x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

Chambers, Changes & Conversations - the official podcast of Manatee County Government

Manatee County Government

Chambers, Changes and Conversations is the official podcast of Manatee County Government on the West Coast of Florida. Our region includes the cities of Bradenton, Palmetto, Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, Myakka, the town of Longboat Key and the communities of Lakewood Ranch, Parrish, Tallevast and Terra Ceia. It"s your go-to source for updates on what"s happening with our Board of County Commissioners, ways to get involved, public services, and the people shaping our community

government

All Episodes

46:31

Ep. 21: Chairman George Kruse and 2026 State...

Chambers, Changes & Conversations - the official... ·

2025/11/10

Ever wonder how Manatee County’s biggest projects and policy goals make it to Tallahassee? In this episode of Chambers, Changes & Conversations, speak with Chairman George Kruse to unpack the 2026 Manatee County Legislative Priorities - the projects, policies, and partnerships shaping our county’s future.We talk about property taxes and SB 180 and a local bill for Manatee County to give back home rule related to our Library Advisory board. We walk through the major projects we're requesting

en

46:42

Ep.20: Supervisor of Elections, Scott Farrington

Chambers, Changes & Conversations - the official... ·

2025/11/03

🎙️ Trust, Technology, and Transparency: Inside Manatee County ElectionsWe’re back with Scott Farrington, Supervisor of Elections in Manatee County, elected in 2024.This time, we’re talking about one of the most essential parts of public service: trust. Trust that your vote counts, your ballot is secure, and democracy is in good hands. And the person making sure of that in Manatee County is Supervisor of Elections Scott Farrington.With more than 75 elections under his belt and a background in

en

38:07

Episode 19: Utilities Director, Pat Shea, and Deputy...

Chambers, Changes & Conversations - the official... ·

2025/10/27

We’re diving into one of the most essential — and often overlooked — parts of daily life in Manatee County: Utilities. From the brand-new 96-gallon Big Bins rolling out across neighborhoods to cutting-edge renewable energy and smart water technology, this episode is packed with innovation, sustainability, and a behind-the-scenes look at the people making it all happen.Joining us are Patrick Shea, Director of Utilities, and Chris Collins, Deputy Director, two leaders guiding the County through a

en

40:52

Episode 18: Dr. Laurie Breslin, School District...

Chambers, Changes & Conversations - the official... ·

2025/10/20

We’re going back to school with Dr. Laurie Breslin, the new Superintendent of the School District of Manatee County and one of the most full-circle stories in local leadership. A Manatee County native, Dr. Breslin has experienced our schools from every angle: student, teacher, parent, and now superintendent.In this episode, we talk about how her personal journey informs her leadership, and how the district is helping every student succeed through programs like SOAR, a new initiative designed to

en

39:39

Episode 17: Public Safety Deputy Director, James...

Chambers, Changes & Conversations - the official... ·

2025/10/13

Episode 17: From Emergencies to Innovation — A Conversation with James Crutchfield!He’s led from the front lines of emergency medical services for over 17 years, transforming how Manatee County responds to crisis and cares for its community. As Deputy Director of Public Safety, James Crutchfield oversees six divisions, from EMS and Emergency Management to Beach and Pool Safety, ensuring that when the call comes in, help is already on the way.In this episode of Chambers, Changes & Conversations,

en

21:31

Episode 16: Senator & RNC Chairman Joe Gruters

Chambers, Changes & Conversations - the official... ·

2025/10/10

🎙️ Episode 16: A Conversation with Senator and RNC Chairman Joe Gruters!He’s represented our region in Tallahassee since 2016 as first a State Representative and now State Senator, chaired the Republican Party of Florida, and now serves as the newly elected Chairman of the Republican National Committee. But long before the national spotlight, Senator Joe Gruters was helping shape the future of Sarasota and Manatee County; bringing common sense, building bridges, and believing in people.In this

en

51:35

Episode 15: Representative Bill Connerly

Chambers, Changes & Conversations - the official... ·

2025/09/29

What state decisions today will shape Manatee County’s future for decades to come? In this episode of Chambers, Changes & Conversations, Florida House District 72 Representative Bill Conerly talks with us about the challenges and opportunities facing our community - and what he's doing at the state level..From his years as Chairman of the Manatee County Planning Commission to his service on the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, and now in Tallahassee, Rep. Conerly brings an engineer’s

en

37:54

Episode 13: Veterans Memorial Park, Lee Washington

Chambers, Changes & Conversations - the official... ·

2025/09/26

In this episode of Chambers, Changes, and Conversations, we sit down with Lee Washington: Marine veteran, longtime Manatee County employee, and now the Veterans Project Manager leading what will be one of the most meaningful projects in our community’s history: the Veterans Memorial Park.This will be so much more than a resource center and a park - it's a national model in the making. Located in East Manatee and scheduled to break ground in 2026, the 24-acre Veterans Memorial Park will be a landmark

en

50:49

Episode 14: City of Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown

Chambers, Changes & Conversations - the official... ·

2025/09/22

In this episode of Chambers, Changes & Conversations, we talk with the City of Bradenton’s own Mayor Gene Brown: lifelong resident, coach, business leader, and now the elected leader of Manatee County’s largest city and County Seat.From revitalizing downtown and enhancing the Riverwalk to expanding parks and recreation opportunities, Mayor Brown shares how the City is shaping Bradenton into a place where families thrive and businesses grow. We talk about the balance of growth and preserving

en

37:08

Chambers, Changes & Conversations: Manatee County...

Chambers, Changes & Conversations - the official... ·

2025/09/01

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on one of Manatee County’s newest divisions: Legislative Affairs. Government Relations Manager Brent Anderson and Legislative Aide Crosley Jones join us to share how Manatee County is pioneering a new way to connect local government with state and federal partners. For the first time, dedicated staff are supporting our board to building direct relationships across local, state, and federal levels of government creating a more transparent, accountable, and

en

50:27

Chambers, Changes & Conversations: Manatee County...

