emergency Directive 26-03 hunt-and-hardening phase continues.• FEMA Disaster Recovery: Housing inspectors begin evaluating properties in Washington state (DR-4906, $182.3M in damage); Montana disaster declaration for December storms; Guam and CNMI emergency declarations are active.• National Wildfire Posture: Preparedness Level 2; 23 uncontained large fires; 1.72 million acres burned YTD (231% of 10-year average); Red Flag Warnings active across Southern Plains.• Nevada Earthquake: M5.7 near Silver Springs on April 13; 43 aftershocks; 17% chance of a larger aftershock within the week; no significant damage reported.• New Jersey Boil Water Advisory: System-wide advisory in South Brunswick Township following water main break on April 15; remains in effect until DEP testing clears the supply.SourcesDHS / NTAS• DHS NTAS Bulletin — Heightened threat environment amid Israel-Iran conflict• DHS National Terrorism Advisory System overviewCISA• CISA adds two KEVs to catalog (April 14, 2026)• CISA adds seven KEVs to catalog (April 13, 2026)• CISA Emergency Directive 26-03 — Cisco SD-WAN• CISA Supplemental Direction ED 26-03 — Hunt and hardening guidanceNIFC / Wildfire• NIFC Incident Management Situation Report (April 15, 2026)• NIFC National Fire News• InciWeb — Active wildfire incidentsNOAA / NWS / SPC• SPC Day 1 Convective Outlook (April 16, 2026)• NWS Kansas City — Hazardous weather outlook and flood warnings• NWS — Ottawa, Kansas tornado summary (April 13, 2026)• NWS Twin Cities — April 13, 2026 hail and tornado summary• NWS La Crosse — April 14, 2026 severe thunderstormsFEMA• FEMA — Washington major disaster declaration (DR-4906)• FEMA — Montana major disaster declaration• FEMA — Guam emergency declaration• FEMA — CNMI emergency declaration• FEMA — Housing inspectors begin evaluating WA properties (April 15)USGS• USGS — Significant Earthquakes 2026• M5.7 earthquake near Silver Springs, NV (April 13, 2026)State Dept / Travel• State Dept — Middle East travel advisory (updated April 10, 2026)• State Dept — Worldwide CautionCDC• CDC HAN 00527 — Medetomidine in the illicit fentanyl supply (April 2, 2026)Arkansas• 5News — Severe storms and tornado warnings in River ValleyFlorida• Tampa Bay Times — Florida wildfires shattering records amid drought• Fox Weather — Florida fire danger spikes as extreme drought reaches 25-year high• WCTV — Burn bans issued across Big Bend, South Georgia (April 15)• Hernando County — Burn ban effective April 14, 2026Georgia• WCTV — Burn bans across Big Bend and South Georgia• WSB-TV — Barrow County burn ban (April 15)• WALB — Decatur County burn ban (April 15)Iowa• KCRG — Tornado and hail damage across eastern Iowa (April 14)• AccuWeather — Tornadoes and grapefruit-size hail in Iowa and WisconsinKansas• NWS Topeka — EF-2 tornado in Ottawa, April 13• The Watchers — NWS confirms EF-2 tornado injured 3 in Ottawa• KWCH — Kansas governor declares disaster emergencyMinnesota• NWS Twin Cities — April 13 hail and tornado summary• Fox 9 — 3 possible tornadoes in southern MinnesotaMissouri• GovOneStop — Missouri flood warning, Big Creek at Blairstown• KSHB — Flooding affects roads in Johnson County, MissouriMontana• FEMA — Montana major disaster declaration (April 11, 2026)• Daily Inter Lake — Lincoln County disaster declarationNebraska• InciWeb — Morrill Fire information• 1011 Now — Nebraska wildfire operations wind down with full containmentNevada• ABC News — Magnitude 5.7 earthquake in Nevada• MyNews4 — M5.7 earthquake near Silver Springs, Lyon CountyNew Jersey• Patch — South Brunswick boil water advisory after water main break (April 15)North Carolina• NC Dept. of Agriculture — Statewide burn ban continues (April 14)• WECT — 554 wildfires scorch 2,200 acres under burn banOklahoma• NewsOn6 — Storm damage in Tulsa and Muskogee• Fox23 — NWS confirms EF-1 tornado in Tulsa Hills (April 15)• NewsOn6 — Hilldale cancels classes after Muskogee tornadoSouth Carolina• SC Public Radio — Red Flag Fire Alert as drought intensifiesTexas• Texas A&M Forest Service — Current wildfire status• TDEM — Governor Abbott activates emergency resources (April 10)Virginia• WSLS — Virginia wildfire risk grows amid April drought and early heatWashington• FEMA — Housing inspectors begin evaluating WA properties (April 15)• KNKX — FEMA approves disaster funding for WA after December floodsWisconsin• WMTV — EF-3 tornado confirmed near Union Center, multiple homes damaged• We Are Green Bay — Multiple tornadoes confirmed in WisconsinGuam / CNMI• NPR — Super Typhoon Sinlaku pounds remote U.S. islands• PBS NewsHour — Super Typhoon Sinlaku with ferocious winds• FEMA — Guam emergency declaration• FEMA — CNMI emergency declaration• World Central Kitchen — Response to Super Typhoon Sinlaku This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

Friday - Bob Frier is in while Jim is out. We talk Orlando's skyline, hot dogs, hurricane cakes, Chris Patyton is in to talk about Seminole County's Citizen's Academy series. The 8-Bit Update with Jayden. Prime Time Kitchen with Orlando Weekly Restaurant Critic Faiyaz Kara. Plus, JCS News, Sink or Sail, Embers Only, Pick the Porn & You Heard it Here First. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday - Bob Frier is in while Jim is out. We talk Orlando's skyline, hot dogs, hurricane cakes, Chris Patyton is in to talk about Seminole County's Citizen's Academy series. The 8-Bit Update with Jayden. Prime Time Kitchen with Orlando Weekly Restaurant Critic Faiyaz Kara. Plus, JCS News, Sink or Sail, Embers Only, Pick the Porn & You Heard it Here First.

