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The Florida Roundup

The Florida Roundup

106 episodes — Page 2 of 3

Leadership changes at Florida universities, how ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ could impact Floridians, still no state spending plan and weekly news briefing

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke about leadership changes at Florida’s universities with POLITICO’s Andrew Atterbury (00:00). Then, we looked at how the U.S. House spending bill could impact Floridians with NPR’s Claudia Grisales (19:25). Plus, the latest in state budget negotiations and other legislative news with WUSF’s Douglas Soule (32:56). And later, we heard about ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricane Ian five years on (37:23) and looked at what’s behind recent state executions (42:44).

May 30, 202549 min

Summer reading special: pythons, mangos and a Florida vegetarian

This week on The Florida Roundup, we chatted with three authors who have written in or about Florida. First, we spoke with veteran science journalist Stephan Hall about his book “Slither: How Nature’s Most Maligned Creatures Illuminate Our World” (00:45). Then, we had a conversation with Annabelle Tometich, author of “The Mango Tree: A Memoir of Fruit, Florida, and Felony” (19:40). Plus, host of WUSF’s “The Zest” podcast Dalia Colón shared some of her favorite meals from “The Florida Vegetarian Cookbook”(37:22).

May 23, 202549 min

Doge impact on Florida’s disaster preparedness, state budget remains at impasse and weekly news briefing

This week on The Florida Roundup, we looked at how federal funding cuts and job losses could impact weather forecasting and hurricane preparedness in Florida with Alex Harris, lead climate change reporter for the Miami Herald (03:30) and with James Franklin, former Chief of Forecast Operations at the National Hurricane Center (11:07). Later, we checked in with WUSF’s Douglas Soule for an update on state budget negotiations (32:00). Plus, we looked at one Florida City that has resisted signing an agreement with federal immigration forces (37:20), state tuition hikes for “Dreamers" (39:38), and we open up our inbox to share some listener emails (44:53).

May 16, 202549 min

State tax debate, one year into Florida’s 6-week abortion ban, new ballot initiative law and weekly news briefing

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke with Rep. Vicki Lopez, who is the co-chair of a new House select committee that will consider proposals aimed at reducing property taxes (00:00). Then, we spoke with an abortion provider in North Florida about the impact of Florida’s 6-week ban (19:22). Plus, we asked the Tampa Bay Times’ Romy Ellenbogen about a new law that will make it more difficult for citizens to get constitutional amendments on the ballot (28:05). And later, we bring you the news of the week, including a breakdown of Florida’s foreign trade zones (37:16), an update on presidential searches at UF and FIU (44:36), and an investigation into a deadly bear attack in Southwest Florida (47:32).

May 9, 202549 min

Tourist Development Tax, session ends without budget, soon-to-be Florida college grads look ahead and weekly news briefing

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke about a proposal to shift tourism tax dollars towards property tax relief with Rolando Aedo of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau (09:00). Then, we checked in with WUSF’s Douglas Soule for highlights from the legislative session that ends this week (15:02). Plus, we heard from Florida college students about their post-graduation career plans (26:36). And later, an update on the Brevard County teacher who was fired for using a student’s preferred name without parental approval (37:20) and we learned about a novel community court program in South Florida (43:28).

May 2, 202549 min

Legislative session goes into overtime amid infighting, Canadian snowbirds rethink Florida and weekly news briefing.

This week on The Florida Roundup, we checked in on condo reform legislation and other bills with WUSF’s Douglas Soule (00:58). Then, Politico’s Gary Fineout joined us to discuss why this session will be going into overtime and the halting of the House’s Hope Florida investigation (07:15). Plus, we talked about how the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown could impact Canadian tourism to Florida (19:54). Plus, a report on the health of Crystal Springs (40:00), voices from Roman Catholics in South Florida who are mourning the loss of Pope Francis (43:56), and the art of cool kicks on display in Sarasota (45:08).

