Top of Mind Florida

Distinguished American history professor Dr. Robert Watson of Lynn University joins hosts Michael Williams and Brian Crowley for a wide-ranging conversation on America's 250th anniversary. Watson, a Smithsonian fellow and author of Declaration, argues the nation faces its gravest threat since the Civil War — and draws on the founders' own fears to explain why.Topics include the founding principles of cooperation, compromise and consensus; slavery's role in the Declaration and Constitution; Lincoln's Gettysburg framing; the Electoral College; social media algorithms and the collapse of critical thinking; the erosion of local journalism; and what's being planned for the national commemoration.Florida Historian, America 250th anniversary, US Constitution crisis, Robert Watson historian, founding fathers history, Electoral College reform

Taylor Morgan, founder of Kind Diners Society, joins hosts Michael Williams and Brian Crowley on Top of Mind Florida to talk about a Palm Beach-area movement that's quietly changing how Floridians treat restaurant workers.Kind Diners Society members pay $8.99/month, save 20% at 160+ local restaurants, and help fund a monthly surprise tip — always $500 or more — for a deserving hospitality worker. Since launching, the organization has given back $21,000 to local restaurant employees.Taylor also shares a major milestone: Kind Diners Society was chosen out of 30 local businesses to be the pilot episode of "Brick and Soul," a documentary from Hot Focus Media in Boca Raton, currently being shopped to Netflix and major streaming services. The premiere party is expected at a local theater in late March or early April.The conversation covers the post-COVID collapse of courtesy in restaurants, why hospitality workers are leaving the industry in record numbers, and what led Taylor to walk away from an afternoon drive radio career to build something that matters.

Turn down the heat in Florida politics and beyond. Join Brian Crowley and Michael Williams every Sunday at 9:00 AM EST for the analysis you’ve been missing since our broadcast TV days.In this episode, we dive into a potentially big budget gap facing Florida lawmakers and the surprising bipartisan support for school vaccine mandates.We also take a hard look at the "profound anxiety" in American politics following recent violence in Minneapolis and the shooting of a VA nurse by ICE agents.Plus, is a "Wind-Only" insurance model the key to solving Florida's affordability crisis?#FloridaPolitics #TopOfMind #FLBudget #InsuranceCrisis WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TopOfMindFlorida 🎧 PREFER TO LISTEN ON THE GO? Subscribe to the audio-only version of "Top of Mind Florida" on your favorite platform: ▶️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/top-of-mind-florida/id1818339119 ▶️ RSS Feed / All Platforms: https://rss.com/podcasts/top-of-mind-florida/

Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Wendy Sartory Link joins hosts Michael Williams and Brian Crowley to break down critical voting legislation moving through the 2026 Florida Legislative Session.Link discusses three major bills under consideration: documented proof of citizenship requirements, vote verification procedures, and mandates for pen-to-paper voting that could eliminate popular Express Vote machines. She explains why Florida has become the national gold standard for election administration and addresses ongoing attacks on mail-in voting despite its security and popularity among Florida voters.The conversation explores signature verification processes, the benefits of pre-certification audits, and why hand counting ballots isn't the solution critics claim. Link also reveals that Palm Beach County has reached a historic milestone with 35% of active voters now registered as no party affiliation, raising questions about the future of Florida's political landscape.With March municipal elections approaching, Link provides crucial deadlines and encourages voters to witness the transparent election process firsthand at the new Palm Beach County elections facility. Guest: Wendy Sartory Link, Palm Beach County Supervisor of ElectionsHosts: Brian Crowley & Michael WilliamsProduction: Ko-Mar ProductionsNew episodes every Sunday at 9 AM on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.

Holly Baltz, editor and reporter at Stet News and former Palm Beach Post investigative editor, joins Michael Williams and Brian Crowley to examine the possible connection between disappearing local news coverage and the too frequent disappearance of competitive democracy in Florida. With 50 plus unopposed races in Palm Beach County alone the conversation reveals how the absence of accountability journalism leaves voters uninformed and discourages candidates from running.Holly discusses her transition from decades at the Post to nonprofit journalism, the challenges facing credible reporting in the social media age, and why Stet News represents a sustainable model for community coverage. The discussion covers media business failures, the toxicity driving people from public service, innovative programs like Community Voices training high school students to cover city government, and a sobering reality: hundreds of Florida cities operate with zero news coverage and no one watching how tax dollars are spent.Essential listening for anyone concerned about informed citizenship, government transparency, and the future of local accountability in Florida. New episodes every Sunday at 9 AM.

