Property, Lease & Governance

Laws passed by elected representatives govern the management and stewardship of public land and property. To understand what this means to the City of Sarasota, we conducted an in-depth investigation of Public Records, Lease Agreements, Internal Audits, and spoke with current and former City Commissioners.

Environment

28:43

Suzanne Atwell Show

Midnight Pass; Paradise lost S6E5

A major environmental restoration project is being considered in Sarasota County. It is story about man-made mistakes of the past, the need for science based leadership in the future and sentimental aspirations that may cause more problems than they solve.

Sarasota Bayfront; Planning for the Future S5E12

28:24

Suzanne Atwell Show

Sarasota Bayfront; Planning for the Future S5E12

In this episode, climate change, waterfront development, and stewardship. It is complex, it is expensive, and thanks to public private partnerships and long term municipal plans, it is a uniquely positive local story, Sarasota Bayfront; Planning for the Future.

The Legacy Trail, A Path to Excellence S6E1

28:00

Suzanne Atwell Show

The Legacy Trail, A Path to Excellence S6E1

Sarasota County has one of the finest trail systems in the country. It is the result of a tradition of respect for land conservation, Public Bonds that voters approved, and dedicated volunteers. The Legacy Trail, A Path to Excellence.

32:44

Suzanne Atwell Show

Hurricane Ian; Lessons Learned. S5E9

This is a story about climate, survival, and change in Florida. The impact of a natural disaster in the present, the inevitability of more in the future, and outdated public policy from the past. Hurricane Ian; Lessons Learned.

Florida Estuaries: A Tipping Point | S5E3

33:06

Suzanne Atwell Show

Florida Estuaries: A Tipping Point | S5E3

The deterioration of water quality in Florida Estuaries during the past year has had a devastating impact. Seagrass meadows are so depleted ten percent of our Manatees died from starvation. Tons of dead fish in Tampa Bay from Phosphate releases. We are nearing a point of no return. In this episode, Florida Estuaries: A Tipping Point.

31:32

Suzanne Atwell Show

BAY PARK RISING S5E1

For nearly one hundred years the City of Sarasota has squandered 52 acres of bayfront property and polluted the Bay. That’s the bad news. The good news, things are changing, the Bay Park is open, and the future looks bright. That’s the story in this episode, BAY PARK RISING.

Sarasota Water 2021 | A Wake Up Call | S4E10

33:42

Suzanne Atwell Show

Sarasota Water 2021 | A Wake Up Call | S4E10

In this episode we look back at the year through the lens of water quality and our aquatic environment. We talk to local leaders about why we’re at a dangerous tipping point, what is being done to to reverse the trend, and what each of us can contribute to the cause of preservation. Sarasota Water 2021; A Wake Up Call.

28:45

Suzanne Atwell Show

Phosphates Mining & Piney Point S4E5

The massive release of toxic waste-water into Tampa Bay at the Piney Point plant is a stark reminder of the long, destructive history of Phosphate mining and Fertilizer production in Florida. What do local environmental advocates say about the threat to our economy and quality of life? Find out in this episode, Phosphates in Florida.

Politics

32:16

Suzanne Atwell Show

Property, Lease & Governance S6E9

Laws passed by elected representatives govern the management and stewardship of public land and property. To understand what this means to the City of Sarasota, we conducted an in-depth investigation of Public Records, Lease Agreements, Internal Audits, and spoke with current and former City Commissioners.

Education Under Attack; A Blueprint For Extremism. S6E2

29:18

Suzanne Atwell Show

Education Under Attack; A Blueprint For Extremism. S6E2

New College of Florida is the latest example of an alarming local, state and national trend. The use of partisan political authority to direct and filter what can be taught in public schools. In this episode, Education Under Attack; A Blueprint For Extremism.

28:38

Suzanne Atwell Show

Elections 2022 S5E10

Election 2022. This is the story of new Florida voting laws, how a Federal lawsuit against the City of Sarasota shaped District elections, and the disturbing erosion of confidence in our electoral process.

Sarasota Media; The State of the Fourth Estate S5E8

30:09

Suzanne Atwell Show

Sarasota Media; The State of the Fourth Estate S5E8

Technology has accelerated the pervasive influence of media on society. In this episode; Sarasota Media; The State of the Fourth Estate, we talk with local media leaders about the impact on content, business, politics and the public.

29:04

Suzanne Atwell Show

Democrats; A Call to Action S5E7

Sarasota County, like the rest of the country, is going through an historic stress-test of the Constitution and the Republic for which it stands. In this episode, Sarasota Democrats; A Call to Action, we found a party genuinely committed to the values of Democracy, working hard for their cause, but losing momentum and using campaign tactics that used to work before Trump when rules and facts mattered.

