This week on Talking Central Florida, an in-depth discussion about Amendment 3 and what it means for homeowners and local governments. Steve Mort from the News Collaborative of Central Florida and Lauren Melendez and Christopher Heath from WKMG News 6 host a community conversation looking at both sides of the debate over property taxes, and how an increase in the homestead exemption will impact Floridians, city and county budgets, and public services. This program is a production of WKMG News 6 and the News Collaborative. It first aired live on News 6 on September 28, 2026. Panelists included: - State Rep. Ryan Chamberlin (R-Marion County) - Amy Mercado, Orange County Property Appraiser - Caroline Melear, Director of Finance and Insurance, R Street Institute - Harold Theus, Executive Director, Florida Fire Chiefs' Association Courtesy WKMG-TV/Orlando, FL Show notes: Full text of Amendment 3: https://initiativepetitions.dos.fl.gov/InitiativeForms/FulltextPDF/10-110.pdf Amendment 3 ballot statement: https://initiativepetitions.dos.fl.gov/InitiativeForms/FulltextPDF/10-110_AG.pdf Florida Legislature's Revenue Estimating Conference impact report: https://edr.state.fl.us/content/conferences/revenueimpact/archives/2026F/_pdf/impact0710.pdf Florida House of Representatives Final Bill Analysis: https://www.flhouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?BillNumber=1&DocumentType=Analysis&FileName=h0001z.SAC.DOCX&Session=2026F News 6 hosts live primetime special on Florida's property tax amendment: https://www.clickorlando.com/election-2026/2026/09/29/news-6-hosts-live-primetime-special-on-floridas-property-tax-amendment/

This week on Talking Central Florida, another new transportation plan aims to bring more rapid bus and rail options to some of Central Florida's busiest corridors. Host Steve Mort is joined by Ryan Gillespie from the Orlando Sentinel and Sarah Winkelmann from Spectrum News 13 to discuss the Sunshine Transit Advancement Resolution, or STAR Plan. Plus a look at how voters are currently assessing the arguments for and against Amendment 3, and where gubernatorial candidates Byron Donalds and David Jolly stand on diversified uses of Tourist Development Tax revenues. Talking Central Florida airs Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. on Central Florida Public Media (90.7 WMFE / 89.5 WMFV) and 7 p.m. on Vision TV in Orange County. Find it on podcast platforms and YouTube. A production of the News Collaborative of Central Florida. Show notes: Orange County commissioners give green light to STAR plan study (Spectrum News 13): https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2026/09/29/orange-county-commissioners-give-green-light-to-star-plan-study STAR plan for more buses and trains on Orange roads takes first step (Orlando Sentinel): https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/09/29/star-plan-for-more-buses-and-trains-on-orange-roads-takes-first-step/ Orange County STAR plan looks to use TIF funds to get transit projects started (Spectrum News 13): https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2026/09/28/funding-remains-barrier-for-transit-projects-star-plan-looks-to-use-tif-funds-to-get-started Transit signal priority pilot coming to LYNX route on I-Drive (Spectrum News 13): https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2026/09/30/transit-signal-priority-pilot-coming-to-lynx-route-on-i-drive Amendment 3 divides Central Floridians as vote on property taxes looms (Orlando Sentinel): https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/10/04/amendment-3-divides-central-floridians-as-vote-on-property-taxes-looms/

