This week on Talking Central Florida, the first of two episodes featuring a conversation with six of the region's Supervisors of Elections ahead of primary voting next month. The News Collaborative of Central Florida hosts an in-depth discussion about recent changes to rules governing mail-in ballots in the state, concerns over security and election integrity, and the steps voters should be taking to prepare. Host Steve Mort is joined by reporters from several news outlets to ask questions of the Supervisors of Elections from Seminole, Orange, Osceola, Brevard, Lake, and Volusia counties. Show notes: Supervisors of Elections websites: Seminole: https://voteseminole.gov/ Orange: https://voteorangefl.gov/ Osceola: https://www.voteosceola.gov/ Brevard: https://www.votebrevard.gov/ Lake: https://www.lakevotes.gov/ Volusia: https://www.volusiaelections.gov/

This week on Talking Central Florida, the Orlando Sentinel's Executive Editor Roger Simmons discusses the work of creating a comprehensive, in-depth voter guide ahead of elections this year. Host Steve Mort is also joined by Eduardo Gamarra, professor of politics and international relations at Florida International University, to discuss the tens of thousands of Haitians in Florida facing potential deportation and what it could mean for our state's economy and for Haiti itself. Plus, Donovan Myrie from WKMG News 6 looks at Florida's new approach to tax holidays and whether changes adopted by the Legislature in 2025 could have an unintended impact on hurricane preparedness. Show notes: News Collaborative of Central Florida: https://newscollabcfl.org *** Link to Eduardo Gamarra interview: https://youtu.be/Hq4szQ1gM0c Frost urges Congress to protect Haitian, Syrian migrants, says it's 'a matter of life and death' (WKMG News 6): https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2026/06/26/frost-urges-congress-to-protect-haitian-syrian-migrants-says-its-a-matter-of-life-and-death/ *** 2025 Florida tax changes - HB 7031: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/7031 Whatever happened to Florida's Freedom Month? (WKMG News 6): https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2026/07/03/dollars-sense-whatever-happened-to-floridas-freedom-month/ Did Florida accidentally eliminate 1 of its biggest hurricane preparedness campaigns? (WKMG News 6): https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2026/06/23/dollars-sense-did-florida-accidentally-eliminate-1-of-its-biggest-hurricane-preparedness-campaigns/

This week on Talking Central Florida, Ryan Lynch from the Orlando Business Journal and Brendan O'Connor from The Orlando Shine join host Steve Mort to break down temporary changes to the development approval process in Orlando's Downtown Historic Preservation District. Plus, the panel discusses what the fight over the construction of a toll road that intersects Split Oak Forest tells us about conservation easements and their ability to protect environmentally sensitive lands. Show notes: Orlando approves controversial historic review changes amid $220M downtown push (Orlando Business Journal): https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news/2026/06/22/downtown-orlando-historic-preservation-development.html Orlando City Council approves historic preservation moratorium with 4-2 vote (Orlando Shine): https://orlandoshine.com/orlando-city-council-approves-historic-preservation-moratorium-with-4-2-vote/ Downtown Historic District map (City of Orlando): https://gis.orlando.gov/PDF_Docs/HistoricMaps/DowntownHistDistrict.pdfhttps://gis.orlando.gov/PDF_Docs/HistoricMaps/DowntownHistDistrict.pdf Downtown Historic landmarks map (City of Orlando): https://gis.orlando.gov/PDF_Docs/HistoricMaps/LocalHistoricLandmarks.pdf Downtown Historic District info (City of Orlando): https://www.orlando.gov/Our-Government/News-and-Information/History/Historic-Preservation-Districts#section-2 *** South Florida Water Management District approves conservation easement releases for toll road through Split Oak Forest (Orlando Shine): https://orlandoshine.com/south-florida-water-management-district-approves-conservation-easement-releases-for-toll-road-through-split-oak-forest/ What's next after vote clearing easement on Split Oak Forest for Osceola Parkway extension (Orlando Business Journal): https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news/2024/05/03/split-oak-osceola-parkway-extension.html The State Road 534 project (CFX): https://sr534.com/

