Central Florida: Beyond The Soundbite

Well, you know how that old song goes from your childhood…. “Jingle Bells, Batman smells…”  Yes, Christmastime is here, and the whole holiday season is in full force, so we're going to stop what we're doing on the politics front and head over to the fireplace with a glass of milk and cookies for Santa… very informal, hopefully a fun listen for you while you get ready for the holiday.

Orlando is known as an accepting city to all, but being openly gay is hard for some, especially if you are in the law enforcement. Our guests are here to say they are gay and proud to wear the badge and want the world to acknowledge them in a respectful manner in a field known for toughness and boldness.  Our guest(s) hope to shed some light about the Gay Officers Action League Central Florida.  The league's president, Brandon Ragan, is here along with recording secretary Alison Clarke.

There is a word getting attention these days and lots of traction on social media and even Harvard is talking about it. Neurodiversity… we're talking about also with our guest, author, advocate, and inspirational speaker Haley Moss!

Well, tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and if you're like me, you're probably making that last-minute trip to the store for Thanksgiving Dinner supplies, or you might be headed out of town to visit family.  I know a lot of people are looking forward to that…. So what we wanted to do this week was hit the PAUSE button on politics and issues and all of that stuff and focus on the holidays, on traditions… very informal, hopefully a fun listen for you while you get ready for the holiday…. What's your favorite Thanksgiving memory? Favorite holiday food? The uniqueness of holidays in Florida

All right, it's nostalgia time. On October 29, 1997, viewers first tuned in to a new station. From covering local events like theme park openings, the Pulse shooting, and hurricanes through the years, Spectrum News 13 has been with you every step of the way.  Now in 2022, we are celebrating 25 years of Spectrum News 13, so we've gone through the newsroom to find the stalwarts, the people who've seen it all. They are Managing Editor John Handiboe and Assignment Editor Luis Rivera.

Immigration is an issue not only impacting Florida, but many other states as well. How is the economy impacted by this? How did candidates on opposing sides shape the narrative? Just before the election, we sat down with other spectrum news journalists from across the nation to get the temperature of how the issue of immigration is being perceived where they are. Here is our conversation, led by Errol Louis.

The countdown is on to Election Day on Tuesday.  By our count, some 205 races on Central Florida ballots with 432 choices out there.  The question now is… are we in for a long night waiting for results, or will everything be decided rather quickly? And what does this all mean for 2024?   Let's find out now from our guests, political analysts Wes Hodge and Eddie Fernandez.

Voters will decide who will be the next Chief Financial Officer of Florida in November. Jimmy Patronis is the incumbent that's looking for another term in the post, and Adam Hattersley argues he would do a better job looking out for residents.

The race for Florida Attorney General is set for November.  Republican incumbent Ashley Moody is asking voters to have her back for another four years.  Democratic challenger Aramis Ayala is asking voters if they're satisfied with Moody, or if they think she needs to be a one-term AG. Joining us now, Democratic candidate Aramis Ayala.

In less than a month from now, Orange County voters will cast their ballots in the November election.  There are TWO county referendums to vote on.  We're taking a look at them with our guest, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings.

Let me throw three dates at you… November 6th, 2018–Florida voters passed Amendment 4, 65 to 35. The citizen's initiative called for the automatic restoration of felon voting rights upon completion of their sentences. June 28, 2019–Governor Ron DeSantis signs into law Senate Bill 7066, an implementing bill for Amendment 4. The law defined “completion of sentence” to include payment of restitution, or any fines, fees, or costs resulting from the conviction. August 19th, 2022–Governor Ron DeSantis' Office of Election Crimes and Security announce the arrest of twenty individuals they say were felons who illegally voted in the 2020 election. Has Amendment 4 been implemented as to the wishes of the voters? Or does it create more hoops for ex-felons to jump through before they have their voting rights restored? Let's find out now from our guest, Neil Volz, Deputy Director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition.

Voters will face a long slate of races on their November ballot. It may feel like every month—every year—we are in an election, but in just weeks; really—voters will cast ballots for the November general election. Floridians will decide not only who will represent them at home and in Tallahassee–but in Washington, D.C. --- in the tight race for U.S. Senate—and in Congressional House races.  That includes an open seat for District 10—currently represented by Congresswoman Val Demings. Let's find out now from our guest, one of the candidates in that race, Republican Calvin Wimbish.

