Chambers, Changes & Conversations - the official podcast of Manatee County Government

If you’ve ever sat in traffic on your morning commute, wondered why a road project takes so long, questioned how repaving decisions get made, or felt frustrated trying to understand how growth is outpacing infrastructure, this is the episode you need to hear.

It is an engaging conversation with Public Works Director Chad Butzow; a refreshingly direct breakdown of the issues residents care about most. This is not a scripted, polished...

Ever wonder how Manatee County’s biggest projects and policy goals make it to Tallahassee? In this episode of Chambers, Changes & Conversations, speak with Chairman George Kruse to unpack the 2026 Manatee County Legislative Priorities - the projects, policies, and partnerships shaping our county’s future.

We talk about property taxes and SB 180 and a local bill for Manatee County to give back home rule related to our Library Adv...

🎙️ Trust, Technology, and Transparency: Inside Manatee County Elections

We’re back with Scott Farrington, Supervisor of Elections in Manatee County, elected in 2024.

This time, we’re talking about one of the most essential parts of public service: trust. Trust that your vote counts, your ballot is secure, and democracy is in good hands. And the person making sure of that in Manatee County is Supervisor of Elections Scott Farrington.

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We’re diving into one of the most essential — and often overlooked — parts of daily life in Manatee County: Utilities. From the brand-new 96-gallon Big Bins rolling out across neighborhoods to cutting-edge renewable energy and smart water technology, this episode is packed with innovation, sustainability, and a behind-the-scenes look at the people making it all happen.

Joining us are Patrick Shea, Director of Utilities, and Chris Co...

We’re going back to school with Dr. Laurie Breslin, the new Superintendent of the School District of Manatee County and one of the most full-circle stories in local leadership. A Manatee County native, Dr. Breslin has experienced our schools from every angle: student, teacher, parent, and now superintendent.

In this episode, we talk about how her personal journey informs her leadership, and how the district is helping every student ...

Episode 17: From Emergencies to Innovation — A Conversation with James Crutchfield!

He’s led from the front lines of emergency medical services for over 17 years, transforming how Manatee County responds to crisis and cares for its community. As Deputy Director of Public Safety, James Crutchfield oversees six divisions, from EMS and Emergency Management to Beach and Pool Safety, ensuring that when the call comes in, help is already ...

🎙️ Episode 16: A Conversation with Senator and RNC Chairman Joe Gruters!

He’s represented our region in Tallahassee since 2016 as first a State Representative and now State Senator, chaired the Republican Party of Florida, and now serves as the newly elected Chairman of the Republican National Committee. But long before the national spotlight, Senator Joe Gruters was helping shape the future of Sarasota and Manatee County; bringing...

What state decisions today will shape Manatee County’s future for decades to come? In this episode of Chambers, Changes & Conversations, Florida House District 72 Representative Bill Conerly talks with us about the challenges and opportunities facing our community - and what he's doing at the state level..

From his years as Chairman of the Manatee County Planning Commission to his service on the Affordable Housing Advisory Commi...

In this episode of Chambers, Changes, and Conversations, we sit down with Lee Washington: Marine veteran, longtime Manatee County employee, and now the Veterans Project Manager leading what will be one of the most meaningful projects in our community’s history: the Veterans Memorial Park.

This will be so much more than a resource center and a park - it's a national model in the making. Located in East Manatee and scheduled to break ...

In this episode of Chambers, Changes & Conversations, we talk with the City of Bradenton’s own Mayor Gene Brown: lifelong resident, coach, business leader, and now the elected leader of Manatee County’s largest city and County Seat.

From revitalizing downtown and enhancing the Riverwalk to expanding parks and recreation opportunities, Mayor Brown shares how the City is shaping Bradenton into a place where families thrive and bus...

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on one of Manatee County’s newest divisions: Legislative Affairs. Government Relations Manager Brent Anderson and Legislative Aide Crosley Jones join us to share how Manatee County is pioneering a new way to connect local government with state and federal partners.

For the first time, dedicated staff are supporting our board to building direct relationships across local, state, and federal leve...

What does the Clerk of Court actually do - and why does it matter to every resident in Manatee County? In this episode of Chambers, Changes, and Conversations, we sit down with Clerk of Court & Comptroller Angel Colonneso to pull back the curtain on one of our most important constitutional offices.

Clerk Colonneso, the first woman ever elected to serve as Clerk in Manatee County, has been in office since 2015. She shares how her...

What does it take to turn ideas into action? Commissioner Amanda Ballard, who represents Manatee County’s District 2, shares how her background as a child welfare attorney fuels her passion for protecting children, supporting families, and uplifting vulnerable residents.

In this episode, Commissioner Ballard reflects on the challenges she witnessed in as a lawyer in the child welfare system and how those experiences now guide her ap...

Commissioner Mike Rahn on Port Manatee, DOGE, Vision 41, and Putting Infrastructure First

What does it take to lead a growing county with deep local roots and global economic ambitions? In this episode of Chambers, Changes, and Conversations, we sit down with Manatee County District 4 Commissioner Mike Rahn - Marine veteran, Port Authority Chair, and longtime champion of infrastructure, neighborhood revitalization, and economic grow...

Commissioner Jason Bearden on Veterans, Faith, and Countywide Leadership

What does it take to serve an entire county with transparency, purpose, and heart? In this episode of Chambers, Changes, and Conversations, we sit down with Manatee County Commissioner Jason Bearden, a Marine Corps veteran, entrepreneur, and faith-driven public servant representing District 6, our at-large seat.

Commissioner Bearden shares how his military backg...

What happens when a rancher, small business owner, and fierce rural advocate takes a seat on the County Commission? You get Commissioner Carol Ann Felts – direct, principled, and deeply rooted in the land she represents here in Manatee County.

In this episode of Chambers, Changes, and Conversations, hosts Casey Zempel and Stephanie Garrison sit down with Commissioner Felts of District 1 to talk about the real meaning of transparency...

Manatee County Commissioner Tal Siddique on Transit, 311, and Smarter Local Government What does the future of Manatee County look like? Commissioner Tal Siddique shares how his tech background, passion for transit, and commitment to civic engagement are driving real change across District 3. From 311 services to sidewalks and smart infrastructure, he’s helping modernize local government for a new generation.

In this episode of Cham...

Episode 5 of Chambers, Changes, and Conversation brings you an in-depth, candid interview with Manatee County Commissioner and Board Chair George Kruse. Hosts Casey Zempel and Stephanie Garrison pull back the curtain on local government, asking the questions that matter to Manatee County residents, business owners, and anyone tracking our local government.

In this episode you will learn:

- how the pandemic threw a wrench in Kruse's p...