florida politics

Ryan Smart, the executive director of the Florida Springs Council, joins the podcast to talk about threats facing springs, some recent victories for Florida's environment, and how people can support the work that protects Florida springs.

Image of the Profanity Manatee courtesy of Florida Springs Council; used with permission.

Links We Mentioned

Manatee Profanity t-shirt and other merch that supports Florida Springs Council

Become a sustaining member

Ditch the plastic water bottles for hurricane prep: Get reusable five-gallon glass water jug and USB-powered pump dispenser

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Support the podcast! For $5/month, you get premium Florida Keys history and travel tips with Brad Bertelli and Cathy Salustri.

Subscribe to The Florida Spectacular newsletter, and keep up with Cathy's travels at greatfloridaroadtrip.com.

Find her on social media: Facebook.com/SalustriCathy; Twitter/IG: @CathySalustri

Question or comment? Email: cathy@floridaspectacular.com.

Free, weekly episodes of "The Florida Spectacular" are co-hosted by Rick Kilby.

Get Rick's books at rickkilby.com/ and http://studiohourglass.blogspot.com/. Connect: Facebook.com/floridasfountainofyouth, Twitter (@oldfla), and IG (@ricklebee).

Premium, biweekly episodes of "The Florida Keys" Spectacular are co-hosted by Brad Bertelli. Find Brad's column in The Keys Weekly newspaper, ch...

In our End of Year Special for 2023, Tina and Hillary are joined by their Executive Producer Alfredo Olvera to talk about their favorite episodes of the year, political winners and losers, and the best and worst political stories of 2023. For show notes and links to our sources, please click here (https://themuckpodcast.com/).

This week Rick and Cathy talk about Florida Man — but not the weird ones; the men who make Florida spectacular. From Abiaka to Lawton Chiles, they celebrate these wonderful men. (And yes, there's at least one in the works about great Florida women, too.)

Links We Mentioned

Governor Bob Graham and his Workdays

Governor Lawton Chiles and Walkin Lawton [VIDEO] — trail named for Chiles

Nat Reed (and his book, Travels on the Green Highway)

Guy Bradley and Officer Down Memorial Page  and the Guy Bradley Trail

Abiaka/Sam Jones

Support the show

Support the podcast! For $5/month, you get premium Florida Keys history and travel tips with Brad Bertelli and Cathy Salustri.

Subscribe to The Florida Spectacular newsletter, and keep up with Cathy's travels at greatfloridaroadtrip.com.

Find her on social media: Facebook.com/SalustriCathy; Twitter/IG: @CathySalustri

Question or comment? Email: cathy@floridaspectacular.com.

Free, weekly episodes of "The Florida Spectacular" are co-hosted by Rick Kilby.

Get Rick's books at rickkilby.com/ and http://studiohourglass.blogspot.com/. Connect: Facebook.com/floridasfountainofyouth, Twitter (@oldfla), and IG (@ricklebee).

Premium, biweekly episodes of "The Florida Keys" Spectacular are co-hosted by Brad Bertelli. Find Brad's column in The Keys Weekly newspaper, ch...

Hillary and Tina interview Florida State Senator Lauren Book. Lauren Book was first elected to the Florida Senate in 2016 and reelected in 2022, and currently serves as the current Minority Leader. She has consistently demonstrated her commitment to fighting against the growing far-right influence in Tallahassee. Senator Book has fearlessly championed progressive values and policies, working tirelessly to protect the rights and well-being of Floridians in the face of opposition from the far right. Throughout her tenure, she has passionately advocated for inclusive and equitable legislation, while pushing back against regressive policies that undermine the principles of fairness, justice, and equality. Links FL Senator Lauren Book (https://www.flsenate.gov/Senators/S35) Special Guest: Lauren Book.