Apr 25, 202549 min

Charity Hope Florida under scrutiny, how Florida and California tackle troubled insurance markets, FSU shooting and legislative updates

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke with Rep. Alex Andrade, the Republican lawmaker leading the House probe into Hope Florida (01:36) and then turned to Alexandra Glorioso, reporter for the Miami Herald/Tampa Bay Times Tallahassee Bureau, for further analysis (14:38). Then, we checked back in with our Bay Area colleagues at Forum, KQED's live call-in program, for cross-continent conversation about the high costs of homeowners insurance (19:14). Plus, updates from the mass shooting at Florida State University (37:20) and legislative news from the week with WUSF’s Douglas Soule (39:36).

Apr 18, 202549 min

Florida’s tax cut proposals, economic uncertainty, ‘Your Florida’ legislative session week 6 and weekly news briefing

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke about a measure to cut the state sales tax with Rep. Tom Fabricio (R-Miami-Dade) (03:25). Then, we opened up the phone lines and email inbox to hear how you are navigating economic uncertainty after a tumultuous week for the stock market (19:00). Plus, another look at this week in the Florida Legislature with WUSF’s Douglas Soule (31:46). And later, higher education news including proposed changes to how university presidential searches are conducted (37:10) and the arrest of an international University of Florida student by federal immigration agents (41:18).

Apr 11, 202549 min

Live from Jacksonville: City criminalizes illegal immigration, a school district deals with rapid growth and a new women’s basketball league

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke about a local ordinance the city of Jacksonville passed that mandates jail time for immigrants without legal status with two city council members (00:00). Plus, we speak to the Superintendent for St. Johns County Schools about how the school district is managing rapid population growth (21:00). And later, we learned about a new professional women’s basketball team coming to Jacksonville in 2026 (40:00)

Apr 4, 202552 min

Police in Florida take on immigration, Medically Unnecessary, ‘Your Florida’ legislative session week 4 and weekly news briefing

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke about the growing number of local police departments entering training agreements with ICE. First, we spoke with WGCU’s Elizabeth Andarge (00:44 ) about the city of Fort Myers' vote reversal before hearing from Mayor Kevin Anderson (05:25). Then, we learned more about the ICE 287 (g) agreements from WLRN’s Danny Rivero and Rick Brunson with Central Florida Public Media (CFPM) (06:54). We also highlighted a new series from CFPM that examines how children with complex medical needs are faring after losing Medicaid coverage (20:00). Plus, another look at this week in the Florida Legislature with WUSF’s Douglas Soule (32:45). And later, a roundup of stories from the week including a virtual experience to Venezuela (37:28) and a bird-watching trip in Tampa (44:32).

Mar 28, 202549 min

Property tax elimination, consumer sentiment dips in Florida, ‘Your Florida’ legislative session week 3 and weekly news briefing

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke about a bill to study the impact if property taxes were eliminated with state Sen. Shevrin Jones, who sits on several committees slated to take up the legislation (04:04). Then, we spoke about a dip in consumer sentiment in Florida with Mihaela Pintea, chair of FIU’s economics department (22:00). Plus, we checked in with WUSF’s state government reporter Douglas Soule for an update on week 3 of the legislative session (33:43). And later, we bring you more news from the week including a federal judge’s ruling to deny a request to block Florida's social media ban (38:21), an update on defluoridation efforts (41:26), and the city of Fort Myers Council's vote to block city police from entering into a federal government agreement on immigration operations (44:01). And we open up our mailbag to share some listener emails (45:44).

Mar 21, 202550 min

Federal job cuts felt in Florida, Senate President Albritton on legislative priorities, ‘Your Florida’ Project and weekly news briefs

This week on The Florida Roundup, we looked at how mass layoffs are impacting Florida’s federal workers with WLRN’s Jenny Staletovich (08:15). Then, we spoke with Sen. Ben Albritton, Florida’s Senate President, about his priorities for this legislative session (30:00). And later, we heard about some of the bills being considered with WUSF’s state government reporter Douglas Soule (31:03). And later, we bring you the latest from around the state including a proposal to repeal the pushback of school start times (37:22), an update on Milton recovery efforts in Polk County (40:33) and sounds from Key West’s annual “Conch Honk” competition (47:05).