Welcome back to The Tied-In Podcast. In this episode, we're peeling back the curtain on the "perfection" of content creation. I'm sharing a transparent moment about the reality of building a community and what happens when your planned Q&A box stays empty (spoiler: we keep moving anyway!).Today is March 31st, International Transgender Day of Visibility. We're starting the episode by celebrating the resilience and joy of our trans community and sharing essential support resources.From there, it's all about the flowers. I'm shouting out the local Orlando and Central Florida small businesses that inspire me and keep our creative heart beating. We also dive into a heavy but necessary conversation about the current climate for women, the decline of intentionality in dating, and the disturbing rise of "crash out" culture in the streaming world, specifically addressing recent news regarding Clavicular and Jordan Sisco.Where to find the visuals:If you're listening on Apple Podcasts, head over to Spotify or YouTube to see the full video version featuring all the community clips and photos mentioned in today's episode!Community Shoutouts:The Story Room Collective (@storyroomcollective) – Latina-owned independent bookstore.Yellow Door Bakery (@yellowdoorbakry) – Titusville's local "dough dealer" and pastry expert.Mellipops Art (@mellipopsart) – DACA-owned art shop. (Support Mel's renewal fund!)La Bodega Orlando (@labodegaorl) – Orlando's 1st Latino Pop-Up Market.Wear The Damn Shorts (@wearthedamnshorts_) – Body-neutral movement and HIIT by Caro Cardenas.Chica Cakes Orlando (@chicacakesorl) – Latina-owned custom cakes and treats.Miracle City & Co. (@miraclecityandco) – Community-focused market in Titusville.Mad Mack (@_madmack) – SCAD Alumnus, illustrator, and graphic designer.Don's Mobile Detailing (@donsdetailingllc) – Professional Orlando car detailing.For The Plot Orlando (@fortheplotorlando) – Bookstore & Cafe coming to Avalon Park May 2026!The Umbrella Brigade (@theumbrellabrigade) – Addressing human needs and inclusivity in CFL.Orlando 50501 (@orlando.50501) – Mutual aid and community resources.Sanford Period Pantry (@sanfordperiodpantry) – Free period and postpartum products for Seminole County.Angelo the Artiste (@angelotheartiste) – Phenomenal local pencil artist.Resources:Mental Health & Community Resources: tiedbyadri.comThe Trevor Project: thetrevorproject.orgTrans Lifeline: translifeline.orgSupport the Pod:If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Let's keep tying the community together!

Two Florida teens accused of plotting to kill a classmate at a high school in Seminole County will remain behind bars after running their mouths in the back of the patrol car. An eleven-year-old girl kidnapped from California when she was five has been found safe nearly six years later living under another name in North Carolina. A Florida judge throws out a red-light camera ticket and rules the law behind the citation violates constitutional due process. Drew Nelson reports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The episode elucidates the ongoing river flood warnings across various regions of the Ohio Valley, as issued by the National Weather Service on March 4, 2026. It is imperative that individuals exercise caution by avoiding travel through inundated roadways to mitigate risks associated with minor to moderate flooding. Additionally, the episode highlights pertinent updates from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency regarding known exploited vulnerabilities, emphasizing the necessity for organizations to prioritize patch mitigation efforts as outlined in a federal update. Furthermore, recent travel advisory revisions from the U.S. State Department are discussed, particularly regarding embassy operations and security conditions in the Middle Eastern and Eastern Mediterranean regions, which may significantly impact mission planning and travel logistics. We conclude with a reminder of the importance of staying informed and prepared during such critical situations.Takeaways:* The National Weather Service has issued several flood warnings in the Ohio Valley, indicating potential minor to moderate flooding.* Recent updates from the CISA highlight the importance of patch mitigation for known vulnerabilities that remain operationally relevant.* The US State Department has provided travel advisories concerning security conditions in the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean.* Emergency management professionals should remain cognizant of regional flood warnings impacting infrastructure and travel plans.* Indiana and Kentucky have issued flood warnings, with advisories for motorists to avoid flooded roadways and areas.* The discontinuation of boil water advisories indicates improvements in local water systems, particularly in Seminole County.SourcesCISA, CISA adds vulnerabilities to KEV catalog — federal remediation prioritization update (Mar 3, 2026)Travel advisoriesCyprus Travel Advisory — Level 3 / embassy operations & security context (Mar 3, 2026)Bahrain Travel Advisory — updated embassy operations context (Mar 2, 2026)Kuwait Travel Advisory — updated embassy operations context (Mar 2, 2026)Florida - Seminole County Utilities — precautionary boil water advisory discontinued (Mar 4, 2026)Indiana - NWS Indianapolis — warning text product (Flood Warnings; issued Mar 4, 2026)Kentucky - NWS Louisville — Flood Warning text product (issued Mar 4, 2026) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

