Leon County Superintendent of Schools Rocky Hanna joined Dara to pull back the curtain on the "bullseye" on public schools in the Sunshine State. Rocky delves into the impact the state's universal voucher program is having on the K-12 system and its students. The superintendent, who's spent nearly four decades working for Leon schools, says "there's just not enough money to properly fund two parallel programs." Rocky also talks about recruiting challenges as educators confront a "lack of respect" after being on the frontlines during the coronavirus pandemic. The Leon County schools chief has taken up the mantle to "speak truth to power" on behalf of administrators throughout the state. Don't despair, though. Forget about the Crocs. Join Deeper Dive this week to hear Rocky highlight the resilience of public school teachers, students, support staff and administrators.

Miami Herald investigative reporter Julie K. Brown has forgotten more about Jeffrey Epstein than most of us will ever know. The author of "Perversion of Justice: The Jeffrey Epstein Story" joins Dara this week as MAGA world explodes over the Epstein "list." Super sleuth Julie says the list doesn't exist and that's just a sample of the insights she shares on this week's Deeper Dive. Did Epstein take his own life? What happened to the FBI files? Julie has spent years hunting down documents, fighting in court and speaking with victims and insiders in her investigation of Epstein, the wealthy Palm Beach financier who was arrested for sex trafficking of young girls and who died in prison in 2019. Julie speaks about how the government and judicial system repeatedly let down Epstein's victims, many of whom continue to struggle with the trauma they experienced as young girls. On a lighter note, Philly! Julie schools Dara on Pat's vs. Geno's.

As executive director of Friends of the Everglades, Eve Samples is following in the footsteps of one of the state's most revered conservationists - Marjory Stoneman Douglas - in more ways than one. The onetime journo joins Dara in this week's Deeper Dive to delve into a lawsuit challenging an immigrant detention center in the Everglades. Dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the facility is located on the very spot that spawned Friends of the Everglades and a federal law that's at the heart of the legal challenge. Eve tells Dara about the endangered species that can be found in or near the detention facility and the center's impact on their habitat. Join Dara and Eve for a timely conversation about the hottest topic in Florida news this week. Plus, Crocs!

Forrest Saunders, Capitol Reporter for E.W. Scripps, rejoins Dara in the Speakeasy this week to delve into a week of alligators, vetoes and founding fathers. Forrest breaks down Gov. Ron DeSantis' action on the state's $117.4 billion spending plan for the fiscal year that began Tuesday. The biggest news this week, however, is percolating at a migrant detention center in the middle of the Everglades, dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" by DeSantis and Attorney General James Uthmeier. The journos weigh in on President Donald Trump's visit to the detention center and the host of GOP heavyweights who gathered for a tour this week. And, just in time for the Fourth of July, Dara and Forrest dish on their favorite founding fathers. Drop us a line at podcasts@newsserviceflorida.com to share your favorite founding father, a haiku, or just to tell us what you think!

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz rejoins Dara this week for a wide-ranging chat about partisan family feuds, threats against elected officials, and so much more. The Broward County Democrat doesn't hold back on her assessment of President Donald Trump and what she calls the "Big, Ugly Bill" under consideration in D.C. DWS, a former chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee. Are congressional pickups a possibility in Florida in the upcoming midterm elections? Join in and find out! The congresswoman also sounds the alarm about a skyrocketing rise in antisemitism, including in her South Florida region. Plus, DWS dishes about her journey to better health in the kitchen. Find out more about that on Insta at @CleanCookingCongresswoman!

Forecasters are predicting another above-average hurricane season, but Deeper Dive's got you covered. National Weather Service Warning Coordination Meteorologist Mark Wool joins Dara in the Speakeasy this week with details about the forecast and tips for storm prep and response. Mark also shares some good news about recent staff cuts at NWS and the National Hurricane Center. The meteorologist also discusses the reality of global warming and its impact. Plus, snacks, generators and so much more!

Want more down-low on weather highs and lows? The National Weather Service is offering virtual tropical storm training next month. Divas can register at weather.gov/tallahassee.

The boys are back! E.W. Scripps Capitol Reporter Forrest Saunders and Spectrum News Capitol Reporter Jason Delgado join Dara in the Speakeasy to break down a week chockfull of news. Oh, no! Ono's a no go! Dara and the dynamic duo dig into a momentous decision by the state university system's Board of Governors to reject the selection of Santa Ono as president of the University of Florida. The chief diva shares what national experts are saying about the stunning move and its possible impact on higher-ed in the Sunshine State. Next, the guys share details about David Jolly, who threw his hat into the ring for governor as a Democrat this week. Jason and Forest also fill Dara in on House and Senate budget negotiations. Plus, Jason gives the inside scoop on hunting down the best snacks and soda in the Capitol. Join us for all that, the News in Haikus, and more on this week's Deeper Dive!

State Rep. Allison Tant has done it all, and then some. The Tallahassee Democrat was an aide, a lobbyist, an advocate and the chair of the Florida Democratic Party before her election to House District 9 in 2020. On this week's Deeper Dive, Allison visits with Dara and shares about her "humble" roots, her fierce advocacy for people with disabilities and the journey that led her to the state House. Of course, the duo dig into House and Senate leaders' legislative impasse over the state budget. Rep. Tant offers insight about the needs of rural communities she represents and shares some good news about Jefferson County schools. Join Dara and Allison for all that, plus Costco and much, much more from the Speakeasy!