Chris Cate: Welcome to the Fluent in Floridian podcast, featuring the Sunshine State’s brightest leaders talking about the issues most important to the people of Florida and to millions of weekly visitors. In this episode, created by SalterMitchell PR, our executive producer Heidi Otway, the president of SalterMitchell PR, talks to Desmond Meade, the president of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition.

Heidi Otway: Desmond, thank you so much for joining us on this episode of the Fluent in Floridian podcast. We are thrilled to have you as one of our esteemed guests today.

Desmond Meade: Well, thank you, Heidi, for having me on. It’s definitely a pleasure.

Heidi Otway: So you were raised in Miami, my hometown, and it seems like we were there growing up at the same time during the 70s. So tell us about what it was like growing up in South Florida, and a little bit about your childhood.

Desmond Meade: Well, no, those were the good old days back then, Heidi. I mean, one of the things that I see even is missing today that’s something that we had back then was we had a lot of activity around the Boys & Girls Club. And so as a young man growing up, there was always something to do to occupy my time. So if I wasn’t at school, I was at the Boys Club participating in the various athletic activities, and the parks were flourishing. I used to hang out at Moore Park and Manor Park and play the basketball, run the track, the whole nine yards. And so I had a very active childhood growing up in South Florida. And matter of fact, I don’t even remember having to deal with too many hurricanes back then.

Heidi Otway: Yeah, you’re right.

Desmond Meade: At least not like how we’re dealing with them now.

Heidi Otway: Yeah, you’re right. Manor Park, I used to go to summer camp there when I was a little kid, so we probably were playing on the playground at the same time for all I know. So, did you have a calling early on or a passion early on when you were growing up in South Florida?

Desmond Meade: Now that’s a great question. I would say that as a kid growing up, one of the passions that I had, actually, it’s two, was to either be a pilot or to be a lawyer. As a kid, I used to always watch the Perry Mason shows, and then of course, my parents always used to tell me I used to run my mouth a lot, so I needed to be a lawyer or a preacher and I chose to try to be a lawyer.

Heidi Otway: Right, right. So you went to high school at Edison High School. What happened when you graduated from high school? You went to the Army. Can you tell us about that experience?

Desmond Meade: Well first of all, we have to name it properly. It’s “The” Miami Edison Senior High School, which is the home of the Red Raiders.

Heidi Otway: Yes.

Desmond Meade: Yeah, great time there. I mean, I really loved the educational opportunities. The teachers there were amazing. We had that program where we were busing students from all over, the AP courses and stuff like that, so we got to interact with a lot of students from Carol City, from Central-

Heidi Otway: Yes, Chiefs.

Desmond Meade: … from Jackson, and so that was a great experience. And unfortunately, what happened, and I don’t know if it’s unfortunate or not, But a year prior in my junior year, I was actually living in Illinois. I was spending some time with my dad and I happened to see a Rambo movie. After walking out of the Rambo movie, I decided I wanted to be a special forces soldier and I enrolled in the delayed entry program with the Army. When I got back to Miami and I finished out my senior year at Miami Edison, the Army really wasn’t going to let me go anywhere else but to complete my enlistment, and so I joined the Army in November of 1985. Actually, my job was in aviation, so I figured that this was an opportunity for me to be a pilot, and so I went to basic training, the whole nine yards, and was able to get into a training program.

Heidi Otway: So what happened when you were in the Army? You weren’t there very long, is that right?

Desmond Meade: I was there for a few years, from ’85 to I think 1993. As a young man, I really [inaudible 00:05:00] military. But that’s where my problem with drug addition began. Being a young man that’s just freshly released from the supervision of parents, I was what they call off the chain a little bit, right? And did a lot of partying and I developed a drug habit there, while in the military. So, in spite of whatever great service that I did, I was able to get a soldiers quarter there, and get a lot of different awards and medals. My addiction to drugs eventually led me to end up getting Court Marshaled back in 1990. And eventually I was discharged in 1993 from the military.

Heidi Otway: What happened after that?

Desmond Meade: Well, after that, after getting discharged from the military, I made my way back to Miami. And fortunately, I was able to get into the Executive Protection business probably months after I got there. And so, I end up working with a gentleman by the name of Ed Haynes, who I think recently used to be the head of security for Congresswoman Fredericka Wilson. But I worked with him in Executive Protection business, and we were able to provide security for a lot of well known celebrities and actors, or entertainers I should say, forgien dignitaries. So, that was kind of cool, you know a lot of big name folks.