Colby Erskin, 39, is accused of sending naked photos of himself to a student at a high school where he had coached in Florida. Erskin faces two charges: solicitation of a child and transmission of materials harmful to minors. Erskin was taken into custody on February 5 in Seminole County, Florida. The charges he faces were filed in Broward County. Law&Crime's Angenette Levy goes through body-worn camera footage of the arrest and the claims alleged in this episode of Crime Fix — a daily show covering the biggest stories in crime.Host:Angenette Levy https://twitter.com/Angenette5Guest: Mark Weaver https://x.com/MarkRWeaverCRIME FIX PRODUCTION:Head of Social Media, YouTube - Bobby SzokeSocial Media Management - Vanessa BeinVideo Editing - Daniel CamachoGuest Booking - Alyssa Fisher & Diane KayeSTAY UP-TO-DATE WITH THE LAW&CRIME NETWORK:Watch Law&Crime Network on YouTubeTV: https://bit.ly/3td2e3yWhere To Watch Law&Crime Network: https://bit.ly/3akxLK5Sign Up For Law&Crime's Daily Newsletter: https://bit.ly/LawandCrimeNewsletterRead Fascinating Articles From Law&Crime Network: https://bit.ly/3td2IqoLAW&CRIME NETWORK SOCIAL MEDIA:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawandcrime/Twitter: https://twitter.com/LawCrimeNetworkFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lawandcrimeTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/lawandcrimenetworkTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lawandcrimeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Florida February ends the only way it can: with a party that goes completely off the rails. In this finale episode of Live, Laugh, Larceny: A True Petty Crime Podcast, we cover a Florida police chase in Seminole County involving Jennifer Kaufman, Jamie Young, and Erin Thomas, who allegedly stole a car while searching for a party — only for one suspect to end up cornered in a pasture by cows. Trevin shares a listener story from A-Line about a chaotic 22nd birthday featuring a party mom, too much alcohol, a bottle of Grey Goose, and a chair-wielding fight with a pseudo-uncle that escalates fast. Before the crimes, Trevin tackles unexpected “man work” with a furnace repair while Amanda visits the University of Kansas (KU) campus for a college basketball game — where a Westboro Baptist Church protest turns into awkward karaoke. The crew also plays Florida trivia, covering the 3,500-year-old bald cypress known as The Senator in Longwood and the history of the Conch Republic, the Florida Keys region that briefly seceded from the United States, declared war, and immediately requested foreign aid. From drug-fueled bad decisions to birthday party brawls, this Florida February Finale proves that if you party in Florida long enough… the cows will come home. Today's Stories: Utterly Foolish A-Line's 22nd Birthday

Nathan Weaver leads PETRA WORLDWIDE out of his Seminole County office. They are on a special mission with a niche of serving churches and Christian non-profits, strengthening their ministries while being a critical resource for the business side of their organization. Nathan also shared some great insights on AI - the big buzz word of late.

Friday – We remember Catherine O'Hara. Jim wants Seminole County to keep the bus stops with no busses. Will more people see the Melania documentary or the newly released Epstein Files. We launch our Bourbon Bus. Rauce Thoughts on the highs and lows of fatherhood. The 8-Bit Update with Jayden on doing regular jobs in GTA 5. Plus, JCS News, Sink or Sail, Embers Only, Pick the Porn & You Heard it Here First.

Friday – We remember Catherine O'Hara. Jim wants Seminole County to keep the bus stops with no busses. Will more people see the Melania documentary or the newly released Epstein Files. We launch our Bourbon Bus. Rauce Thoughts on the highs and lows of fatherhood. The 8-Bit Update with Jayden on doing regular jobs in GTA 5. Plus, JCS News, Sink or Sail, Embers Only, Pick the Porn & You Heard it Here First. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday - Are you a better driver than your partner? Seminole County commissioner Amy Lockhart talks to us about the new SCOUT transit system. We learn which states are better to raise a family. We review It's Florida, Man for WYDTN. It's Only Money with Bracher Brown with Edgewater Family Wealth on mistakes when calculating your retirement number. Plus, JCS News, Froggers Football Follow-up, JCS Trivia & You Heard it Here First.

Tuesday - Are you a better driver than your partner? Seminole County commissioner Amy Lockhart talks to us about the new SCOUT transit system. We learn which states are better to raise a family. We review It's Florida, Man for WYDTN. It's Only Money with Bracher Brown with Edgewater Family Wealth on mistakes when calculating your retirement number. Plus, JCS News, Froggers Football Follow-up, JCS Trivia & You Heard it Here First. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Board Drill Podcast, we sit down with Coach Tim Dycus, the head football coach at Winter Springs High School (FL). Coach Dycus dives into the details of building a culture, the reality of turning around a struggling program, and the leadership lessons that come with over two decades on the sidelines.Coach Dycus took over a program that many saw as an easy win on their schedule—until now. Under his guidance, Winter Springs just posted its first winning season in years and reached the playoffs. This episode is a must-watch for coaches who are grinding in the trenches, building brick by brick.Timestamps0:00 - Intro & Coach Dycus joins the show1:34 - Taking over a struggling program3:05 - Coach Dycus' backstory: from business owner to football coach6:42 - What he learned from Seminole County football legends10:17 - How he built a winning culture at Winter Springs14:10 - Getting buy-in from the players and staff17:32 - The small wins that built momentum21:45 - Key schemes and system changes26:10 - Advice to young coaches stepping into tough jobs30:33 - Coaching in the social media age35:21 - Building relationships and developing leaders38:10 - Coach Dycus' coaching philosophy42:00 - Lightning Round: Favorite drills, toughest opponents, best advice45:50 - Final thoughts and what's next for Winter Springs football