Voters will face a long slate of races on their November ballot. Floridians will decide not just who represents them here at home and in Tallahassee – but also in Washington.  Floridians will have weight in the balance of which party is in power in D.C.  OR… It may feel like every month – every year – we are in an election. Each one more critical than the one before.  In just weeks – really – voters will cast ballots for the November general election. Floridians will decide not only who will represent them at home and in Tallahassee – but in Washington, D.C. --- in the tight race for U.S. Senate – and in Congressional House races.  That includes an open seat for District 10 – currently represented by Congresswoman Val Demings.  You have Republican Calvin Wimbish who wants the seat – as well as our guest today – Democratic Congressional nominee Maxwell Frost

We want to pull back the curtain on candidates and campaigns. HOW do they decide to go after your vote? What goes into figuring out what you care about? Our guest this week you could perhaps call a maverick of political marketing and campaigns. A longtime advisor for progressive candidates. His resume includes extensive work for the 2008 Obama presidential campaign, as well as a slate of state races including Charlie Crist for Governor in 2016 – Andrew Gillum in 2018, Nikki Fried here in 2022 – and there's no slowing down. Joining us is Florida politics guru Kevin Cate of CateComm

The August primary is over, it's a matter of history now, and NOW, it's full speed ahead to the November general election, but in some cases, it's actually a runoff election.  We're getting into the weeds here, so who better than to jump into the weeds with us than Orange County Supervisor of Elections Bill Cowles!

It seems like just days ago kids were in class for the last day of school – you blinked – and summer break is over. Kids are back in class – getting those new routines going. There are a lot of changes this school year – especially when it comes to safety. Many of these changes are inspired by the 2018 tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. You'll remember there were some immediate changes to law – but also the governor and legislature then empaneled a group of experts across the spectrum along with parents and others. The Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Commission is tasked with finding the failures of the response but also the fixes to prevent another MSD in Florida. Joining us is a member of MSD Public Safety Commission – a 50 year veteran of law enforcement – and honestly someone who doesn't need much of an introduction. Sheriff Grady Judd joins us on this week's Beyond the Soundbite.

Hotelier and philanthropist Harris Rosen discusses the Rosen Medical Center & RosenCare, with the focus of the conversation: Affordable health care.   He is asked: How on earth are you able to provide fairly inexpensive health care to thousands of your employees?   Hear his answer in the latest Beyond the Soundbite.   ABOUT THE SHOW   Political figures and influencers are often heard in brief bites that don't capture the context of the whole story. “Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite” expands the conversation with these newsmakers along the I-4 corridor and beyond. Join award-winning Spectrum News 13 anchor and Orlando Woman of the Year Ybeth Bruzual, political reporter Greg Angel, and veteran producer Gary Darling for a must-hear interview each week and learn about the issues affecting Central Florida.

We're less than a week away from the August election. For partisan races, it's the primary election, but for most non-partisan races, it's all about commissioners, council members and judges.   It's actually a general election, so as Orange County Supervisor of Elections Bill Cowles said in Beyond the Soundbite podcast a few weeks ago, “There's a ballot for everybody.”   One set of races on the ballot can often lead to voters throwing their hands up and just blindly picking a name are the judicial races: the circuit court judges and the county court judges.    The big question is: How do you make an informed decision on who to vote for?    We're going to try and shed a little bit of light on that in this week's Beyond the Soundbite podcast.  We have four judicial candidates who are on the ballot for the Ninth Judicial Circuit, Orange and Osceola counties.    Joining this week's podcast are: Aldo Bartolone Judge Vincent Chiu Alison Kerestes Fay Olga Pappas   ABOUT THE SHOW   Political figures and influencers are often heard in brief bites that don't capture the context of the whole story. “Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite” expands the conversation with these newsmakers along the I-4 corridor and beyond. Join award-winning Spectrum News 13 anchor and Orlando Woman of the Year Ybeth Bruzual, political reporter Greg Angel, and veteran producer Gary Darling for a must-hear interview each week and learn about the issues affecting Central Florida.

Welcome to Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite, Spectrum News 13's podcast that's covering politics up and down the I-4 corridor.   Aug. 23 is primary election day and it's coming up fast, with so many races to talk about.   This week, we're hearing from two of the three Republican candidates running in U.S. Congressional District 11, the seat currently held by Congressman Dan Webster.    Hear from candidates Laura Loomer and Gavriel Soriano.   ABOUT THE SHOW   Political figures and influencers are often heard in brief bites that don't capture the context of the whole story. “Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite” expands the conversation with these newsmakers along the I-4 corridor and beyond. Join award-winning Spectrum News 13 anchor and Orlando Woman of the Year Ybeth Bruzual, political reporter Greg Angel, and veteran producer Gary Darling for a must-hear interview each week and learn about the issues affecting Central Florida.

We're now less than a month away from the Aug. 23 primary election.  Vote-by-mail ballots heading out already and early voting starting in a few weeks.    The top race on the ballot for Democrats is the primary for governor.    Voters will see four names on their ballots: Charlie Crist, Cadance Daniel, Nikki Fried, and Robert Willis.   Nikki Fried, the current commissioner of Agriculture, joins this week's Beyond the Soundbite podcast.   ABOUT THE SHOW   Political figures and influencers are often heard in brief bites that don't capture the context of the whole story. “Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite” expands the conversation with these newsmakers along the I-4 corridor and beyond. Join award-winning Spectrum News 13 anchor and Orlando Woman of the Year Ybeth Bruzual, political reporter Greg Angel, and veteran producer Gary Darling for a must-hear interview each week and learn about the issues affecting Central Florida.

