Deeper Dive with Dara Kam

Four years ago, Deeper Dive with Dara Kam started as a way to slow down the news cycle just enough for frank conversations about what's happening inside the Florida Capitol and around the Sunshine State. This week's episode does that one more time — and then some. For the final Deeper Dive from the News Service, I sat with a group of reporters for a roundtable recorded right in the Rotunda — the place where so many of our stories began, evolved, and sometimes exploded. We talk shop, swap observations, and reflect on what it's been like to cover Florida politics during one of the most eventful stretches in recent memory. While this is my last episode here, I'm not putting down the mic, so please stay tuned. Many, many thanks to the guests who've shared their insights and the listeners who've joined me on this journey. Much, much gratitude for the team at The News Service of Florida for their unwavering support and for helping this podcast thrive. And of course, special thanks to this week's guests: Capitol Reporter Forrest Saunders, EW Scripps; Capitol Reporter Jason Delgado, Spectrum News; Photojournalist Phil Willette, Bay News 9 Tampa; and State Government Reporter Douglas Soule, WUSF's Your Florida team.

With the 2026 legislative session underway, Dara joined Senate President Ben Albritton in the Capitol for a peek into what lawmakers might deliver over the next 60 days. President Albritton gave Dara an update on plans to slash property taxes, close financial gaps in the state's universal voucher system and address Floridians' affordability concerns. Tune in to hear the latest on the relationships between the state's three most powerful politicos — President Albritton, House Speaker Daniel Perez and Gov. Ron DeSantis — as the men head into the final stretch of their leadership posts. As always, Deeper Dive stirs in a little fun, this time involving a pressure cooker (the kind you cook with, not the political variety). Plus, hidden gems, your weekly haiku, and more!

Happy New Year, Divas! Capitol reporters Forrest Saunders (EW Scripps) and Jason Delgado (Spectrum News) are back with Dara in the Speakeasy to prep you for the 2026 legislative session. Dara and the guys spill the tea on pre-session chaos and power plays already in motion, and dive into a looming showdown over property taxes. Will the friction between Gov. Ron DeSantis and House Speaker Daniel Perez dissipate over the next 60 days and beyond? The sharpest reporters in Tally also dig into the governor's call for a special session on redistricting in April. Forrest dishes up some "talker" bills and Dara goes free-range chickening in Midtown. For Divas headed to the Capital City, the trio deliver the deets on where to dine, where to imbibe and where to slow down!

Divas! Has a looooong wait for a prior authorization ever held you up on your health care journey? We feel your pain! In this week's Deeper Dive, Florida Hospital Association President and CEO Mary Mayhew joins Dara in the Speakeasy to dig into the most pressing challenges patients and providers are facing in the state's evolving health care system. Mary breaks it all down for Dara and the divas in a wide-ranging conversation you won't want to miss. The duo delve into the complexities of Florida's aging population, timely access to care, the financial impact of uninsured patients, and the critical role of the Affordable Care Act marketplace for consumers and providers. Mary also highlights the role of advancing technology — from AI to telemedicine — in increasing efficiency and easing workload pressures caused by staffing shortages. We got all that covered, plus, ChatGPT, Maine and more!

In this week's timely episode of Deeper Dive, we're cutting through the noise to examine the rapid rise of AI data centers. Three experts — Buddy Rizer, Executive Director of Loudon County Economic Development; Dr. David Gattie, Associate Professor of Engineering at the University of Georgia; and Kevin Doyle, Florida Executive Director, Consumer Energy Alliance — join Dara in the Speakeasy this week to discuss the hottest topic in the nation. Divas, don't fear! This stellar panel breaks it all down for Dara and others new to the AI space (lots of giggling involved). The guys speak candidly about the benefits AI data centers offer and the challenges the facilities pose for local communities, such as significant load growth on the electric grid and potential cost increases for residents. Water consumption, noise abatement, and land use? We've got it covered. Listener note: We recorded this episode days before President Donald Trump issued an executive order seeking to block states from banning AI data centers. Plus, "Pit Bulls & Parolees," an AI-generated haiku, and more!

Capitol reporters Forrest Saunders (EW Scripps) and Jason Delgado (Spectrum News) are back with Dara in the Speakeasy to break down the biggest headlines from Tallahassee. This week, the trio focus on Florida legislators' ongoing attempts to tackle skyrocketing property taxes for homeowners, the early maneuvering and political dynamics shaping the upcoming Florida governor's race, and the latest on the controversial process of congressional redistricting. Plus, fish sticks, crab claws and sharks!

