Talking Central Florida

Central Florida Elections Officials Navigate Redistricting and Security Concerns

Sam Stockbridge from Central Florida Public Media discusses how elections supervisors are working to meet tight deadlines following the recent redrawing of the state's congressional map, along with concerns over security at the polls. Then, Catherine Silver from WKMG News 6 and Abe Aboraya from Oviedo Community News break down staffing cuts at Seminole County Public Schools, and the contentious debate over a toll road to Sanford Airport. Show notes: Florida Division of Elections - Vote-by-Mail information: https://dos.fl.gov/elections/for-voters/voting/vote-by-mail/ [https://dos.fl.gov/elections/for-voters/voting/vote-by-mail/] Election leaders scrambling to inform voters on new congressional map amid lawsuits (Central Florida Public Media): https://www.cfpublic.org/politics/2026-05-07/leaders-scrambling-redistricting-lawsuits [https://www.cfpublic.org/politics/2026-05-07/leaders-scrambling-redistricting-lawsuits] Three county elections supervisors get real about safety and security ahead of 2026 midterm elections (VoxPopuli): https://www.wintergardenvox.com/articles/three-county-elections-supervisors-get-real-about-safety-and-security-ahead-of-2026-midterm-elections [https://www.wintergardenvox.com/articles/three-county-elections-supervisors-get-real-about-safety-and-security-ahead-of-2026-midterm-elections] Requests for vote-by-mail ballots lag ahead of August primary (Orlando Sentinel): https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/05/07/requests-for-vote-by-mail-ballots-lag-ahead-of-august-primary/ [https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/05/07/requests-for-vote-by-mail-ballots-lag-ahead-of-august-primary/] Judge to hear challenge to new congressional districts (Central Florida Public Media): https://www.cfpublic.org/politics/2026-05-14/judge-redistricting-2026-preview [https://www.cfpublic.org/politics/2026-05-14/judge-redistricting-2026-preview] ** Final tally: Seminole County Public Schools cuts 314 jobs while facing a looming deficit (Oviedo Community News): https://oviedocommunitynews.org/2026/05/14/final-tally-seminole-county-public-schools-cuts-314-jobs-while-facing-a-looming-deficit/ [https://oviedocommunitynews.org/2026/05/14/final-tally-seminole-county-public-schools-cuts-314-jobs-while-facing-a-looming-deficit/] All three Seminole County school board election races contested in 2026 (Oviedo Community News): https://oviedocommunitynews.org/2026/04/22/all-three-seminole-county-school-board-election-races-contested-in-2026/ [https://oviedocommunitynews.org/2026/04/22/all-three-seminole-county-school-board-election-races-contested-in-2026/] Seminole County Public Schools bans out-of-state and overnight field trips, or did they? (Oviedo Community News): https://oviedocommunitynews.org/2026/04/15/seminole-county-public-schools-bans-out-of-state-and-overnight-field-trips-or-did-they/ [https://oviedocommunitynews.org/2026/04/15/seminole-county-public-schools-bans-out-of-state-and-overnight-field-trips-or-did-they/] Seminole County parents speak out as Teacher of the Year, veteran teachers lose contracts (WKMG News 6): https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2026/05/13/seminole-county-parents-speak-out-as-teacher-of-the-year-veteran-teachers-lose-contracts/ [https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2026/05/13/seminole-county-parents-speak-out-as-teacher-of-the-year-veteran-teachers-lose-contracts/] ** Seminole County earmarks $25M for SR-417 extension to Sanford airport (WKMG News 6): https://www.clickorlando.com/traffic/2026/02/24/seminole-county-earmarks-25m-for-sr-417-extension-to-sanford-airport/ [https://www.clickorlando.com/traffic/2026/02/24/seminole-county-earmarks-25m-for-sr-417-extension-to-sanford-airport/] Winter Springs Commission declines airport road funding – for now (Oviedo Community News): https://oviedocommunitynews.org/2026/05/13/winter-springs-commission-declines-airport-road-funding-for-now/ [https://oviedocommunitynews.org/2026/05/13/winter-springs-commission-declines-airport-road-funding-for-now/] Oviedo declines to offer gas tax money for 417 connector to airport (Oviedo Community News): https://oviedocommunitynews.org/2026/04/29/oviedo-declines-to-offer-gas-tax-money-for-417-connector-to-airport/ [https://oviedocommunitynews.org/2026/04/29/oviedo-declines-to-offer-gas-tax-money-for-417-connector-to-airport/]

