The Senator Whose District Stretches From Key West to Kendall

State Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez represents one of the most diverse districts in Florida — stretching from Key West through the Everglades and Homestead all the way up to parts of Kendall. In this episode she walks us through the unique challenges that come with covering that much ground, from hundreds of derelict vessels abandoned across the Keys to ICE operations in Homestead, housing affordability, and aging water infrastructure that hasn’t been replaced in 50 years.

She also breaks down Amendment 3 and what it means for homeowners, the septic to sewer conversion project, the UDB debate, and the bill she passed requiring Florida schools to teach the dangers of communism. Plus her personal journey from Doral City Council to State Senate — including selling her home and moving to Homestead just to run for the seat — and her top 3 restaurants from Key West to Homestead.

One senator. One massive district. Every issue covered.

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Produced by: Ben Schwede
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benthecreatorrr/

0:00 Intro
1:19 Introducing the Guest
1:41 What Does District 40 Consists Of
5:03 Senators’ Salaries
7:37 How She Got Into Politics
10:07 Learning Politics from Her Mentor Robert Levy
11:59 Odd Jobs
14:45 Moving from Doral to Homestead
16:06 Running Against Current South Miami Mayor
17:15 The Keys
18:32 Biggest Issues in Key West
20:23 Abandoned Boats
22:50 Mooring Boats
24:08 Boating Accidents
26:35 Immigration and Deportations
30:24 Agriculture and People Moving Down South
33:41 Urban Development Boundary Line
35:58 What Do We Do With All the People Coming to Miami
38:50 Septic to Sewer Conversions
40:00 Aqueduct
41:25 Balancing Day-to-Day Life
45:02 Misconception About the Job of a Senator
45:47 Upcoming Amendment 3 on the Ballot
51:40 What’s to Vote on the Upcoming Ballots
53:10 Top 3 Restaurants
56:00 Why Vote for Ana Maria Rodriguez
56:22 Outro