Bad Optics

Help of Pensacola's Youth

In the wake of the deadly July 4th downtown shooting, Escambia County Commissioner Lumon May joins Rick's Blog Live to trace his path from a teenage tournament organizer at the Salvation Army to co-founder of Southern Youth Sports Association—and to make the case for a community-wide summit on teens.

Two Shooters Still at Large

Pensacola Police Chief Eric Winstrom breaks down the July 4-5 downtown shooting investigation with Rick Outzen — three shooters, one arrest, and why victims are staying silent.

Hiring the Library Director

West Florida Public Libraries Board of Governance Chair Blaine Wall and board members meet with Escambia County Administrator Wes Moreno, HR Director Nikki Powell, and other county officials to hammer out a timeline and process for hiring a new director of library services. The overall tone was frank and at times pointed, but it stayed professional throughout the discussion.

Ryan Wiggins on Fighting MAGA in Florida

Former Lincoln Project chief of staff Ryan Wiggins joins Rick to discuss her new political consulting firm, Black Pearl Strategies, formed with Rick Wilson and other Lincoln Project veterans. She talks about bringing their ad-making and narrative-setting skills to Florida politics, why they're backing David Jolly's gubernatorial bid, and what it will take to challenge DeSantis's eight-year grip on the state.

Andrade Breaks Down Special Session

State Rep. Alex Andrade joins Rick Outzen to break down Day 1 of Florida's special legislative session on Governor DeSantis' homestead exemption and property tax proposal—what survived, what got cut, and why lawmakers rejected a $5.5 million gubernatorial ad campaign.