Sloth Deaths Spark Calls for Tougher Exotic Animal Regulations in Florida

As the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission temporarily halts sloth imports to Florida amid calls for changes to permitting rules, Molly Duerig from Central Florida Public Media joins Steve Mort to discuss the existing regulations surrounding exotic animals brought into the state. Plus, the latest on the condition of the sloths being treated at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, and the next steps in their care. Then, Cristóbal Reyes from the Orlando Sentinel discusses the legal showdown over the detention of migrant detainees without bond hearings, and how the issue is likely headed to the US Supreme Court. Show notes: At 'Sloth World' in Florida, Wild Sloths Have Died by the Dozens (Inside Climate News): https://insideclimatenews.org/news/16042026/florida-sloth-world-deaths/ Sloth World: Warehouse lacked proper permits for animals; 'stop work' order issued by county (Fox 35 Orlando): https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/sloth-world-orlando-i-drive-facility-not-permitted-sloths-stop-work-order-issued 50+ sloths dead in failed Sloth World project; Florida leaders want accountability: (Fox 35 Orlando): https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/sloth-world-florida-leaders-conservationists-call-accountability-reform-after-sloth-deaths Sloth experts visit Orlando, say Sloth World death toll hits 55 (Orlando Sentinel): https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/05/06/sloth-experts-visit-orlando-say-sloth-world-death-toll-hits-55/ Orlando judges are releasing migrants from ICE custody, but a showdown is coming (Orlando Sentinel): https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/02/22/orlando-judges-are-releasing-migrants-from-ice-custody-but-a-showdown-is-coming/ Florida approved millions for immigration enforcement. Where it goes is surprising (Orlando Sentinel): https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/03/29/florida-approved-millions-for-immigration-enforcement-where-it-goes-is-surprising/

Redistricting's Impact on Central Florida and the Legal Fight Ahead Over Florida's New Map

Tristan Wood from WFSU Public Media in Tallahassee joins Talking Central Florida to discuss the legal fight ahead over Florida's new congressional map passed last week by the legislature. Then, Skyler Swisher from the Orlando Sentinel and Norine Dworkin join host Steve Mort to look at the impact of redistricting on Central Florida and other key congressional races in the region. Plus, why two judicial races in Orange County now won't appear on the ballot this year following a last-minute series of appointments by the governor. Show notes: Florida lawmakers pass a voting map that could help Republicans flip 4 House seats (WFSU/NPR): https://news.wfsu.org/npr-news/2026-04-29/florida-lawmakers-pass-a-voting-map-that-could-help-republicans-flip-4-house-seats [https://news.wfsu.org/npr-news/2026-04-29/florida-lawmakers-pass-a-voting-map-that-could-help-republicans-flip-4-house-seats] Tristan Wood's reporting for WFSU: https://news.wfsu.org/tristan-wood [https://news.wfsu.org/tristan-wood] U.S. Rep. Soto will run for reelection, even in new GOP-friendly district (Central Florida Public Media): https://www.cfpublic.org/politics/2026-05-01/soto-decides-new-district [https://www.cfpublic.org/politics/2026-05-01/soto-decides-new-district] Legal issues around new districts leave map and voters in limbo (Central Florida Public Media): https://www.cfpublic.org/politics/2026-04-30/legal-issues-new-districts [https://www.cfpublic.org/politics/2026-04-30/legal-issues-new-districts] The story behind the Stop Sabatini SuperPAC (VoxPopuli): https://www.wintergardenvox.com/articles/the-story-behind-the-stop-sabatini-superpac [https://www.wintergardenvox.com/articles/the-story-behind-the-stop-sabatini-superpac] Politicos sound off on Florida's new district map (VoxPopuli): https://www.wintergardenvox.com/articles/politicos-sound-off-on-floridas-new-district-map [https://www.wintergardenvox.com/articles/politicos-sound-off-on-floridas-new-district-map] Rep. Daniel Webster will not seek re-election (VoxPopuli): https://www.wintergardenvox.com/articles/rep-daniel-webster-will-not-stand-for-re-election [https://www.wintergardenvox.com/articles/rep-daniel-webster-will-not-stand-for-re-election] Two Orange County Court elections canceled days before qualifying period began (VoxPopuli): https://www.wintergardenvox.com/articles/two-orange-county-court-elections-canceled-days-before-qualifying-period-began [https://www.wintergardenvox.com/articles/two-orange-county-court-elections-canceled-days-before-qualifying-period-began]