Wednesday - Where is the baldest state? We learn why Big Alcohol hates legal weed. Animal House with Al from Seminole County for their Paws & Claus event. Orlando Sentinel columnist Scott Maxwell on who might be the next Florida governor, and what might be next for Ron DeSantis. Rauce Padgett updates us on Good Sauce. Plus, JCS News, JCS Trivia & You Heard it Here First.

Wednesday - Where is the baldest state? We learn why Big Alcohol hates legal weed. Animal House with Al from Seminole County for their Paws & Claus event. Orlando Sentinel columnist Scott Maxwell on who might be the next Florida governor, and what might be next for Ron DeSantis. Rauce Padgett updates us on Good Sauce. Plus, JCS News, JCS Trivia & You Heard it Here First.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Al Adams with Seminole County Animal Services joins us to invite everyone to their 3rd annual Paws & Claus adoption event, Saturday, December 6th, 2025, at Fort Mellon Park in Sanford. There will be vendors, food trucks, $5 rabies shots and microchips, FREE adoptions and pictures with Santa, and more!

Al Adams with Seminole County Animal Services joins us to invite everyone to their 3rd annual Paws & Claus adoption event, Saturday, December 6th, 2025, at Fort Mellon Park in Sanford. There will be vendors, food trucks, $5 rabies shots and microchips, FREE adoptions and pictures with Santa, and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Angel of Boom from the Monsters is our Producer for today and we start by discussing the tragic news about three young people in Seminole County taking their own lives, and what the parents of teens, like Angel, can say to help their children. We tackle the day's headlines next during JCS News before Angel surprises us with his choice for 'Sink or Sail' and then we hear about the featured cigar from Corona Cigar Company during 'Embers Only.' Next, we talk about a candidate for mayor of Lakeland before we welcome the folks from Harry's Poolside Bar and Grill to talk about the courses and cocktails they're going to offer for the upcoming 'Harry's Sip & Savor.' After that, we talk about an EU court ruling that pets in cargo can be classified as luggage, affecting potential compensation for missing pets. Then we dicuss why divorce rates are dropping before having some fun with 'Pick The Porn.' Next up we discuss the case of a Philadelphia teacher's death which, despite being stabbed 23 times, is ruled a suicide. After that, we welcome Jayden Grimes with his '8-Bit Update' before we wrap it up with 'You Heard It Here First' and our Thank You list. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Angel of Boom from the Monsters is our Producer for today and we start by discussing the tragic news about three young people in Seminole County taking their own lives, and what the parents of teens, like Angel, can say to help their children. We tackle the day's headlines next during JCS News before Angel surprises us with his choice for 'Sink or Sail' and then we hear about the featured cigar from Corona Cigar Company during 'Embers Only.' Next, we talk about a candidate for mayor of Lakeland before we welcome the folks from Harry's Poolside Bar and Grill to talk about the courses and cocktails they're going to offer for the upcoming 'Harry's Sip & Savor.' After that, we talk about an EU court ruling that pets in cargo can be classified as luggage, affecting potential compensation for missing pets. Then we dicuss why divorce rates are dropping before having some fun with 'Pick The Porn.' Next up we discuss the case of a Philadelphia teacher's death which, despite being stabbed 23 times, is ruled a suicide. After that, we welcome Jayden Grimes with his '8-Bit Update' before we wrap it up with 'You Heard It Here First' and our Thank You list.

We ask Criminal Defense Attorney Ken Eulo from Smith & Eulo your legal questions. We also get his thoughts on the Seminole County teaching assistant story and the controversy that surrounds that and has parents incredibly upset

Runaway Jack O' Lantern. Rory O'Neill on the new China tariffs. How will the market react? Washed out walkway at Ponce Inlet plus Increased spending continues in Seminole County. Steadman' s Lil Sports Corner. Jeff Monosso has the latest from Chicago. Honoring the events of the day in Israel.

