Florida's Future in Focus: Rays Stadium Breakthrough, Pot Fraud Escalation & Public Smoking Ban Advances, Plus Trump's Davos Address and Global Headlines
Podcasts > Bill Bunkley
At the intersection of faith & life is the Bill Bunkley show, briefing loyal radio listeners all across West-Central Florida faithfully for over 20 years. Bill has a unique heart for conservative issues - particular conservative social issues, all informed by his deeply held faithful conviction.
Bill is the president of the Florida Ethics and Religious Liberties commission, and an abashed follower of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. He also brings an especially Floridian perspective to his program and podcast, as he served in many capacities over a lot of decades in the Sunshine state.
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
On today's episode, host Bill dives into a packed lineup of Florida-centric developments and broader national/international stories shaping the headlines. Locally, the Tampa Bay Rays take a major step forward in their quest for a new ballpark, as Hillsborough College's Board of Trustees unanimously approves a non-binding memorandum of understanding to explore redeveloping the Dale Mabry campus into a mixed-use district featuring a state-of-the-art MLB stadium, new college facilities, hotels, retail, and entertainment spaces—potentially securing the team's long-term future in the Tampa Bay area after years of stadium saga twists. Meanwhile, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier ramps up the heat on the recreational marijuana push, announcing 46 new criminal investigations and subpoenas targeting Smart & Safe Florida over alleged petition fraud involving thousands of questionable signatures, as the campaign races toward ballot qualification deadlines. Adding to the cannabis conversation, a bill to restrict smoking and vaping marijuana in public places—like parks, beaches, streets, and common areas of buildings—clears its first hurdle in the Senate Regulated Industries Committee, aiming to protect community health and quality of life amid ongoing legalization debates. On the cultural front, legislation advancing in both the Florida Senate and House seeks to strengthen prohibitions on gender-affirming care for minors by criminalizing "aiding and abetting" such services, expanding penalties for health care providers and empowering state investigations. Nationally and globally, President Trump takes center stage at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, delivering a high-profile address touching on trade, alliances, and bold territorial claims like Greenland, while stirring discussions on U.S. priorities abroad. Bill wraps it all up with the latest local and world news updates you need to stay informed.
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