We're now less than a month away from the Aug. 23 primary election.  Vote-by-mail ballots are heading out already and early voting starting in a few weeks.    The top race on the ballot for Democrats is the primary for governor.  Voters will see four names on their ballots: Charlie Crist, Cadance Daniel, Nikki Fried, and Robert Willis.   Congressman Charlie Crist, the former governor of Florida, joins us in the latest Beyond the Soundbite podcast.   ABOUT THE SHOW   Political figures and influencers are often heard in brief bites that don't capture the context of the whole story. “Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite” expands the conversation with these newsmakers along the I-4 corridor and beyond. Join award-winning Spectrum News 13 anchor and Orlando Woman of the Year Ybeth Bruzual, political reporter Greg Angel, and veteran producer Gary Darling for a must-hear interview each week and learn about the issues affecting Central Florida.

Aug. 23, mark it down. Florida voters head to the polls for the primary election.   For the partisan races, it's like a playoff system to see who advances to the final in November. So many races on the ballots, well more than 100 contests that Central Florida voters will see on their ballot, among them, the Democratic race for attorney general.   The winner of the Democratic primary will face Republican incumbent Ashley Moody in November. The three Democrats in that race are:   Former State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit in Orange and Osceola County Aramis Ayala, who is a guest in this week's Beyond the Soundbite podcast. Attorney Daniel Uhlfelder from Santa Rosa Beach, up in the Panhandle. He was a guest in a recent Beyond the Soundbite podcast. Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney Jim Lewis, who was our guest in last week's Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite.

Aug. 23, mark it down.  Florida voters head to the polls for the primary election.    For the partisan races, it's like a playoff system to see who advances to the final in November. So many races on the ballots, well more than 100 contests that Central Florida voters will see on their ballot, among them, the Democratic race for attorney general.    The winner of the Democratic primary will face Republican incumbent Ashley Moody in November. The three Democrats in that race are:   Former State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit in Orange and Osceola County Aramis Ayala.   Attorney Daniel Uhlfelder from Santa Rosa Beach, up in the Panhandle. He was a guest in last week's Beyond the Soundbite podcast.   Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney Jim Lewis, who is our guest on this week's Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite. ABOUT THE SHOW   Political figures and influencers are often heard in brief bites that don't capture the context of the whole story. “Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite” expands the conversation with these newsmakers along the I-4 corridor and beyond. Join award-winning Spectrum News 13 anchor and Orlando Woman of the Year Ybeth Bruzual, political reporter Greg Angel, and veteran producer Gary Darling for a must-hear interview each week and learn about the issues affecting Central Florida.

August 23rd, mark it down.  Florida voters head to the polls for the primary election.  For the partisan races, it's like a playoff system to see who advances to the final in November.  So many races on the ballots… well over 100 contests that Central Florida voters will see on their ballot… among them, the Democratic race for Attorney General.  The winner of the Democratic primary will face Republican incumbent Ashley Moody in November.  Three Democrats in that race… former State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit in Orange and Osceola County Aramis Ayala, Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney Jim Lewis, and attorney Daniel Uhlfelder from Santa Rosa Beach up in the panhandle.

For the last few weeks, there's been a big focus on the 2020 elections which spurred the Jan. 6th riots.    That's all everybody seems to be focusing on is 2020, but guess what?  We are less than two months away from the August 2022 primary election.   We're talking everything elections and what you need to know right now with Orange County Supervisor of Elections Bill Cowles on this week's Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite.   ABOUT THE SHOW   Political figures and influencers are often heard in brief bites that don't capture the context of the whole story. “Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite” expands the conversation with these newsmakers along the I-4 corridor and beyond. Join award-winning Spectrum News 13 anchor and Orlando Woman of the Year Ybeth Bruzual, political reporter Greg Angel, and veteran producer Gary Darling for a must-hear interview each week and learn about the issues affecting Central Florida.

On June 24, 2021, at about 1:22 a.m., a 12-story beachfront condo building near Miami suddenly collapsed.   Hundreds of first responders spent countless hours and days literally crawling through the rubble of what was once the Champlain Towers South.    Families clinched onto any bit of hope they could.  In the end, 98 people died. Only four people were rescued from the rubble as  35 were saved from the uncollapsed portion of the building.    There is still a full investigation underway, with teams determining exactly what caused the building to collapse, but it can't ever be said this happened without warning.    Lawsuits and preliminary reports show the condo board failed to keep up the maintenance and assessments required to keep the building in safe conditions. This tragedy has not gone unnoticed to lawmakers. While nothing was done earlier this year during the regular legislative session, there was something given to the governor during last month's special session.    This will mean big changes beginning in December 2024. Beyond the Soundbite co-hosts Greg and Gary were in Tallahassee for that special session and there is where we want to start breaking down the legislation, what we know, what still needs to be known and the impact on you.    And it's all in the latest Beyond the Soundbite podcast.   ABOUT THE SHOW   Political figures and influencers are often heard in brief bites that don't capture the context of the whole story. “Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite” expands the conversation with these newsmakers along the I-4 corridor and beyond. Join award-winning Spectrum News 13 anchor and Orlando Woman of the Year Ybeth Bruzual, political reporter Greg Angel, and veteran producer Gary Darling for a must-hear interview each week and learn about the issues affecting Central Florida.