In the electrifying weeks of the 2000 presidential election recount, one voice cut through the chaos: Craig Waters, the Florida Supreme Court's public information officer. The final half of our two-part episode commemorating the 25th anniversary of the recount goes behind the scenes of one of the most intense legal and political dramas in U.S. history. Craig shares insights into the unprecedented challenges faced by the court, including the intense global scrutiny and the critical efforts to maintain order and security around the court's operations. Join us as we uncover how Waters managed the world's media spotlight and the strategic measures taken to protect the judicial process during what could have been a constitutional crisis. Plus, Dara shares Thanksgiving tales from the front!

It's been 25 years since hanging chads, butterfly ballots and dozens of lawsuits thrust Florida into the international spotlight, with the presidency of the country hanging in the balance. In the first of a two-part series, Dara sits down with two key players who were at the epicenter of Florida's Bush v. Gore battle: Craig Waters, who was the Florida Supreme Court's public information officer, and Barry Richard, the lawyer who represented George W. Bush's campaign and managed 47 lawsuits around the state. Craig reveals how he balanced the media's 'need to know' with the deliberative court process under the spotlight. Barry takes us behind the scenes of the Bush campaign's legal war room, sharing insights into the most pivotal arguments that turned the tide. Dara provides her perspective as one of the hundreds of journalists covering the story of a lifetime. The trio also weigh in on the lasting historical impact of Bush v. Gore, misconceptions about legal decisions and the subsequent fundamental changes in election litigation. Join us for Part One of this unforgettable look back at a moment that redefined American political and legal history. Did a reporter really get run over by another reporter? Tune in and find out!

Olivia Keller, a fierce champion for people with disabilities, joins Dara this week for an in-depth discussion about her journey to the state Capitol and beyond! Olivia, a public policy manager for a national nonprofit, gives Dara the down-low on the Americans with Disabilities Act and discusses some of her biggest advocacy accomplishments, as well as challenges. Parking near the entrance to a building isn't a luxury for Olivia, who explains why being able to get her van into a parking spot for disabled people is an absolute necessity. The duo dig into a federal challenge to a state law allowing pregnant women to obtain disabled-parking permits and why the statute is problematic. AND: Olivia shares how she once took on Sen. Joe Gruters at the polls - and why! Plus, pumpkin spice, Crocs and dining in Tallahassee.

U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis joins Dara on Deeper Dive this week (from his mamma's living room) in the duo's first visit since his election to Congress this spring. Jimmy gives the Divas an update on the government shutdown and the partisan stalemate in D.C. over health care. Is there a light at the end of the tunnel? The congressman also offers some suggestions about the hottest topic in Tally: property taxes. The former Florida chief financial officer also weighs in on his successor's DOGE efforts, what's on voters' minds going into the 2026 mid-term elections, and much, much more. Plus, potato salad and deep-fried turkey! Also, all of us at Deeper Dive are wishing a happy, happy birthday to Mamma Patronis, who's turning 90 this week!

Divas! In keeping with the spooky Halloween season, Deeper Dive has some fun with history with Storied Paths Owner/Tour Guide Stephanie Chandler. Drinking, dueling and other tales of derring-do — Stephanie delivered it all in her visit with Dara this week. Stephanie shares anecdotes about political shenanigans in the years before and after statehood, and dispels a myth about how Tallahassee became Florida's capital. While in the Speakeasy with Dara, Stephanie also served up stories about how Wild West-style hijinks on Monroe Street helped usher in the temperance movement. Find out how a duel involving the man who was in line to be Speaker of the House resulted in Tallahassee's first police force. Plus, pumpkin spice, Casper and Al Capone!

Florida is among the GOP-led states that could aid President Donald Trump in his quest to boost the number of Republicans in Congress. Amy Keith, executive director of Common Cause Florida, joins Dara in the Speakeasy to delve into the implications of a rare mid-decade effort to redraw congressional maps. Amy and Dara dig into the complex world of reapportionment, partisan gerrymandering and its impact on our democracy in an evolving political landscape. The duo discuss Florida's Fair Districts amendments, as well as a seminal Louisiana case before the U.S. Supreme Court that could have a significant impact on the Voting Rights Act. Amy helps Dara break down all that and tells divas how to "cut through the noise" on redistricting. Plus, Crocs, pumpkin spice and the "local library!"

Former House Speaker Paul Renner joins Dara this week in the Speakeasy to break down his bid to be Florida's next governor. Speaker Renner tells Divas (and the rest of the Sunshine State!) why he's the best candidate to replace Gov. Ron DeSantis in next year's gubernatorial race, saying he's "delivered on results" for Floridians and has the "steady leadership experience" to lead the state. Candidate Renner also shares how his lengthy military career, faith and family positioned him for the race as well as his thoughts on competing against Trump-backed U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds. Plus, Paul Renner tells Dara that successful leaders need to "check their egos at the door" and speaks frankly about what he WON'T do if elected governor! (Spoiler alert: He won't be picking fights on the socials!) Plus, separation of powers, Halloween candy and more!

