90.7 WMFE's Intersection

Florida Blue will no longer fund OxyContin. The state’s biggest health insurer says it will instead fund a different painkiller that’s more difficult to crush and misuse.

It’s the latest twist in the opioid epidemic but what kind of impact will it have on chronic pain sufferers? And will it have the desired effect of curbing abuse of pain medication?

Then, SunTrax- broke ground last month. It’s an experimental test track for autonomous vehicles and connected vehicles that’s being developed in Polk County. We’ll revisit our tour of the site – and a conversation about how the technology could change the way we drive.

And a visit to a banjo factory in Cocoa.

Giving Tuesday follows the weekend that marks the start of the holiday shopping season. Whether it’s time, talent or treasure, it’s an opportunity to think about how to give back… and how to do it for more than just one day.

On this episode of Intersection we talk about cultivating the spirit of generosity with two Central Floridians who give back: Beth Hobart and Avani Desai.

Then: meet the man who talks to tigers.  Dr. K. ‘Simba’ Wiltz is sharing what he’s learned about these magnificent creatures with the public at the Central Florida Animal Reserve.

And we’ll hear from writers who are pushing back at the “Florida Man” cliche and digging something beautiful out of the swamp here in the Sunshine State. A conversation about the state of literature in Central Florida with Kristen Arnett, Ryan Rivas and Susan Lilley.

While online retail giants like Amazon have taken a bite out of the foot traffic at brick and mortar stores in recent years… Black Friday still marks the start of the holiday shopping season, and for shoppers who venture out, it’s an event.

Orlando Sentinel retail and restaurant reporter Kyle Arnold explains how some stores are doing new things to get customers away from their screens and in the doors. Plus- the view from behind the checkout counter. We revisit a conversation that first aired on Intersection in 2015: Hector Cordova and Taylor Durkin share stories of how they prepare for Black Friday. And a look at how small businesses are getting ready for the day after- Small Business Saturday. We check in with Betsy Gardner Eckbert, the president and CEO of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.

After the hurricane, thousands of Puerto Ricans are heading to the mainland, some for good. Non profits and local governments are trying to figure out how best to help house those evacuees who need a roof over their heads. Jeff Hayward from Heart of Florida United Way explains.

And we hear music from Irish duo The Bronx Boys: Dan Lowery and Andrew Murray, who performed on Intersection in September 2016. 

Customers who put money down on a new senior living development in Daytona Beach say it was like lining up for concert tickets.

The Jimmy Buffett themed Latitude Margaritaville may be tapping into a particular segment of the over 55 population… but there are plenty other communities aimed at seniors too, many offering the kinds of amenities you might find on a cruise ship. Today on Intersection: A look at communities built for seniors.

Then, a spate of fatalities is shining a harsh light on fraternity activities. John Hechinger, the author of True Gentlemen, the Broken Pledge of America’s Fraternities, explains how universities are trying to clamp down on hazing, and the influence these organizations have on college life.

And the golfer who’s still competing more than six decades after he first swung a golf club.

In a world where technology means you can strap on a headset and step into another world all from the comfort of your couch, how do attractions and amusement parks get customers through the turnstiles?

We’re looking at how theme park rides get made, how virtual reality is changing the way roller coasters are designed, and how companies in Central Florida are competing with the heavyweights in the world of attractions.

Then, from the latest in theme parks to what’s new in agriculture. A brand new hop yard, the first commercial hop yard in Orange County, takes shape, adding a local flavor to locally brewed beer.

And when his band split up, Nicholas Roberts moved from Nashville back to Florida. He joins us to perform songs from his upcoming EP.

More than 1,000 exhibitors pack the Orange County Convention Center this week for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions’ annual expo.

It’s not just a chance to see the latest technology in rides, though, the miles of exhibits has something for everyone.

On this episode of Intersection, Orlando Business Journal reporter Rich Bilbao and Orlando Weekly arts and culture columnist Seth Kubersky preview the IAAPA expo and offer a glimpse of what the future holds for theme park visitors.

Hurricane Irma hammered citrus growers, but Florida is home to a lot of other vegetable and fruit production too. How are those other growers faring, two months after the storm? Lisa Lochridge of the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association joins Intersection for an update. 

And we talk to Florida Today news columnist John A. Torres about his award winning podcast, Murder on the Space Coast.

President Trump says his tax overhaul is going to help the middle class. But just how much is in the plan for you? Are you happy about the idea of a bit more money in your wallet after tax day? Does the notion of a simplified tax return seem like a winner?

You may not have read all 429 pages of the plan but on Intersection we’ll talk about what’s in some of that fine print.

Then, Pechakucha strips a talk down to its essentials- 20 slides and 20 seconds per slide. We’ll hear what makes a good Pechakucha talk from Orlando event organizer Eddie Selover.

And, it looks like a UFO and sounds heavenly. Handpan musician Justin Paul performs for us on Intersection.

There’s turmoil in Tallahassee: allegations of sexual harassment by lawmakers.

Now senate president Joe Negron has ordered an inquiry into those allegations and senator Jack Latvala says he’s stepping down temporarily from his role as chair of the appropriations committee while allegations against him are investigated.

Political commentators Dick Batchelor and Michelle Ertel join the program to talk about the dark side of Tallahassee.

And as it’s election day, they’ll highlight a couple races in Orlando.

Then, is there anyone out there who wants to go fast? Jet dragster driver Elaine Larsen explains what it takes to power a 280 mile per hour race car.

And Orlando City Soccer is rebuilding next season they’ll be without their star player Kaka. Can the team meet the expectations of soccer fans in the city beautiful in 2018?

 

The impact of Hurricane Irma was felt all over Florida, but while the storm meant a few days without power for some residents, for many others, the effects were much worse. The storm damaged homes and disrupted jobs, and power outages meant spoiled food, stretching the resources of people already on a limited budget.

On this episode of Intersection we check on the recovery from Hurricane Irma, nearly two months on. with Seminole County emergency manager Alan Harris, Karen Knapik from the Small Business Administration and FEMA’s Peter Sessum. 

Then- the long road to recovery for Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. Hear how public media on the mainland United States stepped up to help get stations back on the air in Puerto Rico. 90.7’s president and General Manager LaFontaine Oliver and host and reporter Crystal Chavez reflect on their recent visit to Puerto Rico. 

And Thomas McClary, founder of the Commodores, reflects on his life with the group, writing music with Lionel Ritchie and his upbringing in Eustis, FL during the 1960s.

What do you know about the separation of powers of the different branches of government in Florida? How important is the independence of the judiciary? What does the constitution revision commission do?

According to one survey, only one in ten Floridians are aware of the constitution revision commission. So the Florida Bar has launched a public education campaign to get people up to speed. A crash course in civics and the CRC.

Then, how do you stay sane on Mars? Humans haven’t got to the red planet yet, but when we do… those astronauts are going to need some help dealing with the psychological challenges of deep space travel.

And it’s Halloween, so who better to talk to about Orlando hauntings than the Sexton of the Greenwood Cemetery Don Price? We visit the historic cemetery ahead on Intersection.