In the electrifying weeks of the 2000 presidential election recount, one voice cut through the chaos: Craig Waters, the Florida Supreme Court's public information officer. The final half of our two-part episode commemorating the 25th anniversary of the recount goes behind the scenes of one of the most intense legal and political dramas in U.S. history. Craig shares insights into the unprecedented challenges faced by the court, including the intense global scrutiny and the critical efforts to maintain order and security around the court's operations. Join us as we uncover how Waters managed the world's media spotlight and the strategic measures taken to protect the judicial process during what could have been a constitutional crisis. Plus, Dara shares Thanksgiving tales from the front!

It's been 25 years since hanging chads, butterfly ballots and dozens of lawsuits thrust Florida into the international spotlight, with the presidency of the country hanging in the balance. In the first of a two-part series, Dara sits down with two key players who were at the epicenter of Florida's Bush v. Gore battle: Craig Waters, who was the Florida Supreme Court's public information officer, and Barry Richard, the lawyer who represented George W. Bush's campaign and managed 47 lawsuits around the state. Craig reveals how he balanced the media's 'need to know' with the deliberative court process under the spotlight. Barry takes us behind the scenes of the Bush campaign's legal war room, sharing insights into the most pivotal arguments that turned the tide. Dara provides her perspective as one of the hundreds of journalists covering the story of a lifetime. The trio also weigh in on the lasting historical impact of Bush v. Gore, misconceptions about legal decisions and the subsequent fundamental changes in election litigation. Join us for Part One of this unforgettable look back at a moment that redefined American political and legal history. Did a reporter really get run over by another reporter? Tune in and find out!

Olivia Keller, a fierce champion for people with disabilities, joins Dara this week for an in-depth discussion about her journey to the state Capitol and beyond! Olivia, a public policy manager for a national nonprofit, gives Dara the down-low on the Americans with Disabilities Act and discusses some of her biggest advocacy accomplishments, as well as challenges. Parking near the entrance to a building isn't a luxury for Olivia, who explains why being able to get her van into a parking spot for disabled people is an absolute necessity. The duo dig into a federal challenge to a state law allowing pregnant women to obtain disabled-parking permits and why the statute is problematic. AND: Olivia shares how she once took on Sen. Joe Gruters at the polls - and why! Plus, pumpkin spice, Crocs and dining in Tallahassee.

Olivia Keller, a fierce champion for people with disabilities, joins Dara this week for an in-depth discussion about her journey to the state Capitol and beyond! Olivia, a public policy manager for a national nonprofit, gives Dara the down-low on the Americans with Disabilities Act and discusses some of her biggest advocacy accomplishments, as well as challenges. Parking near the entrance to a building isn't a luxury for Olivia, who explains why being able to get her van into a parking spot for disabled people is an absolute necessity. The duo dig into a federal challenge to a state law allowing pregnant women to obtain disabled-parking permits and why the statute is problematic. AND: Olivia shares how she once took on Sen. Joe Gruters at the polls - and why! Plus, pumpkin spice, Crocs and dining in Tallahassee.

U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis joins Dara on Deeper Dive this week (from his mamma's living room) in the duo's first visit since his election to Congress this spring. Jimmy gives the Divas an update on the government shutdown and the partisan stalemate in D.C. over health care. Is there a light at the end of the tunnel? The congressman also offers some suggestions about the hottest topic in Tally: property taxes. The former Florida chief financial officer also weighs in on his successor's DOGE efforts, what's on voters' minds going into the 2026 mid-term elections, and much, much more. Plus, potato salad and deep-fried turkey! Also, all of us at Deeper Dive are wishing a happy, happy birthday to Mamma Patronis, who's turning 90 this week!

Divas! In keeping with the spooky Halloween season, Deeper Dive has some fun with history with Storied Paths Owner/Tour Guide Stephanie Chandler. Drinking, dueling and other tales of derring-do — Stephanie delivered it all in her visit with Dara this week. Stephanie shares anecdotes about political shenanigans in the years before and after statehood, and dispels a myth about how Tallahassee became Florida's capital. While in the Speakeasy with Dara, Stephanie also served up stories about how Wild West-style hijinks on Monroe Street helped usher in the temperance movement. Find out how a duel involving the man who was in line to be Speaker of the House resulted in Tallahassee's first police force. Plus, pumpkin spice, Casper and Al Capone!

Florida is among the GOP-led states that could aid President Donald Trump in his quest to boost the number of Republicans in Congress. Amy Keith, executive director of Common Cause Florida, joins Dara in the Speakeasy to delve into the implications of a rare mid-decade effort to redraw congressional maps. Amy and Dara dig into the complex world of reapportionment, partisan gerrymandering and its impact on our democracy in an evolving political landscape. The duo discuss Florida's Fair Districts amendments, as well as a seminal Louisiana case before the U.S. Supreme Court that could have a significant impact on the Voting Rights Act. Amy helps Dara break down all that and tells divas how to "cut through the noise" on redistricting. Plus, Crocs, pumpkin spice and the "local library!"

Former House Speaker Paul Renner joins Dara this week in the Speakeasy to break down his bid to be Florida's next governor. Speaker Renner tells Divas (and the rest of the Sunshine State!) why he's the best candidate to replace Gov. Ron DeSantis in next year's gubernatorial race, saying he's "delivered on results" for Floridians and has the "steady leadership experience" to lead the state. Candidate Renner also shares how his lengthy military career, faith and family positioned him for the race as well as his thoughts on competing against Trump-backed U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds. Plus, Paul Renner tells Dara that successful leaders need to "check their egos at the door" and speaks frankly about what he WON'T do if elected governor! (Spoiler alert: He won't be picking fights on the socials!) Plus, separation of powers, Halloween candy and more!

The dynamic duo is back! Capitol reporters Jason Delgado of Spectrum News and E.W. Scripps' Forrest Saunders are back in The Speakeasy with Dara to round up this week's news. The trio parse Gov. Ron DeSantis' flex about a potential special session on property taxes -- smack dab in the middle of the GOP primary season? Government shutdown, immigration, presidential library? We've got ya covered, divas. Plus, the trio peer into their crystal balls to make predictions about the Legislature's response to a recent ruling making open-carry the law of the land. Dara and the guys share deep insights on First Amendment rights, the 2026 elections and Halloween. Plus, Fresca!

Divas, it's a show you've all been waiting for! Peter Schorsch, the president of Extensive Enterprises Media, and NBC News National Political Reporter Matt Dixon bring their double act to the Speakeasy this week for a rollicking episode. Peter, the man behind the "Florida Politics" website and the daily must-read "Sunburn," prognosticates about next year's mid-term elections (spoiler alert: he has ideas!), as Matt & Dara join in. Matt, the author of "Swamp Monsters: Trump vs. DeSantis — The Greatest Show on Earth (Or At Least in Florida)," gives an inside peek into the ongoing schism between the two GOP leaders & their posses. Tune in as the Peter & Dara dig into all-things-Florida-politics with Matt as he exits the Sunshine State and heads to D.C. Hilarity ensues. Plus, guns, pumpkin spice, & Halloween! Divas, you do NOT want to miss this episode.