Hillary and Tina cover the Rosewood Massacre and Mayor Bob Filner. Hillary’s Story Rosewood was a quaint Black community in Levi County, FL. BUT when a white woman falsely accused a black man of rape, Rosewood was burned to the ground. Tina’s Story Bob Filner served in the House of Representatives for twenty years before becoming mayor of San Diego in 2012. BUT when assault allegations arose, Filner’s career plummeted. Sources Hillary's Story Britannica Rosewood massacre of 1923 (https://www.britannica.com/topic/Rosewood-riot-of-1923) CNN Rosewood, Florida, marks 100 years since race massacre. Here’s what happened (https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/08/us/rosewood-massacre-florida-what-happened-reaj/index.html)--By Nicole Chavez Smithsonian How History Forgot Rosewood, a Black Town Razed by a White Mob (https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/how-history-forgot-rosewood-a-black-town-razed-by-a-white-mob-180981385/)--by Craig Pittman Tampa Bay Times Florida’s Rosewood Massacre: 100 years later, the story continues (https://www.tampabay.com/news/2023/01/04/floridas-rosewood-massacre-100-years-later-story-continues/)--by Lauren Peace Wikipedia Rosewood Massacre (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosewood_massacre) Photos A burning cabin in Rosewood (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/84/Rosewood_Florida_rc12409.jpg)--from the Florida Memory Project (public domain) via Wikipedia Sarah Carrier, Sylvester Carrier, and Willie Carrier (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/62/Sara_Carrier.jpg)--scanned from Michael D'Orso (public domain) via Wikipedia Sheriff Walker (https://th-thumbnailer.cdn-si-edu.com/Pdo_Tl-Fr3hwnK4Zkxd8VBJviQ4=/fit-in/1072x0/filters:focal(1514x1947:1515x1948)/https://tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com/filer_public/f7/f5/f7f575aa-9187-4891-b759-9f27374ccb68/gettyimages-515114374.jpg)--from Bettman via Smithsonian Magazine Tina's Story The Atlantic 13 Women's Accusations Against Bob Filner (https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2013/08/13-womens-accusations-against-bob-filner/278433/)--by Garance Franke-Ruta Ballotpedia Bob Filner (https://ballotpedia.org/Bob_Filner) Fox 5 Ex-Mayor Bob Filner breaks silence, seeks redemption in #MeToo era (https://fox5sandiego.com/news/ex-mayor-bob-filner-breaks-silence-seeks-redemption-in-metoo-era/) Gruenberg Law Josh Gruenberg secures 667k settlement against city of San Diego and former mayor Bob Filner (https://gruenberglaw.com/media/city-san-diego-pays-667k-filner-sexual-harassment-claim/) KESQ San Diego’s Mayor Bob Filner “Not Welcome Back” (https://kesq.com/news/2013/08/12/san-diegos-mayor-bob-filner-not-welcome-back/) KPBS Bob Filner And The Monster Within (https://www.kpbs.org/news/politics/2013/08/23/bob-filner-and-monster-within) City Of San Diego OKs $250K To Settle Filner Lawsuit (https://www.kpbs.org/news/politics/2014/02/10/sexual-harassment-lawsuit-against-former-san-diego) Disgraced San Diego Mayor Bob Filner Sentenced To 3 Years' Probation (https://www.kpbs.org/news/politics/2013/12/09/disgraced-san-diego-mayor-bob-filner-be-sentenced) Former San Diego Mayor Bob Filner Accused Of Sexual Harassment By Colorado Congresswoman (https://www.kpbs.org/news/2017/11/20/former-san-diego-mayor-bob-filner-accused-of) Supporters Ask Filner To Resign Over Sexual Harassment Claims (https://www.kpbs.org/news/midday-edition/2013/07/10/filner-asked-resign-over-sexual-harassment-claims) Los Angeles Times Ex-San Diego Mayor Bob Filner still denies sex harassment and alleges his office was bugged (https://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-filner-20160121-story.html)--by Kristina Davis The New York Times Ex-Mayor of San Diego Pleads Guilty to Charges of Sexual Harassment (https://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/16/us/criminal-charges-for-bob-filner-former-san-diego-mayor.html)--by Rob Davis and Adam Nagourney On the Issues Bob Filner (https://www.ontheissues.org/CA/Bob_Filner.htm) Times of San Diego Former Mayor Bob Filner’s House Arrest to End Sunday (https://timesofsandiego.com/politics/2014/04/06/former-mayor-bob-filners-house-arrest-end-sunday/)--by Chris Jennewein Voice of San Diego The 5 Craziest Moments From the New Filner Book (https://voiceofsandiego.org/2016/01/28/the-5-craziest-moments-from-the-new-filner-book/)--by Liam Dillon Photos Bob Filner (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c1/Bob_Filner_mayoral_portrait.jpg)--by City of San Diego (public domain) via Wikipedia Hooter's Sign Banning Filner (https://hips.hearstapps.com/del.h-cdn.co/assets/cm/15/10/54f9495cabd27_-_hooters-bans-filner-del-blog.jpg?resize=980:*)--from Twitter/Francisbarraza via Delish Filner at Plea Sentencing (https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/former-mayor-bob-filner-to-be-sentenced-monday/2052074/)--screenshot via NBC San Diego

