In this episode, FSA speaks with Mickey Osterreicher, the general counsel of the National Press Photographers Association. Mickey presented during the Florida Sheriffs Association’s Summer Conference in Tampa on the topic of balancing citizens' First Amendment rights with the operational challenges of law enforcement. He is also a reserve deputy in New York and brings a well-rounded perspective to both public safety as well as supporting a free and vibrant press.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Taylor County Sheriff Wayne Padgett. First elected in 2016, Sheriff Padgett shares his passion for public service and what made him interested in a career in law enforcement later in life. We then discuss strategies on how to build positive relationships with county commissioners as well as the general public. We conclude by finding out some of Sheriff Padgett’s hidden talents before he became sheriff.  *Note this interview was recorded before Hurricane Idalia made landfall in Taylor County. The beginning of the episode includes remarks from Governor Ron DeSantis and Sheriff Padgett on the recovery efforts the day after the storm. Those interested in assisting Taylor County can donate to the Florida Disaster Fund by going to www.volunteerflorida.org/donatefdf/.

In this episode, FSA speaks with the Bill Frye, president of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches. Founded in 1957 by Florida’s sheriffs, Bill highlights how their three residential care campuses and numerous summer camps have helped more than 173,000 children. Bill has had a chance throughout his amazing career to help many young people and we talk about just a few examples that emphasize the long-lasting work that is achieved by the people who work at the sheriffs ranches. During this episode you will learn about the rich history of this amazing organization and how you can help support the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches.

In this episode, FSA speaks with the new president of the Florida Sheriffs Association Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper. We discuss the biggest challenges facing law enforcement today and why serving in a law enforcement position is an admirable endeavor.  Sheriff Leeper shares his goals as FSA president, and we also learn about a few of his secret talents outside of being a sheriff.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Commissioner Mark Glass. We discuss the history of how this statewide law enforcement office was created over 50 years ago as well as how this Cabinet-level agency operates on a day-to-day basis. Commissioner Glass highlights how FDLE is constantly adapting to address the crime du jour issues of Florida.  We also breakdown what a Fusion Center does and why they play a pivotal role in the sharing and dissemination of actionable intelligence to keep communities safe.  

In this episode, FSA speaks with Carl Herold, the Director of Gaming Enforcement for the Florida Gaming Control Commission. Learn about Florida’s newest state law enforcement agency and how Director Herold and his team are working with sheriffs to ensure our state’s gambling laws are enforced, gambling contraband is seized, and illegal gaming activities are stopped. With a changing and evolving legal gambling landscape, hear the overall strategy for accomplishing gaming enforcement in the state of Florida.  

In this episode, FSA speaks with Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook. Learn why Sheriff Cook decided to run for office in 2020 and how she has hit the ground running by serving on FSA’s Legislative Committee and being appointed the Zone 3 Chair of the FSA Task Force. We also discuss effective ways of dealing with our nation’s drug epidemic and how Clay County is leading the way with its new forensic lab, which will be a great regional asset for agencies needing electronic evidence analyzed. 

In this episode, FSA speaks with Hardee County Sheriff Vent Crawford. Learn about Sheriff Crawford’s distinguished career as a trooper with the Florida Highway Patrol and how it eventually led him to run for sheriff in 2020. We also discuss how his county prepared for and responded to Hurricane Ian last year. Sheriff Crawford talks about ways in which he is building his office to adjust to the many changes that continue to occur throughout Florida and how recruiting and retaining the very best men and woman is a constant challenge that takes new approaches. 

In this episode, FSA speaks with Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman. First elected in 2020, Sheriff Hoffman has taken on the role of chairing FSA’s new Accreditation Advisory Committee. Learn about why the accreditation process is so important to sheriffs and how sheriffs are working together to help support those seeking state accreditation. In addition, we cover all things Sarasota and discuss ways in which Sheriff Hoffman is working to lower the crime rate in a growing and populous county. 

In the final episode of the 2023 legislative session, FSA sits down with three members of our lobbying team, Angela Drzewiecki, Jennifer Green and Tim Parson, to talk about Florida’s record-breaking budget and the successful session for the sheriffs and public safety. We conclude with a discussion on some of the other big issues from this session and our predictions on what time the Legislature will officially adjourn sine die with the historic hanky drop on May 5.