Protect Florida launches with a conversation between host James Scott and Congresswoman Kathy Castor on protecting Florida's Gulf Coast, advancing clean energy, and building resilient communities. Explore the challenges, solutions, and opportunities shaping Florida's future.

The Story Behind This Episode

This wasn't just the first episode we wanted to produce—it was the story we felt we had to tell. The Deepwater Horizon oil catastrophe changed the lives of all three hosts in different ways. It reinforced the importance of protecting Florida's Gulf, our coastal economy, wildlife, and communities from future oil disasters while accelerating the transition to clean, affordable energy.

James Scott, Erica Hall and Cathy Harrelson each bring decades of advocacy, leadership, and community organizing to this conversation. Together, they wanted to reflect on the lessons of the past, celebrate the progress that's been made, and explore how Floridians can build a stronger, more resilient future. There was no better person to begin that conversation than Congresswoman Kathy Castor, whose leadership has helped protect Florida's Gulf Coast, champion clean energy, and prepare our communities for the future.

We hope this episode inspires you to protect the places you love, get involved, and help shape Florida's next chapter.

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How do ordinary people create extraordinary change? In this special 3 minute conversation, environmental justice leader Erica Hall, Congresswoman Kathy Castor, host James Scott, longtime Sierra Club volunteer Cathy Harrelson, and Frank Alves, President of the Council of Neighborhood Associations in St. Petersburg, discuss the power of community organizing. From environmental justice and rising energy costs to neighborhood advocacy, they share why lasting change begins when people come together, organize, and speak truth to power

Short conversations. Big ideas. Watch these featured moments from our conversation with Rep. Castor and more!

The Disaster We Must Never Forget

Protecting the Rice's Whale—and Our Gulf

Energy Affordability and Florida's Future