Search results for

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke with a member of FAMU’s board of trustees about its search for a new president (02:10), and we heard from a former state lawmaker about a bill he co-sponsored that alters the process for university presidential searches (14:14). Then, we spoke with CNN en Espanol host Alejandra Oraa and Miami-Dade College professor Vilma Petrash about Venezuela’s elections crisis (20:28). And later, an update on the new Rays stadium (36:46), a conversation with the leader of UF’s new space institute (39:03) and a look at a former mining town in Plant City (43:37).

Ty-Juana Taylor's new picture book celebrates the life of Ella Jenkins, the first lady of Children's Music, who turns 100 this August 6, 2024

On the South Florida Roundup, we looked at the new independent constitutional offices voters in Broward and Miami-Dade counties will have to vote for in the August primary elections, and what do they mean for the way local government works (01:06). We also examined the state regulations passed after the Surfside condo collapse, which are coming into effect soon — and they are already impacting the real estate market (17:40). And we looked ahead to Venezuela’s presidential election on Sunday. Will the Maduro regime allow an honest vote to take place? (32:53)

On the South Florida Roundup we assessed what if anything the U.S., the international community and the diaspora here can do to dislodge Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro from power after his allegedly massive voter fraud (01:09). We also examined an Inspector General report that bears out WLRN's probe of Miami-Dade County's Guardianship Program for the vulnerable and elderly (19:45). And, we looked at a push in places like Palm Beach County to bring moviemaking back to the Sunshine State (35:33).

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke with Politico’s Kimberly Leonard about the state’s probe into the apparent assination attempt on former President Trump (01:14). We looked at mosquito control efforts in Lee County (09:11) and spoke with Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory’s Nathan Burkett-Cadena about the public health risk mosquitoes pose (20:31 ). And later, we had Samantha Putterman with our partner PolitiFact join us for the latest claims check (32:12). Plus, we shared some environmental news stories from across the state (37:24) and a listener mailbag (47:16).

On The South Florida Roundup, we discussed the end of Miami’s police Civilian Investigative Panel – which a new state law has made illegal. We looked at what might replace it and why Miamians hoped to keep it (1:10). We also asked why Florida Governor Ron DeSantis suddenly ditched plans to turn state parks into what critics called commercial resorts (19:54). And, we examined Cuba’s hard new obstacles for private entrepreneurs – and a supposed exodus of communist regime officials to Florida (34:26).

This week on The Florida Roundup, we talked about a proposal to add new development to several state parks with WLRN environmental editor Jenny Staletovich and WUSF reporter Steve Newborn (00:10). Then, we spoke with Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su about the jobs outlook for Florida ahead of Labor Day Weekend (20:35) and later, we cover a series of court hearings and other news from across the state (37:12).

July 28, 2024 Glad McCloud had a happy ending

Opinion: President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio seem to have tuned out Venezuelan and Cuban exile leaders — as well as their own rhetoric about blocking China's influence in the Americas.On the latest episode of Americas Decoded, WLRN’s Americas editor Tim Padgett says that for all the Trump administration’s rhetoric about blocking China’s influence in the Americas, in both Cuba and Venezuela the U.S. is pushing scenarios that indulge in China’s m.o. — its hybrid system of capitalism and authoritarianism – and go against the principles of those exile communities.You can watch the video for this and other Americas Decoded commentaries on WLRN’s YouTube channel on WLRN.org/Decoded.Subscribe to Tim’s Substack to receive his weekly digital commentaries and new episodes of Americas Decoded, at WLRN.org/AD.Sign up for his Americas Report newsletter on WLRN.org/newsletters.WLRN is South Florida’s NPR member station.

On this episode of The South Florida Roundup, we examined legislative efforts to rein in systems like Palm Beach County’s that make early voting easier [01:07]. Is it part of a larger campaign to make voting harder in upcoming elections? We also checked out Miami Beach’s Spring Break reform campaign to replace beer chugging with beach jogging — and toga parties with yoga parties [19:52]. And we looked at the 25th anniversary of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival: the increasing presence of Afro-Caribbean chefs and the ever-important role of FIU students [35:32].

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke about the push to build new large-scale data centers for artificial intelligence and how local communities in Florida are responding with WUSF’s Jessica Meszaros (00:00). Then, we checked in with Douglas Soule, ‘Your Florida’ state government reporter, about an effort to restrict the governor's use of the state’s emergency fund (14:42). Plus, we heard about a new film from Flagler College about the unique history of Francisco Menéndez and the free Black settlement Fort Mose (19:34). We also spoke about the state’s plan to create a museum dedicated to Black history in Florida (31:00). And later, a roundup of educational news from across the state (37:32) and the outlook ahead for Florida’s drought (45:08).

