Top of Mind Florida

EDITOR'S NOTE: Since this episode was recorded, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has suspended his campaign for governor following a prostate cancer diagnosis.DeSantis, Donalds and Democrats | Florida's Road to November — Florida's 2026 political season is wide open, and veteran broadcast journalist Michael Williams and Florida political analyst Brian Crowley break down everything moving right now.Debbie Wasserman Schultz draws fire for running in a majority-Black district reshaped by DeSantis redistricting. Byron Donalds leads the governor's race with $80 million and Trump's endorsement while David Jolly searches for a foothold with no-party voters. Paul Renner attacks Donalds and may be damaging himself more than his target. Jay Collins can't get his own governor to endorse him. And outgoing House Speaker Danny Perez earns rare praise for standing up to Ron DeSantis.August 18 primary. July 1 budget deadline. The road to November starts now. 🎙️ New episodes every Tuesday at 5 AM on all major audio podcast platforms.🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/top-of-mind-florida/id1818339119📡 RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/top-of-mind-florida/

Democratic challenger Victoria Doyle joins veteran journalists Michael Williams and Brian Crowley to make her case for unseating incumbent Congresswoman Lois Frankel in Palm Beach County. Doyle, a retired federal intellectual property attorney living in Lake Worth Beach, argues Frankel has been largely passive and ineffective — passing just five laws in nearly 14 years in office. Doyle outlines her platform: universal health care through single-payer reform, suspending foreign aid to Israel under the Leahy Law, scrapping the Social Security payroll tax cap, a $25 minimum wage, and a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United. Williams and Crowley push back hard on funding mechanisms, bipartisan math, and the real obstacles facing a progressive challenger in a redrawn district that could shift from CD-22 to CD-23 under Florida's new redistricting map.

Florida is in special session, and the centerpiece is a proposal to dramatically increase the homestead exemption — from $50,000 to (eventually) as much as $500,000. Governor DeSantis is pushing hard, but local governments across all 67 Florida counties are warning the impact on services could be devastating.Veteran broadcast journalist Michael Williams and Florida journalist/political analyst Brian Crowley examine the stakes with insight from Palm Beach County Administrator Joe Abruzzo, who says his county could face drastic cuts to a $609 million budget covering roads, libraries, parks, and more. Police and fire are exempt — but other public safety services may not be. Multiply that reality across every municipality and all 67 counties statewide and the scale of this debate comes into focus.They also look at the legislative math, the DeSantis-House Speaker standoff, and what Floridians in every corner of the state will need to decide if this reaches the November ballot.Plus: Top of Mind Florida wins the Florida Weekly Flamingo Award for Best New Podcast of 2026.

Veteran journalists Michael Williams and Brian Crowley break down Florida's 2026 governor's race — Byron Donalds' commanding lead and a Fox News comment that could haunt him, Jay Collins' DeSantis problem, Paul Renner's uphill climb, and whether Democrats Jerry Demings or David Jolly can thread the needle in a red state. Plus: the U.S. Senate race, Ashley Moody vs. Alex Vindman, the stalled state budget, the property tax debate that went nowhere, and Brian's wild-card scenario — what happens if Ron DeSantis lands a cabinet seat?`

Who's going to cover the cities, school boards, and water plants that Florida's shrinking newsrooms have left behind?CB Hanif spent more than two decades at the Palm Beach Post — as editorial page editor, ombudsman, and columnist — before spending the last 11 years teaching multimedia journalism at Inlet Grove Community High School in Riviera Beach. His students cover real government meetings, write for the Stet News Community Voices team, and get paid for their work.One of those students is Mikala Graham, an 11th grader who caught the journalism bug and started covering Riviera Beach city government — including a water plant issue that directly affects her neighborhood. She shows up, takes notes, asks questions, and understands why it matters that someone from the community is in the room.Veteran broadcast journalist Michael Williams and Florida political analyst Brian Crowley explore what's lost when local reporting disappears, why TikTok isn't the enemy of good journalism, and what it looks like when the next generation actually gets it.🌐 grovewatch.com | stet.news🎙️ New episodes every Tuesday at 4 PM on YouTube and 5 AM on all major audio podcast platforms.📺 WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TopOfMindFlorida 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/top-of-mind-florida/id1818339119 ▶️ RSS Feed / All Platforms: https://rss.com/podcasts/top-of-mind-florida/

Florida's congressional map was redrawn in a matter of hours — with almost no public input — and Governor Ron DeSantis signed it into law before most voters knew the special session had even begun. The new map shifts Florida's House delegation from a 20-8 Republican advantage to a projected 24-4 split, reshaping districts across South Florida, Tampa, and Central Florida.Veteran broadcast journalist Michael Williams and Florida political analyst Brian Crowley break it all down: which incumbents are most vulnerable, what happens to Jared Moskowitz, Lois Frankel, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and the shattered CD 20, and whether a redrawn map can hold up when Florida voters are paying $5 a gallon for gas and can't afford housing.Courts will challenge this. The pocketbook will challenge this even harder.New episodes drop every Tuesday at 5am. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/top-of-mind-florida/id1818339119 RSS: https://rss.com/podcasts/top-of-mind-florida/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TopOfMindFlorida

They drove to the studio together. One Democrat, one Republican — same campus, very different politics, and a shared belief that the system is failing young people.Nicholas Ostheimer, President of the FAU College Democrats, and Joseph Semprevivo, President of the FAU College Republicans, join veteran broadcast journalist Michael Williams and Florida political analyst Brian Crowley. Both students relaunched their organizations at Florida Atlantic University. Both lead hundreds of members. And both agreed to sit down together — which, in today's climate, is remarkable enough on its own.They talk affordability, representation, immigration, foreign policy, the Iran war, and whether their generation can actually compromise where older ones have failed. They also deliver a direct message to elected officials: show up, hold town halls, and face the people who pay your salary.Refreshing. Frank. And worth your time.Top of Mind Florida is hosted by veteran broadcast journalist Michael Williams and Florida political analyst Brian Crowley. New episodes every Tuesday at 5 AM.🎙️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/top-of-mind-florida/id1818339119 🎙️ RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/top-of-mind-florida/

