FSAcast

In this episode, we conclude our special four-part series focused on educating Floridians about Amendment 3 and its potential impact on property taxes and essential local services. We sit down with Walton County Sheriff Mike Adkinson to discuss what changes to local property tax revenue could mean for public safety. Sheriff Adkinson explains the realities of operating a sheriff's office, from staf...

In this episode, we continue our special four-part series focused on educating Floridians about Amendment 3 and its potential impact on property taxes, local government, and essential services. We sit down with Jeff Kottkamp, president and CEO of Florida TaxWatch and Florida's former lieutenant governor, to examine the amendment from a fiscal and taxpayer perspective. Drawing on Florida TaxWatch's...

In this episode, we continue our special four-part series focused on educating Floridians about Amendment 3 and its potential impact on property taxes, local government, and essential services. We sit down with former Florida Senator Jeff Brandes, who served in the Florida Legislature from 2010 to 2022 and developed a reputation for taking on complex policy issues and challenging conventional appr...

In this episode, we launch a special series focused on educating Floridians about Amendment 3 and its potential impact on property taxes and essential local services. We begin with a conversation featuring Steve Vancore, president of VancoreJones Communications, and Edie Ousley, founder and president of Yellow Finch Strategies. Steve and Edie have been working closely with organizations that could...

In this episode, FSA hears from Sara Carter, the director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy during the sheriffs' summer conference in Miami.  The office coordinates across 19 federal agencies and oversees a $44 billion budget as part of a whole-of-government approach to addressing addiction and the overdose epidemic. Director Carter talks about her work to develop and execu...

In this episode, FSA hears from the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Kash Patel. During the sheriffs' summer conference in Miami, Director Patel spoke to all sheriffs about the strong partnerships that have been forged between his office and Florida's sheriffs. As only the ninth director of the FBI, Kash Patel has made it a priority to coordinate and work with local law enfor...

A new chapter of leadership begins at the Florida Sheriffs Association. In this episode of FSAcast, we hear from Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods as he begins his term as the 104th president of the association. During his opening remarks at the Sheriffs Awards Banquet, Sheriff Woods shares his vision for the year ahead and highlights several priorities that will help shape his presidency. At the...

In this episode, FSA speaks with Liberty County Sheriff Dusty Arnold. We discuss how his hard work as a young staff member led to an opportunity to attend academy, become a trooper with the Florida Highway Patrol and later build a career with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement as a special agent assigned to protect Governor Rick Scott and the First Family. As a fourth-generation Liberty Cou...

In this episode, the Florida Sheriffs Association sits down with two of FSA's contract lobbyists for a behind-the-scenes look at Florida's finalized state budget, after lawmakers returned to Tallahassee for a special session nearly two months after regular session adjourned. The conversation breaks down the budget process that brought legislators back to the table, highlights major public safety i...

In this episode, FSA speaks with Colonel Gary Howze, the head of the Florida Highway Patrol. We cover all the work a trooper must do to keep Florida's roadways safe. Colonel Howze discusses the size and scope of the agency and how it has been supporting immigration enforcement work over the past year. We also learn more about his previous work with a nationwide motorcycle theft task force and how...

In this episode, FSA speaks with Matt Walsh, the Secretary of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.  Secretary Walsh is a 28-year law enforcement professional who last year was appointed secretary by Governor Ron DeSantis. We cover emerging issues and work the department is doing to prevent juvenile crime as well as what can be done to rehabilitate youth who have committed serious crimes. We...

In this episode, FSA speaks with Calhoun County Sheriff Michael Bryant. Sheriff Bryant was elected in 2024, and we discuss his first year in office as well as ways in which he is working to improve the lives of the citizens he serves. Learn about how he first got started in the sheriff's office, his time with the Blountstown Police Department and why he eventually decided to run for sheriff.  We a...

