Talking Central Florida

The News Collaborative of Central Florida
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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.

  1. 2d ago

    Investigating Florida's Property Insurance Industry

    This week on Talking Central Florida, an investigation by the Orlando Sentinel and the South Florida Sun Sentinel into Florida's property insurance industry raises questions about how some insurers report their profits and losses. Host Steve Mort is joined by Skyler Swisher, one of the reporters who worked on the series "Uncovered," to discuss the findings, why the state resisted releasing information about insurers' finances, and what a survey reveals about homeowners' experiences. Show notes: "Uncovered" series: About our investigation, 'Uncovered': https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/09/25/about-the-project/ How Florida fights to hide insurers' finances: https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/09/19/how-florida-fights-to-hide-insurers-finances/ State leaders say they fixed Florida's insurance crisis. A new survey shows homeowners don't buy it: https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/09/25/florida-property-insurance-survey/ News organizations publish Florida's secret examination of insurer profits: https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/09/25/news-organizations-publish-floridas-secret-examination-of-insurer-profits/

    Investigating Florida's Property Insurance Industry

  2. Nov 4

    Midterms: Republicans Win Statewide, Democrats Flip State House Seats

    While the midterms provided a major boost to Democrats nationwide, Republicans fared better in Florida. Incumbent Senator Ashley Moody scored a tight win against Democrat Angie Nixon, and Byron Donalds narrowly defeated David Jolly to become the first Black governor in Florida history. Members of Governor DeSantis's cabinet also emerged victorious, and voters approved the DeSantis-backed Amendment 3 on property taxes. But several Democrats pulled off victories in congressional races despite competing in newly redrawn districts. And while Republicans will hold onto the Florida House and Senate, they do so without their House supermajority, with Democrats flipping several state House districts, including six in Central Florida. Steve Mort is joined by Kimberly Leonard from Politico, Christopher Heath from WKMG News 6, and Joe Mario Pedersen from Central Florida Public Media. Full results: Central Florida Public Media: https://www.cfpublic.org/election-results-central-florida WKMG News 6: https://www.clickorlando.com/election-2026/ Oviedo Community News: https://oviedocommunitynews.org/2026/11/03/election-results-general-election-2026/ Florida Election recap: Dems win locally but GOP keeps state offices (Orlando Sentinel): https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/11/03/live-updates-election-day-in-florida-and-the-u-s/ Darren Soto thwarts red-leaning district redraw to keep Congressional seat (Osceola News-Gazette): https://www.aroundosceola.com/election-2026-news/election-2026-darren-soto-thwarts-red-leaning-district-redraw-keep-congressional DeSantis plans special session to address Amendment 3: https://www.cfpublic.org/politics/2026-11-04/desantis-plans-special-session-to-address-amendment-3 John Lowndes Upsets Incumbent Republican Jason Brodeur (Winter Park Voice): https://winterparkvoice.com/john-lowndes-upsets-incumbent-republican-jason-brodeur/ Historic Perez Victory, Bankson Upset Highlight Election Night in Orange County (Voxpopuli): https://www.wintergardenvox.com/articles/election-night-2026-historic-perez-victory-bankson-upset-highlight-election-night-in-orange-county

    Midterms: Republicans Win Statewide, Democrats Flip State House Seats

  3. Oct 28

    Can Darren Soto Hold On to His Congressional Seat?

    This week on Talking Central Florida, a look at one of our region's most closely watched congressional races, as Democrat Darren Soto fights to keep his seat in a redrawn district. And what early voting numbers tell us about enthusiasm ahead of next week's election. Plus, the charges of theft and fraud facing the mayor of Kissimmee. Host Steve Mort is joined by Sam Stockbridge from Central Florida Public Media and Ken Jackson from the Osceola News-Gazette. Show notes: Portrait of a congressional district redrawn, as told by its voters (Central Florida Public Media): https://www.cfpublic.org/politics/2026-09-29/congressional-district-9-debrief Gerrymandering came for Kissimmee. So we hit the road to talk to voters (Central Florida Public Media): https://www.cfpublic.org/politics/2026-09-29/gerrymandering-came-for-kissimmee Under a new map, Kissimmee and new bedfellows reflect on representation (Central Florida Public Media): https://www.cfpublic.org/politics/2026-10-01/district-9-kissimmee-glades-voters In Florida's Ninth, Rep. Darren Soto makes his case against stacked odds (Central Florida Public Media): https://www.cfpublic.org/politics/2026-10-02/florida-redistricting-darren-soto-against-odds *** Newest voters in Central Florida skewed blue ahead of Oct. 5 deadline (Central Florida Public Media: https://www.cfpublic.org/politics/2026-10-06/general-election-registration-update *** State Attorney, CFO, FDLE leaders discuss charges against Kissimmee mayor Espinosa (Osceola News-Gazette): https://www.aroundosceola.com/news-newsletter/state-attorney-cfo-fdle-leaders-discuss-charges-against-kissimmee-mayor-espinosa Kissimmee mayor to leave jail as Hispanic leaders blast 'political theater' (Orlando Sentinel): https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/10/22/kissimmee-mayor-to-leave-jail-as-hispanic-leaders-blast-political-theater/

    Can Darren Soto Hold On to His Congressional Seat?