The 2026 Florida Legislative session is well underway, and the sparks are already flying. Michael Williams and Brian Crowley dive into the heated debate over eliminating property taxes—a move Peter Schorsch calls "dangerously revolutionary" and a "legislative assault" on local police and fire services. We also look at the massive $45 million fundraising lead in the GOP gubernatorial primary and the bizarre historical connection between Faye Dunaway and a tiny Florida town called Two Egg.🎧 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE Subscribe to "Top of Mind Florida" on your favorite platform: ▶️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/top-of-mind-florida/id1818339119 ▶️ RSS Feed / All Platforms: https://rss.com/podcasts/top-of-mind-florida/ 📺 WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TopOfMindFlorida

The 2026 Florida Legislative Session is here, and the biggest fight on the table is the future of property taxes. While some leaders push for total elimination, others warn of a massive funding gap for vital local needs. Florida Senate Minority Leader Lori Berman joins Michael Williams and Brian Crowley to explain why "tax relief" might come with a catch. In this episode:Property Tax Reality Check: Why "zeroing out" your bill could end local services.Florida DOGE: The push to audit state land buys and voucher programs.The 2026 Affordability Agenda: Targeted help for seniors and first-time buyers.Foster Care Reform: A personal bill to give kids in the system a sense of dignity.🎧 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE Subscribe to "Top of Mind Florida" on your favorite platform: ▶️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/top-of-mind-florida/id1818339119 ▶️ RSS Feed / All Platforms: https://rss.com/podcasts/top-of-mind-florida/ 📺 WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TopOfMindFlorida

Your Taxes Your Money The Florida FightFlorida House Representative Toby Overdorf, a Treasure Coast Republican joins the podcast to discuss the 2026 legislative session's biggest priorities. We break down the proposed constitutional amendments for property tax relief, the potential for Byron Donalds to succeed Ron DeSantis as Governor, and why Florida might be looking toward small modular nuclear reactors to power its AI future. Plus, a look at the return of cursive writing and the bill to finally eliminate yellow registration stickers on license plates.🎧 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE Subscribe to "Top of Mind Florida" on your favorite platform: ▶️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/top-of-mind-florida/id1818339119 ▶️ RSS Feed / All Platforms: https://rss.com/podcasts/top-of-mind-florida/ 📺 WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TopOfMindFlorida

Immigration Attorney Reveals Florida's Deportation RealityImmigration attorney Richard Hujber spent his first years working for the federal government before shifting to private practice defending clients facing deportation.In this revealing conversation with Brian Crowley and Michael Williams, Hujber discusses the current state of immigration enforcement in Florida, the impact of workplace raids and detention quotas, and the human stories behind the headlines.He explains why some long-term residents with American children face removal while recent arrivals received work permits, the controversy surrounding facilities like "Alligator Alcatraz," and how the system affects Florida's economy.Hujber offers a unique perspective from both sides of the immigration debate, arguing for case-by-case evaluation rather than sweeping enforcement actions. Brian and Michael provide analysis on the political implications heading into the 2026 midterms.Keywords: Florida immigration enforcement, immigration attorney perspective, deportation policy, Alligator Alcatraz detention, immigration reform solutions, Florida workforce impact 🎧 NEVER MISS AN EPISODESubscribe to "Top of Mind Florida" on your favorite platform:▶️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/top-of-mind-florida/id1818339119▶️ RSS Feed / All Platforms: https://rss.com/podcasts/top-of-mind-florida/📺 WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TopOfMindFlorida

