The Point Podcast

On Wednesday’s episode, we hear from WMFE’s Joe Byrnes on the Abandoned and Historic Cemeteries bill and efforts from Groveland’s fire chief to spearhead the restoration of abandoned African American cemeteries. Plus, The Florida Senate passed a bill banning gender-affirming care for minors and limiting it for adults, the state is set to receive $376 million to upgrade drinking water infrastructure, and more.

Tuesday's host, Ailee Shanes, speaks with Chief Deputy for the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office Colonel Brad Smith on what the money they are requesting from the Board of County Commissioners will be used for and why it is needed. Plus, Democratic politicians Lauren Book and Nikki Fried were arrested in an abortion rights demonstration, Gov. Ron DeSantis signs a permitless carry bill into law, and more.

Monday’s host, Elliot Tritto speaks to Living on the Edge contributing writers, Alan Halaly and Mariaguadalupe Vilchez, about how the population on Florida’s barrier islands grew. Plus, the House has approved a bill seen as an extension of last year’s legislation critics dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” law, the Florida Legislature has tried for years to make changes to alimony laws and more.

To read the article: https://projects.wuft.org/on-the-edge/2023/03/30/paradise-in-peril/

Friday's host, Elliot Tritto, speaks with Living on the Edge contributing writer, Abigail Hasebroock about the growing risks of living on barrier islands. Plus, a requirement passed by Congress early on in the coronavirus pandemic to keep people continuously enrolled on Medicaid expires and Florida is one step closer to allowing death sentences by an 8-4 vote of a jury.

Thursday’s host, Julia Cooper, speaks with Human Rights Coalition of Alachua County’s Community ID Program Director Veronica Robleto about a new bill proposing sweeping punishments for undocumented migrants and anyone who hires or helps them. Plus, a ban on abortions after 6 weeks is ready for a full Florida Senate vote, a Florida House panel approved a bill granting pregnant prisoners maternal rights, and more.

Wednesday’s host, Ailee Shanes, speaks with United Faculty of Florida President Andrew Gothard on the possible implications of more oversight of post-tenure review. Plus, GRU announces rate adjustments, Alachua County will buy 650 acres of land for conservation, and more.

Tuesday's host, Serra Sowers, speaks with Lawrence Reeves, a researcher and assistant professor with University of Florida's Medical Entomology Lab, about what a new mosquito in Florida might mean for public health and future insect bites.

Plus, it's been six months since Hurricane Ian hit Southwest Florida, a new bill could impact more than just undocumented workers and more. Listen to these stories on Tuesday's episode of The Point.

Monday’s host, Elliot Tritto speaks with WMFE’s Danielle Prieur, about how a Florida law that allows kids brought to the US illegally by their parents to qualify for in-state tuition could be on the chopping block. Plus, Florida House lawmakers have passed a measure that would allow people to carry a concealed weapon without a permit or training, but the measure didn't include open carry, state lawmakers introduce the Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act and more.

Friday’s host, Jake Reyes, speaks with biomedical engineer Joseph Dituri on why he’s living underwater for 100 days, and what the experience has been like 23 days in so far. Plus, a universal school choice plan is heading to Governor Ron DeSantis’ desk, Walt Disney World Resort and union workers reached a deal to raise the minimum pay and more.

Thursday’s host, Julia Cooper, speaks with UF Hamilton Center Advisory Board member Peter Berkowitz about current pushes for public education reform in Florida. Plus, the DeSantis administration is hoping to expand the Don’t Say Gay law to all grades K-12, a proposal legalizing fentanyl testing strips is on its way to a full Senate vote, and more.