The News Collaborative of Central Florida

Talking Central Florida

News EN ↓ 32 episodes

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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The News Collaborative of Central Florida

Episodes

E-Bikes and Scooters Pose Challenges for Local Regulators 01.04.2026 36:11

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-Gazett...

The Measles Outbreak, Plus the Challenge of Obtaining Public Records in Florida 25.03.2026 35:00

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 age...

Déjà Vu in Tallahassee: No Budget or Tax Deal at Session's End 18.03.2026 36:35

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 s...

The Fight Over Development and Density in a Growing State 11.03.2026 32:11

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 infr...

Large Transportation Projects to Begin Soon in Central Florida 04.03.2026 36:16

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 sa...

Negotiations Over ICE Detainee Costs 25.02.2026 37:36

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...

A New Initiative to Support Local Journalism 18.02.2026 27:01

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: https://www.orlandosentinel.com/ Oviedo Community News: https://oviedocommunitynews.org/ ...