The Lead

Following his appearance on the recent ABC News Documentary "The Fatal Dive to the Titanic" covering the Titan Submersible Disaster, G. Michael Harris stopped by to speak with Melissa Ratliff. Harris, a Clearwater resident, has a long time connection to the world of exploration and to the wreckage of the RMS Titanic. 

She thought she was covering the president at an education event in Sarasota, but instead watched the world change. Melissa Ratliff sits down with Linda Carson to reflect on the day she witnessed history unfold on September 11th, 2001. 

ABC7's Jim Dela sat down with Allison Foster, the interim superintendent of Sarasota County Schools. 

Following devastation caused to its main building due to Hurricane Ian, Venice Theatre proves the show must go on. Executive Producing Director Murray Chase joins Melissa Ratliff on The Lead.

ABC7's Jim DeLa interviews leaders of Sarasota County's Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) and an author of a book describing her journey as a survivor of domestic violence. October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Listen, we aren't happy about these storms either. Tropical Depression 9 could soon become Tropical Storm Ian.

Bob Harrigan and Jim Dela talk projected paths of Hurricane Fiona as we track the tropics.

Following the death of Broadway legend, James Rado, ABC7's The Lead takes a look at his influential creation. Rado was the co-creator of "Hair," the revolutionary American "Tribal Love Rock Musical." Asolo Rep Theatre in Sarasota recently performed the show and Producing Artistic Director Michael Edwards talks about how the powerful message of love, freedom and the power of the masses still carrie...

ABC7 Digital Content Manager Melissa Ratliff sat down with Lee Gundersheimer and Amanda Heisey of The Players Centre in Sarasota to discuss their amazing upcoming season. This year's season will have everything from a tribute to Sondheim, A Christmas favorite with a twist, and all sorts of amazing educational opportunities! Check it out.     https://www.theplayers.org/

The senior class president of Pine View School for the Gifted is already an accomplished activist for gay rights. He's been told he can't talk about during his speech at graduation. ABC7's Jim DeLa sits down with Zander Moricz.  

Actress and educator Ann Morrison stopped by the ABC7 PodSquad Studios to talk about Stephen Sondheim, her upcoming Cabaret with Sarasota Choral and SaraSolo Productions.

ABC7's Jim DeLa sits down with anchor Kelsie Cairns to talk staffing issues in the Suncoast, as well as what employers are doing to find workers.  

Anna Trebunskaya from Dancing with the Stars speaks with ABC7's The Lead about Motown with a Twist, a new take on classic Motown, comes to the Van Wezel on Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at 8 p.m. She is so excited to be back on stage!

If you're a true baseball fan, this will validate you. If you know a true fan, this will explain a few things. ABC7's Jim DeLa talks to fans and a researcher to understand why baseball is the greatest game of them all.

ABC7's Jim DeLa talks with two nonprofit agencies who deal with refugee resettlement about the process, and how Suncoast residents can help. 

Voters in Sarasota County will vote on two questions on school funding and commissioner elections. Jim DeLa explains.

Celtic Woman is enjoying the Florida sun as the group prepares to perform at the Van Wezel. We talked with Tara McNeill, a violinist, singer and harpist from Antrim, Ireland. 

ABC7 spoke with Suncoast native Lauren Teyke who returns to the Van Wezel for the Sarasota Premiere of Anastasia.

She's Broadway royalty with the voice of an angel. Audra McDonald chatted with ABC7 about her upcoming appearance at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center.

Gabby Petito and the Search for Answers with ABC7's Jim DeLa and Daniela Hurtado.