Florida Matters

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...

As our staff focuses on WUSF’s annual fall pledge drive this week, “Florida Matters Live & Local” is presenting some of our favorite interviews from the past few months. Interested in donating? Click here . And thank you for listening. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channe...

As our staff focuses on WUSF’s annual fall pledge drive this week, “Florida Matters Live & Local” is presenting some of our favorite interviews from the past few months. Interested in donating? Click here . And thank you for listening. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channe...

As our staff focuses on WUSF’s annual fall pledge drive this week, “Florida Matters Live & Local” is presenting some of our favorite interviews from the past few months. Interested in donating? Click here . And thank you for listening. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channe...

As our staff focuses on WUSF’s annual fall pledge drive this week, “Florida Matters Live & Local” is presenting some of our favorite interviews from the past few months. Interested in donating? Click here . And thank you for listening. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channe...

The Hillsborough County Juvenile Detention Center closed at the end of August. It was located on land where the Tampa Bay Rays are planning to build a stadium. Turns out those actions are related. The sudden shutdown has reportedly left judges, lawyers and officials confused about where to house the youths who were placed there. Then, we try to pack in a lot of info about PACs — Political action c...

Friday marks 25 years since 9/11. It was a watershed moment for the U.S. and the world. It changed how we approached the world, flying, security, patriotism and society in general. Journalists, an aviation executive, a robotics rescue expert, a college professor — and several deeply affected callers — share their experiences from the day and describe what has changed for them since. Follow us on s...

If the summer had you second-guessing your salad, you’re not alone. Cyclosporiasis, a nasty stomach bug caused by a microscopic parasite, spread across several states, sickening more than 1,100 people and killing two. The outbreak was linked to iceberg lettuce grown at a Mexican farm. It appears the outbreak’s settling down. So, what should you know about leafy greens? How safe are they to eat? An...

The Lindsay Clancy case in Massachusetts has sparked conversations about perinatal mood disorders. Many of us are trying to learn more about postpartum psychosis. A local expert is here to oblige. Also, a report reveals the Pinellas County Jail detained people in ICE custody longer than federal guidelines permit. Finally, some cool spots to look for in your neighborhoods and Tampa Bay Comic Con is...

Animal shelters in Tampa Bay have too many pets and not enough space. What’s leading to the overcapacity — especially for cats? And what can be done to reduce the number of stray and abandoned animals? Also, eco anxiety is a “chronic fear of environmental doom.” And it can be bad for your health — and the environment. Do you have it? We also revisit a report from WUSF's Jessica Meszaros about how...

After years of proposals, political fights and false starts, the Rays finally have approvals for a new stadium. Now what? Plus, a grand jury report reveals a "doozy" of a situation involving millions of dollars and the Hope Florida charity. And what happened to plans for a concert in support of a closed bookstore in St. Petersburg? Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF...

The backlash is growing against Flock automatic license plate readers. Pasco and Manatee are the latest counties to ban or pledge to remove the cameras. Law enforcement leaders say ALPRs can be used to fight crime and find missing people, but opponents point the potential for abuse of privacy and mass surveillance. Also, we’ve got an up on local relief efforts after the recent earthquakes in Colom...

Ever look at a big rig and think, “That sure looks fun”? We meet a newly graduated driver from a local trucker school and hear why America needs more licensed operators. Also, did you watch Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster treatment of “The Odyssey”? We wonder why the source material is still so inspiring and polarizing. And, a new musical looks at Homer’s epic poem with fresh eyes. Follow us on so...

State and local police have been collecting information about people they suspect of being in the country without legal documentation – and filing it in a database. President Trump wants to change the childhood immunization schedule. Florida pediatricians aren’t happy with his executive order. We also learn about a Tampa connection to the Buffalo Soldiers, the first all-Black regular U.S. Army reg...

Pinellas had recommended cutting funding for Weedon Island and Shell Key, state-owned preserves that the county leases and operates. But there has been a reprieve. Ever want to ditch your music streaming service for a turntable and needle? Do you reach for a film camera to capture a moment? Also, some insight on the Orlando sloth deaths that resulted in no criminal charges. Follow us on social med...

Sarasota County voters have reshaped a school board that became a flashpoint for Florida’s culture wars. Our guest panel looks at what comes next. Then, meet the owner of a food truck that gives people with disabilities the chance to learn food prep, customer service and other job skills. Finally, the Zest’s Dalia Colon checks in with another food truck working to reduce food waste and hunger. Fol...

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law two years ago removing references to “climate change” from Florida statutes and redirected energy policy away from climate-friendly solutions. But that’s not all. A WUSF investigation shows how textbook authors were asked to rewrite references to “climate change.” We get more detail from the reporters. Later, we meet the president and CEO of Tampa Theatre, which is p...

Primary night 2026 is in the past. Florida voters picked the major party’s candidates for governor, U.S. Senate and state Agriculture Commissioner. There's also St. Petersburg’s mayoral runoff that's already getting a bit contentious. Anyway, it’s time to follow up with a panel of reporters who've been closely watching the campaigns and campaigners. We also talk about the state's grade for school...

Teens have a lot on their plates these days: studying for tests, navigating social media, after-school jobs, juggling schoolwork with sports practices. With all this pressure, how can they balance grades and self-confidence? Award-winning teacher Daniel J. Evans has written a book packed with tips. And class is not dismissed yet. Later in the show, a local high school has launched a magnet curricu...

Midterm elections can be tough for the party in power. In Florida, however, Democrats running for statewide office face uphill battles in a GOP-dominated state. Alexander Vindman believes he can buck the trend. He’s running to be the Democratic Party’s nominee for U.S. Senate. He tells us why he’s running. Also, the USF College of Nursing just opened a $33 million modern building expansion. The de...

Attack ads have always been part of politics. But with artificial intelligence, a new front has opened in the battle for votes. On top of that, Silicon Valley is pouring megabucks into Florida campaigns. Plus, what makes someone dive into a swamp in pursuit of big snakes? And, discarded dorm fridges, microwaves and other left-behinds are getting recycled at Eckerd College. Follow us on social medi...