Tina and Hillary cover the former NY senator Hiram Monserrate and Florida vs Pitts/Lee. Tina’s Story Hiram Monserrate moved quickly from the New York City Council to the New York State Senate. BUT it was his quick temper that led to his political demise. Hillary’s Story In 1963, two black men in Florida were wrongfully convicted of murder. BUT even when evidence clears them of the deed, racism and bigotry delayed commuting their sentence. Sources Tina's Story Associated Press NY Senate votes to expel convicted lawmaker (https://web.archive.org/web/20100214032405/http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ilU1xIhCUP3SaMZCW22nsbQO9JDQD9DP1SNG1) Daily Politics Monserrate convicted of misdemeanor (https://web.archive.org/web/20121107063528/http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2009/10/monserrate-convicted-of-misdem.html)--by Bill Hammond Gotham Gazette Hiram Monserrate Has No Place in Elected Office (https://www.gothamgazette.com/authors/130-opinion/7120-hiram-monserrate-has-no-place-in-elected-office)--by Nydia Velazquez New York Daily News Bloomberg: Monserrate's Actions 'Disgraceful, Despicable, Deplorable' (https://web.archive.org/web/20120828135626/http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2009/10/bloomberg-monserrates-actions.html) The New York Observor (Politicker NY) Mad-Dog Councilman Champions No Man's Land (https://web.archive.org/web/20100604030212/http://www.observer.com/2008/mad-dog-councilman-champions-no-man-s-land)--by Katharine Jose The New York Post Dems say ex-con Monserrate has real shot to win old Council seat (https://nypost.com/2017/07/18/dems-say-ex-con-monserrate-has-real-shot-to-win-old-council-seat/)--by Michael Gartland and Carl Campanile The New York State Senate Hiram Monserrate (https://www.nysenate.gov/senators/hiram-monserrate) The New York Times Monserrate Is Cleared of Felonies (https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/16/nyregion/16monserrate.html?_r=1)--by Ralph Blumenthal Monserrate Gets 2 Years in Prison for Misusing City Funds (https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/12/nyregion/hiram-monserrate-gets-2-years-in-prison-for-misusing-city-funds.html)--by Colin Moynihan New York Senate Expels Monserrate Over Assault (https://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/10/nyregion/10hiram.html)--by Jeremy W. Peters Rallying Around a Politician Charged With Assault (https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/28/nyregion/28monserrate.html)--by Anne Barnard People Pill Hiram Monserrate (https://peoplepill.com/people/hiram-monserrate) Syracuse State Sen. Hiram Monserrate partly acquitted in domestic abuse case (https://www.syracuse.com/news/2009/10/state_sen_hiram_monserrate_par.html)--by The Associated Press Vote Hiram Monserrate About Page (https://hiram2022.com/about-hiram) Photos Hiram Monserrate (https://www.nysenate.gov/sites/default/files/styles/hero_680x510_small_tablet_webp_retina/public/monserrate-hiram.jpg?itok=81bSulik&timestamp=1453497123)--New York State Senate (Public Domain) Hiram Monserrate announcing return to Democratic caucus in NY Senate (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b8/Hiram_Monserrate_and_Malcolm_Smith.jpg/1600px-Hiram_Monserrate_and_Malcolm_Smith.jpg?20090713183850)--by Austin512 (CC BY-SA 3.0) Hillary's Story Death Penalty Information Center The 13 other survivors and their stories (https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/stories/the-13-other-survivors-and-their-stories)--by Sydney P. Freedberg Local 10 News Black Florida man wrongly convicted of murder in 1960s dies at age 83 (https://www.local10.com/news/2018/10/22/black-florida-man-wrongly-convicted-of-murder-in-1960s-dies-at-age-83/)--by Sanela Sabovic The National Registry of Exonerations Wilbert Lee (https://www.law.umich.edu/special/exoneration/Pages/casedetailpre1989.aspx?caseid=190) The New York Times ‘It's Over’ for 2 Wrongly Held 12 Years (https://www.nytimes.com/1975/09/20/archives/its-over-for-2-wrongly-held-12-years-its-over-for-two-men-wrongly.html)--by James T. Wooten Orlando Sentinel Pitts and Lee: For 25 years, denial of compensation shamed Florida (https://www.orlandosentinel.com/opinion/os-op-pitts-lee-innocence-compensation-20220406-uuwywkw2rrgk5pro57lcnbm6fe-story.html) Sun Sentinel Wilbert Lee, wrongly convicted of murder, dies at 83 (https://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/miami-dade/fl-ne-wilbert-lee-obituary-20181102-story.html)--by Howard Cohen Wikipedia Pitts and Lee v. Florida (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitts_and_Lee_v._Florida#cite_ref-Nightmare_Ends_2-2) Witness to Innocence Freddie Lee Pitts (1937-2020) (https://www.witnesstoinnocence.org/single-post/2020/09/09/freddie-lee-pitts-1937-2020) Photos Pitts (L) and Lee leaving a court hearing in 1969 (https://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/miami-dade/fl-ne-wilbert-lee-obituary-20181102-story.html)--from AP via The Sun Sentinel Lee and Pitts leaving their second murder trial (https://www.floridamemory.com/fpc/general/n031386.jpg)--via Florida Memory Lee and Pitts at FL Legislature in 1998 (https://www.sun-sentinel.com/resizer/_1re9RZwsuLoFB__78-AinRi3fw=/800x0/filters:format(jpg):quality(70)/www.trbimg.com/img-5bdc2f27/turbine/fl-1541156643-edat5010zp-snap-image)--Photo by Don Edgar/AP via The Sun Sentinel

In this week’s year end special, Tina and Hillary answer questions and chat about the year ahead. For show notes and links to our sources, please click here (https://themuckpodcast.com/).