Florida Redistricting Faces Legal Scrutiny

Kimberly Leonard, author of Politico's Florida Playbook, joins Talking Central Florida to outline the DeSantis administration's defense of a redrawn congressional map that could net Republicans four more seats, and how opponents argue it runs afoul of Florida's "Fair Districts" amendments. Plus, the Florida House kills the governor's hopes of passing an AI "bill of rights" and expanding vaccine exemptions. Then, Ryan Gillespie from the Orlando Sentinel and Massiel Leyva from Spectrum News 13 join host Steve Mort to discuss Orange County's moves to change its agreement with the federal government on ICE detainees at the county jail, and plans for a new facility in east Orange County to support a growing homeless population in the area. SHOW NOTES: 2026 Congressional Redistricting Map: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Redistricting/Congressional Bill: SB 8-D: Establishing the Congressional Districts of the State: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026D/8D Orange County further restricts ICE's use of its jail (Orlando Sentinel): https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/04/21/orange-county-further-restricts-ices-use-of-its-jail/ Commissioners vote to terminate section of IGSA pertaining to ICE immigrant detainees (Spectrum News 13): https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2026/04/22/orange-county-commissioners-vote-to-terminate-section-of-igsa-pertaining-to-ice-immigrant-detainees Orange County commissioners OK resolution opposing use of warehouses for ICE detention facilities (Spectrum News 13): https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2026/03/11/orange-county-commissioners-approve-resolution-opposing-the-use-of-warehouses-for-ice-detention-facilities-in-the-county Activists want Orlando to take tougher stance against rumored ICE 'warehouse (Orlando Sentinel): https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/04/06/activists-want-orlando-to-take-tougher-stance-against-ice-detention-center/

Data Centers and Fight to Prevent Utility Bill Hikes in Florida

Amy Green from Inside Climate News and Molly Duerig from Central Florida Public Media join Talking Central Florida to discuss a recent report showing that utility company profit margins are driving customers' electricity bills higher. The panel breaks down what it means for Florida customers, along with concerns that growing demand from data centers could push costs even higher. Plus, a look at FEMA's readiness for hurricane season this year. Show notes: Paying for Their Profits: How Ratepayers Foot the Bill for Soaring Utility Profits (Energy & Policy Institute): https://energyandpolicy.org/utility-profit-report/ [https://energyandpolicy.org/utility-profit-report/] Florida Power & Light Profit Margins Top Other Utilities' Nationwide, Report Says (Inside Climate News): https://insideclimatenews.org/news/03042026/florida-power-and-light-highest-profit-margins-nationwide/ [https://insideclimatenews.org/news/03042026/florida-power-and-light-highest-profit-margins-nationwide/] Hundreds of groups ask Congress to halt building of new data centers (Central Florida Public Media): http://cfpublic.org/environment/2025-12-09/hundreds-groups-ask-congress-halt-building-new-data-centers [http://cfpublic.org/environment/2025-12-09/hundreds-groups-ask-congress-halt-building-new-data-centers] Legislation Aims to Protect Floridians From Data Center Costs, but Will It? (Inside Climate News): https://insideclimatenews.org/news/27032026/florida-data-center-costs-legislation/ [https://insideclimatenews.org/news/27032026/florida-data-center-costs-legislation/] Budget of the U.S. Government (Office of Management and Budget Fiscal Year 2027): https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/budget_fy2027.pdf [https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/budget_fy2027.pdf] FEMA Skips National Hurricane Conference Amid DHS Shutdown (Inside Climate News): https://insideclimatenews.org/news/30032026/fema-skips-national-hurricane-conference/ [https://insideclimatenews.org/news/30032026/fema-skips-national-hurricane-conference/] FEMA's 47th Anniversary Overshadowed by Democrats Shutdown as Disaster Relief Fund Nears Depletion (FEMA): https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20260402/femas-47th-anniversary-overshadowed-democrats-shutdown-disaster-relief-fund [https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20260402/femas-47th-anniversary-overshadowed-democrats-shutdown-disaster-relief-fund] Decades-old maps don't fully capture Central Florida's flooding risk (Central Florida Public Media): https://www.cfpublic.org/environment/2024-05-20/decades-old-maps-dont-capture-central-floridas-flooding-risk [https://www.cfpublic.org/environment/2024-05-20/decades-old-maps-dont-capture-central-floridas-flooding-risk] U.S. Flood Risk Maps Are Badly Outdated, But Trump Slows Reforms (UNDARK): https://undark.org/2025/08/19/flood-map-reform-trump/ [https://undark.org/2025/08/19/flood-map-reform-trump/] Everglades Restoration Also Helps Save the Planet from Climate Change, Study Finds (Inside Climate News): https://insideclimatenews.org/news/17032026/everglades-restoration-greenhouse-gas-carbon-sink/ [https://insideclimatenews.org/news/17032026/everglades-restoration-greenhouse-gas-carbon-sink/] Memorandum of Agreement on Everglades restoration: https://flgov.com/eog/sites/default/files/shared/2025/07/EOG%207.18.2025%203%20pgs.pdf [https://flgov.com/eog/sites/default/files/shared/2025/07/EOG%207.18.2025%203%20pgs.pdf] Compounded effects on wetland greenhouse gas fluxes from climate change and water management along a saline to freshwater gradient (PNAS): https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2513685123 [https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2513685123] Moving Water: The Everglades and Big Sugar (Amy Green): https://www.amazon.com/Moving-Water-Everglades-Big-Sugar/dp/1421440369 [https://www.amazon.com/Moving-Water-Everglades-Big-Sugar/dp/1421440369]