The Florida Roundup
Hear what Florida is talking about each week with newsmakers and journalists discussing issues defining the Sunshine State, hosted by Tom Hudson.
This show is co-produced by WLRN in Miami and WUSF in Tampa.
Ways To Connect
- X: @FloridaRoundup
- (305) 995-1800
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Latest Episodes
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This week on The Florida Roundup, we look at the widespread damage and the loss of life from Hurricane Milton. First, we checked in with NPR’s Greg Allen from Clearwater (02:18), then we heard from WUSF’s Kerry Sheridan about the impact in Sarasota (08:47) before turning to CFPM’s Molly Duerig to look at flooding in Central Florida (10:58). Later, we spoke with WQCS’ Chris Puorro about the deadly tornadoes Milton produced that touched down in Port St. Lucie (17:00) and Rep. Toby Overdorf, whose district includes areas of St. Lucie and Martin counties (21:37). Plus, we heard from Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis about filing claims in the wake of Helene and Milton (28:23). We also checked some recent claims related to FEMA funding with PolitiFact’s Katie Sanders (33:23) and heard the story of one St. Petersburg resident as they evacuated ahead of Milton (37:09).
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This week on The Florida Roundup, we look at recovery efforts a week after Hurricane Helene's landfall. First, we spoke to Florida Rep. Christine Hunschofsky (3:10), then we spoke with David Jolly, former Republican representative who penned a recent op-ed (10:42). Next we turned to Miami-Dade County Supervisor of Elections Christina White to discuss all the ways to vote in the upcoming Nov. 5 election (20:05). And also University of Florida Professor Michael McDonald, from the UF elections Lab (24:00). We also checked in with our partner PolitiFact for a claims check about social media and Hurricane Helene (33:25). Finally, we look at a few other stories from across the state including a look at how the state's ports are moving forward after a longshoreman strike earlier this week, and peanut farmers (37:22).
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This week on The Florida Roundup, we checked in with reporters and officials across the state to begin assessing the impact of Hurricane Helene. First, we heard from Lynn Hatter, news director for WFSU in Tallahassee (02:56), then we spoke with Megan Borowski, meteorologist for Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (07:07). Afterward, we heard from Stephanie Colombini with WUSF in Tampa (09:17) and Craig Fugate, former director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (19:56). Next, we turned to Áine Pennello with WUFT in Gainesville (25:44) and later, WUSF’s news director, Mary Shedden (33:07). We also checked in with our partner PolitiFact for a claims check about NOAA (28:34). Finally, we look at a few other stories from across the state including a look at how communities are planning for future storms (37:16).
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This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke with the Tampa Bay Times environmental reporter who broke the story about FL DEP’s controversial state park plans (01:25). Then, we asked two polling experts for advice on how to interpret opinion polls going into the 2024 election (07:24) and then heard from two former Florida Congress members about how to appeal to the swing voter (15:45). And later, we got the latest fact-checks from Sam Putterman with our partner PolitiFact (31:05). Finally, a roundup of stories related to workers unions (37:22) and an update on the Atlantic Hurricane Season from meteorologist Megan Borowski (44:11).
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This week on The Florida Roundup, we talked about a proposal to add new development to several state parks with WLRN environmental editor Jenny Staletovich and WUSF reporter Steve Newborn (00:10). Then, we spoke with Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su about the jobs outlook for Florida ahead of Labor Day Weekend (20:35), and later we cover a series of court hearings and other news from across the state (37:12).
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This week on The Florida Roundup, we checked in with Politico’s Andrew Atterbury to talk about the primary results in this week’s school board races (00:08). Then, we spoke with Rep. Spencer Roach (20:00) about the proposed amendment he sponsored that asks Florida voters to decide whether to make school board elections partisan. Plus, we checked some of the claims from the DNC with PolitiFact’s Samantha Putterman (33:48). And later, a roundup of environmental news from the weekend (37:15) and a Florida athlete makes it to the Wheaties box (48:26).
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This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke about cellphone restrictions in K-12 schools. First, we heard from Scott Howat, chief communications officer for Orange County Public Schools, about their total ban on cellphone use during the school day (03:34), then we spoke with Florida Education Association president Andrew Spar about how teachers are adjusting to the changes (20:00). And later, we spoke with Garrett Shanley, with University of Florida’s student-run newspaper The Alligator, about his reporting on former UF president Ben Sasse’s record spending (26:23). Plus, we looked back at Hurricane Charley 20 years later (37:20) and checked in on Hurricane Debby recovery efforts (40:22) and impact on wildlife (44:42). Finally, a new TV series filmed in Florida debuts this week (47:35).
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This week on The Florida Roundup, we went to Key West for a special show with a live studio audience. First, we spoke with former Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (00:52). Then, we were joined by WLRN’s environment editor, Jenny Staletovich, to talk about warming ocean waters and coral reef restoration (21:28). And later, we heard from Julia Cooper, WLRN's reporter covering the Florida Keys (38:32).
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This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke with a member of FAMU’s board of trustees about its search for a new president (02:10), and we heard from a former state lawmaker about a bill he co-sponsored that alters the process for university presidential searches (14:14). Then, we spoke with CNN en Espanol host Alejandra Oraa and Miami-Dade College professor Vilma Petrash about Venezuela’s elections crisis (20:28). And later, an update on the new Rays stadium (36:46), a conversation with the leader of UF’s new space institute (39:03) and a look at a former mining town in Plant City (43:37).
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This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke with U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-FL-25th, about presidential politics and the new direction for the Democratic Party (01:25). Then, we spoke with Craig Waters with the Florida Center for Government Accountability about regulating free speech on social media (21:30) and reviewed a recent SCOTUS decision on a Florida social media law with Rebecca Klar, reporter for The Hill (34:44). And later, we went around the news of the week including cellphone bans in schools (37:28), NIL deals for high school athletes (39:14), Olympians from Florida heading to Paris (41:45) and the southernmost property for sale (46:50).