Mar 14, 202549 min

UF looks for new leadership, federal role in weather forecasting, Florida’s famed springs

This week on The Florida Roundup, we traveled to Gainesville for a special show at our partner station WUFT at the University of Miami. First, we spoke with a journalist with the UF student-owned newspaper The Independent Florida Alligator (00:00). Then, we explored the role of the federal government in weather forecasting with Tim Miller, chief meteorologist for the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (19:21). And later, WUFT reporter Rose Schnabel about the joy and jeopardy of Florida’s famed springs (37:15). And musical guest Thomas Allain also joins us for the hour.

Mar 7, 202549 min

Unpublished study raises concerns over Florida’s insurance industry, fight over water fluoridation, weekly news briefing

This week on The Florida Roundup, a previously unpublished study from 2022 found affiliates of Florida insurance companies paid out $680 million dollars to investors between 2017 and 2019 while claiming to be running out of money and filing for big rate increases for policyholders. We spoke with the Miami Herald/Tampa Bay Times’ investigative reporter Lawrence Mower who brought the study to light (00:08). Plus, we hear about the growing debate over whether or not to adding fluoride to public water supplies with Melbourne Mayor Paul Alfrey (20:45) and later Dr. Johnny Johnson, a former pediatric dentist and President of the American Fluoridation Society (33:45). And we also bring you the news of the week from Florida’s own DOGE efforts (39:40) and the start of turtle nesting season (47:24).

Feb 28, 202549 min

Homeowners insurance and climate risk, Florida scores drop on nation’s report card, weekly news briefing

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke about the similarities and differences between California and Florida when it comes to property insurance with KQED Science reporter Danielle Venton (03:30) and Anne Greggis with the Palm Beach Post/USA Today Network (12:54). And later, we were joined by Jeff Solochek, Tampa Bay Times education reporter, to talk about how Florida scored on the Nation’s Report Card (30:52). Plus, we looked at what’s at state for Florida with the proposal to do away with FEMA (37:21), remember the late Geraldine Thompson (41:42), and learned about young bird watchers (43:13).

Feb 21, 202549 min

New immigration laws, love in the Sunshine State, 7 years after Parkland, weekly news briefing

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke with the Miami Herald’s Ana Ceballos and WLRN’s Danny Rivero about immigration bills passed this week and how the state plans to enforce the law (07:22). Then, we share what listeners love about Florida (20:12). And later, we spoke with U.S. Rep Moskowitz about the impact of the sweeping gun control laws passed in the wake of the 2018 school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland (25:06). Plus, how some faith leaders in Florida are responding to the Trump Administration’s immigration policies (37:34), an update on Citizens’ home insurance rates (45:10 ) and changes to weather forecasting in the Gulf (46:27).

Feb 14, 202549 min

Live from Zoo Miami: Housing affordability, government spending and invasive species

This week on The Florida Roundup, we went to Zoo Miami for a special show with a live studio audience. First, we spoke with Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava about Florida’s condo crisis, local government spending and immigration (01:20). Then, we were joined by Dr. Frank Ridgley, the head of the Conservation and Research Department at Zoo Miami (20:38). And later, we met and learned about a few animals (37:58).

Feb 7, 202549 min

Florida’s Immigration Bill, federal spending freeze, school start times and Dreamers’ in-state tuition

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke about a new immigration bill passed by the Florida legislature with its sponsor, Sen. Joe Gruters (01:24). Then, we heard from U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost about a slew of executive orders this week from the Trump administration (11:52). And later, we talked about a state mandate to push back school start times for middle and high schools with Jude Bruno, president-elect of the Florida PTA (27:41) and then Tampa Bay Times’ education reporter Jeff Solochek (32:28). Plus, more on immigration including Florida lawmakers push to end in-state tuition for DACA recipients (37:35) and we share some of your emails (44:42).