Speakers:Bill Weinaug, president, Wekiva IslandMary Weinaug, executive director, Wekiva IslandModerated by:Rebekah Arthur, president and CEO, Seminole County ChamberBill Weinaug was born in western New York. He graduated from Penn State University and moved to Florida to start his career as an engineer. Not long after, he joined several friends as a partner at a small firm. They grew that firm from 12 people to 4,000, starting several divisions that are thriving today. While Bill retired from full-time work at exp in 2024, his time in engineering ignited his love for sustainability, which he applied at home and to his passion project, Wekiva Island. Bill and his family purchased the former Wekiwa Marina in 2008 and have grown it into a beacon for sustainability in business. Today, Bill's focus is structured around his trademarked sustainability toolbox, C.E.R.O., which stands for Conservation, Efficiency, Renewables and Offsets. Bill believes that, through this toolbox, we can make a difference by saving wasted energy and providing positive impacts on the environment through all types of energy conservation measures and sustainable approaches. When he isn't working to improve Wekiva Island, Bill is a passionate backpacker and SCUBA diver. He has five children and five grandchildren and has been married to his wife, Mary Sue, for 21 years.A native Floridian born in Port Charlotte, Mary Sue moved to Orlando in 1967, then Altamonte Springs. She has lived in Central Florida her whole life. Mary graduated high school from Lyman High in Longwood, FL, and went to Seminole State College. Her family bought Wekiva Island on 9/30/2008, and she is extremely proud of what they have built, transforming a business that was very popular but was rotting away from lack of maintenance. They have made it a beautiful venue in Seminole County.  Mary has worked at Wekiva Island since they purchased it. It has become her life, and she has fully immersed herself in the Island and the protection of the environment. In 2009, Mary partnered with Keep Seminole Beautiful, and when the Executive Director passed away, she took over. She has overseen as many as 30 river clean ups a year since, pulling an estimated six tons of trash out of the river and off of the roads in the last 16 years. Mary has also served on the Audubon Advisory Board for the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey in Maitland since about 2015 and served a four-year term on Seminole County's Tourism Development Council from 2018 to 2021. Mary has five children and five grandchildren, all of whom she cherishes. She has been married to her husband for 21 years. Mary is passionate about her family and loves to travel. In 2022, her family invested in properties in Tennessee, and she hopes to spend time there with her husband and family. Sponsors: AdventHealthVerizonSouth Seminole Business & StorageWaste ProThe Orlando Law GroupAddition FinancialGenske & Co. AccountingJPMorganChaseGrand Canyon UniversityWestarp AI+BISeminole SCOUT by Freebee 

This week Lauren, Sarah and Hannah discuss an obsession with a cam girl! Sources: CTRL+ALT+DESIRE on Paramount+People: Where Is Grant Amato Now? All About the Convicted Murderer at the Center of Ctrl+Alt+Desire by Jessica SagerMedium: The Cam Girl Killer by Nikki YoungWESH2: Man who killed Seminole County family accused in hitman plot to murder reality TV starPeople: 'Ghost Adventure' Star's Wife and Convicted Murderer Who Massacred His Family Texted 'How Much They Are in Love': Arrest Report by Chris SpargoWikipedia

Hit-and-run crash kills bicyclist in Seminole County; FHP locates suspect vehicle

Hit-and-run crash kills bicyclist in Seminole County; FHP locates suspect vehicleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday - Dani Meyering joins us while Deb is out. We talk commuting in Seminole County, fixing teeth issues with toothpaste, a Kratom recall and men who are sexualized. Date Night Guide with Dani Meyering with date night ideas like Magical Dining, Plaza Live indoor market, Orchad Fever at Bok Tower Gardens, Magik & Mythik Market, Though the Portals Market, and Brunch at Big Fire. Attorney Glenn Klausman with the case of the Cabinet Maker & The Drunk Driver for Colbert Court. Plus, JCS News, JCS Trivia & You Heard it Here First. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday - Dani Meyering joins us while Deb is out. We talk commuting in Seminole County, fixing teeth issues with toothpaste, a Kratom recall and men who are sexualized. Date Night Guide with Dani Meyering with date night ideas like Magical Dining, Plaza Live indoor market, Orchad Fever at Bok Tower Gardens, Magik & Mythik Market, Though the Portals Market, and Brunch at Big Fire. Attorney Glenn Klausman with the case of the Cabinet Maker & The Drunk Driver for Colbert Court. Plus, JCS News, JCS Trivia & You Heard it Here First.

In this episode, FSA hears from the new president of the Florida Sheriffs Association, Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma.  A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and graduate of the FBI Academy, Sheriff Lemma holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a master's degree in administrative leadership. He was sworn in as Seminole County's 10th Sheriff in 2017 and has been re-elected twice. Sheriff Lemma addresses all sheriffs during his acceptance speech at the FSA Summer Conference as he tells us his vision and priorities, as well as acknowledges the long list of past presidents who have led this association with honesty, fairness and dedication. He brings a message of unity, partnership and collaboration.

Rick Robins has a long history in working with Non-Profits, and he has brought that experience to a major ministry in Central Florida. Christian Help reaches a great number of people in Seminole County and beyond, helping those who are needing food - but so much more. They assist those needing a better paying job to bolster their experience, tutoring them to become gainfully employed, while also serving by providing one of the area's most robust job fairs. Rick is joined by Welton James, joining Mike in this episode.

Meet our Panel:Guilherme "Gui" Cunha: director, Office of Economic Development and Tourism, Seminole County GovernmentJason Siegel: president & CEO, Greater Orlando Sports CommissionRobert J. Agrusa: president & CEO, Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association Moderated by George Diaz, former Orlando Sentinel senior sports writer, columnist and editorial board member. Sponsors: South Seminole Business & StorageWaste ProThe Orlando Law GroupAddition FinancialGenske & Co. AccountingJPMorganChaseGrand Canyon University 

