For St. Pete's Sake

In this episode, Laura sits down with Mayor Ken Welch of St. Pete to discuss his journey, the challenges of local governance, and the political landscape shaping the city. We explore issues like community development, political integrity, and the importance of grassroots engagement.

In this episode, Laura sits down with David Glenn Jr., a first-time candidate for Pinellas County Commissioner District 6, to discuss local issues such as affordable housing, climate resilience, public transit, and community development. His unique perspective as an architect and his plans for a better Pinellas County offer valuable insights for residents and voters alike.

In this episode, Christian and Laura discuss the recent passing of iconic figures Dolly Parton and Tim Curry, the primary election results and the upcoming general local elections, and pressing issues like government surveillance and data centers. They emphasize the importance of community engagement and accountability in politics.

In this episode, we dive deep into the heart of St. Petersburg’s political landscape with Jameka Williams, a passionate candidate for City Council District 6. Jameka’s candidacy is not just about winning an election; it’s about fostering a community where everyone can thrive. JamekaForSaintPete.com

In this episode, we sit down with State Representative Dotie Joseph to discuss her inspiring journey from public service to politics, her legislative achievements, and her vision for a better Florida. Discover how her diverse background and unwavering commitment are shaping policies that impact everyday lives.

In this episode, Democratic candidate Oliver Larkin discusses his campaign, the importance of unions, strategies for advancing progressive policies, and his recent appearance on Fox News. Listeners will gain insights into grassroots campaigning, labor rights, and the fight for social justice in Florida.

In a political landscape often dominated by corporate interests, May Thach is challenging the status quo with a grassroots campaign for Florida's State House District 61. Discover how her journey from a public school graduate to a Peace Corps volunteer informs her vision for authentic representation and community empowerment. May shares her experiences growing up in the district and the inspiratio...

In this week's episode, Christian Hotchkiss and Laura Gerken discuss recent political events, including local and state endorsements, Supreme Court decisions, and community highlights, offering insights and analysis on current issues affecting Florida and beyond.

In this an inspiring discussion on community activism and political engagement, St. Petersburg City Council District 2 candidate Gabriel Hament shares his background, campaign priorities, and insights on local issues like climate change, juvenile justice, and civil rights in St. Pete.

Join us for an insightful discussion with Dr. Byron Green Calisch and Bior Guigni from St. Pete Pride as they share the upcoming events, initiatives, and the importance of community engagement in celebrating Pride Month in St. Pete.

In this episode, Christian and Laura interview Terry Balliet, a candidate for St. Pete's City Council District 6, discussing her background, community initiatives, and vision for the city. They explore key issues like affordable housing, small business support, youth engagement, and climate resilience, providing insights into local governance and community development. Find out more about Terr...

Join us as we interview Courtney Bermudez, a candidate for St. Pete City Council District 2, discussing local issues, environmental initiatives, and community engagement strategies. Learn about her plans to continue positive change and her commitment to responsible growth and environmental preservation. bermudez4district2.com

In this episode, Christian and Laura interview Daniel Johnson, president of Pride of Tampa, about the challenges and efforts to organize Tampa Pride amidst political opposition and community support. They discuss the origins of Pride of Tampa, the importance of inclusive celebrations, and plans for future events and community initiatives. Visit prideoftampa.com to learn more and volunteer!

Dr. Lindsey Grove is a candidate for St. Pete City Council District 6, bringing years of experience in public health and community service. As a public health practitioner she is dedicated to addressing the diverse needs of her district, which spans from downtown St. Pete to Coquina Key. Her work emphasizes the importance of having scientifically informed voices in local government, especially in...

Join us as we explore grassroots political engagement, the importance of community organizing, and the fight against political corruption with candidate for Congressional District 13, Earle Ford III. Discover how new generations are reshaping politics from the bottom up and the critical issues facing our democracy.

In this episode, Christian Hotchkiss and Laura Lee interview Luis Salazar, a dedicated community advocate and candidate for Florida State House in District 64. They discuss local politics, community engagement, key issues like housing, healthcare, and immigration, and the importance of authentic representation and collaboration in politics.https://voteluis.com/

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, hosts Christian Hotchkiss and Laura Lee discuss the current political climate, focusing on the chaos and instability stemming from the Trump administration. They delve into issues surrounding immigration, particularly ICE raids, and the implications of foreign policy decisions. The conversation highlights the importance of resistance and activism in the...

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, host Christian Hotchkiss and co-host Laura Gerken welcome Representative Lindsay Cross, who discusses her background as an environmental scientist and her advocacy for LGBTQ rights. The conversation covers pressing political issues, including the current federal administration's actions, state-level accountability, and the upcoming legislative sessio...

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, host Christian Hotchkiss and co-host Laura Gerken welcome Nikki Fried, the Chair of the Florida Democratic Party. They discuss the current political landscape in Florida, recent election results, and the importance of grassroots organizing. Fried emphasizes the need for authenticity in candidates and the challenges of running for office, particularly in...

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, host Christian Hotchkiss and co-host Laura Gerken welcome Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet, a candidate for the State House in Florida. Felipe shares his inspiring journey from Brazil to the United States, his experiences as an undocumented immigrant, and his advocacy work in the immigrant rights and LGBTQ+ communities. The conversation delves into the challenges...

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, host Christian Hotchkiss and co-host Laura Gerken welcome Carla Bristol, a passionate community advocate and leader in South St. Petersburg. Carla shares her journey from corporate America to community organizing, emphasizing the importance of access to nutritious food, mental health initiatives, and empowering youth voices. The conversation explores sys...

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, hosts Christian Hotchkiss and Laura Gerken engage in a deep conversation with former Congressman David Jolly about his political transformation from a Republican to a Democrat. They discuss the importance of accountability in politics, the values that guide Jolly's policies, and the pressing issues of reproductive freedom and LGBTQ rights. Jolly shar...

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, host Christian Hotchkiss and co-host Laura Lee welcome Florida State Senator Shevrin Jones, the first openly LGBTQ black member of the Florida Senate. They discuss his journey in politics, advocacy for education and mental health, the challenges of navigating LGBTQ rights in a Republican-dominated legislature, and the importance of empowering young voice...

In this episode of 'For St. Pete's Sake,' hosts Christian Hotchkiss and Laura Lee engage with Vance Ahrens, a former candidate for state Senate in Florida. The conversation covers Vance's political journey, motivations for running, and the importance of community engagement. They discuss pressing issues such as anti-trans legislation, environmental concerns, gun violence, and the o...

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, hosts Christian Hotchkiss and Laura Gerken discuss various pressing political issues affecting Pinellas County and beyond. They delve into the recent removal of street art in Florida, which they view as a government overreach and an attack on free speech, particularly against the LGBTQ community. The conversation shifts to the broader implications of authori...