FSAcast

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 County resident, Sheriff Arnold takes great pride in serving his community and has made combating drug trafficking and drug addiction a top priority since being elected the 30th sheriff of Liberty County in 2024. Since taking office, Sheriff Arnold and his team have taken on several new and exciting initiatives, and we cover it all during our conversation.

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 investments included in the final agreement, and discusses the final funding secured for the Florida Sheriffs Youth Learning Center through the continued support of House and Senate leadership and Governor DeSantis.

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 the Florida Highway Patrol prepares and responds to natural disasters.

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 also learn more about Matt's work to reduce/eliminate suicide of law enforcement professionals and why taking care of our own personal metal health is critically important for all of us.

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 also cover the important work his office is doing to help those reenter society and why addressing mental health issues is a top priority.

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 safety concerns surrounding e-bikes and scooters, particularly among youth across the state. 

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 public safety, updating search warrant procedures, and tightening sexual offender restrictions.  

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 where things stand and what to expect in the weeks ahead.

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 investing in public safety professionals and ensuring they have the support needed to protect their communities.

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 responders, veterans, and communities, and offers his insights on Florida's leadership in immigration, border security, and protecting public safety. He also shares his guiding principle of striving to "leave things better than you found them."

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 Committee to address threats at home and abroad. She also reflects on her service as Florida's 36th Secretary of State under the DeSantis Administration and how Florida is the top of the class for effective and efficient voting standards. 

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 how that work has positively impacted his life today. They also talk about upcoming legislation that will hopefully lead to the modern-day renaissance in rural communities across Florida.

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 enforcement and now as a member of the Cabinet, sits on the State Board of Immigration Enforcement. Learn about his path to public service and how he continues to work with sheriffs to make Florida both safe and affordable.

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 conversation also touches on his research findings and how they can inform today's policing challenges. Finally, Moskos discusses how law enforcement leaders can continue to strengthen their agencies and better serve their communities.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson and Angela Nandin about the Florida SAFE Act which created a voluntary "SAFE" designation to their vehicle record. That designation alerts law enforcement during a stop that someone in the vehicle may have a condition—such as autism, PTSD or a traumatic brain injury—that can affect how they respond to commands. The goal: safer interactions, better understanding and stronger trust between officers and the people they serve. Sheriff Johnson and Angela Nandin break down how the law works, why it matters and what it means for Florida communities.

In this episode, FSA hears from the new president of the Florida Sheriffs Association, Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma.  A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and graduate of the FBI Academy, Sheriff Lemma holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a master's degree in administrative leadership. He was sworn in as Seminole County's 10th Sheriff in 2017 and has been re-elected twice. Sheriff Lemma addresses all sheriffs during his acceptance speech at the FSA Summer Conference as he tells us his vision and priorities, as well as acknowledges the long list of past presidents who have led this association with honesty, fairness and dedication. He brings a message of unity, partnership and collaboration.

In this episode, FSA speaks with State Attorney Bill Gladson, a former law enforcement officer and career prosecutor. As state attorney, Bill leads a team of over 240 employees who serve the citizens of Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, and Sumter counties, an area encompassing more than 1.4 million people. We discuss emerging technology and how it is impacting evidence and search warrants. Bill also talks about how prosecutors in his judicial circuit communicate with sheriffs and their deputies to constantly improve their work. This continuous communication assists his office with addressing dangerous criminals to include the challenges of Florida's multifaceted drug epidemic and how state attorneys are working to keep communities safe.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Leonard Wood during our Executive Leadership Conference in Miami. Leonard was a keynote presenter and shared insights on the four anchors to success. We explore the key differences between what motivates us personally versus what motivates others, and how vulnerability plays a role in leadership. Just after taking the stage, Leonard discusses how understanding the motivations of individuals on our team—and then learning when to step aside—can empower them to thrive and achieve meaningful success.