March 2, 2026 Time For Three will be in Boca Raton next weekend. Michael Stock talks to bass player Ranaan Meyer.

We are sad to share news of the death of Aaron Willis. When Aaron was 15, he was shot off his bicycle by an unknown assailant. His injuries made him paraplegic and weighed heavily on his mental health. His story was part of a WLRN special production, Young Survivors: The Unspoken Trauma of Gun Violence reported by Sammy Mack, Nadege Green and Rowan Moore Gerety. The trajectory of violence can be long and complicated. Aaron’s family continues to be candid about his struggles. Aaron Willis died in February of 2026 by suicide, a complication from a 2012 gunshot wound to the spine. If you or someone you know is struggling, you can reach the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org. WLRN is re-sharing stories from the series.

On this episode of The South Florida Roundup, we discussed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ newest campaign to eradicate Diversity Equity and Inclusion: a bill to let him remove local officials who dare to engage DEI [01:07]. We also looked at why the FBI this week searched the Los Angeles home of former Miami-Dade Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho — and a home here [19:17]. And we tried to figure out the truth behind the alleged shootout between Cuban officials and Cuban expats off the Cuban coast [35:31].

One of Coral Gables’ earliest buildings still stands — but its future is uncertain. As the city marks its centennial, we explore the history of a church at the center of a preservation fight — and how it’s redefining its mission for the community today.Also in this episode: Before the Venetian Pool became a landmark, it was a coral rock quarry. We uncover the often-overlooked role of Bahamian workers who helped build Coral Gables — and laid the foundation for one of South Florida’s most iconic cities.From Palm Beach County to Miami-Dade, 11 cities are celebrating their centennials in 2025 and 2026. WLRN News' series "History We Call Home" spotlights the moments, ideas and people that made these cities part of our community's fabric over the past century.

For Cuban exiles fleeing the 1959 revolution, Freedom Tower was a first stop — and a symbol of hope.The tower celebrated its centennial anniversary in 2025, marking 100 years as a symbol of resilience in its various functions for the people of Miami. In this episode, we revisit the Freedom Tower’s history and how it went from newspaper headquarters to refugee processing center — and what it represents to South Floridians today.From Palm Beach County to Miami-Dade, 11 cities are celebrating their centennials in 2025 and 2026. WLRN News' series "History We Call Home" spotlights the moments, ideas and people that made these cities part of our community's fabric over the past century.

In the 1920s, the Hialeah Racetrack helped put the city on the map. As Hialeah turns 100, we trace how the racetrack shaped the city — and the labor of Black migrants who helped build it.Also in this episode: Before Hialeah was officially incorporated, Black migrant workers had already established a community called Seminola. This episode explores that neighborhood’s origins — and the fight by descendants to have their history recognized as the city marks its centennial.From Palm Beach County to Miami-Dade, 11 cities are celebrating their centennials in 2025 and 2026. WLRN News' series "History We Call Home" spotlights the moments, ideas and people that made these cities part of our community's fabric over the past century.

When Hollywood was founded in 1925, its developer imagined a glamorous resort city. In part one, we revisit the Hollywood Beach Resort Hotel — and how it shaped the early identity of Hollywood.Also in this episode: Before Hollywood existed, a segregated Black neighborhood called Liberia was already there. We explore how Jim Crow laws shaped life in Hollywood — and how Liberia’s legacy is remembered today.From Palm Beach County to Miami-Dade, 11 cities are celebrating their centennials in 2025 and 2026. WLRN News' series "History We Call Home" spotlights the moments, ideas and people that made these cities part of our community's fabric over the past century.

Deerfield Beach, now home to nearly 90-thousand people, is the tenth-largest city in Broward County. But in the early 1900s, it was a quiet farming village with dirt roads, small wooden houses, and little over a thousand residents who were fiercely defensive of their seaside home.In this episode of History We Call Home: 100 Years of South Florida, we look back at Deerfield Beach’s journey from deer-grazing territory — to infamous mobster haven — to a thriving community.From Palm Beach County to Miami-Dade, 11 cities are celebrating their centennials in 2025 and 2026. WLRN News' series "History We Call Home" spotlights the moments, ideas and people that made these cities part of our community's fabric over the past century.

Long before the Town of Davie became known for its horses and rodeos, it was miles of wild, untamed Everglades. In the early 1900s, after the wetlands were drained, settlers came looking for new opportunities… to farm, to build, to start fresh. Those early pioneers learned to work the land and build a community from the ground up. At the center of it all was the Davie School, now known as the Old Davie School Museum.From Palm Beach County to Miami-Dade, 11 cities are celebrating their centennials in 2025 and 2026. WLRN News' series "History We Call Home" spotlights the moments, ideas and people that made these cities part of our community's fabric over the past century.