Florida Matters

Florida health officials are urging doctors to reconsider prescribing psychotropic meds for kids. Could this affect how they're treated for mental health issues. Some red flags went up when the FWC tracked critics through the state’s official records. Also, conservation advocates say the state’s wildlife commissioner used the Florida driver’s license database to track them, raising First Amendment...

When should police pursue a fleeing vehicle? When should they call it off? We talk to an expert in law enforcement training after the recent death of a teen during a high-speed chase. Also, early voting for the state primary election is open. If you don’t know the candidates, we have an online tool to help. Then, how Florida condos fared in an anticipated recent report, and the strong connection b...

A 3D printer can spit out almost anything these days. But how about a house? A local startup and real estate brokerage are partnering to use the technology to construct a three-bedroom home in East Tampa. How exactly does this work? Also on the show: Tampa is getting some luxurious upgrades. Find out about some of the new developments. Learn about a job mentorship program for youths with a lasting...

Lawmakers want to make daylight saving time permanent. That means an extra hour of daylight year-round. That also means dark mornings in the winter when heading to work or school. A sleep specialist explains how the change could affect you. Plus, a property tax cut may sound great for homeowners, but there’s a connection to healthcare you may not have thought about. Also, there’s a debate in Pinel...

Republican gubernatorial candidate James Fishback will remain on the ballot after a judge ruled in his favor in a state residency challenge by opponent Lt. Gov. Jay Collins. We talk about what the ruling means for the primary and the governor’s race. Also, discussions on the rising cost of school supplies and the aorta condition that led to Sen. Lindsey Graham’s death. Finally, the Zest checks in...

Another candidate hoping to lead St. Petersburg’s city hall joins the show. You’ve likely heard of this one: 70-year-old politician Charlie Crist. The former Florida governor details his platform, policy positions and perspective on the challenges facing the city he calls a "jewel." Among the topics are the loss of the Tampa Bay Rays. He said if elected, he would try to talk the team's new ownersh...

This week, “Florida Matters Live & Local” has been revisiting some of our best conversations from the year. On this episode, we learn about the Coast-to-Coast Trail, an ambitious 250-mile path from St. Petersburg to Titusville that is near completion. The show also revisits a tough conversation about unhoused residents. Advocates say a state law about outdoor camping is increasingly dangerous....

This week, “Florida Matters Live & Local” is revisiting some of our best conversations from the year. Are there really entrances below Ybor City? A Museum of Motherhood with an “Escape Womb” in St. Petersburg? Turns out, you can live in Tampa for decades and not know about every historic nook and cranny. On this encore episode, we talk about a new book that fills in some blanks. Also on the sh...

This week, “Florida Matters Live & Local” is revisiting some of our best conversations from the year. Adjusting to life out of prison can be challenging for people who’ve just completed their sentence. Could providing them with a basic income help them get back on their feet — and keep them out of jail? After that, a federal jury found Ticketmaster and Live Nation were acting as a monopoly. Wh...

Residents in Arcadia woke to reports that ICE agents were headed into their neighborhood. Our immigration reporter explains what happened, what authorities have confirmed and how the operation has affected the community. Then, how Florida’s expanded voucher program is helping children with autism learn to swim, the growing popularity of conservation cemeteries and education meets happy hour. Websi...

In July 1949, four young African Americans — Ernest Thomas, Charles Greenlee, Samuel Shepherd, and Walter Irvin — were falsely accused of raping a white teenager in Lake County. The Groveland Four, as they became known, were posthumously exonerated in 2021. This year, the state set aside $4 million to make their families whole. But can justice delayed ever be served? Then, why the Stop WOKE Act ap...

From a proposed Polk County data center to an invasive pest threatening crops, environmental challenges are mounting across Florida. Let’s get some details on those environmental stories. Then, NASA tries to rescue a sinking satellite and the many happenings at neighborhood pools. Wait until you hear about this grad's GPA. And his plans for the future. Website: https://www.wusf.org Sign up for our...

