Talking Central Florida
Talking Central Florida host Steve Mort gets in-depth analysis from the journalists covering our region’s most important issues. The show is a production of the News Collaborative of Central Florida.
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Data Centers and Fight to Prevent Utility Bill Hikes in Florida
04/22/2026
Data Centers and Fight to Prevent Utility Bill Hikes in Florida
Amy Green from Inside Climate News and Molly Duerig from Central Florida Public Media join Talking Central Florida to discuss a recent report showing that utility company profit margins are driving customers’ electricity bills higher. The panel breaks down what it means for Florida customers, along with concerns that growing demand from data centers could push costs even higher. Plus, a look at FEMA’s readiness for hurricane season this year. Show notes: Paying for Their Profits: How Ratepayers Foot the Bill for Soaring Utility Profits (Energy & Policy Institute): Florida Power & Light Profit Margins Top Other Utilities’ Nationwide, Report Says (Inside Climate News): Hundreds of groups ask Congress to halt building of new data centers (Central Florida Public Media): Legislation Aims to Protect Floridians From Data Center Costs, but Will It? (Inside Climate News): Budget of the U.S. Government (Office of Management and Budget Fiscal Year 2027): FEMA Skips National Hurricane Conference Amid DHS Shutdown (Inside Climate News): FEMA’s 47th Anniversary Overshadowed by Democrats Shutdown as Disaster Relief Fund Nears Depletion (FEMA): Decades-old maps don’t fully capture Central Florida’s flooding risk (Central Florida Public Media): U.S. Flood Risk Maps Are Badly Outdated, But Trump Slows Reforms (UNDARK): Everglades Restoration Also Helps Save the Planet from Climate Change, Study Finds (Inside Climate News): Memorandum of Agreement on Everglades restoration: Compounded effects on wetland greenhouse gas fluxes from climate change and water management along a saline to freshwater gradient (PNAS): Moving Water: The Everglades and Big Sugar (Amy Green):
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Can Central Florida Improve Its Transit Connections?
04/15/2026
Can Central Florida Improve Its Transit Connections?
Gary Huttmann of MetroPlan Orlando joins Talking Central Florida to discuss the future of transportation across the region, including long-term planning efforts and the challenges of keeping up with rapid growth. The conversation focuses on SunRail expansion, improving road capacity, and addressing congestion across Central Florida. Plus, the discussion explores emerging solutions including micromobility, last-mile connections, and how new technologies could play a role in the region’s transportation network moving forward. Show notes: MetroPlan Orlando’s 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MetroPlan Orlando): https://metroplanorlando.gov/plans/2050-metropolitan-transportation-plan/ MetroPlan Orlando’s 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan Technical Report (MetroPlan Orlando): https://metroplanorlando.gov/wp-content/uploads/Transit-Vision-Master-Plan_January_Final.pdf SunRail celebrates major milestone with approval of PD&E study for proposed Sunshine Corridor (SunRail): https://sunrail.com/agency-information/press-releases/sunrail-celebrates-major-milestone-with-approval-of-pde-study-for-proposed-sunshine-corridor/ FDOT’s District Five Projects (FDOT): https://www.cflroads.com/project/451404-1 Orlando Sentinel transportation coverage: https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/transportation/ Central Florida Public Media: Costly Commute: https://www.cfpublic.org/costly-commute
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Artemis II Makes History, Trump Proposes NASA Budget Cuts
04/08/2026
Artemis II Makes History, Trump Proposes NASA Budget Cuts