It's no secret that so many Puerto Ricans call Central Florida home, but what you may not know is that the University of Central Florida actually studies the Puerto Rican connection to the Sunshine State with its UCF Puerto Rico Research Hub.    Dr. Fernando Rivera leads the research hub and talks the good, the bad and everything in between that is Puerto Rico in this week's Beyond the Soundbite.   IN THIS EPISODE Dr. Fernando Rivera's Twitter: https://twitter.com/Prof_Rivera   ABOUT THE SHOW   Political figures and influencers are often heard in brief bites that don't capture the context of the whole story. “Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite” expands the conversation with these newsmakers along the I-4 corridor and beyond. Join award-winning Spectrum News 13 anchor and Orlando Woman of the Year Ybeth Bruzual, political reporter Greg Angel, and veteran producer Gary Darling for a must-hear interview each week and learn about the issues affecting Central Florida.

The soon-to-be-former Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolón talks about his three decades with the police department as he prepares for retirement.   And he shares what he has seen in law enforcement, what events had the most impact on him and comments on what the future may hold for him in the latest Beyond the Soundbite podcast.   ABOUT THE SHOW   Political figures and influencers are often heard in brief bites that don't capture the context of the whole story. “Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite” expands the conversation with these newsmakers along the I-4 corridor and beyond. Join award-winning Spectrum News 13 anchor and Orlando Woman of the Year Ybeth Bruzual, political reporter Greg Angel, and veteran producer Gary Darling for a must-hear interview each week and learn about the issues affecting Central Florida.

June 1 is the start of hurricane season, which lasts through Nov. 30.    Now, as we all know, it could be quiet, or it could be cantankerous, but the focus right now is being prepared.    We're taking that deep dive into the Weather Center with Spectrum News 13 Chief Meteorologist Bryan Karrick as he returns to this week's Beyond the Soundbite.   IN THIS EPISODE Spectrum News 13 Chief Meteorologist Bryan Karrick 's Twitter:  https://twitter.com/BKarrickWX   ABOUT THE SHOW   Political figures and influencers are often heard in brief bites that don't capture the context of the whole story. “Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite” expands the conversation with these newsmakers along the I-4 corridor and beyond. Join award-winning Spectrum News 13 anchor and Orlando Woman of the Year Ybeth Bruzual, political reporter Greg Angel, and veteran producer Gary Darling for a must-hear interview each week and learn about the issues affecting Central Florida.

So when you see a problem facing you, the best thing to do is take it head-on, right?    It works for so many of life's simple tasks, but our guest employs that same strategy to confront what many might consider to be a monumental task … fighting racism one person at a time.    How in the world can you even do that?  Let's find out from the man himself, Dr. Daryl Davis, who is the guest in the latest Beyond the Soundbite.   ABOUT THE SHOW   Political figures and influencers are often heard in brief bites that don't capture the context of the whole story. “Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite” expands the conversation with these newsmakers along the I-4 corridor and beyond. Join award-winning Spectrum News 13 anchor and Orlando Woman of the Year Ybeth Bruzual, political reporter Greg Angel, and veteran producer Gary Darling for a must-hear interview each week and learn about the issues affecting Central Florida.

An amazing week is in store for some very special athletes. From June 5 through June 12, Central Florida hosts the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, and if you think the games just take place at a high school track or in a gymnasium with just a handful of families and friends in attendance, you are wrong.    More than 4,000 athletes are supplemented with 10,000 volunteers, making the games a special event not only for the athletes but also for the 125,000 fans who attend.    What's the impact of the Games on Central Florida?  How is the Sunshine State positioned to present the best of the best on a world-class stage?   The Vice President of Sports and Programs for Special Olympics Florida, Bankole “Banks” Adebanjo, talks about all of that on this week's Beyond the Soundbite.   ABOUT THE SHOW   Political figures and influencers are often heard in brief bites that don't capture the context of the whole story. “Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite” expands the conversation with these newsmakers along the I-4 corridor and beyond. Join award-winning Spectrum News 13 anchor and Orlando Woman of the Year Ybeth Bruzual, political reporter Greg Angel, and veteran producer Gary Darling for a must-hear interview each week and learn about the issues affecting Central Florida.

