Episode 34: Jodie Fiske & Kevin Guthrie, FDEM Director

🎙️ Chambers, Changes & Conversations – A Statewide Look at Emergency Management

When it comes to hurricanes and disasters, preparedness isn’t just local — it’s a coordinated effort across the entire state. In this episode of Chambers, Changes & Conversations, we sit down with the Florida Division of Emergency Management Director, Kevin Guthrie, to talk about what it really takes to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies in Florida.

We start with a high-level look at how emergency management has evolved in recent years — from advances in technology and data-driven decision-making to the growing challenge of balancing large-scale disasters with more frequent, everyday events.

From there, we take you behind the scenes of how the state works hand-in-hand with counties before, during, and after a storm. From coordinated messaging and resource allocation to mutual aid between communities, this episode breaks down how a system of this scale stays aligned when it matters most.

We also bring the conversation home to Manatee County — exploring how local preparedness efforts fit into the broader statewide strategy, what stands out about the County’s response capabilities, and how partnerships with the state help strengthen evacuation planning, sheltering, and recovery efforts.

Most importantly, we focus on what this means for you. What should residents understand about how emergency management works? What steps can you take today to be better prepared? And what is the one message every Floridian should carry into hurricane season?

It’s insightful, practical, and a timely reminder that preparedness is a shared responsibility — from the state level all the way down to each household.

🎧 Listen now and get ready, stay informed, and stay prepared.