What happens when counties lose millions in revenue—and who ends up paying the difference?

On this episode of Direct with Dana, host Dana Brooks sits down with former Leon County Commissioner Brian Desloge to examine Florida's proposed Amendment 3 and its potential impact on homeowners, renters, businesses, and local communities.

Brian draws on his experience in county government to explain how the proposed homestead exemption increase could affect local budgets. He discusses a projected $70 million annual revenue loss for Leon County, possible changes to property tax rates, and concerns about funding for first responders, parks, libraries, and animal shelters.

Dana challenges Brian with the questions everyday Floridians are asking: Why can't government simply spend less? Why should homeowners pay for services they don't use? And could property tax relief end up shifting costs to renters and businesses?

In this episode:

• How the proposed property tax amendment works
• Why homestead and non-homestead properties matter
• The potential impact on rent and commercial property
• How counties fund emergency services and public facilities
• Whether local governments can cut spending instead
• Alternative approaches to property tax reform
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The discussion also explores Florida's property insurance challenges and the importance of understanding local budget impacts before making decisions at the ballot box.

Have a question about Florida property taxes? Share it with us!

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#DirectWithDana #FloridaPropertyTaxes #Amendment3 #PropertyTaxRelief #FloridaHomeowners #FloridaRealEstate #HomesteadExemption #LocalGovernment

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Dana Brooks sits down with longtime political insider Steve Burtman to talk about what happened to the political middle and whether our parties still represent everyday Americans.

Steve, president of the Capital City Tiger Bay Club, brings decades of experience in Florida politics, government affairs, business, and advocacy to a wide-ranging conversation about the changing Republican and Democratic parties.

Dana and Steve dig into political polarization, MAGA and the changing GOP, the progressive movement on the left, why outrage gets rewarded, the influence of PAC money, third-party politics, immigration, political discourse, and why so many moderate voters feel politically homeless. They also discuss whether people are actually nastier than they used to be—or whether social media simply gives our worst political instincts a bigger microphone. And they explore why organizations like Tiger Bay could help bring people back into face-to-face political conversations.

If you're tired of political shouting matches and want a smarter conversation about where American politics is headed, this episode is for you.

Keywords: American politics, political polarization, Democratic Party, Republican Party, MAGA, moderate voters, independent voters, third party politics, Florida politics, Tallahassee politics, PAC money, elections, political discourse, Capital City Tiger Bay Club

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Dana and Gary also get personal about his son Zachary and the profound impact he had on Gary’s life and creative perspective. Then they dive into today’s political landscape: the power of moderate voters, the rise of political extremes, why negative campaigning works, and Gary’s once-controversial idea to combine Leon and Wakulla counties.

Topics include Tallahassee politics, political campaigns, advertising strategy, personal injury law marketing, storytelling, media production, Emmy-winning work, writing, authenticity, and building consumer trust.

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On this episode of Direct with Dana, Greg opens up about growing up in Tallahassee, his unexpected path from DJing to radio, nearly two decades with the Florida Sheriffs Association, and the leap that ultimately led to The Greg Tish Show. He and Dana also dig into why hyper-local radio matters, “outrage fatigue,” the Tallahassee people underestimate, and why there’s a lot more happening in this city than critics think.

Then the conversation gets personal. Greg talks candidly about shyness, insecurity, relationships, learning to say no, walking away from alcohol, getting older, and the legacy he hopes his generation leaves behind in Tallahassee.

If you enjoy honest conversations with the people shaping our community, subscribe to Direct with Dana, follow the show, and share this episode with someone who loves Tallahassee.

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On this episode of Direct with Dana, Dana Brooks sits down with her law partner of 18 years for a candid conversation about Jimmy’s extraordinary comeback. He shares how one trip to Amsterdam sent his life down a dark path, why getting arrested ultimately saved him, and how he spent years building the case that he deserved a second chance.

Jimmy also opens up about resilience, goal setting, success, risk-taking, losing friends, local fame, family, and the philosophy behind “Come Back Stronger.” Plus, Dana and Jimmy get candid about what they’ve learned from each other after nearly two decades as law partners.

Whether you’re rebuilding after a setback, pursuing an impossible goal, interested in the legal profession, or looking for a different perspective on success and personal growth, this conversation is proof that your worst chapter doesn’t have to be your last.

