

The Florida Roundup
WLRN News & WUSF
Each week, The Florida Roundup brings us up to speed on all things Florida- be it politics, the environment, the economy, culture and more. Join host Tom Hudson for lively discussion with newsmakers, journalists and you! Email the program radio@TheFloridaRoundup.org
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 19, 2024 • 53min
Florida lawmakers on security and civility post-assassination attempt, homeless encampment ban and weekly briefing
This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke with U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-Miami) about Congressional investigations into the attempted assassination on former President Donald Trump (00:46) and then spoke with U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Pinellas) about her call for civility amid political violence (14:00). We hear from two community leaders working on homeless prevention about Dignity Village, a former tent community in Gainesville (19:57), and a new state law that will soon ban homeless people from camping or sleeping on public property (25:56). Plus, a new state law restricting local heat ordinances comes as the Biden administration considers federal restrictions (37:20), a new study on urban heat islands (41:42), the city of Orlando's efforts to help citizens stay cool (43:17) and an update on the financial impact analysis for amendment 4 (44:04). And finally, how Florida became a part of the United States 203 years ago this week (47:10).

Jul 12, 2024 • 53min
Short-term rentals, presidential politics in Florida and the stalled financial forecast for abortion amendment
This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke with Redington Beach Mayor David Will about his opposition to bill that was vetoed by Gov. DeSantis that would have created statewide regulations for short-term vacation rentals (00:53). Then, we spoke about how presidential politics are playing out in Florida after both the Biden and Trump campaign made stops in the state with WLRN's Danny Rivero and WUSF's Steve Newborn (20:11). Plus, we look behind-the-scenes at the group tasked with forecasting the financial impact of the proposed abortion amendment that will appear on November's ballot (37:10). And later, we hear more from listeners weighing in on new condo reforms (46:54).

Jul 5, 2024 • 53min
Encore: Authors Lauren Groff, Doris Kearns Goodwin and Dick Batchelor
This week on a rebroadcast of The Florida Roundup, we spoke with three authors — novelist Lauren Groff (02:00), historian Doris Kearns Goodwin (20:28) and former Florida lawmaker Dick Batchelor (37:18) about free expression, leadership and discovering civility again.

Jun 28, 2024 • 53min
Condo safety reforms, Florida’s swing state status and arts funding slashed
This week on The Florida Roundup, we look at new regulations for condominiums that were passed following the tragic collapse of the Champlain Towers in Surfside. First, we spoke with Rep. Vicki Lopez (03:13) and then were joined by Tampa Bay Times’ reporter Rebecca Liebson (13:00). And later, what are Florida Democrats saying following this week’s presidential debate, with Politico’s Kimberly Leonard (30:48). Plus, we look at how arts institutions across the state are managing following budget cuts to grants funding (37:20).

Jun 21, 2024 • 53min
Police civilian oversight boards, sports betting clears hurdles and updates on trans healthcare policy in Florida
This week on The Florida Roundup, we find out more about the changes to citizen-run police review boards in the wake of a new state law and break down what the new court action, or lack of action, on sports betting means for Florida and the country. Then, the Florida transgender community reacts and responds to a court ruling on state law. Plus, we hear from people at a Juneteenth event in Fort Myers and a Juneteenth historical tour in Central Florida. Later, one gallery exhibits queer joy in honor of Pride Month. And lastly, how love for the sport of hockey has grown in Florida.

Jun 14, 2024 • 53min
Access to Canadian drugs, state budget highlights and the truth behind '40 Acres and a Mule'
This week on The Florida Roundup, we find out more about the company at the center of Florida’s plan to import drugs from Canada with the Orlando Sentinel’s Jeffrey Schweers (00:24) and breakdown the 2024-25 state budget with Politico reporter Gary Fineout (11:53). Then, a new series explores the legacy of America’s broken promise in "40 Acres and a Mule" (19:23). Plus, we get the latest on Boeing’s Starliner with Central Florida Public Media’s Brendan Byrne (33:27). And later, torrential rain brings dangerous flooding and standing water to much of South Florida (37:15), a federal judge blocks Florida’s ban on gender-affirming care (38:50), and more news from the week (40:31).

Jun 7, 2024 • 53min
‘NIL’ deals for high school athletes, teacher apprenticeships and meteorologists on climate change
This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke with the Chief executive officer of the Florida High School Athletic Association Craig Damon about the board’s approval of NIL deals (02:48). Then, we heard from Rep. Karen Gonzalez Pittman about the bill she sponsored that created a state teacher apprentice program (13:22). Later, we spoke with meteorologists John Morales and Jeff Berardelli about how they are incorporating climate change science into their forecasts (19:00). Plus, scientists look to combat citrus greening with genetic engineering (37:07), a first for Florida’s space coast (41:21), new hurricane forecasting (43:00) and spelling bee news (46:35).

May 31, 2024 • 53min
Finding Florida teachers in new WLRN series "Role Call'
This week on The Florida Roundup, we're joined by reporter Yvonne zum Tobel to discuss the WLRN series Role Call. The series looks into how Florida universities and school districts are incentivizing college students to become teachers in the highest-need areas.

May 24, 2024 • 53min
Summer reading special: Authors Lauren Groff, Doris Kearns Goodwin and Dick Batchelor on Florida
This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke with three authors — novelist Lauren Groff (02:00), historian Doris Kearns Goodwin (20:28) and former Florida lawmaker Dick Batchelor (37:18) about free expression, leadership, and discovery civility again.

May 17, 2024 • 53min
Florida’s infant mortality crisis, new FAFSA issues and FAMU’s failed donation
This week on The Florida Roundup, we looked into a special series from the South Florida Sun Sentinel that examines that state’s infant mortality rate. First, we speak with health reporter Cindy Krischer Goodman (00:21) before speaking with Dr. LaRae Brown, director of UF Health Women’s Specialists — North and Dr. Rodrigo Ruano, Director at UHealth Jackson Fetal Care Center and Division (09:09). Then, we looked at how a revamped federal form for financial aid for students is causing delays with the (19:22). Plus, fallout over a dubious major gift donation to Florida A& M (27:57). And other news from across the state from a deadly bus crash near Ocala (37:18) to severe weather in the Panhandle (40:28). We also heard from our listeners from last week's mailbag (45:44).