Jan 31, 202549 min

Snowfall in Florida, special legislative session ahead, Trump and the Christian Right, struggling citrus crops and looming seaweed

This week on The Florida Roundup, we checked in with meteorologist Megan Borowski to talk about the record-breaking snowfall in the Panhandle (07:00). Then, POLITICO’s Gary Fineout joined us for a preview of next week’s special legislative session and special elections (12:55). And later, NPR’s Sarah McCammon joined us to talk about how the Evangelical Right has influenced national policy (25:44). Plus, a look at Florida’s struggling citrus industry (37:33), why experts say 2025 will be a big year for seaweed (41:22) and a look at how homeless shelters in Tampa Bay are grappling with all the extreme cold weather (46:00).

Jan 24, 202549 min

DeSantis’ push on immigration, Marco Rubio as secretary of state and fact checking Biden's promises

This week on The Florida Roundup, we discussed Gov. DeSantis’ immigration policy proposals for a special session and the role local police will have with Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey (02:52). Then, we spoke with POLITICO’s Nahal Toosi about what to expect if Marco Rubio is confirmed as Secretary of State (24:54). Plus, we checked in with PolitiFact's Samantha Putterman to look back at President Biden’s promises (31:02). And later, we shared a collection of news from the week including updates on a proposed rate hike from Citizens Property Insurance (37:32), how local water managers are dealing with increased flooding (39:34) and a big week for the Space Coast (46:06).

Jan 17, 202548 min

Florida’s laws for kids and social media, fact-checking and media literacy, weekly news briefing

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke with Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Howard Hepburn about how students and teachers are adapting to new cell phone restrictions in school (02:20). Then, we spoke with Rep. Toby Overdorf who is one of the sponsors of a new law that bans children 14 and under from accessing social media platforms (11:19). Plus, with news of Facebook doing away with fact-checking, we have a conversation about media literacy with Alex Mahadevan, director of MediaWise at the Poynter Institute (27:06). Later, we bring you the latest news of the week including an update on Florida’s record-breaking low temperatures from Meteorologist Megan Borowski (37:30), a look at how undocumented immigrants in Central Florida are preparing for a new Trump administration (41:29) and more.

Jan 10, 202549 min

Three perspectives on Florida’s economy and reputation

This week on The Florida Roundup, we bring you three interviews: first, we spoke with Catherine Wood, founder and CEO of ARK Investment, about what attracted her to St. Petersburg (01:33). Then, we’ll speak with John Bartleman, president & CEO of TradeStation, which is based in South Florida (19:36). Plus, author Malcolm Gladwell talks about what makes Miami so unique (37:32).

Jan 3, 202549 min

Encore: Climate change in Florida

This week on an encore edition of The Florida Roundup, we featured two reports from the podcast Sea Change, from WWNO/WRKF in Louisiana. First, WLRN's Jenny Staletovich explored how hotter ocean temperatures are affecting a prized and celebrated fish in Florida – the mahi (00:27). Then, WUSF's Jessica Meszaroes looked at the rising cost of climate risk on Florida's home insurance market (19:35). Then, we spoke with both Jenny and Jessica about their reporting for the series (37:30).

Dec 27, 202449 min

Statewide year in review, from Barabicu to BBQ, only-in-Florida food stories

This week on The Florida Roundup, we bring you some of the biggest stories from around the state with reporters from Florida Public Radio member stations (00:22). Plus, we learn about how Spanish settlers in Florida influenced America’s barbecue craze (20:15). And later, we bring you a collection of Florida-only food stories (37:32).

Dec 20, 202449 min

Countdown for condos, decisions await DeSantis, Florida’s illegal casinos and weekly news briefing

This week on The Florida Roundup, we talked about the looming deadline for condo owners and associations to meet new regulations that were enacted following the 2021 Surfside condominium collapse. First, we heard from Sen. Jennifer Bradley (02:00) and then Tara Stone, CEO of Stone Building Solutions (11:19). Then, we spoke with Politico’s Gary Fineout about the slate of decisions that Gov. DeSantis may have to make following nominations from President-elect Donald Trump (19:37). Plus, we spoke with David Fleshler about the South Florida Sun Sentinel’s investigation into Florida’s illegal casinos (27:57). Later, we heard a collection of stories from around the state including a deadline for a federal assistance that helps feed children over the summer (37:36) and how recent back-to-back storms may help spread invasive species in the state (45:24). And finally, one South Florida mall trades in Jolly Old Saint Nicholas for “Fashion Santa” (47:07).

