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/

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/