Engage

While Florida lawmakers are in their special session this week focused on immigration, Central Florida Public Media’s Rick Brunson updates us on their actions and agenda. Deportation raids have begun in South Florida, and Central Floridian immigrants and business owners are waiting for the raids. The Trump Administration’s pending freeze on all federal grants pending review could impact small businesses here. The 2025 ZORA! Festival season honors the legacy of poet, activist and Eatonville resident Zora Neale Hurston.

Central Florida communities are voting on whether to keep adding fluoride to the drinking water to prevent tooth decay or ending the practice of fluoridation. Engage Producer Richard Copeland did a deep dive into Central Florida blood donation. Many comedians melt down when the audience engages their cell phones instead of the performance, but Central Florida resident Larry Fulford encourages it in the stand-up comedy show he created.

Opioid deaths declined last year in Florida, but despite the positive news, advocates for those suffering from addiction still have a steep hill to climb. Engage attends an event in Sanford that shines a light on the human trafficking that takes place right under our noses. An Ormond Beach entrepreneur sees a future where people pair soda with their meals the same way they do with wine.

As the nation prepares for another presidential transition, Governor DeSantis calls for a special session of the Florida Legislature to address illegal immigration immediately, and there is some pushback from republican leadership. Volusia County’s Chief Medical Examiner teaches us about the innovative techniques helping his office resolve unsolved cases and identify remains. As a national ban on TikTok looms, an Orlando content creator shares how the popular video sharing app helps build brands and small businesses.

Central Florida Public Media’s Brendan Byrne brings us up to date on the delayed Blue Origin launch from Cape Canaveral. A former undercover officer for the CIA from Lake County shares her secrets to overcoming obstacles and escaping your comfort zone. How The Beatles officially ended in Central Florida. John Lennon’s romantic companion May Pang talks about her time in Orlando with him and her photo exhibition of their time together showing in Ormond Beach.

An AdventHealth ER doctor explains why Floridians can have a difficult time adjusting to cold weather compared to others in colder climates. Carolyn Moor founded Modern Widows Club to create the network of long-term support and widow care she couldn’t find for herself following the death of her loving husband. A couple authored a new book highlighting attractions in Central Florida outside of the theme parks that may even surprise locals.

Plummeting temperatures this week have area shelters scrambling to provide safety and relief for the region’s unhoused populations and their pets. We look at the tradition of postcard writing, the fanciful photography and art, and the role they had in promoting tourism in our region. Gatorland's gator expert explains how the reptiles handle the cold temperatures we’re experiencing in Central Florida.

Former Florida Representative Dick Batchelor shares his memories working with President Jimmy Carter. Positive trends in traffic safety in Central Florida. A democratic state operative discusses recent defections from the party after two state lawmakers announced they're switching their affiliation to Republican. Sitting down with a stranger to talk politics in Orlando.

Sometimes breaking the ice is the hardest part, but as we’ve discovered this year, simply putting people face-to-face can be the best way to instigate dialogue. Story Corps’ ONE SMALL STEP program facilitates these discussions, and Central Florida Public Media has been instrumental in bringing these conversations to the region.

A Central Florida DACA recipient discusses the impact of policies targeting Dreamers. Central Florida Public Media Health Reporter Joe Mario Pederson shares a story about advancements in prosthetic development and 3-D printing. Snap! Orlando founder Patrick Kahn announced he is closing the prominent photography gallery and discusses attracting global artists to Central Florida.