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Dana Brooks sits down with Tallahassee Reports founder Steve Stewart for a candid conversation about media bias, credibility, politics, and Tallahassee’s future.

Steve explains how Tallahassee Reports evolved from a watchdog blog into a community newspaper, why he believes every news organization has some form of bias, and why consumers should look beyond the messenger and examine the facts.

Dana and Steve also dig into advertising and editorial independence, the changing role of legacy media, local political divisions, Tallahassee’s job market, private-sector growth, housing and migration into surrounding counties, and the debate over what may be holding the local economy back.

It’s a wide-ranging conversation about journalism, accountability, economic development, leadership, and what Tallahassee could become next.

Topics include: Tallahassee news, media bias, local journalism, Tallahassee Reports, local politics, Tallahassee economy, jobs, business growth, Leon County, housing, economic development, FSU, local leadership, and consumer trust in media.

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Former Tallahassee Democrat publisher Skip Foster joins Dana Brooks for an honest conversation about economic development, bureaucracy, journalism, affordable housing, and why Florida's capital isn't experiencing the same growth as the rest of the state.

They discuss:

• Why Tallahassee's economy has stalled
• The biggest barriers to business growth
• How permitting and bureaucracy impact development
• Affordable housing and zoning reform
• The role of local leadership
• Journalism vs. advocacy in today's media
• What Austin did differently—and what Tallahassee can learn
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If you care about Tallahassee's future, local politics, business growth, economic development, entrepreneurship, or community leadership, this is a conversation you don't want to miss.

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Attorney Katherine Viker joins Dana Brooks for an inside look at one of Florida's most talked-about recent trials, the challenges of representing plaintiffs, and the surprising path that led her from raising five children to becoming one of Tallahassee's most respected employment attorneys.

In this episode:

• The high-profile Fabian Basabe trial
• What it's really like trying cases against self-represented litigants
• Sexual harassment and workplace discrimination
• Plaintiff law vs. defense law
• AI in the courtroom
• Building a legal career later in life
• Celebrity clients, music legends, and unexpected career opportunities
• Leadership, resilience, and standing up for what's right
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Whether you're interested in law, leadership, employment issues, courtroom strategy, or inspiring career stories, this episode delivers an honest conversation packed with insight.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Follow Direct with Dana for more conversations with leaders, attorneys, and changemakers making an impact in their communities.

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In this episode of Direct with Dana, Dana Brooks sits down with Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey for a thoughtful conversation about public service, leadership, and the future of Florida's capital city.

Mayor Dailey reflects on nearly two decades in elected office, sharing lessons learned from leading during COVID-19, navigating difficult public issues, and balancing the demands of leadership with family life. The conversation also explores Tallahassee's growth, economic development, housing, healthcare, public safety, and the role local government plays in shaping everyday life.

Topics include:

• What the mayor's role really looks like
• Leadership during COVID and other community crises
• Why fewer people are choosing to run for public office
• Youth violence and public safety
• Growth, housing, and economic development
• FSU Health and Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare
• Property taxes and home rule
• Reflections on public service and what's next after City Hall

If you're interested in local government, civic leadership, Tallahassee, public policy, or community development, this conversation offers valuable perspective from someone who has spent two decades serving the community.

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Dana Brooks sits down with law partner Eric Stephenson to uncover what really happens when termite companies fail to protect your home, how homeowners unknowingly lose thousands of dollars, and when you should call an attorney before repairs begin.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why termite contracts don't always provide the protection you think
• Liquid barriers vs. bait stations
• Common mistakes homeowners make after discovering termites
• The truth about termite bonds
• How improper inspections lead to catastrophic damage
• When contractors, inspectors, and termite companies may all share responsibility
• Eric's incredible legal career—from criminal prosecutions to nationally known cases
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Whether you're buying a home, own property in Florida or Alabama, or simply want to protect your biggest investment, this episode could save you thousands.

Topics:

Termite damage • Homeowners insurance • Property damage • Florida law • Alabama law • Real estate • Home inspections • Termite treatment • Legal advice • Consumer protection

👍 Subscribe for more conversations that help protect your rights and your wallet.

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