Hillary and Tina cover former US House Rep from Louisian Bob Livingston and former tax collector Joel Greenberg. Hillary’s Story As a US House Rep. Bob Livingston took an understated approach. BUT when he vies for the prominent Speaker of the House position, his undercover exploits come to light. Tina’s Story Joel Greenberg ran as a Trump-like figure who would stop corruption in Seminole County, FL. BUT when he misuses funds for a litany of illicit activities, he’s taxed with corruption and pays a hefty price. Sources Hillary's Story The Advocate Former Congressman Bob Livingston emerges as figure in Trump's Ukraine saga (https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/politics/former-congressman-bob-livingston-emerges-as-figure-in-trumps-ukraine-saga/article_833ae162-fb1c-11e9-b96b-b37c9d59b634.html)--by Elizabeth Crisp KellyWurx Rep. Bob Livingston Shocking Resignation (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KC1wK3XZJyU)--by KellyWurx via YouTube NOLA.com Bob Livingston, former Louisiana congressman, to publish political memoir (https://www.nola.com/news/politics/bob-livingston-former-louisiana-congressman-to-publish-political-memoir/article_971750d8-ca5f-55b0-9037-2d12ed8ee5cb.html)--by Drew Broach Washington Post Larry Flynt, Investigative Pornographer (https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/special/clinton/stories/flynt121998.htm)--by Howard Kurtz Livingston Rejected GOP Advice (https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/special/clinton/stories/livingston121998.htm)--by Eric Pianin Livingston Quits as Speaker-Designate (https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/clinton-impeachment/livingston-quits-speaker-designate/)--by Eric Pianin Wikipedia Bob Livingston (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Livingston) Photos Bob Livingston (https://www.politico.com/dims4/default/aeb188b/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1160x770+0+0/resize/1260x836!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.politico.com%2F41%2F81%2Ff59027e845419132ed99c8a70af7%2F191030-bob-livingston-getty-773.jpg)--photo by Dennis Cook/AP via Politico Bob Livingston and his wife, Bonnie (https://www.nola.com/content/tncms/live/#6)--photo by Matt Ross/Times-Picayune archive via NOLA.com Bob Livingston Resigning on the US House Floor (https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/clinton-impeachment/livingston-quits-speaker-designate/)--via Washington Post Larry Flynt (https://www.npr.org/2021/02/10/966559853/larry-flynt-porn-mogul-and-hustler-founder-dies-at-78)--by Mark Ralston/AFP via Getty Images Tina's Story ABC News Matt Gaetz associate Joel Greenberg gets 11 years as probe into congressman stalls, sources say (https://abcnews.go.com/US/gaetz-associate-sentenced-11-years-sources-probe-florida/story?id=94225875)--by Will Steakin Click Orlando Bribery, fraud, sex: What we know about the cases Joel Greenberg is involved in (https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/12/01/bribery-fraud-sex-what-we-know-about-the-cases-joel-greenberg-is-involved-in/)--by Christie Zizo Joel Greenberg admits to paying teen for sex, introducing her to other men, documents show (https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2021/05/14/joel-greenberg-admits-to-paying-teen-for-sex-with-him-other-men-in-plea-agreement/)--by Merris Badcock Joel Greenberg’s estranged wife appears in Matt Gaetz rap video (https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/04/14/joel-greenbergs-estranged-wife-appears-in-matt-gaetz-rap-video/)--by Mike DeForest CNN Joel Greenberg sentenced to 11 years after cooperating with federal probe into Matt Gaetz (https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/01/politics/joel-greenberg-sentencing/index.html)--by Marshall Cohen Government Technology Seminole County, Fla., Becomes First to Try Taking Payment by Bitcoin — Sort of (https://www.govtech.com/computing/seminole-county-fla-becomes-first-to-try-taking-payment-by-bitcoin--sort-of.html)--by Ben Miller The New York Times Former Gaetz Confidant Is Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison (https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/01/us/politics/matt-gaetz-confidant-greenberg-sentence.html)--by Eric Adelson and Michael S. Schmidt Orlando Sentinel Seminole Tax Collector Joel Greenberg didn't break law by pulling over speeding motorist, prosecutor says (https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/seminole-county/os-seminole-county-greenberg-officer-20171218-story.html)--by Martin Comas Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg gives $3.5 million in consultant contracts, salaries to friends and associates (https://www.orlandosentinel.com/opinion/os-op-lauren-ritchie-seminole-tax-collector-joel-greenberg-20191004-3k5tlmralnes5mxdj27l6oxciu-story.html)--by Lauren Ritchie Politico The congressman and his wingman (https://www.politico.com/news/2021/04/06/matt-gaetz-florida-joel-greenberg-479454)--by Marc Caputo United States Attorney's Office Former Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Micah Greenberg Pleads Guilty To Multiple Federal Offenses (https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/former-seminole-county-tax-collector-joel-micah-greenberg-pleads-guilty-multiple) UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT MIDDLEDISTRICT OF FLORIDA ORLANDO DIVISION United States of America v. Joel Micah Greenberg (https://int.nyt.com/data/documenttools/joel-greenberg-sex-trafficking-indictment/909d43f06dc4b17c/full.pdf) WESH 2 Former Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg to pay $1.8M in restitution (https://www.wesh.com/article/greenberg-to-pay-millions-restitution/38514769) WFTV9 Joel Greenberg: Disgraced former Seminole County tax collector sentenced to 11 years (https://www.wftv.com/news/local/orange-county/joel-greenberg-disgraced-former-seminole-county-tax-collector-be-sentenced-thursday/NG4Y24UIPFE4HKRJDKBSAQGKRY/)--by Q McCray, James Tutten, and Sarah Wilson Joel Greenberg: Former tax collector to pay Seminole County nearly $1.3M (https://www.wftv.com/news/local/seminole-county/joel-greenberg-former-tax-collector-pay-seminole-county-nearly-13m/MUMNSILMQFCCTJDUN34TV75EME/)--by Jeff Levkulich and Sarah Wilson Photos Joel Greenberg (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/22/Joel_Greenberg.png)--from Office of the Seminole County Tax Collector (Public Domain) Sentencing of Greenberg (https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/11/30/ex-seminole-tax-collector-joel-greenberg-to-be-sentenced/)--screenshot via Click Orlando Gaetz, Greenberg, and DeSantis (https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2022/12/67a5a-16701592047126-1920.jpg)--from @tominahonen/Twitter via SportsKeeda

