Rick Outzen: (we don’t) color on the dog

Pensacola City Councilmember Jennifer Brahier discusses overcrowding and the deplorable state of the Roger Scott Pools.

An Alabama man came to Florida on vacation and never made it home. When he fell ill and needed emergency surgery, the surgeon operated from the wrong position, removed the wrong organ, and severed a major blood vessel—killing him on the table. Pensacola attorney Joe Zarzaur joins Rick Outzen to reveal what happened inside that operating room, why the surgeon's practice ignored years of complaints, and why it took nearly two years for a grand jury to hand down a manslaughter indictment.

My interviews with:Meet Joe Vinson, who has filed to run for Escambia County Commission District 4.Troy Rafferty & Madeline Pendley discuss how online gambling is targeting kids.Joe Zarzaur talks about his lawsuit against surgeon who removed a man's liver instead of his spleen, causing his death. The surgeon has been arrested for second-degree manslaughter,Dr. Charletha Powell promotes Pensacola Cigar Weekend.

State Rep. Alex Andrade joins Rick Outzen to explain why Florida’s legislative session ended without a budget — and what happens next. From the Senate’s billion-dollar gap to the politics behind the property tax referendum, Andrade pulls back the curtain on a stalled process, a possible string of special sessions, and why the days of COVID cash are long gone.

Pensacola Sports CEO Ray Palmer joins Rick Outzen to celebrate his induction into the Sports ETA Hall of Fame — one of only 24 inductees in the organization’s 30-year history.Ray shares what 25 years in sports tourism has taught him about the industry’s staying power, makes the case for a dedicated indoor sports facility in Escambia County, and explains why that facility does not have to be built next to the Bay Center.

Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves sits down with Rick Outzen to discuss the city’s most pressing issues — from the Joe Patti’s Seafood lawsuit to SailGP’s explosive growth at the Port, downtown hotel expansion, and the future of the Bay Center.

Pensacola Sports CEO Ray Palmer joins Rick Outzen to preview the Sunbelt Conference Basketball Tournament, opening March 3 at the Bay Center. Ray discusses the wide-open men’s bracket, the conference’s innovative format changes, and reflects on his legacy of bringing championship-level college sports to Pensacola.

Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons sits down with Rick Outzen to discuss earning the top spot on the Inweekly 2026 Power List, his 40+ years in law enforcement, a leadership philosophy forged through mentorship.

State Rep. Alex Andrade joins Rick Outzen to discuss his bold plan to tie Medicaid managed care profits to infant mortality outcomes, new legislation targeting the diversion of state settlement funds in the wake of the Hope Florida scandal, and a bill to overhaul Florida's broken public records compliance system.

Author Julie Still-Rolin shares her terrifying experiences living in a haunted house for 11 years, the shadow children who befriended her son, and why she couldn't escape despite trying to sell the property six times. Her new book "The Haunting of Pensacola Avenue" reveals the paranormal investigation, mysterious destroyed records, and the four spirits that made her life a living nightmare.

Sheriff Chip Simmons explains how Escambia County handles officer-involved shooting investigations, from the immediate response to FDLE involvement, internal affairs reviews, anddeputy training protocols. Learn about the multi-agency transparency process that differs significantly from federal approaches.

From September 2023, Escambia County Commissioner Lumon May expressed his frustration in getting the Escambia Children's Trust to pause while it gets its house in order. 

State Rep. Alex Andrade joins Rick Outzen to preview the 2025 Florida Legislative Session, his last before terming out. .Andrade pulls no punches discussing Governor DeSantis's executive management failures, the brewing conflicts between the House and Senate, and his priorities for healthcare budget reform. From SNAP program errors to infant mortality reduction, Andrade outlines the monumental challenges facing lawmakers when the session gavels in on Jan. 13.

The Argos are sitting at 10-4 and tied for second place in what Coach Stephanie Yelton calls “the most balanced Gulf South Conference in years.”In the latest “We Don’t Color on the Dog” podcast episode, Coach Yelton breaks down:🔹 How the young team won a crucial overtime game against conference leaders🔹 The strategic changes driving their fast-paced, aggressive style🔹 Standout performances from Amelia Bell (leading the league in FG%) and Isabelle Grimes🔹 Why every remaining game matters in the push for NCAA tournament play“We’re happy about where we are, but not satisfied with where we are.” - Coach Stephanie Yelton

UWF women's basketball coach Stephanie Yelton discusses her team's 10-4 start, the most balanced Gulf South Conference season in years, key player performances, and the strategic adaptations driving their success as they push toward tournament play.

Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons discusses the dramatic 40% reduction in homicides, how drone technology and license plate readers are solving cases, his perspective on Florida's open carry law, and why partnerships between law enforcement agencies matter more than ever in 2026.

Award-winning crime novelist Jim Nesbitt joins host Rick Outzen to discuss his latest hardboiled Texas thriller, "The Fatal Saving Grace," the craft of creating flawed protagonists, and how decades of journalism shaped his fiction writing career.

Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons discusses the dramatic 40% reduction in homicides, how drone technology and license plate readers are solving cases, his perspective on Florida's open carry law, and why partnerships between law enforcement agencies matter more than ever in 2026.

Award-winning crime novelist Jim Nesbitt joins host Rick Outzen to discuss his latest hardboiled Texas thriller, “The Fatal Saving Grace,” the craft of creating flawed protagonists, and how decades of journalism shaped his fiction writing career.

Lumon May discusses his father, Rev. Theophalis May."My father to me was just a great man. His mom died in childbirth; his father died when he was five. He was homeless all the way until he went into the Navy at age 15. He served at Annapolis in the kitchen as a kitchen helper in World War II.  And he often said the first time he ever had a pair of shoes, the first time he ever was full was because of going in the Navy. "He became an entrepreneur because he didn't want to work for anybody. He renovated Old Christ Church and the L&N Terminal. Lumon said, "He owned Mays Quarter, he owned a grocery store, he owned the taxi stand and the construction business."

My interviews this week:WSRE Foundation's Amy Day on its history-making lawsuit.State Rep. Alex Andrade on $36 Million Scandal.Theresa Cserep on the City's Childcare Initiative.Quint Studer on Buying More Teams.Rachel Gilmer on the tragic death of Sofia Bennett.

On the one-year anniversary of her daughter’s death, Sandy Bennett-Tidwell took a painful but determined step forward—filing a wrongful death lawsuit for 12-year-old Sophia Bennett, who lost her life in a devastating truck accident on Quintet Road near Pensacola’s paper mill area.Levin Papantonio attorney Rachel Gilmer shares the details.

In the latest episode of “(We Don’t) Color on the Dog," host Rick Outzen discusses a heartbreaking case that highlights the importance of accountability on our roads. Attorney Rachel Gilmer from Levin Papantonio provides insights into the tragic accident that claimed the life of 12-year-old Sofia Bennett and the subsequent legal battle that her family is now facing.

Pensacola Blue Wahoos owner Quint Studer reveals that he’s launching a new company aimed at keeping minor league baseball teams rooted in their communities, offering an alternative to the private equity firms that have rapidlyconsolidated the industry.

Quint Studer reflects on 2025 and shares his vision for 2026, discussing the Studer Community Institute's laser focus on reducing preterm births in zip code 32505, Pensacola's unprecedented construction surge, and exclusively reveals his new venture Community Baseball Partners—an alternative to private equity that aims to keep minor league teams community-focused while expanding youth sports programs nationwide.

Theresa Cserep, coordinator of Mayor D.C. Reeves' Childcare Initiative, discusses the city's groundbreaking plan to convert Alice Williams Library into an infant care facility and workforce training center. Learn about the community summits, the stark divide between childcare markets, and how this pilot program aims to address the $5.4 billion economic impact of childcare shortages in Florida.

Alice Williams Library is being converted into something our community desperately needs: an infant care facility with workforce training space. "If you ask that family that has that childcare need met and it's able to work or continue their education as a result of it, I bet they're going to tell you I like it," says Theresa Cserep, who coordinates the initiative.

State Rep. Alex Andrade breaks down how taxpayer funds from multiple agencies—DOT, Health Dept, opioid settlements, even federal child protection grants—were allegedly used to run political ads against Amendments 3 & 4.The smoking gun? Ads that started targeting teens about marijuana suddenly switched to targeting grandparents—the most likely voters."It was obviously not well-intentioned. It was obviously an attempt to subvert state procurement law and state spending laws to use taxpayer dollars for political campaigns." - Rep. Andrade

The WSRE Foundation has filed a groundbreaking lawsuit after PSC decertified them as a direct support organization while still demanding their money—and even suggesting the board disband and turn over donor funds."You want the money, but you don't want our input on anything else?" asks foundation board member Amy Day. "We need some clarity."

What started as a $10 million scandal has exploded into a $36 million controversy involving multiple Florida state agencies allegedly misusing taxpayer funds to defeat constitutional amendments during the 2024 election cycle.State Rep. Alex Andrade joined the podcast to discuss bombshell reporting from the Miami Herald and Tampa Bay Times that reveals the scope of state spending against Amendment 3 (marijuana legalization) and Amendment 4 (abortion rights).

Why is WSRE Foundation suing Pensacola State College?

The WSRE Foundation has filed a groundbreaking lawsuit against Pensacola State College, marking the first legal action of its kind in Florida as the foundation board fights to protect donor interests and preserve public media in Northwest Florida.

My interviews this week:State Rep. Alex Andrade accusing AG James Uthmeier of stealing $16M from taxpayers.UWF Coach Stephanie Yelton on UNC coaching legend, Sylvia Hatchell.Hale Morrissette on what's wrong with Mayor Reeves' development advisory recommendation.LifeView CEO Allison Hill on a significant gift from the Covenant Care Foundation.