This week on Talking Central Florida, should counties and municipalities have more power to decide how Tourist Development Taxes are spent? Host Steve Mort is joined by the editor of the Winter Park Voice Beth Kassab to discuss how local governments are pressing for greater flexibility in TDT spending. And as Florida competes with states including Alabama, Ohio and Louisiana to host the new U.S. Space Academy, what could it mean for the Space Coast? Brendan Byrne from Central Florida Public Media talks about the latest news on the space beat, plus his new podcast about how humans might respond to the discovery of alien life. Show notes: Will Orange Mayors Join Push to Rethink how Tourist Taxes are Spent? (Winter Park Voice): https://winterparkvoice.com/will-orange-mayors-join-push-to-rethink-how-tourist-taxes-are-spent/ Amendment 3 would bring property tax cuts — and tough choices — to Winter Park (Winter Park Voice): https://winterparkvoice.com/amendment-3-would-bring-property-tax-cuts-and-tough-choices-to-winter-park/ Tree Advocates Warn Against Cutting Budget for City's Prized Canopy (Winter Park Voice): https://winterparkvoice.com/tree-advocates-warn-against-cutting-budget-for-citys-prized-canopy/ *** When We Find Them: https://www.cfpublic.org/podcast/when-we-find-them Are We There Yet? https://www.cfpublic.org/podcast/are-we-there-yet

This week on Talking Central Florida, a conversation with the award-winning Miami Herald reporter Julie K. Brown. Host Steve Mort talks with Brown about her extensive reporting on the sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, her ongoing coverage of the Epstein story, what survivors continue to tell her, and what she thinks future accountability might look like. Julie Brown will join the Orlando Sentinel's Scott Maxwell for a live conversation on October 7 at a First Amendment Foundation event in Winter Park. Show notes: Julie K. Brown's Miami Herald reporting: https://www.miamiherald.com/profile/218644665/ The Epstein Files by Julie K. Brown (Substack): https://jkbjournalist.substack.com Tickets to Winter Park event: https://flpress.com/press_release/first-amendment-foundation/

This week on Talking Central Florida, jurisdictions around the state face a deadline to remove automated license plate reader cameras along state roads, but many police officials lament the loss of a crime-fighting tool. Plus, a look at how the state has been spending emergency funds on immigration enforcement. Host Steve Mort is joined by Skyler Swisher from the Orlando Sentinel and Alexa Lorenzo from WFTV Channel 9. Plus, a conversation with investigative journalist Jason Garcia about the Hope Florida grand jury report. Show notes: Flock cameras: Florida's de-Flocking: After state order, Central Florida municipalities end use of high-tech cameras (Orlando Sentinel): https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/09/01/floridas-de-flocking-after-state-order-central-florida-municipalities-end-use-of-high-tech-cameras/ Orange County Sheriff's Office will keep using license plate readers (WFTV): https://www.wftv.com/news/local/orange-county-sheriffs-office-will-keep-using-license-plate-readers/QZ4BFZKWNFHXJODO4X5LM3JCPM/ Lake County commissioners vote to remove Flock cameras after tense meeting (WFTV): https://www.wftv.com/news/local/lake-county/lake-county-commissioners-vote-remove-flock-cameras-after-tense-meeting/BQWDEKLTPBEMTITKTQXWP3LMRU/ Flock cameras enter Senate race, as opponents Brodeur, Lowndes seek bans (Orlando Sentinel): https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/09/03/flock-cameras-enter-senate-race-as-opponents-brodeur-lowndes-seek-bans/ *** Immigration: DeSantis administration wants $250 million more to pay immigration bills (Orlando Sentinel): https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/09/03/desantis-administration-wants-250-million-more-to-pay-immigration-bills/ Polk sheriff's office clarifies no federal warrants existed in viral ICE hospital arrests (Sabrina Maggiore, WFTV): https://www.wftv.com/news/local/polk-sheriffs-office-clarifies-no-federal-warrants-existed-viral-ice-hospital-arrests/RJWNLU4EIJH77G4TDW3K744GSQ/ What the end of TPS means for Central Florida's Haitian community (WFTV): https://www.wftv.com/news/local/what-end-tps-means-central-floridas-haitian-community/2CTSCHRN3NC5FCUNOIKNGYR3QQ/ *** Hope Florida: Jason Garcia, Seeking Rents: 'A sophisticated scheme,' exposed: https://jasongarcia.substack.com/p/a-sophisticated-scheme-exposed Conflicting testimony and foggy memories: How the Hope Florida grand jury found wrongdoing but no wrongdoers: https://jasongarcia.substack.com/p/conflicting-testimony-and-foggy-memories Hope Florida fallout: https://jasongarcia.substack.com/p/hope-florida-fallout Grand Jury report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/15YSC5ztguz1srPqz65ibtZSnD5LwmNot/view