In this episode, we kick things off with an overview of the Florida Sheriffs Association's key legislative priorities that made it through the 2025 session. We then sit down with two of FSA's contract lobbyists for an in-depth conversation about the newly passed state budget—finalized 105 days after the regular session began. Whether you're in public safety or simply interested in how state policy and budgeting impact your community, this episode offers valuable insights you won't want to miss.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Saif Ishoof during our recent Executive Leadership Conference in Miami.  Saif was a keynote presenter, and he discussed leadership in the age of disruption. We discuss emotional and human intelligence and what that means to great leaders. During this conversation just minutes before Saif presented at the conference, we expand on how trust is really built and how organizational leaders need to understand all aspects of emotional intelligence in order for people to reach their full potential.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Holmes County Sheriff John Tate about his family tradition of serving and protecting the citizens of his county. First elected in 2016, Sheriff Tate has worked to strengthen and expand the services he offers, and that has certainly been the case with the recent addition of running emergency medical services. We also discuss his office's critically important work of not just arresting drug dealers but working with community providers to offer substance-abuse treatment and recovery support services to those in need. The results have been gratifying for all involved.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Citrus County Sheriff David Vincent, who was elected sheriff in 2024 after serving his community for more than two decades. Sheriff Vincent goes over his first 100 days in office as well as the new initiatives he is implementing for his office, which includes equipping all 115 deputies within the patrol division with body cameras. Sheriff Vincent covers the steps he has taken as a newly elected sheriff to be open and transparent. We also discussed some aspects of the job that surprised him as he was running for office for the first time. 

In this episode, FSA provides a Week 6 legislative update and dives into key public safety priorities as we pass the midpoint of the legislative session. We then sit down with the State Attorney for the 7th Judicial Circuit, RJ Larizza, to discuss the Jason Raynor Act, including the tragic case that inspired it. We explain the recent contention in the Senate over the bill and how both sides ultimately came together to reach a compromise.

In this episode, the Florida Sheriffs Association provides a Week 5 legislative recap as we highlight the Florida Sheriffs Association's successful Sheriffs Day at the Capitol. We discuss the progress of key bills and FSA priorities that are helping shape public safety. FSA then sits down with Representative Rachel Plakon (District 36 – Seminole County), the sponsor of not just one, but two of the FSA's top legislative priorities. We dive into the impact these bills will have on law enforcement and public safety across Florida.

In this episode, FSA provides a Week 4 legislative recap and then sits down with Senator Colleen Burton (District 12) to discuss her important work in protecting children with strong new legislation on hemp products (SB 438) as well as the enjoyment of representing the great citizens of Polk County…to include Sheriff Grady Judd!

In this episode, FSA provides a Week 3 legislative recap and then sits down with Senator Stan McClain (District 9) to discuss his work in the Legislature as Chair of the Senate Community Affairs Committee. Senator McClain talks about a bill he is working on this year that will allow sheriffs to obtain grant funding for expedited state-of-the-art DNA services. 

In this episode, FSA provides an overview of the new immigration law that passed the Florida Legislature during a special session in February. Widely viewed as the most aggressive crackdown on illegal immigration, FSA discusses key parts of the bill to lay the framework before listeners hear the FSA's legislative chair, Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, provide keen insights into the immigration problem we are currently facing and what local law enforcement agencies are doing to help the federal government address illegal immigration. 

In this episode, FSA provides a preview of the 2025 legislative session. We discuss the sheriffs' legislative priorities and then we sit down with two of FSA's contract lobbyists, Angela Drzewiecki of GrayRobinson and Jennifer Green of Liberty Partners. Angela and Jennifer offer key insights and what we can expect from our state Capitol at the start of another fast-paced legislative session.

In this episode, FSA speaks with the president of the National Sheriffs Association (NSA), Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue. Now serving his fourth term, Sheriff Donahue talks about the pride he has in serving and protecting the citizens of his county. We learn about the special features of Canyon County, Idaho, and why he ran and was then successfully elected the 84th president of NSA. Sheriff Donahue's platform during his one-year term as president is to focus on border security, national security, and addressing the epidemic of domestic violence. And we cover all three in great detail in this episode!

In this episode, FSA speaks with the newly elected sheriff of St. Lucie County, Richard Del Torro. Hear about Sheriff Del Torro's career path and how being the chief of the Port St. Lucie Police Department prepared him for a run for sheriff in 2024. We also find out why St. Lucie County is a special place to live and work and what new initiatives Sheriff Del Torro will lead during his first term in office. 