This week on Talking Central Florida, Ryan Gillespie from the Orlando Sentinel and Sam Stockbridge from Central Florida Public Media join host Steve Mort to discuss projections for what cities and counties could lose if voters approve property tax cuts in November. Plus, the panel looks at the race for Orange County mayor and whether Governor Ron DeSantis may get to appoint a replacement for District 3 Commissioner Mayra Uribe, who is one of the candidates running to succeed Jerry Demings. And Republican State Representative Paula Stark is suing to be placed on the ballot in House District 47 after failing to qualify amid a dispute over paperwork. Show notes: Local governments brace for property tax cuts (Central Florida Public Media): https://www.cfpublic.org/politics/2026-06-02/governments-brace-property-cuts Florida economists project cities and counties to lose $12 billion under property tax plan (Orlando Sentinel): https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/06/15/florida-economists-project-cities-and-counties-to-lose-12-billion-under-property-tax-plan/ How much would Florida homeowners save under proposed tax cut? (Orlando Sentinel): https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/06/07/how-much-would-florida-homeowners-save-under-proposed-tax-cut/ Commissioners hope to educate, not advocate, on property tax measure (Central Florida Public Media): https://www.cfpublic.org/politics/2026-06-09/commissioners-educate-advocate-tax 'Concerned is probably an understatement:' Florida cities brace for property tax blow (Orlando Sentinel): https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/06/01/concerned-is-probably-an-understatement-florida-cities-brace-for-property-tax-blow/ Florida Makes a Property Tax Mistake (Wall Street Journal Opinion): https://www.wsj.com/opinion/ron-desantis-property-tax-ballot-measure-florida-9accc6ef Map: Projected Revenue Loss for Florida School Districts and Counties Under Governor's Property Tax Reform Proposal (Florida Policy Institute): https://www.floridapolicy.org/posts/map-projected-revenue-loss-for-florida-school-districts-and-counties-under-governors-property-tax-reform-proposal *** Orange Democrats fear state's election rules could put Republican in office (Orlando Sentinel): https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/05/18/orange-democrats-fear-states-election-rules-could-put-republican-in-office/ Lawsuit seeks to force election this year in Orange County District 3 (Orlando Sentinel): https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/06/12/lawsuits-seeks-to-force-election-this-year-in-orange-county-district-3/ St. Cloud Rep. Stark sues to get on District 47 ballot (Central Florida Public Media): https://www.cfpublic.org/politics/2026-06-23/stark-sues-ballot-qualifying

Joe Mario Pedersen from Central Florida Public Media and Alexa Lorenzo from WFTV Channel 9 join Talking Central Florida to discuss the tenth anniversary of the shooting at Pulse and the lingering divisions over the process toward creating a permanent memorial. Plus, Alexa talks about her reporting on infrastructure investments at regional airports and the development of electric-powered air travel, and what it might mean for transportation in Central Florida. Show notes: Pulse Nightclub artifacts seen for first time since shooting 10 years ago (WFTV): https://www.wftv.com/news/local/pulse-nightclub-artifacts-seen-first-time-since-shooting-10-years-ago/X5QPHXIHIRFKNII7QWVBK6PEGA/ Pulse memorial design concept (City of Orlando): https://www.pulseorlando.org/Memorial/Memorial-Process/Design-Concept 10 years after Pulse, a community's heartache, grief, and growth (Central Florida Public Media): https://www.cfpublic.org/politics/2026-06-10/10-years-after-pulse-a-communitys-heartache-grief-and-growth Pulse survivors gather for their own remembrance, cutting ties with Orlando city officials (Central Florida Public Media): https://www.cfpublic.org/2026-06-13/pulse-survivors-gather-for-their-own-remembrance-cutting-ties-with-orlando-city-officials Mother of Pulse victim tells her story of life without son for the last 10 years (Central Florida Public Media): https://www.cfpublic.org/2026-06-12/mother-of-pulse-victim-tells-her-story-of-life-without-son-for-the-last-10-years Orlando marks 10 years since Pulse nightclub tragedy (WFTV): https://www.wftv.com/news/local/orlando-marks-10-years-since-pulse-nightclub-tragedy/HH3HH6P65BHOJIIIVABK6MPKME/ Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer reflects on Pulse memorial handling after 10 years (WFTV): https://www.wftv.com/news/orlando-mayor-buddy-dyer-reflects-pulse-memorial-handling-after-10-years/170a9046-845c-42ed-9996-5bbb513861d5/