  4. Oct 21

    A Community Conversation About Amendment 3

    This week on Talking Central Florida, an in-depth discussion about Amendment 3 and what it means for homeowners and local governments. Steve Mort from the News Collaborative of Central Florida and Lauren Melendez and Christopher Heath from WKMG News 6 host a community conversation looking at both sides of the debate over property taxes, and how an increase in the homestead exemption will impact Floridians, city and county budgets, and public services. This program is a production of WKMG News 6 and the News Collaborative. It first aired live on News 6 on September 28, 2026. Panelists included: - State Rep. Ryan Chamberlin (R-Marion County) - Amy Mercado, Orange County Property Appraiser - Caroline Melear, Director of Finance and Insurance, R Street Institute - Harold Theus, Executive Director, Florida Fire Chiefs' Association Courtesy WKMG-TV/Orlando, FL   Show notes: Full text of Amendment 3: https://initiativepetitions.dos.fl.gov/InitiativeForms/FulltextPDF/10-110.pdf Amendment 3 ballot statement: https://initiativepetitions.dos.fl.gov/InitiativeForms/FulltextPDF/10-110_AG.pdf Florida Legislature's Revenue Estimating Conference impact report: https://edr.state.fl.us/content/conferences/revenueimpact/archives/2026F/_pdf/impact0710.pdf Florida House of Representatives Final Bill Analysis: https://www.flhouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?BillNumber=1&DocumentType=Analysis&FileName=h0001z.SAC.DOCX&Session=2026F News 6 hosts live primetime special on Florida's property tax amendment: https://www.clickorlando.com/election-2026/2026/09/29/news-6-hosts-live-primetime-special-on-floridas-property-tax-amendment/

    A Community Conversation About Amendment 3

  5. Oct 7

    Could This Plan Transform Central Florida Transit?

    This week on Talking Central Florida, another new transportation plan aims to bring more rapid bus and rail options to some of Central Florida's busiest corridors. Host Steve Mort is joined by Ryan Gillespie from the Orlando Sentinel and Sarah Winkelmann from Spectrum News 13 to discuss the Sunshine Transit Advancement Resolution, or STAR Plan. Plus a look at how voters are currently assessing the arguments for and against Amendment 3, and where gubernatorial candidates Byron Donalds and David Jolly stand on diversified uses of Tourist Development Tax revenues. 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: Orange County commissioners give green light to STAR plan study (Spectrum News 13): https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2026/09/29/orange-county-commissioners-give-green-light-to-star-plan-study STAR plan for more buses and trains on Orange roads takes first step (Orlando Sentinel): https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/09/29/star-plan-for-more-buses-and-trains-on-orange-roads-takes-first-step/ Orange County STAR plan looks to use TIF funds to get transit projects started (Spectrum News 13): https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2026/09/28/funding-remains-barrier-for-transit-projects-star-plan-looks-to-use-tif-funds-to-get-started Transit signal priority pilot coming to LYNX route on I-Drive (Spectrum News 13): https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2026/09/30/transit-signal-priority-pilot-coming-to-lynx-route-on-i-drive Amendment 3 divides Central Floridians as vote on property taxes looms (Orlando Sentinel): https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/10/04/amendment-3-divides-central-floridians-as-vote-on-property-taxes-looms/

    Could This Plan Transform Central Florida Transit?

  6. Sep 30

    Should Local Governments Get More TDT Flexibility?