Brendan Byrne from Central Florida Public Media joins Talking Central Florida host Steve Mort to discuss the history-making flight of Artemis II, the data collected by the crew as they passed the far side of the Moon, and plans for splashdown this week. Plus, a look at President Trump’s fiscal year 2027 budget request for NASA. Then, Winter Park Voice Editor, Beth Kassab, talks about her reporting on efforts to provide affordable housing options for Orange County Public Schools staff. Show notes: Winter Park Agrees to Five Habitat Homes for School Workers on OCPS Property (Winter Park Voice): New Law Could Require New Fines and Data Collection on Electric Bikes and Scooters (Winter Park Voice): Track NASA’s Artemis II Mission in Real Time (NASA): Are We There Yet podcast (Central Florida Public Media): FY 2027 President's Budget Request Summary (NASA): Artemis II crew has now gone farther from Earth than any humans before (Central Florida Public Media): NASA's Artemis II mission is sending a toilet around the moon for the first time ever (NPR):
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E-Bikes and Scooters Pose Challenges for Local Regulators
04/01/2026
E-Bikes and Scooters Pose Challenges for Local Regulators
Stephanie Rodriguez of WKMG News 6 and Alexa Lorenzo of WFTV Channel 9 join Talking Central Florida to discuss the potential for a Brightline station in Cocoa and what it could mean for the Space Coast economy. The panel also examines efforts by counties and municipalities across the region to regulate micromobility devices such as e-bikes and scooters. Plus, Ken Jackson of the Osceola News-Gazette discusses the key election issues and races he’s watching this year. Show notes: Term limits, background check ordinance passed to go to Kissimmee voters during heated meeting (Osceola News-Gazette): E-bike safety training rolls out at Celebration schools (Osceola News-Gazette): SB 382: Micromobility Devices: POLL: Orlando 2045 poll shows strong support for SunRail expansion, more housing (OEP): Cocoa Brightline station could get federal funding to start construction (WKMG News 6): Brightline still pursuing Cocoa station, even as company’s future is uncertain (WFTV): DeLand weighing e-bike sidewalk ban, helmet rule for riders under 18 (WKMG News 6): Orange County Commissioners move toward new e-bike and e-scooter safety rules (WFTV): Waymo driverless taxis launch in Orlando (WFTV):
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The Measles Outbreak, Plus the Challenge of Obtaining Public Records in Florida
03/25/2026
The Measles Outbreak, Plus the Challenge of Obtaining Public Records in Florida
Donovan Myrie from WKMG News 6 and Joe Mario Pedersen from Central Florida Public Media join Talking Central Florida to discuss their outlets’ reporting on some of the state’s most pressing healthcare issues, including how the nationwide measles outbreak is impacting Florida. Plus, the panel talks about the challenges of obtaining public records and other information from governments and state agencies in Florida. And a look at the most recent design renderings for the permanent Pulse memorial. Show notes: Pulse 30% design milestone presentation (City of Orlando): Pulse Nightclub building demolished, clearing way for permanent memorial (WKMG) Nearly 10 years after shooting, the Pulse sign comes down (Central Florida Public Media): Pulse Nightclub Demolished (Central Florida Public Media): HB 697 - Drug Prices and Coverage: State confirms 1st Central Florida measles case in Osceola County (Infographic - WKMG):
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Déjà Vu in Tallahassee: No Budget or Tax Deal at Session’s End
03/18/2026
Déjà Vu in Tallahassee: No Budget or Tax Deal at Session’s End
This week, Kimberly Leonard from Politico joins Talking Central Florida to break down electoral politics as Republicans and Democrats map out their strategies ahead of the 2026 primaries and midterms. Plus, Skyler Swisher from the Orlando Sentinel and Jeff Allen from Spectrum News 13 discuss the end of the regular legislative session, as lawmakers prepare to return to Tallahassee to finalize the state budget. Show notes: Spectrum News Political Connections: https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/politics/political-connections Florida’s 2026 legislative session ends: what passed, what failed and what’s next (WUSF/Your Florida): https://www.cfpublic.org/2026-03-13/florida-2026-legislative-session-ends-what-passed-what-failed-whats-next Florida's 2026 legislative session: Who won and who lost? (Tallahassee Democrat): https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/state/2026/03/13/winners-and-losers-of-the-2026-florida-legislative-session/89097508007/ Republicans deliver bill to kill DEI in cities, counties to DeSantis (Orlando