Heidi Otway: Yeah. So, what happened after that? I mean, what happened after that experience?

Desmond Meade: Well, same thing, same story. Still had the drug addiction that you had to deal with. And, eventually I ended up getting hurt, not on the job, but I ended up getting hurt. And during that time frame my mother passed away and I really dug into drugs like never before. So, I gravitated away from that and ended up becoming homeless back in, I think that’s 19… Around 1995, 1996, I ended up becoming homeless.

Heidi Otway: Mm-hmm , and then what happened after that experience? It seems like you’ve had this trajectory of highs and lows in your life.

Desmond Meade: Yeah.

Heidi Otway: Highs and lows.

Desmond Meade: Well, yeah, I’ve had a very interesting life. Like you said, a lot of highs and lows. And the things that I’ve been able to experience in the time that I’ve been on this planet is enough to fill a couple of books, you know? But yeah, when I was… After I ended up becoming homeless, basically living on the streets for quite some time, in and out of jail for drug charges and things of that nature. And eventually in 2001 I was convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and I was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Heidi Otway: Wow. Wow. So, what happened in prison that… I read somewhere that you were able to get out because of good behavior. What was the tipping point for you in that experience?

Desmond Meade: Well, I feel… So, I did not get out because of good behavior, even though I mean, I was, I would like to say, a model, almost a model prisoner. But, I mean, the reason why I was released early because my case got overturned and reversed and remanded. So, basically as an inmate I started working on my appeals when I discovered that no one else was working on it. I took matters in my own hands. And I was able to get the courts to grant me an appeal, or at least give me the opportunity to present a case on why something was wrong with my conviction.

Desmond Meade: And they were able to assign the public defenders office, and in working with them we was actually able to get my case reversed. And in November of 2005, 2004 I’m sorry, I was released three years after I was sentenced. So, I was originally sentenced to 15 years, but in 2004 I was released.

Heidi Otway: Okay, so now you’re back on the high, and what I mean by that, like your life, from what I’ve heard has been these highs and lows. So, you’re going up now. What happened when you got out of prison?

Desmond Meade: No.

Heidi Otway: I mean, getting out of prison is a good thing.

Desmond Meade: Yeah, you’re right. So, you got it right.

Heidi Otway: That’s a good thing.

Desmond Meade: You got it right.

Heidi Otway: So, happened next?

Desmond Meade: You said it right, I was back on the high, right? And the reality is I was back to getting high.

Heidi Otway: Oh.

Desmond Meade: So, yeah, and that’s because I was released from prison. That didn’t mean I was free because I still had that drug addiction that I had to deal with, and that was incarcerating, incarcerating my mind and my soul. So, after being released from prison went back to doing the drugs, was homeless and eventually, that led me to railroad tracks in August of 2005, where as a homeless drug addict I was standing in front of railroad tracks contemplating suicide, waiting on the train to come and actually starting to jump in front of it. But the train didn’t come that day.

Desmond Meade: But no, once I was released, yeah you would think that would be great, but it wasn’t because I still had unfinished business as far as with my drug addiction.

Heidi Otway: How did you get off drugs?

Desmond Meade: Well, that day when I… After waiting for quite some time for that train to come and it didn’t, I ended up crossing the tracks and about two blocks further was a place called Central Intake Facility that helps to place people in drug abuse programs. And so, I was able to walk there and luckily, they had an opening. So, they placed me in a program, a four month program, and I was able to successfully complete that. And ever since then, I haven’t used drugs.

Heidi Otway: So, tell me, what motivated you because we hear these stories that folks go into the rehab and then, they relapse. They go into rehab, they relapse. What motivated you to say, “I’m done”?

Desmond Meade: I think a very defining moment was probably after I crossed those tracks and I stopped and looking back at those tracks I was thinking about what would have happened if the train would have came and I was involved? I would have jumped in front of it and died. And I asked myself a very, I would say, transformational question. And it was a very simple question. It was I asked myself if I would have died how many people would come to my funeral? And the answer wasn’t a pretty answer. It was really zero.

