The Florida Roundup

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke about a new state law that gives cities the option to allow churches and other religious institutions to build affordable housing on their property regardless of zoning. First, we spoke with the sponsor of the law Sen. Alexis Calatayud (00:00) and then we heard from a pastor of a church in St. Petersburg that is close to breaking ground on a new housing development (15:16) Plus, we took a closer look at a recent legal opinion from Florida’s Attorney General calling for the state to stop enforcing many state laws giving preferences, quotas and other considerations based on race (20:26). And we asked our partners at PolitiFact what is and isn’t legal to do at a protest (32:58). Plus, more news from across the state including new property tax proposals (37:34), campaign announcements (40:02) and an update on Florida’s unusually cold weather (41:32).

This week on The Florida Roundup, we look at immigration policy a year into the second Trump administration (00:00). Then, we looked at Florida's affordable housing problem with FSU professor Sam Staley (20:26) and bills aimed to address the issue with Douglas Soule, ‘Your Florida’ state government reporter (34:02). And later, news from the week from across the state including an update on the state’s DOGE task force (37:32) and public school closures in Broward and Brevard counties (43:36). Plus, an effort to eliminate pennies moves forward in the Florida Senate (47:12).

Brad Meltzer, a best-selling author and children's writer from Florida, dives into the complexities of free expression and empathy in today’s divided society. He reflects on personal experiences, discussing how rising living costs impact families and the importance of shared values. Douglas Soule, a state government reporter, analyzes the beginning of the 2026 Florida Legislative Session, highlighting property tax proposals and new bills. Together, they touch upon censorship in schools and the crucial need for empathy in addressing divisive issues.

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke with the President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta about inflation, the job market and affordability (00:30). Then, we talked about the upcoming state legislative session with Senate President Ben Albritton (20:14). Plus, we connected with Samantha Putterman with our partner PolitiFact for the latest fact-checks of the news (32:54). And later, Your Florida’s Meghan Bowman joined us to preview a new project exploring how the detention known as Alligator Alcatraz center awoke a decades-old environmental fight (37:30).

Join Carl Hiaasen, a celebrated journalist and novelist known for his witty take on Florida's quirks, as he delves into his latest thriller, "Fever Beach," exploring themes of extremism and environmental greed. Michael Grunwald shares insights on the climate crisis connected to agriculture, urging a shift in our diets to lessen emissions. Meanwhile, Danny Rivero discusses the complex landscape of voting rights in Florida post-Amendment 4, unpacking the nuances that shape who gets to vote. It's an engaging look at literature, politics, and environmental challenges.

This week on a special ‘Film Fest’ edition of The Florida Roundup, we spoke with three directors of three film documentaries related to the Sunshine State. First, we spoke with Rick Goldsmith, the director of “Stripped for Parts: American Journalism on the Brink” (01:10). Then, we spoke about the documentary “River of Grass,” with its co-producer Ali Codina and director Sasha Wortzel (19:30). Plus, we were joined by Jamie Winterstern, the director of “Sanibel,” a documentary that explores sea-shelling around the island before and after Hurricane Ian (37:36).

This week on The Florida Roundup, we were joined by KFF Health News chief Washington correspondent Julie Rovner to talk about what’s at stake for Florida as the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits are set to expire (00:00). Then, we spoke with Rep. Tom Fabricio (R-Miami-Dade) about the effort to reform property taxes that will be the focus of the next legislative session (08:32). Plus, we heard from a man who has witnessed hundreds of detention hearings in a Florida federal immigration court (19:34). We also looked at how the largest school district in the state may be cut out of decisions about new charter schools (37:28). And later, we share some listener emails from our inbox (45:28).

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke with Jacksonville Today education reporter Megan Mallicoat about a lawsuit against Duval Schools over teachers’ right to free speech (00:00). Then, we were joined by Allison Matulli, lawyer, children’s author and educator, for a conversation about free speech and consequences (07:44). Plus, we spoke with NBC 6 investigative reporter Tony Pipitone about what newly released I.C.E. data tells us about who has been detained at Alligator Alcatraz (21:16). And PolitiFact’s Samantha Putterman helped us check some claims from President Trump about affordability (32:48). Later, we checked in with stories from across the state (37:30), including a state-funded pilot facility to treat reclaimed water, or wastewater, for drinking (40:32).

This week on The Florida Roundup, we looked at the congressional redistricting efforts in the Florida House with “Your Florida” state government team reporter Douglas Soule (00:00). Then, we talked about Florida’s recent redistricting efforts and legal battles with Patrick Rickert, who teaches Political Science at Rollins College (09:58). And later, we looked at how Florida lawmakers might regulate artificial intelligence with Sonja Schmer-Galunder, Professor in AI and Ethics at the University of Florida (24:00). Plus, we checked in on the latest in the property tax reform debate (37:38) and looked at wildlife news from around the state (39:38).

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke with three authors for a special “winter reading” program. First, we spoke with journalist and author Carl Hiaasen about his latest novel “Fever Beach” (00:00). Then, we had a conversation with Michael Grunwald, journalist and author of “We Are Eating the Earth: The Race to Fix our Food System and Save Our Climate” (19:34). Plus, journalist and author Danny Rivero spoke with us about his book “Just Freedom: Inside Florida’s Decades-Long Voting Rights Battle” (37:26).