It's being called a crisis, and Florida homeowners are bearing the brunt of the costs. We're talking about property and homeowners insurance.    Policies in Florida are not being renewed, some insurance companies leaving the state and some insurance companies are being dissolved.    The Florida Legislature is coming back for a Special Session May 23 through May 27, to address the problem, but what can they really do?    And what got us to this point in the first place?  We break it all down with Dexter Chase, agency owner in Apopka with the We Insure Group, on this week's Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite podcast.   IN THIS EPISODE   Dexter Chase's Twitter: https://twitter.com/weinsureapopka   ABOUT THE SHOW   Political figures and influencers are often heard in brief bites that don't capture the context of the whole story. “Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite” expands the conversation with these newsmakers along the I-4 corridor and beyond. Join award-winning Spectrum News 13 anchor and Orlando Woman of the Year Ybeth Bruzual, political reporter Greg Angel, and veteran producer Gary Darling for a must-hear interview each week and learn about the issues affecting Central Florida.

Huge news this week: a Monday night's gigantic news bomb out of Washington, D.C.: Politico reporting on and publishing a draft of a majority opinion by the United States Supreme Court that would come out after a ruling on Dobbs vs. Jackson, the Mississippi abortion case, which could then ultimately overturn Roe vs. Wade, a decision that's been in place since 1973.    The high court confirmed that the draft is authentic, but said it does not represent a decision by the court nor the final position of any of its members.   With so many implications from this, we're going to break it all down for you with our guest attorney and former federal prosecutor David Haas in this week's Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite.   IN THIS EPISODE   David Haas' Twitter: https://twitter.com/HaasLawPLLC   ABOUT THE SHOW   Political figures and influencers are often heard in brief bites that don't capture the context of the whole story. “Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite” expands the conversation with these newsmakers along the I-4 corridor and beyond. Join award-winning Spectrum News 13 anchor and Orlando Woman of the Year Ybeth Bruzual, political reporter Greg Angel, and veteran producer Gary Darling for a must-hear interview each week and learn about the issues affecting Central Florida.

There's a new form of money out there that you may or may not have heard of, and for the people who haven't heard of it, they might be saying “Wait, what?  New money?” It's true.    Forget nickels and dimes and dollar bills, there's something out there called cryptocurrency. So what is it?  Why is it different than cold hard cash? And how can you get some?    Karan Wienker is a realtor here in Central Florida but has had quite a financial career, including several years on Wall Street in New York City, so she's seen a lot when it comes to money and the flow of money.    We're doing Cryptocurrency 101 on this week's Beyond the Soundbite.   ABOUT THE SHOW   Political figures and influencers are often heard in brief bites that don't capture the context of the whole story. “Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite” expands the conversation with these newsmakers along the I-4 corridor and beyond. Join award-winning Spectrum News 13 anchor and Orlando Woman of the Year Ybeth Bruzual, political reporter Greg Angel, and veteran producer Gary Darling for a must-hear interview each week and learn about the issues affecting Central Florida.

When we say this is a political podcast, it is not just about the horse race of campaigns. It is about the process of government.   The oversight approach. What government does and how it impacts our lives, and that is where we are this week, talking about government oversight of Florida's most critical product: attractions and tourism.   There is so much attention on this issue in light of the recent death of 14-year-old Tyre Sampson. He was here in Orlando with friends attending a football camp. Like so many, he was out one night, taking in the sights, sounds, and rides.   On March 24, Sampson fell to his death from the 430-foot-tall Orlando FreeFall attraction located at ICON Park. We should note here ICON Park is essentially the landlord. The attraction is owned and operated by The SlingShot Group. It's estimated Sampson fell at least 50 feet to his death.   There are questions about how this happened.   Did the ride malfunction? Did operators do something wrong? Was Sampson too big for the ride to begin with?   There are state investigations underway, and there are private investigations underway. Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried's office is overseeing the investigation since her agency has oversight of attractions. This is what she said April 1:   “I promise you all and to the families and this community and everybody, based on this investigation, we'll be working internally if we've already gotten authority to make changes and with assistance from legislature to make changes we deem necessary based solely on the investigation.”   And this is where we are diving into the conversation. Ken Martin is a safety analyst and consultant with decades of experience inspecting attractions, investigating accidents, and being at the forefront of making sure the rides we ride are as safe as possible. He talks about all things regarding amusement ride safety on this week's Beyond the Soundbite.   IN THIS EPISODE   Ken Martin's Twitter: https://twitter.com/kenmartinsafety   ABOUT THE SHOW   Political figures and influencers are often heard in brief bites that don't capture the context of the whole story. “Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite” expands the conversation with these newsmakers along the I-4 corridor and beyond. Join award-winning Spectrum News 13 anchor and Orlando Woman of the Year Ybeth Bruzual, political reporter Greg Angel, and veteran producer Gary Darling for a must-hear interview each week and learn about the issues affecting Central Florida.