This week on Talking Central Florida, as Orange County Public School leaders trim more from their district's budget, where is state education headed in Florida? Host Steve Mort is joined by Kayla Kissel, education reporter for Central Florida Public Media, and Massiel Leyva from Spectrum News 13 to look at why parents are increasingly choosing to pull their kids out of public schools and what officials are doing to address emptying classrooms. Plus, OCPS begins enforcing new rules on e-bikes and e-scooters. And the Florida Board of Governors moves to bar undocumented students from enrolling in state universities. Show notes: OCPS reports student enrollment decline of more than 7,600 students (Spectrum News 13): https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2026/08/27/ocps-reports-student-enrollment-decline-of-more-than-00-students OCPS enrollment plunges by nearly 8,000 students, more than anticipated (Central Florida Public Media): https://www.cfpublic.org/education/2026-08-26/ocps-enrollment-plunges-by-nearly-8-000-students-more-than-anticipated Enrollment in Central Florida public schools falls by nearly 12,000 students (Orlando Sentinel): https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/08/26/enrollment-in-central-florida-public-schools-falls-by-nearly-12000-students/ Homeschool enrollment rises across Central Florida (Spectrum News 13): https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2026/08/05/homeschool-enrollment-rises-across-central-florida Marion County School Consolidation Plans Put Vulnerable Students at Center of Debate (Central Florida Public Media): https://www.cfpublic.org/podcast/engage/2026-08-13/marion-county-school-consolidation-plans-put-vulnerable-students-at-center-of-debate Orange County Public Schools considers opening a micro school with a focus on baseball and softball (Spectrum News 13): https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2026/05/19/ocps-considers-opening-a-micro-school Orange County students will need a license or permit to ride an e-bike or e-scooter to school (Central Florida Public Media): https://www.cfpublic.org/education/2026-07-28/orange-county-students-will-need-a-license-or-permit-to-ride-an-e-bike-or-e-scooter-to-school Volusia sheriff seeks clarity on Deltona micromobility rules before deputies enforce them (Spectrum News 13): https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2026/07/31/volusia-sheriff-questions-enforcement-of-deltona-micromobility-rules

This week on Talking Central Florida, a conversation about journalism: where the news industry is headed, and the role of independent media in telling overlooked stories. Central Florida reporter Mike Schneider discusses his former career at the Associated Press covering the Sunshine State, the challenges ahead for journalism, and why he's continuing to report on population change through a new independent project. Show Notes: The Count of Counting: https://countofcounting.substack.com/ Mickey and the Teamsters: https://www.amazon.com/Mickey-Teamsters-Fight-Unions-Disney/dp/0813080304

This week on Talking Central Florida, a look at the primary election and what the results might signal about how voters are feeling ahead of November's midterms. Christopher Heath from WKMG News 6, Sam Stockbridge from Central Florida Public Media, and Kimberly Leonard from Politico join host Steve Mort to break down the outcomes of the Democratic and Republican gubernatorial primaries, a victory for the Democratic Socialist candidate Angie Nixon in the Democrats' U.S. Senate primary, and the results in contests in our region - including defeat for Congressman Cory Mills. Plus, Tiffany Moore Russell and Chris Messina advance to a November runoff in the race for Orange County mayor. Show notes: Progressive