Sarasota GOP; It’s Not Your Father’s Oldsmobile S5E6

30:35

Suzanne Atwell Show

Sarasota GOP; It’s Not Your Father’s Oldsmobile S5E6

Sarasota County has emerged as a case study of the forces behind The Big Lie, Trumpian Republicans, and the polarization that is dividing our country. In this edition, Sarasota GOP; It’s Not Your Father’s Oldsmobile

Sarasota City Commission is Changing S4E1

28:02

Suzanne Atwell Show

Sarasota City Commission is Changing S4E1

The City of Sarasota faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Newly elected leadership and shifting coalitions on the City Commission can either accelerate change or attempt to slow it down. In this edition, The Changing of the Guard, we interviewed the new class of 2021. One thing is certain, business as usual is over.

35:00

Suzanne Atwell Show

2020 Elections in Sarasota County S3E7

Florida has played a critical role in the most controversial elections in American history. What should we look for this time, how is racism impacting who votes, and why the experts are debunking election fraud propaganda. The 2020 Election in this edition of the Suzanne Atwell Show.

Health & Human Services

31:33

Suzanne Atwell Show

Mental Health in Sarasota S6E4

The state of Mental Health in Sarasota County is a complex, rapidly evolving situation. There are multiple storylines, some very frustrating and painful, others hopeful and encouraging. In this episode, a unique cross section of local leaders share their insight on the facts, the future and the stigma of Mental Health in our community.

33:42

Suzanne Atwell Show

Sarasota Water 2021 | A Wake Up Call | S4E10

31:39

Suzanne Atwell Show

Covid & Sarasota Schools S4E9

We have been covering the Covid pandemic for over a year now. In this episode, we talk with the same team of educators we spoke with at the end of the school year. It was a positive story. The vaccine was available, infection rates in school were low, teachers were optimistic the worst was behind them. It wasn’t. Covid & Sarasota Schools, a story of uncertainty, conflict and frustration.

28:58

Suzanne Atwell Show

COVID & Florida; A House Divided. S4E8

The war against COVID has pushed the lines of medical science, health care and constitutional rights. What are the legal and ethical trends driving public policy and opinion in Sarasota? What changed American culture that has prevented us from coming together at this grave moment in history. We look for answers in this episode; COVID & Florida; A House Divided.

32:38

Suzanne Atwell Show

Performing Arts & COVID S3E8

Performing Arts organizations in Sarasota are learning to deal with the pandemic just like the rest of us. It’s not easy, but as we learned in this episode, "Performing Arts & COVID”, innovation, perseverance, and creativity are center stage.

34:57

Suzanne Atwell Show

Public Health & COVID S3E5

Long after we have a vaccine and the Pandemic is over, American democracy needs to reconcile the disconnect between consideration for others and individualism. How has that impacted the current crisis? We search for answers in this episode, COVID-19; Public Health, Politics, and the Loss of Reason.

30:11

Suzanne Atwell Show

Sarasota Healthcare S3E2

Explorer Ponce de Leon came to Florida in 1513. Legend has it he was searching for the Fountain of Youth. Were he to arrive today he might think he found it. In this episode, Sarasota: A Place to Grow Young, the remarkable confluence of exceptional Healthcare and great weather.

29:48

Suzanne Atwell Show

Van Wezel 50th S3E1

Sarasota’s reputation as a cultural center has been nurtured by artists, philanthropists, and civic leadership. In this episode, the creation of a Performing Arts theater, the people who made it possible, and the enduring legacy of the jewel on the Bay, The Van Wezel 50th.

Education

29:18

Education Under Attack; A Blueprint For Extremism. S6E2

36:55

SARASOTA BLACK HISTORY | S5E2

In this episode we take you back over two hundred years for the remarkable history of African Americans in Sarasota. It is a story about repression, exploitation and segregation. But is also a story of perseverance, pride, protest and the courageous pursuit of liberty. Sarasota Black History, The Struggle Continues.

31:39

COVID & Florida; A House Divided. S4E8

39:22

COVID & Schools S4E3

As school districts around the country struggle with the terms and conditions of returning to class, Sarasota county has a positive story to tell. It did not start harmoniously thanks to the Governor's threatening Emergency Order last summer, but credit goes to the key local stakeholders who have done a remarkable job. Their story in this edition, COVID & Schools.

