117. Florida Shore & Beach Preservation Association President Pepper Uchino
Release Date: 12/01/2025
117. Florida Shore & Beach Preservation Association President Pepper Uchino
Fluent in Floridian
With the longest coastline in the continental U.S. and 825 miles of warm beaches, Florida has a lot of shoreline to protect. That’s where Pepper Uchino comes in. As president of the Florida Shore & Beach Preservation Association, he leads the state’s only organization devoted entirely to safeguarding the coastlines that make Florida so special. And with beach and waterfront activities among the most popular draws for out-of-state visitors, the state’s natural beauty isn’t just scenic – it’s essential to our economy. In this episode, SMPR President Heidi Otway talks with...
info_outline
116. Health Care District of Palm Beach County CEO Darcy Davis and Dr. Courtney Phillips
Fluent in Floridian
How is Palm Beach County reshaping mental health care? On this episode of Fluent in Floridian, Health Care District CEO Darcy J. Davis and Dr. Courtney Phillips share how passion and innovation are changing the game - from crisis response to long-term care. Together, they’re building a model that not only treats mental health challenges but also restores dignity and saves lives.
info_outline
115. Brevard Zoo Executive Director Keith Winsten
Fluent in Floridian
From a childhood spent playing with snakes to leading some of Florida’s most innovative wildlife programs, Keith Winsten shares his journey in conservation and immersive animal experiences. As executive director of the Brevard Zoo, which welcomes over 500,000 visitors annually, he helps rehabilitate sea turtles and manatees, restore habitats and create exciting adventures for visitors. In this episode, Keith and SMPR President Heidi Otway discuss how he inspires people to get outside and connect with Florida’s natural beauty.
info_outline
114. Good News Outreach Executive Director Talethia Edwards
Fluent in Floridian
Talethia Edwards is shaping the future of neighborhoods throughout Florida’s Big Bend region. As executive director of Good News Outreach, she works to connect residents with critical resources that help communities flourish. In this episode, Talethia talks with SMPR President Heidi Otway about her path from Miami to the state capital, and why she believes investing and advocating for people is the foundation for real, lasting change.
info_outline
113. ThreatLocker CEO & Co-Founder Danny Jenkins
Fluent in Floridian
Cybercrime is rising, and Danny Jenkins is one of Florida’s first lines of defense. As co-founder and CEO of ThreatLocker, Danny leads a global cybersecurity company headquartered right here in Florida, protecting more than 50,000 businesses from digital threats that grow more sophisticated each day. In this episode, Danny shares his journey with SMPR President Heidi Otway from the UK to the Sunshine State and how he’s helping businesses and communities stay secure. From the future of cybersecurity in Florida to the importance of staying one step ahead, Danny offers a powerful look...
info_outline
112. NAMI Florida Executive Director Carali McLean
Fluent in Floridian
What does it really take to build hope, support and lasting change in the mental health space? Carali McLean, executive director of NAMI Florida, has some ideas. In this episode, SMPR President Heidi Otway sits down with Carali, a lifelong advocate whose journey from Pinellas County to statewide leadership is rooted in a core belief: asking for help is a strength. They discuss her early work in clinical social work, Florida’s evolving mental health landscape, and NAMI’s role in supporting communities from big cities to rural towns.
info_outline
111. President + CEO of Conservation FL Traci Deen
Fluent in Floridian
Traci Deen has dedicated her career to advocating for Florida, first as a public defender and now as the CEO of Conservation Florida, a nonprofit focused on preserving the state’s water, land and wildlife. With over 34 million acres of land, Florida’s ecosystems are central to the state’s identity. But now, more than ever, they need our protection. In this episode, Traci sits down with SMPR President Heidi Otway to share her journey, what drives her passion, and why every Floridian has a role in protecting this special place they call home.
info_outline
110. Miami Film Festival Executive Director James Woolley
Fluent in Floridian
In this episode, SMPR President and Partner Heidi Otway sits down with James Woolley, a lifelong film enthusiast and executive director of the Miami Film Festival. He shares his journey from studying film management to gaining global festival experience and now curating a lineup that celebrates Miami’s rich culture. James shares that film festivals are more than just watching movies. They offer a behind-the-scenes look at the industry, opportunities to hear from filmmakers, and the chance to ask questions to rising stars. All while experiencing Oscar-worthy cinema alongside fellow movie...
info_outline
109. ESPN Commentator & Reporter Tiffany Greene
Fluent in Floridian
In this inspiring episode, SMPR President Heidi Otway sits down with Tiffany Greene, a proud FAMU alumna and trailblazing ESPN play-by-play commentator. As a Tampa native, Tiffany shares how her father’s influence and her passion for storytelling led her from FAMU’s broadcast journalism program to making history as the first African American woman to call NCAA football on a major network. From her early days as a local TV reporter to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in HBCU football, Tiffany opens up about the challenges and successes of being a woman in sports media. Plus, she...
info_outline
108. Guadalupe Center President & CEO Dawn Montecalvo
Fluent in Floridian
One of Florida's most successful early learning models can be found where you may least expect it – a rural, multicultural community in South Florida with a population of 34,000 people. Immokalee is home to Guadalupe Center, where educators are breaking the poverty cycle and shaping childrens’ futures through innovative educational programs. In this episode, SMPR President Heidi Otway chats with Guadalupe Center CEO Dawn Montecalvo about her inspiring transition from film studies to the nonprofit industry, and the importance of early childhood education in strengthening communities. ...
info_outlineWith the longest coastline in the continental U.S. and 825 miles of warm beaches, Florida has a lot of shoreline to protect. That’s where Pepper Uchino comes in.
As president of the Florida Shore & Beach Preservation Association, he leads the state’s only organization devoted entirely to safeguarding the coastlines that make Florida so special. And with beach and waterfront activities among the most popular draws for out-of-state visitors, the state’s natural beauty isn’t just scenic – it’s essential to our economy.
In this episode, SMPR President Heidi Otway talks with Pepper about his unexpected path into environmental advocacy and why investing in the next generation of coastal engineers may be the key to preserving Florida’s future.