The Lead

The Lead: G. Michael Harris

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. 

ABC7’s Linda Carson reflects on 9/11/2001

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. 

The Lead: An interview with Sarasota County’s Interim Superintendent

ABC7's Jim Dela sat down with Allison Foster, the interim superintendent of Sarasota County Schools. 

The Lead: Venice Theatre Rebuilds

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.

The Lead: Domestic Violence Month with SPARCC

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.

The Lead: Bob Harrigan talks more about Tropical Depression 9

Listen, we aren't happy about these storms either. Tropical Depression 9 could soon become Tropical Storm Ian.

The Lead Hurricane Special: Tracking the Tropics with Bob Harrigan

Bob Harrigan and Jim Dela talk projected paths of Hurricane Fiona as we track the tropics.

The Lead: Asolo Rep. Producing Artistic Director talks the loss of ’Hair’ co-creator James Rado

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.

The Lead: The Players Centre for the Performing Arts

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.

 

 

https://www.theplayers.org/

The Lead: Pine View class president told to ’be careful’ in graduation speech

The senior class president of Pine View School for the Gifted is already an accomplished activist for gay rights. He's been told he can't talk about during his speech at graduation. ABC7's Jim DeLa sits down with Zander Moricz.