Pocketbooks and Predictions 2026 shape Florida's political landscape as Brian Crowley and Michael Williams analyze the governor's race, Trump's influence, property tax reform battles, and economic challenges facing voters. Byron Donalds leads with Trump's backing and $30 million, but will it hold. Democrats face a million-voter registration gap while younger generations worry about AI replacing jobs and student loan debt. From redistricting fights to the mockingbird versus flamingo debate, this episode covers the serious and the silly in Florida politics.00:00 - Happy New Year and Brian's Birthday Celebration0:50 - New 9 AM Sunday Time Slot Announcement1:57 - Byron Donalds: The $30M Front-Runner with Trump's Endorsement2:38 - Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins: Struggling for DeSantis Support3:16 - Paul Renner: The "Issues Guy" Takes Aim at Affordability4:05 - James Fishback: 31-Year-Old Provocateur Enters Race5:32 - Front-Runners Who Faded: The Jeb Bush Warning7:42 - Where is Ron DeSantis? Silent on Succession8:16 - The DeSantis-Trump War and Susie Wiles Factor10:57 - Democratic Challengers: Dave Jolly and Jerry Demings12:31 - The Million-Voter Registration Deficit Problem14:29 - Building From the Bottom Up: Democratic Party Challenges16:45 - Why Podcasts Matter More Than Traditional Media18:11 - Affordability Crisis: The Driving Issue of 202620:04 - AI and the Future Economy: Who Gets It?22:21 - Property Tax Battle: DeSantis vs. Legislature24:40 - Redistricting 2026: Florida's Crown Jewel Status27:07 - Flamingo vs. Mockingbird: The Legislature's "Hot" Issue28:26 - Wrapping Up: Major to Mundane in Florida Politics📺 WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TopOfMindFlorida🎧 PREFER TO LISTEN ON THE GO? Don't miss an episode while you drive or workout. Subscribe to the audio-only version of "Top of Mind Florida" on your favorite platform:▶️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/top-of-mind-florida/id1818339119▶️ RSS Feed / All Platforms: https://rss.com/podcasts/top-of-mind-florida/

Ken Kennerly joins Top of Mind Florida to discuss the explosive growth of sports in Palm Beach County and South Florida.From running the Honda Classic for 19 years to now leading the James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational, Ken shares insights on how the region is becoming a sports powerhouse beyond traditional major leagues.He reveals the innovative fusion of PGA TOUR Champions with NFL Hall of Famers, the evolution of professional golf under new PGA Tour leadership, and why Florida's sports scene keeps attracting younger generations back home. Plus: the future of golf, gambling concerns, pickleball's rise, and making sports accessible to underprivileged youth.📺 WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TopOfMindFlorida🎧 PREFER TO LISTEN ON THE GO? Don't miss an episode while you drive or workout. Subscribe to the audio-only version of "Top of Mind Florida" on your favorite platform:▶️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/top-of-mind-florida/id1818339119▶️ RSS Feed / All Platforms: https://rss.com/podcasts/top-of-mind-florida/Chapters00:00 - Welcome & Introduction00:43 - Ken Kennerly's Career Overview1:50 - Working with Jack Nicklaus at Golden Bear3:45 - Evolution of Palm Beach County Sports Scene5:32 - Youth Returning to South Florida6:42 - Sports Capital Strategy & Future Growth8:30 - Honda Classic Legacy & Event Management10:26 - Creating the James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational12:30 - Innovation in Sports Events13:11 - Virtual Sports, TGL & Engaging Younger Generations16:06 - Gambling in Sports: Concerns & Protections18:21 - Making Sports Accessible to Underprivileged Youth19:21 - Future of Golf & Junior Golf Growth20:35 - Ken's Origin Story: From Manhattan to Sports Marketing23:00 - PGA Tour's Future Under New Leadership25:03 - Impact of Reduced Tournament Schedule26:13 - Top of Mind: Major League Pickleball & TGL Growth27:35 - Palm Beach County's PGA Tour Future29:47 - Closing & Final Thoughts

Meet the Florida man who turned a childhood obsession into a real-life treasure chest.Irving Santiago is the ultimate kid at heart, but his collection is serious business. In this special holiday episode of Top of Mind Florida, Michael and Brian take a break from politics to explore a massive world of nostalgia right here in our backyard.Irving is the President of UltraCon of South Florida and the owner of over 30,000 comic books, 23,000 Funko Pops, and 14,000 G.I. Joes. From the first appearance of the Green Goblin to original 1930s memorabilia, we dive into the joy of collecting and the incredible story of how he bought three properties with cash... just by selling toys.Grab a cup of coffee (or eggnog) and enjoy this trip down memory lane. It’s a reminder that keeping your imagination alive is the best gift of all.WE ARE BACK ON SUNDAY MORNINGS! ☀️ "Top of Mind Florida" has officially moved. Join us every Sunday at 9:00 AM EST for the honest, deep-dive analysis you’ve been missing since our broadcast TV days. #Comics #Collecting #FloridaCHAPTERS00:00 Intro00:28 What is UltraCon?01:45 The First Green Goblin (1960s)02:54 Why We Love Comic Cons04:17 Buying Real Estate with Toys06:58 The Psychology of Superheroes09:03 The Super Toy Show Days11:27 The Great Debate: Best Batman?14:16 Worst Comic Book Movie?16:36 Inside the 30,000 Item Collection20:25 Future Events & Charity Work📺 WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TopOfMindFlorida🎧 PREFER TO LISTEN ON THE GO? Don't miss an episode while you drive or workout. Subscribe to the audio-only version of "Top of Mind Florida" on your favorite platform:▶️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/top-of-mind-florida/id1818339119▶️ RSS Feed / All Platforms: https://rss.com/podcasts/top-of-mind-florida/

