Central Florida Public Media

Central Florida Public Media Central Florida’s source for trustworthy, independent journalism that’s grounded in listening to our community, plus national news and programs from NPR.

Central Florida Public Media, previously named WMFE, is a nonprofit, public media news organization based in Orlando, Fla., dedicated to delivering trustworthy, independent journalism to nine counties across Central Florida. Community owned and independently operated, Central Florida Public Media is primarily supported by generous individual donors, foundations and corporate sponsors. The organization operates 90.7, metro Orlando’s primary provider of NPR programming; 90.7-2 HD Classical; and 89.5 WMFV, public radio for The Villages, Leesburg and The Golden Triangle. Additionally, Central Florida Public Media’s programming can be enjoyed on multiple platforms including all podcast platforms, smart speakers and the Central Florida Public Media app and website. To learn more, visit cfpublic.org. Vision
Our vision is to lead Central Florida’s community conversation, based on substantiated facts and respect for diverse perspectives. We aim to be the essential source for distinctive journalism, grounded in listening and committed to creating a safe but challenging space to broaden our understanding of each other and the world. We strive to be a model workplace that embraces risk, innovation, and authenticity. Mission
Central Florida Public Media provides Central Florida with journalism and fact-based content that empower the community to better understand and participate in our diverse and complex world

Problems We Solve
Central Florida Public Media addresses four key community challenges:
● Misinformation & Disinformation
In a time when information is plentiful but not always factual, we are fiercely committed to accuracy and context in all our content.
● Shrinking Journalism Ecosystem
In a time of declining investment in professional journalism across the nation and in Central Florida, we are committed to preserving and bolstering the critical role of a free press in our democratic society.
● Division
In a time of extreme discord in our nation and our community, we are committed to providing a space for civil, thoughtful dialogue that creates a sense of community by building understanding of diverse perspectives, experiences, and realities.
● Uncertainty
In a time of constant change and anxiety about the future, we are committed to providing clarity without sensationalism, in order to empower our audience to make informed decisions. How We’re Funded
Central Florida Public Media is community-owned and operated and is supported by generous individual donors, foundations, corporate sponsors. A small portion of our revenue comes from state and federal funding sources.

09/04/2026

Local leaders and a housing nonprofit are celebrating the start of development of The Village of Pine Hills, a three building, three story complex on 5121 North Pine Hills Road bringing nearly 100 new affordable housing units. The overall cost for the new development is around $35.7 million.

The 96 apartment homes are being built by Ability Housing, a nonprofit organization focused on building affordable housing across the state.

Full story: https://www.cfpublic.org/housing-homelessness/2026-09-04/new-affordable-housing-units-are-coming-to-pine-hills

As many prepare for BBQs by the pool this Labor Day week, an autism advocacy group is reminding families that distracted...
09/04/2026

As many prepare for BBQs by the pool this Labor Day week, an autism advocacy group is reminding families that distracted supervision is the primary factor in child drownings.

The Autism Society of Greater Orlando is telling parents to pay extra close attention this weekend as drownings remain high this year in Florida.

Juvenile drowning numbers have been climbing in recent years. In 2024, there was a record number of 104 deaths, according to the Florida Department of Health.

Last year, the record was broken with 140 child drownings, state data show. This year, the number is already 92. Nearly a third of those were in Central Florida.

According to the National Autism Association, 91 percent of drownings that occur do so because a child eloped or ran away toward something. Elopement is a common characteristic shared by autistic children, Lorman said, and they do so because of their high sensory sensitivity and seek water for a “calming effect.”

In July, Florida expanded its Swim Lesson Voucher Program that puts children ages 1-7 who have autism at the front of the line for subsidized swim lessons. The vouchers covered ages 1-5 prior to the rule change, but Lorman would like to see the program covering up to age 18.

Full story: https://www.cfpublic.org/health/2026-09-04/florida-drownings-rise-why-autism-advocates-want-parents-alert-labor-day

09/03/2026

Central Florida families, why are you staying or leaving your public school?

Several Central Florida school districts are seeing lower-than-expected enrollment this year.

We want to hear from families. What’s behind your decision to stay in public schools, switch schools, homeschool or choose another option?

Your experience could help us understand what’s driving enrollment changes across Central Florida.

Message our education reporter Kayla Kissel at or email [email protected] if you’re willing to share your story.

SpaceX is looking to expand into Louisiana to build a new launch facility with multiple launch pads for its Starship spa...
09/02/2026

SpaceX is looking to expand into Louisiana to build a new launch facility with multiple launch pads for its Starship spacecraft. Then, to walk on the moon, NASA needs new suits.

Get this episode: https://bit.ly/4yg6MFo

While you're at it, be sure to subscribe to the "Are We There Yet" Podcast!

Central Florida Public Media is inviting applications for a two-year term on our Community Advisory Board. We are lookin...
09/02/2026

Central Florida Public Media is inviting applications for a two-year term on our Community Advisory Board. We are looking for individuals who reflect the diverse perspectives and interests of the Central Florida community. The Board meets periodically to provide guidance on programming and community engagement. All qualified applicants will be considered and will receive notification of the selection outcome by mid-December.

Start your nomination here: https://bit.ly/4mkR3hR

Wedgefield residents have a difficult choice to make about the future of water and wastewater services in the east Orang...
09/01/2026

Wedgefield residents have a difficult choice to make about the future of water and wastewater services in the east Orange County community — and none of the available options are particularly promising.

Residents have repeatedly raised a range of concerns with both systems: from water main breaks and low water pressure, to bad-tasting drinking water and tap water that smells of sewage.

Full story: https://www.cfpublic.org/environment/2026-09-01/wedgefield-residents-weigh-ways-fund-fixes-struggling-water-wastewater-systems

The year's shortest meteorological window has closed, framing a season of extreme weather across the Sunshine State. Flo...
09/01/2026

The year's shortest meteorological window has closed, framing a season of extreme weather across the Sunshine State. Florida’s 2026 meteorological summer felt like it would never end—and the data proves it wasn't just your imagination! Beyond just the long calendar, the weather itself was relentless, with Orlando seeing one of its warmest summer in over 130 years and Miami hitting a triple-digit 100° mark for the first time since the 1940s.

Full story: https://www.cfpublic.org/2026-08-31/floridas-summer-2026-the-heat-and-drought-in-the-rearview

By Leslie Hudson | Florida Public Radio Emergency Network

Backlash against Flock Safety license plate readers came to a head on Monday in Central Florida and statewide.On Monday,...
09/01/2026

Backlash against Flock Safety license plate readers came to a head on Monday in Central Florida and statewide.

On Monday, the Florida Department of Transportation announced that it would revoke permits for license plate readers on state right-of-ways.

And during a work session Monday night, the Oviedo City Council agreed to prematurely end the city’s five-year contract with Flock Safety, citing privacy and security concerns.

The controversial license plate readers have come under fire from Republicans and Democrats in recent months, including Gov. Ron DeSantis, over privacy and security concerns.

Full story: https://www.cfpublic.org/politics/2026-09-01/flock-cameras-fdot-oviedo

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11510 E Colonial Drive
Orlando, FL
32817

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