The Traumas of Police Work and Drowning Deaths, Special Episode. The badge doesn't always protect the heart. Retired Seminole County Sheriff's Sergeant Mark DiBona knows that truth all too well. After more than three decades in law enforcement, spanning from Braintree, Massachusetts to the heart of Florida, DiBona's battle wasn't just with criminals, it was with the lasting traumas of police work, the devastating toll of a baby's drowning death, and a fight for his own life. The episode is also promoted across their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other platforms. “I couldn't save that baby,” Mark shared in this episode of The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast now streaming on for free on their website, in addition to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most major social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn. “And that day nearly cost me my life too.” Look for supporting stories about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin . The incident that nearly broke him happened in Seminole County, Florida, where DiBona had built a respected career within a sheriff's office, with 1,400 employees and nearly $170 million budget. Seminole County, nestled in Central Florida and part of the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford metro area, is no stranger to public safety challenges. But few hit as close to home as the tragic, preventable death of a young child. The Traumas of Police Work and Drowning Deaths. Drowning: Florida's Hidden Crisis Florida tragically leads the nation in child drowning deaths. In 2023 alone, 97 children in the state lost their lives to drowning. Residential pools, bathtubs, and even buckets of standing water claim lives year-round, particularly during the spring and summer months. Lack of proper supervision, faulty or missing safety barriers, and elopement behaviors in children are just a few of the contributing factors. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast episode is available for free on their website , Apple Podcasts , Spotify and most major podcast platforms. DiBona responded to one such scene: a baby in medical distress from drowning. Despite doing everything he could, the child couldn't be saved. “That was it for me,” he admitted. “I'd seen violence, accidents, suicides, but that baby…I still hear that day in my sleep.” The Weight of the Badge, Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast platforms. The Traumas of Police Work and Drowning Deaths. Law enforcement officers are at a significantly higher risk of developing PTSD than the general population. Studies show between 7% and 19% of officers experience symptoms consistent with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The causes? The trauma is layered and relentless: Regular exposure to gruesome scenes and high-stress situations. Emotional and psychological burdens from the decisions they make. Cumulative trauma over years without real recovery time. Isolation and internal pressure to "stay strong" at all costs. Mark DiBona was no exception. “I developed PTSD, depression, anxiety…and it showed” he revealed, pausing to reflect. “There were times I didn't want to live anymore. I didn't think I was worth saving.” You can listen to his stories and interview on our website for free in addition to platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and other major podcast platforms. His Recovery and a New Mission But he was saved, through faith, therapy, purpose, and community. DiBona, now a nationally recognized speaker and advocate, travels the country as the “Rock Star of Mental Health,” speaking about suicide prevention, first responder wellness, and the traumas of police work. His voice is raw, honest, and hard-won. The Traumas of Police Work and Drowning Deaths. “I want every cop, firefighter, EMT, dispatcher, any first responder, to know: You can come back from the edge. I'm proof,” he said. The full podcast episode is streaming now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and across Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. He co-founded Behind the Tin an initiative aimed at protecting those who protect others. His story, shared widely through podcasts, various news and radio outlets, and social media platforms like their LinkedIn and Instagram, is saving lives by shining a light on what he calls “the silent injuries” of the job. “I always considered myself a cop's cop,” DiBona said. “But I didn't know I'd have to learn how to save myself too.” Spreading the Word, Saving Lives Mark believes the issue of PTSD in law enforcement isn't just under-reported, it's dangerously misunderstood. The macho culture, fear of judgment, and lack of institutional support often silence those who are suffering. The Traumas of Police Work and Drowning Deaths. “We lose more cops to suicide than to gunfire. Where's the outrage? Where's the support?” he asked. With his Christian faith as an anchor, Mark now views his darkest days as fuel for his purpose. He regularly appears in news features, podcasts, and mental health panels, using platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) to reach first responders in crisis. Listen to his full interview on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website for free, also on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or most major podcast platforms. The Traumas of Police Work and Drowning Deaths. Through his advocacy and public speaking, he's become a beacon for those walking the same dark path he once did. Whether on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or standing behind a podium in front of hundreds, his message remains consistent: “There is help. There is healing. And you are not alone.” Learn useful tips and strategies to increase your Facebook Success with John Jay Wiley. Both free and paid content are available on this Patreon page . Time is running out to secure the Medicare coverage you deserve! Whether you're enrolling for the first time or looking for a better plan, our experts help you compare options to get more benefits, lower costs, and keep your doctors, all for free! Visit LetHealthy.com , that's LetHealthy.com or call (866) 427-1225, (866) 427-1222 to learn more. You can help contribute money to make the Gunrunner Movie . The film that Hollywood won't touch. It is about a now Retired Police Officer that was shot 6 times while investigating Gunrunning. He died 3 times during Medical treatment and was resuscitated. You can join the fight by giving a monetary “gift” to help ensure the making of his film at agunrunnerfilm.com . Your golden years are supposed to be easy and worry free, at least in regards to finances. If you are over 70, you can turn your life insurance policy into cash. Visit LetSavings.com , LetSavings.com or call (866) 480-4252, (866) 480-4252, again that's (866) 480 4252 to see if you qualify. Find a wide variety of great podcasts online at The Podcast Zone Facebook Page , look for the one with the bright green logo. Be sure to check out our website . Be sure to follow us on MeWe , X , Instagram , Facebook, Pinterest, Linkedin and other social media platforms for the latest episodes and news. Background song Hurricane is used with permission from the band Dark Horse Flyer. You can contact John J. “Jay” Wiley by email at Jay@letradio.com , or learn more about him on their website . Get the latest news articles, without all the bias and spin, from the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast on Medium , which is free. The Traumas of Police Work and Drowning Deaths. Attributions Safe Children Coalition Wikipedia LinkedIn Behind The Tin

Katrina Shadix–founder and executive director of Bear Warriors United (BWU), whose stated mission is to preserve and protect bears, and all of Florida's natural resources and wildlife—recalls, as a second generation Floridian, the formative joys of growing up in rural Seminole County.Shadix explains how that experience forged a profound connection with Florida wildlife—very much including […] The post Katrina Shadix, founder of Bear Warriors United, advocate extraordinaire first appeared on Talking Animals.