"Who do I trust for my news?" It is a big question Floridians are asking in 2025.In this inaugural Sunday morning episode of Top of Mind Florida, hosts Michael Williams and Brian Crowley review the massive political shifts of the year. We cut through the media echo chamber to analyze the consolidation of power in Tallahassee, the erosion of the "Sunshine Law," and the new federal immigration policies causing anxiety across South Florida. Topics Discussed:The "Alligator Alcatraz" Mystery: Why are inmate records disappearing from public view?Immigration Anxiety: How federal "pauses" and deportation rhetoric are hitting Florida communities.The Power Grab: Has the "Red State" monopoly killed local control?The Democratic Bench: Why the opposition party can't seem to recruit a winning team (explained with a Gators football analogy).Media Distrust: Navigating the "Information Chaos" to find the truth.📺 WATCH THIS EPISODE See the full discussion in our new studio setting on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TopOfMindFlorida#FloridaPolitics #DeSantis #MediaBias #TruthInMedia #SundayMorning #TopOfMindFlorida #2025Review #SunshineLaw #ImmigrationNewsChapters:0:00 - Sunday Morning is Back2:39 - 2025 Review: The Decline of Florida Openness5:20 - "Alligator Alcatraz": Where are the Prisoners?7:10 - Immigrant Anxiety: Deportation Fears in South Florida10:55 - The Tallahassee Power Grab vs. Local Control13:25 - How COVID Solidified the "Red State" Reality17:40 - Why Democrats Can’t Build a Bench24:10 - The Vanishing Casey DeSantis?27:00 - Media Distrust: Finding Truth in 202534:55 - The Great Bird Debate: Flamingo vs. MockingbirdConnect with Us:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TopOfMindFloridaWebsite: https://rss.com/podcasts/top-of-mind-florida/

On December 14, we return to our 14-year tradition of Florida Sunday morning news analysis.We are moving Top of Mind Florida back to the time slot where we spent over a decade with you. In a media landscape often defined by shouting matches, we are recommitting to the quiet work of civil analysis and storytelling.From the 2026 Governor’s race to conversations with civic leaders, environmentalists, rocket engineers, authors, sports gurus, musicians, comedians and more...our goal remains the same: Headlines, Hard Questions, and Humor.#FloridaNews #SundayMorning #TopOfMindFlorida #RealJournalismThe New Schedule:When: Sundays at 9:00 AM EST (Starting Dec 14).Where: Right here in your podcast feed.Action Item: Please ensure you are following the show so the new Sunday episodes automatically appear in your library.Watch the Announcement: See us back in the studio on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TopOfMindFlorida

The have nots keep growing in the Sunshine State, and the 'Florida Dream' is becoming a nightmare for working families. Are we pricing the middle class out of the Sunshine State?In this episode, Michael Williams and Brian Crowley sit down with Paige Shortsleeves (Executive Director, PEACE) to discuss the hidden economic crisis in Palm Beach County. They explore why some families are working three jobs and sleeping in cars, and how new laws criminalizing homelessness are impacting the most vulnerable.Plus, Brian Crowley breaks down the political reality: With cost of living skyrocketing, is the "Red State" label hiding a massive block of dissatisfied Independent voters?#FloridaLife #HousingCrisis #FloridaPolitics #PalmBeachCounty #CostOfLiving #Homelessness #PoliticalAnalysis #TopOfMindFlorida

In this episode on Florida sea turtle conservation, we look in on the Loggerhead Marinelife Center Pres/CEO to see how Florida wildlife is surviving the condo boom. Andy Dehart discusses sea turtle nesting season, the 1-in-1,000 survival rate, and the fight to save our oceans. Despite rising ocean temperatures and booming coastal development, Florida is pulling off a conservation miracle. The Green Sea Turtle was recently de-listed from "endangered" to "least concern"—but the fight isn't over. Michael Williams and Brian Crowley hear Andy Dehart, CEO of the Loggerhead Marinelife Center (USA Today's "Best Free Attraction") discuss how this "Center of Hope" is rehabilitating injured turtles, using $7,500 satellite tags to track their "reverse snowbird" migrations to Canada, and proving that humans and nature can coexist—even on the "Serengeti" of the Florida coast. #FloridaSeaTurtles #OceanConservation #JunoBeach #SaveTheTurtles