Boca Raton Mayor Andy Thomson won his race by just five votes — one of the closest margins in the city's history. Veteran broadcast journalist Michael Williams and Florida veteran journalist/political analyst Brian Crowley sit down with Mayor Thomson for a wide-ranging conversation about the explosive development referendum that dominated the election, the steady erosion of local government authority by the Florida Legislature, the looming threat of property tax cuts that could gut city budgets statewide, and what affordable housing really means in one of South Florida's most expensive zip codes.Mayor Thomson also gets personal — sharing why this issue hits home, literally, through his own family's experience trying to afford life in the city he grew up in.Whether you live in Boca or anywhere in Florida, the forces shaping this city are headed your way.Top of Mind Florida is hosted by veteran broadcast journalist Michael Williams and Florida political analyst Brian Crowley. New episodes every Tuesday at 5am Eastern.🎙️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/top-of-mind-florida/id1818339119 🎙️ RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/top-of-mind-florida/

Think your vote is safe? Think again. Michael Williams sits down with Dianna Wynn, National President of the League of Women Voters, who says her organization — 106 years old — has declared a constitutional crisis for the first time ever. She explains exactly what the SAVE America Act could do to your ability to vote, why millions of women could be locked out at registration, and why mail-in voting is in the crosshairs.Brian Crowley joins Michael to cut through the noise — who's really behind these voting changes, what Florida's own history with mail-in voting tells us, and what happens if November's results get challenged in court.New audio episodes every Tuesday at 5 AM.

Florida political analyst Brian Crowley and veteran broadcast journalist Michael Williams break down the issues reshaping Florida politics ahead of 2026. Democrats scored three surprise wins in elections — including a district covering Mar-a-Lago, a St. Pete/Tampa stunner, and a Boca Raton mayor's race decided by five votes. Byron Donalds leads the Republican field for governor but faces headwinds as Trump's approval softens over the Iran war and growing economic anxiety.Hispanic Republican congressmen from South Florida — including Congressman Carlos Gimenez — are pushing back on ICE enforcement tactics, warning the approach damaged the party's standing with Hispanic voters. Conservative sheriffs raised similar concerns. The Florida Legislature convenes in mid-April to address redistricting and a state budget, and a newly signed state law limits local zoning authority, setting up potential friction with communities statewide.New episodes every Tuesday at 5am Eastern on all major podcast platforms.

Alexandria Ayala, CEO of the Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County, joins hosts Michael Williams and Brian Crowley for a conversation that covers far more than homelessness. Ayala breaks down who is really unhoused in South Florida, why the official numbers tell only part of the story, and how cuts at HUD and Florida's anti-camping law are squeezing nonprofits and the people they serve. The former Palm Beach County School Board member, elected at 25, also speaks candidly about young people disengaging from politics, the erosion of institutional trust, and what it will take to bring new generations back into civic life. She hints at future political ambitions without tipping her hand.Top of Mind Florida is hosted by veteran journalists Michael Williams and Brian Crowley. New episodes every Tuesday — 4 PM on YouTube, 5 AM on all major audio podcast platforms.▶️ WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TopOfMindFlorida 🎧 PREFER TO LISTEN ON THE GO? Subscribe to the audio-only version of "Top of Mind Florida" on your favorite platform: ▶️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/top-of-mind-florida/id1818339119 ▶️ RSS Feed / All Platforms: https://rss.com/podcasts/top-of-mind-florida/

Patrick Franklin, President and CEO of the Urban League of Palm Beach County, joins hosts Michael Williams and Brian Crowley for a wide-ranging conversation about community leadership, voter engagement, and economic challenges facing South Florida.Franklin — who began his career as a geophysicist with Shell Oil before spending 24 years leading the Urban League — discusses the organization's mission, its expanding reach to the Treasure Coast, workforce development for second-chance job seekers, and the COVID vaccine drive he calls his proudest achievement.He closes with a direct message about democracy, affordability, and why the next six months demand every voter's attention.🎙️ New episodes every Tuesday — 4 PM on YouTube, 5 AM on all major audio podcast platforms. ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TopofMindFlorida 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/top-of-mind-florida/id1741604076 📡 RSS Feed: https://feed.rss.com/topofmindflorida

Artist and The Peach Art Collective manager Craig McInnis joins Michael Williams and Brian Crowley to make the case that human-made art isn't disappearing — it's becoming more valuable. Craig breaks down what it really takes to build a sustainable career in art, why the "starving artist" stigma is nonsense, and how South Florida's art scene is still in its early chapters.Is AI replacing artists — or just the ones who can't tell the difference? Craig's answer might surprise you.The Peach is located at 3950 Georgia Avenue, West Palm Beach, just under Southern Boulevard.Top of Mind Florida drops every Tuesday at 5 AM on all major podcast platforms.📺 WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TopOfMindFlorida🎧 PREFER TO LISTEN ON THE GO? Don't miss an episode while you drive or workout. Subscribe to the audio-only version of "Top of Mind Florida" on your favorite platform:▶️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/top-of-mind-florida/id1818339119▶️ RSS Feed / All Platforms: https://rss.com/podcasts/top-of-mind-florida/