Gabrielle Russon from Florida Politics joins Talking Central Florida to discuss her recent piece, "The Untold Story of Ron DeSantis vs. Disney." Court depositions from a civil lawsuit related to the clash, obtained this year by Florida Politics, reveal the stakes during the political fight over Florida's 2022 Parental Rights in Education law. Russon discusses the eleventh-hour development agreements approved by the outgoing Reedy Creek board before the new DeSantis-appointed board took over the governing district in 2023. ** Show notes: The untold story of Ron DeSantis vs. Disney (Florida Politics): https://floridapolitics.com/archives/792427-the-untold-story-of-ron-desantis-vs-disney-world In 2024, Disney considered building hotels inside the Magic Kingdom, records show (Florida Politics): https://floridapolitics.com/archives/788037-scoop-in-2024-disney-considered-building-hotels-inside-the-magic-kingdom-records-show/

Florida lawmakers are preparing to give final approval to the Florida budget before sending it to Governor DeSantis for his signature and likely line-item vetoes. Jason Delgado from Spectrum News joins Talking Central Florida to discuss the budget and the fight ahead in the legislature over homestead property taxes. Also, Romy Ellenbogen from the Tampa Bay Times joins the show to talk about her reporting on the Florida attorney general's move to compare surrogacy to human trafficking and modern-day slavery. And Beth Kassab from the Winter Park Voice discusses the debate over historic preservation in Winter Park, which is taking on new urgency as homes face demolition. *** Show notes: Florida Senate Budget Documents: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Appropriations/2026E Florida House Budget Documents: https://www.flhouse.gov/Budget/2026 Reporting by Jason Delgado (Spectrum News): https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/about-us/jason-delgado Reporting by Megan Bowman (WUSF): https://www.wusf.org/meghan-bowman *** Surrogacy is akin to slavery, Florida AG says, with big implications for families (Tampa Bay Times): https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/05/08/florida-uthmeier-attorney-general-surrogacy-ivf-abortion-law/ What to know about Florida's surrogacy laws amid state fight (Tampa Bay Times): https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/05/13/florida-surrogacy-uthmeier-desantis-law-change-legislature/ HB 905: Foreign Influence: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/905 *** Preservation Advocates Say Winter Park Must Do More to Save Historic Homes (Winter Park Voice): https://winterparkvoice.com/preservation-advocates-say-winter-park-must-do-more-to-save-historic-homes/

Sam Stockbridge from Central Florida Public Media discusses how elections supervisors are working to meet tight deadlines following the recent redrawing of the state's congressional map, along with concerns over security at the polls. Then, Catherine Silver from WKMG News 6 and Abe Aboraya from Oviedo Community News break down staffing cuts at Seminole County Public Schools, and the contentious debate over a toll road to Sanford Airport. Show notes: Florida Division of Elections - Vote-by-Mail information: https://dos.fl.gov/elections/for-voters/voting/vote-by-mail/ Election leaders scrambling to inform voters on new congressional map amid lawsuits (Central Florida Public Media): https://www.cfpublic.org/politics/2026-05-07/leaders-scrambling-redistricting-lawsuits Three county elections supervisors get real about safety and security ahead of 2026 midterm elections (VoxPopuli): https://www.wintergardenvox.com/articles/three-county-elections-supervisors-get-real-about-safety-and-security-ahead-of-2026-midterm-elections Requests for vote-by-mail ballots lag ahead of August primary (Orlando Sentinel): https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/05/07/requests-for-vote-by-mail-ballots-lag-ahead-of-august-primary/ Judge to hear challenge to new congressional districts (Central Florida Public Media): https://www.cfpublic.org/politics/2026-05-14/judge-redistricting-2026-preview ** Final tally: Seminole County Public Schools cuts 314 jobs while facing a looming deficit (Oviedo Community News): https://oviedocommunitynews.org/2026/05/14/final-tally-seminole-county-public-schools-cuts-314-jobs-while-facing-a-looming-deficit/ All three Seminole County school board election races contested in 2026 (Oviedo Community News): https://oviedocommunitynews.org/2026/04/22/all-three-seminole-county-school-board-election-races-contested-in-2026/ Seminole County Public Schools bans out-of-state and overnight field trips, or did they? (Oviedo Community News): https://oviedocommunitynews.org/2026/04/15/seminole-county-public-schools-bans-out-of-state-and-overnight-field-trips-or-did-they/ Seminole County parents speak out as Teacher of the Year, veteran teachers lose contracts (WKMG News 6): https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2026/05/13/seminole-county-parents-speak-out-as-teacher-of-the-year-veteran-teachers-lose-contracts/ ** Seminole County earmarks $25M for SR-417 extension to Sanford airport (WKMG News 6): https://www.clickorlando.com/traffic/2026/02/24/seminole-county-earmarks-25m-for-sr-417-extension-to-sanford-airport/ Winter Springs Commission declines airport road funding – for now (Oviedo Community News): https://oviedocommunitynews.org/2026/05/13/winter-springs-commission-declines-airport-road-funding-for-now/ Oviedo declines to offer gas tax money for 417 connector to airport (Oviedo Community News): https://oviedocommunitynews.org/2026/04/29/oviedo-declines-to-offer-gas-tax-money-for-417-connector-to-airport/

