Ep. 7: Commissioner Carol Felts

Ep. 7: Commissioner Carol Felts

Author: Manatee County Government June 30, 2025 Duration: 1:00:35

What happens when a rancher, small business owner, and fierce rural advocate takes a seat on the County Commission? You get Commissioner Carol Ann Felts – direct, principled, and deeply rooted in the land she represents here in Manatee County.

In this episode of Chambers, Changes, and Conversations, hosts Casey Zempel and Stephanie Garrison sit down with Commissioner Felts of District 1 to talk about the real meaning of transparency, and why rural voices matter, and her own fight to preserve the character of East Manatee.

From safer roads and responsible growth to the future of Florida’s Cracker Trail, Commissioner Felts shares what drives her, what she’s learned, and why listening might be the most radical thing a leader can do.

💬 Tune in for her perspective representing Myakka City to Parrish, a lightning round of local favorites, and powerful reflections on service, culture, and legacy.

🎧 Listen now and subscribe to hear more about how our leaders are shaping Manatee County's future.


Ever wonder what really goes on behind the doors of your local government? Chambers, Changes & Conversations-the official podcast of Manatee County Government pulls up a chair to those discussions, offering a direct line to the decisions shaping life across Bradenton, Palmetto, Anna Maria Island, and all our unique communities from Longboat Key to Lakewood Ranch. This isn't about dry policy readings; it's about the real conversations driving change in our parks, roads, and neighborhoods. You'll hear from county commissioners, department leaders, and staff as they explain the 'why' behind new initiatives and break down complex projects in plain language. Each episode aims to demystify local governance, providing clarity on how services work and highlighting tangible opportunities for residents to participate. Tune in for genuine dialogue that connects you to the heartbeat of Manatee County, making civic life more accessible and understandable. Whether you're a longtime resident or new to the area, this podcast serves as an essential resource for staying informed and engaged with the place we call home.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 41

Chambers, Changes & Conversations - the official podcast of Manatee County Government
Podcast Episodes
Episode 41: Sarasota Bay Estuary Program [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:57
🎙️ Chambers, Changes & Conversations – Protecting Sarasota Bay, TogetherSarasota Bay is one of Manatee County's greatest natural treasures, but keeping it healthy takes far more than beautiful beaches and scenic views. I…
Episode 39: Oyster Restoration Project [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:49
In this episode of Chambers Changes & Conversations, we dive into the fascinating history of oysters in Manatee County, how they've shaped our ecosystem for centuries, and the incredible restoration efforts helping bring…
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Ep. 35: Economic Development with Aimee Johnson & Amanda Parrish [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:18
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Ep. 34: Jodie Fiske & Kevin Guthrie, FDEM Director [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:32
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Ep 33: Deputy County Administrator Courtney De Pol [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:33
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Ep. 32 Board Chair Tal Siddique [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:02
From Freshman to Chairman - Manatee County Commission Chairman Tal Siddique talks about leadership, local government, technology, and the future of Manatee County.Chairman Siddique represents District 3 in Manatee County…