For years, there's been fierce debate over whether Puerto Rico should become the 51st state of the U.S., from politicians and residents of the territory as well as the mainland.

Does a majority on the island want statehood, or is it just a vocal few? And how would the move affect the nation as a whole?

There are so many Puerto Ricans who come to Florida to visit, reside, or establish second homes. What would Florida have to gain from Puerto Rico being a state?

In this week's Beyond the Soundbite, we discuss U.S. statehood for Puerto Rico — whose people are U.S. citizens but can't vote in federal elections — with U.S. Rep. Darren Soto, a Democrat whose District 9 includes Orange, Osceola and Polk counties.

In This Episode

U.S. Rep. Darren Soto's Twitter: @RepDarrenSoto

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.