Tag: In Focus Shows

Ten days after Hurricane Milton and less than a month since Hurricane Helene, Floridians are still in recovery and cleanup mode. 

As residents transition from cleanup to repair, what do they need to know right off the bat? What are the resources available? What are the overall do’s and don’ts when it comes to insurance and claims and getting back to normal? 

Guests:

• State Rep. Jennifer Canady [R], District 50, Lakeland
• State Rep. Adam Anderson [R], District 57, Tarpon Springs

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Experts say one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime — that’s one person every 12 minutes in the U.S.

The two greatest risk factors of breast cancer are being female and getting older. It’s estimated that 168,000 women in the U.S have breast cancer, and to be clear, it’s not just a woman-only disease. An estimated 2,790 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024, and about 530 are expected to die from the disease. 

Also, Black women in the U.S. are about 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women. 

How can we reverse those numbers and trends?

Guests:

• Mayor Trish Pfeiffer, Bartow
• Ashley Lloyd, Director, Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida
• Dr. Hatem Soliman, Medical & Breast Oncologist, Moffitt Cancer Center

J. Alex Kelly currently leads FloridaCommerce as Florida’s Secretary of Commerce.

Prior to his appointment, Kelly held the deputy chief of staff role in the Governor’s Office since April 2021.

Kelly has an extensive background and expertise in education and economic development having served as the vice president for the Foundation of Excellence in Education and the chief of staff to then-Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran in 2019.

In total, Kelly held roles in the Florida House of Representatives on the three occasions and in the Florida Senate — including staff director for the Redistricting Committee in the Florida House of Representatives and chief analyst for the House’s Select Policy Council on Strategic and Economic Planning.

He served as the chief of staff for the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, and legislative affairs director at the Florida Department of Corrections and the Florida Department of Elder Affairs.

Kelly earned both a bachelor’s degree in political science from York University of Pennsylvania, and a master’s degree in political science from the University of Florida.

Ask the average Floridian what our economy driver is and you’ll probably hear the word “tourism,” and while tourism does make up a significant part of our economy, it’s not the only component. 

The Sunshine State, which has been growing in population for years, is home to a robust agricultural industry. 

From well-known products like Florida citrus, strawberries, and tomatoes, there are also other products that may not get the same level of attention, such as potatoes, corn, cabbage, and even ferns. 

We take a look at Florida’s farming industry, the products that are being harvested and exported to other states and countries, and the balance struck between agriculture and development.

Guests:

• State Sen. Jay Collins [R], District 14, Tampa
• Scott Angle, Senior Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Florida

National Hispanic Heritage Month is annually celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 for recognizing the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.

As the Hispanic population continues to grow in Florida, we take a look at how state, county and local communities are working to integrate and celebrate this growing population.

Guests:

• Martha Santiago [R], District 4, Polk County Commission
• Anthony Suárez, attorney / former Florida State Representative (1999-2000)