Episode 155: Florida Highway Patrol Colonel Gary Howze
FSAcast
In this episode, FSA speaks with Colonel Gary Howze, the head of the Florida Highway Patrol. We cover all the work a trooper must do to keep Florida’s roadways safe. Colonel Howze discusses the size and scope of the agency and how it has been supporting immigration enforcement work over the past year. We also learn more about his previous work with a nationwide motorcycle theft task force and how the Florida Highway Patrol prepares and responds to natural disasters.
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Episode 154: Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Matt Walsh
FSAcast
In this episode, FSA speaks with Matt Walsh, the Secretary of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. Secretary Walsh is a 28-year law enforcement professional who last year was appointed secretary by Governor Ron DeSantis. We cover emerging issues and work the department is doing to prevent juvenile crime as well as what can be done to rehabilitate youth who have committed serious crimes. We also learn more about Matt’s work to reduce/eliminate suicide of law enforcement professionals and why taking care of our own personal metal health is critically important for all of us.
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Episode 153: Calhoun County Sheriff Michael Bryant
FSAcast
In this episode, FSA speaks with Calhoun County Sheriff Michael Bryant. Sheriff Bryant was elected in 2024, and we discuss his first year in office as well as ways in which he is working to improve the lives of the citizens he serves. Learn about how he first got started in the sheriff’s office, his time with the Blountstown Police Department and why he eventually decided to run for sheriff. We also cover the important work his office is doing to help those reenter society and why addressing mental health issues is a top priority.
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Episode 152: Week 9 Legislative Recap
FSAcast
In the final episode of the 60-day regular session, FSA provides an update on where things stand as the legislative session comes to a close (sort of) and reviews the sheriffs’ priority issues that made it across the finish line this year. FSA then sits down with Representative Yvette Benarroch to discuss her bill, which passed this session and takes an important step toward addressing growing safety concerns surrounding e-bikes and scooters, particularly among youth across the state.
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Episode 151: Week 8 Legislative Recap
FSAcast
In this episode, FSA provides a Week 8 legislative recap. We discuss the status of the state budget and then sit down with Rep. Chuck Brannan to reflect on his eight years in the Florida Legislature, where he has been a leading voice on public safety issues, as he prepares to wrap up his final term in office.
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Episode 150: Week 7 Legislative Recap
FSAcast
In this episode, FSA provides an update on the sheriffs’ top legislative priorities as the 2026 Session enters its final stretch, with a special focus on school safety. We highlight HB 757, sponsored by Representative Michelle Salzman, which would expand Florida’s Guardian Program to colleges and universities, and also cover other key bills that advanced this week, including measures enhancing public safety, updating search warrant procedures, and tightening sexual offender restrictions.
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Episode 149: Week 6 Legislative Update
FSAcast
In this episode, FSA shares an update on two of the sheriffs’ top legislative priorities as the 2026 Session enters its final stretch and attention turns to the state budget. With only three weeks remaining before the Legislature is scheduled to adjourn on March 13 and budget negotiations on the horizon, we’re joined by Erin Rock of The Southern Group to break down the state budget, including where things stand and what to expect in the weeks ahead.
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Episode 148: Week 4 Legislative Recap
FSAcast
In this episode, the Florida Sheriffs Association provides a Week 4 legislative recap and then sits down with Representative Dan Daley (District 96). Representative Daley discusses his background growing up in Broward County, his path from prosecutor to public service, Alyssa’s Law, and how his experience in local government shaped his approach to public safety legislation.
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Episode 147: Week 3 Legislative Recap
FSAcast
This week on FSACast, we recap Week 3 of Florida’s legislative session and the strong show of support for law enforcement at the FSA Sheriff’s Winter Conference in Ponte Vedra. Members of the Florida Cabinet, including Gov. Ron DeSantis, joined 60 of Florida’s 67 sheriffs as a clear message rang out: Florida stands behind those who uphold the law. State leaders reaffirmed their commitment to investing in public safety professionals and ensuring they have the support needed to protect their communities.
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Episode 146: Week 1 Legislative Recap
FSAcast
In this episode, FSA kicks off the legislative session with a Week 1 recap, discussing the governor’s State of the State address and opening-day remarks from the speaker of the House and the Senate president. We then sat down with Capt. Abby Hilley of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office to discuss a bill that is especially important to the agency and its mission.
info_outlineIn this episode, FSA speaks with Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson and Angela Nandin about the Florida SAFE Act which created a voluntary “SAFE” designation to their vehicle record. That designation alerts law enforcement during a stop that someone in the vehicle may have a condition—such as autism, PTSD or a traumatic brain injury—that can affect how they respond to commands. The goal: safer interactions, better understanding and stronger trust between officers and the people they serve. Sheriff Johnson and Angela Nandin break down how the law works, why it matters and what it means for Florida communities.