Desmond Meade: It really made me question what I’ve been doing with my life all of the previous years. So, not too long after that Rosa Parks passed away, and I had watching folks actually honor her life, and seeing how many folks was really sad and tears was in their eyes. I was motivated to actually start planning my own funeral, right? And I didn’t want to die and no one come to my funeral. And in the process of planning my funeral, what I stumbled on was the fact that somewhere along the lines of Rosa Parks is that you didn’t have to be a necessarily a celebrity or anything like that. But if you would commit a life to doing something that would have an impact on other people’s lives that that would make your time worthwhile. But it also, there’d be folks that would be sad that if and whenever you do die, that there will be some folks that would mourn your passing.

Desmond Meade: So, that started me on a trajectory of trying to figure out how I could take the pain and suffering that I endured and package it in such a way that would help other people, improve their lives, and not have to go through some of the things that I’ve gone through. Or have to end up in front of the railroad tracks contemplating suicide like I did.

Heidi Otway: Yeah. What was your first step when you got out of rehab to start on that trajectory for your life?

Desmond Meade: Well, I mean, I think part of that process of recovery, when you talk about substance abuse, is that there’s an element to it that is essential in recovery and that’s service. Having to give back. So, those two things… Well, actually not two things, but it just so happened that service was part of how do you make a difference in the world but it’s also part of your recovery. So, it was very easy to just really dive in to try to just engage in activities that was about, not about me, but about how I could use my life and my story to help others.

Desmond Meade: So, yeah, I would say I got started probably before even getting out of rehab. But I know once I was able to successfully complete rehabilitation I was able to join organizations. One particular organization I became apart of was an organization called Homeless, formally Homeless Warm, based in Miami that advocated for policies around housing for homeless people or low income folks. So, being a part of that was probably one of the first official acts that I engaged in after rehab.

Heidi Otway: Were you an employee there, or were you volunteering your time?

Desmond Meade: No, volunteering, just straight volunteering.

Heidi Otway: So, what did you do to make a living?

Desmond Meade: Well, that’s a great question. I cooked at Denny’s. I was a Denny’s cook. And I ended up enrolling not too long after I graduated, I ended up enrolling in Miami Date College, [inaudible 00:17:13] campus in the paralegal program. And that’s a two year associates degree program. So, while I was doing that I was volunteering, and I was also working as a cook at Denny’s restaurant.

Heidi Otway: So, you go to Miami Dade, did you get your AA? You got your AA?

Desmond Meade: I got my AA. I got an AS and I got a bachelors of science degree as well.

Heidi Otway: And what got you to law school? Was that the catalyst that pushed you towards law school? What happened after that?

Desmond Meade: Well, yeah, after being successful in the paralegal program where I graduated, I was an honor graduate there, it was at the top of my class, the paralegal class. And my professors just encouraged me to continue my education so I did so. And pursuing another AA and pursuing a bachelors. And in that process, in addition to the community service that I was thoroughly committed to, I learned during my time in paralegal studies how law is so intertwined with every aspect of our lives. So, at some point, I had decided that if I could be an advocate for folks that the more I know about the law the more effective advocate I could be or become, I should say. And, that is what really led me to law school is just to really identify or to understand law as much as possible so I could be of better service to folks.

Heidi Otway: So, Desmond, were you able to work as a paralegal even though you were a convicted felon?

Desmond Meade: Well, you can work as a paralegal even though you’re a convicted felon. But to be honest with you, I was really caught up in service. So, my time, I had no time. If I wasn’t in school I was cooking at Denny’s. If I wasn’t cooking at Denny’s I was doing some type of community service, and throughout all of that I was living in a three quarter way house. And I was managing that facility as well. So, my hands is pretty full. So, I didn’t have any space whatsoever to even pursue a career as a paralegal.

Heidi Otway: Mm-hmm . Was your idea of going to law school to actually be a lawyer?

Desmond Meade: My idea of going to law school was to understand law as much as I possibly can so I could be a more effective advocate. Not necessarily to be a lawyer because there’s a lot of people that go to law school that don’t actually practice law as an attorney. But like I said, my focus was trying to understand that. I didn’t have any visions of working for one of these big, high priced firms and things like that. I didn’t have that type of dream. I just wanted to know more about law.

Heidi Otway: So, how thrilled were you when you got into law school? What was that like?

Desmond Meade: Yeah, that’s the… How thrilled was I?

Heidi Otway: Were you like, “Oh my God. I actually got in! Now what?”

