Episodes

Friday Feb 09, 2024
The Lead: G. Michael Harris
Friday Feb 09, 2024
Friday Feb 09, 2024
Following his appearance on the recent ABC News Documentary "The Fatal Dive to the Titanic" covering the Titan Submersible Disaster, G. Michael Harris stopped by to speak with Melissa Ratliff. Harris, a Clearwater resident, has a long time connection to the world of exploration and to the wreckage of the RMS Titanic.

Monday Sep 11, 2023
ABC7’s Linda Carson reflects on 9/11/2001
Monday Sep 11, 2023
Monday Sep 11, 2023
She thought she was covering the president at an education event in Sarasota, but instead watched the world change. Melissa Ratliff sits down with Linda Carson to reflect on the day she witnessed history unfold on September 11th, 2001.

Thursday Feb 09, 2023
The Lead: An interview with Sarasota County’s Interim Superintendent
Thursday Feb 09, 2023
Thursday Feb 09, 2023
ABC7's Jim Dela sat down with Allison Foster, the interim superintendent of Sarasota County Schools.

Tuesday Dec 20, 2022
The Lead: Venice Theatre Rebuilds
Tuesday Dec 20, 2022
Tuesday Dec 20, 2022
Following devastation caused to its main building due to Hurricane Ian, Venice Theatre proves the show must go on. Executive Producing Director Murray Chase joins Melissa Ratliff on The Lead.

Monday Oct 31, 2022
The Lead: Domestic Violence Month with SPARCC
Monday Oct 31, 2022
Monday Oct 31, 2022
ABC7's Jim DeLa interviews leaders of Sarasota County's Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) and an author of a book describing her journey as a survivor of domestic violence. October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Friday Sep 23, 2022
The Lead: Bob Harrigan talks more about Tropical Depression 9
Friday Sep 23, 2022
Friday Sep 23, 2022
Listen, we aren't happy about these storms either. Tropical Depression 9 could soon become Tropical Storm Ian.

Thursday Sep 22, 2022
The Lead Hurricane Special: Tracking the Tropics with Bob Harrigan
Thursday Sep 22, 2022
Thursday Sep 22, 2022
Bob Harrigan and Jim Dela talk projected paths of Hurricane Fiona as we track the tropics.

Thursday Jun 23, 2022
Thursday Jun 23, 2022
Following the death of Broadway legend, James Rado, ABC7's The Lead takes a look at his influential creation. Rado was the co-creator of "Hair," the revolutionary American "Tribal Love Rock Musical." Asolo Rep Theatre in Sarasota recently performed the show and Producing Artistic Director Michael Edwards talks about how the powerful message of love, freedom and the power of the masses still carries on 50-plus years later.

Wednesday Jun 22, 2022
The Lead: The Players Centre for the Performing Arts
Wednesday Jun 22, 2022
Wednesday Jun 22, 2022
ABC7 Digital Content Manager Melissa Ratliff sat down with Lee Gundersheimer and Amanda Heisey of The Players Centre in Sarasota to discuss their amazing upcoming season. This year's season will have everything from a tribute to Sondheim, A Christmas favorite with a twist, and all sorts of amazing educational opportunities! Check it out.

Wednesday May 11, 2022
The Lead: Pine View class president told to ’be careful’ in graduation speech
Wednesday May 11, 2022
Wednesday May 11, 2022