Florida Matters

Affordability and growth are going to have an impact on your life — no matter where in Florida you call home. On this episode, the program focuses on Manatee County, where a growing population and changing demographics are making it less affordable. How are residents and leaders responding? And we’ll also get you ready for Tuesday's midterms, including an update on early voting numbers and a look...

"Florida Matters Live & Local" recently recorded in front of an audience at the Manatee Performing Arts Center in Bradenton to dig into issues affecting the state, like affordability, growth and development. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3

Some special guests join the program for a celebration of Public Radio Music Day . We hear some live performances in bluegrass, classical, a fusion of jazz and hip-hop. And will hook up with our sister station Classical WSMR in Sarasota. Public Radio Music Day is organized by the NoncomMusic Alliance – spreading the word about the role non-commercial stations play in the music industry. This year’...

Proposed changes to the 2030 census could eliminate questions about race and ethnicity. How could this affect important decisions like federal housing resources? Also, there is a bookmobile in town displaying millions of investigative files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Thieves have stolen supplies from Metropolitan Ministries, leaving the nonprofit scrambling. How can the community help? From ads d...

For decades, cities and counties in Florida have been able to enact laws to manage their communities as they see fit. Recently, however, the Legislature has passed rules to usurp some local decisions. Also, a pediatric endocrinologist talks about healthy Halloween candy guidelines for kids. Then, talking baseball — specifically, what the Rays need to do to get back into the World Series. And final...

The Tampa Bay Rays begin play in the World Series on Friday. Before the first pitch, here’s a closer look at their yearlong renaissance on and off the field. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3

State Rep. Angie Nixon is running for U.S. Senate and pulling enthusiastic crowds as she campaigns. Still, it’s a tough battle for Nixon as a Democrat from the left wing of her party in a deep red state. On this show, we talk with Nixon about why she’s running and what she’s hearing from voters. Other topics: What do you need to know for Medicare’s open enrollment period? And why will Canada presc...

In a lawsuit, the Seminole Tribe is accusing DraftKings of operating in violation of the Tribe’s longstanding gambling compact with the state. The app disagrees. We’re wagering you’ll learn a lot from this segment. Speaking of high stakes, there’s a lot of political cash changing hands amid the data center boom. Who are the beneficiaries? Finally, as Halloween nears, horror looks you right between...

Byron Donalds could be the first Black governor of Florida, but polls are showing that may not matter to most Black voters when they fill in their ballots. Then, we look back at the appearance of Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., in Tampa over the weekend to stump for state Rep. Angie Nixon, who is running for Senate. Finally, are roller coasters safe? We discuss following the death of a rider in Georgi...

What are the challenges to running a food bank, particularly when there are high fuel prices and high grocery prices to contend with? The shelves of a local pantry ran dry multiple times last month. Then, why is a group of businesses suing the city of Tampa over a stormwater project? We also chat with the publisher of Tampa Bay Forward magazine, now in its 20th year celebrating the achievements of...

How do nonprofits like United Way Suncoast benefit from the property tax system as it exists now? What happens to them if voters pass the controversial measure next month? Then, we talk with the filmmakers behind "Jit," a Florida-centric horror-mystery flick. And speaking of horror mysteries, we get to the bottom of a crazy Waymo ride in Tampa. And speaking of rides, a chef is on a 700-mile bicycl...

Last week, a state appellate court ordered that a recently leaked grand jury report on Hope Florida be expunged. Does it all go away with no repercussions? We also speak to a local author about her experience as a caregiver for a mom with dementia and a parent to a son with autism. The show also features work from two WUSF staffers who were honored in Creative Loafing’s recent “Best of the Bay” co...

For some people, the math of a mortgage doesn’t add up the way it used to. We were curious about the financial pressures homeowners are currently facing in Florida. Then, we talk about last week’s public hearing on the state health department’s plan to remove certain immunization requirements for school children. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https:/...

The state’s driver’s licenses now feature an orange, a manatee and a phrase from the 1845 Florida flag. Why are these words getting pushback? Then, closer looks at school bus safety after a deadly rollover crash in Polk County, and a new report that says ICE is wasting taxpayer money. Finally, a century-old building on Tampa’s Davis Islands could face the wrecking ball. The building holds a lot of...

People who rely on SNAP are getting a small cost-of-living adjustment, but there are changes to eligibility which could make it more challenging for SNAP recipients. In turn, local food banks are feeling the pressure of increased demand. Then, what happens when giant media companies combine? What will it mean for your cable bill? Your news services? Your entertainment choices? We’ll talk about the...

A new cross-bay ferry service between Tampa and St. Petersburg will launch soon. Will you be riding? And we’ll learn more about a Flock investigation that led to the resignation and arrest of two Pinellas County deputies. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGs...

In a few weeks, St. Petersburg will decide whether to keep Mayor Ken Welch in office or replace him with former Gov. Charlie Crist. Among the challenges of the next term: the redevelopment of the Tropicana Field site after the Tampa Bay Rays jump to Tampa. How will the departure affect the city? What impact will it have on tourism and business? And how will the transformation of what is known as t...

A grand jury investigation into Hope Florida and a $10 million Medicaid misappropriation left Floridians with plenty of questions. Many remained unanswered. One of the reporters who broke the story does his best. Also, the latest space news, including a SpaceX rocket carrying NASA astronauts to the International Space Station. For closers, a playwright discusses a new work from the Sarasota Jewish...

If you compare your electric bill from last month with, say, one from a couple of years ago, you’d probably see a jump. A three-part WUSF investigation digs into why, and we’re talking to the reporters who put it together. Afterward, do you trust AI to get things right? Plus, Sarasota Orchestra's music director explains what's on tap for this season's schedule. Follow us on social media: Facebook:...

There can be a lot of pressure on high school and college athletes. How do they focus on sports and academics while maintaining physical and mental health? Also, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor joins the show to talk about housing costs and mortgage rates. Then, do short-term rentals need more regulations? And a local time capsule provides a glimpse of Tampa from 60 years ago. Follow us on social media: Fa...

Even in this era of media saturation, a debate can make or break a campaign. But for the first time in 50 years, there may be no such meeting involving the leading candidate for Florida governor. Afterward, a veteran political reporter talks about a court ruling that has opened the door to unlimited spending on Florida campaign advertisements. Then, we hear from a Tampa physician who recently retu...

We learn more about a Tampa Bay Times investigation that found a "side door" in the foster care system that can leave parents struggling to reunite with their children. Also, have you seen billboards floating off the beach? We get into that, fall hunting season, and a musician and bandleader bringing his ensemble to the region. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Ins...

In just over a month, voters go to the polls. There are lots of races on the ballot, from governor to Senate to Legislature and more. One thing all Florida voters will get to decide: whether to reduce property taxes. On this episode, we examine the possible effect on fire rescue services and community planning. Also, why is Hillsborough County the epicenter of Florida’s dengue outbreak? Follow us...

Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3 Biking and walking advocates in Tampa are gathering this weekend to spread the word about going car-free. And before L.A. became America’s movie-making hub, our state was "Hollywood East." Plus, updates on two local...

Pinellas County schools face declining enrollment. And like other districts facing dwindling rolls, Pinellas may have to close a number of campuses and merge others. District officials have difficult choices confronting them amid concerns for students, staff and teachers. Plus, an update on a case involving Florida wildlife officials’ surveillance of activists and a conversation with the outgoing...