The Florida Roundup

WLRN News & WUSF

Each week, The Florida Roundup brings us up to speed on all things Florida- be it politics, the environment, the economy, culture and more. Join host Tom Hudson for lively discussion with newsmakers, journalists and you! Email the program radio@TheFloridaRoundup.org read less

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

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).

Episodes

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

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).

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

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).

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

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.

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

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).

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

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.

Access to Canadian drugs, state budget highlights and the truth behind '40 Acres and a Mule'

Access to Canadian drugs, state budget highlights and the truth behind '40 Acres and a Mule'

This week on The Florida Roundup, we find out more about the company at the center of Florida’s plan to import drugs from Canada with the Orlando Sentinel’s Jeffrey Schweers (00:24) and breakdown the 2024-25 state budget with Politico reporter Gary Fineout (11:53). Then, a new series explores the legacy of America’s broken promise in "40 Acres and a Mule" (19:23). Plus, we get the latest on Boeing’s Starliner with Central Florida Public Media’s Brendan Byrne (33:27). And later, torrential rain brings dangerous flooding and standing water to much of South Florida (37:15), a federal judge blocks Florida’s ban on gender-affirming care (38:50), and more news from the week (40:31).

‘NIL’ deals for high school athletes, teacher apprenticeships and meteorologists on climate change

‘NIL’ deals for high school athletes, teacher apprenticeships and meteorologists on climate change

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke with the Chief executive officer of the Florida High School Athletic Association Craig Damon about the board’s approval of NIL deals (02:48). Then, we heard from Rep. Karen Gonzalez Pittman about the bill she sponsored that created a state teacher apprentice program (13:22). Later, we spoke with meteorologists John Morales and Jeff Berardelli about how they are incorporating climate change science into their forecasts (19:00). Plus, scientists look to combat citrus greening with genetic engineering (37:07), a first for Florida’s space coast (41:21), new hurricane forecasting (43:00) and spelling bee news (46:35).

Finding Florida teachers in new WLRN series "Role Call'

Finding Florida teachers in new WLRN series "Role Call'

This week on The Florida Roundup, we're joined by reporter Yvonne zum Tobel to discuss the WLRN series Role Call. The series looks into how Florida universities and school districts are incentivizing college students to become teachers in the highest-need areas.

Summer reading special: Authors Lauren Groff, Doris Kearns Goodwin and Dick Batchelor on Florida

Summer reading special: Authors Lauren Groff, Doris Kearns Goodwin and Dick Batchelor on Florida

This week on 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 discovery civility again.

Florida’s infant mortality crisis, new FAFSA issues and FAMU’s failed donation

Florida’s infant mortality crisis, new FAFSA issues and FAMU’s failed donation

This week on The Florida Roundup, we looked into a special series from the South Florida Sun Sentinel that examines that state’s infant mortality rate. First, we speak with health reporter Cindy Krischer Goodman (00:21) before speaking with Dr. LaRae Brown, director of UF Health Women’s Specialists — North and Dr. Rodrigo Ruano, Director at UHealth Jackson Fetal Care Center and Division (09:09). Then, we looked at how a revamped federal form for financial aid for students is causing delays with the (19:22). Plus, fallout over a dubious major gift donation to Florida A& M (27:57). And other news from across the state from a deadly bus crash near Ocala (37:18) to severe weather in the Panhandle (40:28). We also heard from our listeners from last week's mailbag (45:44).

School districts plan closures, impact of state immigration laws and Florida’s Wildlife Corridor

School districts plan closures, impact of state immigration laws and Florida’s Wildlife Corridor

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke with several education reporters from across the state about how districts are considering school closures due to shrinking enrollment. First we heard from Jacksonville Today reporter Megan Mallicoat about Duval County Public Schools (05:45), then we focused on Hillsborough County Public Schools with the Tampa Bay Times’ Marlene Sokol (13:10) and then we spoke with WLRN’s Kate Payne about Broward County Public Schools (16:24). Then, we spoke with an Orange County Public Schools board member about how their district is looking to build new schools (24:08). And later, we were joined by NPR’s Jasmine Garsd for her reporting on the impact of Florida’s anti-immigration laws one year later (31:57). Plus, a series of reports about Florida’s Wildlife Corridor and the 2021 law to conserve millions of more acres (37:18).

Florida’s 6-week ban, campus protests, public funds for sports stadiums, and environmental news

Florida’s 6-week ban, campus protests, public funds for sports stadiums, and environmental news

This week on The Florida Roundup, we looked at Florida’s 6-week ban as it goes into effect (00:11). We also heard about the latest on campus protests (08:03) and speak to a student reporter about the arrests at the University of Florida (14:20). Plus, we talked about a proposed stadium in St. Petersburg for the Tampa Bay Rays with Tampa Bay Times reporter Colleen Wright (20:08) as well as the negotiations between the city of Jacksonville and the NFL Jaguars over massive stadium renovations with JAX Today reporter Casmira Harrison (30:44). And finally, a roundup of environmental stories from the panhandle to the Keys (37:23).

Florida sees rise in antisemitism, historical markers and fact-checking Biden’s Tampa speech

Florida sees rise in antisemitism, historical markers and fact-checking Biden’s Tampa speech

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke with State Senator Lori Berman about legislation targeting antisemitic speech and behavior (01:48) and then we discussed a report finding a rise in antisemitic incidents in 2023 with the Florida Regional Director for the Anti-Defamation League (10:06). Plus, an NPR Investigation into the fractured history told by the thousands of historical markers across the country (19:26) and later, we fact-checked President Biden’s speech in Tampa with PolitiFact (38:30).