Hillary and Tina interview attorney Hillary Cassel, candidate for Florida House, District 101. Hillary Cassel is a proud Democrat, mental health care advocate, and co-founder of the law firm Cassel & Cassel, P.A. Beginning her legal career as an Assistant State Attorney at the Broward State Attorney’s Office, Hillary witnessed the devastating inequality of our justice system firsthand. For the last seven years, she has represented struggling families against large insurance companies in their time of need. Now, she is running for the Florida House of Representatives because she knows that we need strong Democratic leadership in Tallahassee. Websites Hillary for Florida Website (https://hillaryforflorida.com/) Namaste the Stigma Away (https://www.namastethestigma.com/) Special Guest: Hillary Cassel .

Tina and Hillary cover former mayor Dale Massad and Virginia Lamp "Ginni" Thomas Tina’s Story Jimmy Dimora served for decades as a County Commissioner and Chairman of the Democratic Party in Ohio. BUT when his pay for play schemes are revealed he is sentenced to federal prison in one of the largest corruption cases in Ohio history. Hillary’s Story SCOTUS judge Clarence Thomas’s wife, Virginia,aka, Ginni spent many years in Washington building her own political career. BUT her alleged role in the January 6th insurrection places the reputation of SCOTUS in jeopardy. Tina's Sources The Chicago Crusader Mayor in Florida arrested after shots fired at SWAT attempting to serve warrant at his home (https://chicagocrusader.com/mayor-in-florida-arrested-after-shots-fired-at-swat-attempting-to-serve-warrant-at-his-home/)--by The Washington Post FDLE Press Release FDLE agents arrest Port Richey Mayor Dale Glen Massad (https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/News/2019/February/FDLE-agents-arrest-Port-Richey-Mayor-Dale-Glen-Mas) Heavy Dale G. Massad: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know (https://heavy.com/news/2019/02/dale-g-massad-florida-mayor-shots-swat/) NBC News Florida mayor arrested after deputies shot at during raid on his home (https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/florida-mayor-arrested-after-deputies-shot-during-raid-his-home-n974286)--by Elisha Fieldstadt Florida mayor who shot at deputies is suspended from office by governor (https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/florida-mayor-who-shot-deputies-removed-office-governor-n974856)--by Phil Helsel Newsweek Shots Fired at Police As They Attempt to Serve Warrant at Florida Mayor's House in Port Richey (https://www.newsweek.com/florida-man-mayor-shots-fired-police-attempt-serve-warrant-home-port-richey-1339094)--by Jenni Fink Tampa Bay 10 Former Port Richey mayor Dale Massad used crack cocaine and meth daily, records show (https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pascocounty/new-court-records-shed-light-on-former-mayors-alledged-drug-use/67-29446740-a6ce-448b-ac5c-ce578d66816f)--by Chelsea Tatham and Grady Trimble Tampa Bay Reporter FORMER AND ACTING PORT RICHEY MAYORS ACCUSED IN PLOT TO OBSTRUCT JUSTICE (https://www.tbreporter.com/crime/acting-port-richey-mayors-accused-in-plot-obstruct-justice/) PORT RICHEY MAYOR ARRESTED AFTER FIRING SHOTS AT SWAT DEPUTIES (https://www.tbreporter.com/crime/port-richey-mayor-arrested-firing-shots-swat-deputies/) Tampa Bay Times Terrence Rowe, ex-acting mayor of Port Richey, admits to conspiracy, gets probation (https://www.tampabay.com/news/pasco/2020/01/02/terrence-rowe-ex-acting-mayor-of-port-richey-admits-to-conspiracy-gets-probation/)--by C.T. Bowen Vice The Strange Rise