loader from loading.io

Episode 154: Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Matt Walsh

FSAcast

Release Date: 04/28/2026

Episode 154: Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Matt Walsh show art 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.

info_outline
Episode 153: Calhoun County Sheriff Michael Bryant show art 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.

info_outline
Episode 152: Week 9 Legislative Recap show art 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. 

info_outline
Episode 151: Week 8 Legislative Recap show art 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. 

info_outline
Episode 150: Week 7 Legislative Recap show art 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.  

info_outline
Episode 149: Week 6 Legislative Update show art 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.

info_outline
Episode 148: Week 4 Legislative Recap show art 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.

info_outline
Episode 147: Week 3 Legislative Recap show art 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.

info_outline
Episode 146: Week 1 Legislative Recap show art 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_outline
Episode 145: 2026 Legislative Preview show art Episode 145: 2026 Legislative Preview

FSAcast

In this episode, FSA provides an early look at the 2026 legislative session, highlighting the sheriffs’ top priorities and their plans to support public safety across Florida. We also sit down with FSA’s contracted lobbyists, Angela Drzewiecki of GrayRobinson and Jennifer Green of Liberty Partners, who share their insights on what to expect from our state Capitol during this legislative session.  

info_outline
 
More Episodes

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.