Sentinel): https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/03/11/republicans-deliver-bill-to-kill-dei-in-cities-counties-to-desantis/ Senate moves to provide stopgap funding for HIV/AIDS drug program (Orlando Sentinel): https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/03/11/senate-moves-to-provide-stopgap-funding-for-hiv-aids-drug-program/ Rancor among Republicans doomed property tax plan (Orlando Sentinel): https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/03/14/rancor-among-republicans-doomed-property-tax-plan/ Editorial: Florida’s 2026 legislative session was bad. It could have been worse (Orlando Sentinel): https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/03/15/editorial-floridas-2026-legislative-session-was-bad-it-could-have-been-worse/ Legislature heads out - but not for long (Politico): https://www.politico.com/newsletters/florida-playbook/2026/03/13/legislature-heads-out-but-not-for-long-00827598 The local special election sparking intrigue in Donald Trump’s backyard (Politico): https://www.politico.com/news/2026/03/13/florida-special-election-palm-beach-00826611 The power politics of the budget clash (Politico): https://www.politico.com/newsletters/florida-playbook/2026/03/12/the-power-politics-of-the-budget-clash-00824642 House GOP huddles at Doral (Politico): https://www.politico.com/newsletters/florida-playbook/2026/03/11/house-gop-huddles-in-doral-00822449 Ex-Miami news anchor jumps into House race (Politico): https://www.politico.com/newsletters/florida-playbook/2026/03/10/ex-miami-news-anchor-jumps-into-house-campaign-00820343 Florida Dems look to catch Texas’ midterm energy (Politico): https://www.politico.com/news/2026/03/05/florida-dems-look-to-catch-texas-midterm-energy-00813983
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The Fight Over Development and Density in a Growing State
03/11/2026
The Fight Over Development and Density in a Growing State
Molly Duerig, environment reporter for Central Florida Public Media, and Abe Aboraya from the Oviedo Community News join Talking Central Florida to discuss the legal and philosophical battle over rural boundaries and other policies designed to limit sprawling development. Plus, a look at Orange County leaders’ decision to scrap a proposal for a sales tax initiative to pay for conservation and infrastructure projects, the impending court fight over plans to build a road on conservation land, and the ongoing drought across Florida. Show notes: Sen. Jason Brodeur flips, calls for bill amendment that could gut rural boundaries in Seminole, Orange counties (Abe Aboraya, Oviedo Community News): https://oviedocommunitynews.org/2026/02/25/sen-jason-brodeur-flips-calls-for-bill-amendment-that-could-gut-rural-boundaries-in-seminole-orange-counties/ SB 208 (2026) Land Use and Development Regulations: https://flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/208 Annexation option could help control growth, but Volusia leaders say no thanks (Molly Duerig, Central Florida Public Media): https://www.cfpublic.org/environment/2026-03-04/annexation-option-could-help-control-growth-volusia-leaders-say-no ** SB 840 (2026) Land Use Regulations for Local Governments Affected by Natural Disasters: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/840 SB 180 (2025) Emergencies: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/180 ** ‘Timing is wrong’: Orange County won’t have a new sales tax on November’s ballot (Molly Duerig, Central Florida Public Media): https://www.cfpublic.org/environment/2026-03-03/orange-county-wont-have-new-sales-tax-november-ballot ** Expressway authority files claim to Orange County conservation land (Molly Duerig, Central Florida Public Media): https://www.cfpublic.org/environment/2026-03-09/expressway-authority-files-claim-orange-county-conservation-land ** US Drought Monitor (National Drought Mitigation Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln): https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu
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Large Transportation Projects to Begin Soon in Central Florida
03/04/2026
Large Transportation Projects to Begin Soon in Central Florida