LifeView Group CEO Allison Hill joins Rick Outzen to discuss Covenant Care Foundation's transformative $567,305 gift to Lakeview Center. 

LifeView Group CEO Allison Hill joins Rick Outzen to discuss Covenant Care Foundation's transformative $567,305 gift to Lakeview Center. This critical funding will sustain psychiatry services for nearly 3,000 uninsured adults living with mental illness and substance use disorders in Northwest Florida. Hill explains the growing demand for behavioral health services, the exceptional outcomes Lakeview Center achieves, and why community partnerships like this are essential for filling gaps in mental health care.

Pensacola activist Hale Morrissette is raising serious concerns about the Baptist Hospital redevelopment.

Pensacola activist Hale Morrissette is raising serious concerns about the Baptist Hospital redevelopment and the involvement of Baptist District Foundation.

UWF Women's Basketball Head Coach Stephanie Yelton breaks it down in our latest podcast!"When you and I played, when the coach told you to go do something, you did it. If they told you to run through the wall, you would try," Coach Yelton says. Today's players want to know WHY.We discuss her lessons from legendary coach Sylvia Hatchell, the impact of the transfer portal and NIL, and how coaches must adapt to succeed in modern college athletics.PLUS: Don't miss Saturday's game vs. Valdosta State at 2 PM! Santa will be at the Field House for FREE photos and our toy drive. Last home game before Christmas break! 🎅🎄#UWF #GoArgos #LadyArgos #UWFBasketball #WomensBasketball #PensacolaFL #CollegeBasketball #GulfSouthConference #NCAA #BasketballLife #CoachingPhilosophy #TransferPortal #SantaClaus #ToyDrive

@UWF_WBB Coach Stephanie Yelton on how college basketball has transformedFrom transfer portals to NIL deals, the game has changed. Full interview on Rick's Blog.Saturday: Valdosta rivalry game, 2pm + FREE Santa photos! 🎅

State Rep. Alex Andrade revealed new evidence confirming that the controversial $10 million payment to the Hope Florida Foundation was indeed Medicaid money—and that the scheme ultimately cost Florida taxpayers $16 million, not the $10 million initially reported.

State Rep. Alex Andrade reveals new evidence proving the Hope Florida Foundation received Medicaid settlement funds, and explains how Attorney General James Uthmeier's alleged scheme actually cost Florida taxpayers $16 million—not just the $10 million initially reported.

My interviews this week with:UWF Women's Basketball Coach Stephanie Yelton on building a team in the modern era.Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons on the bizarre Brinks robbery.Pensacola Mardi Gras CEO Danny Zimmern on the new parade route.Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Robert Bender on his tips for prospective candidates.UWF Athletics Communications Director Will Kennedy on how the reality of the transfer portal for UWF football.

Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Robert Bender discusses his recent candidate workshop and walks through the critical steps prospective candidates must take before qualifying, including pre-filing requirements, setting up campaign bank accounts, appointing treasurers, and navigating financial disclosure forms.

Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Robert Bender joins Rick's Blog to break down the process of running for local office in 2026. Bender discusses his recent candidate workshop and walks through the critical steps prospective candidates must take before qualifying, including pre-filing requirements, setting up campaign bank accounts, appointing treasurers, and navigating financial disclosure forms.

The transfer portal opened this week, and University of West Florida football is once again watching its roster thin out. With 11 players entering the portal as of midweek, the Argos are facing the harsh reality of modern college athletics: success means losing your best talent.

Will Kennedy joins Rick Outzen to discuss how the transfer portal is transforming UWF football. With 11 players testing the waters and D1 programs offering six-figure NIL deals, the Argos are navigating their new role as a development league for bigger schools.

Ryan Wiggins reveals the disturbing truth about Florida's child marriage crisis and her years-long battle to change the law. From 2000-2015, Florida had over 16,000 child marriages, with Escambia County ranking as one of the top counties in the entire country for this practice. Ryan shares the heartbreaking story of Sherry Johnson, married at 10 years old to her rapist, and exposes the shocking opposition she faced from churches, parents' rights advocates, and even Florida's House Speaker. With child marriage back in the national conversation, this episode is a crucial reminder of why protecting children from exploitation—even from their own families—must remain a priority.

I interviewed this week:Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons on a major drug bust, Operation Nottingham.Mayor D.C. Reeves on free parking during the "New Palafox" construction.State Sen. Don Gaetz on his bill to fix the state's school voucher system.UWF's Will Kennedy on the Argos upcoming football playoff game.

In this April 2025 interview, State Rep. Alex Andrade explains how a $10 million Medicaid settlement ended up in the Hope Florida Foundation, where it was quickly routed to a political committee fighting a marijuana referendum. Eight months later, we're waiting to hear what a grand jury investigation has uncovered.

Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons discusses a busy holiday weekend that included a mutual shooting incident and an unusual armored vehicle theft, while also outlining his agency's technology investments and plans to add eight new deputy positions in the coming year.