Dec 13, 202449 min

2025 Medicare enrollment, Sunshine State politics go to Washington, PolitiFact and weekly news briefing

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke about some of the biggest changes coming to Medicare in 2025 with Dr. Meena Seshamani, director of the federal Center for Medicare (00:23). Then, we navigated enrollment questions with Jim Tolbert, SHINE Medicare counselor (09:56). And later, as President-elect Trump makes more Florida-based cabinet nominations, we look at how Florida policy-making could influence national politics in the coming years (20:22). Plus, we turned to Samantha Putterman with our partner PolitiFact for fact-checks on the latest claims (32:48). Plus, a bipartisan effort to tackle Florida’s mounting condo crisis (37:35) and why FEMA dropped Fort Myers Beach from its flood discount program (42:12). And finally, the Everglades National Park turns 77 (46:31).

Dec 6, 202449 min

Climate change in Florida: Shrinking mahi population, home insurance crisis

This week on The Florida Roundup, we featured two reports from the podcast Sea Change, from WWNO/WRKF in Louisiana. First, WLRN's Jenny Staletovich explored how hotter ocean temperatures are affecting a prized and celebrated fish in Florida – the mahi (00:27). Then, WUSF's Jessica Meszaroes looked at the rising cost of climate risk on Florida's home insurance market (19:35). Then, we spoke with both Jenny and Jessica about their reporting for the series (37:30).

Nov 29, 202449 min

FEMA disaster response, tuning out of politics and Florida's new leadership

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke with U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor about FEMA’s response to hurricanes Helene and Milton (01:27). We asked Kelly McBride, NPR Public Editor and Chair of Ethics and Leadership at The Poynter Institute, about how Americans are consuming political news (14:27) and then spoke with Sen. Shevrin Jones about how the Florida Democratic party can reengage apathetic voters (21:59). And later, we turned to Samantha Putterman with our partner PolitiFact for more on what’s next for former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz (33:06). Plus, we learned more about the Florida legislature’s new leadership (37:33) and heard a collection of environmental stories from across the state including a tally of agricultral losses from Hurricane Helene (40:45) and an update on La Niña (42:37).

Nov 22, 202449 min

Florida's outsized role in national politics and how snowbirds are handling more storms

Just over a week after winning a second term, President-elect Donald Trump is moving swiftly to nominate key cabinet positions. He’s named his campaign manager Susie Wiles as his chief of staff. (00:40). And snowbirds have sought refuge in Florida for decades. But could back-to-back hurricanes and the prospect of more extreme weather chill their enthusiasm for our balmy winters? (19:36). The Florida Public Radio Emergency Network talks about the latest tropical disturbance (37:36). And as severe storms bring increasingly more rainfall to Central Florida, flooding remains a top concern (40:36). Also, it’s been a year since the Seminole Tribe slowly started to roll out mobile sports betting in the state (44:25).

Nov 15, 202449 min

Florida and California: What the two can learn from each other post-election

This week on The Florida Roundup, we broke down which proposed constitutional amendments passed and which fell short with Central Florida Public Media’s Joe Byrnes and WUSF’s Stephanie Colombini (1:00). Then, we simulcasted with our colleagues at KQED’s Forum for a conversation about how Florida and California are positioned as political opposites and how our states might actually have a lot in common (19:28).

Nov 8, 202449 min

Election anxiety, Florida's shifted politics and increased health risks after hurricanes

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke about election anxiety and how to lower the temperature of political rhetoric with former U.S. Reps Carlos Curbelo and Stephanie Murphy (02:15). Then, we heard about how Florida moved away from being a swing state with the New York Times’ Patricia Mazzei (20:24). And later, we checked in with Samantha Putterman with our partner PolitiFact to check some recent claims around early voting (29:34). Then finally, we looked at the health risks brought by Hurricanes Milton and Helene (37:28) and heard from some South Florida voters (42:43).