The 2026 Florida legislative session ended without a budget, no meaningful relief on homeowners insurance, and no resolution on property taxes — even though Governor DeSantis made property tax reform his signature issue and never offered a plan. Veteran journalists Michael Williams & Brian Crowley break down the session's biggest wins, failures, and what comes next — including special sessions on the budget, property taxes, and redistricting.They also look ahead to Florida's 2026 governor's race, where Congressman Byron Donalds holds an early commanding lead on the Republican side, and where Democrats Jerry Demings and David Jolly are seen as the frontrunners. With gas prices rising, the war in Iran escalating, and affordability still a top concern, they examine whether Trump's political coattails will still be an asset by November. Top of Mind Florida drops every Tuesday at 5 AM on all major podcast platforms.📺 WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TopOfMindFlorida🎧 PREFER TO LISTEN ON THE GO? Don't miss an episode while you drive or workout. Subscribe to the audio-only version of "Top of Mind Florida" on your favorite platform:▶️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/top-of-mind-florida/id1818339119▶️ RSS Feed / All Platforms: https://rss.com/podcasts/top-of-mind-florida/

Distinguished American history professor Dr. Robert Watson of Lynn University joins hosts Michael Williams and Brian Crowley for a wide-ranging conversation on America's 250th anniversary. Watson, a Smithsonian fellow and author of Declaration, argues the nation faces its gravest threat since the Civil War — and draws on the founders' own fears to explain why.Topics include the founding principles of cooperation, compromise and consensus; slavery's role in the Declaration and Constitution; Lincoln's Gettysburg framing; the Electoral College; social media algorithms and the collapse of critical thinking; the erosion of local journalism; and what's being planned for the national commemoration.Florida Historian, America 250th anniversary, US Constitution crisis, Robert Watson historian, founding fathers history, Electoral College reform

Taylor Morgan, founder of Kind Diners Society, joins hosts Michael Williams and Brian Crowley on Top of Mind Florida to talk about a Palm Beach-area movement that's quietly changing how Floridians treat restaurant workers.Kind Diners Society members pay $8.99/month, save 20% at 160+ local restaurants, and help fund a monthly surprise tip — always $500 or more — for a deserving hospitality worker. Since launching, the organization has given back $21,000 to local restaurant employees.Taylor also shares a major milestone: Kind Diners Society was chosen out of 30 local businesses to be the pilot episode of "Brick and Soul," a documentary from Hot Focus Media in Boca Raton, currently being shopped to Netflix and major streaming services. The premiere party is expected at a local theater in late March or early April.The conversation covers the post-COVID collapse of courtesy in restaurants, why hospitality workers are leaving the industry in record numbers, and what led Taylor to walk away from an afternoon drive radio career to build something that matters.

Turn down the heat in Florida politics and beyond. Join Brian Crowley and Michael Williams every Sunday at 9:00 AM EST for the analysis you’ve been missing since our broadcast TV days.In this episode, we dive into a potentially big budget gap facing Florida lawmakers and the surprising bipartisan support for school vaccine mandates.We also take a hard look at the "profound anxiety" in American politics following recent violence in Minneapolis and the shooting of a VA nurse by ICE agents.Plus, is a "Wind-Only" insurance model the key to solving Florida's affordability crisis?#FloridaPolitics #TopOfMind #FLBudget #InsuranceCrisis WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TopOfMindFlorida 🎧 PREFER TO LISTEN ON THE GO? Subscribe to the audio-only version of "Top of Mind Florida" on your favorite platform: ▶️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/top-of-mind-florida/id1818339119 ▶️ RSS Feed / All Platforms: https://rss.com/podcasts/top-of-mind-florida/

Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Wendy Sartory Link joins hosts Michael Williams and Brian Crowley to break down critical voting legislation moving through the 2026 Florida Legislative Session.Link discusses three major bills under consideration: documented proof of citizenship requirements, vote verification procedures, and mandates for pen-to-paper voting that could eliminate popular Express Vote machines. She explains why Florida has become the national gold standard for election administration and addresses ongoing attacks on mail-in voting despite its security and popularity among Florida voters.The conversation explores signature verification processes, the benefits of pre-certification audits, and why hand counting ballots isn't the solution critics claim. Link also reveals that Palm Beach County has reached a historic milestone with 35% of active voters now registered as no party affiliation, raising questions about the future of Florida's political landscape.With March municipal elections approaching, Link provides crucial deadlines and encourages voters to witness the transparent election process firsthand at the new Palm Beach County elections facility. Guest: Wendy Sartory Link, Palm Beach County Supervisor of ElectionsHosts: Brian Crowley & Michael WilliamsProduction: Ko-Mar ProductionsNew episodes every Sunday at 9 AM on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.

Holly Baltz, editor and reporter at Stet News and former Palm Beach Post investigative editor, joins Michael Williams and Brian Crowley to examine the possible connection between disappearing local news coverage and the too frequent disappearance of competitive democracy in Florida. With 50 plus unopposed races in Palm Beach County alone the conversation reveals how the absence of accountability journalism leaves voters uninformed and discourages candidates from running.Holly discusses her transition from decades at the Post to nonprofit journalism, the challenges facing credible reporting in the social media age, and why Stet News represents a sustainable model for community coverage. The discussion covers media business failures, the toxicity driving people from public service, innovative programs like Community Voices training high school students to cover city government, and a sobering reality: hundreds of Florida cities operate with zero news coverage and no one watching how tax dollars are spent.Essential listening for anyone concerned about informed citizenship, government transparency, and the future of local accountability in Florida. New episodes every Sunday at 9 AM.

The 2026 Florida Legislative session is well underway, and the sparks are already flying. Michael Williams and Brian Crowley dive into the heated debate over eliminating property taxes—a move Peter Schorsch calls "dangerously revolutionary" and a "legislative assault" on local police and fire services. We also look at the massive $45 million fundraising lead in the GOP gubernatorial primary and the bizarre historical connection between Faye Dunaway and a tiny Florida town called Two Egg.🎧 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE Subscribe to "Top of Mind Florida" on your favorite platform: ▶️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/top-of-mind-florida/id1818339119 ▶️ RSS Feed / All Platforms: https://rss.com/podcasts/top-of-mind-florida/ 📺 WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TopOfMindFlorida