and Sudden Fall of the Florida Mayor Who Took on a SWAT Team (https://www.vice.com/en/article/3k3jnv/the-strange-rise-and-sudden-fall-of-the-florida-mayor-who-took-on-a-swat-team)--by Francisco Alvarado WFLA News Channel 8 Former Port Richey Mayor Dale Massad accepts plea deal, 3-year prison sentence (https://www.wfla.com/news/pasco-county/former-port-richey-mayor-dale-massad-accepts-plea-deal-3-year-prison-sentence/)--by Megan Gannon Photos Dale Glen Massad Mug Shot--from Pasco County Sheriff's Office (https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_fit-1520w,f_auto,q_auto:best/newscms/2019_08/2762661/190222-dale-massad-mug-ac-728p.jpg) via NBC News Terrence Row Mug Shot (https://www.tampabay.com/resizer//il36J283juNjb6-O_ncnaoyAz3A=/900x506/smart/filters:format(webP)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-tbt.s3.amazonaws.com/public/4FPJ6OGIKII6TGNIIBWI6S7HAY.jpg)--from Pasco County Sheriff's Office via Tampa Bay Times) Sheriff Chris Nocco at Press Conference (https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2019/02/21/gunshots-fired-before-port-richey-mayor-taken-into-custody#)--screenshot via Bay News 9 Hillary's Story CNBC Ginni Thomas-tied Facebook group ‘FrontLiners for Liberty’ could be a new focus in Jan. 6 investigation (https://www.cnbc.com/2022/06/17/ginni-thomas-tied-facebook-group-frontliners-for-liberty-could-be-a-new-focus-in-jan-6-investigation.html)--by Brian Schwartz CNN Latest Ginni Thomas controversy means the Supreme Court can't escape the 2020 election (https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/17/politics/ginni-thomas-supreme-court/index.html)--By Joan Biskupic NBC News The untold story of Ginni Thomas' anti-cult activism — after she was 'deprogrammed' (https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/untold-story-ginni-thomass-anti-cult-activism-was-deprogrammed-rcna22131)--By Allan Smith and Alex Seitz-Wald NPR Ginni Thomas reportedly pressed Trump's chief of staff on overturning the election (https://www.npr.org/2022/03/25/1088720571/ginni-thomas-tex-messages-mark-meadows-2020-election) Jan. 6 committee asks Ginni Thomas, wife of Justice Clarence Thomas, to testify (https://www.npr.org/2022/06/16/1105543882/jan-6-committee-ginni-thomas) Politifact A fact-checker’s guide to Ginni Thomas’ texts to Trump’s chief of staff (https://www.politifact.com/article/2022/mar/25/fact-checkers-guide-ginni-thomas-texts-trumps-chie/)--by Bill McCarthy and Amy Sherman Vanity Fair “PUT THINGS RIGHT”: GINNI THOMAS' EFFORTS TO OVERTURN TRUMP'S LOSS IN ARIZONA MORE EXTENSIVE THAN KNOWN (https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2022/06/ginni-thomas-efforts-to-overturn-trump-loss-arizona)--by Terry Mosley Washington Post The Nominee's Soul Mate (https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/cult/lifespring/main.htm)--by Laura Blumenfeld Wikipedia Ginni Thomas (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginni_Thomas) Photos Ginni Thomas (https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2022/03/28/gettyimages-646233370_custom-26d1c037d08acdf5d33a640eae0d167076b894af-s1200-c85.webp)--by Chip Somodevilla/Getty via NPR Ginni and Clarence Thomas Wedding Photo (https://wehco.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2020/02/20/resized_150246-thomas030221rgb_11-28782_t800.jpg?90232451fbcadccc64a17de7521d859a8f88077d)--via Arkansas Online Ginni Thomas Text to Mark Meadows (https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2022/03/26/should-justice-thomas-recuse-self-over-wifes-jan-6-texts.cnn)--screenshot via CNN Politics