Why some retired Floridians return to work, remembering Bob Graham and environmental news

Why some retired Floridians return to work, remembering Bob Graham and environmental news

This week on The Florida Roundup, we talk about how affordability challenges are forcing some older Floridians to return to work, with Tampa Bay Times reporter Lauren Peace (03:16) and further explore how retirement is changing in the state with Central Florida Public Media reporter Joe Byrnes and Anne Ray of UF’s Shimberg Center for Housing Studies (11:36). And we remember the life and legacy of Bob Graham with former Florida lawmaker Dick Batchelor (25:30) and later journalist Dan Christensen (31:42). Plus, a few environmental updates from across the state (37:20).

The politics of language, new limits on 'forever chemicals' and final Delta IV launch

The politics of language, new limits on 'forever chemicals' and final Delta IV launch

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke with a UF doctoral student who studied the use of authoritarian language in the 2020 presidential campaign (02:11) and then explored the power of language with two Florida poets (13:01). Later we heard from the Deputy Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Water about new limits for PFAS chemicals (23:49) and then spoke with Central Florida Public Media’s Brendan Byrne about the end of an era for space exploration (32:54). Plus, we looked into Sarasota County’s truancy court (37:21). And finally, we shared solar eclipse stories (43:31) and found out why fuzzy caterpillars are becoming a nuisance for some (46:55).

Florida Supreme Court allows recreational marijuana, abortion on November ballot

Florida Supreme Court allows recreational marijuana, abortion on November ballot

This week on The Florida Roundup, we talk about the three high-profile decisions from the state’s highest court on abortion access and recreational marijuana use with Florida House Speaker Paul Renner (03:32), South Florida-based family physician Dr. Chelsea Daniels (19:33) and Mark Wilson, president and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce (31:45). Plus, Colorado State releases its annual forecast for the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season (37:00) as Lee County prepares to sue FEMA over its loss of flood insurance discount (38:27). And later, a look at why home buyers are getting priced out in the Tampa Bay area (39:57). Also, why online gambling could provide millions to save land and fight sea rise in Florida (43:48) and the rise in calls to the state's gambling hotline (45:30).

Coral reefs in the warming Atlantic, Disney settles Florida lawsuit and weekly briefing

Coral reefs in the warming Atlantic, Disney settles Florida lawsuit and weekly briefing

This week on The Florida Roundup, we talk about warm waters in the Atlantic and what it means for coral reefs with Brian McNoldy and Dalton Hesley with the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science and WLRN’s environmental editor Jenny Staletovich (00:30). Plus, we talk about this week’s legal settlement reached in the ongoing feud between Disney and Gov. DeSantis’ allies with the Orlando Sentinel’s Skyler Swisher (26:00). And later, why the Francis Scott Key bridge collapse in Baltimore is a chilling reminder for Tampa Bay residents (37:14), ‘mangrove rangers’ roam the coastline in a bid to preserve our disappearing mangroves (38:33) and a conversation with photojournalist Octavio Jones about his recent reporting trip in Haiti (44:52).

Florida’s growing property insurance crisis, changes to real estate commissions, weekly news brief

Florida’s growing property insurance crisis, changes to real estate commissions, weekly news brief

This week on The Florida Roundup, we talk about a proposed federal bill to lower property insurance rates with Broward County Commissioner Steve Geller (02:47) and then discuss concerns on Capitol Hill over the state’s largest home insurer with the Insurance Information Institute's Mark Friedlander (10:52). Then, we talk about why real estate commissions could be changing and what it means for Florida realtors with the Consumer Federation of America's Stephen Brobeck (26:46). Plus, a recap of this week’s elections (37:21), an update on the turmoil in Haiti and its impact in Florida (39:20), why some state universities are giving students more time to decide (46:34) and March Madness meets spring training (47:44).

Faith and politics, settlement over parental rights law, Black student-athletes urged to avoid Florida and environmental news

Faith and politics, settlement over parental rights law, Black student-athletes urged to avoid Florida and environmental news

This week on The Florida Roundup, we were joined by NPR’s Sarah McCammon to discuss her new book, “The Exvangelicals: Loving, Living, and Leaving the White Evangelical Church” (02:50). Then, we spoke about the settlement reached this week in a case against Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Law with the attorneys who represented the plaintiffs (20:42). Plus, we heard from Dr. Ashley L. White with the NAACP about their advisory to student-athletes considering Florida public universities (29:12). And later, a collection of environmental news from around the state (37:18).

2024 legislative session ends, healthcare cyber attack, Florida takeaways from Biden’s SOTU and more

2024 legislative session ends, healthcare cyber attack, Florida takeaways from Biden’s SOTU and more

This week on The Florida Roundup, we look at some of the most notable bills that passed during the 2024 legislative session with WMFE’s Danielle Prieur (00:30) and WFSU’s Gina Jordan (05:35). Then, we ask the President of FHA how a major healthcare cyber attack is impacting Florida’s hospital system (09:08). Plus, we are joined by a White House senior advisor to talk about what President Biden’s SOTU means for Florida voters (19:23). Next we preview a Reveal report about navigating post-Roe v Wade abortion laws (30:52). And later, spring break grips the state (37:21) and a roundup of recent sports stories (43:40).