Florida’s affordability crisis collides with the 2026 governor’s race as Michael Williams and Brian Crowley unpack the rising push to reduce—or even eliminate—property taxes in Florida. What’s real policy and what’s political theater? What happens to essential services if the cuts happen? The discussion broadens to the fast-shifting governor’s race field, pocketbook pressures across Florida, storm devastation in Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba, and rising U.S.–Venezuela tensions affecting South Florida families. Plus, Brian reflects on the 2000 election recount 25 years later, and the hosts dig into America’s growing struggle with misinformation and trustworthy news in the AI era.Includes full chapter list for easy navigation.#FloridaPolitics #PropertyTaxes #FloridaElection #TopOfMindFlorida

Rural areas in Florida are being hard hit by the Congressional shutdown. In this episode of Top of Mind Florida, Brian Crowley and Michael Williams discuss this critical issue with Karis Engle, President and CEO of nonprofit The Glades Initiative. Food is becoming tougher to obtain. High percentage of people in poverty depend on food help. Many are employed but are not earning enough to meet increasing living costs. Seniors are struggling to afford the basics. An important conversation about an issue harming many Floridians.00:00 – Opening and Guest IntroductionBrian Crowley and Michael Williams welcome Karis Engle President and CEO of Glades Initiative, a nonprofit addressing health and human service care needs in the Glades. 01:08 – Rural Florida is being hit hard by government shutdownEngle talks about struggling families and seniors who face food insecurity and shortages of other needed services. There is a high level of poverty and more isolation from resources available on the coast. 03:26 – Employment is an issue for manyEngle describes how most people receiving SNAP and other program benefits are employed but it is not enough. 07:20 – Needs are growing and there is no solution in sight.She says the federal and state government is not as reliable as it once was and those in need are depending more on local organizations and the community to help them. 11:17 – There are many ways people can helpEngle encourages people to volunteer, donate, and get involved. She says that it is the best way for people to make a difference in the lives of families and seniors who need help. And she talks about people who do get involved. 18:23 – A childhood that led to a desire to help othersA high school trip led to Engle’s future belief in helping others. 21:41 – Post interview analysisBrian and Michael discuss the complicated issues impacting the Glades, rural Florida and many others affected by government cutbacks. 25:21 – Closing ThoughtsBrian and Michael discuss the Florida governor’s race and more. They encourage you to subscribe and stay engaged.

In this episode of Top of Mind Florida, Urban League of Palm Beach County President Patrick Franklin joins Michael Williams and Brian Crowley for a hard look at how Floridians are struggling to make ends meet as the gap between the haves and have-nots widens.From nonprofit funding cuts and vanishing workforce housing to the loss of skilled labor and new voter restrictions, Franklin explains how everyday families are being squeezed from every direction — higher prices, fewer jobs, and less stability.He describes how sudden federal and state defunding threw many seniors out of work, how corporate donors pulled back under political pressure, and why essential immigrant workers are disappearing from the very industries that keep Florida running.It’s a candid, urgent conversation about the cost of living, economic inequality, and what leadership — and ordinary citizens — can do to close Florida’s growing gulf.#TopOfMindFlorida #FloridaEconomy #CostOfLiving #UrbanLeague

From breast cancer awareness to the rise in cancers among younger adults, early detection can mean the difference between life and death.In this episode, Pap Corps Publicist Kay Renz joins Brian and Michael to discuss groundbreaking research happening at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Health System — including how artificial intelligence is helping speed mammogram analysis and may one day help revolutionize breast cancer screening and diagnosis.Kay also shares her own health scare, the importance of self-advocacy, the $110M+ Pap Corps has raised for research, and how community support saves lives. Michael and Brian reflect on family journeys, support systems, and an aging Florida population that urgently needs better access to care. A powerful reminder: ask questions, get screened, and don’t face health challenges alone.Cancer Advocacy, Early Detection, Pap Corps, AI in Medicine#TopOfMindFlorida #EarlyDetection #CancerCare #PapCorps #UniversityOfMiamiHealthSystem #HealthAdvocacy #Florida