Alan Harris and Albert Adams from Seminole County Animal Services discuss the challenges they face with their over-crowded shelter and their need for foster families, folks willing to adopt, or even just take a dog for a walk. Learn more, call (407) 665-5201 or go to www.seminolecountyfl.gov.

Wednesday – What is the next tech after smart phones? Animal House with Daisy Fiore with the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey and Suzie, an America Kestral. Orlando Sentinel columnist Scott Maxwell on the current legislative session in Florida that is now in overtime. Rauce Padgett and Joel Warren join us to talk about the Orlando Fringe festival. Alan Harris and Albert Adams from Seminole County join us to talk about the need for foster parents for dogs. Plus, JCS News, JCS Trivia & You Heard it Here First.

Anyone who has lived in Florida for more than a year certainly understands the power of hurricanes. But disasters can strike any minute as the recent tornado in Longwood showed us. Are you ready for the next hurricane season or any weather emergency? Featuring:-Alan Harris, director, Office of Emergency Management, Seminole County Government-Meteorologist Michelle Morgan, News 6-Michael Kryger, owner, Pegasus Insurance Agency Sponsors: AdventHealthNextHorizonVerizonSouth Seminole Business & StorageWaste ProThe Orlando Law GroupAddition FinancialAlan Byrd & AssociatesGenske & Co. AccountingJPMorganChase 

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.

Welcome to another episode of Sanford Says!Join Nico Durham, the Digital Media Specialist for the City of Sanford, as he sits down with Tina McIntyre, M.S., CEP, FCHP (She/Her), a Florida-Friendly Landscaping Extension Agent with the University of Florida/IFAS Extension Seminole County, and Michael Cannon, P.E., Utilities Engineering Manager for Public Works & Utilities for the City of Sanford.Together, they dive into water-wise practices, water conservation tips, and exciting events as we celebrate April's Water Conservation Month.Discover free events—both virtual and in-person—such as rain barrel workshops, tree giveaways, showerhead exchanges, and even a chance to win a 7-gallon butterfly container.Special thanks to our amazing partners: Seminole County, the University of Florida IFAS Extension, and Florida-Friendly Landscaping and LowesStay connected by subscribing to the Sanford Says podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to follow us on social media:  Facebook: SanfordFLCityGovt  Instagram: cityofsanfordfl  For more information, you can reach Tina McIntyre at K.McIntyre@ufl.edu.

Do you have any damage from the Tornado in Seminole County?  We play Smarter than your hood! We have Nurse Blake back in the studio! We love hearing about his new tour, and we give someone a free CRUISE on his Nurse Con Cruise Setting sail in April! If we had a mascot... What would it be for the show? Have you seen yourself again in your kids? Do you have a clean environment at home or at work? 

Do you have any damage from the Tornado in Seminole County?  We play Smarter than your hood! We have Nurse Blake back in the studio! We love hearing about his new tour, and we give someone a free CRUISE on his Nurse Con Cruise Setting sail in April! If we had a mascot... What would it be for the show? Have you seen yourself again in your kids? Do you have a clean environment at home or at work? 

It was a well-attended and delightful morning meeting as members of the community gathered to pray and to hear the testimony of Jonathan Isaac from the Orlando Magic. The Shepherd was there with mic in hand, and Mike talked to several participants, including Art Ally, leader of the Shepherd's Studio Sponsor, The Timothy Plan. Plus a visit with actress Charlene Tilton from the iconic TV show "Dallas."

Michelle Smith is one of the leaders of the Seminole County Prayer Breakfast, and annual event that takes place in 2025 on Monday, February 16th. A true community leader, Michelle is also the Chairman of the Board for "The Sharing Center," one of Central Florida's largest non-profits serving those who are homeless and underemployed. Michelle also offers a first-hand perspective of the recent inauguration of President Donald Trump, as she was in the Capitol Building for the event.

Brian A Beute - Gaetz, Greenberg & The Co-conspirator at Large4 days agoBrian A. Beute is a teacher from Orlando. Over a prolonger period he was stalked, threatened and suffered professional and person indignity at the hands of Joel Greenberg, a close associate of a disgraced former CongreemanJoel Greenberg, who cooperated extensively with the Justice Department's sex-trafficking probe into GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz, was sentenced Thursday to 11 years in prison by a federal judge in Florida.Greenberg, a former Seminole County tax collector, previously pleaded guilty to underage sex trafficking, wire fraud, stalking, identity theft, producing a fake ID card, and conspiring to defraud the US government. He has been in jail since early 2021 and will get some credit for time served.“I have never seen a defendant who has committed so many different types of crimes in such a relatively short period,” said district Judge Gregory Presnell, who has been on the federal bench for decades and has sentenced more than 1,000 defendants.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-opperman-report--1198501/support.

