TalkVisual305: Homestead FL & The Stories Behind the Success

In this episode of TalkVisual305, Julio Guzman and Demmetrius Knowles sit down with Karla “Kuki” Castillo of Florida City Dental to discuss her journey in the dental industry, the growth of the practice, and the evolving connection between oral health and overall wellness. Kuki shares how she became involved in dentistry, what brought her to South Dade, and how Florida City Dental has grown over t...

What does it take to lead a police department in a rapidly growing city? On this episode of TalkVisual305, Julio Guzman and Demmetrius Knowles sit down with Homestead Police Chief Mario Knapp for a candid conversation about his journey through more than three decades in law enforcement and his transition from a 27-year career with Miami-Dade Police to leading the Homestead Police Department. Chief...

This week on Talk Visual 305, Julio Guzman and Demmetrius Knowles go catch up on what’s happening behind the scenes and around the City of Homestead. We kick things off by talking about our new podcast studio setup and the continued growth of TalkVisual305. We also take a moment to thank the sponsors and supporters who help make the show possible. From there, we dive into several local updates, in...

In this episode of TalkVisual305, we have a bilingual conversation with Eddy Rodriguez about his journey from the Dominican Republic to Homestead and the different paths he has taken to build a life and career in the United States. Eddy shares how his passion for aviation began as a child, what it took to earn his pilot’s license in the Dominican Republic, and the challenges of continuing that avi...

In this episode of TalkVisual305, Julio Guzman and Demmetrius Knowles sit down with Chef Jodrick Ujaque, the award-winning chef and creative force behind Chefs on the Run Gastro Pub in Homestead, Florida. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in a family of butchers, Chef Jodrick learned to cook at an early age. After gaining experience at well-known restaurants such as Café Tu Tu Tango and Ortanique, he...

In this episode of TalkVisual305, Julio Guzman and Demmetrius Knowles sit down with Chef Jodrick Ujaque, the award-winning chef and creative force behind Chefs on the Run Gastro Pub in Homestead, Florida. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in a family of butchers, Chef Jodrick learned to cook at an early age. After gaining experience at well-known restaurants such as Café Tu Tu Tango and Ortanique, he...

In this episode of TalkVisual305, Julio Guzman and Demmetrius Knowles sit down with Gamaliel “Chino” Duran, educator, wrestling coach, and founder of DBlueprint Combat Academy and Wrestling Club. Chino shares his journey from immigrating to South Florida in the 1980s and growing up in Homestead to becoming a three-time GMAC Girls Wrestling Coach of the Year. He discusses how his experiences living...

In today’s episode of TalkVisual305, Julio Guzman and Demmetrius Knowles sit down for a timely conversation about three important issues affecting the Homestead and South Miami-Dade community. We discuss the Temporary Protected Status situation impacting Haitian families, the major infrastructure improvements underway near Krome Avenue and Flagler Avenue, and what those upgrades could mean for loc...

In this episode of TalkVisual305, we sit down with Homestead Mayor Steven Losner for a candid conversation about family, leadership, and a lifetime dedicated to public service. Mayor Losner reflects on his family’s deep roots in Homestead, including their role in establishing the city’s first bank, and shares how those experiences inspired him to pursue a career in law before ultimately entering p...

After serving 34 years in the U.S. military, including two deployments to Afghanistan, Thomas Davis continues his commitment to service in a different way. In this episode of TalkVisual305, Tom shares his military journey, the lessons he learned through decades of leadership, and why he believes serving your community doesn't end when you leave the military. As an educator at Colonial Christian Sc...

In this inspiring episode of TalkVisual305, we welcome Dr. Carolyn Taylor Pates, Founder and CEO of Carolyn Taylor Pates Enterprizes, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving South Dade Counties and Mrs. Tina Bawa-Shitgurum, founder of The Extraordinary Woman Conference Florida 2026. They join us to discuss the vision behind this impactful conference, the importance of faith, leadership, h...

In this episode of TalkVisual305, we sit down with entrepreneur and community leader Alberto Eiras, owner of Miami Clippers Family Barbershops, founder of South Florida Barber Schools, and Vice Chair of the Malibu Bay Community Development District. Alberto shares his incredible journey of overcoming personal tragedy, raising three children as a single father, and building multiple successful busi...

