Let's Talk SWFL Podcast

In this episode of the Let's Talk SWFL Podcast, we're joined by Kevin Karnes, Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller for Lee County. Appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2022 and later elected by local voters, Kevin plays a vital role in serving our community. From safeguarding public records to overseeing county finances, his office is responsible for nearly 1,000 constitutional and statutory...

In this episode of the Let's Talk SWFL Podcast, we're joined by Florida State Representative Adam Botana, a dedicated leader representing District 80, which includes parts of Lee and Collier Counties. Born and raised in Bonita Springs, Adam shares his inspiring journey from growing up in a small coastal town to becoming a key voice in Tallahassee. As the Vice President of Bay Water Boat Club, Adam...

In this special episode of the Let's Talk SWFL Podcast, we sit down with Sheriff Carmine Marceno, the 13th Sheriff of Lee County, to discuss the state of law enforcement and public safety in Southwest Florida. From his personal journey to his leadership through challenging times like Hurricane Ian, Sheriff Marceno shares insights on how his department has evolved to keep Lee County safe. We dive i...

In Part 2 of Episode 10 of the Let's Talk SWFL Podcast , we continue our conversation with Brian Rist , founder of Storm Smart and a long-time resident and advocate for Sanibel Island . Brian shares a more personal side of his story — from the emotional aftermath of Hurricane Ian to the long-term recovery efforts and what it truly means to be a leader in times of crisis. We discuss the importance...

In Episode 10 Part 1 of the Let's Talk SWFL Podcast, we're joined by Brian Rist, founder of Storm Smart and one of Southwest Florida's most recognized business and community leaders. Brian shares his journey of building a nationally respected storm protection company right here in SWFL, his continued support of Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), and why giving back has become a cornerstone of h...

In Episode 9 of the Let's Talk SWFL Podcast , we're joined by John Lai , Board Chair of the Sanibel Captiva Chamber of Commerce. With over 30 years of experience in hospitality and tourism, John shares his insights into the post-Ian recovery efforts, the evolving tourism landscape, and the importance of preserving the natural beauty of Sanibel & Captiva . 🌴 We dive into: The shift in tourism demo...

In Episode 8 of the Let's Talk SWFL Podcast, we sit down with Kyle DeCicco, President of Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, for an in-depth conversation about the bank's journey, leadership, and its vital role in the Southwest Florida community. Kyle shares insights on how Sanibel Captiva Community Bank has grown, from overcoming crises like the Great Recession and Hurricane Ian to fostering communit...

In this episode of Let's Talk SWFL, host, Mike McMurray, speaks with Scott Fischer about his entrepreneurial journey and community impact. Scott is a leader in the motorcycle dealership industry and founder of Scott Fischer Enterprises. From humble beginnings at his father's garage to managing and owning Harley Davidson dealerships, Scott shares his insights on leadership, philanthropy, and commun...

In this episode of Let's Talk Southwest Florida, we sit down with Sandy Stilwell, a renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist in Southwest Florida. We explore Sandy's journey from growing up in Fort Myers and starting her first business at 17, to becoming a significant figure in the local business and nonprofit communities. Sandy shares stories of her leadership in various organizations, her resili...

In this engaging episode of the "Let's Talk Southwest Florida" podcast, Mike interviews Cecil Pendergrass, highlighting his long-standing commitment to public service in the Southwest Florida community. The conversation spans a wide array of topics, from Cecil's tenure as a Lee County Commissioner and his extensive background in law enforcement to his personal anecdotes and community initiatives....

In this episode of Let's Talk SWFL, host Mike McMurray sits down with local commercial real estate expert Phil Fischler for a wide-ranging conversation about Southwest Florida's real estate market, its growth, and future prospects. Phil reflects on his own journey from Pensacola to Fort Myers, highlighting his experiences and insights in commercial real estate development. They discuss the impact...

Join us for an insightful conversation on the Let's Talk Southwest Florida podcast as we sit down with Matt Simmons, a distinguished expert in real estate appraisal and consulting. In this episode, we dive deep into the critical roles appraisers play in property valuation, tax appeals, and the evolving commercial real estate trends in Southwest Florida. Matt shares his journey, the challenges of t...

In this episode of Mike McMurray's Let's Talk SWFL, Anthony Farhat of PGI Homes discusses the art of custom home building in Southwest Florida, sharing his family's legacy, his team's talents, and the challenges of speculative building.     He highlights key projects, the evolution of home design trends, and the impact of prestigious industry awards like the Grand Aurora. Anthony also looks ahead...

In this powerful episode of 'Let's Talk Southwest Florida,' host Mike McMurray sits down with Kevin B. Anderson, the 62nd Mayor of Fort Myers, Florida. With a rich history of public service, including 24 years with the police department and service in the U.S. Army, Mayor Anderson discusses his journey from being a resource officer at Fort Myers High to leading the city through unprecedented chall...