🎙️ Episode 16: A Conversation with Senator and RNC Chairman Joe Gruters!

He’s represented our region in Tallahassee since 2016 as first a State Representative and now State Senator, chaired the Republican Party of Florida, and now serves as the newly elected Chairman of the Republican National Committee. But long before the national spotlight, Senator Joe Gruters was helping shape the future of Sarasota and Manatee County; bringing common sense, building bridges, and believing in people.

In this episode of Chambers, Changes & Conversations, hosts Stephanie Garrison and Casey Zempel catch up with the man who helped launch Stephanie’s own career in public service. The conversation blends humor, heart, and insight from behind-the-scenes stories about a meal shared with President Donald Trump to the lessons learned balancing local roots with national leadership.

You’ll hear:

How Joe’s Sarasota upbringing shaped his political style

His thoughts on this special moment for Florida

What it’s like to lead at the National level

And a lightning round that proves politics can still be fun

Candid, thoughtful, and refreshingly real: this is Joe Gruters in his own words.

🎧 Listen to the official podcast of Manatee County Government: Chambers, Changes & Conversations — your inside look at the people, policies, and partnerships shaping our region.