This week, we are talking about what is perhaps becoming Florida's fiercest political feud: Gov. Ron DeSantis vs. Disney.    In the last days of the Florida Legislative Session, lawmakers passed House Bill 1557 —Parental Rights in Education, dubbed by critics as the “Don't Say Gay” bill.  After its passage and support by DeSantis, Disney came out against the bill, and, in a show of support for their cast members, pulled political contributions in Florida.    DeSantis countered, saying Disney stepped over a line by condemning the legislation and called Disney a “woke” corporation. Beyond that, the governor intimated that perhaps lawmakers in Tallahassee should reexamine the special perks that Disney enjoys in Florida, specifically the Reedy Creek Improvement District designation, which allows Disney to basically operate as its own form of government on its property.    The RCID has been in place since 1967, enacted by the Florida Legislature at the time.  Political analyst and former State Rep. Dick Batchelor joins Ybeth Bruzual and Greg Angel to talk about DeSantis vs. Disney on this week's Beyond the Soundbite. IN THIS EPISODE   Dick Batchelor's Twitter: https://twitter.com/dickjbatchelor   ABOUT THE SHOW   Political figures and influencers are often heard in brief bites that don't capture the context of the whole story. “Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite” expands the conversation with these newsmakers along the I-4 corridor and beyond. Join award-winning Spectrum News 13 anchor and Orlando Woman of the Year Ybeth Bruzual, political reporter Greg Angel, and veteran producer Gary Darling for a must-hear interview each week and learn about the issues affecting Central Florida.

The 2022 Legislative Session is in the books.  Lawmakers needed extra time to pass the budget, which, by the way, was because the budget got to lawmakers later than expected, and then there were lots of bills you probably heard about, lots of division down party lines.    We talk about that and significant bills that passed with Republican State Rep. Anthony Sabatini returning to this week's Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite.   RELATED podcasts: 2022 Legislative Session in review GOP lauds legislative wins Democrats react to 2022 Legislative losses   IN THIS EPISODE   Anthony Sabatini's Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnthonySabatini   ABOUT THE SHOW   Political figures and influencers are often heard in brief bites that don't capture the context of the whole story. “Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite” expands the conversation with these newsmakers along the I-4 corridor and beyond. Join award-winning Spectrum News 13 anchor and Orlando Woman of the Year Ybeth Bruzual, political reporter Greg Angel, and veteran producer Gary Darling for a must-hear interview each week and learn about the issues affecting Central Florida.  

The 2022 Legislative Session is in the books, and the Session saw a lot bills that spurred heated debate and divisions among party lines. One bill, HB 5 “Reducing Fetal and Infant Mortality,” also known as the 15-week abortion bill.    It passed, but not without fierce opposition from the left and fierce support on the right.    RELATED: 2022 Legislative Session: GOP lauds legislative wins   ABOUT THE SHOW   Political figures and influencers are often heard in brief bites that don't capture the context of the whole story. “Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite” expands the conversation with these newsmakers along the I-4 corridor and beyond. Join award-winning Spectrum News 13 anchor and Orlando Woman of the Year Ybeth Bruzual, political reporter Greg Angel, and veteran producer Gary Darling for a must-hear interview each week and learn about the issues affecting Central Florida.   We talk about that and other significant bills as Democratic State Rep. Anna Eskamani returns to Beyond the Soundbite.

The 2022 Legislative Session is in the books. Lawmakers needed extra time to pass the budget, which, by the way, was because the budget got to lawmakers later than expected, and then they had to wait 72 hours before they could vote on it.   But before that, lots of bills you probably heard about and lots of division down party lines.    We talk about that and significant bills that passed with Republican State Sen. Jason Brodeur on this week's Beyond the Soundbite.   RELATED: 2022 Legislative Session in review   ABOUT THE SHOW   Political figures and influencers are often heard in brief bites that don't capture the context of the whole story. “Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite” expands the conversation with these newsmakers along the I-4 corridor and beyond. Join award-winning Spectrum News 13 anchor and Orlando Woman of the Year Ybeth Bruzual, political reporter Greg Angel, and veteran producer Gary Darling for a must-hear interview each week and learn about the issues affecting Central Florida.

March 16, 2022: The 2022 Legislative Session is in the books, and the Session saw a lot bills that spurred heated debate and divisions among party lines.  HB 1557, the “Parental Rights in Education" bill, is arguably the most controversial bill of the Session and was dubbed by critics as the “Don't Say Gay” bill. It passed, but not without fierce opposition from the left and fierce support on the right.  We talk about that and other significant bills with State Representative Carlos Guillermo Smith on this week's “Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite." ABOUT THE SHOW   Political figures and influencers are often heard in brief bites that don't capture the context of the whole story. “Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite” expands the conversation with these newsmakers along the I-4 corridor and beyond. Join award-winning Spectrum News 13 anchor and Orlando Woman of the Year Ybeth Bruzual, political reporter Greg Angel, and veteran producer Gary Darling for a must-hear interview each week and learn about the issues affecting Central Florida.