Desmond Meade: No, I think it was an honor. It was an honor just to be accepted into law school. And around that time frame what I realized is that the things that we do… Or let me be even more specific. The things that I do was not for self satisfaction. Around that time, I realized that every goal that I can accomplish or every honor that I receive is really just serves as an example to other folks of what they’re able to achieve, or what they’re able to overcome. So, I was more of an ambassador I think. So, it wasn’t about, “Wow, I’m in law school. I’m big timing now.” No, it was more like, “Man, I made it in. It’s an honor. Now other people who going through things that I’ve gone through know now they can see that they too can accomplish this if this is one of their dreams.” You know?

Heidi Otway: Mm-hmm . So, when you graduated from law school, what was your trajectory from that point? Your mission from that point?

Desmond Meade: Well, I mean, prior to even graduating law school, before I even got to law school I was part of Florida Rights Restoration Coalition. I actually became the president before I even got into law school.

Heidi Otway: Oh okay.

Desmond Meade: So, there was a mission there already around governmental franchise. We worked tirelessly in the years that I was there to eventually, I guess, convince Governor Chris that clemency policies needed to be revised. We try to get the legislator to fix it, but that was a failed effort. But at least, Governor Chris was able to adopt some policies that made it a little easier for folks with felony convictions to actually have their civil rights restored. So, I was deeply engaged with this issue prior to going into law school, and after I graduated.

Heidi Otway: So, what was your focus when you graduated? You said you were still the president of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition.

Desmond Meade: Yep.

Heidi Otway: Before and-

Desmond Meade: Focus is about-

Heidi Otway: … during and while you were in law school.

Desmond Meade: Yeah.

Heidi Otway: And were you-

Desmond Meade: The focus remained the same.

Heidi Otway: Were you working at Denny’s still?

Desmond Meade: No. Yeah, I stopped working at Denny’s. I was unemployed but-

Heidi Otway: You were unemployed and working at the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition?

Desmond Meade: Yes.

Heidi Otway: That was a volunteered role.

Desmond Meade: Yeah. I was not getting paid. As a matter of fact, I think I might have gotten my first pay check probably about 2016/2017. The first pay check I ever got from the Coalition. Yeah, both years was about just really a lot of sacrifice.

Heidi Otway: Wow. How did that work lead to your work on Amendment Four?

Desmond Meade: I mean, that was a natural progression.

Heidi Otway: Tell us about that. How did that come about?

Desmond Meade: Yeah. So, in 2010 Governor Scott, he won the election. I think he conceded Alex Sync, became governor and in 2011 one of the first things he and his cabinet did was roll back policies of the previous administration. And made it even more difficult for people with felony convictions to have their civil rights restored. Just for reference, in the four years that Charlie Chris was governor, total of 155,000 people, a little bit more than that actually, was able to have their civil rights restored. In the eight years that Governor Scott was in office, I think less than 5,000 people got their rights restored.

Desmond Meade: So, his policies created an enormous barrier for folks being able to get their civil rights restored. When he changed the policies, one of the things that stuck out was the fact that it alarmed me that a politician, just a handful of politicians had that power to decide which American citizen get to vote and which American citizen don’t get to vote. And I just thought that that was just too much power for politicians to have. When I look at votings what I see is something that speaks to citizenship more than anything else that I know of, and when I look at voting I think about that’s the ultimate equalizer and when you talk about democracy, I mean you can’t talk about democracy without talking about voting.

Desmond Meade: So, to know that just a handful of politicians could have that type of impact on democracy and who gets to vote, you know it really, like I said, triggered some things within me. And I knew that no politician, whether they’re republican, whether they’re democrat, or whatever, should have that, should be able to wield that much power, right? So, that started the move to try to figure out how could we take that power out of the hands of one person or just a handful of people, and put it in the hands of regular people.

Heidi Otway: All right, so how did you all do that?

Desmond Meade: Well, we did it through… After looking at all of the options, we did it through the citizen initiative where we’re able to launch about an initiative petition. It was called the Voting Restoration Amendment. We was able to launch that in October of 2014. We were eventually able to collect over a million petitions to get that constitution amendment question placed on the ballet of 2018.

Heidi Otway: Mm-hmm . So, what was that like? I mean, it’s been called the largest expansion of voting rights in a half century when that was passed. I mean, what was your feelings on election day?