The 2026 Florida Legislative Session is here, and the biggest fight on the table is the future of property taxes. While some leaders push for total elimination, others warn of a massive funding gap for vital local needs. Florida Senate Minority Leader Lori Berman joins Michael Williams and Brian Crowley to explain why "tax relief" might come with a catch. In this episode:Property Tax Reality Check: Why "zeroing out" your bill could end local services.Florida DOGE: The push to audit state land buys and voucher programs.The 2026 Affordability Agenda: Targeted help for seniors and first-time buyers.Foster Care Reform: A personal bill to give kids in the system a sense of dignity.🎧 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE Subscribe to "Top of Mind Florida" on your favorite platform: ▶️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/top-of-mind-florida/id1818339119 ▶️ RSS Feed / All Platforms: https://rss.com/podcasts/top-of-mind-florida/ 📺 WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TopOfMindFlorida

Your Taxes Your Money The Florida FightFlorida House Representative Toby Overdorf, a Treasure Coast Republican joins the podcast to discuss the 2026 legislative session's biggest priorities. We break down the proposed constitutional amendments for property tax relief, the potential for Byron Donalds to succeed Ron DeSantis as Governor, and why Florida might be looking toward small modular nuclear reactors to power its AI future. Plus, a look at the return of cursive writing and the bill to finally eliminate yellow registration stickers on license plates.🎧 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE Subscribe to "Top of Mind Florida" on your favorite platform: ▶️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/top-of-mind-florida/id1818339119 ▶️ RSS Feed / All Platforms: https://rss.com/podcasts/top-of-mind-florida/ 📺 WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TopOfMindFlorida

Immigration Attorney Reveals Florida's Deportation RealityImmigration attorney Richard Hujber spent his first years working for the federal government before shifting to private practice defending clients facing deportation.In this revealing conversation with Brian Crowley and Michael Williams, Hujber discusses the current state of immigration enforcement in Florida, the impact of workplace raids and detention quotas, and the human stories behind the headlines.He explains why some long-term residents with American children face removal while recent arrivals received work permits, the controversy surrounding facilities like "Alligator Alcatraz," and how the system affects Florida's economy.Hujber offers a unique perspective from both sides of the immigration debate, arguing for case-by-case evaluation rather than sweeping enforcement actions. Brian and Michael provide analysis on the political implications heading into the 2026 midterms.Keywords: Florida immigration enforcement, immigration attorney perspective, deportation policy, Alligator Alcatraz detention, immigration reform solutions, Florida workforce impact 🎧 NEVER MISS AN EPISODESubscribe to "Top of Mind Florida" on your favorite platform:▶️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/top-of-mind-florida/id1818339119▶️ RSS Feed / All Platforms: https://rss.com/podcasts/top-of-mind-florida/📺 WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TopOfMindFlorida

Pocketbooks and Predictions 2026 shape Florida's political landscape as Brian Crowley and Michael Williams analyze the governor's race, Trump's influence, property tax reform battles, and economic challenges facing voters. Byron Donalds leads with Trump's backing and $30 million, but will it hold. Democrats face a million-voter registration gap while younger generations worry about AI replacing jobs and student loan debt. From redistricting fights to the mockingbird versus flamingo debate, this episode covers the serious and the silly in Florida politics.00:00 - Happy New Year and Brian's Birthday Celebration0:50 - New 9 AM Sunday Time Slot Announcement1:57 - Byron Donalds: The $30M Front-Runner with Trump's Endorsement2:38 - Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins: Struggling for DeSantis Support3:16 - Paul Renner: The "Issues Guy" Takes Aim at Affordability4:05 - James Fishback: 31-Year-Old Provocateur Enters Race5:32 - Front-Runners Who Faded: The Jeb Bush Warning7:42 - Where is Ron DeSantis? Silent on Succession8:16 - The DeSantis-Trump War and Susie Wiles Factor10:57 - Democratic Challengers: Dave Jolly and Jerry Demings12:31 - The Million-Voter Registration Deficit Problem14:29 - Building From the Bottom Up: Democratic Party Challenges16:45 - Why Podcasts Matter More Than Traditional Media18:11 - Affordability Crisis: The Driving Issue of 202620:04 - AI and the Future Economy: Who Gets It?22:21 - Property Tax Battle: DeSantis vs. Legislature24:40 - Redistricting 2026: Florida's Crown Jewel Status27:07 - Flamingo vs. Mockingbird: The Legislature's "Hot" Issue28:26 - Wrapping Up: Major to Mundane in Florida Politics📺 WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TopOfMindFlorida🎧 PREFER TO LISTEN ON THE GO? Don't miss an episode while you drive or workout. Subscribe to the audio-only version of "Top of Mind Florida" on your favorite platform:▶️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/top-of-mind-florida/id1818339119▶️ RSS Feed / All Platforms: https://rss.com/podcasts/top-of-mind-florida/

Ken Kennerly joins Top of Mind Florida to discuss the explosive growth of sports in Palm Beach County and South Florida.From running the Honda Classic for 19 years to now leading the James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational, Ken shares insights on how the region is becoming a sports powerhouse beyond traditional major leagues.He reveals the innovative fusion of PGA TOUR Champions with NFL Hall of Famers, the evolution of professional golf under new PGA Tour leadership, and why Florida's sports scene keeps attracting younger generations back home. Plus: the future of golf, gambling concerns, pickleball's rise, and making sports accessible to underprivileged youth.📺 WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TopOfMindFlorida🎧 PREFER TO LISTEN ON THE GO? Don't miss an episode while you drive or workout. Subscribe to the audio-only version of "Top of Mind Florida" on your favorite platform:▶️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/top-of-mind-florida/id1818339119▶️ RSS Feed / All Platforms: https://rss.com/podcasts/top-of-mind-florida/Chapters00:00 - Welcome & Introduction00:43 - Ken Kennerly's Career Overview1:50 - Working with Jack Nicklaus at Golden Bear3:45 - Evolution of Palm Beach County Sports Scene5:32 - Youth Returning to South Florida6:42 - Sports Capital Strategy & Future Growth8:30 - Honda Classic Legacy & Event Management10:26 - Creating the James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational12:30 - Innovation in Sports Events13:11 - Virtual Sports, TGL & Engaging Younger Generations16:06 - Gambling in Sports: Concerns & Protections18:21 - Making Sports Accessible to Underprivileged Youth19:21 - Future of Golf & Junior Golf Growth20:35 - Ken's Origin Story: From Manhattan to Sports Marketing23:00 - PGA Tour's Future Under New Leadership25:03 - Impact of Reduced Tournament Schedule26:13 - Top of Mind: Major League Pickleball & TGL Growth27:35 - Palm Beach County's PGA Tour Future29:47 - Closing & Final Thoughts

