Ryan Lynch from the Orlando Business Journal joins Talking Central Florida to discuss transportation stories including massive road infrastructure projects in Osceola, Orange, Polk, and Seminole counties, robotaxis, and an overhaul of Downtown Orlando streets. And Brendan O'Connor from The Orlando Shine and Nick Georgoudiou from The Community Paper discuss other downtown issues including public safety, efforts to diversify the business base, and the health of the local swan population. Plus, local arts groups focus on storytelling to help raise critical funds.

Show notes:

Florida Senate Budget: https://static-s3.lobbytools.com/bills/2026/pdf/2500PB.pdf

Florida House Budget: https://static-s3.lobbytools.com/bills/2026/pdf/5001.pdf

Governor's Budget Recommendations: https://static-s3.lobbytools.com/docs/2025/12/10/136980_nor_s_budget_recommendations_fiscal_year_2026_27_bill_format.pdf

Canvass Cultural Master Plan: https://canvas.konveio.com/

From the French Quarter to Orange Avenue (Orlando Shine): Nightlife strategies that work (Orlando Shine): https://orlandoshine.com/from-the-french-quarter-to-orange-avenue-nightlife-strategies-that-work/

Real Life Education brings good news to Immerse (The Community Paper): https://www.yourcommunitypaper.com/articles/real-life-education-brings-good-news-to-immerse/

The Southern Beltway (CFX): https://www.movepoinciana.com/wp-content/uploads/CFX-Southern-Beltway-Map-2-10-26.pdf

417 to Sanford Airport Connector (CFX): https://www.cfxway.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/417-246A-Preferred-Alternative-Alignment-2A.pdf

Orlando Sentinel reporter Ryan Gillespie discusses the dispute over federal reimbursements for the holding of ICE detainees and federal inmates at the Orange County jail. And Brendan Byrne from Central Florida Public Media explains the latest setback for the Artemis II mission, and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk's ambitious goals for the Moon. Plus, Abe Aboraya from the Oviedo Community News joins the show to talk about his reporting on the challenges facing Seminole County's micro-transit system. Talking Central Florida is a production of the News Collaborative of Central Florida.

Show notes:

Ryan Gillespie's reporting on immigration:

Jerry Demings extends deadline for U.S. Marshals in cost dispute over jail detainees: https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/02/20/jerry-demings-extends-deadline-for-u-s-marshals-in-cost-dispute-over-jail-detainees/

As feds eye a potential Orlando ICE facility, records show detainees might stay for 7 days: https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/02/14/as-feds-eye-a-potential-orlando-ice-detention-facility-records-show-what-it-entails/

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Update since recording - Latest on state reimbursement of local law enforcement agencies (Tampa Bay Times): https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/02/24/desantis-cabinet-immigration-law-enforcement-equipment-reimbursement-bonuses/

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Brendan Byrne's reporting on Artemis II:

NASA returning moon rocket to hangar, delaying astronaut mission at least a month: https://www.cfpublic.org/space/2026-02-22/nasa-returning-moon-rocket-to-hangar-delaying-astronaut-mission-at-least-a-month

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Abe Aboraya's reporting for the Oviedo Community News:

Jesse Phillips, alleged author of bill that would give mayor more power, now running for mayor: https://oviedocommunitynews.org/2026/02/19/jesse-phillips-alleged-author-of-bill-that-would-give-mayor-more-power-now-running-for-mayor/

Riders still struggling to get to work using Scout: https://oviedocommunitynews.org/2026/02/11/riders-still-struggling-to-get-to-work-using-scout/

This week, we take a look at the News Collaborative of Central Florida and how local outlets are working together to strengthen community journalism.

Plus, Florida's "medical freedom" bill, and in-depth local reporting on development and e-bike regulation in Winter Park.

Show notes:

Orlando Sentinel: https://www.orlandosentinel.com/

Oviedo Community News: https://oviedocommunitynews.org/

Joe Mario Pedersen's reporting on healthcare for Central Florida Public Media: https://www.cfpublic.org/people/joe-mario-pedersen

Lot Split Request Puts Future of Gamble Rogers Estate in Question: https://winterparkvoice.com/lot-split-request-puts-future-of-gamble-rogers-estate-in-question/

Winter Park Voice reporting on electric scooters and bikes: https://winterparkvoice.com/have-complaints-about-electric-scooters-and-bikes-meeting-scheduled-for-next-month/