Desmond Meade: Well, I mean, one of the things that… Number one, I think that the victory was a very significant victory. Not only because of what it means to accomplish, but how we were able to accomplish it. In these days and times where there’s just so much hyper partisanship going on, and there’s so much division and fear and hatred throughout society. We were able to actually pass an amendment in a very powerful way, in which we were able to get people from all walks of life, from all political persuasions to actually support it.

Desmond Meade: One of the things that I like to brag about is that we got a million more petitions that any other candidate on the ballet. I mean, a million more votes I should say than any other candidate on the ballet. I tell people that those votes are not based on hate and fear, but those are the votes that were based on love, forgiveness and redemption. So, in addition to re-enfranchising such a significant number of folks, one of the proudest things about that was that we was able to show that love can in fact .

Heidi Otway: So, you were named the 2019 Central Floridian of the Year and one of Time Magazine’s Most Influential People as a result of your work on Amendment Four in Florida. How does that make you feel, considering your life?

Desmond Meade: Well…

Heidi Otway: Are you on a high now? Are you on a good high now?

Desmond Meade: No. I’m not even on a good high now. At the end of the day, it goes back to when I talk about how I felt getting into law school. Once again, I think that Time’s 100 Most Influential Person in the World, and Central Floridan of the Year, Floridian of the Year, all those honors, it was less about me being happy and more about, “Man this is like…” Making Time’s 100 sends a message to everybody that anybody has an opportunity to be great, anybody. It sends a message to people who may be suffering through some issues now, have some obstacles that they’re facing, even people that may not be facing obstacles, but just going about life, the normal routine of life. It sends a message that man, we all, each and every one of us, have an opportunity or have the potential to be a Time’s 100 Most Influence Person in the world.

Desmond Meade: And so, that’s what I’m excited about. That folks get to see that they too can accomplish whatever they want to accomplish and whatever they dream. And part of that, being able to do so, means that they should be some type of commitment to making our community, our state, our country, this world, a better place to live.

Heidi Otway: Yeah. So, Desmond, what’s next for you?

Desmond Meade: Oh, what’s next for me is we, you know, part of this process as a person who had lost the right to vote and fought long and hard to get it back, there’s a new found appreciation and respect for the right to vote. And I think you honor that appreciation and respect by actually voting, participating in elections. And so, I mean, the overall what I’m doing is I’m really pushing the envelope on some things, mainly is how do we make voting exciting again? How do we make civic engagement something that people are honoring and respecting, and engaging in?

Desmond Meade: And to me, I’ve always believed that a more inclusive democracy creates a more vibrant democracy, and a vibrant democracy is good for everyone, right? Part of that, or the key to that, is getting people to be registered to vote and actually go out and vote. Whether they vote one way or the other, to me, that’s immaterial right now. The main thing that I think is important is that people understand that they should go out, and they should participate in elections.

Desmond Meade: So, we are definitely, not only promoting that message to the fullest, but we’re also engaging in, with I should say, other returning citizens throughout the state. And helping them get registered to vote, and helping them develop a frame of mind that would increase the likelihood that those individuals would in turn participate in elections.

Heidi Otway: Mm-hmm . Are you helping other states do what you did here in Florida?

Desmond Meade: Man, Florida is big enough, that’s a big enough task by itself.

Heidi Otway: Yeah.

Desmond Meade: But, one of the things I am encouraged by, and I do advise folks in other states, but I’m very encouraged that when the nation is seeing what we’re able to accomplish in Florida that… I mean, there are states throughout the country that are now taking it a step further. There are states in which they’re revising their policies, either legislatively or through initiatives, or referendums. And they are really more keenly focused on trying to encourage as many American citizens as possible to participate in elections, or at least to be eligible to participate in elections.

Heidi Otway: Wow. That’s wonderful. Great news to hear. I have so many more questions I’d love to ask you, but for the sake of time, I unfortunately can not. But I’m thrilled that you shared your story with us today, and just shared some insight that hopefully will be new to our listeners and those who already know you. But when we wrap up our interviews we like to ask four questions just so our audience can hear a little bit more about you. And these are fun questions. These are fun.

Desmond Meade: Okay.

Heidi Otway: I think you’re going to like these. So, the first question is, who is a Florida leader you admire? It can be someone from a different industry or field, someone from the past or someone who is currently active in their work. A Florida leader.

Desmond Meade: A Florida leader, so that’s a very vague question because so many people are leaders. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a politician or-

Heidi Otway: Right.