As the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission temporarily halts sloth imports to Florida amid calls for changes to permitting rules, Molly Duerig from Central Florida Public Media joins Steve Mort to discuss the existing regulations surrounding exotic animals brought into the state. Plus, the latest on the condition of the sloths being treated at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, and the next steps in their care. Then, Cristóbal Reyes from the Orlando Sentinel discusses the legal showdown over the detention of migrant detainees without bond hearings, and how the issue is likely headed to the US Supreme Court. Show notes: At 'Sloth World' in Florida, Wild Sloths Have Died by the Dozens (Inside Climate News): https://insideclimatenews.org/news/16042026/florida-sloth-world-deaths/ Sloth World: Warehouse lacked proper permits for animals; 'stop work' order issued by county (Fox 35 Orlando): https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/sloth-world-orlando-i-drive-facility-not-permitted-sloths-stop-work-order-issued 50+ sloths dead in failed Sloth World project; Florida leaders want accountability: (Fox 35 Orlando): https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/sloth-world-florida-leaders-conservationists-call-accountability-reform-after-sloth-deaths Sloth experts visit Orlando, say Sloth World death toll hits 55 (Orlando Sentinel): https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/05/06/sloth-experts-visit-orlando-say-sloth-world-death-toll-hits-55/ Orlando judges are releasing migrants from ICE custody, but a showdown is coming (Orlando Sentinel): https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/02/22/orlando-judges-are-releasing-migrants-from-ice-custody-but-a-showdown-is-coming/ Florida approved millions for immigration enforcement. Where it goes is surprising (Orlando Sentinel): https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/03/29/florida-approved-millions-for-immigration-enforcement-where-it-goes-is-surprising/

Tristan Wood from WFSU Public Media in Tallahassee joins Talking Central Florida to discuss the legal fight ahead over Florida's new congressional map passed last week by the legislature. Then, Skyler Swisher from the Orlando Sentinel and Norine Dworkin join host Steve Mort to look at the impact of redistricting on Central Florida and other key congressional races in the region. Plus, why two judicial races in Orange County now won't appear on the ballot this year following a last-minute series of appointments by the governor. Show notes: Florida lawmakers pass a voting map that could help Republicans flip 4 House seats (WFSU/NPR): https://news.wfsu.org/npr-news/2026-04-29/florida-lawmakers-pass-a-voting-map-that-could-help-republicans-flip-4-house-seats Tristan Wood's reporting for WFSU: https://news.wfsu.org/tristan-wood U.S. Rep. Soto will run for reelection, even in new GOP-friendly district (Central Florida Public Media): https://www.cfpublic.org/politics/2026-05-01/soto-decides-new-district Legal issues around new districts leave map and voters in limbo (Central Florida Public Media): https://www.cfpublic.org/politics/2026-04-30/legal-issues-new-districts The story behind the Stop Sabatini SuperPAC (VoxPopuli): https://www.wintergardenvox.com/articles/the-story-behind-the-stop-sabatini-superpac Politicos sound off on Florida's new district map (VoxPopuli): https://www.wintergardenvox.com/articles/politicos-sound-off-on-floridas-new-district-map Rep. Daniel Webster will not seek re-election (VoxPopuli): https://www.wintergardenvox.com/articles/rep-daniel-webster-will-not-stand-for-re-election Two Orange County Court elections canceled days before qualifying period began (VoxPopuli): https://www.wintergardenvox.com/articles/two-orange-county-court-elections-canceled-days-before-qualifying-period-began