Chambers, Changes & Conversations - the official... ·

2025/08/25

What does the Clerk of Court actually do - and why does it matter to every resident in Manatee County? In this episode of Chambers, Changes, and Conversations, we sit down with Clerk of Court & Comptroller Angel Colonneso to pull back the curtain on one of our most important constitutional offices.Clerk Colonneso, the first woman ever elected to serve as Clerk in Manatee County, has been in office since 2015. She shares how her legal background prepared her for a role that touches nearly every

en

42:27

Chambers, Changes & Conversations: Commissioner...

Chambers, Changes & Conversations - the official... ·

2025/08/18

What does it take to turn ideas into action? Commissioner Amanda Ballard, who represents Manatee County’s District 2, shares how her background as a child welfare attorney fuels her passion for protecting children, supporting families, and uplifting vulnerable residents.In this episode, Commissioner Ballard reflects on the challenges she witnessed in as a lawyer in the child welfare system and how those experiences now guide her approach to local solutions. With Under One Roof, a women’s shelter

en

36:55

Chambers, Changes, & Conversations: Commissioner Mike...

Chambers, Changes & Conversations - the official... ·

2025/08/11

Commissioner Mike Rahn on Port Manatee, DOGE, Vision 41, and Putting Infrastructure FirstWhat does it take to lead a growing county with deep local roots and global economic ambitions? In this episode of Chambers, Changes, and Conversations, we sit down with Manatee County District 4 Commissioner Mike Rahn - Marine veteran, Port Authority Chair, and longtime champion of infrastructure, neighborhood revitalization, and economic growth.Commissioner Rahn shares his vision for the U.S. 41 corridor

en

28:46

Chambers, Changes, & Conversations: Commissioner...

Chambers, Changes & Conversations - the official... ·

2025/08/04

Commissioner Jason Bearden on Veterans, Faith, and Countywide LeadershipWhat does it take to serve an entire county with transparency, purpose, and heart? In this episode of Chambers, Changes, and Conversations, we sit down with Manatee County Commissioner Jason Bearden, a Marine Corps veteran, entrepreneur, and faith-driven public servant representing District 6, our at-large seat.Commissioner Bearden shares how his military background and faith influence his leadership style, what it’s really like

en

60:35

Chambers, Changes, & Conversations: Commissioner...

Chambers, Changes & Conversations - the official... ·

2025/06/30

What happens when a rancher, small business owner, and fierce rural advocate takes a seat on the County Commission? You get Commissioner Carol Ann Felts – direct, principled, and deeply rooted in the land she represents here in Manatee County.In this episode of Chambers, Changes, and Conversations, hosts Casey Zempel and Stephanie Garrison sit down with Commissioner Felts of District 1 to talk about the real meaning of transparency, and why rural voices matter, and her own fight to preserve the

en

36:45

Chambers, Changes, & Conversations: Commissioner Tal...

Chambers, Changes & Conversations - the official... ·

2025/06/23

Manatee County Commissioner Tal Siddique on Transit, 311, and Smarter Local Government What does the future of Manatee County look like? Commissioner Tal Siddique shares how his tech background, passion for transit, and commitment to civic engagement are driving real change across District 3. From 311 services to sidewalks and smart infrastructure, he’s helping modernize local government for a new generation.In this episode of Chambers, Changes, and Conversations, hear how Siddique applies software

en

33:43

Chambers, Changes, & Conversations: Commissioner...

Chambers, Changes & Conversations - the official... ·

2025/06/16

Episode 5 of Chambers, Changes, and Conversation brings you an in-depth, candid interview with Manatee County Commissioner and Board Chair George Kruse. Hosts Casey Zempel and Stephanie Garrison pull back the curtain on local government, asking the questions that matter to Manatee County residents, business owners, and anyone tracking our local government.In this episode you will learn:- how the pandemic threw a wrench in Kruse's public-service journey and the public figure who shaped his leadership

en

40:14

Chambers, Changes, & Conversations: County...

Chambers, Changes & Conversations - the official... ·

2025/06/09

In this week’s episode of Chambers, Changes and Conversations, we unpack the County’s budget process, explore the opportunities created by the new East County campus, and—because we can’t resist—swap a few stories about our favorite furry companions with County Administrator, Charlie Bishop.

en

28:20

Chambers, Changes & Conversations: Public Safety...

Chambers, Changes & Conversations - the official... ·

2025/06/04

This week on Chambers, Changes & Conversations, the official podcast of Manatee County Government, Florida, we welcome a mystery guest—someone no stranger to high-pressure situations and public service. Spoiler Alert: It’s Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske, sharing how her team keeps our Florida community safe and prepared. We also preview this week’s Board of County Commissioners meetings, highlighting the decisions that shape life in Manatee County.

en

19:46

Chambers, Changes & Conversations: Episode 2

Chambers, Changes & Conversations - the official... ·

2025/05/28

This week, we're diving into three important community stories you won't want to miss.We start with a powerful moment of remembrance: the unveiling of the Gold Star Memorial kiosk and highway dedication in Manatee County—a moving tribute honoring fallen service members and their families. Next, we break down Manatee County Utilities' new Big Bin Advantage program and what the upcoming changes mean for local residents as trash pickup transitions to once-weekly service.And finally, we shine a

en

21 results

Similar Podcasts

The Fly

Georgetown"s Institute of Politics and...

THE CONSTITUTION STUDY

Paul Engel

The DSR Daily

The DSR Network

The Lawfare Podcast

The Lawfare Institute

Fora do Baralho

Rádio Observador