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. Each episode features real conversations with county leaders, staff, and community members as we break down the decisions and initiatives impacting residents every day. Whether you’re a long-time local or new to the area, tune in to stay informed, engaged, and connected to your local government brought to you by Casey Zempel and Stephanie Garrison.

  1. 5d ago

    Episode 41: Sarasota Bay Estuary Program

    🎙️ Chambers, Changes & Conversations – Protecting Sarasota Bay, Together Sarasota Bay is one of Manatee County's greatest natural treasures, but keeping it healthy takes far more than beautiful beaches and scenic views. It takes science, restoration, and strong partnerships. In this episode of Chambers, Changes & Conversations, we sit down with Nicole Iadevaia, Science & Restoration Manager, and Megan Barry, Public Outreach Manager, from the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, along with Sherri Swanson, Manager of Manatee County's Ecological & Marine Resources Division, to explore the collaborative work happening behind the scenes to protect and restore one of Florida's most important estuaries. We begin by answering a simple question: What exactly is an estuary? From there, we dive into the science behind Sarasota Bay, discussing how rainfall, stormwater, and everyday activities on land directly impact the health of our waterways. You'll learn how researchers monitor water quality, why seagrass is such an important indicator of a healthy ecosystem, and what current conditions tell us about the future of the bay. The conversation also highlights restoration projects taking place throughout Manatee County. From environmental improvements hidden in plain sight at G.T. Bray Park to the creation of a living shoreline at Rose Park, we explore how innovative projects are improving water quality, restoring wildlife habitat, increasing resilience, and creating beautiful spaces for residents to enjoy. Finally, we discuss how everyone can play a role in protecting Sarasota Bay. Whether it's making small changes at home, practicing responsible boating, volunteering with local organizations, or simply learning more about the environment around us, stewardship starts with everyday actions. It's an inspiring conversation about conservation, collaboration, and the shared responsibility of protecting the places that make Manatee County such a special place to call home.

    Episode 41: Sarasota Bay Estuary Program

  2. Jun 22

    Ep. 40: Decoding the Manatee County Budget w/ Claudia Campos, Interim CFO and Robyn Faucy of Results First

    Manatee County's budget can feel like a black box: millage rates, fund balances, required versus discretionary spending. On this episode of Chambers, Changes & Conversations, we open it up with Interim CFO Claudia Campos and Robyn Faucy, President and CEO of Results 1st. This spring, the County ran a series of Budget 101 workshops to help residents understand how their tax dollars are spent. We break down how the budget actually works: what's required by law versus what's discretionary, how the millage rate gets set, and where your property tax dollar really goes. We also walk through what's happening at the state level with the property tax measure headed to November's ballot - purely informational,, just what's in it and what to watch for. Whether you've never been to a public budget session or just want to understand a bit more about the county budget: this conversation is built to help you follow along. Resources mentioned in this episode: Manatee County Property Tax 101 hub (explainer videos, tax bill breakdown, TRIM notice guide): Manatee County Budget Workshop Final Report Results 1st: https://results1st.org

    Ep. 40: Decoding the Manatee County Budget w/ Claudia Campos, Interim CFO and Robyn Faucy of Results First

  3. Jun 8

    Episode 39: Oyster Restoration Project

    In this episode of Chambers Changes & Conversations, we dive into the fascinating history of oysters in Manatee County, how they've shaped our ecosystem for centuries, and the incredible restoration efforts helping bring them back. Learn why oysters are nature's water filters, and how community-driven conservation is making a difference one reef at a time.

    Episode 39: Oyster Restoration Project

  4. Jun 2

    Ep. 38: CERT (Community Emergency Response Teams) & Com. Mike Rahn & Jodie Fiske

    When disaster strikes, most people think about firefighters, deputies, paramedics, and emergency crews. But long before outside help fully arrives, one of the most important resources already exists inside every neighborhood: prepared neighbors. Manatee County Commissioner Mike Rahn along with CERT leaders Steve Litschauer and Sharon Denson and Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske join us to talk about the Community Emergency Response Team, better known as CERT, and why community preparedness matters more than ever. We explore what CERT actually is, how the program began through FEMA, the role trained volunteers play during disasters, and why CERT members are not first responders, but an essential support system for their communities. From CPR training and hurricane preparedness to communications, situational awareness, and neighborhood support, this conversation highlights how ordinary residents can make an extraordinary difference during emergencies. We also discuss the future of emergency management, growing conversations around FEMA and local resilience, and Manatee County’s vision for building stronger, more self-reliant communities through trained citizens and neighbor-to-neighbor preparedness. Most importantly, this episode is about something bigger than disasters. It’s about trust, connection, and what it means to be a good neighbor before, during, and after a crisis. If you’ve ever wondered how to better prepare your family, support your neighborhood, or get involved in community readiness efforts, this is a conversation worth listening to. To learn more about CERT and preparedness programs in Manatee County, visit: CERT Page on MyManatee.org Trailer Estates CERT Lakewood Ranch CERT Bayshore Gardens CERT Del Web CERT Manatee County Emergency Management Florida CERT

