The new executive director of the environmental group Friends of the Everglades is not that impressed with Gov. Ron DeSantis' environmental record thus far. Earlier this year, the governor granted $625 million to Everglades restoration and water quality projects as part of a proposed $91.3 billion state budget plan. But according to Alex Gillen, the new director, that's not enough. "I don't think you should be rewarded for doing kind of what you're supposed to do," he said on Sundial. Gillen

The environmental organization Friends of the Everglades recently merged with Bullsugar Alliance, a nonprofit working to improve Florida's water quality. It also welcomed a new director, Alexander Gillen. The environmental group was started 50 years ago by Marjory Stoneman Douglas, a well known state figure and author of "The Everglades: River of Grass," and its mission has been to protect the state's wetlands. Gillen joined Sundial to talk about what the new partnership will mean for the future

Carlos Curbelo is considering a run for Miami-Dade Mayor in 2020. Miami native, son of Cuban exiles and former Republican Representative from Florida’s 26th District (2015-2018), Curbelo is no stranger to politics. In the November 2018 elections he went against Democrat Debbie Murcasel-Powell and executed one of the most expensive U.S. House races in the country. Mucarsel-Powell defeated Curbelo in a close and contested race. With the first Democratic National Debate around the corner in Miami,

The Democratic National Debate in Miami is around the corner. For two nights, 20 candidates will take the stage at the Adrienne Arsht center to discuss a series of topics. The actual list has not been announced yet but it is likely gun violence, climate change and immigration will come up. Former Republican Representative from Florida’s 26th District Carlos Curbelo lost his seat to Debbie Murcasel Powell in the 2018 elections. He joined Sundial to talk about the upcoming debates and election.

Sybrina Fulton understands what it means to lose someone to gun violence. In 2012, her 17-year-old son Trayvon Martin was shot and killed by George Zimmerman, a nightwatch officer in Sanford, Florida.

Sybrina Fulton lost her son, Trayvon Martin, to gun violence in 2012. The story gained national attention, as did the trial where the shooter, George Zimmerman, was acquitted. Fulton started the Trayvon Martin Foundation that year and continues to work with the organization to spread awareness about gun violence. She is now running for Miami-Dade County Commission District Seat 1, against Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert. She joined Sundial to talk about gun violence, her story and campaign.

As a child, South Florida artist Lori Pratico did not understand why people told her to be ladylike – and not to make a mess. It just didn't jive. Ultimately she found a way to embrace her true self through visual art. Now she intersects that expression as a self-taught artist with a feminist message to uplift young women. Pratico is the executive director of Girl Noticed, a community-based program dedicated to encouraging young women to discover themselves and their value through community art

In a few weeks, Miami will play host to the first Democratic presidential debates of the 2020 race. Ahead of the debates on June 26th and 27th, Miami Herald political reporter David Smiley spoke with Sundial to break down what the debates will cover and what the prospects for the Democratic candidates in Florida.

Florida is experiencing one of the worst Hepatitis A outbreaks in recent history. The State Department of Health puts the number of cases for this year at 1,466 as of Monday. That’s more than the 1,175 total cases reported in the past 5 years.

Hepatitis A continues to spread in Florida with over 1,000 cases this year, which is more than the total number of cases combined over the past five years. Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nunez announced on Monday she was working with the Center for Disease Control and the Florida Department of Public Health to focus efforts on reducing the spread of Hepatitis A. She joined Sundial to talk about how all organizations are working to increase vaccinations in underserved communities. The United States