When we say this is a political podcast, it is not just about the horse race of campaigns. It is about the process of government.
The oversight approach. What government does and how it impacts our lives, and that is where we are this week, talking about government oversight of Florida’s most critical product: attractions and tourism.
There is so much attention on this issue in light of the recent death of 14-year-old Tyre Sampson. He was here in Orlando with friends attending a football camp. Like so many, he was out one night, taking in the sights, sounds, and rides.
On March 24, Sampson fell to his death from the 430-foot-tall Orlando FreeFall attraction located at ICON Park. We should note here ICON Park is essentially the landlord. The attraction is owned and operated by The SlingShot Group. It’s estimated Sampson fell at least 50 feet to his death.
There are questions about how this happened.
There are state investigations underway, and there are private investigations underway. Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried’s office is overseeing the investigation since her agency has oversight of attractions. This is what she said April 1:
“I promise you all and to the families and this community and everybody, based on this investigation, we’ll be working internally if we’ve already gotten authority to make changes and with assistance from legislature to make changes we deem necessary based solely on the investigation.”
And this is where we are diving into the conversation. Ken Martin is a safety analyst and consultant with decades of experience inspecting attractions, investigating accidents, and being at the forefront of making sure the rides we ride are as safe as possible. He talks about all things regarding amusement ride safety on this week’s Beyond the Soundbite.
IN THIS EPISODE
Ken Martin's Twitter: https://twitter.com/kenmartinsafety
ABOUT THE SHOW
Political figures and influencers are often heard in brief bites that don’t capture the context of the whole story. “Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite” expands the conversation with these newsmakers along the I-4 corridor and beyond. Join award-winning Spectrum News 13 anchor and Orlando Woman of the Year Ybeth Bruzual, political reporter Greg Angel, and veteran producer Gary Darling for a must-hear interview each week and learn about the issues affecting Central Florida.
Well, you know how that old song goes from your childhood…. “Jingle Bells, Batman smells…” Yes, Christmastime is here, and the whole holiday season is in full force, so we’re going to stop what we’re doing on the politics front and head over to the fireplace with a glass of milk and cookies for Santa… very informal, hopefully a fun listen for you while you get ready for the holiday.
Orlando is known as an accepting city to all, but being openly gay is hard for some, especially if you are in the law enforcement. Our guests are here to say they are gay and proud to wear the badge and want the world to acknowledge them in a respectful manner in a field known for toughness and boldness. Our guest(s) hope to shed some light about the Gay Officers Action League Central Florida. The league’s president, Brandon Ragan, is here along with recording secretary Alison Clarke.
There is a word getting attention these days and lots of traction on social media and even Harvard is talking about it. Neurodiversity… we’re talking about also with our guest, author, advocate, and inspirational speaker Haley Moss!
Well, tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and if you’re like me, you’re probably making that last-minute trip to the store for Thanksgiving Dinner supplies, or you might be headed out of town to visit family. I know a lot of people are looking forward to that…. So what we wanted to do this week was hit the PAUSE button on politics and issues and all of that stuff and focus on the holidays, on traditions… very informal, hopefully a fun listen for you while you get ready for the holiday….
All right, it’s nostalgia time. On October 29, 1997, viewers first tuned in to a new station. From covering local events like theme park openings, the Pulse shooting, and hurricanes through the years, Spectrum News 13 has been with you every step of the way.
Now in 2022, we are celebrating 25 years of Spectrum News 13, so we’ve gone through the newsroom to find the stalwarts, the people who’ve seen it all. They are Managing Editor John Handiboe and Assignment Editor Luis Rivera.
Immigration is an issue not only impacting Florida, but many other states as well. How is the economy impacted by this? How did candidates on opposing sides shape the narrative? Just before the election, we sat down with other spectrum news journalists from across the nation to get the temperature of how the issue of immigration is being perceived where they are. Here is our conversation, led by Errol Louis.
The countdown is on to Election Day on Tuesday. By our count, some 205 races on Central Florida ballots with 432 choices out there. The question now is… are we in for a long night waiting for results, or will everything be decided rather quickly? And what does this all mean for 2024?
Let’s find out now from our guests, political analysts Wes Hodge and Eddie Fernandez.
Voters will decide who will be the next Chief Financial Officer of Florida in November. Jimmy Patronis is the incumbent that's looking for another term in the post, and Adam Hattersley argues he would do a better job looking out for residents.
The race for Florida Attorney General is set for November. Republican incumbent Ashley Moody is asking voters to have her back for another four years. Democratic challenger Aramis Ayala is asking voters if they’re satisfied with Moody, or if they think she needs to be a one-term AG.
Joining us now, Democratic candidate Aramis Ayala.
In less than a month from now, Orange County voters will cast their ballots in the November election. There are TWO county referendums to vote on. We’re taking a look at them with our guest, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings.
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