ABC7 LIVE Desk Report’s Podcast

About ABC7 LIVE Desk Report’s Podcast

Catch all the WWSB ABC7 LIVE Desk interviews and reports right here.

Publisher

abc7livereports

Category

news

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

6 Oct 2025

Latest episode

1 Dec 2025

Latest episodes

17 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   1 Dec 2025

   Food Bank of Manatee sees 40-50% increase in need ahead of Giving Tuesday

   ABC7'S Stephanie Stanton interviews the VP of Development at Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, Inc. about Giving Tuesday and how the organization is helping the Suncoast. MANATEE COUNTY — The Food Bank of Manatee is experiencing a 40-50% increase in demand for services as Giving Tuesday approaches, with the organization's vice president calling it the highest need she has seen in seven years. Amy Tauri, Vice President of Development with Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee, said the food bank services over 95 food pantries and partner agencies throughout Manatee County and is hearing reports of increased need across all locations. "People are needing access to food. They pay their bills, and when it comes, there's more month left than there is money to pay for that month," Tauri said during an ABC 7 interview Monday. Multiple factors driving increased demand Tauri attributed the increased demand to several factors, including ongoing impacts from last year's hurricanes, high cost of living, and rising insurance rates across Florida. "Everyone was impacted by those storms," she said. "It's a really expensive place to live for a lot of families, so wages aren't keeping up with what it costs to actually live here." The poverty level in Palmetto reaches 51%, meaning over half the residents are at or below the poverty level, according to Tauri. Thanksgiving distribution serves 750 families The organization's recent Thanksgiving turkey distribution served 750 families but still had to turn people away, with lines described as the longest in seven years. Tauri shared the story of Mara and her daughter Adeline, who attended the distribution after losing everything in the hurricanes. The family, expecting their fifth child, needed assistance to provide a Thanksgiving meal. "They're working hard to try to make ends meet, to feed their family, but sometimes things just fall a little short in the month and they just needed help," Tauri said. $100,000 matching gift doubles donations Steve and Sarah Baird have provided a $100,000 matching gift for Giving Tuesday donations, doubling the impact of every contribution up to that amount. "You may think, I can only give $5 or I can only give $10. Well, that $5 becomes $10 and that $10 becomes $20," Tauri said. "There is no gift too small." The Food Bank of Manatee is the only food bank based in Manatee County.

2. 

   24 Nov 2025

   Turkey Trot 5K at Nathan Benderson Park expects over 4,000 participants

   The annual 5K Turkey Trot and kids race at Nathan Benderson Park is expected to draw more than 4,000 participants on Thursday morning as runners and walkers prepare to burn calories before their Thanksgiving feast.

3. 

   14 Nov 2025

   Suncoast job market remains stable despite federal shutdown impact

   The Suncoast job market has not yet felt a significant impact from the recent federal government shutdown, according to CareerSource Suncoast officials. Kurt Pricer, speaking on ABC7’s morning newscast Friday, said the region is experiencing what economists call a “stop-and-go labor market” where employers are tightening hiring but not laying off workers.

4. 

   13 Nov 2025

   Unmasked Gala to support survivors of sex trafficking.

   Unmasked Gala to support survivors of sex trafficking. Florida ranks third in the nation for sex trafficking of American children, prompting local organizations to increase efforts to combat the crime and assist victims. Selah Freedom, a local anti-trafficking organization, works to end exploitation and bring freedom to victims. The organization held its annual gala Thursday night at the Westin in Sarasota to raise funds for its programs.

5. 

   12 Nov 2025

   One Stop Cares hosts third annual Thanksgiving event

   Summer Smith WWSB ABC7 talks to One Stop Cares about their 3rd Annual 2025 Thanksgiving Give Back Event.

6. 

   5 Nov 2025

   Interview with Casey Cuthbert-Allman of Affinity Care Hospice

   Local director with 35 years of experience explains coverage and care approach November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, a time to discuss the benefits of hospice care and its importance to communities. Casey Cuthbert, executive director of Affinity Care Hospice of Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties, said people often don't understand that hospice care is a journey everyone faces.

7. 

   23 Oct 2025

   Halloween events at Nathan Benderson Park and Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

   Summer Smith WWSB ABC7 shares details about the upcoming Halloween events at Nathan Benderson Park and Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium on Tuesday, October 28th.

8. 

   21 Oct 2025

   The psychology of screams & the Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream Event.

   VP of Entertainment at Busch Gardens, Kristine Morgan, and USF PH.D. Student Tara Perreault discusses the psychology of screams and the Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream Event.

9. 

   20 Oct 2025

   Could Your Cat Become Mayor of Mayortown in Bradenton?

   Could Your Cat Become Mayor of Mayortown in Bradenton?

10. 

    16 Oct 2025

    Partnership between Turning Points & Manatee County School District

    Summer Smith WWSB ABC7 shares details about the new partnership between Turning Points and the School District of Manatee County designed to help families in crisis.

11. 

    15 Oct 2025

    Baby Basics of Sarasota supports 156 babies and families

    A local group is doing big things for babies and their families in the Sarasota area. Baby Basics of Sarasota provides hygienic essentials, emotional support, and more to help them succeed.

12. 

    8 Oct 2025

    Rocktoberfest and Sisterhood For Good fundraiser

    Rocktoberfest, a fundraiser for Suncoast Charities for Children, returns to University Town Center Oct. 11. Also, Summer Smith from WWSB ABC7 is sharing details about the non-profit group, Sisterhood For Good, and their upcoming fundraiser, the 2025 Designer Bag Bingo event.

13. 

    7 Oct 2025

    Details about the upcoming Englewood Beach Waterfest.

    Summer Smith WWSB ABC7 sharing details about the upcoming Englewood Beach Waterfest.

14. 

    6 Oct 2025

    The benefits and health risks of using weight loss drugs.

    Summer Smith WWSB ABC7 talking to Dr. Scott Howell about the benefits and health risks of using weight loss drugs.

15. 

    6 Oct 2025

    Founder of Tiffs Initiative talks about law enforcement quick responce

    Summer Smith WWSB ABC7 talks to Christine Olsen, Founder of Tiffs Initiative, about how law enforcement is now able to get in touch with families quickly when an emergency strikes.

16. 

    6 Oct 2025

    2026 Thunder by the Bay Music and Motors Festival

    ABC7's Stephanie Stanton speaks with Executive Director of Suncoast Charities for Children about the 2026 Thunder by the Bay Music and Motors Festival!

17. 

    6 Oct 2025

    Manatee County Trash Update Discussion

    Manatee County Trash Update Discussion

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.