Meet the Florida man who turned a childhood obsession into a real-life treasure chest.Irving Santiago is the ultimate kid at heart, but his collection is serious business. In this special holiday episode of Top of Mind Florida, Michael and Brian take a break from politics to explore a massive world of nostalgia right here in our backyard.Irving is the President of UltraCon of South Florida and the owner of over 30,000 comic books, 23,000 Funko Pops, and 14,000 G.I. Joes. From the first appearance of the Green Goblin to original 1930s memorabilia, we dive into the joy of collecting and the incredible story of how he bought three properties with cash... just by selling toys.Grab a cup of coffee (or eggnog) and enjoy this trip down memory lane. It’s a reminder that keeping your imagination alive is the best gift of all.WE ARE BACK ON SUNDAY MORNINGS! ☀️ "Top of Mind Florida" has officially moved. Join us every Sunday at 9:00 AM EST for the honest, deep-dive analysis you’ve been missing since our broadcast TV days. #Comics #Collecting #FloridaCHAPTERS00:00 Intro00:28 What is UltraCon?01:45 The First Green Goblin (1960s)02:54 Why We Love Comic Cons04:17 Buying Real Estate with Toys06:58 The Psychology of Superheroes09:03 The Super Toy Show Days11:27 The Great Debate: Best Batman?14:16 Worst Comic Book Movie?16:36 Inside the 30,000 Item Collection20:25 Future Events & Charity Work📺 WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TopOfMindFlorida🎧 PREFER TO LISTEN ON THE GO? Don't miss an episode while you drive or workout. Subscribe to the audio-only version of "Top of Mind Florida" on your favorite platform:▶️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/top-of-mind-florida/id1818339119▶️ RSS Feed / All Platforms: https://rss.com/podcasts/top-of-mind-florida/

"Who do I trust for my news?" It is a big question Floridians are asking in 2025.In this inaugural Sunday morning episode of Top of Mind Florida, hosts Michael Williams and Brian Crowley review the massive political shifts of the year. We cut through the media echo chamber to analyze the consolidation of power in Tallahassee, the erosion of the "Sunshine Law," and the new federal immigration policies causing anxiety across South Florida. Topics Discussed:The "Alligator Alcatraz" Mystery: Why are inmate records disappearing from public view?Immigration Anxiety: How federal "pauses" and deportation rhetoric are hitting Florida communities.The Power Grab: Has the "Red State" monopoly killed local control?The Democratic Bench: Why the opposition party can't seem to recruit a winning team (explained with a Gators football analogy).Media Distrust: Navigating the "Information Chaos" to find the truth.📺 WATCH THIS EPISODE See the full discussion in our new studio setting on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TopOfMindFlorida#FloridaPolitics #DeSantis #MediaBias #TruthInMedia #SundayMorning #TopOfMindFlorida #2025Review #SunshineLaw #ImmigrationNewsChapters:0:00 - Sunday Morning is Back2:39 - 2025 Review: The Decline of Florida Openness5:20 - "Alligator Alcatraz": Where are the Prisoners?7:10 - Immigrant Anxiety: Deportation Fears in South Florida10:55 - The Tallahassee Power Grab vs. Local Control13:25 - How COVID Solidified the "Red State" Reality17:40 - Why Democrats Can’t Build a Bench24:10 - The Vanishing Casey DeSantis?27:00 - Media Distrust: Finding Truth in 202534:55 - The Great Bird Debate: Flamingo vs. MockingbirdConnect with Us:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TopOfMindFloridaWebsite: https://rss.com/podcasts/top-of-mind-florida/

On December 14, we return to our 14-year tradition of Florida Sunday morning news analysis.We are moving Top of Mind Florida back to the time slot where we spent over a decade with you. In a media landscape often defined by shouting matches, we are recommitting to the quiet work of civil analysis and storytelling.From the 2026 Governor’s race to conversations with civic leaders, environmentalists, rocket engineers, authors, sports gurus, musicians, comedians and more...our goal remains the same: Headlines, Hard Questions, and Humor.#FloridaNews #SundayMorning #TopOfMindFlorida #RealJournalismThe New Schedule:When: Sundays at 9:00 AM EST (Starting Dec 14).Where: Right here in your podcast feed.Action Item: Please ensure you are following the show so the new Sunday episodes automatically appear in your library.Watch the Announcement: See us back in the studio on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TopOfMindFlorida

The have nots keep growing in the Sunshine State, and the 'Florida Dream' is becoming a nightmare for working families. Are we pricing the middle class out of the Sunshine State?In this episode, Michael Williams and Brian Crowley sit down with Paige Shortsleeves (Executive Director, PEACE) to discuss the hidden economic crisis in Palm Beach County. They explore why some families are working three jobs and sleeping in cars, and how new laws criminalizing homelessness are impacting the most vulnerable.Plus, Brian Crowley breaks down the political reality: With cost of living skyrocketing, is the "Red State" label hiding a massive block of dissatisfied Independent voters?#FloridaLife #HousingCrisis #FloridaPolitics #PalmBeachCounty #CostOfLiving #Homelessness #PoliticalAnalysis #TopOfMindFlorida

