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The Florida Roundup is a live, weekly call-in show with a distinct focus on the issues affecting Floridians. Each Friday at noon, listeners can engage in the conversation with journalists, newsmakers and other Floridians about change, policy and the future of our lives in the sunshine state.Join our host, WLRN’s Tom Hudson, broadcasting from Miami.

Florida’s war with Disney, ban on teaching gender identity, and higher education reform

A statue of Walt Disney and Micky Mouse stand near the Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. on Jan. 9, 2019.
John Raoux
/
AP
A statue of Walt Disney and Micky Mouse stand near the Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. on Jan. 9, 2019.

On this week's Florida Roundup, we discuss the state's efforts to take back control of Disney World's special district, a ban on gender identity instruction through 12th grade, and major higher education reforms.

Florida’s tug of war with Disney

The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board, appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, outlined an aggressive plan this week to try to take back control of the special taxing district that covers Disney World.

At the same time, DeSantis floated other changes, even suggesting that the state could build a prison next to the theme park. We explore what the governor’s clash over Disney means for the state’s bottom line.

Guests:

  • Sarah Rumpf, contributing editor for Mediaite. 
  • Michael Allan Wolf, professor at the University of Florida Levin College of Law. 

State extends ban on gender identity instruction

The Board of Education on Wednesday approved a ban on classroom instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity in all grades, expanding the law that currently bans those lessons up to grade 3.

The new rule prohibits instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity from grades 4-12, unless required by existing state standards or as part of a reproductive health course that students can opt out of.

Meanwhile, a controversial bill that makes a series of higher education changes is close to passing the Florida Legislature.

Guests:

  • Jeffrey Solochek, education reporter for the Tampa Bay Times.  
  • Jeremy C. Young, education reporter for Politico. 

Copyright 2023 WJCT News 89.9. To see more, visit WJCT News 89.9.

Bridget O'Brien produces WLRN's The Florida Roundup as well as morning newscasts. A long-time public radio geek, she feels that audio journalism can take a story beyond text and allows listeners to truly connect through the power of voice. With a background in drama, she brings a theatrical element to everything she does.
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