Hillary and Tina interview Lauren Book, Florida Senate Minority Leader. Elected in 2016, Lauren Book is a rising star among Florida Democrats. After being unanimously selected Senate Democratic Leader, Lauren has led Democrats in the fight against the growing far- right in Tallahassee. Leader Book has dedicated her career to fighting childhood sexual abuse both in and out of the Legislature. As Chair of the Children, Families, and Seniors Committee, Lauren reconstructed Florida’s child abuse reporting system, designing a central hotline so that no report is left uninvestigated. She went on to expand Medicaid for newborns and babies from just 3 months to a year- no small feat for a Democrat. Outside of the Legislature, Lauren founded Lauren's Kids, an Emmy Award winning non for profit dedicated to ending childhood sexual abuse through education. Her programming is found in schools in 41 states and internationally. Senator Book speaks to us about her role as in the Florida Senate, recent legislation, and her hopes for the midterm elections. Special Guest: Lauren Book.

Hillary and Tina cover AIDS activist Larry Kramer and anti-gay activist George Rekers. Hillary’s Story Larry Kramer started his career as a writer. BUT when the government failed to act, he sounded the alarm on the AIDS crisis. Tina’s Story George Rekers made a name for himself through his controversial theories and studies on homosexuality. BUT when he returns from vacation in 2010 with a young man in tow, he’s got some explaining to do. Hillary's Story ACT UP "Larry--The WORD" (https://actupny.com/post-your-remembrances-of-larry-kramer/)--by Timothy Lunceford-Stevens Biography Larry Kramer Captured His Seemingly Hopeless Fight for HIV/AIDS Victims in 'The Normal Heart' (https://www.biography.com/news/larry-kramer-the-normal-heart)--by Rachel Chang Britannica Larry Kramer (https://www.britannica.com/biography/Larry-Kramer) Brooklyn Museum In Conversation: Larry Kramer and Jonathan Katz (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avITb-TZWOQ)--via YouTube History AIDS activists unfurl a giant condom over Senator Jesse Helms’ home (https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/aids-activists-unfurl-giant-condom-senator-jesse-helms-home-act-up) Los Angeles Times Letters to the Editor: Larry Kramer, the gay community’s ‘Old Testament figure wrapped in righteous fury’ (https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2020-06-02/larry-kramer-the-gay-communitys-old-testament-prophet)--by Steve Martin Making Gay History Larry Kramer (https://makinggayhistory.com/podcast/larry-kramer/) The New Yorker The Benevolent Rage of Larry Kramer--by Michael Specter (https://www.newyorker.com/culture/postscript/the-benevolent-rage-of-larry-kramer) The New York Times Larry Kramer, Playwright and Outspoken AIDS Activist, Dies at 84 (https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/27/us/larry-kramer-dead.html)--by Daniel Lewis NPR Larry Kramer, Pioneering AIDS Activist And Writer, Dies At 84 (https://www.npr.org/2020/05/27/512714500/larry-kramer-pioneering-aids-activist-and-writer-dies-at-84) Vanity Fair In One of His Final Interviews Larry Kramer, 84 and Infirm, Still Roared (https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2020/05/in-one-of-his-final-interviews-larry-kramer-still-roared)--by Michael Shnayerson Wikimedia Larry Kramer (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Kramer) Photos Larry Kramer (https://makinggayhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/KRAMER-1-1989-Ph-Robert-Giard-NYPL.jpg)--by Robert Giard, via Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints, and Photographs at NYPL Larry Kramer at podium (https://ca-times.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/7743f1a/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2048x1270+0+0/resize/840x521!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F32%2F04%2F135df13ef3b9e68582093eca5bdc%2Fla-ca-cm-larry-kramer-20150628-002)--by Ellen Shub/HBO via Los Angeles Times Condom on Jesse Helms Home (https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.18172-8/14231223_894749393990379_557753539184204595_o.