What happens after the uniform comes off? In this episode of TalkVisual305, Julio Guzman and Demmetrius Knowles sit down with Justin Karalfa, a retired U.S. Army veteran who dedicated 20 years to serving our country before beginning a new mission here in Homestead, Florida. Now serving as Commander of VFW Post 4127, Justin is helping local veterans facing some of life’s toughest battles—including...

In this episode of the TalkVisual305 Podcast, we sit down with Jared Beck, Director of the Homestead Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), for an in-depth conversation about revitalizing Homestead's historic downtown and the bigger forces reshaping the future of Florida's cities. With over two decades of experience in urban planning and redevelopment, Jared shares the personal story that pulled hi...

On this episode of TalkVisual305, we sit down with community leader, electrician, veteran, family man, and public servant Johnny G. Farias for an important conversation about civic engagement, local government, and the power of informed voting. Johnny shares his journey from working-class roots, military service, and small business ownership to becoming a respected voice in South Dade politics and...

In this episode of TalkVisual305, we sit down with Jeffrey T. King, RN, MBA, MSN, CEO and Executive Director of TMCS Community Care. Born and raised in Miami and a graduate of Howard University, Jeffrey brings more than 30 years of healthcare executive experience to the conversation. As a master's-trained registered nurse, nonprofit leader, and proud Autism + DDX3X Dad, he shares his personal and...

What does it take to build a 20+ year career in technology, cybersecurity, and leadership? In this episode of TalkVisual305, Julio Guzman and Demetrius Knowles sit down with cybersecurity and technology leader Ken Ross to discuss his journey from Omaha, Nebraska to South Florida, overcoming adversity, building a successful career in IT, and serving as Chairman of the South Dade Chamber of Commerce...

In this inspiring episode of TalkVisual305, Julio Guzman and Demetrius Knowles sit down with Mayor Charlotte Thompson — the first African American woman elected Mayor of Florida City and the first woman to lead the city in more than 40 years. A lifelong Florida City resident and former Lieutenant with the Florida Highway Patrol, Mayor Thompson shares her incredible journey of service, leadership,...

In this exciting episode of TalkVisual305, Julio Guzman and Demetrius Knowles sit down with Cliff Williams — entrepreneur, world traveler, member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Miami's Zeta Nu Nu Chapter and founder of Lets Gravel, a company creating unforgettable group travel experiences across the globe. What started as a simple idea during college evolved into a thriving travel business hel...

In this powerful episode of TalkVisual305, Julio Guzman and Demetrius Knowles sit down with Stephen Shelley — CEO of Farm Share, Florida’s largest independent food bank, former Mayor of Homestead, attorney, and lifelong public servant. Stephen shares his incredible journey from practicing law in Homestead to leading one of the most impactful nonprofit organizations in the state, distributing over...

In this special episode of the TalkVisual305 Podcast, we sit down with Otis Wallace, longtime former Mayor of Florida City, for a reflective and inspiring conversation about a life dedicated to public service. From answering the call to serve at a young age to navigating some of the most challenging chapters in Florida City’s history, Mayor Wallace shares the lessons learned, the sacrifices made,...

In this episode of the TalkVisual305 Podcast, we sit down with Richard Ramirez, Councilman for the Town of Cutler Bay, for an in-depth conversation about the initiatives shaping one of South Miami-Dade’s most vibrant communities. From the exciting Cutler Bay City Place development to the Town’s commitment to preserving green space and enhancing its parks system, Councilman Ramirez pulls back the c...

In today’s episode of TalkVisual305, Demetrius Knowles and Julio Guzman break down what it really takes to build and operate an AT&T Authorized Dealership—from startup costs and operations to scaling multiple locations. Demetrius shares firsthand insight from running successful AT&T stores, while Julio opens up about his transition from Essential Realty to Avanti Way Realty, and how that m...

In this episode of TalkVisual305, we sit down with Harold Ford, President of the South Dade Branch of the NAACP, for a powerful conversation on advocacy, education, and equity in Deep South Dade. Harold breaks down the work being done to promote equality and uplift in underserved communities, sharing his perspective on the challenges facing public and charter schools, educational access, and accou...

Homestead Stone Crab & Seafood Festival - What’s the Purpose