30:38

Florida School Safety Act S1E11

The start of the 2018-19 school year marks a turning point in Florida education history. Six months after the Parkland massacre, a sweeping school safety Act is being implemented across the state. As students return to class, we wanted to know how we’re doing right here in Sarasota County.

29:22

Impact of Charter Schools S1E7

35:51

Sarasota Schools & Gun Control S1E6

Civil Liberties

32:23

Affordable Housing S6E7

A very risky and inequitable economic situation exists in Sarasota, Florida. At the same time a luxury real estate boom is fueling the local economy, the average working family cannot afford the rent on a one bedroom apartment. In this episode, Affordable Housing; an existential threat, seeking solutions, and lessons learned.

31:33

Mental Health in Sarasota S6E4

29:18

Education Under Attack; A Blueprint For Extremism. S6E2

36:55

Body Cam in Sarasota S4E6

In case you missed it, the Sarasota Police Department has taken a huge step forward in law enforcement. Body Cameras are now in the field. How are they being used, what are the policies, and what does it take to get a copy? We got the answers and more in this episode, "SPD Body Cams".

36:07

Police Reform S3E6

Something has fundamentally changed since George Floyd. At the same time, nothing has changed. And that is the problem. In this episode, Police Reform; a search for common ground, accountability, and the future of law enforcement.

29:09

Hate Crimes S2E8

In this episode, how Sarasota, Manatee religious organizations are dealing with racism, hate groups, and security in our community. It is a story about courage, lessons from history and faith.

29:48

Sarasota LGBTQ Community S1E9

Interviewing key members of the LGBTQ+ community in Sarasota, Florida

32:38

Suzanne Atwell Show S5E4 The Sarasota Performing Arts Center.

The City of Sarasota is in the midst of a development Rennaissance. We are becoming a global luxury destination. No project captures the ambition and the potential of this evolution more than the focus of this episode, The Sarasota Performing Arts Center.

31:32

Siesta Key Incorporation S4E7

SIESTA KEY SHOWDOWN Are efforts to incorporate the solution to protecting a piece of paradise, or a naive attempt to obstruct progress and capital investment? We get the answers in this episode; Siesta Key Showdown; the pros, cons and implications of incorporating America’s Number One Beach.

30:50

Spring Training 2021 S4E4

In this episode, Spring Training 2021. The history, the year that was, and the future ahead. We talk to local team managers and community leaders about the season that just ended.

29:31

Suncoast Airport Growth S2E5

If you fly to Sarasota or Manatee County the number of options used to be limited. But that has changed. Thanks to dramatic growth at SRQ and the emergence of Punta Gorda Airport, there are plenty of non-stop alternatives to Tampa-ST. Pete. In this episode, Suncoast Airline Travel, the changing face of the friendly skies.

27:15

Sarasota Building Boom S2E1

The City of Sarasota is in the midst of an unprecedented real estate boom. Core principles guiding design and development are defining the kind of city we will be for generations to come. In this episode, The Changing Face of Sarasota, we look at public policy, private investment, and personal expectations.

28:24

Sarasota Bayfront; Planning for the Future S5E12

28:00

The Legacy Trail, A Path to Excellence S6E1

Develpment & Growth

32:38

Suzanne Atwell Show S5E4 The Sarasota Performing Arts Center.

31:32

Parks & Land Preservation S4E2

The West Florida gulf coast is a destination in the midst of a great migration. Natives know the natural beauty and open spaces that were, travelers come seeking sun, warm water, and health. But there is a paradox. If we are not good stewards, we will destroy the fragile paradise that brings us here. In this episode, Parks, Land Preservation, and Public Health.

29:38

Bobby Jones Golf Club S2E7

The city of Sarasota has another big land-use issue to decide. It involves Parks and Recreation. It will impact our environment and our economy. It will reveal the values we choose to shape long term civic policy and plans. The Future of Bobby Jones Golf, a Sarasota story.

31:58

The Future of Selby Gardens S2E4

Every year hundreds of thousands of people visit Selby Botanical Gardens. It is as much a part of the legacy of Sarasota as the Ringling Museum, Sarasota Bay and Siesta Key Beach. But even iconic attractions like Selby need to evolve as times change. In this episode, The Future of Selby Gardens.

31:38

The Bay Park Conservancy S2E3

The City Of Sarasota owns some of the most valuable property in the State of Florida including over forty bay-front acres from Boulevard of the Arts to the 10th St. Boat Ramp. In this Episode, the future of The Bay, how we got here, and where we are going.

