As executive director of Friends of the Everglades, Eve Samples is following in the footsteps of one of the state's most revered conservationists - Marjory Stoneman Douglas - in more ways than one. The onetime journo joins Dara in this week's Deeper Dive to delve into a lawsuit challenging an immigrant detention center in the Everglades. Dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the facility is located on the very spot that spawned Friends of the Everglades and a federal law that's at the heart of the legal challenge. Eve tells Dara about the endangered species that can be found in or near the detention facility and the center's impact on their habitat. Join Dara and Eve for a timely conversation about the hottest topic in Florida news this week. Plus, Crocs!

Forrest Saunders, Capitol Reporter for E.W. Scripps, rejoins Dara in the Speakeasy this week to delve into a week of alligators, vetoes and founding fathers. Forrest breaks down Gov. Ron DeSantis' action on the state's $117.4 billion spending plan for the fiscal year that began Tuesday. The biggest news this week, however, is percolating at a migrant detention center in the middle of the Everglades, dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" by DeSantis and Attorney General James Uthmeier. The journos weigh in on President Donald Trump's visit to the detention center and the host of GOP heavyweights who gathered for a tour this week. And, just in time for the Fourth of July, Dara and Forrest dish on their favorite founding fathers. Drop us a line at [email protected] to share your favorite founding father, a haiku, or just to tell us what you think!

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz rejoins Dara this week for a wide-ranging chat about partisan family feuds, threats against elected officials, and so much more. The Broward County Democrat doesn't hold back on her assessment of President Donald Trump and what she calls the "Big, Ugly Bill" under consideration in D.C. DWS, a former chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee. Are congressional pickups a possibility in Florida in the upcoming midterm elections? Join in and find out! The congresswoman also sounds the alarm about a skyrocketing rise in antisemitism, including in her South Florida region. Plus, DWS dishes about her journey to better health in the kitchen. Find out more about that on Insta at @CleanCookingCongresswoman!

Forecasters are predicting another above-average hurricane season, but Deeper Dive's got you covered. National Weather Service Warning Coordination Meteorologist Mark Wool joins Dara in the Speakeasy this week with details about the forecast and tips for storm prep and response. Mark also shares some good news about recent staff cuts at NWS and the National Hurricane Center. The meteorologist also discusses the reality of global warming and its impact. Plus, snacks, generators and so much more!

  Want more down-low on weather highs and lows? The National Weather Service is offering virtual tropical storm training next month. Divas can register at weather.gov/tallahassee.

The boys are back! E.W. Scripps Capitol Reporter Forrest Saunders and Spectrum News Capitol Reporter Jason Delgado join Dara in the Speakeasy to break down a week chockfull of news. Oh, no! Ono's a no go! Dara and the dynamic duo dig into a momentous decision by the state university system's Board of Governors to reject the selection of Santa Ono as president of the University of Florida. The chief diva shares what national experts are saying about the stunning move and its possible impact on higher-ed in the Sunshine State. Next, the guys share details about David Jolly, who threw his hat into the ring for governor as a Democrat this week. Jason and Forest also fill Dara in on House and Senate budget negotiations. Plus, Jason gives the inside scoop on hunting down the best snacks and soda in the Capitol. Join us for all that, the News in Haikus, and more on this week's Deeper Dive!

State Rep. Allison Tant has done it all, and then some. The Tallahassee Democrat was an aide, a lobbyist, an advocate and the chair of the Florida Democratic Party before her election to House District 9 in 2020. On this week's Deeper Dive, Allison visits with Dara and shares about her "humble" roots, her fierce advocacy for people with disabilities and the journey that led her to the state House. Of course, the duo dig into House and Senate leaders' legislative impasse over the state budget. Rep. Tant offers insight about the needs of rural communities she represents and shares some good news about Jefferson County schools. Join Dara and Allison for all that, plus Costco and much, much more from the Speakeasy!

In Part 2 of Dara's dive with John Morgan, the pair get deep. John's launching a new political party aimed at Republicans and Democrats who feel like their choices are too extreme. Divas can learn more about that in Episode 1. This week, John and Dara discuss what "faith" means & explore the afterlife. John also shares insights into former President Joe Biden's physical and cognitive decline (Note: This episode was recorded shortly before the announcement that the former president has been diagnosed with cancer). John also has opinions about Gov. Ron DeSantis, Crocs, and much, much more!

Wanna be part of a new political team? For centrists who feel the GOP & the Democrats are too extreme, trial lawyer-entrepreneur-philanthropist John Morgan is recruiting! Prizes are involved... "Pot Daddy" joined Dara this week to dish about his "serious" consideration of a run for governor. In this two-part, wide-ranging episode, Dara and the OG delve into the political landscape in Florida and beyond, have a deep discussion about faith and the afterlife, and make predictions about the future of recreational weed. Plus, John gives his impressions of former President Joe Biden's cognitive and physical health, and much, much more!

Legislative winners and losers, dueling tax cuts and the biggest story no one's talking about! Join frequent guest of the show Steve Bousquet, opinion editor at the South Florida Sun Sentinel, and Dara for a reporter roundtable where the pair break down those issues and more from the 2025 legislative session. Can House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, and Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, reach a deal on the budget before the clock runs out on the fiscal year? The pair also dissect Gov. Ron DeSantis' increasingly pugnacious approach to the GOP-controlled House. Bring plenty of popcorn for this week's episode of Deeper Dive!

Freshly minted Senate Minority Leader Lori Berman and Sen. Tina Polsky join Dara to delve into the multi-layered 2025 legislative session as lawmakers prepare to head home -- for now! Leader Berman, who takes over a caucus of 10 members, also shares insights about Democrats in the upper chamber and statewide, following her predecessor Jason Pizzo's stunning decision to drop his party affiliation just a week before the session was slated to end. Also, is the intra-party feud between Gov. Ron DeSantis and House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, liberating GOP lawmakers? Join Deeper Dive this week for all that and much more, plus Crocs and The News in Haikus!