Host Rick Outzen sits down with veteran investigative journalist Duwayne Escobedo to revisit one of Escambia County's most explosive political scandals.

In this candid March 2015 interview, Escobedo—who covered the story extensively for Inweekly—shares insider details about the corruption case that brought down powerful state senator-turned-county commissioner WD Childers and the mysterious death of his co-conspirator Willie Jr.

The conversation covers the $6 million in questionable late-night land deals, the bribery charges that followed, and the lingering questions surrounding Willie Jr.'s death just weeks before he was set to testify against Childers. Escobedo reveals behind-the-scenes moments from covering the case, including intimidation tactics and the controversial handling of the death investigation that many still question today.

This episode offers a rare glimpse into one of Northwest Florida's most significant political corruption cases through the eyes of the journalist who was there every step of the way.

Episode Description:

In this episode of "We Don't Color On the Dog," host Rick Outzen sits down with Florida State Rep. Alex Andrade to discuss the ongoing controversy surrounding Florida's $10 million Medicaid settlement with Centene Corporation and its connection to the Hope Florida Foundation.

Key Topics Covered:

The conversation dives deep into what Andrade calls a "bungled process" - a settlement that uniquely bypassed normal oversight channels, avoiding review by both the Attorney General's office and the Chief Financial Officer. Andrade explains why this represents a breakdown in the usual checks and balances for statewide settlements.

The discussion explores the timeline of events, including damning text messages that reveal settlement funds were being earmarked for political purposes before the Hope Florida Foundation even knew they would receive the money. The hosts examine how these Medicaid dollars were allegedly redirected from healthcare services to campaign activities against Amendment 3.

Andrade and Outzen also analyze the unusual role of First Lady Casey DeSantis in the controversy, questioning why Governor DeSantis continues to make the issue about her when evidence suggests she may not be directly involved. They discuss potential motivations, including rumors about misuse of DSO funds and possible gubernatorial campaign considerations.

In this episode of "We Don't Color On the Dog," host Rick Outzen engages in a candid conversation with Florida State Rep. Alex Andrade about the ongoing legislative session extension to finalize the state budget. They dive into the heated debate between the House, Senate, and Governor DeSantis over competing tax cut proposals—specifically examining the tension between sales tax cuts versus property tax relief.

The discussion provides insights into the dramatic expansion of Florida's state budget over recent years and questions about fiscal responsibility. Rep. Andrade doesn't hold back as he criticizes the governor's approach to budget negotiations, comparing it to the demands of a toddler wanting "mac and cheese."

The conversation then shifts to a deep dive into the controversial Hope Florida Foundation, examining allegations of improper financial management, including what Rep. Andrade describes as potential "money laundering" of $10 million in Medicaid funds. Andrade expresses concern about the lack of transparency from state agencies refusing to release documentation related to a settlement with Centene Corporation.

The episode concludes with a look ahead at how the budget negotiations might proceed in the coming weeks, explaining the difference between the transparent conference process versus closed-door "bumping" between legislative leaders.

In this compelling episode of "We Don't Color On the Dog," host Rick Outzen speaks with attorney Brian Barr of Levin Papantonio about the recently filed federal lawsuit in the tragic shooting death of Senior Airman Roger Fortson.

The decorated airman was shot six times by an Okaloosa County deputy in his own apartment after a false domestic disturbance report.

Barr details how the lawsuit targets not only the deputy who has been criminally charged, but also the sheriff's office for alleged improper training and the apartment complex for providing misleading information that led to the fatal encounter.

Barr emphasizes that Fortson, a highly trained C-130 gunner, "did nothing wrong" in the encounter - legally possessing a firearm held safely at his side when responding to aggressive knocking at his door. The body camera footage reveals the deputy shot Fortson almost immediately after ordering him to step back, not giving him time to comply.

Beyond seeking accountability through both criminal and civil proceedings, Fortson's family hopes this case will help prevent similar tragedies, as Barr notes these incidents are "too common in occurrence and it needs to stop."

The interview also touches on the profound impact on Fortson's family, who were uniquely proud of their son's service and achievements in the Air Force.

In an August 2024 interview with former Florida Senate President Don Gaetz, he discussed why he opposed the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's proposal to build golf courses and hotels in state parks.

"My daddy taught me to follow the money, and when you do a bit of digging and find out that there was a group nobody's ever heard of before called the 'Tuskegee Dunes Foundation.'"

In this episode of "We Don't Color On the Dog," host Rick Outzen speaks with Lindsey Cannon, Executive Director of Escambia Children's Trust, about an innovative interlocal agreement with Escambia County.

Cannon discusses how the Trust is working to address funding shortfalls in the county's summer youth employment program through a proposed partnership.

The conversation explores how this collaboration could potentially help an additional hundred kids gain valuable work experience while learning about local government operations.

They also address the Trust's mission to serve children "Cradle to Career" and fill programming gaps, particularly for middle and high school students.

In this episode of "We Don't Color On the Dog," host Rick Outzen sits down with Florida State Representative Alex Andrade to discuss the latest legislative session.

Rep. Andrade shares insights on his successful charter school initiative, his ongoing fight for cash bond reform, and his committee work uncovering agency mismanagement.

The conversation highlights the legislature's efforts to cut taxes, reduce spending, and reassert its role as a co-equal branch of government alongside the executive.

Andrade reveals behind-the-scenes budget negotiations, addresses the $160 million Medicaid funding gap, and explains how Florida is poised to become the first state to permanently reduce its sales tax.

A candid and informative discussion about Florida's political landscape and the real-world impacts of recent legislative decisions.

From March 2016, Nancy Fetterman and Jim Green of the Pensacola Heritage Foundation discuss plans to honor Gen. Bernardo de Gálvez, hero of the Battle of Pensacola. 

"We Don't Color On the Dog" - Jim McClellan Discusses His New Children's Book on Sea Turtle Conservation

In this episode of "We Don't Color On the Dog," host Rick Outzen interviews author Jim McClellan about his new children's book, "Starla."

The book follows a female sea turtle returning to shore for her first nesting experience and the challenges she faces due to human activities on the beach.

Jim explains how the book gently introduces children to sea turtle conservation concepts and encourages responsible beach behavior like filling in holes and taking toys home.

Two dollars from each book sale will support See Turtles, an organization that provides grants to sea turtle patrols worldwide and runs the "billion baby turtles" conservation effort.

Learn more at StarlaProject.com.

In this episode of "We Don't Color On the Dog," host Rick Outzen interviews Lauren Clark from United Way of West Florida about two major upcoming community events.

Lauren shares exciting details about the Glitz and Gallop fundraiser on May 3rd, where attendees can enjoy Kentucky Derby festivities while supporting local initiatives.

She also highlights the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive on May 10th, explaining how this simple mailbox donation program helps local food banks. Lauren discusses United Way's broader impact through their 211 resource line, disaster relief efforts, and the 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline.

Join us to learn how these events directly benefit Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties and discover easy ways to get involved.