The dynamic duo is back! Capitol reporters Jason Delgado of Spectrum News and E.W. Scripps' Forrest Saunders are back in The Speakeasy with Dara to round up this week's news. The trio parse Gov. Ron DeSantis' flex about a potential special session on property taxes -- smack dab in the middle of the GOP primary season? Government shutdown, immigration, presidential library? We've got ya covered, divas. Plus, the trio peer into their crystal balls to make predictions about the Legislature's response to a recent ruling making open-carry the law of the land. Dara and the guys share deep insights on First Amendment rights, the 2026 elections and Halloween. Plus, Fresca!

Divas, it's a show you've all been waiting for! Peter Schorsch, the president of Extensive Enterprises Media, and NBC News National Political Reporter Matt Dixon bring their double act to the Speakeasy this week for a rollicking episode. Peter, the man behind the "Florida Politics" website and the daily must-read "Sunburn," prognosticates about next year's mid-term elections (spoiler alert: he has ideas!), as Matt & Dara join in. Matt, the author of "Swamp Monsters: Trump vs. DeSantis — The Greatest Show on Earth (Or At Least in Florida)," gives an inside peek into the ongoing schism between the two GOP leaders & their posses. Tune in as the Peter & Dara dig into all-things-Florida-politics with Matt as he exits the Sunshine State and heads to D.C. Hilarity ensues. Plus, guns, pumpkin spice, & Halloween! Divas, you do NOT want to miss this episode.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly visited Dara in the Speakeasy this week as he travels throughout the state in the run-up to next year's election! Join Deeper Dive to hear David reveal how Charlie Kirk's assassination prompted him to assess whether he wanted to remain in the race for governor. David, a former Republican congressman who spent the past eight years as a political consultant for MSNBC, shares his concerns about GOP leaders' crackdown on speech. Can a Democrat win statewide in Florida next year? David tells Dara why he believes voters are looking for a change in 2026. The pair also discuss the candidate's plans to address the state's property-insurance crisis and alleviate property-tax burdens for homeowners. Plus, crocs, pumpkin spice, and a Halloween surprise!

Dave Aronberg's book tour brought him to the Speakeasy this week, where he visited with Dara to discuss the recently released "Fighting the Florida Shuffle." The former Palm Beach County state attorney gives the inside scoop on corruption in the drug treatment industry and offers some congressional tweaks to boost patient protection. AND ... Deeper Dive zags into true crime this week with Dave! The duo dig into Donna Adelson's guilty verdict and Dave makes predictions about what to expect next in the hunt for justice for his late friend, Dan Markel. Plus, Jeffrey Epstein, the Killer Clown, and Halloween candy!

Craig Fugate earned his chops in Florida as the state's Division of Emergency Management Director before heading to D.C. to take over as the administrator of FEMA. The disaster prep & recovery guru joins Dara this week as we mark the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina to share how the state helped Mississippi respond to a massive storm surge and widespread destruction in 2005. Craig, who developed the "Waffle House" index, also discusses lessons learned from Hurricane Andrew and the state's historic 2004-2005 hurricane seasons. Join the duo to find out what keeps the disaster specialist up at night. Craig talks about climate "adaptation," terrorist threats and so much more. Plus, Crocs and ham radio!

Attorney General James Uthmeier hasn't slowed down since joining the Florida Cabinet in February. AG Uthmeier joined Dara this week for an in-depth discussion about immigration, his drive to protect the state's kids, and so much more. The AG tells the Divas how he is transitioning from Gov. Ron DeSantis' right-hand-man to Florida's top legal eagle. As one of the state's youngest attorney generals ever, the AG also shares some insight about the fresh perspective he and other 30-somethings bring to leadership and governing. The AG also opens up about his faith and how it informs his approach to policy-making. Plus, the Federalist Papers, Hope Florida, and the AG takes a parting shot as the duo bid adieu!

In this week's episode, Archbishop Thomas Wenski joins Dara to discuss state and federal efforts to crack down on illegal immigration. The Archbishop recently hopped on his Harley-Davidson to lead members of the Archdiocese of Miami's "Knights on Bikes" to a remote immigrant-detention center in the Everglades. Find out what happened after the "Biker Bishop" and his posse prayed the rosary outside the remote facility, as part of his effort to bring Mass to people detained at the complex dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" by state officials. The Archbishop shares his thoughts on immigration and detention, and says you don't have to be mean to make America great. The pair also discuss the Archbishop's take on the death penalty. Tune in for all that and more! Plus, music and ring tones!