In the final episode of the 60-day regular session, FSA provides an update on where things stand as the legislative session comes to a close (sort of) and reviews the sheriffs' priority issues that made it across the finish line this year. FSA then sits down with Representative Yvette Benarroch to discuss her bill, which passed this session and takes an important step toward addressing growing saf...

In this episode, FSA provides a Week 8 legislative recap. We discuss the status of the state budget and then sit down with Rep. Chuck Brannan to reflect on his eight years in the Florida Legislature, where he has been a leading voice on public safety issues, as he prepares to wrap up his final term in office.  

In this episode, FSA provides an update on the sheriffs' top legislative priorities as the 2026 Session enters its final stretch, with a special focus on school safety. We highlight HB 757, sponsored by Representative Michelle Salzman, which would expand Florida's Guardian Program to colleges and universities, and also cover other key bills that advanced this week, including measures enhancing pub...

In this episode, FSA shares an update on two of the sheriffs' top legislative priorities as the 2026 Session enters its final stretch and attention turns to the state budget. With only three weeks remaining before the Legislature is scheduled to adjourn on March 13 and budget negotiations on the horizon, we're joined by Erin Rock of The Southern Group to break down the state budget, including wher...

In this episode, the Florida Sheriffs Association provides a Week 4 legislative recap and then sits down with Representative Dan Daley (District 96). Representative Daley discusses his background growing up in Broward County, his path from prosecutor to public service, Alyssa's Law, and how his experience in local government shaped his approach to public safety legislation.

This week on FSACast, we recap Week 3 of Florida's legislative session and the strong show of support for law enforcement at the FSA Sheriff's Winter Conference in Ponte Vedra. Members of the Florida Cabinet, including Gov. Ron DeSantis, joined 60 of Florida's 67 sheriffs as a clear message rang out: Florida stands behind those who uphold the law. State leaders reaffirmed their commitment to inves...

In this episode, FSA kicks off the legislative session with a Week 1 recap, discussing the governor's State of the State address and opening-day remarks from the speaker of the House and the Senate president. We then sat down with Capt. Abby Hilley of the Orange County Sheriff's Office to discuss a bill that is especially important to the agency and its mission.  

In this episode, FSA provides an early look at the 2026 legislative session, highlighting the sheriffs' top priorities and their plans to support public safety across Florida. We also sit down with FSA's contracted lobbyists, Angela Drzewiecki of GrayRobinson and Jennifer Green of Liberty Partners, who share their insights on what to expect from our state Capitol during this legislative session.  

In this episode, Florida's 21st Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins joins us for an inspiring conversation on service, leadership, and public safety. A decorated Army Special Forces veteran, he shares his journey from the battlefield to the State Capitol, overcoming life-changing injuries and championing key legislation as a State Senator. Lt. Gov. Collins discusses his commitment to Florida's first r...

In this episode, FSA welcomes back Congresswoman Laurel Lee, who proudly represents Florida's 15th Congressional District, encompassing eastern Hillsborough County and parts of Pasco and Polk counties. Congresswoman Lee provides an update on her impactful public safety work in the U.S. House of Representatives, including the progress she is making with her colleagues on the House Judiciary Committ...

In this episode, FSA speaks with Florida Senate President Ben Albritton. First elected to the Florida House in 2010, he would later be elected to the Senate in 2018 and served as majority leader from 2022 until his election as Senate President in 2024. Senator Albritton has been a staunch supporter of law enforcement throughout his career. Hear about his upbringing and work as a citrus farmer and...

In this episode, FSA speaks with Florida's newest Cabinet member, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia. Before being appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to this Cabinet-level position, he served as a staunch law and order ally of the sheriffs in the Florida House of Representatives and then in the Florida Senate. While in the Senate, CFO Blaise sponsored numerous bills to address immigration enf...

In this episode, FSA sits down with Peter Moskos, professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and author of  Back from the Brink .  Following his keynote at the Sheriffs Summer Conference, Moskos shares his perspective on the evolving relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve. He highlights what needs to happen to build lasting trust and understanding. The conversat...