State of Emergency Peter Schorsch

In the wake of Hurricane Ian, former 'master of disaster' Jared Moskowitz and Peter Schorsch bring back the podcast to discuss Florida's way forward. Sen. Jeff Brandes joins the conversation to discuss the fragility of the property insurance market.
Special Guest: Jeff Brandes.

On the new State of Emergency, hosts Jared Moskowitz and Peter Schorsch welcome House Redistricting Committee Chair Tom Leek for insight into the process — and challenges — of drawing new political maps. Among the topics — redistricting done right while keeping cities and counties as whole as possible. The proposed state maps — the Supreme Court still has to sign off on them — have 19 incumbents facing off in redrawn districts, an unforeseen challenge considering not knowing where many lawmakers live. As for congressional maps, Leek breaks news as the House is filing a brief to compel a decision in light of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ own map submission — a relative rarity for the chief executive. Leek’s other Session issues include supporting law enforcement and making Florida one of the most LEO-friendly states. What are the Democrats’ chances in 2022? Kudos to U.S. Senate candidate Val Demings, a tough-as-nails “rock star” and formidable challenger to incumbent Marco Rubio.  Excitement mounts as Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is set to open; it’s an innovative and unique hotel experience — with a price tag to match. And the latest on Disney Wish, the new cruise ship delayed by COVID-19, but a maiden voyage is coming soon.
Special Guest: Tom Leek.

Joining Jared Moskowitz and Peter Schorsch on a special State of Emergency — the first of 2022 — is House Speaker Chris Sprowls of Palm Harbor (during Session, no less) to discuss Florida’s new major reading initiative to put books in the hands of thousands of children. This ‘”moon shot” reading program aims to promote reading skills of about 80,000 kids and their families. Topics include the recent passing of Jared’s beloved father, prominent Miami lawyer and Democratic fundraiser Michael Moskowitz; the limits of home rule as a “true intersection between local and state governing; a possible name change for Broward County; the role of legislation in people’s everyday lives and how being Florida House Speaker is the “greatest opportunity in American politics.” The next challenge for the podcast: getting Rep. Tom Leek to join in.
Special Guest: Chris Sprowls.

Hosts Jared Moskowitz and Peter Schorsch join Florida health care veteran Justin Senior, Chief Executive Officer for the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida for a discussion on how the omicron variant impacted the health care industry during the holidays, and in what way it is a much different challenge than delta, especially on visitations in nursing homes. Justin gives an update on his priorities for the 2022 Legislative Session, which includes possible budget cuts. The talk turns to Florida’s growing attraction for relocation, where other parts of the county give off a ‘post-war’ feel. Jared provides an update on his father, and how it has been a complicated holiday season; he worries about 2022 and agrees with Peter that comedy is ‘getting soft.’
Special Guest: Justin Senior.

Joining Jared Moskowitz and Peter Schorsch on a new State of Emergency is Williston Republican Rep. Joe Harding of Florida House District 22 to discuss being a first-term lawmaker at the final committee week before the Session, as well as Jared’s recent appointment to the Broward County Commission. Among the topics — representing rural Florida’s “horse country,” avoiding partisan traps, being authentic, and how some politicians are different when the cameras are off. Joe talks about his priorities for the Session, updating the state’s investment laws and the process of firearm permits. They all see a need for both sides to talk — despite differences — on how to balance public safety, personal choices, and doing what’s right. The Republican big tent may be getting a little too big and infighting within the Party could backfire in the long run.
Special Guest: Joe Harding.

On the new State of Emergency, hosts Jared Moskowitz and Peter Schorsch welcome Sen. Janet Cruz who has represented Senate District 18, covering Tampa and northwest Hillsborough County, since 2018. Among the issues — ways Democrats can move forward in Florida after a shocking loss in the Virginia Governor’s race.
Special Guest: Janet Cruz.