State Rep. Dotie Joseph says she didn’t have a run for governor on her bingo card. Yet, here she is in a crowded field vying against David Jolly for the Democratic nomination. “Florida Matters Live & Local” guest host Cathy Carter sits down with Joseph to discuss her platform, policy positions and perspective on the challenges facing the state. Plus, hear about why an organization is helping r...

It’s time for the Florida Python Challenge, when novices and pros traipse the Everglades to hunt for the invasive species in the name of conservation. We’ve got last year’s winner to talk about what goes on during the event. Plus, a new report is out on the Surfside condo building collapse. Hear more from someone who inspected the building before it fell. We also have news about the future of vide...

Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed $810 million from the state budget. A large portion of that involved water infrastructure and flood mitigation projects. How will that decision affect Florida residents? Then, what if you could detect a rape-date drug in your drink using jewelry? A USF graduate student is joining forces with a former beach volleyball teammate to make it happen. Also, the U.S. team was elim...

Public transportation is a big problem in the area. Inconsistent funding among the counties, no light rail and reduced services have made it source of contention, but the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority is trying to make it a little easier across Tampa Bay. Then, a local chef talks about his time on a deserted island for a spinoff of the Food Network’s “Chopped” series. Also, a member of the l...

As prices rise, the math of living just isn’t adding up for many Florida families. Now comes word of a connection between housing costs and foster children being kept from their parents. Also on the show: how the November vote on property taxes cuts could affect renters, an update from a local woman in Venezuela during last month’s earthquakes, and a USF football player talks about his project to...

Happy semi-quincentennial. If your plans include lighting 250 candles — or fireworks just as bright — we have some safety tips. But first, a roundtable reflection on all that has happened to get America to this point. Things could be worse, but there’s no question we live in a fractured period politically and culturally. Hence, not everyone is celebrating this weekend. Is America at a turning poin...

Florida has embraced the Trump administration’s aggressive stance on immigration enforcement. But what happens when residents push back and ask local elected leaders to take a stand against it? A reporter who’s been covering the issue will discuss how some officials are caught in the middle of the 287(g) pledges by police departments. Also, it’s been a year since the state stopped adding fluoride...

President Donald Trump had issued an executive order that said children born to people in the United States illegally or temporarily are not American citizens. The U.S. Supreme Court disagreed. In a momentous decision, the justices relied on a long-settled understanding of the 14th Amendment, adopted after the Civil War in 1868. In other Tuesday rulings, the court upheld laws in roughly half the s...

Sky Lebron fills in for Matthew Peddie for the show. He starts with some political analysis at the state level. There are a few new Florida laws going into effect on Wednesday. Well, more than a few. There are 140. Also, Gov. Ron DeSantis was in Tampa to sign the state budget for the coming fiscal year. Keep your calculator nearby. Plus, some local government changes as we head toward the August p...

Ye is bringing his tour to Raymond James Stadium this weekend despite a push by Sen. Rick Scott to cancel over the performer's antisemitic statements. We look at the controversy surrounding the artist, once considered one of the greatest rappers alive. Also, the future of delivery may be flying above your neighborhood as more retailers expand the use of drones. We’ll explore what it means for the...

Shaded seats at Raymond James Stadium sound great, but how much public money should be spent on renovating the 28-year-old facility? And, how can Tampa and Hillsborough afford that project while helping build the Rays’ “Forever Home.” That's a show! But there's more. We hear how the kids feel about the “teen takeovers” that have been creating public disturbances – and in one case, involved a shoot...

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We were recently visited by Dave, a furry friend, but he wasn’t here to play. He was there to work and give us a personal demonstration on guide dogs. Dave even provided a personal demonstration on how he helps people gain independence. Plus, we’ve seen gas prices skyrocket, then come down, only to go up again. Is the latest cycle making a difference to your weekly budget? Also, a conversation ove...