The FCCMA Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Re-Release Episode #145: Amy Zubaly – It Only Takes One Storm Sep 30, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we talk with Amy Zubaly, the Executive Director of the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA), who has been with the organization for 25 years and in her current role since 2017. Amy shares insights into FMEA's pivotal role in supporting Florida’s 33 city-owned utilities, particularly during hurricanes and emergencies. As the 2024 hurricane season looms with a dire forecast, Amy emphasizes the importance of preparedness, and notes that it only takes one storm to wreak havoc on a city. She discusses FMEA's function as a mutual aid coordinator, connecting state and federal partners and mobilizing extra assistance for member utilities when disaster strikes. Amy’s expertise underscores the necessity for cities to have robust plans in place for any eventuality.

Re-Release Episode #144: William Whitson – Disaster Preparedness Sep 30, 2024

Show notes

In Episode #144, we meet William Whitson, a seasoned public service professional with a resume that includes a decade in Washington, DC, and frontline experience in nine hurricane recoveries. His pragmatic approach to emergency preparedness, honed by experiences ranging from Hurricanes Erin and Opal to the devastations of Katrina and Harvey, provides a master class for city managers. William's crucial advice: engage proactively with the Florida Recovery Obligation Calculation (F-ROC) program to navigate the bureaucratic aftermath of disasters confidently.

Episode #159: Tim Bolduc – Tell the Truth, Tell it First, and Tell it Often Aug 30, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Tim Bolduc, the first City Manager of Crestview, discusses the importance of honesty and transparency in leadership. Tim shares his experiences in transitioning Crestview from a strong mayor-council form of government to a city manager form, explaining the benefits of this governance model. He highlights the challenges and growth Crestview has experienced under his leadership, including a 30% increase in the city's size. Tim also addresses the role of social media in modern management and offers practical advice for handling its potential toxicity, advocating for open communication and accessibility through direct channels such as email.

Episode #158: Suzanne Sherman – A Lesson on Ethics Aug 30, 2024

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Suzanne Sherman, the City Manager of Palm Bay, discusses the complexities of ethical decision-making in local government. As Palm Bay has rapidly grown to nearly 100 square miles with a population increase from 20,000 to 140,000 in just 20 years, Suzanne has focused on restoring public trust following past ethics violations and investigations. She emphasizes the importance of continuous ethics training, attending sessions twice a year to stay sharp and aware of the nuances in ethical dilemmas. Suzanne highlights that many decisions in government require careful, deliberative thinking, and consideration of the impact on all parties involved.

Episode #157: Jonathan H. Hayes – Navigating Growth and Recovery in Panama City Aug 30, 2024

Show notes

Jonathan H. Hayes, formerly the logistics and public works director for Panama City, shares his experiences in managing the city's growth and recovery, particularly following the devastating impact of Hurricane Michael in 2018. He talks about the expansion of the Panama City airport and the broader development in the Florida Panhandle, emphasizing the importance of resilience in public service. Jonathan reflects on his family's deep roots in Panama City and the ongoing efforts to revitalize the downtown area, balancing modern growth with preserving the city's vintage charm and increasing walkability.

Episode #156: Richard Florida – The Rise of the Meta-City and the Creative Economy Aug 30, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Richard Florida, the keynote speaker at the 2024 Florida League of Cities Annual Conference, discusses the transformative shift from a physical economy to a creative economy, emphasizing the increasing importance of communities in this new era. He introduces the concept of the “meta-city” and explores its unique impact on Florida. Richard highlights the accessibility of smaller communities to locally owned restaurants and the critical role college towns play in the state's future. He also delves into the rise of digital environments in urban settings, explaining how cities are evolving beyond mere physical spaces to become dynamic, integrated hubs for work and life.

Episode #155 - John Curp – Building a Livable, Walkable Community Jul 31, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Steve sits down with John Curp, the City Manager of Largo in Pinellas County. Largo, a vibrant city with a population of 85,000, is nestled in the densest county in Florida. In Largo, John is pioneering efforts to enhance community livability and walkability. He discusses a partnership with local bars and restaurants to establish an entertainment district with open container allowances. Tune in to discover how John Curp's vision and strategic initiatives are transforming Largo into a dynamic, walkable community that prioritizes local business growth and resident engagement.

Episode #154: Ken Parker – Insights from a FCCMA Senior Advisor Jul 31, 2024

Show notes

Ken Parker, a longtime FCCMA Senior Advisor who has been retired for 10 years, joins us for a live interview at the FCCMA 2024 Annual Conference. Ken moved from Arkansas to Port Orange in Volusia County and discusses his experience in buying 10,000 acres for Port Orange to support the municipality’s growth. Additionally, Ken shares the unique experience of having an alien eradication specialist on his staff and provides fascinating insights into his diverse career.

Episode #153: Olivia Minshew – The Wauchula Way Jul 31, 2024

Show notes

Olivia Minshew has been the City Manager of Wauchula since 2023 and has been with the City for nearly 20 years. In this episode, Olivia discusses the City’s process of moving to direct deposit and the significant time savings it ultimately brought to her employees. She outlines the change steps involved, which included awareness, preparation, and communication. Olivia also talks about breaking down departmental silos, where previously, departments operated independently with little regard for each other’s activities. Their strategic planning process now includes an employee recognition program that rewards employees for modeling one of the City’s values.

Episode #152: Jorge Gonzalez – Being a City Manager is Not for Everyone Jul 31, 2024

Show notes

Jorge Gonzalez, Village Manager of Bal Harbour in Miami-Dade County, shares his experiences managing one of the most successful malls in the world. Jorge believes that being a city manager requires courage, confidence, and conviction – the three Cs. He talks about the challenging positions he has encountered in his career and the importance of adhering to an ethical code.

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