From digital evidence to a series of First Amendment showdowns, Florida’s criminal justice system is changing dramatically. We talk to a statewide expert about how it's affecting both those working in the system and ordinary residents. Michelle Suskauer became the 70th president of The Florida Bar in 2018 — the first time the job went to a former public defender. She says that vantage point and her work in private practice since then have exposed serious challenges to the criminal justice system, including concerns about due process for immigrants, free speech pressures in schools, Florida’s record-setting pace of executions and the growing use of artificial intelligence in criminal cases without clear safeguards in place.

Guest: Michelle Suskauer, criminal defense attorney and former president of The Florida Bar

Then, a father transforms his personal loss into a sky-high mission, raising funds to help other grieving parents. On Feb. 9, five years after the death of his infant son, Evan Pucillo will embark on a 42-mile hike up Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak. The climb is not only symbolic of his own journey to overcome tragedy but a campaign to raise money for RTZ HOPE, a nonprofit that provides support to those who have endured the loss of an infant or toddler.

Guest: Evan Pucillo, father, advocate/fundraiser for Return to Zero: HOPE

And, a local New Year’s Eve event puts a coastal twist on a Times Square tradition. Now in its 10th year, the Amelia Island Shrimp Drop pays homage to the area’s shrimping history and features vendors, music and a fireworks display. The 7-foot LED shrimp drops at 7 p.m. along the Fernandina Beach waterfront at the foot of Centre Street.

Guest: Ramiro “R.J.” Sicre, president of Light Up Amelia