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

Ep. 38: CERT (Community Emergency Response Teams) & Com. Mike Rahn & Jodie Fiske

When disaster strikes, most people think about firefighters, deputies, paramedics, and emergency crews. But long before outside help fully arrives, one of the most important resources already exists inside every neighborhood: prepared neighbors. Manatee County Commissioner Mike Rahn along with CERT leaders Steve Litschauer and Sharon Denson and Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske join us to talk about the Community Emergency Response Team, better known as CERT, and why community preparedness matters more than ever. We explore what CERT actually is, how the program began through FEMA, the role trained volunteers play during disasters, and why CERT members are not first responders, but an essential support system for their communities. From CPR training and hurricane preparedness to communications, situational awareness, and neighborhood support, this conversation highlights how ordinary residents can make an extraordinary difference during emergencies. We also discuss the future of emergency management, growing conversations around FEMA and local resilience, and Manatee County’s vision for building stronger, more self-reliant communities through trained citizens and neighbor-to-neighbor preparedness. Most importantly, this episode is about something bigger than disasters. It’s about trust, connection, and what it means to be a good neighbor before, during, and after a crisis. If you’ve ever wondered how to better prepare your family, support your neighborhood, or get involved in community readiness efforts, this is a conversation worth listening to. To learn more about CERT and preparedness programs in Manatee County, visit: CERT Page on MyManatee.org [https://mymanatee.org/connect/news-and-information/news-and-information/article-detail/emergency-management-division-posts/2024/12/10/community-emergency-response-team-(cert)] Trailer Estates CERT [https://www.cert-te.org] Lakewood Ranch CERT [http://lwrcert.org] Bayshore Gardens CERT [https://www.bayshoregardens.org/c-e-r-t] Del Web CERT [https://www.delwebblwrcert.org] Manatee County Emergency Management [https://www.mymanatee.org/departments/public-safety-department/emergency-management-division] Florida CERT [https://www.flacertassociation.org]

Ep. 37: Christine Olson, T.I.F.F.- To Inform Families First, & Matt Myers

In this special Local Hero & Innovator Edition of Changes & Conversations, Christine Olson shares the personal tragedy that inspired the creation of T.I.F.F. – To Inform Families First, an initiative helping emergency responders connect with families faster during critical situations. Learn how one local story sparked a movement improving public safety across Florida and beyond. To sign up for T.I.F.F. and get your emergency contact added to your license go to FLHSMV - MyDMV Portal - Emergency Contact Information [https://mydmvportal.flhsmv.gov/home/en/publicweb/ecioutside/]. Also, for more emergency related information please go to mymanatee.org/manateeready

Ep. 36: CDBG-DR Grant Applications with Odugo Ohizu

The 2024 storms may have passed, but for many families across Manatee County, recovery is still very real. This episode is about Lasting Manatee, Manatee County’s long-term hurricane recovery program funded through Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding and Odugo Ohizu is here to tell us all about it. We break down what the program is, who it’s designed to help, and why this funding matters so much for residents still trying to rebuild after Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton. This conversation talks about the real challenges families face after disaster strikes, the complexity of recovery, and the work happening behind the scenes to help residents rebuild safely and with dignity. We discuss: * What Lasting Manatee actually does * Who may qualify for assistance * The types of housing recovery support available * Common mistakes applicants should avoid * Why disaster recovery is a multi-year process * How data, outreach, and community partnerships shape recovery efforts * What residents should do now if they think they may qualify If you or someone you know was impacted by the 2024 storms, this episode is an important guide to understanding the resources available and what comes next. Learn more or apply at: lastingmanatee.org

Ep. 35: Economic Development with Aimee Johnson & Amanda Parrish

Manatee County is at a turning point. Growth is accelerating, expectations are rising, and the decisions being made now will shape what this community looks like for decades. In this conversation, interim CEO of the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation Amanda Parrish and Manatee County’s Economic Development Division Manager Aimee Johnson break down what’s really happening behind the scenes. They unpack the County’s role versus the EDC, reflect on key takeaways from the recent economic development workshop, and tackle the topics people hear about but rarely understand - incentives, opportunity zones, and long-term competitiveness. Most importantly, they connect the dots between economic development decisions and everyday life - jobs, wages, infrastructure, and the future of Manatee County.

Ep. 34: Jodie Fiske & Kevin Guthrie, FDEM Director

🎙️ Chambers, Changes & Conversations – A Statewide Look at Emergency Management When it comes to hurricanes and disasters, preparedness isn’t just local — it’s a coordinated effort across the entire state. In this episode of Chambers, Changes & Conversations, we sit down with the Florida Division of Emergency Management Director, Kevin Guthrie, to talk about what it really takes to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies in Florida. We start with a high-level look at how emergency management has evolved in recent years — from advances in technology and data-driven decision-making to the growing challenge of balancing large-scale disasters with more frequent, everyday events. From there, we take you behind the scenes of how the state works hand-in-hand with counties before, during, and after a storm. From coordinated messaging and resource allocation to mutual aid between communities, this episode breaks down how a system of this scale stays aligned when it matters most. We also bring the conversation home to Manatee County — exploring how local preparedness efforts fit into the broader statewide strategy, what stands out about the County’s response capabilities, and how partnerships with the state help strengthen evacuation planning, sheltering, and recovery efforts. Most importantly, we focus on what this means for you. What should residents understand about how emergency management works? What steps can you take today to be better prepared? And what is the one message every Floridian should carry into hurricane season? It’s insightful, practical, and a timely reminder that preparedness is a shared responsibility — from the state level all the way down to each household. 🎧 Listen now and get ready, stay informed, and stay prepared.