In this episode on Florida sea turtle conservation, we look in on the Loggerhead Marinelife Center Pres/CEO to see how Florida wildlife is surviving the condo boom. Andy Dehart discusses sea turtle nesting season, the 1-in-1,000 survival rate, and the fight to save our oceans. Despite rising ocean temperatures and booming coastal development, Florida is pulling off a conservation miracle. The Green Sea Turtle was recently de-listed from "endangered" to "least concern"—but the fight isn't over. Michael Williams and Brian Crowley hear Andy Dehart, CEO of the Loggerhead Marinelife Center (USA Today's "Best Free Attraction") discuss how this "Center of Hope" is rehabilitating injured turtles, using $7,500 satellite tags to track their "reverse snowbird" migrations to Canada, and proving that humans and nature can coexist—even on the "Serengeti" of the Florida coast. #FloridaSeaTurtles #OceanConservation #JunoBeach #SaveTheTurtles

Florida’s affordability crisis collides with the 2026 governor’s race as Michael Williams and Brian Crowley unpack the rising push to reduce—or even eliminate—property taxes in Florida. What’s real policy and what’s political theater? What happens to essential services if the cuts happen? The discussion broadens to the fast-shifting governor’s race field, pocketbook pressures across Florida, storm devastation in Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba, and rising U.S.–Venezuela tensions affecting South Florida families. Plus, Brian reflects on the 2000 election recount 25 years later, and the hosts dig into America’s growing struggle with misinformation and trustworthy news in the AI era.Includes full chapter list for easy navigation.#FloridaPolitics #PropertyTaxes #FloridaElection #TopOfMindFlorida

Rural areas in Florida are being hard hit by the Congressional shutdown. In this episode of Top of Mind Florida, Brian Crowley and Michael Williams discuss this critical issue with Karis Engle, President and CEO of nonprofit The Glades Initiative. Food is becoming tougher to obtain. High percentage of people in poverty depend on food help. Many are employed but are not earning enough to meet increasing living costs. Seniors are struggling to afford the basics. An important conversation about an issue harming many Floridians.00:00 – Opening and Guest IntroductionBrian Crowley and Michael Williams welcome Karis Engle President and CEO of Glades Initiative, a nonprofit addressing health and human service care needs in the Glades. 01:08 – Rural Florida is being hit hard by government shutdownEngle talks about struggling families and seniors who face food insecurity and shortages of other needed services. There is a high level of poverty and more isolation from resources available on the coast. 03:26 – Employment is an issue for manyEngle describes how most people receiving SNAP and other program benefits are employed but it is not enough. 07:20 – Needs are growing and there is no solution in sight.She says the federal and state government is not as reliable as it once was and those in need are depending more on local organizations and the community to help them. 11:17 – There are many ways people can helpEngle encourages people to volunteer, donate, and get involved. She says that it is the best way for people to make a difference in the lives of families and seniors who need help. And she talks about people who do get involved. 18:23 – A childhood that led to a desire to help othersA high school trip led to Engle’s future belief in helping others. 21:41 – Post interview analysisBrian and Michael discuss the complicated issues impacting the Glades, rural Florida and many others affected by government cutbacks. 25:21 – Closing ThoughtsBrian and Michael discuss the Florida governor’s race and more. They encourage you to subscribe and stay engaged.

In this episode of Top of Mind Florida, Urban League of Palm Beach County President Patrick Franklin joins Michael Williams and Brian Crowley for a hard look at how Floridians are struggling to make ends meet as the gap between the haves and have-nots widens.From nonprofit funding cuts and vanishing workforce housing to the loss of skilled labor and new voter restrictions, Franklin explains how everyday families are being squeezed from every direction — higher prices, fewer jobs, and less stability.He describes how sudden federal and state defunding threw many seniors out of work, how corporate donors pulled back under political pressure, and why essential immigrant workers are disappearing from the very industries that keep Florida running.It’s a candid, urgent conversation about the cost of living, economic inequality, and what leadership — and ordinary citizens — can do to close Florida’s growing gulf.#TopOfMindFlorida #FloridaEconomy #CostOfLiving #UrbanLeague

From breast cancer awareness to the rise in cancers among younger adults, early detection can mean the difference between life and death.In this episode, Pap Corps Publicist Kay Renz joins Brian and Michael to discuss groundbreaking research happening at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Health System — including how artificial intelligence is helping speed mammogram analysis and may one day help revolutionize breast cancer screening and diagnosis.Kay also shares her own health scare, the importance of self-advocacy, the $110M+ Pap Corps has raised for research, and how community support saves lives. Michael and Brian reflect on family journeys, support systems, and an aging Florida population that urgently needs better access to care. A powerful reminder: ask questions, get screened, and don’t face health challenges alone.Cancer Advocacy, Early Detection, Pap Corps, AI in Medicine#TopOfMindFlorida #EarlyDetection #CancerCare #PapCorps #UniversityOfMiamiHealthSystem #HealthAdvocacy #Florida

Florida on the Move: Transit, Politics, and the AI Future AheadFrom Switzerland’s spotless trains to Florida’s Tri-Rail troubles — Michael Williams and Brian Crowley explore why the Sunshine State still struggles to get mass transit right. What lessons can we borrow from abroad, and what does it say about Florida’s political priorities?Then the conversation shifts to the 2026 governor’s race — from Byron Donalds’ early fundraising firepower to Casey DeSantis’ political calculus — and finishes with an eye on the AI revolution transforming jobs, education, and democracy itself. A wide-ranging, classic Top of Mind Florida conversation about where the state is headed, who’s steering the ship, and whether anyone’s ready for the road ahead.#TopOfMindFlorida #FloridaNews #FloridaPolitics #TriRail #Brightline #FloridaTransportation #AIFuture #EducationAndAI #ByronDonalds #CaseyDeSantis #JerryDemings #PublicAffairsPodcast

