In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, hosts Christian Hotchkiss and Laura Gerken discuss various pressing political issues affecting Pinellas County and beyond. They delve into the recent removal of street art in Florida, which they view as a government overreach and an attack on free speech, particularly against the LGBTQ community. The conversation shifts to the broader implications of authoritarianism in politics, the challenges faced by the Democratic Party, and the importance of public health measures, especially regarding vaccine mandates. They also address the troubling activation of the National Guard in response to protests and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasizing the need for awareness and action.

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, hosts Christian Hotchkiss and Laura Lee welcome U.S. Representative Kathy Castor to discuss pressing political issues in Pinellas County and beyond. The conversation covers a range of topics, including hurricane preparedness, the role of FEMA, housing affordability, public transportation, redistricting concerns, voter rights, and support for the LGBTQ+ community. Castor emphasizes the importance of community engagement and resilience in the face of challenges, while also sharing personal insights and rapid-fire responses to lighter questions.

In this episode of 'For St. Pete's Sake', host Christian Hotchkiss and co-host Laura Gerken engage with Pete Gerken, a seasoned County Commissioner from Lucas County, Ohio. The conversation explores Gerken's extensive background in public service, labor leadership, and advocacy for LGBTQIA rights. They discuss the challenges of navigating a predominantly red political landscape, the importance of community support for marginalized groups, and the need for active youth engagement in politics. Gerken emphasizes the significance of being vocal and present in political discourse, urging listeners to take action and support diverse voices within the Democratic Party.

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, host Christian Hotchkiss and vice president Laura Gerken welcome Caprice Edmond, a member of the Pinellas County School Board. They discuss Caprice's background, her journey into politics, and the challenges faced by the school board in balancing academic needs with political pressures. The conversation highlights the importance of mental health support in schools, innovative educational programs, and the impact of standardized testing. They also address community issues such as homelessness and the need for inclusivity in education, emphasizing the role of advocacy in creating positive change.

In this episode, Christian and Laura sit down with bold and witty candidate Josh Weil for a wide-ranging conversation that’s equal parts hilarious and hard-hitting. From the disgusting “Alligator Alcatraz” to the real work of finding bipartisan common ground, Josh brings fresh perspective, fierce honesty, and a few laughs along the way. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at campaigning in Florida, the issues that actually unite us, and why Josh believes showing up matters most.

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, host Christian Hotchkiss and co-host Laura Gerken welcome Missouri State Representative Raychel Proudie. They discuss her journey into politics, the impact of personal experiences on her activism, and the challenges faced in the current political climate, particularly regarding reproductive rights and LGBTQ legislation. Proudie emphasizes the importance of local politics and youth engagement in driving change, while also reflecting on the historical context of movements like Black Lives Matter. The conversation highlights the need for coalition-building and the significance of budgetary decisions in legislative processes, concluding with a message of hope and encouragement for future generations of activists.

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, hosts Christian Hotchkiss and Laura Gerken welcome Ana Eskamani, a prominent political figure in Florida. They discuss her journey into politics, the importance of community activism, and the challenges faced in a conservative political landscape. Ana shares her insights on immigration, healthcare, and LGBTQ+ rights, emphasizing the need for grassroots movements and civic engagement. The conversation highlights the significance of celebrating wins while acknowledging ongoing struggles and encourages listeners to get involved in their communities.

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, host Christian Hotchkiss and co-host Laura Lee engage with Commissioner Renee Flowers of Pinellas County. They discuss her journey in public service, the challenges of affordable housing and gentrification, the impact of property tax and homeowners insurance, and the political climate in Florida. Flowers emphasizes the importance of community engagement and the role of Pinellas County in upcoming elections, while also addressing the need for compassion and humanity in policy-making.

This week, Christian and Laura discuss a few national headlines before bringing it back home to Florida and closing it out with the weekly Shout Out or Shut Down.

If you want to join Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas at St. Pete Pride this weekend (6/28 and 6/29) sign up here:

Parade - https://www.mobilize.us/stonewalldemocratsofpinellas/event/772487/

Street Fair - https://www.mobilize.us/stonewalldemocratsofpinellas/event/772505/

We sit down with Kyandra Darling, candidate for Florida House District 62, to talk about her grassroots campaign, bold vision for equity, and what it means to lead with community at the center.

darlingforflorida.com