    Ep. 38: CERT (Community Emergency Response Teams) & Com. Mike Rahn & Jodie Fiske

  5. May 27

    Ep. 37: Christine Olson, T.I.F.F.- To Inform Families First, & Matt Myers

    In this special Local Hero & Innovator Edition of Changes & Conversations, Christine Olson shares the personal tragedy that inspired the creation of T.I.F.F. – To Inform Families First, an initiative helping emergency responders connect with families faster during critical situations. Learn how one local story sparked a movement improving public safety across Florida and beyond. To sign up for T.I.F.F. and get your emergency contact added to your license go to FLHSMV - MyDMV Portal - Emergency Contact Information. Also, for more emergency related information please go to mymanatee.org/manateeready

    Ep. 37: Christine Olson, T.I.F.F.- To Inform Families First, & Matt Myers

  6. May 20

    Ep. 36: CDBG-DR Grant Applications with Odugo Ohizu

    The 2024 storms may have passed, but for many families across Manatee County, recovery is still very real. This episode is about Lasting Manatee, Manatee County’s long-term hurricane recovery program funded through Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding and Odugo Ohizu is here to tell us all about it. We break down what the program is, who it’s designed to help, and why this funding matters so much for residents still trying to rebuild after Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton. This conversation talks about the real challenges families face after disaster strikes, the complexity of recovery, and the work happening behind the scenes to help residents rebuild safely and with dignity. We discuss: What Lasting Manatee actually doesWho may qualify for assistanceThe types of housing recovery support availableCommon mistakes applicants should avoidWhy disaster recovery is a multi-year processHow data, outreach, and community partnerships shape recovery effortsWhat residents should do now if they think they may qualifyIf you or someone you know was impacted by the 2024 storms, this episode is an important guide to understanding the resources available and what comes next. Learn more or apply at: lastingmanatee.org

    Ep. 36: CDBG-DR Grant Applications with Odugo Ohizu

  7. May 1

    Ep. 35: Economic Development with Aimee Johnson & Amanda Parrish

    Manatee County is at a turning point. Growth is accelerating, expectations are rising, and the decisions being made now will shape what this community looks like for decades. In this conversation, interim CEO of the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation Amanda Parrish and Manatee County’s Economic Development Division Manager Aimee Johnson break down what’s really happening behind the scenes. They unpack the County’s role versus the EDC, reflect on key takeaways from the recent economic development workshop, and tackle the topics people hear about but rarely understand - incentives, opportunity zones, and long-term competitiveness. Most importantly, they connect the dots between economic development decisions and everyday life - jobs, wages, infrastructure, and the future of Manatee County.

    Ep. 35: Economic Development with Aimee Johnson & Amanda Parrish

  8. Apr 23

    Ep. 34: Jodie Fiske & Kevin Guthrie, FDEM Director

    🎙️ Chambers, Changes & Conversations – A Statewide Look at Emergency Management When it comes to hurricanes and disasters, preparedness isn’t just local — it’s a coordinated effort across the entire state. In this episode of Chambers, Changes & Conversations, we sit down with the Florida Division of Emergency Management Director, Kevin Guthrie, to talk about what it really takes to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies in Florida. We start with a high-level look at how emergency management has evolved in recent years — from advances in technology and data-driven decision-making to the growing challenge of balancing large-scale disasters with more frequent, everyday events. From there, we take you behind the scenes of how the state works hand-in-hand with counties before, during, and after a storm. From coordinated messaging and resource allocation to mutual aid between communities, this episode breaks down how a system of this scale stays aligned when it matters most. We also bring the conversation home to Manatee County — exploring how local preparedness efforts fit into the broader statewide strategy, what stands out about the County’s response capabilities, and how partnerships with the state help strengthen evacuation planning, sheltering, and recovery efforts. Most importantly, we focus on what this means for you. What should residents understand about how emergency management works? What steps can you take today to be better prepared? And what is the one message every Floridian should carry into hurricane season? It’s insightful, practical, and a timely reminder that preparedness is a shared responsibility — from the state level all the way down to each household. 🎧 Listen now and get ready, stay informed, and stay prepared.

    Ep. 34: Jodie Fiske & Kevin Guthrie, FDEM Director
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About

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. Each episode features real conversations with county leaders, staff, and community members as we break down the decisions and initiatives impacting residents every day. Whether you’re a long-time local or new to the area, tune in to stay informed, engaged, and connected to your local government brought to you by Casey Zempel and Stephanie Garrison.

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