Nov 1, 202449 min

The Fight over Amendment 4, early voting and NPAs, PolitiFact checks claims, weekly news briefing

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke with WUSF’s Stephanie Colombini about the legal wrangling over Amendment 4 (08:09) and then we heard from former Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court Charles Wells (12:00). We also talked about voter turnout and how to appeal to non-party voters first with DNC Chair Jaime Harrison (19:14) and later the Chair for the Republican Party of Florida Evan Power (26:30). Next, we turned to Samantha Putterman with PolitiFact to check some recent claims around Amendment 4 (31:59). Plus, we took a closer look at Amendments 3, 5, and 2 (37:14) and heard about a unique job posting in one Florida town (47:24).

Oct 26, 202449 min

Filing insurance claims and voting after back-to-back hurricanes

The tab for Hurricanes Helene and Milton will be in the billions of dollars. Some will be covered by insurance. And some won’t. The storms are just the latest reminders of the high cost of insurance. We speak with Michael Yaworsky, Florida Office of Insurance Regulation Commissioner (2:36). Plus, early voting starts in just days. What you need to know now to cast your vote (26:15). Hurricane Milton Recovery efforts (33:59). And, how Florida is just inescapable these days in our video and music streams (41:40).

Oct 18, 202446 min

Hurricane Milton, PolitiFact checks claims, diary of an evacuee

This week on The Florida Roundup, we look at the widespread damage and the loss of life from Hurricane Milton. First, we checked in with NPR’s Greg Allen from Clearwater (02:18), then we heard from WUSF’s Kerry Sheridan about the impact in Sarasota (08:47) before turning to CFPM’s Molly Duerig to look at flooding in Central Florida (10:58). Later, we spoke with WQCS’ Chris Puorro about the deadly tornadoes Milton produced that touched down in Port St. Lucie (17:00) and Rep. Toby Overdorf whose district includes areas of St. Lucie and Martin counties (21:37). Plus, we heard from Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis about filing claims in the wake of Helene and Milton (28:23). We also checked some recent claims related to FEMA funding with PolitiFact’s Katie Sanders (33:23) and heard the story of one St. Petersburg resident as they evacuated ahead of Milton (37:09).

Oct 11, 202449 min

Hurricane Helene recovery, how to cast your ballot and this week's dock workers strike

This week on The Florida Roundup, we look at recovery efforts a week after Hurricane Helene's landfall. First, we spoke to Florida Rep. Christine Hunschofsky (3:10), then we spoke with David Jolly, former Republican representative who penned a recent op-ed (10:42). Next we turned to Miami-Dade County Supervisor of Elections, Christina White, to discuss all the ways to vote in the upcoming Nov. 5 election (20:05). And also University of Florida Professor Michael McDonald, from the UF elections Lab (24:00). We also checked in with our partner PolitiFact for a claims check about social media and Hurricane Helene (33:25). Finally, we look at a few other stories from across the state including a look at how the state's ports are moving forward following a longshoreman strike earlier this week, and peanut farmers (37:22).

Oct 4, 202449 min

Hurricane Helene, PolitiFact claims check, weekly briefing.

This week on The Florida Roundup, we checked in with reporters and officials across the state to begin assessing the impact of Hurricane Helene. First, we heard from Lynn Hatter, news director for WFSU in Tallahassee (02:56), then we spoke with Megan Borowski, meteorologist for Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (07:07). Afterwards, we heard from Stephanie Colombini with WUSF in Tampa (09:17) and Craig Fugate, former director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (19:56). Next, we turned to Áine Pennello with WUFT in Gainesville (25:44) and later, WUSF’s news director Mary Shedden (33:07). We also checked in with our partner PolitiFact for a claims check about NOAA (28:34). Finally, we look at a few other stories from across the state including a look at how communities are planning for future storms (37:16).

Sep 27, 202449 min

State investigates Trump assassination attempt, mosquito control, PolitiFact checks claims, environmental news

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke with Politico’s Kimberly Leonard about the state’s probe into the apparent assination attempt on former President Trump (01:14). We looked at mosquito control efforts in Lee County (09:11) and spoke with Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory’s Nathan Burkett-Cadena about the public health risk mosquitoes pose (20:31 ). And later, we had Samantha Putterman with our partner PolitiFact join us for the latest claims check (32:12). Plus, we shared some environmental news stories from across the state (37:24) and a listener mailbag (47:16).