insurgent Nixon scores upset in Florida Dem Senate primary (Kimberly Leonard, Politico): https://www.politico.com/news/2026/08/18/angie-nixon-wins-democratic-primary-florida-01041253 Florida governor's race is set (Kimberly Leonard, Gary Fineout Politico): https://www.politico.com/news/2026/08/18/florida-governor-donalds-jolly-01041301 Donalds claims GOP primary victory in gubernatorial race (Sam Stockbridge, Central Florida Public Media): https://www.cfpublic.org/politics/2026-08-19/donalds-primary-victory-governor OC Mayor's race, District 2 Commission go to runoff, Congressional race set for Webster seat (Norine Dworkin, Voxpopuli): https://www.wintergardenvox.com/articles/oc-mayors-race-district-2-commission-goes-to-runoff-congressional-race-set-for-webster-seat Ryan Elijah upsets Rep. Cory Mills for U.S. House District 7 (Abe Aboraya, Oviedo Community News): https://oviedocommunitynews.org/2026/08/18/ryan-elijah-upsets-rep-cory-mills-for-u-s-house-district-7/ Nieves headed to House, Alvarez wins primary ( Ken Jackson and Debbie Daniel, Osceola News-Gazette): https://www.aroundosceola.com/election-2026-news/osceola-votes-2026-nieves-headed-house-alvarez-wins-primary Results: Central Florida Public Media: https://www.cfpublic.org/live-updates/live-updates-primary-election-day-in-central-florida WKMG News 6: https://www.clickorlando.com/election-2026/2026/08/18/election-results-for-all-races-in-the-florida-primary-on-aug-18-2026/ Orlando Sentinel: https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/08/18/florida-primary-election-results-federal-state-and-county-races/ Oviedo Community News: https://oviedocommunitynews.org/2026/08/18/election-results-primary-election-2026/ Osceola News Gazette: https://www.aroundosceola.com/index.php/election-2026 LkldNow: https://www.lkldnow.com/lakeland-votes-primary-election-live-results/

This week on Talking Central Florida, the second part of the News Collaborative of Central Florida's recent conversation with our region's supervisors of elections, recorded on July 14. In this episode, the officials discuss issues including outreach to Spanish-language voters, vote-by-mail, how Florida tabulates ballots, law enforcement agents at polling places, and the extent of non-citizen voting. 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: CENTRAL FLORIDA SEEN & HEARD REGISTRATION: https://www.cfpublic.org/seenandheardevent?fbclid=IwY2xjawTgKOBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFEZXZaTllsTjBMQk9xcXR4c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlyv9ZEQR1ydwokCjj5HMQKWgYP5MwYpfX-JPeF_ItYk3BK4uupyBf4Llj5o_aem_HnYgfFyjWNZ1rM82r-hsMg 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, as law enforcement and firefighters' associations express concern over the proposed constitutional amendment that would reduce non-school homestead property taxes, a look at the rising cost of public safety services in some places, and what might happen to those services if voters approve the measure in November. And Lakeland City Commissioners pass a one-year moratorium on data center construction as the debate over AI facilities plays out in election campaigns around the state. Plus, a check-in on school board races in Orange and Polk counties. Host Steve Mort is joined by Beth Kassab from the Winter Park Voice and Trinity Laurino from LkldNow. SHOW NOTES: League of Women Voters Hot Topics event on property taxes - tickets: https://lwvoc.org/content.aspx?page_id=4091&club_id=907481&item_id=2883788 ** ** Property taxes ** Winter Park Contends with Higher Police and Fire Costs and How to Maintain Roads (Winter Park Voice): https://winterparkvoice.com/winter-park-contends-with-higher-police-and-fire-costs-and-how-to-maintain-roads/ Winter Park Residents to Pay More for Electricity and Water in Proposed Budget (Winter Park Voice): https://winterparkvoice.com/winter-park-residents-to-pay-more-for-electricity-and-water-in-proposed-budget/ ** ** Voter Guide ** News Collaborative of Central Florida Voter Guide page: https://newscollabcfl.org/voter-guide-2026/ Oviedo Community News: https://oviedocommunitynews.org/voter-guide-primary-election-2026/ Osceola News Gazette: https://www.aroundosceola.com/news/voting-central-florida-2026 Winter Park Voice: https://winterparkvoice.com/your-primary-ballot-voters-guide/#/browse Central Florida Public Media: https://www.cfpublic.org/voter-guide-2026 WKMG News 6: https://www.clickorlando.com/votersguide/ Orlando Sentinel: https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/07/31/central-florida-voter-guide-august-primary-races-and-candidates/ VoxPopuli: https://www.wintergardenvox.com/2026-elections/2026-voting-central-florida-election-guide __ Polk County School Board District 3 race (LkldNow): https://www.lkldnow.com/school-board-district-3/ ** ** Data centers ** Lakeland Approves One-Year Moratorium on Data Centers (LkldNow): https://www.lkldnow.com/lakeland-approves-one-year-moratorium-on-data-centers/ 'Take a Breath': Experts Weigh In on Data Center Moratorium (LkldNow): https://www.lkldnow.com/take-a-breath-experts-weigh-in-on-data-center-moratorium/ Hyperscale Data Center Proposed for Lakeland (LkldNow): https://www.lkldnow.com/hyperscale-data-center-proposed-for-lakeland/ Water Restrictions Extended in Lakeland (LkldNow): https://www.lkldnow.com/water-restrictions-extended-in-lakeland/ ** Reviving the Roots: FSC's Century-Old Citrus Legacy Meets Tomorrow's Agribusiness (LkldNow): https://www.lkldnow.com/reviving-the-roots-fscs-century-old-citrus-legacy-meets-tomorrows-agribusiness/

This week on Talking Central Florida, the panel looks at some of the congressional and State House races around the region ahead of primary voting next month. Plus, a special prosecutor recommends pursuing articles of impeachment against the mayor of Kissimmee. Norine Dworkin from VoxPopuli, Abe Aboraya from the Oviedo Community News, and Ken Jackson from the Osceola News-Gazette join host Steve Mort to discuss their reporting. Talking Central Florida airs Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. on Central Florida Public Media (90.7 WMFE / 89.5 WMFV) and 7 p.m. on Vision TV in Orange County. Find it on podcast platforms and YouTube. A production of the News Collaborative of Central Florida. Show notes: Where do Republican candidates for Congressional District 11 stand on issues? VoxPopuli went to Wildwood to find out (VoxPopuli): https://www.wintergardenvox.com/articles/where-do-republican-candidates-for-congressional-district-11-stand-on-issues-voxpopuli-went-to-wildwood-to-find-out Muslim Congressional candidate says he's gotten death threats (VoxPopuli): https://www.wintergardenvox.com/articles/muslim-congressional-candidate-says-hes-gotten-death-threats Republicans protest Republican FL-11 candidate for being Muslim (VoxPopuli): https://www.wintergardenvox.com/articles/republicans-protest-republican-fl-11-candidate-for-being-muslim 2026 Orange County, Primary races set (VoxPopuli): https://www.wintergardenvox.com/articles/2026-midterm-races-set The physician politicians (VoxPopuli): https://www.wintergardenvox.com/articles/call-him-doctor Orange County faith leaders urge elected officials to "protect our vote" ahead of midterms (VoxPopuli): https://www.wintergardenvox.com/articles/orange-county-faith-leaders-urge-elected-officials-to-protect-our-vote-ahead-of-midterms Diving into Seminole County August primary candidates' financial reports (Oviedo Community News): https://oviedocommunitynews.org/2026/07/22/diving-into-seminole-county-august-primary-candidates-financial-reports/ Voting Osceola: Meet the U.S. Congressional District 9 Republican candidates (Osceola News Gazette): https://www.aroundosceola.com/election-2026/voting-osceola-meet-us-congressional-district-9-republican-candidates Leon County Judge rejects Paula Stark's appeal to get on state House ballot (Osceola News Gazette): https://www.aroundosceola.com/election-2026-news-statewide-news/leon-county-judge-rejects-paula-starks-appeal-get-state-house *** Orange County Mayoral Candidates (Engage, Central Florida Public Media): https://www.cfpublic.org/podcast/engage/2026-07-23/orange-county-mayoral-candidates Orange County Commission