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=9267fe&_nc_ohc=fdqSHeAMDAsAX-L8DQq&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-2.xx&oh=00_AT_gCrElBXPrfENXFBbwbycWCJWux-m4lq3YVhEVyK54vA&oe=62D32155)--via LGBT_History Facebook Page Tina's Story ACLU HOWARD V. ARKANSAS - GEORGE REKERS FACT SHEET (https://www.aclu.org/other/howard-v-arkansas-george-rekers-fact-sheet) The Advocate Escort Revealed in Rekers Scandal (https://www.advocate.com/news/daily-news/2010/05/05/escort-rekers-scandal-revealed) BuzzFeed News George Alan Rekers' Rent-Boy Scandal (https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/expresident/george-alan-rekers-rent-boy-scandal)--by Jack Shepherd CNN Reporters find tragic story amid embarrassing scandal (http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/06/08/rekers.sissy.boy.experiment/index.html)--By Penn Bullock and Brandon K. Thorp Therapy to change 'feminine' boy created a troubled man, family says (http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/06/07/sissy.boy.experiment/)--by Scott Bronstein and Jessi Joseph Constantine Report Second "Rent Boy" Emerges in Prof. George Rekers (Family Research Council) Gay Sex Scandal (https://constantinereport.com/second-rent-boy-emerges-in-prof-george-rekers-family-research-council-gay-sex-scandal/) Daily News Anti-gay activist, Christian minister George Rekers caught in gay escort scandal resigns from NARTH (https://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/anti-gay-activist-christian-minister-george-rekers-caught-gay-escort-scandal-resigns-narth-article-1.449343)--By Michael Sheridan Dangerous Minds DR. GEORGE REKERS: AMERICAN MENGELE? (https://dangerousminds.net/comments/dr._george_rekers_american_mengele) Equality Florida Bill McCollum Still Paying for George Rekers (https://www.eqfl.org/how-rent-boy-scandal-brought-down-far-right-favorite) Falls Church News Press George Rekers Delusional Downfall Is A Familiar Tale (https://www.fcnp.com/2010/05/06/george-rekers-delusional-downfall-is-a-familiar-tale/)--by Wayne Besen GLADD "Ex-gay" group NARTH rebrands with dangerous mission (https://www.glaad.org/blog/ex-gay-group-narth-rebrands-dangerous-mission)--by By Joeli Katz Go Pride Chicago George Rekers steps down from ex-gay board (https://chicago.gopride.com/news/article.cfm/articleid/10574644) Miami New Times Christian right leader George Rekers takes vacation with "rent boy" (https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/christian-right-leader-george-rekers-takes-vacation-with-rent-boy-6377933)--by PENN BULLOCK AND BRANDON K. THORP The New York Times Scandal Stirs Legal Questions in Anti-Gay Cases (https://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/19/us/19rekers.html)--by John Schwartz Newsweek Left Wing: When Gay Bashers Are Gay, Why Do People Just Mock and Turn Away? (https://www.newsweek.com/left-wing-when-gay-bashers-are-gay-why-do-people-just-mock-and-turn-away-214204)--BY EVE CONANT PFLAG Ex-Gay Leader’s Male Escort: Actually, We Did Have Sex (https://pflag.com/focus-on-family-leader-scandal/)--by Rachel Slajda Queerty The Gay Rentboy Scandal That Should Sink Bigot Baptist Minister George Alan Rekers (https://www.queerty.com/the-gay-rentboy-scandal-that-should-sink-bigot-baptist-minister-george-alan-rekers-20100504) Sacramento Post (Gay Escort Scandal) George Rekers (a gay Tiger Woods?) Second Man has come forward (https://sacratomatovillepost.com/2010/05/11/gay-escort-scandal-george-rekers-a-gay-tiger-woods-second-man-has-come-forward/) Sun Sentinel Male escort says he gave 'sexual' massages to anti-gay leader (https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-2010-05-08-mi-rentboy-escort-i-gave-sexual-massa20100508-story.html)--By Steve Rothaus and The Miami Herald Think Progress How The Rekers ‘Rent Boy’ Scandal Could Undermine Prop. 8 Supporters’ Court Battle (https://archive.thinkprogress.org/how-the-rekers-rent-boy-scandal-could-undermine-prop-8-supporters-court-battle-3099987a55db/)--by AMANDA TERKEL Towleroad Florida AG Bill McCollum Paid George ‘Rentboy’ Rekers $87,000 to Be Star Witness for State’s Gay Adoption Ban (https://www.towleroad.com/2010/05/florida-ag-bill-mccollum-paid-george-rentboy-rekers-87000-to-be-star-witness-for-states-adoption-ban/)--by Andy Towle The Week Rekers rentboy scandal: The fallout continues (https://theweek.com/articles/494639/rekers-rentboy-scandal-fallout-continues) Wikipedia George Rekers (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Rekers) Howard v. Arkansas (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_v._Arkansas#:~:text=Howard%2C%20367%20Ark.,housemates%20from%20being%20foster%20parents.) Photos George Rekers (https://www.advocate.com/sites/default/files/2012/04/25/roman_rekersx390.jpg)--screenshot via The Advocate Jo-Vanni Roman (https://www.advocate.com/sites/default/files/2012/04/25/roman_rekersx390.jpg)--screenshot via The Advocate Rekers caught at airport (http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2011/images/06/08/t1larg.rekers.thorp.jpg)--via CNN