Sep 20, 202449 min

The condo crisis, EVs and charging, abortion ballot initiative fact-checks, deaths in jail and hurricanes update

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke with Rep. Vicki Lopez about possible tweaks to new condo reform laws (06:55) Then, Miami Herald reporter Ashley Miznazi joined us to talk about the growing need for EV fast charging stations across the state (20:03). And later Samantha Putterman with our partner PolitiFact joined us to review some recent claims on Florida’s abortion ballot initiative (31:23). Plus, a look at the growing number of incarceration deaths (37:15) and an update activity in the Atlantic from meteorologist Megan Borowski (45:28).

Sep 13, 202449 min

DEP worker dismissed over leaked parks plan, political polling, swing voters, fact-checks and a weekly briefing.

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke with the Tampa Bay Times environmental reporter who broke the story about FL DEP’s controversial state park plans (01:25). Then, we asked two polling experts for advice on how to interpret opinion polls going into the 2024 election (07:24) and then heard from two former Florida congress members about how to appeal to the swing voter (15:45). And later, we got the latest fact-checks from Sam Putterman with our partner PolitiFact (31:05). Finally, a roundup of stories related to workers unions (37:22) and an update on the Atlantic Hurricane Season from meteorologist Megan Borowski (44:11).

Sep 6, 202449 min

State drops controversial parks plan, Florida jobs outlook and weekly briefing

This week on The Florida Roundup, we talked about a proposal to add new development to several state parks with WLRN environmental editor Jenny Staletovich and WUSF reporter Steve Newborn (00:10). Then, we spoke with Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su about the jobs outlook for Florida ahead of Labor Day Weekend (20:35) and later, we cover a series of court hearings and other news from across the state (37:12).

Aug 30, 202449 min

Partisan school board races, DNC fact-check and environmental news

This week on The Florida Roundup, we checked in with Politico’s Andrew Atterbury to talk about the primary results in this week’s school board races (00:08). Then, we spoke with Rep. Spencer Roach (20:00) about the proposed amendment he sponsored that asks Florida voters to decide whether to make school board elections partisan. Plus, we checked some of the claims from the DNC with PolitiFact’s Samantha Putterman (33:48). And later, a roundup of environmental news from the weekend (37:15) and a Florida athlete makes it to the Wheaties box (48:26).

Aug 23, 202449 min

School cellphone bans, UF student journalist uncovers Sasse’s spending, remembering Hurricane Charley and Debby recovery efforts

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke about cellphone restrictions in K-12 schools. First, we heard from Scott Howat, chief communications officer for Orange County Public Schools, about their total ban on cellphone use during the school day (03:34), then we spoke with Florida Education Association president Andrew Spar about how teachers are adjusting to the changes (20:00). And later, we spoke with Garrett Shanley, with University of Florida’s student-run newspaper The Alligator, about his reporting on former UF president Ben Sasse’s record spending (26:23). Plus, we looked back at Hurricane Charley 20 years later (37:20) and checked in on Hurricane Debby recovery efforts (40:22) and impact on wildlife (44:42). Finally, a new TV series filmed in Florida debuts this week (47:35).

Aug 16, 202449 min

Live from Key West: Sustainability, affordability and healthcare

This week on The Florida Roundup, we went to Key West for a special show with a live studio audience. First, we spoke with former Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (00:52). Then, we were joined by WLRN’s environment editor Jenny Staletovich to talk about warming ocean waters and coral reef restoration (21:28). And later, we heard from Julia Cooper, WLRN's reporter covering the Florida Keys (38:32).