District Candidate Profiles (VoxPopuli): https://www.wintergardenvox.com/articles/marsha-summersill-seeks-district-2-county-commission-seat https://www.wintergardenvox.com/articles/d2-county-commission-race-heats-up-as-ocoees-george-oliver-iii-files-to-run https://www.wintergardenvox.com/articles/chief-of-staff-to-county-commissioner-wes-hodge-joins-the-district-2-race https://www.wintergardenvox.com/articles/kamia-brown-comes-back-to-orange-county-politics *** School board, judicial candidates to face off in forums (Oviedo Community News): https://oviedocommunitynews.org/2026/07/22/school-board-judicial-candidates-to-face-off-in-forums/ *** LIVE on Friday July 31: The News Collaborative of Central Florida's Voter Guide 2026: https://newscollabcfl.org/voter-guide-2026/ LIVE: Oviedo Community News Voter Guide – Primary Election 2026 (Seminole County): https://oviedocommunitynews.org/voter-guide-primary-election-2026/ *** Special prosecutor: Probable cause exists to pursue impeachment of Kissimmee Mayor Espinosa: https://www.aroundosceola.com/news/special-prosecutor-probable-cause-exists-pursue-impeachment-kissimmee-mayor-espinosa

This week on Talking Central Florida, new polling from the University of North Florida shows Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds leading Democrat David Jolly by five points in a potential November matchup, should both emerge from their primaries. Steven Lemongello from the Orlando Sentinel, Shannon Butler from WFTV Channel 9, and Jeff Allen from Spectrum News 13 join host Steve Mort to discuss the frontrunners in the governor's race and how incumbent Ron DeSantis might influence the contest. Plus, the panel compares President Trump's prime-time address on election integrity with the message from local officials at a recent supervisors of elections roundtable hosted by the News Collaborative of Central Florida. Talking Central Florida airs Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. on Central Florida Public Media (90.7 WMFE / 89.5 WMFV) and 7 p.m. on Vision TV in Orange County. Find it on podcast platforms and YouTube. A production of the News Collaborative of Central Florida. Show notes: Teacher pay, vouchers: Candidates for Florida governor share education plan (Orlando Sentinel): https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/07/11/teacher-pay-vouchers-candidates-for-florida-governor-share-education-plan/ Records show Fishback running mate was terminated from Lauderhill Police, deemed "permanently unfit" (Spectrum News): https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2026/07/17/fishback-running-mate-was-terminated-from-lauderhill-police ** Lawmakers react to Trump election speech (Spectrum News): https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/political-connections/2026/07/17/lawmakers-react-to-trump-election-speech--mills-on-primary-ballot Central Florida election officials decry misinformation, expect smooth, secure midterm (Orlando Sentinel): https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/07/14/central-florida-election-officials-decry-misinformation-expect-smooth-secure-midterm/ Seminole County shows voting security measures ahead of August primary (Spectrum News): https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2026/07/17/seminole-county-shows-voting-security-measures-ahead-of-august-primary Central Florida elections officials urge voters to review changes now that redistricting is complete (Spectrum News): https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2026/05/06/central-florida-election-officials-urge-voters-to-review-changes-ahead-of-redistricted-elections ** Poll finds wording of Florida property tax amendment could set its fate (Orlando Sentinel): https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/07/20/poll-finds-wording-of-florida-property-tax-amendment-could-set-its-fate/ Deltona raises impact fees by 73 percent, sparking affordability concerns (WFTV): https://www.wftv.com/news/local/volusia-county/deltona-raises-impact-fees-by-73-percent-sparking-affordability-concerns/G4BTLMMAYRA6DAHTH4TS4RTWNQ/