In this episode, FSA speaks with Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz during the 2024 Florida Sheriff's Academy. On January 7, 2025, Rosie Cordero-Stutz was sworn-in as the first elected sheriff of Miami-Dade County in almost 60 years. Learn about her extensive and distinguished service as a law enforcement officer in Miami-Dade and why she decided to run for sheriff. We also discuss how she will transform the highly successful Miami-Dade County Police Department into the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office.  A historic conversation you will not want to miss.

In the fourth installment of the Oral History of Amendment 10, we discuss the proceeding years since passage of Amendment 10 and the work of some in Miami-Dade County to create a bifurcated system in which there is both a sheriff and a countywide police department. We go in detail covering the steps sheriffs took to combat those efforts to include litigation against Miami-Dade County. Sheriffs ultimately prevailed by passing a state law during the 2023 legislative session that made it clear the sheriff in all counties, including Miami-Dade, had exclusive policing power in the unincorporated areas of the county.  We had a lot to unpack in this episode, but in the end the new sheriff of Miami-Dade County will be an elected and independent sheriff, just like the other 66 sheriffs in the great state of Florida.

In the third installment of the Oral History of Amendment 10, we discuss the lawsuits filed by several counties in the summer of 2018 in their attempt to toss Amendment 10 from the November ballot. We cover the litigation that went all the way up to the Florida Supreme Court and how the constitutional officers were ultimately victorious. Then with less than 50 days before the election, sheriffs got to work to educate the public about Amendment 10 by branding it the "Protection Amendment." We learn about the dedicated effort that united all sheriffs into garnering enough support for Amendment 10 to pass with more than 60% support. 

In the second installment of the Oral History of Amendment 10, we discuss Florida's 20-year quirk – the Constitution Revision Commission. What is this commission and how is it able to directly put amendments on to the ballot for voters to approve or reject?  We learn about the sheriffs' efforts to work with this unique commission and how one commissioner, Martin County Clerk of Court Carolyn Timmann, would become instrumental in getting a constitutional amendment on the 2018 ballot to protect the elected Office of Sheriff and get Floridians one step closer to resurrecting the long-lost office of sheriff in Miami-Dade County. 

In the first installment of the Oral History of Amendment 10, we discuss the past efforts that abolished the elected Office of Sheriff in several counties, and how, over many decades, sheriffs fought to regain their positions. Then, in 2017, a new state senator from Miami-Dade County introduced a bill to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot, ensuring that all voters could elect their sheriff.  We revisit our audio archives to explore this significant bill, learning how it progressed through the legislative process through featured compelling testimony from sheriffs and others in committee, yet ultimately failed to pass by the session's end.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Luke Niforatos, the executive vice president of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) about the dangers of statewide recreational marijuana legalization. Luke is widely recognized as one of the nation's leading drug policy experts and he covers what he has learned from other states. Luke highlights the perils of haphazard efforts to legalize marijuana and what Floridians need to learn before deciding about marijuana legalization this November.

In this episode, FSA speaks with the new president of the Florida Sheriffs Association Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell. We discuss his unique path into the field of law enforcement as well as his work as the chairman of the Statewide Commission on Mental Health and Substance Abuse. Sheriff Prummell also shares the programs and practices he is most proud of during his time as sheriff, and he discusses his goals for leading the FSA for the next year.   

In this episode, FSA speaks with Santa Barbara County (California) Sheriff Bill Brown, who is currently the president of the Major County Sheriffs of America. Sheriff Brown took time out during a busy Annual Conference in Palm Beach to cover all things Major County Sheriffs of America. With more than 2,700 square miles and a population of more than 450,000, being the sheriff of Santa Barbara County, is no easy task. Sheriff Brown is currently in his fifth term, and we discuss his role as president as well as unique ways he leads one of California's largest sheriff's offices.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw during the Major County Sheriffs of America's Annual Conference. Sheriff Bradshaw was first elected in 2004 and has served five terms as sheriff of one of Florida's most populous counties. We discuss the dynamics of Palm Beach County and what his deputies do each day to keep the coastline safe and secure. Sheriff Bradshaw has also led the way in domestic security and assisting sheriffs in responding to natural disasters as the Zone 7 Chair of FSA's Task Force. We cover all that and much more!