Aug 9, 202449 min

Florida's higher education leadership, Venezuela's election crisis, weekly briefing

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke with a member of FAMU’s board of trustees about its search for a new president (02:10), and we heard from a former state lawmaker about a bill he co-sponsored that alters the process for university presidential searches (14:14). Then, we spoke with CNN en Espanol host Alejandra Oraa and Miami-Dade College professor Vilma Petrash about Venezuela’s elections crisis (20:28). And later, an update on the new Rays stadium (36:46), a conversation with the leader of UF’s new space institute (39:03) and a look at a former mining town in Plant City (43:37).

Aug 2, 202449 min

Rep. Wasserman Schultz, free speech on social media, school phone bans, NIL deals and Florida Olympians

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke with U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-FL-25th about presidential politics and the new direction for the Democratic Party (01:25). Then, we spoke with Craig Waters with the Florida Center for Government Accountability about regulating free speech on social media (21:30) and reviewed a recent SCOTUS decision on a Florida social media law with Rebecca Klar, reporter for The Hill (34:44). And later, we went around the news of the week including cell phone bans in schools (37:28), NIL deals for high school athletes (39:14), Olympians from Florida heading to Paris (41:45) and the southernmost property for sale (46:50).

Jul 26, 202449 min

Florida lawmakers on security and civility post-assassination attempt, homeless encampment ban and weekly briefing

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke with U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-Miami) about Congressional investigations into the attempted assassination on former President Donald Trump (00:46) and then spoke with U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Pinellas) about her call for civility amid political violence (14:00). We hear from two community leaders working on homeless prevention about Dignity Village, a former tent community in Gainesville (19:57), and a new state law that will soon ban homeless people from camping or sleeping on public property (25:56). Plus, a new state law restricting local heat ordinances comes as the Biden administration considers federal restrictions (37:20), a new study on urban heat islands (41:42), the city of Orlando's efforts to help citizens stay cool (43:17) and an update on the financial impact analysis for amendment 4 (44:04). And finally, how Florida became a part of the United States 203 years ago this week (47:10).

Jul 19, 202449 min

Short-term rentals, presidential politics in Florida and the stalled financial forecast for abortion amendment

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke with Redington Beach Mayor David Will about his opposition to bill that was vetoed by Gov. DeSantis that would have created statewide regulations for short-term vacation rentals (00:53). Then, we spoke about how presidential politics are playing out in Florida after both the Biden and Trump campaign made stops in the state with WLRN's Danny Rivero and WUSF's Steve Newborn (20:11). Plus, we look behind-the-scenes at the group tasked with forecasting the financial impact of the proposed abortion amendment that will appear on November's ballot (37:10). And later, we hear more from listeners weighing in on new condo reforms (46:54).

Jul 12, 202449 min

Encore: Authors Lauren Groff, Doris Kearns Goodwin and Dick Batchelor

This week on a rebroadcast of The Florida Roundup, we spoke with three authors — novelist Lauren Groff (02:00), historian Doris Kearns Goodwin (20:28) and former Florida lawmaker Dick Batchelor (37:18) about free expression, leadership and discovering civility again.

Jul 5, 202449 min

Condo safety reforms, Florida’s swing state status and arts funding slashed

This week on The Florida Roundup, we look at new regulations for condominiums that were passed following the tragic collapse of the Champlain Towers in Surfside. First, we spoke with Rep. Vicki Lopez (03:13) and then were joined by Tampa Bay Times’ reporter Rebecca Liebson (13:00). And later, what are Florida Democrats saying following this week’s presidential debate, with Politico’s Kimberly Leonard (30:48). Plus, we look at how arts institutions across the state are managing following budget cuts to grants funding (37:20).

Jun 28, 202449 min

Police civilian oversight boards, sports betting clears hurdles and updates on trans healthcare policy in Florida

This week on The Florida Roundup, we find out more about the changes to citizen-run police review boards in the wake of a new state law and break down what the new court action, or lack of action, on sports betting means for Florida and the country. Then, the Florida transgender community reacts and responds to a court ruling on state law. Plus, we hear from people at a Juneteenth event in Fort Myers and a Juneteenth historical tour in Central Florida. Later, one gallery exhibits queer joy in honor of Pride Month. And lastly, how love for the sport of hockey has grown in Florida.

Jun 21, 202449 min