Beyond the Beach: The Sarasota County Government Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Beyond the Beach: Protecting Sarasota County’s Parks, Preserves and Natural Lands Sep 29, 2026

Show notes

What does it take to protect the natural spaces that make Sarasota County such a special place to live, work and play?
In this episode of Beyond the Beach, we sit down with Brie Ondercin and Hannah Turbiville from Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources to talk about the county’s land acquisition programs and how they help protect environmentally sensitive lands, expand parks and create opportunities for recreation.
From Red Bug Slough Preserve and Deer Prairie Creek to Osprey Junction Trailhead and Beach Access 7, these programs have helped protect thousands of acres while creating places for residents and visitors to hike, bike, kayak, fish, explore and connect with nature.
Listen to the latest episode of Beyond the Beach to learn more about the land behind some of Sarasota County’s most-loved outdoor spaces.

Learn more at SarasotaCountyParks.com/LandAcquisitions

Every Storm Is Different: Staying Prepared for Hurricane Season Jul 31, 2026

Show notes

How prepared are you for hurricane season? In this episode, we sit down with Emergency Management Chief Sandra Tapfumaneyi to talk about Operation Readiness, storm surge, evacuation decisions and the simple steps that can make a big difference before, during and after a storm. #SRQCountyPodcast #SRQCountyES

Talking Trash: Household Hazardous Waste Edition May 08, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Beyond the Beach, we are joined by Sarasota County Solid Waste to break down everything you need to know about household hazardous waste, from common items you might not realize are dangerous to the proper ways to dispose of them safely.
We also take a closer look at the new Venice Chemical Collection Facility and how it allows residents to safely drop off materials like paint, batteries, household chemicals, and more. Learn why proper disposal plays such an important role in protecting our community and environment.
Whether you’re cleaning out your garage or just want to be a more informed resident, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you handle hazardous waste the right way.
Learn more at scgov.net/solidwaste

Episode 12 - A Look at Breeze Transit Feb 25, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Beyond the Beach, Sammi and Lisa sit down with Miranda Lansdale from Breeze Transit to share what you need to know about getting around our community by transit. The Breeze network includes fixed bus and trolley routes, on-demand rideshare zones and paratransit services. In 2024 these combined services provided over 2.3 million rides!
Listen as we discuss hot topics like the transit ambassador volunteer program, Breeze Academy training classes and the story behind the transition from SCAT to Breeze. If you’ve ever been curious (or intimidated) about riding transit, this episode is for you.
Learn more or plan your trip at scgov.net/breeze, and remember: try it before you need it!

Episode 11 - A Look Into the Sarasota County Historical Archives Oct 17, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Beyond the Beach, Sammi and Lisa are joined by Josh Goodman, Historical Resources Manager for Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources. Listen along as they visit the History Center Memory Lab for a ghoulish look at some of the county’s most unique and surprising artifacts. From circus memorabilia to early medical tools and antique toys, discover how these spooky pieces help tell the story of Sarasota’s past.
Listen now and learn more about the Sarasota County History Center at SarasotaCountyLibraries.org
Find out more about Beyond the Beach: The Sarasota County Government Podcast at scgov.net/podcast. #SRQCountyLibraries

Protecting Sarasota’s Lands and Natural Legacy: Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of ESLPP Sep 04, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Beyond the Beach, Sammi and Lisa talk with Brie Ondercin and Tony Clements about Sarasota County’s efforts to protect and manage natural lands through the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program (ESLPP).

This fall, join us for a 10-week celebration honoring 25 years of Sarasota County’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program (ESLPP). From guided nature walks to interactive programs, each event highlights the beauty, history and conservation successes of the lands we’ve preserved together!
Learn more at sarasotacountyparks.com/landacquisitions

2025 Hurricane Season is Here with Sandra Tapfumaneyi Jun 18, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Beyond the Beach, Sammi and Lisa sit down with Sandra Tapfumaneyi, Sarasota County Emergency Management Chief to discuss Sarasota County’s historic 2024 Hurricane Season and ongoing recovery efforts. With the 2025 Hurricane Season upon us, now is the time to put together your emergency plan!
Visit scgov.net/BePrepared for more information.
Watch last year's podcast episode with Sandra: https://youtu.be/FYB_WtFTZoA?si=aAeip-YHf329mtZm
#SRQCountyPodcast #SRQCountyES

Learn Sarasota County History with History Center Manager Josh Goodman May 30, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Beyond the Beach, Sammi and Lisa sit down with Josh Goodman, Sarasota County Historical Resources Manager, to discuss the many resources and offerings through the Sarasota County History Center. Join us as we discuss information and resources about Sarasota County's remarkable past. The History Center is also the headquarters for Sarasota County's historic preservation programs, which aim to identify and protect significant historic buildings and archaeological sites.

Sarasota County hosts its own interactive database of historical markers throughout the county. Learn more about Sarasota County’s rich history using the map here: https://sarco.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Shortlist/index.html?appid=1e9d29e2273d4c45a7a83752daa4f945

Learn more about the History Center at SarasotaCountyHistory.org

Talking Trash with Solid Waste Collection Operations Manager, Oland Stokes Mar 25, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Beyond the Beach, we’re diving into Sarasota County’s Fresh Start with a Cart! Lisa and Sammi are joined by Oland Stokes, Collection Operations Manager, to discuss the upcoming changes to solid waste services starting March 31, 2025.

Learn more about the county’s transition to automated garbage collection, including cart sizes and service details. Plus, we’ll touch on storm debris recovery and how the county ensures a smooth cleanup after hurricanes. Tune in to get the scoop on what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and how you can prepare for a Fresh Start with a Cart!

Learn more at scgov.net/freshstartwithacart

Resilient SRQ: Sarasota's HUD Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery Program Feb 21, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Sammi and Lisa sit down with Steve Hyatt, Division Manager and Emily Blaine, Communications and Outreach Coordinator with the Resilient SRQ team. Sarasota County is a direct recipient of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)'s Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery, otherwise known as Resilient SRQ.

Established in 2023 to support Hurricane Ian recovery, the program is backed by $201.5 million in CDBG-DR funding from HUD. Now, with a new $210 million allocation for recovery from 2024’s storms Debby, Helene, and Milton, the county will administer over $411 million in funding to rebuild homes, repair infrastructure, and strengthen resilience. Tune in to learn how these efforts are shaping the future of Sarasota County!

For more information on Resilient SRQ, visit resilientsrq.net.

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