In this episode, FSA speaks with the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) Executive Director Chuck Wexler at their Annual Meeting in Orlando. Chuck led a lively town hall with sheriffs and police chiefs, and we discuss the various topics that were covered; from staffing and the use of civilian personnel to reducing violent crime in our communities.  We learn about the history of PERF and how they play an important role for independent public safety research. We end by discussing innovative ways sheriffs and police chiefs are using Integrating Communications, Assessment & Tactics (ICAT) training to defuse a range of critical incidents safely and successfully. ICAT was developed by PERF with input from hundreds of law enforcement professionals nationwide.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez from the Police Executive Research Forum's (PERF) Annual Meeting in Orlando. During the meeting, Sheriff Gonzalez was awarded the PERF Leadership Award for his outstanding public safety work in the Houston area. First elected sheriff in 2016, Sheriff Gonzalez runs the largest sheriff's office in Texas. He directs more than 5,000 employees to protect the 4.5 million residents living within the 1,700 square miles of Harris County. Early in his first term, Sheriff Gonzalez had to lead the citizens of his community after Hurricane Harvey, one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history. He discusses how those difficult times helped him and his team build a foundation of trust with those they serve. We also learn about the innovative programs the Harris County Sheriff's Office operates from diversion programs and establishing a sobering center to addressing the complex issue of homelessness.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford.  Sheriff Ford was first elected sheriff in 2016 and has been a leader in addressing numerous public safety issues in the panhandle. Early on in his first term, Sheriff Ford had to respond to the devastation of Hurricane Michael. Hear about the lessons learned from that tragedy and how he has taken on the role of chairing the FSA Task Force as a way to give back to those sheriffs who helped him, and his community, recover in their time of need.  We also discuss ways in which all Floridians should get prepared for hurricane season and the steps needed to keep your loved ones safe.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Alachua County Sheriff Emery Gainey.  A veteran of the Office who began his career in 1982, he rose through the ranks holding leadership positions in numerous areas of the sheriff's office operations.  Then, after a 25-year career with the sheriff's office, Sheriff Gainey became the Director of Law Enforcement & Victim Services for three Florida Attorneys General as well as the Sheriff of Marion County in 2016. We cover many other important public safety topics, but also learn about why serving as a board member for the Florida Special Olympics was such an honor and a great way to support the amazing work they do every day. 

In this episode, FSA speaks with Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast, who has served his country in the U.S. Army, his state as the executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs and now the citizens of Citrus County as their elected sheriff.  We talk about how those life experiences helped shape his service as sheriff as well as the numerous leadership roles he has accepted within the Florida Sheriffs Association. Sheriff Prendergast currently serves as the Chair of FSA's Cold Case Advisory Commission, is the Zone 4 Task Force Chair and is also the Vice Chair of the FSA's Board of Directors. We cover a lot of ground in this episode, and you will gain a better appreciation for why Sheriff Prendergast is so passionate about serving and protecting those in need.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Gulf County Sheriff Mike Harrison. First elected sheriff in 2012, Sheriff Harrison serves as a member of FSA's important Legislative Committee and on the association's Board of Directors. Hear about Sheriff Harrison's past experiences in law enforcement and how it has shaped his work in Gulf County, a special place in the panhandle that is a pleasant place to live, work and raise a family. We also learn about his new assignment as the Chair of the Board of Managers for the Florida Sheriffs Risk Management Fund, and why this organization is so critically important to the day-to-day successes for so many of Florida's sheriffs.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters, who was recently elected sheriff after serving the people of Duval County for more than 30 years. Before being elected sheriff, he worked in the county jail then graduated from the police academy and rose through the ranks working in numerous capacities within the agency's major departments of Patrol & Enforcement and Homeland Security & Investigations. His experiences have helped shape his vision for the office and how he uses new methods to communicate with citizens by being transparent and building trust within the community. Sheriff Waters also explains why Duval County has a consolidated form of government and how it works for the people of Jacksonville.