Feb. 24, 2022: It was rumored to happen for months, but it finally did.  Russia invaded Ukraine.    The whole world watched as Russian military vehicles line up for miles, waiting for the orders to go into Ukraine.   And then there was more video of missile attacks and the resulting damage. Thousands of Ukrainians trying to flee the country, however, reports also emerging of Ukrainians fighting back and not just rolling over for Russian President Vladimir Putin.    This is a situation that's changing minute by minute, and one of the many questions we have is, what are the local Central Florida effects of the Russia/Ukraine war?    Dr. Joan Davison, professor of political science at Rollins College, is our guest on this week's Beyond the Soundbite.   ABOUT THE SHOW   Political figures and influencers are often heard in brief bites that don't capture the context of the whole story. “Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite” expands the conversation with these newsmakers along the I-4 corridor and beyond. Join award-winning Spectrum News 13 anchor and Orlando Woman of the Year Ybeth Bruzual, political reporter Greg Angel, and veteran producer Gary Darling for a must-hear interview each week and learn about the issues affecting Central Florida.

There is nothing we hate more than getting stuck in traffic, especially on the verge of a weekend getaway to, say, Miami.    Now, imagine bypassing the Turnpike and getting to Miami, going at points 135 miles per hour, and you don't even have to do the driving!  That is part of the pitch from the group behind Brightline, the near-high-speed rail service in development right now that will soon link Central Florida with South Florida by rail.    We talk about the four corners of the project with Brightline Chief Executive Officer Mike Reininger on this week's Beyond the Soundbite. ABOUT THE SHOW   Political figures and influencers are often heard in brief bites that don't capture the context of the whole story. “Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite” expands the conversation with these newsmakers along the I-4 corridor and beyond. Join award-winning Spectrum News 13 anchor and Orlando Woman of the Year Ybeth Bruzual, political reporter Greg Angel, and veteran producer Gary Darling for a must-hear interview each week and learn about the issues affecting Central Florida.

There is no denying it, Central Florida is busting at the seams. Growing rapidly.  At one point Florida was seeing 1,000 people moving to the state every day.    We've talked extensively about housing and affordable housing, but that is one piece of a broader puzzle.  This week, we're talking about how to get those people around, and what Central Florida needs to do when it comes to transit.    Our guests this week know the challenges all too well. Naqiy McMullen, co-chair of the grassroots group Central Floridians for Public Transit, and Tim Hayes with Orlando Bike Coalition join us for this week's Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite.   ABOUT THE SHOW   Political figures and influencers are often heard in brief bites that don't capture the context of the whole story. “Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite” expands the conversation with these newsmakers along the I-4 corridor and beyond. Join award-winning Spectrum News 13 anchor and Orlando Woman of the Year Ybeth Bruzual, political reporter Greg Angel, and veteran producer Gary Darling for a must-hear interview each week and learn about the issues affecting Central Florida.

This week we are diving into several critical issues in Central Florida. Having a conversation about issues that arguably don't get enough attention.   Human trafficking, opioid overdoses, and mental health, especially when it comes to law enforcement.    Our guest is on the forefront of all of these challenges.   Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma is our guest for this week's Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite.   ABOUT THE SHOW   Political figures and influencers are often heard in brief bites that don't capture the context of the whole story. “Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite” expands the conversation with these newsmakers along the I-4 corridor and beyond. Join award-winning Spectrum News 13 anchor and Orlando Woman of the Year Ybeth Bruzual, political reporter Greg Angel, and veteran producer Gary Darling for a must-hear interview each week and learn about the issues affecting Central Florida.

To partially quote Benjamin Franklin, “… in this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.”   So, how does the government spend our taxes, and are they doing it in our best interest?    Our guest this week oversees one of the state's most prominent, independent, non-partisan nonprofits that helps keep the Florida government accountable.   Florida Tax Watch President and CEO Dominic Calabro is the guest this week and he shares some insightful information.   ABOUT THE SHOW   Political figures and influencers are often heard in brief bites that don't capture the context of the whole story. “Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite” expands the conversation with these newsmakers along the I-4 corridor and beyond. Join award-winning Spectrum News 13 anchor and Orlando Woman of the Year Ybeth Bruzual, political reporter Greg Angel, and veteran producer Gary Darling for a must-hear interview each week and learn about the issues affecting Central Florida.

Florida is called “The Sunshine State” not only because of its estimated 237 days of sunshine each year, but also for the tradition of keeping a light on government: Making government records and processes public.     No one knows more about that than this week's guest, retiring Communications Director for the Florida Supreme Court Craig Waters, who shares his experiences in the latest Beyond the Soundbite. ABOUT THE SHOW   Political figures and influencers are often heard in brief bites that don't capture the context of the whole story. “Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite” expands the conversation with these newsmakers along the I-4 corridor and beyond. Join award-winning Spectrum News 13 anchor and Orlando Woman of the Year Ybeth Bruzual, political reporter Greg Angel, and veteran producer Gary Darling for a must-hear interview each week and learn about the issues affecting Central Florida.