28:00

The Legacy Trail, A Path to Excellence S6E1

30:03

Selby Botanical Gardens 50th year S6E8

Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, Florida is world renowned for its collections, research and exhibits. It is also a story about Philanthropy, Community and Conservation. In this episode we celebrate 50 years of service, excellence and the beauty of Nature.

Parks & Conservation

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Your support will help insure the voice of local, community journalism continues to serve Sarasota and the Florida Gulf Coast.

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About Me

About Us

Suzanne Atwell Show is owned and operated by Atwell Media, a Sarasota, FL based 501c3 Nonprofit corporation. Our Mission is to educate, engage, and inform via local, in-depth interviews that help people understand the issues, news, and trends that impact Sarasota County and the Florida Gulf Coast.

Currently in our fourth season, Suzanne Atwell Show is a monthly, 30 minute, Public Affairs program that is distributed via the internet and social media. Our target audience is college-educated, registered voters in Sarasota, Florida, earning $100,000 per year.

We average 3-5 thousand video views per month with a total reach of over one million impressions since our launch in 2017.

Operating Principles

We believe a public that is educated and informed by truth and facts is needed for a strong Government by the People.
We believe local journalism fosters transparency, accountability and an open exchange of diverse opinions and ideas.
We use our resources to fight bigotry, racism and hate crimes by exposing violations of and threats to civil liberties and civil rights.
We advocate for the protection of the environment, wildlife, land trust conservancies, and investments in parks and nature sanctuaries.
We are committed to the promotion and support of local arts organizations and believe they enhance the quality of life in our community.

Suzanne Atwell. President, Atwell Media, Host, Suzanne Atwell Show. Suzanne has dedicated her professional life to public service and helping others. She served two terms as Mayor and held an at-large seat on the Sarasota City Commission. Formerly a licensed Mental Health Counselor, she also worked at Coastal Behavioral Health Care, and Jewish Family and Children’s Services in Sarasota. She has held numerous board and advisory board seats including Selby Botanical Gardens, Sarasota County Chamber of Commerce, the Tourist Development Council, The Healthy Start Coalition, and the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program. She holds a BA in Psychology from George Washington University and a MA in Clinical Psychology from Marymount University.

Robert H. Atwell. Secretary, Atwell Media. Robert has had a distinguished 40-year career in public and private higher education. His former positions include President of the American Council on Education (ACE), President of Pitzer College, Claremont, CA, and Vice Chancellor, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI. He is an Honorary Trustee of Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL. Robert was named one of the top leaders in American Higher Education by Change Magazine, received the King Chavez Park Initiative Award for promoting equity in higher education, and was recognized for Outstanding Contribution to Higher Education by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators. He holds 17 honorary degrees, is widely published on presidential compensation and institutional governance, and earned a BA from The College of Wooster and a MA from the University of Minnesota.

Steve Sabato. Executive Producer, Suzanne Atwell Show. Steve is the Founder and President of Sabato LLC, a concierge media development and production firm that is focused on public affairs, documentaries, and the performing arts. He writes, produces, and directs Suzanne Atwell Show. Nationally recognized as a leader in TV digital innovation and program development, he has held numerous News Director and General Manager positions with CBS, ABC, and NBC affiliates. His current and former board service includes; Sarasota Opera, Sarasota Sailing Squadron, Save our Seabirds, Midland Center for the Arts, Intermezzo Music Festival, and Connecticut Opera. He is a graduate of The London Film School.

MakSchu Productions. Design, Studio Recording and Post Production. Founded in 2016 by Ringling College of Art and Design Alumn Karim and Christina Maksoud. This Sarasota-based studio and production house is equipped with state-of-the art cameras, switcher, livestreaming equipment and green screen. In addition to Suzanne Atwell Show, they have collaborated with hundreds of local and national businesses including Sarasota Opera, Bealls Florida INC., Champs Sports, Visit Sarasota County and Visit California. MakSchu Productions has won multiple awards for their conceptual narratives and video productions.

Joseph Chapman. Treasurer, Atwell Media. Joseph is a trusted and respected Independent Certified Public Accountant with extensive experience as an advisor to businesses and individuals in Florida. His areas of expertise include; Preparation of Audited, Reviewed and Compiled financial statements, and Tax compliance for businesses and individuals. For more than 10 years he served as Treasurer for Greater Sarasota Junior Golf, and three years as Treasurer for the Gulf Coast Chapter of the US Green Building Council. He has a BA in Accounting from the University of South Florida.

The Team

Contact Me

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Atwell Media
PO Box # 2135
Sarasota, Fl 34230