    This week on Talking Central Florida, should counties and municipalities have more power to decide how Tourist Development Taxes are spent? Host Steve Mort is joined by the editor of the Winter Park Voice Beth Kassab to discuss how local governments are pressing for greater flexibility in TDT spending. And as Florida competes with states including Alabama, Ohio and Louisiana to host the new U.S. Space Academy, what could it mean for the Space Coast? Brendan Byrne from Central Florida Public Media talks about the latest news on the space beat, plus his new podcast about how humans might respond to the discovery of alien life. Show notes: Will Orange Mayors Join Push to Rethink how Tourist Taxes are Spent? (Winter Park Voice): https://winterparkvoice.com/will-orange-mayors-join-push-to-rethink-how-tourist-taxes-are-spent/ Amendment 3 would bring property tax cuts — and tough choices — to Winter Park (Winter Park Voice): https://winterparkvoice.com/amendment-3-would-bring-property-tax-cuts-and-tough-choices-to-winter-park/ Tree Advocates Warn Against Cutting Budget for City's Prized Canopy (Winter Park Voice): https://winterparkvoice.com/tree-advocates-warn-against-cutting-budget-for-citys-prized-canopy/ *** When We Find Them: https://www.cfpublic.org/podcast/when-we-find-them Are We There Yet? https://www.cfpublic.org/podcast/are-we-there-yet

    Should Local Governments Get More TDT Flexibility?

  7. Sep 23

    Journalist Julie K. Brown on Covering the Epstein Case

    This week on Talking Central Florida, a conversation with the award-winning Miami Herald reporter Julie K. Brown. Host Steve Mort talks with Brown about her extensive reporting on the sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, her ongoing coverage of the Epstein story, what survivors continue to tell her, and what she thinks future accountability might look like. Julie Brown will join the Orlando Sentinel's Scott Maxwell for a live conversation on October 7 at a First Amendment Foundation event in Winter Park. Show notes: Julie K. Brown's Miami Herald reporting: https://www.miamiherald.com/profile/218644665/ The Epstein Files by Julie K. Brown (Substack): https://jkbjournalist.substack.com Tickets to Winter Park event: https://flpress.com/press_release/first-amendment-foundation/

    Journalist Julie K. Brown on Covering the Epstein Case

  8. Sep 16

    Florida's License Plate Reader Crackdown Draws Rare Bipartisan Agreement

    This week on Talking Central Florida, jurisdictions around the state face a deadline to remove automated license plate reader cameras along state roads, but many police officials lament the loss of a crime-fighting tool. Plus, a look at how the state has been spending emergency funds on immigration enforcement. Host Steve Mort is joined by Skyler Swisher from the Orlando Sentinel and Alexa Lorenzo from WFTV Channel 9. Plus, a conversation with investigative journalist Jason Garcia about the Hope Florida grand jury report. Show notes: Flock cameras: Florida's de-Flocking: After state order, Central Florida municipalities end use of high-tech cameras (Orlando Sentinel): https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/09/01/floridas-de-flocking-after-state-order-central-florida-municipalities-end-use-of-high-tech-cameras/ Orange County Sheriff's Office will keep using license plate readers (WFTV): https://www.wftv.com/news/local/orange-county-sheriffs-office-will-keep-using-license-plate-readers/QZ4BFZKWNFHXJODO4X5LM3JCPM/ Lake County commissioners vote to remove Flock cameras after tense meeting (WFTV): https://www.wftv.com/news/local/lake-county/lake-county-commissioners-vote-remove-flock-cameras-after-tense-meeting/BQWDEKLTPBEMTITKTQXWP3LMRU/ Flock cameras enter Senate race, as opponents Brodeur, Lowndes seek bans (Orlando Sentinel): https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/09/03/flock-cameras-enter-senate-race-as-opponents-brodeur-lowndes-seek-bans/ *** Immigration: DeSantis administration wants $250 million more to pay immigration bills (Orlando Sentinel): https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/09/03/desantis-administration-wants-250-million-more-to-pay-immigration-bills/ Polk sheriff's office clarifies no federal warrants existed in viral ICE hospital arrests (Sabrina Maggiore, WFTV): https://www.wftv.com/news/local/polk-sheriffs-office-clarifies-no-federal-warrants-existed-viral-ice-hospital-arrests/RJWNLU4EIJH77G4TDW3K744GSQ/ What the end of TPS means for Central Florida's Haitian community (WFTV): https://www.wftv.com/news/local/what-end-tps-means-central-floridas-haitian-community/2CTSCHRN3NC5FCUNOIKNGYR3QQ/ *** Hope Florida: Jason Garcia, Seeking Rents: 'A sophisticated scheme,' exposed: https://jasongarcia.substack.com/p/a-sophisticated-scheme-exposed Conflicting testimony and foggy memories: How the Hope Florida grand jury found wrongdoing but no wrongdoers: https://jasongarcia.substack.com/p/conflicting-testimony-and-foggy-memories Hope Florida fallout: https://jasongarcia.substack.com/p/hope-florida-fallout Grand Jury report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/15YSC5ztguz1srPqz65ibtZSnD5LwmNot/view

    Florida's License Plate Reader Crackdown Draws Rare Bipartisan Agreement
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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    The News Collaborative of Central Florida
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026
  • Show Website
    Talking Central Florida

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