CMF Public Media

Carroll McKenney Foundation for Public Media, Inc.
A Tax Exempt 501(c)(3) Publicly Supported Charity.

Featured Podcasts

So Long

On February 11, 2019, this web site will be permanently deactivated and no longer be accessible to a visitor like you.

(Written by Stephen McKenney Steck, (Title graphic - Rob Kammel/KMDG. Photos – CMF Public Media)

Foster care is a refuge for abused, neglected & abandoned children. Stephanie Weinstein, a foster parent for 12 years living in Seminole County, Florida, describes the joys & challenges of embracing children who need a safe place to live. Her adopted daughter Laura, age 8, also shares her thoughts on families & fostering. Length – 18:07

Hey Stranger. What’s Your Story? (Chris)

At Trotwood Park in the city of Winter Springs, we meet Chris, the father of a son with SPD – sensory processing disorder. He describes the challenges his son & family face as a result of SPD. This story – offered by a stranger whom we serendipitously met at a city park — ends with a message of pride, confidence & encouragement (length – 17:42)

(Produced, reported and edited by Stephen McKenney Steck)

Adicks: The Life of John Lee

Historian Dr. Richard Adicks describes the Myths and Legends of the Life of John Lee in a presentation to the Oviedo Historical Society. John Lee came to Florida in the early 1800’s and his descendants pioneered OviedoFlorida. Adicks describes the process of gathering historical and genealogical data, oral history and separating fact from legend (length 24:29)

(photo – “Everglades Florida” courtesy Robert S. Flaum)

Florida’s Imperiled Waters

The springs, rivers and lakes of Central Florida are some of our most valued and fragile resources. A panel of experts discusses the challenges and prospects for water resources in our region. The issues include freshwater for homes, business and agriculture, the importance of a water ethic and the ways in which water is conserved and reclaimed (Length 22:50)

(Produced and edited by Desta Horner, Audio support – Terry Kyle, 911TechMed)

Steamboats in Florida

From the 1870’s to the 1900’s steamboats and paddle wheelers traveled the rivers of Florida. It was a time of hardscrabble farming and frontier tourism. Hear Ed L’Heureux give a presentation to the Oviedo Historical Society about this critical transportation link during the post civil war period in Florida. (length 17:29)

Oviedo and Jim Crow

Oviedo Florida in the era of Jim Crow laws and segregation is the topic of this personal history and commentary by Judith Delores Smith. In this personal memoir, she describes the close knit colored communities in Oviedo, the segregated schools, the inspirational churches, the agricultural workers and painful incidents that often punctuated daily life (length 23:20).

(Produced, reported and edited by Desta Horner)

Saigon: Last Chopper Out

Marine Colonel Gerald Berry of Winter Springs, Fl., recounts his role in the dramatic story of the evacuation of the U.S. Ambassador in the Vietnam war (length 18:38).

(Produced, reported and edited by Stephen McKenney Steck, Event photos – Charles E. Miller for CMF Public Media, Helicopter title photo – courtesy Cpl Aubry L. Buzek & USMC; Historical photos courtesy Col. Gerald Berry. Event audio support – John Campbell & First United Methodist Church)

Most Popular Podcasts

The Crooked Mayor

Crooked_Mayor title (money picture courtesy - Dani Simmonds)

Forest Lake, mayor, legislator, banker, embezzler and crook is a classic scoundrel from the roaring 20’s and bankrupt 30’s in Florida. He helped create Seminole County in 1913 only to find his vision corrupted by greed. The story of the infamous mayor of Sanford is told by Professor Dan Gilmartin of Seminole State College. (length 23:33)

(Produced, reported and edited by Desta Horner, Historical photos courtesy Jim Robison)

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The Gilded Age in Florida

Gary Mormino, history professor emeritus at USF, speaks at Winter Park’s Casa Feliz on the Gilded Age of Florida: the era of Henry Flagler, the rise of tourism, resort hotels like the Seminole in Winter Park, the orange as marketing icon for the state, & the story of Walt Disney’s father during the Great Freeze of 1895. Feature length - 20:09.

(Produced, reported and edited by Desta Horner)

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Our Springs: Nature vs. Nitrates

Our Springs title (photo “Waterlilly 3” courtesy Flavio Takemoto)

Many of Florida’s springs, including Wekiva Springs in Seminole County, have high levels of nitrate contamination which has stimulated a dangerous growth in algae and water plants. Scientists Dr. Robert Knight and Dr. Todd Kincaid present their analysis of the problem, and the research that suggests action to protect the Floridan Aquifer and the spring (length: 27:38).

(Produced, reported and edited by Desta Horner, Title photo “Waterlilly 3” courtesy Flavio Takemoto)

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Geneva: History Alive!

The Museum of Geneva History is a treasure trove of special items from Florida’s past, especially the pioneer days. Mal and Mary Jo Martin of the historical society take us on an audio tour that makes Geneva history come alive! Length: 18:10

(Produced, reported and edited by Desta Horner)

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Code Enforcement

Keeping Seminole County clean, neat and livable is the job of code enforcement officers. Trash, stagnant pools and a whole lot more come under their vigilant eyes. Hear code enforcement officers Debby Leigh of Seminole County and Nathan Johnson of Sanford make their rounds responding to violations of the county and city codes. Feature length – 24:51

(Produced, reported and edited by Desta Horner)

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Heavenly Hoofs: Riding for the Disabled

Heavenly Hoofs provides children with disabilities an opportunity to ride horses. In Kissimmee, Florida, this non-profit offers horseback riding as a form of physical and spiritual therapy for those with special needs. Listen to the children and meet the instructors and volunteers who work to share “the spirit of the horse” with kids in need. length – 17:36

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Walt Griffin – Superintendent Seminole County Public Schools

Walt Griffin was appointed superintendent of Seminole County Public Schools in July 2012. At a recent Seminole County League of Women Voters Hot Topics luncheon, Griffin discusses his vision for the future of the district schools, their current status and the new ePathways initiative. (Length: 24:13)

(Still photos – Charles E. Miller for CMF Public Media)

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