Florida Matters

The state’s property insurance market is in big trouble. Homeowners are paying more for less coverage as insurance companies shed customers. Some companies have gone under. Lawmakers return to Tallahassee next week for a special session to deal with the crisis.

We talk with Health News Florida reporter Stephanie Colombini about her reporting on Florida’s “No Patient Left Alone” act. The new law lets family members visit patients in health care facilities — even during an emergency like a pandemic.

We discuss the leadership style of Governor Ron DeSantis, leading up to the November mid-term elections. His priorities during the latest legislative session have put him at the leading edge of the country’s “culture war.”

We recap the recent special session to redraw the state’s congressional boundaries. Lawmakers voted largely along party lines to approve maps proposed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The controversial maps are expected to reduce Black Congressional representation in the state — especially with the elimination of North Florida’s District 5, a majority-minority district - and give an advantage to Republican c...

We explore climate change's impact in the Tampa Bay region and how some cities are planning to adapt. Sea-level rise threatens the more than three million people who live in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater metro areas — and the nearly five million in the entire region.

We take a walking tour of a Tampa Bay History Center exhibit highlighting the Cuba-Tampa connection. Called Cuban Pathways, it explores a relationship that started almost 500 years before South Florida's better known tie to the island.

We talk with members of two Sarasota County political clubs wanting to change how Democrats and Republicans converse. The Longboat Key Democrats and the Republican Club of Longboat Key have been meeting for over a year to discuss their personal beliefs -- even if they agree to disagree. They call the exercise "Miracle on the Key."

We continue our look at housing affordability. As the region sees explosive growth, residents are dealing with soaring rents. Others are finding it difficult to buy a home. We’ll hear from Tampa Bay residents sharing their experiences in a tough rental market.

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2022-03-08/ukrainians-across-tampa-bay-talk-about-the-impact-of-the-russian-invasion-on-their-lives

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2022-03-01/bradenton-restauranteur-says-supply-chain-problems-and-worker-shortages-havent-stopped-him-yet

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/florida-matters/2022-02-22/hillsborough-county-officials-revive-the-rays-ybor-city-stadium-idea

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2022-02-15/tampa-bay-lawmakers-express-frustration-with-state-politics-during-the-2022-legislative-session

We check in on the Florida Legislature as lawmakers reach the midway mark of the 60-day session in Tallahassee. Among the issues being considered this year, redistricting, abortion, education, voting and pre-emption are the most contentious.

An update on Florida's Stand Your Ground law as the trial of Curtis Reeves starts on February 7. Reeves attempted to use the law as a defense after a 2014 shooting in a Pasco County movie theater left a man dead. But a judge ruled against his request for immunity.

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2022-01-25/rising-housing-costs-are-prompting-protests-and-possible-solution-from-lawmakers-across-tampa-bay

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2022-01-18/racism-study-authors-talk-highlighting-the-past-and-making-suggestions-for-the-future

We recap and break down Gov. Ron DeSantis's State of the State address earlier on Tuesday. His speech marks the beginning of this year's 60-day Florida Legislative session. Host Steve Newborn talks with longtime political jounalist William March about the governor's overall message, his priorities going into the session and his ambitions for re-election later this year.

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2022-01-04/florida-matters-explores-the-most-important-issues-before-floridas-2022-legislative-session

We recap COVID-19 in 2021

We examine local, state and Congressional redistricting as Florida lawmakers prepare for their once-in-a decade responsibility of drafting electoral maps. The process will be an important part of the legislative session that starts next month, especially because Florida gained one new congressional district due to population growth.

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-12-07/months-after-the-major-piney-point-spill-the-phosphate-industrys-impact-stills-looms-large

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-11-30/we-highlight-the-latest-unequal-shots-story-on-african-americans-and-mental-health-during-the-pandemic

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-11-23/the-tampa-bay-region-is-becoming-a-major-destination-for-technology-companies

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-11-16/as-mental-health-effects-of-the-pandemic-linger-a-local-211-center-still-sees-high-call-volumes

We have a wide ranging conversation with outgoing St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman about his time in office as he wraps up leading Florida's fifth largest city. Kriseman and host Steve Newborn discuss what's next for Kriseman, what he think his legacy will be and the accomplishments he wasn't able to achieve during his tenure.