The Executive Director of Apopka's Hope CommUnity Center discusses the impact of the state’s legislature move to ban community IDs used by many undocumented residents. A local researcher studies the political engagement of Black students at Florida's HBCUs. An Orlando tree that pre-dates the Revolutionary War is getting cloned. There are plans to build a portable resilience hub to use before or after severe weather events. We meet the Orlando chapter of one of America’s most prominent Black motorcycle clubs.

An Orlando physician and Sickle Cell patient shares the devastating effects of the disease and optimism for the Florida bill sponsored by Representative Kelly Skidmore that allocates funding for research and treatment. A Florida author discusses the history of organized crime in the Sunshine State. After Brittany Jones’ fiancé, a Florida firefighter, died while on a rescue call, she wrote a children’s book to honor him and inspire others. We’ll stop by the Mills 50 district to hear the sounds of the 2024 Lunar New Year Parade.

Hear the full episode of Engage from Feb. 27, 2024.

A recent court ruling in Alabama designates frozen embryos at IVF clinics human status and fertility clinics in Florida are paying attention out of concern. Engage talks with an IVF specialist about the future for reproductive medicine in Florida. Also, a pediatrician weighs in on the surge of teen smoking, a Florida filmmaker explains why she had to take her production on the road and the world of role playing games expands thanks to inclusivity.

Education reporter Danielle Prieur explains the latest efforts to control books in schools. State Senator Geraldine Thompson talks about the possibility of The Florida Museum of Black History being built in Central Florida. A UCF sociology professor speaks about the subject being eliminated as a core course. We’ll visit the Silver Spurs Rodeo event in Osceola County for children with special needs.

Mayor Demings talks revisiting the Regional Transportation Sales Tax. Licensed marriage and family therapist Cherlette McCullough talks about impacts she is seeing social media taking on children. Orlando's official storyteller, Shawn Welcome shares his passion for spoken word. The students of the Chinese School of Chinese American association of Central Florida are getting ready for the 2024 Central Florida Dragon Parade.

Florida State Attorney Andrew Bain discusses de-escalation with citizens and police; Bill Cowles remembers his time running Orange County elections; The Christian Service Center's Eric Grey weighs in on the loss of summer EBT and Magic announcer David Steele remembers Shaq as a member of the community.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer gives us the State of the City as well as updates on housing costs and attainability in the region and his future after office. We'll discuss recent legislation in Washington with US Representative Michael Waltz and playwright Donald Rupe talks about a musical that captures the angst and unity following the Pulse Nightclub tragedy.

Host Cheryn Stone talks with Senator Marco Rubio and Congressman Maxwell Frost about the work they are doing and several issues affecting people in Central Florida. Finally Cheryn talks Mardi Gras in Central Florida with Orlandoan Jake Wheeler.

Join Engage’s host, Cheryn Stone, each Tuesday and Thursday in pursuit of fresh perspectives.