Chambers, Changes & Conversations - the official podcast of Manatee County Government
Chambers, Changes and Conversations is the official podcast of Manatee County Government on the West Coast of Florida. Our region includes the cities of Bradenton, Palmetto, Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, Myakka, the town of Longboat Key and the communities of Lakewood Ranch, Parrish, Tallevast and Terra Ceia. It's your go-to source for updates on what's happening with our Board of County Commissioners, ways to get involved, public services, and the people shaping our community. Each episode features real conversations with county leaders, staff, and community members as we break down the decisions and initiatives impacting residents every day. Whether you’re a long-time local or new to the area, tune in to stay informed, engaged, and connected to your local government brought to you by Casey Zempel and Stephanie Garrison.
Episodes
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...
In this week’s episode of Chambers, Changes and Conversations, we unpack the County’s budget process, explore the opportunities created by the new East County campus, and—because we can’t resist—swap a few stories about our favorite furry companions with County Administrator, Charlie Bishop.
This week on Chambers, Changes & Conversations, the official podcast of Manatee County Government, Florida, we welcome a mystery guest—someone no stranger to high-pressure situations and public service. Spoiler Alert: It’s Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske, sharing how her team keeps our Florida community safe and prepared. We also preview this week’s Board of County Commissioners meetings, highlighting the decisions that shap...
This week, we're diving into three important community stories you won't want to miss.
We start with a powerful moment of remembrance: the unveiling of the Gold Star Memorial kiosk and highway dedication in Manatee County—a moving tribute honoring fallen service members and their families. Next, we break down Manatee County Utilities' new Big Bin Advantage program and what the upcoming changes mean for local residents as trash picku...
It's the Official Podcast of Manatee County Government! In this episode, we discuss canal clearing operations, Adopt-A-Palooza, the Government Relations Department, and 9000 Town Center Parkway. Please note: At the time of this recording, $2 million had been allocated for canal clearing operations. Since then, the Board of County Commissioners has approved an additional $7.5 million.
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