On this election day, we hear from Lake County Elections Supervisor Alan Hays about performing one of our most important civic duties. Central Florida Public Media’s Joe Byrnes is at the polls speaking with voting Floridians. Orlando City Commissioner Shan Rose discusses the city’s response to the tragic mass shooting that took place downtown on Halloween night. We learn about efforts to restore the voting rights of Floridians convicted of felonies. A symphonic libretto presents the perspectives of young activists grappling with a range of issues as well as the spirit and determination of youth.

Orange County voters will have the opportunity to renew a half-cent sales tax that benefits the region’s students. UCF’s Counseling and Psychological Services Director discusses dependence and addiction in the context of social media and generative artificial intelligence. One small step to find common ground during times of political division. A local Rocky Horror shadow cast explains the experience and appeal of the show and their special Halloween performance.

Dr. Tim Hendrix discusses the upcoming flu season in Central Florida. Florida constitutional amendments addressing partisan school board elections and public campaign financing explained. An Embry-Riddle hurricane researcher fearlessly flies into the eyes of tropical storms. A former Disney animator’s award-winning short film critical of the response to COVID plays this week in Orlando.

The mother of an Orlando teen who died by suicide after developing an addiction to AI chatbots is suing the program’s creator. The potential impact of Florida Amendment 3 on the medical marijuana industry and its patients. An investigative reporter shares concerns about cell phone tracking software. A twist on tailgating from BYU for UCF gameday this weekend helps combat food insecurity among students on campuses.

Early voting started this week in Central Florida. Ballot Amendment 2 to codify the right to fish and hunt in the state’s constitution through the perspectives of a supporting sportsman and opposing conservationist. The Bach Festival Society of Winter Park will perform a recently discovered piece composed by a very young Mozart.

Engage checks in on Hurricane Milton’s impact on Central Florida’s citrus industry, health reporter Joe Mario Pederson parses out Florida’s abortion amendment, we look at how the election is effecting mental health and Central Florida Public Media’s One Small Step facilitates civil discourse.

HUD Secretary Adrianne Todman discusses her agency’s role in hurricane relief, a local high school football team appears in a popular video game, an Orlando music festival sees a lineup change and NASA is looking for tools to navigate on the moon.

We are taking time today to hear voices around our Central Florida community in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton.

Updates from around the region as Central Floridians prepare for Hurricane Milton. Central Florida Public Media reporters are in the field providing information about the area’s flood risks, sheltering for the unhoused population, and evacuation locations. We check in with Florida’s Insurance Advocate on what you need to know about preparing for a property claim once the storm passes.

A new law went into effect this week to combat homelessness in Florida. A pair of new laws that will help law enforcement appropriately deal with people who are living with Alzheimer’s. Unpacking the Amendment 5 ballot initiative that could have huge implications for homeowners. The history of Central Florida’s spooky themed attractions.