Let's Talk SWFL Podcast

Lee County Clerk & Comptroller Kevin Karnes | Let's Talk SWFL Podcast

In this episode of the Let's Talk SWFL Podcast, we're joined by Kevin Karnes, Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller for Lee County. Appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2022 and later elected by local voters, Kevin plays a vital role in serving our community. From safeguarding public records to overseeing county finances, his office is responsible for nearly 1,000 constitutional and statutory duties that impact residents every day. As Lee County's Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, and Auditor, Kevin manages and invests nearly $2 billion in tax dollars, pays over $1 billion in county bills annually, and collects more than $50 million in tourist tax revenue. His leadership has also brought forward groundbreaking programs, including the state's first Property Fraud Prevention Pilot Program, protecting homeowners and ensuring transparency in Southwest Florida. 🎧 In this episode, we discuss: – Kevin's journey from FGCU to becoming Clerk & Comptroller – Protecting homeowners with property fraud prevention tools – How transparency and cybersecurity are shaping public trust – The inner workings of county finances, tourism taxes, and budgeting – Hurricane recovery, resilience, and keeping government services accessible – Why modernization matters for courts and public records – What residents can do to stay informed and involved Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or simply want to understand how your tax dollars are managed, this conversation is packed with insight and practical takeaways. #LetsTalkSWFL #KevinKarnes #LeeCounty #SouthwestFlorida #ClerkOfCourt #Comptroller #LeeCountyGovernment #FloridaPolitics #PropertyFraudPrevention #HurricaneRecovery #SWFL #LeeClerk #Transparency #PublicService

Florida State Rep Adam Botana on SWFL Growth, Clean Water & Leadership | Let's Talk SWFL Podcast

In this episode of the Let's Talk SWFL Podcast, we're joined by Florida State Representative Adam Botana, a dedicated leader representing District 80, which includes parts of Lee and Collier Counties. Born and raised in Bonita Springs, Adam shares his inspiring journey from growing up in a small coastal town to becoming a key voice in Tallahassee. As the Vice President of Bay Water Boat Club, Adam has helped countless locals and visitors enjoy the beauty of Southwest Florida's waterways. His passion for clean water, environmental conservation, hurricane recovery, and local business advocacy has made him a standout figure in the Florida House of Representatives. 🎧 In this episode, we discuss: – Why protecting SWFL's natural beauty is a top priority – How legislation can support hurricane recovery and resilience – The importance of local voices in state government – Boating, tourism, and water quality in Bonita Springs – What's ahead for growth and leadership in our region Whether you're a resident, business owner, or simply love Southwest Florida, this is a conversation packed with value, insight, and local pride. #AdamBotana #FloridaStateRepresentative #BonitaSprings #District80 #SWFLLeadership #CleanWaterFlorida #FloridaPolitics #SWFLConservation #BayWaterBoatClub #HurricaneRecovery #SWFLPodcast #LeeCounty #CollierCounty #SWFLGrowth #EnvironmentFlorida

Sheriff Carmine Marceno on Law Enforcement, Hurricane Response & Community | Let's Talk SWFL Podcast

In this special episode of the Let's Talk SWFL Podcast, we sit down with Sheriff Carmine Marceno, the 13th Sheriff of Lee County, to discuss the state of law enforcement and public safety in Southwest Florida. From his personal journey to his leadership through challenging times like Hurricane Ian, Sheriff Marceno shares insights on how his department has evolved to keep Lee County safe. We dive into: – Lee County's growth and safety achievements 🌴 – The impact of crime reduction and innovative technology – Sheriff Marceno's journey from New York to Southwest Florida – The role of law enforcement in disaster response – How the community plays a key part in safety and recovery 🎧 Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, technology, and community safety in Southwest Florida. Follow Mike McMurray Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehmcmurray/ [https://www.instagram.com/mikehmcmurray/] TikTok: mike.mcmurray.realtor Sheriff Carmine Marceno Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leesheriff/ [https://www.instagram.com/leesheriff/] McMurray and Members Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcmurrayandmembers/ [https://www.instagram.com/mcmurrayandmembers/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@McMurrayandMembers #LetsTalkSWFL #SheriffCarmineMarceno #SWFLPublicSafety #LeeCounty #HurricaneIanRecovery #CommunitySafety #LawEnforcementLeadership #SWFLResilience #FloridaPodcast #SouthwestFlorida

Brian Rist on Sanibel Island, Hurricane Recovery & Community Leadership | Let's Talk SWFL Podcast

In Part 2 of Episode 10 of the Let's Talk SWFL Podcast, we continue our conversation with Brian Rist, founder of Storm Smart and a long-time resident and advocate for Sanibel Island. Brian shares a more personal side of his story — from the emotional aftermath of Hurricane Ian to the long-term recovery efforts and what it truly means to be a leader in times of crisis. We discuss the importance of rebuilding with purpose, the strength of the SWFL community, and his ongoing commitment to helping Sanibel and surrounding areas come back stronger than ever. We dive into: – Brian's deep roots and love for Sanibel Island 🏝️ – The emotional and physical toll of Hurricane Ian – His role in recovery efforts and creating Sanibel Solutions – How strong leadership and local collaboration make all the difference – Why community involvement matters more now than ever 🎧 Tune in for a heartfelt and hopeful conversation that reminds us what SWFL is made of — strength, unity, and vision. Follow Mike McMurray Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehmcmurray/ [https://www.instagram.com/mikehmcmurray/] TikTok: mike.mcmurray.realtor Brian Rist LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianrist [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianrist] McMurray and Members Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcmurrayandmembers/ [https://www.instagram.com/mcmurrayandmembers/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@McMurrayandMembers [https://www.youtube.com/@McMurrayandMembers] #LetsTalkSWFL #BrianRist #SanibelIsland #HurricaneRecovery #StormSmart #CommunityLeadership #SanibelStrong #SWFLResilience #FloridaPodcast #LetsRebuildTogether

Storm Smart Founder Brian Rist on Building a Legacy in SWFL | Let's Talk SWFL Podcast

In Episode 10 Part 1 of the Let's Talk SWFL Podcast, we're joined by Brian Rist, founder of Storm Smart and one of Southwest Florida's most recognized business and community leaders. Brian shares his journey of building a nationally respected storm protection company right here in SWFL, his continued support of Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), and why giving back has become a cornerstone of his life's mission💡🌴 We dive into: – The story behind launching and growing Storm Smart – Brian's long-standing involvement with FGCU and education in our region – What motivates him to give back to the SWFL community – The responsibility of business leaders to inspire change 🎧 Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, legacy, and lifting up the community 👉 And stay tuned for Part 2, where we explore Brian's connection to Sanibel Island, his perspective on hurricane recovery, and the deeper roots of his commitment to community Follow Mike McMurray Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehmcmurray/ [https://www.instagram.com/mikehmcmurray/] TikTok: mike.mcmurray.realtor Brian Rist LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stormsmart/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stormsmart/] McMurray and Members Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcmurrayandmembers/ [https://www.instagram.com/mcmurrayandmembers/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@McMurrayandMembers [https://www.youtube.com/@McMurrayandMembers] #LetsTalkSWFL #BrianRist #StormSmart #SWFLBusiness #FGCU #Entrepreneurship #HurricaneProtection #GiveBackSWFL #FloridaLeaders #SWFLStrong #CommunityImpact #MikeMcMurray #FloridaPodcast #SWFLRealEstate #SWFLInnovation #SupportLocalSWFL