Brian A Beute - Gaetz, Greenberg & The Co-conspirator at Large2 days agoBrian A. Beute is a teacher from Orlando. Over a prolonger period he was stalked, threatened and suffered professional and person indignity at the hands of Joel Greenberg, a close associate of a disgraced former CongreemanJoel Greenberg, who cooperated extensively with the Justice Department's sex-trafficking probe into GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz, was sentenced Thursday to 11 years in prison by a federal judge in Florida.Greenberg, a former Seminole County tax collector, previously pleaded guilty to underage sex trafficking, wire fraud, stalking, identity theft, producing a fake ID card, and conspiring to defraud the US government. He has been in jail since early 2021 and will get some credit for time served.“I have never seen a defendant who has committed so many different types of crimes in such a relatively short period,” said district Judge Gregory Presnell, who has been on the federal bench for decades and has sentenced more than 1,000 defendants.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-opperman-report--1198501/support.

Wednesday – We celebrate Jim's birthday! Coca Cola learns not all AI is good AI. Animal House with Bree Burkett from Seminole County about their Paws & Claus event. Orlando Sentinel columnist Scott Maxwell on Pam Bondi and Ron DeSantis potentially past of President-Elect Trumps next cabinet. Rauce Padgett checks in. Plus, JCS News, JCS Trivia & You Heard it Here First.

Jorge Quintero, 41, faces a first-degree murder charge for the murder of his new girlfriend, Carmen Elsa Escalante Carrera. The Orange County Sheriff says Quintero strangled Escalante Carrera last month and tried to dismember her before driving to Seminole County, Georgia and leaving her body on the side of the road in a suitcase. Quintero was captured during a shootout with U.S. Marshall's in Alabama. Law&Crime's Angenette Levy goes through the details of the case in this episode of Crime Fix — a daily show covering the biggest stories in crime.PLEASE SUPPORT THE SHOW: Get 50% off of confidential background reports at https://www.truthfinder.com/lccrimefix and access information about almost anyone!Host:Angenette Levy https://twitter.com/Angenette5Guest:Dave Aronberg https://www.youtube.com/@TrueCrimeMTNCRIME FIX PRODUCTION:Head of Social Media, YouTube - Bobby SzokeSocial Media Management - Vanessa BeinVideo Editing - Daniel CamachoGuest Booking - Alyssa Fisher & Diane KayeSTAY UP-TO-DATE WITH THE LAW&CRIME NETWORK:Watch Law&Crime Network on YouTubeTV: https://bit.ly/3td2e3yWhere To Watch Law&Crime Network: https://bit.ly/3akxLK5Sign Up For Law&Crime's Daily Newsletter: https://bit.ly/LawandCrimeNewsletterRead Fascinating Articles From Law&Crime Network: https://bit.ly/3td2IqoLAW&CRIME NETWORK SOCIAL MEDIA:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawandcrime/Twitter: https://twitter.com/LawCrimeNetworkFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lawandcrimeTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/lawandcrimenetworkSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! In this episode of the Hangar Z Podcast, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray sit down with Lt Steve Farris from the Seminole County Sheriff's Office Aviation Section. Lt Farris shares his unique journey, tracing his early interest in law enforcement and aviation, alongside his family history that shaped his career path. Lt Farris discusses his progression from patrol officer to helicopter pilot and eventually earning the title of chief pilot, as he highlights critical moments that influenced his ambition and guided his leadership strategies within the aviation section.  We examine the growth of Seminole County and the unique challenges of living in an area with a significant alligator population, providing an interesting backdrop to his experiences. Lt Farris discusses the structure of the aviation unit and the integration of drones into their operations.  Lt Farris shares valuable insights on the challenges and successes of the aviation program, emphasizing the importance of effective communication, fostering a strong culture, and the need for strategic succession planning within the air support unit.   We also get an opportunity to discuss aircraft replacement cycles, the financial justifications behind them, and considerations necessary for operating in diverse weather conditions. With a strong emphasis on leadership principles, Lt Farris articulates how common sense plays a role in enhancing operational efficiency and safety.Thank you to our sponsors Astronautics Corporation of America,  Bell and Robinson Helicopters.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! In this episode of the Hangar Z Podcast, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray sit down with Lt Steve Farris from the Seminole County Sheriff's Office Aviation Section. Lt Farris shares his unique journey, tracing his early interest in law enforcement and aviation, alongside his family history that shaped his career path. Lt Farris discusses his progression from patrol officer to helicopter pilot and eventually earning the title of chief pilot, as he highlights critical moments that influenced his ambition and guided his leadership strategies within the aviation section.  We examine the growth of Seminole County and the unique challenges of living in an area with a significant alligator population, providing an interesting backdrop to his experiences. Lt Farris discusses the structure of the aviation unit and the integration of drones into their operations.  Lt Farris shares valuable insights on the challenges and successes of the aviation program, emphasizing the importance of effective communication, fostering a strong culture, and the need for strategic succession planning within the air support unit.   We also get an opportunity to discuss aircraft replacement cycles, the financial justifications behind them, and considerations necessary for operating in diverse weather conditions. With a strong emphasis on leadership principles, Lt Farris articulates how common sense plays a role in enhancing operational efficiency and safety.Thank you to our sponsors Becker Avionics, Precision Aviation Group and Summit Aviation.