Ryan Lynch from the Orlando Business Journal joins Talking Central Florida to discuss transportation stories including massive road infrastructure projects in Osceola, Orange, Polk, and Seminole counties, robotaxis, and an overhaul of Downtown Orlando streets. And Brendan O’Connor from The Orlando Shine and Nick Georgoudiou from The Community Paper discuss other downtown issues including public safety, efforts to diversify the business base, and the health of the local swan population. Plus, local arts groups focus on storytelling to help raise critical funds. Show notes: Florida Senate Budget: https://static-s3.lobbytools.com/bills/2026/pdf/2500PB.pdf Florida House Budget: https://static-s3.lobbytools.com/bills/2026/pdf/5001.pdf Governor’s Budget Recommendations: https://static-s3.lobbytools.com/docs/2025/12/10/136980_nor_s_budget_recommendations_fiscal_year_2026_27_bill_format.pdf Canvass Cultural Master Plan: https://canvas.konveio.com/ From the French Quarter to Orange Avenue (Orlando Shine): Nightlife strategies that work (Orlando Shine): https://orlandoshine.com/from-the-french-quarter-to-orange-avenue-nightlife-strategies-that-work/ Real Life Education brings good news to Immerse (The Community Paper): https://www.yourcommunitypaper.com/articles/real-life-education-brings-good-news-to-immerse/ The Southern Beltway (CFX): https://www.movepoinciana.com/wp-content/uploads/CFX-Southern-Beltway-Map-2-10-26.pdf 417 to Sanford Airport Connector (CFX): https://www.cfxway.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/417-246A-Preferred-Alternative-Alignment-2A.pdf
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Negotiations Over ICE Detainee Costs
02/25/2026
Negotiations Over ICE Detainee Costs
Orlando Sentinel reporter Ryan Gillespie discusses the dispute over federal reimbursements for the holding of ICE detainees and federal inmates at the Orange County jail. And Brendan Byrne from Central Florida Public Media explains the latest setback for the Artemis II mission, and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk’s ambitious goals for the Moon. Plus, Abe Aboraya from the Oviedo Community News joins the show to talk about his reporting on the challenges facing Seminole County’s micro-transit system. Talking Central Florida is a production of the News Collaborative of Central Florida. Show notes: Ryan Gillespie’s reporting on immigration: Jerry Demings extends deadline for U.S. Marshals in cost dispute over jail detainees: https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/02/20/jerry-demings-extends-deadline-for-u-s-marshals-in-cost-dispute-over-jail-detainees/ As feds eye a potential Orlando ICE facility, records show detainees might stay for 7 days: https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/02/14/as-feds-eye-a-potential-orlando-ice-detention-facility-records-show-what-it-entails/ ** Update since recording - Latest on state reimbursement of local law enforcement agencies (Tampa Bay Times): https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/02/24/desantis-cabinet-immigration-law-enforcement-equipment-reimbursement-bonuses/ ** Brendan Byrne’s reporting on Artemis II: NASA returning moon rocket to hangar, delaying astronaut mission at least a month: https://www.cfpublic.org/space/2026-02-22/nasa-returning-moon-rocket-to-hangar-delaying-astronaut-mission-at-least-a-month ** Abe Aboraya’s reporting for the Oviedo Community News: Jesse Phillips, alleged author of bill that would give mayor more power, now running for mayor: https://oviedocommunitynews.org/2026/02/19/jesse-phillips-alleged-author-of-bill-that-would-give-mayor-more-power-now-running-for-mayor/ Riders still struggling to get to work using Scout: https://oviedocommunitynews.org/2026/02/11/riders-still-struggling-to-get-to-work-using-scout/
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A New Initiative to Support Local Journalism
02/18/2026
A New Initiative to Support Local Journalism
This week, we take a look at the News Collaborative of Central Florida and how local outlets are working together to strengthen community journalism. Plus, Florida’s “medical freedom” bill, and in-depth local reporting on development and e-bike regulation in Winter Park. Show notes: Orlando Sentinel: Oviedo Community News: Joe Mario Pedersen's reporting on healthcare for Central Florida Public Media: Lot Split Request Puts Future of Gamble Rogers Estate in Question: Winter Park Voice reporting on electric scooters and bikes:
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