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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

37:21

Episode 30: Molly White, Director of Sports & Leisure

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

2026/02/27

🎙️ Chambers, Changes & Conversations – Sports, Leisure & Community LifeParks, libraries, fields, pools — they may feel like everyday amenities, but in a growing county like Manatee, they are essential infrastructure for connection, wellness, and quality of life.In this episode of Chambers, Changes & Conversations, we sit down with the leadership behind Manatee County’s Sports & Leisure Department to talk about how these spaces serve far more than recreation — they serve people.We

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46:43

Episode 29: Charlie Hunsicker, Director of Natural...

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

2026/02/13

Meet Charlie Hunsicker, the longest-serving employee at Manatee County, to discuss his impactful role as Director of the Natural Resources Department. For decades, Charlie has been at the forefront of efforts to protect wildlife, beaches, and natural preserves, all while ensuring the sustainable management of the county's precious resources.In part one of our conversation, Charlie takes us behind the scenes of the Natural Resources Department, which is dedicated to protecting and preserving the

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32:15

Episode 28: Manatee County Day

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

2026/02/06

We took Chambers, Changes & Conversations on the road for the very first Manatee County Day in Tallahassee!We had great conversations with Operation Warrior Resolution, SeaPort Manatee, Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), Forristall Enterprises, Inc., The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, The Manatee County Government Relations Department, The School District of Manatee County, Jacki Dezelski from The Manatee Chamber of Commerce, and District 4 Commissioner Mike Rahn.Together, we

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43:04

Ep 27: Drew Richardson, Director of Information...

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

2026/01/27

What does forward-thinking local government technology really look like in 2026? In this episode we talk with Drew Richardson, Director of Information Technology Services for Manatee County, about how his department is redefining public sector IT with cybersecurity strategy, artificial intelligence, data management, digital infrastructure, and real-world tools residents and professionals can use.Drew shares how his team obsesses over securing and modernizing the county’s IT infrastructure to protect

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42:37

Ep 26: Nicole Knapp, Director of Development Services

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

2026/01/20

What actually happens after someone says, “I want to build something”?We talk with Nicole Knapp, Director of Development Services, for a candid and surprisingly fun conversation about how development really works in Manatee County.Nicole shares her path into this industry and pulls back the curtain on the divisions she oversees: building, planning, zoning, permitting, and impact fees to name a few. If you have ever been confused, frustrated, or curious about the development process, this episode is

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54:17

Episode 25: Elliot Falcione, Executive Director of...

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

2026/01/05

Tourism touches more than vacations — it shapes our economy, our infrastructure, and our quality of life. In this episode of Chambers, Changes & Conversations, we talk with Elliot Falcione, Executive Director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, about what tourism really means for Manatee County residents.We break down the day-to-day role of the CVB, how tourism marketing is funded, and why that funding model matters to locals, not just visitors. Elliot explains how tourism

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49:01

Episode 24: Commissioner Rahn & Carlos

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

2025/12/15

In this episode of Chambers, Changes, and Conversations, Commissioner Mike Rahn and Port Manatee Executive Director Carlos Buqueras join the conversation to unpack one of Manatee County’s most powerful economic drivers - and reminds us it does so without any tax payer dollars.We explore the port’s enormous economic impact, why its location matters as the closest deepwater seaport to the Panama Canal and to Cuba (Havana, anyone?), and how global trade directly shapes our local economy. From one

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40:16

Ep. 23, Palmetto Mayor Dan West

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

2025/12/08

We sit down with Palmetto Mayor Dan West for a deep dive into the history, heritage, and heart of Manatee County. Before he ever served on the Palmetto City Commission or stepped into the Mayor’s office, Dan built a career as an agriculture teacher and spent 20 years working and eventually leading the Manatee County Fair. That background shapes how he leads, how he sees community, and how he thinks about the future of a growing agricultural county.We trace the roots of Florida’s agricultural

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43:14

Ep. 22: Chad Butzow, Director of Public Works

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

2025/11/24

If you’ve ever sat in traffic on your morning commute, wondered why a road project takes so long, questioned how repaving decisions get made, or felt frustrated trying to understand how growth is outpacing infrastructure, this is the episode you need to hear.It is an engaging conversation with Public Works Director Chad Butzow; a refreshingly direct breakdown of the issues residents care about most. This is not a scripted, polished county update. Chad talks like a real human who knows exactly what

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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,

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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