Kimberly Leonard, author of Politico's Florida Playbook, joins Talking Central Florida to outline the DeSantis administration's defense of a redrawn congressional map that could net Republicans four more seats, and how opponents argue it runs afoul of Florida's "Fair Districts" amendments. Plus, the Florida House kills the governor's hopes of passing an AI "bill of rights" and expanding vaccine exemptions. Then, Ryan Gillespie from the Orlando Sentinel and Massiel Leyva from Spectrum News 13 join host Steve Mort to discuss Orange County's moves to change its agreement with the federal government on ICE detainees at the county jail, and plans for a new facility in east Orange County to support a growing homeless population in the area. SHOW NOTES: 2026 Congressional Redistricting Map: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Redistricting/Congressional Bill: SB 8-D: Establishing the Congressional Districts of the State: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026D/8D Orange County further restricts ICE's use of its jail (Orlando Sentinel): https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/04/21/orange-county-further-restricts-ices-use-of-its-jail/ Commissioners vote to terminate section of IGSA pertaining to ICE immigrant detainees (Spectrum News 13): https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2026/04/22/orange-county-commissioners-vote-to-terminate-section-of-igsa-pertaining-to-ice-immigrant-detainees Orange County commissioners OK resolution opposing use of warehouses for ICE detention facilities (Spectrum News 13): https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2026/03/11/orange-county-commissioners-approve-resolution-opposing-the-use-of-warehouses-for-ice-detention-facilities-in-the-county Activists want Orlando to take tougher stance against rumored ICE 'warehouse (Orlando Sentinel): https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/04/06/activists-want-orlando-to-take-tougher-stance-against-ice-detention-center/

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): https://energyandpolicy.org/utility-profit-report/ Florida Power & Light Profit Margins Top Other Utilities' Nationwide, Report Says (Inside Climate News): https://insideclimatenews.org/news/03042026/florida-power-and-light-highest-profit-margins-nationwide/ Hundreds of groups ask Congress to halt building of new data centers (Central Florida Public Media): http://cfpublic.org/environment/2025-12-09/hundreds-groups-ask-congress-halt-building-new-data-centers Legislation Aims to Protect Floridians From Data Center Costs, but Will It? (Inside Climate News): https://insideclimatenews.org/news/27032026/florida-data-center-costs-legislation/ Budget of the U.S. Government (Office of Management and Budget Fiscal Year 2027): https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/budget_fy2027.pdf FEMA Skips National Hurricane Conference Amid DHS Shutdown (Inside Climate News): https://insideclimatenews.org/news/30032026/fema-skips-national-hurricane-conference/ FEMA's 47th Anniversary Overshadowed by Democrats Shutdown as Disaster Relief Fund Nears Depletion (FEMA): https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20260402/femas-47th-anniversary-overshadowed-democrats-shutdown-disaster-relief-fund Decades-old maps don't fully capture Central Florida's flooding risk (Central Florida Public Media): https://www.cfpublic.org/environment/2024-05-20/decades-old-maps-dont-capture-central-floridas-flooding-risk U.S. Flood Risk Maps Are Badly Outdated, But Trump Slows Reforms (UNDARK): https://undark.org/2025/08/19/flood-map-reform-trump/ Everglades Restoration Also Helps Save the Planet from Climate Change, Study Finds (Inside Climate News): https://insideclimatenews.org/news/17032026/everglades-restoration-greenhouse-gas-carbon-sink/ Memorandum of Agreement on Everglades restoration: https://flgov.com/eog/sites/default/files/shared/2025/07/EOG%207.18.2025%203%20pgs.pdf Compounded effects on wetland greenhouse gas fluxes from climate change and water management along a saline to freshwater gradient (PNAS): https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2513685123 Moving Water: The Everglades and Big Sugar (Amy Green): https://www.amazon.com/Moving-Water-Everglades-Big-Sugar/dp/1421440369