Desmond Meade: But so, I would say a leader, a Florida leader, that I really admire would probably be Salandra Benton. She is the convener or I guess the Executive Director of Florida Coalition on Black Civic Participation. And that organization has two dynamic programs. One being Black Youth Vote, the other being Black Women’s Round Table. I really admire her because of the effectiveness of those programs, but her as an individual. She’s one of those leaders that doesn’t care about recognition or fame. What she cares about is her community, and whatever lessons she gets she passes it on to other organizations and really help build up other graduates organizations. And I really admire her for that. So, a lot of what I do is actually I learned from her, watching her work. So, that would be someone who I would name as the Florida leader that I admire.

Heidi Otway: Okay, well we need to talk to her to get her on our podcast, definitely. So, we’ll follow up with you on that.

Desmond Meade: Yeah.

Heidi Otway: What is a person, place or thing in Florida that deserves more attention than it’s currently getting?

Desmond Meade: Wow, that’s a good question. Right? So, I think a place that deserves more attention than it’s getting, oh my God. I’m going to say the Muck. Right?

Heidi Otway: What’s the Muck?

Desmond Meade: When we talk about the bell Glades area, that is a community that is, I believe, in desperate need of more attention than what it’s been getting. There’s so many folks there that just really need a shot of hope, and some opportunities to improve their conditions. It’s a largely ignored area. There’s not much activity and support going into that area. And it’s a lot of people of color there that really are struggling on a day to day basis. So, that is definitely an area that just jumps to my mind.

Heidi Otway: So, if someone is listening to this podcast and they say, “You know what, I want to do something.” What would you recommend the first thing they do to either learn about this community or contact someone to offer some support?

Desmond Meade: Well, they can get ahold of me or someone like Salandra Benton, and we definitely will be able to plug them into leaders in that community that are trying to make a difference in those communities.

Heidi Otway: Okay. What is your favorite Florida location to visit?

Desmond Meade: Wow. The favorite Florida location to visit?

Heidi Otway: Yeah.

Desmond Meade: Whew, that’s a good one. So, wow. That’s a nice one. So, I live in the Orlando area now, and everything about Orlando I love. So, I don’t know if that would count.

Heidi Otway: It can count.

Desmond Meade: Well, I would say probably Saint Peter… Clear Water Beaches.

Heidi Otway: Okay.

Desmond Meade: Yep, Clear Water Beaches.

Heidi Otway: Okay. And then our last question, and I think you said you were a former football player. What is your favorite Florida sports team?

Desmond Meade: Wow, that’s a tough question because if I’m looking at it more holistically, all of the teams, any team out of Florida I’m rolling with.

Heidi Otway: Yeah.

Desmond Meade: Especially when they go against each other, I mean go against people outside the state.

Heidi Otway: Yes.

Desmond Meade: But if I had to pick a team. Jesus, a sports team, my favorite. Jesus, that would be difficult. I would go with… Favorite Florida sports team, I’m going to go ahead and say [inaudible 00:40:09] and say the Miami Edison Senior High Red Raiders.

Heidi Otway: How am I not surprised? That’s a good one. That’s a good one.

Desmond Meade: Yeah.

Heidi Otway: We were football rivals when we were down in Miami, our Chiefs played your Edison Red Raiders, and it was always a good game. So, that’s a good one.

Desmond Meade: Yeah. Most definitely.

Heidi Otway: That’s a good one. Well, Desmond, thank you so much. You just really are doing such great things for the state of Florida and its citizens. And all of the accolades you received, it’s wonderful to hear that you’re doing it for others and not just for yourself. But definitely, you’re deserving of all the accolades that you’re doing. And I’m looking forward to your next steps and everything else that you’re going to be doing on behalf of Floridians. It’s very well appreciated.

Desmond Meade: Well, I appreciate you having me on. And definitely looking forward to being back on again soon.

Heidi Otway: All right, well, Desmond, thank you so much. Glad to have you.

Chris Cate: Thanks for listening to the Fluent in Floridian podcast. This show is executive produced by April Salter, with additional support provided by Heidi Otway and the team at SalterMitchell PR. If you need help telling your Florida story, SalterMitchell PR has you covered by offering issues management, crisis communications, social media, advocacy and media relations assistance. You can learn more about SalterMitchell PR at saltermitchellpr.com. You can also learn more about the Fluent in Floridian podcast and listen to every episode of the show at fluentinfloridian.com or by searching for the show using your favorite podcast app. Have a great day.