It's been over a year since the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, an attack driven by political division.    Hate is nothing new, and hate in politics is nothing new, either, but every time there is a new incident, we generally wind up saying “this is the worst it's ever been”, and then of course, the next incident is “the worst it's ever been” and so on and so forth.    How do we course-correct before it's too late?  What should we be looking out for?    Jonathan Greenblatt is the chief executive officer of the Anti-Defamation League and author of “IT COULD HAPPEN HERE: Why America Is Tipping From Hate to The Unthinkable — And How We Can Stop It”.   He will share his thoughts in the latest Beyond the Soundbite podcast.   RELATED: This Ex-Orlando Cop Survived a Kidnapping in the Congo. Here's How He Saw the Capitol Siege.   ABOUT THE SHOW   Political figures and influencers are often heard in brief bites that don't capture the context of the whole story. “Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite” expands the conversation with these newsmakers along the I-4 corridor and beyond. Join award-winning Spectrum News 13 anchor and Orlando Woman of the Year Ybeth Bruzual, political reporter Greg Angel, and veteran producer Gary Darling for a must-hear interview each week and learn about the issues affecting Central Florida.

Well, no doubt you know, but 2022 is an election year.  On the federal level, a third of all U.S. senators, as well as all members of the House of Representatives, are up for re-election.   And a bit different on the state level as all seats are up because of redistricting.    Redistricting, by the way, is top of mind for Florida legislators now as their annual 60-day lawmaking session is underway.    To talk about all of that and more is this week's guest, Cecile Scoon, the president of the League of Women Voters of Florida on Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite.    ABOUT THE SHOW   Political figures and influencers are often heard in brief bites that don't capture the context of the whole story. “Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite” expands the conversation with these newsmakers along the I-4 corridor and beyond. Join award-winning Spectrum News 13 anchor and Orlando Woman of the Year Ybeth Bruzual, political reporter Greg Angel, and veteran producer Gary Darling for a must-hear interview each week and learn about the issues affecting Central Florida.

One word:  Omicron. Just the latest variant of concern of COVID-19, after last summer's delta.   In the week between Christmas and New Year's, the lines for COVID-19 testing were eye-opening.    At the Barnett Park testing site in Orlando at the Central Florida Fairgrounds, cars wrapped throughout the park, out to West Colonial Drive, back to Mercy Drive, and back up Mercy Drive, all before the testing site opened for business at 9 a.m.    However, it appears as though deaths and hospitalizations with omicron are not higher than what we would consider normal.    So why is Omicron pushing more people to testing sites? Is there something special about omicron?    We find out from Orlando pulmonologist Dr. Fortune Alabi on this week's “Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite.”   ABOUT THE SHOW   Political figures and influencers are often heard in brief bites that don't capture the context of the whole story. “Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite” expands the conversation with these newsmakers along the I-4 corridor and beyond. Join award-winning Spectrum News 13 anchor and Orlando Woman of the Year Ybeth Bruzual, political reporter Greg Angel, and veteran producer Gary Darling for a must-hear interview each week and learn about the issues affecting Central Florida.

The numbers are just heartbreaking. Over the last 30 years, 216,786 hate crimes were reported in the United States.    And 34% of those crimes were against African Americans. Hate crimes against Jewish Americans placed second, with nearly 13%.   Now, as 2022 gets underway, state lawmakers are looking to pass new hate crime legislation. The question is: Will it have an effect?    Those are the questions Spectrum News 13's Ybeth Bruzual puts to Sarah Emmons, regional director for the Anti-Defamation League, and Olivia Babis, senior public policy analyst for Disability Rights Florida, on this week's Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite. ABOUT THE SHOW   Political figures and influencers are often heard in brief bites that don't capture the context of the whole story. “Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite” expands the conversation with these newsmakers along the I-4 corridor and beyond. Join award-winning Spectrum News 13 anchor and Orlando Woman of the Year Ybeth Bruzual, political reporter Greg Angel, and veteran producer Gary Darling for a must-hear interview each week and learn about the issues affecting Central Florida.

Check that calendar. Oh yes, 2022 is just around the corner! Can you believe it? Neither can we!    So what we're doing this week is to talk about heading into a new year. What's on tap? What's on the horizon?    And, yes, to keep in good standing with the head honchos, what's going to happen in the political world in 2022?    Ybeth, Greg, and Gary are consulting the crystal ball on this week's Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite. About This Podcast   Political figures and influencers are often heard in brief bites that don't capture the context of the whole story. “Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite” expands the conversation with these newsmakers along the I-4 corridor and beyond. Join award-winning Spectrum News 13 anchor and Orlando Woman of the Year Ybeth Bruzual, political reporter Greg Angel, and veteran producer Gary Darling for a must-hear interview each week and learn about the issues affecting Central Florida.