Whether working in an office cubicle, on a factory floor or along the aisles of a retail store, time spent in the break room is usually a quiet time, away from pressure, away from work routines and often a place where co-workers can converse in a relaxed environment. That’s the idea behind the WFCF/Flagler College Radio program, The Break Room (TBR).
Hosted by Communications Manager Melissa Wissel, the 15-minute weekly program offers a behind-the-scenes look at the day-to-day operations of city government through conversations with city employees who do the work every day.
Jen Lomberk, The Matanzas Riverkeeper Part 1, May 26, 2026
May 05, 2026
Show notes
May 26, 2026 | This episode of The Break Room features Jen Lomberk, Executive Director of Matanzas Riverkeeper, discussing her recognition as the inaugural Red Cedar Award recipient for environmental impact. She highlights the community-driven effort to save Fish Island from development, emphasizing its ecological and historical significance and the power of grassroots activism. The conversation underscores ongoing conservation efforts and the importance of community stewardship in protecting local natural resources.
The Break Room with Roger Smith, Historian, April 28, 2026
Apr 28, 2026
Show notes
April 28, 2026 | This episode of The Break Room features historian Dr. Roger Smith discussing St. Augustine’s role during the Revolutionary War, particularly the unique treatment of over 2,000 prisoners of war held in the city, including signers of the Declaration of Independence. The conversation highlights how many prisoners lived relatively freely under parole agreements and shares intriguing stories of espionage and daily life. It also promotes the upcoming St. Augustine History Festival, emphasizing its focus on authentic local history and the city’s connection to America’s 250th anniversary.
The Break Room Glabra Skipp Deputy Director Utilities and Public Works and Steve Wright Sanitation Manager, April 21, 2026
Apr 21, 2026
Show notes
April 21, 2026 | This episode of The Break Room features Solid Waste and Sanitation Manager Steve Wright and Deputy Director of Utilities and Public Works Glabra Skipp, who discuss St. Augustine’s recycling programs and Earth Month initiatives. They cover services like glass and electronics recycling, environmental efforts such as tree planting and native species programs, and promote an upcoming Earth Week recycling event.
Abby Pedigo, Fire Marshal, April 14, 2026
Apr 14, 2026
Show notes
This episode of The Break Room highlights Fire Marshal Abby Pedigo’s work in public education, including CPR training, fire safety programs, and smoke alarm initiatives in St. Augustine. A key story features a successful cardiac arrest rescue at the lighthouse, demonstrating how recent CPR training helped staff save a life. The discussion also covers fire prevention efforts, common fire risks, building safety, and ongoing projects like a new fire station.
Darlene Galambos, City Clerk, April 7, 2026
Apr 07, 2026
Show notes
April 7, 2026 | This episode of The Break Room features City Clerk Darlene Galambos continuing a discussion on influential women who shaped St. Augustine, highlighting figures in historic preservation, archaeology, education, and business. The conversation emphasizes their lasting impact on the city’s cultural heritage, including contributions to museums, historic sites, and community development. The episode also touches on current city updates, volunteer opportunities, and Galambos’s role in preserving local history.
Darlene Galambos, City Clerk, March 31, 2026
Mar 31, 2026
Show notes
March 31, 2026 | Part 1: This episode of The Break Room highlights influential women who have shaped St. Augustine’s history and development, featuring City Clerk Darlene Galambos discussing female city leaders, historians, and community contributors. The conversation explores their impact on areas like environmental preservation, arts, civil rights history, and city planning, while also encouraging community involvement through local boards.
Dr. Andrea White, City Archaeologist, March 24, 2026
Mar 24, 2026
Show notes
March 24, 2026 | This episode highlights Dr. Andrea White’s work on major archaeology projects in St. Augustine, including recent discoveries and ongoing excavations tied to city improvements. She also shares updates on a new archaeology center and reflects on how these finds connect the community to its past.
Melissa Burns, Finance Director, March 17, 2026
Mar 17, 2026
Show notes
This episode of The Break Room features City of St. Augustine Finance Director Melissa Burns during Women’s History Month and Government Finance Professionals Week. Burns discusses what distinguishes government finance professionals from other accountants, emphasizing their role in responsibly managing and safeguarding public funds. The conversation highlights the work of the city’s Finance Department and the importance of financial stewardship in local government.
Meredith Breidenstein, Assistant City Manager, March 10, 2026
Mar 10, 2026
Show notes
In this episode of The Break Room, Communications Director Melissa Wissel talks with Assistant City Manager Meredith Breidenstein about her 21-year career with the City of St. Augustine and her role as the city’s first female assistant city manager during Women’s History Month. Breidenstein discusses the city’s strategic planning efforts, priorities for the 2026 state legislative session—including funding for a resilient fire station and water infrastructure—and the potential impacts of proposed property tax reforms on city services.
Isaac Kiltz, Engineer, March 3, 2026
Mar 03, 2026
Show notes
In this episode of The Break Room, Engineer Isaac Kiltz explains how the City of St. Augustine uses smoke testing and other inspection methods to find leaks and improper connections in the wastewater system. He also shares what residents can expect during upcoming neighborhood testing and how these efforts help protect and improve the City’s infrastructure.