FSAcast

Hosted by Florida Sheriffs Association

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Episodes

157

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

FSA Cast is the official podcast of the Florida Sheriffs Association. Host Matt Dunagan shares conversations with Florida's sheriffs, elected officials and law-enforcement professionals from across the country discussing issues relevant to Florida residents, our visitors and our more than 100,000 honorary members. Founded in 1893, the Florida Sheriffs Association is one of the largest and most successful state law enforcement associations in the nation.

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60 recent

June 10, 202639 min

Episode 157: Liberty County Sheriff Dusty Arnold

In this episode, FSA speaks with Liberty County Sheriff Dusty Arnold. We discuss how his hard work as a young staff member led to an opportunity to attend academy, become a trooper with the Florida Highway Patrol and later build a career with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement as a special agent assigned to protect Governor Rick Scott and the First Family. As a fourth-generation Liberty County resident, Sheriff Arnold takes great pride in serving his community and has made combating drug trafficking and drug addiction a top priority since being elected the 30th sheriff of Liberty County in 2024. Since taking office, Sheriff Arnold and his team have taken on several new and exciting initiatives, and we cover it all during our conversation.

May 29, 202620 min

Episode 156: End of Session: Budget Edition

In this episode, the Florida Sheriffs Association sits down with two of FSA's contract lobbyists for a behind-the-scenes look at Florida's finalized state budget, after lawmakers returned to Tallahassee for a special session nearly two months after regular session adjourned. The conversation breaks down the budget process that brought legislators back to the table, highlights major public safety investments included in the final agreement, and discusses the final funding secured for the Florida Sheriffs Youth Learning Center through the continued support of House and Senate leadership and Governor DeSantis.

May 11, 202644 min

Episode 155: Florida Highway Patrol Colonel Gary Howze

In this episode, FSA speaks with Colonel Gary Howze, the head of the Florida Highway Patrol. We cover all the work a trooper must do to keep Florida's roadways safe. Colonel Howze discusses the size and scope of the agency and how it has been supporting immigration enforcement work over the past year. We also learn more about his previous work with a nationwide motorcycle theft task force and how the Florida Highway Patrol prepares and responds to natural disasters.

April 28, 202642 min

Episode 154: Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Matt Walsh

In this episode, FSA speaks with Matt Walsh, the Secretary of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. Secretary Walsh is a 28-year law enforcement professional who last year was appointed secretary by Governor Ron DeSantis. We cover emerging issues and work the department is doing to prevent juvenile crime as well as what can be done to rehabilitate youth who have committed serious crimes. We also learn more about Matt's work to reduce/eliminate suicide of law enforcement professionals and why taking care of our own personal metal health is critically important for all of us.

April 1, 202633 min

Episode 153: Calhoun County Sheriff Michael Bryant

In this episode, FSA speaks with Calhoun County Sheriff Michael Bryant. Sheriff Bryant was elected in 2024, and we discuss his first year in office as well as ways in which he is working to improve the lives of the citizens he serves. Learn about how he first got started in the sheriff's office, his time with the Blountstown Police Department and why he eventually decided to run for sheriff. We also cover the important work his office is doing to help those reenter society and why addressing mental health issues is a top priority.

March 12, 202634 min

Episode 152: Week 9 Legislative Recap

In the final episode of the 60-day regular session, FSA provides an update on where things stand as the legislative session comes to a close (sort of) and reviews the sheriffs' priority issues that made it across the finish line this year. FSA then sits down with Representative Yvette Benarroch to discuss her bill, which passed this session and takes an important step toward addressing growing safety concerns surrounding e-bikes and scooters, particularly among youth across the state.

March 6, 202631 min

Episode 151: Week 8 Legislative Recap

In this episode, FSA provides a Week 8 legislative recap. We discuss the status of the state budget and then sit down with Rep. Chuck Brannan to reflect on his eight years in the Florida Legislature, where he has been a leading voice on public safety issues, as he prepares to wrap up his final term in office.

February 26, 202610 min

Episode 150: Week 7 Legislative Recap

In this episode, FSA provides an update on the sheriffs' top legislative priorities as the 2026 Session enters its final stretch, with a special focus on school safety. We highlight HB 757, sponsored by Representative Michelle Salzman, which would expand Florida's Guardian Program to colleges and universities, and also cover other key bills that advanced this week, including measures enhancing public safety, updating search warrant procedures, and tightening sexual offender restrictions.

February 20, 202622 min

Episode 149: Week 6 Legislative Update

In this episode, FSA shares an update on two of the sheriffs' top legislative priorities as the 2026 Session enters its final stretch and attention turns to the state budget. With only three weeks remaining before the Legislature is scheduled to adjourn on March 13 and budget negotiations on the horizon, we're joined by Erin Rock of The Southern Group to break down the state budget, including where things stand and what to expect in the weeks ahead.

February 6, 202630 min

Episode 148: Week 4 Legislative Recap

In this episode, the Florida Sheriffs Association provides a Week 4 legislative recap and then sits down with Representative Dan Daley (District 96). Representative Daley discusses his background growing up in Broward County, his path from prosecutor to public service, Alyssa's Law, and how his experience in local government shaped his approach to public safety legislation.