Can Florida’s drivers and cyclists truly share the road? Top of Mind Florida hosts Michael Williams and Brian Crowley talk with Mark Hassell of Bill Bone Bike Law about the growing cycling culture, the rise of e-bikes, gaps in road education, and how more cyclists are part of our transportation future.Hassell, a former Palm Beach lifeguard turned cycling investigator, shares real-world stories from Florida’s highways and what needs to change — from law enforcement and infrastructure to driver awareness and helmet use.Key Takeaways:Why Florida’s cycling laws lag behindWhat motorists and cyclists misunderstand mostThe “right-hook” crash and other common causesThe role of e-bikes and new road challengesFive fixes that could make Florida safer for all#TopOfMindFlorida #BikeSafety #ShareTheRoad #FloridaCycling #MoreCyclistsAreTheFuture

Keeping Florida on the Move means tackling Florida’s toughest transportation questions. Can Tri-Rail survive after state budget cuts and fading federal aid? Former Executive Director Steve Abrams joins hosts Michael Williams and Brian Crowley to break down what it will take to keep 15,000 daily riders moving — from South Florida commuters to students and seniors who rely on Tri-Rail every day.From Brightline expansion to driverless cars, Abrams explains how Tri-Rail’s challenges mirror Florida’s broader mass-transit struggle. The hosts explore why it matters statewide, how counties and Tallahassee can share the load, and why the next generation’s future depends on keeping Florida on the move.#KeepingFloridaOnTheMove #TriRail #TopOfMindFlorida #FloridaNews #Transportation #Brightline #Infrastructure #PublicTransit #SouthFlorida #FloridaPolitics

Will Democrats matter again in Florida? That’s the question Rep. Anna Eskamani (D–Orlando) tackles in this edition of Top of Mind Florida. Veteran journalists Michael Williams and Brian Crowley talk with Eskamani about Florida’s economic struggles, the decline of the Democratic Party, and the culture-war battles shaping Tallahassee. She shares her perspective on rebuilding Democratic relevance, generational politics, and why she’s running for Mayor of Orlando in 2027. The conversation also explores the human impact of “Alligator Alcatraz”, the challenges of party messaging, and what it will take for Democrats to connect again with Florida voters. #WillDemocratsMatterAgain #AnnaEskamani #floridapolitics #topofmindflorida

Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. David Dodson joins ⁨@TopOfMindFlorida⁩ this week to talk about Florida's push to ban vaccines. Our discussion focuses on the controversy surrounding Florida's proposed changes to vaccination mandates, shedding light on the public health implications of reducing such mandates. Dr. Dodson expresses concern over misinformation and the potential health risks of this policy reversal, emphasizing the historic and ongoing benefits of vaccines in controlling infectious diseases. The conversation also highlights the tension between individual freedoms and societal health responsibilities, with experts stressing the critical role of vaccines in preventing outbreaks and protecting public health.

Saxophonist Patrick Lamb shares his journey from Mississippi to Palm Beach, playing from his heart on global stages. Known for soulful jazz and live performances, Lamb opens up about passion, resilience, and the power of human connection in music. From touring with legends like Smokey Robinson, Gino Vannelli, and Diane Schuur to producing world-class jazz festivals, Lamb has carved out a multifaceted career as performer, producer, and mentor. He opens up about the discipline behind mastering the saxophone, the inspiration he draws from life’s challenges, and the soulful connection he strives to create every time he plays. In this candid conversation with Michael Williams and Brian Crowley, Patrick reflects on navigating the shifting music industry, the emotional power of live performance, and how he’s confronting the rise of AI in music while staying true to human artistry. He also reveals the personal stories that fuel his music, the joy he finds in mentoring young musicians, and what audiences can expect from his upcoming holiday show, Patrick Lamb’s Charlie Brown Christmas, in Delray Beach. It’s an intimate look at a world-class artist driven by passion, purpose, and the power of connection. #TopOfMindFlorida #PatrickLamb #JazzMusic #PalmBeachArts #LiveMusicMatters

Who will harvest Florida's crops? A longtime Florida agriculture champion, Glades advocate and conservative voice, David Goodlett, worries about hardline immigration and deportation policies after a friend felt the impact of those policies, firsthand. Goodlett shares the story of that friend’s removal, the vital role of immigrant labor in Florida agriculture, and threats to families and farming. We also talk about environmental battles with sugar growers and worries about the harm to the Everglades ecosystem.Top of Mind Florida — Headlines, Hard Questions and Humor. Please join us, Brian Crowley and Michael Williams, every week for a new episode.#TopOfMindFlorida #FloridaPolitics #PublicAffairsPodcast #FloridaNews

Top of Mind Florida is where we mix Headlines, Hard Questions and Humor with stories that matter.This week, Michael Williams and Brian Crowley talk with a Florida rocket engineer from L3Harris Aerojet Rocketdyne who helps lead the Artemis mission. She shares her inspiring path from Wellington High School to FAU to the frontlines of America’s space program, managing the RL-10 engine that powers spacecraft into lunar orbit.She opens up about:Overcoming barriers in a male-dominated fieldThe mentors who shaped her careerHow diversity fuels better problem-solvingFlorida’s role in the future of space explorationInspiring students to dream bigger in STEMFrom rocket launches that never get old to her mission of motivating the next generation, this conversation is about purpose, perseverance, and progress.#FloridaEducation#STEMInspiration#TopOfMindFlorida

In this 15th edition of Top of Mind Florida, veteran journalists Michael Williams and Brian Crowley reflect on why they launched the show and the value of mixing tough political discussion with personal storytelling. They share lighter moments from their careers — from newsroom lessons to campaign trail humor and even a brush with Ronald Reagan — while underscoring why thoughtful conversations still matter.The discussion then turns serious as the hosts examine political decisions, Florida’s ongoing redistricting debates, and the controversial “Alligator Alcatraz.” They highlight how nationalized politics often overshadows local issues like affordability, elder care, and hurricane preparedness. With warmth, wit, and decades of journalistic experience, Michael and Brian deliver a thoughtful and entertaining half-hour that informs while encouraging listeners to think for themselves. #FloridaPolitics #TopOfMindFlorida #PublicAffairsPodcast #FloridaNews #HeadlinesHardQuestionsSummary Bullet PointsMichael Williams & Brian Crowley reflect on launching Top of Mind FloridaMixing humor with serious political and cultural analysisFrom Reagan’s hair to campaign trail anecdotesGovernor DeSantis, redistricting, and Florida politics todayThe Alligator Alcatraz controversy and its implicationsWhy local issues like affordability, elder care, and hurricane prep matter most

