Episode 12 of the CCPA Playbook has dropped! Cregg recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Tina Champagne from Save Crystal River on our podcast to hear all about the fin-tastic work their team has been doing to protect our beloved waters. From the impact recent hurricanes have had on the eelgrass, to the incredible partnership with Crystal River Elementary, where students grow eelgrass in the classroom and get their hands wet planting it in Hunter Springs, Tina covered it all. Talk about future seagrass scientists in the making!

She also let us in on a little secret: Save Crystal River will be hosting a fundraiser this fall. While the exact date is still under wraps, we’re already bubbling with excitement! In the meantime, paddle on over to SaveCrystalRiver.com to explore their monthly newsletter and stay current on all the waves they’re making.

Be sure to tune into this episode with Tina, where we dive deeper into the mission to keep our waters crystal clear, our manatees munching happily, and our community engaged in preserving the natural beauty of Citrus County.

Listen now on all of your favorite streaming platforms!

Episode 11 of the CCPA Playbook Podcast has just dropped! 🎤

In this episode of The CCPA Playbook, Cregg Dalton sits down with Jamen Monbarren, Gary Steele, and Pat Sullivan from Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative WREC to talk about careers in the power industry, hurricane preparedness, community service, and life as a lineman. The crew shares how WREC’s apprenticeship program offers a paid, hands-on path to becoming a journeyman lineman, the constant need for safety training, and the importance of public awareness—especially during Florida’s storm season.

They dive into practical tips for residents, from creating a storm plan and using generators safely to simple changes that can lower electric bills. The conversation also spotlights WREC’s deep community involvement, their Operation Roundup program that helps neighbors in crisis, and their international outreach projects in the Navajo Nation and Guatemala. With humor, heartfelt stories, and actionable advice, this episode sheds light on the people who keep the lights on—both at home and across the globe.

Listen now on all your favorite streaming platforms!

🚜From Barn to Beyond: 4-H Leaders Shaping the Future of Agriculture

In this special agriculture-focused episode, host Cregg Dalton sits down with Dr. Marnie Ward, Citrus County’s 4-H Agent, and two standout 4-H graduates — Grace Ward and Evan Leturno — to explore the lasting impact of 4-H on youth leadership, career paths, and community engagement.

Grace and Evan share their 13-year journeys in the Lecanto Levi’s 4-H Club, from raising chickens and swine to earning top honors for steers, including Florida’s Best Carcass award. They discuss how 4-H shaped their leadership skills, career goals, and understanding of agriculture beyond the barn — from genetics and turfgrass management to the latest in agricultural technology like AI-driven “digital twins.”

Dr. Ward highlights the deep connection between 4-H, local schools, and the University of Florida IFAS Extension, and previews the upcoming Expanding Agriculture Workforce program on September 12th for Citrus County high school students. The conversation also spotlights the community’s support through events like the Citrus Stampede Rodeo (November 21–22), which funds scholarships and youth projects.

Whether you’re an agriculture enthusiast, a parent exploring youth programs, or someone curious about how technology and tradition intersect in farming, this episode delivers inspiration, insight, and a reminder that agriculture’s future starts with our young leaders.

🎧Listen now on your favorite streaming platforms!