The Florida Roundup

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke about what’s causing record-breaking heat in parts of the state with meteorologist Megan Borowski (01:40) and how extreme heat can affect your health with Dr. Cheryl Holder (08:04). Plus, a new investigation from WLRN and the Miami Herald looks into why Brightline is the deadliest passenger train in the nation, with WLRN reporter Joshua Ceballos and Aaron Leibowitz, reporter for the Miami Herald (20:00). And later, we bring you news from across the state including a look into why some mobile homeowners are being priced out (37:36), the standoff between the state and the city of Orlando over immigration policy (43:18), and a look into student protests at FAU over construction that threatens burrowing owls’ habitat (45:12). And we share some listener emails (46:52).

This week, Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward tackles the state's audit of local spending, raising concerns about transparency and waste. Miami Herald reporter Alexandra Glorioso dives into the Ghislaine Maxwell inquiry, linking it to the Epstein case. Public media leaders Paul Grove and Judith Smelser discuss the severe impact of federal funding cuts on local stations in Florida, stressing the importance of community support to sustain vital programming. They highlight innovative partnerships needed to navigate these financial challenges.

This week on The Florida Roundup, we talked about President Trump’s new tax and spending plan and what it means for Social Security benefits with PolitiFact’s Louis Jacobson (00:00). Plus, WUSF’s Douglas Soule joins us to tell us about an effort by Gov. DeSantis and the state to change the way education standards are set for Florida universities and colleges (20:04). And later, we check in with Megan Borowski, meteorologist for the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network after a week of heavy rain and flooding (32:24). Plus, some education news from around the state including how one school district is bracing for federal funding cuts (39:02) and a group of 5th graders who are unplugging (41:48).

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke about the new immigrant detention center in the Everglades with Rep. Anna Eskamani (00:00) and spoke about the contractors who have been hired to operate the facility with Bob Norman of the Florida Trident (09:20). Then, we were joined by former state senator Jeff Brandes about property insurance reform (19:14). And later, a roundup of news from across the state including an outlook for the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season (29:18), an update on Florida’s ban on homeless encampments six months out (41:22), and the battle between basketball and pickleball continues in Fort Lauderdale (43:12).

In a rebroadcast of The Florida Roundup, we chatted with three authors who have written in or about Florida. First, we spoke with veteran science journalist Stephan Hall about his book Slither: How Nature’s Most Maligned Creatures Illuminate Our World (00:45). Then, we had a conversation with Annabelle Tometich, author of The Mango Tree: A Memoir of Fruit, Florida, and Felony (19:40). Plus, host of WUSF’s The Zest podcast Dalia Colón shared some of her favorite meals from The Florida Vegetarian Cookbook (37:22).

This discussion features Ted Hesson from Reuters, an immigration expert, Kate Payne from the Associated Press, who covers state government, and Bruce Ritchie from Politico, specializing in environmental issues. They dive into the controversial 'Alligator Alcatraz' immigration detention center, weighing its implications for the Everglades. The guests also discuss new laws affecting beach access rights in Florida, as well as updates on the Champlain Towers South collapse and pressing topics like infrastructure challenges and coastal conservation efforts.

This week on The Florida Roundup, we looked at the demonstrations that took place across the state Saturday as part of the national “No Kings” protest (00:00). Then, we spoke with Shankar Vedantum of NPR’s Hidden Brain about our hot and cold emotional states (11:02). And after weeks of delay, state lawmakers passed a budget — POLITICO’s Kimberly Leonard joined us for an update (28:14). Plus, some higher education (37:12) and environmental news from the week (39:54).

This week on The Florida Roundup, we looked at the residential housing market across the state with a collection of business journalists (00:00). Plus, we explored the new era of collegiate athletics now that student athletes can get paid directly (19:22). Then, lawmakers are closer to reaching a budget agreement, we checked in with WUSF’s Douglas Soule for the latest on negotiations (29:06). And later, we bring you a roundup of news from the week including an update on the families of the victims of the deadly mass shooting at Pulse Nightclub (37:20), reactions to the Trump administration’s revoking of a humanitarian parole program (40:26), and an update on a famed flamingo (45:32).

This week on The Florida Roundup, we heard from one family living in Florida who have been authorized to be in Florida for more than a decade, waiting and worrying about their immigration case (00:00). Then, we spoke with David Jolly, the former Republican Congressman who has entered Florida’s 2026 gubernatorial race as a Democrat (20:16). Plus, we checked in with WUSF’s Douglas Soule for an update on ongoing state budget negotiations (31:44). And later, education news from around the state including UF’s ongoing presidential search (37:16), the FIU Board approving Jeanette Nuñez as President (46:00), and shake ups at Pasco Hernando State College (46:38).

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke about leadership changes at Florida’s universities with POLITICO’s Andrew Atterbury (00:00). Then, we looked at how the U.S. House spending bill could impact Floridians with NPR’s Claudia Grisales (19:25). Plus, the latest in state budget negotiations and other legislative news with WUSF’s Douglas Soule (32:56). And later, we heard about ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricane Ian five years on (37:23) and looked at what’s behind recent state executions (42:44).