Nonprofit law expert Philip DiComo, who facilitated the WXEL-WPBT merger creating South Florida PBS, breaks down the devastating impact of federal funding cuts on public broadcasting. From his unique perspective as both a former PBS executive and attorney, DiComo explains why the recent Congressional rescission threatens the backbone of America's Emergency Broadcasting System and essential educational programming.Discover innovative survival strategies including immersive exhibits, enhanced underwriting, and digital pivots that stations are using to stay afloat. DiComo addresses the political bias debate, explains why rural and underserved communities face the biggest threat, and reveals how public media lost touch with local supporters. Plus insights on the future of nonprofit media, AI's impact on legal practice, and why some stations get 60% of revenue from federal sources while others get only 6%.Essential listening for nonprofit leaders, media professionals, and anyone concerned about public broadcasting's survival in the digital age.

Water, Wildlife and Your Family's Future : Our At Risk FloridaIn this episode of @TopOfMindFlorida , host Brian Crowley sits down with Eve Samples, Executive Director of Friends of the Everglades, for a no-holds-barred conversation on the environmental crossroads Florida faces.From a controversial detention facility built in the heart of protected wetlands to the long-term consequences of unchecked development, Eve explains why the fight to protect the Everglades is more urgent than ever. She sheds light on the environmental laws being sidestepped, the significance of preserving aquifers, and how decisions made today will impact Florida’s water supply, economy, and quality of life tomorrow.Eve also shares insights on the legacy of Marjory Stoneman Douglas, the challenges facing environmental advocates, and what it really means to “save the Everglades.” Whether you're a longtime Floridian or a newcomer, this conversation is a powerful reminder that the Everglades isn’t just a place on a map — it’s a vital part of our future.

Former Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg joins Brian Crowley on Top of Mind Florida to talk about conspiracy theories, Florida justice, court mistrust, and a broken Democratic Party in Florida.From Epstein to DeSantis to addiction reform — it’s all here. @TopOfMindFlorida #floridajustice #brokendemocraticparty #davearonbergAronberg, a Democrat and onetime state legislator, engages in a revealing, in-depth discussion. From reflecting with Brian on his Miami upbringing and the challenges of being a state prosecutor to national topics like the jury system, Epstein files, and the politicization of courts, Aronberg offers insight with candor and wit.He discusses his book "Fighting the Florida Shuffle", advocating for reform in the drug treatment industry, and opens up about life after public office — including his passion for animal rescue. Whether he’s debunking viral myths or joking about his beagle Geddy Lee, Aronberg brings thoughtful perspective to some of Florida’s most complex and controversial issues.

@topofmindfloridaDemocracy:Crisis or NotDr. Charles Zelden is a History and Politics professor, at Nova SE University in South Florida. He sits down with Brian Crowley and Michael Williams to discuss the current constitutional debate in the U.S., emphasizing the importance of adhering to the Constitution amidst polarized politics. He highlights Trump Administration actions, and U.S. Supreme Court's decisions on Trump's policies, including immigration enforcement and due process. Zelden warns of the dangers of concentrating too much power in one branch of government and the potential for corruption and oppression. He also addresses the challenges students face in navigating misinformation and the importance of critical thinking in a digital age.

Angie Santalo, also known as "That Pink Science Teacher," has a social media following of more than 200,000 across TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Angie's unique teaching style, which includes humor and visual aids, has made science engaging for her students. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity and maintaining a balance between her social media presence and teaching responsibilities. Angie's impact extends beyond her classroom, inspiring both students and other teachers to be more spontaneous and engaging. #TopofMindFlorida #ThatPinkScienceTeacher #AngieSantalo #socialmediafollowers #teachers #studentengagement #media #storytelling #educationalimpact #classroomhumor #teacherinfluence #Tiktok #Youtube #Instagram #Miami

Michael Williams and Brian Crowley are joined by Joel Engelhardt, co-founder of Stet News. We talk about the state of Florida journalism and where it's at. 0:44Joel describes Stet News, explains what it means, and how local newspapers are fading.3:23Joel says the nonprofit model is the future of journalism. The for-profit model is collapsing.4:31Discussing the mission of providing accurate, fair and unbiased news and information that helps readers hold public officials accountable.7:20About the documentaries program involving private citizens trained to monitor their local governments.11:02Sometimes the government tells the public what it is doing when it is too late to change it. News organizations are pushing back on behalf of the public by keeping them informed.15:52Brian talks about the public’s lack of access to public records, the decline of the Sunshine Law and difficulty the public has getting information they need.23:30More examples of the public being left in the dark. And the need to keep people informed.27:22The Crowley Closer.

In this episode of Top of Mind Florida, Representative Toby Overdorf, from the Treasure Coast, joins Michael Williams and Brian Crowley for a wide-ranging conversation on policy, politics, and personal reflections. Overdorf makes news by announcing his 2028 run for the Florida Senate and discusses legislative accomplishments—including his work to combat human trafficking, education reform to improve nursing school standards, and efforts to hold predatory institutions accountable. The conversation turns to pressing issues like Florida’s property tax structure, with Overdorf offering insights into proposed reforms and his leadership role in crafting a potential constitutional amendment. He addresses the ongoing affordability crisis, controversial development proposals in state parks, and the complex realities of immigration policy.#TobyOverdorf #FloridaPolitics #TopOfMindFlorida #FloridaSenate #PropertyTaxes#AffordableFlorida #humantraffickingawareness