Central Florida’s rapid growth is reshaping how people experience home and belonging. Engage hosts a live community conversation examining what helps people stay connected as communities evolve and how the region can build a future where more people feel rooted here.

States are grappling with the federal government over who gets to regulate the artificial intelligence industry, Central Florida gets a new non-NFL football team, The Creative Happiness Institute celebrates all the holidays and Central Florida hoofers gather for a five-day ballroom dancing competition.

Florida’s legislature prepares to redraw the state’s congressional districts as the 2026 legislative session approaches. An F-DOT project brings attention to driver safety on I-4. A Windermere resident faces his troubling past. HBCU athletics return to Central Florida with the first HBCU Hoops Invitational. Jose Juarez puts the flavors of Cuba in a bottle.

Recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the Orlando/Kissimmee market near the bottom for wage earners. A StoryCorps program bringing together people from different backgrounds comes to an end. UCF researchers are analyzing saliva to determine the impacts of music on people living with Alzheimer’s.

Florida passed a ‘Stand Your Ground’ law twelve years ago and the impacts across Central Florida communities have exposed inequities in its use.

As the federal government shutdown proceeds through day 37, SNAP recipients are feeling the shortfall. Federal cuts to HIV funding are having dangerous effects on efforts to educate, prevent and treat. Bartow’s own James Van Fleet played a pivotal role in Allied victory in WWII.

Unexpectedly sustained rains douse Coastal Central Florida, causing damage. A category 5 hurricane pummels Jamaica and Millennials figure out late nights mean rough days.

Central Florida communities are responding to teen mental health crisis in Seminole County. UCF’s Institute for Economic Forecasting releases its three year economic predictions. The Bracket Brothers turn barroom debates into playoff brackets.

An Orlando veteran is terminated while on furlough because of the federal government shutdown. Planned Education Department layoffs in its special education division are causing concerns for families of students with unique abilities in Central Florida. Special Olympics Florida is recruiting the next generation of coaches. Hundreds of humans compete on the UCF campus for the honor of best meow.

When the federal government shuts down because lawmakers fail to pass a budget in time, some of the impacts are immediate while others take longer to be felt. A year after Milton made landfall and impacted lives on our coast, we’re looking at what’s changed since in those communities and why October brings unique challenges during the Atlantic Hurricane Season. The 52nd annual Winter Park Autumn Art Festival is a juried art festival featuring Florida artists only.

47,000 Central Florida Federal Employees Hit by Shutdown, School Libraries Disappearing, Orlando Artist Brings Authenticity and Hip-Hop to the Ring

Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia led a DOGE team looking for waste, fraud and abuse in Orange County and left with accusations of overtaxing. A documentary film looks at how hedge funds are buying up and liquidating American newspapers. Jacob Fatu is making a name in the WWE and a home in Orlando.