Florida Matters

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.

This week, we take a deeper look at food insecurity - and the growing demand for help in the greater Tampa Bay region. Host Steve Newborn talks with Thomas Mantz, president and CEO of Feeding Tampa Bay, one of the largest food banks in the region. It provided more than 95 million meals to residents in 10 West Central Florida counties last year. Later on in the show, Steve talks with Dr. Catherine...

We reflect on the 100th anniversary of the Tarpon Springs hurricane, the last major hurricane to directly hit the Tampa Bay region. Host Steve Newborn talks about the impact of that storm with Brad Massey, a historian at the Tampa Bay History Center. In addition to revisiting the history, Florida Matters looks ahead and asks: is Tampa Bay better prepared now for a major hurricane? Is storm prepare...

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-10-19/angry-parents-derail-sarasota-school-board-meetings-two-board-members-tell-us-whats-next

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-10-12/at-forum-st-pete-mayoral-candidates-share-their-plans-for-the-city

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-10-05/fema-flood-insurance-program-new-rating-system-florida-home-premiums-set-to-rise

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-09-28/florida-matters-looks-at-tampas-hispanic-food-history

Full story:   https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-09-21/new-wusf-series-focuses-on-inequities-in-vaccine-access-and-information

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-09-14/tampa-bay-based-project-continues-the-work-of-highlighting-unearthed-cemeteries

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-09-07/ahead-of-20th-anniversary-florida-matters-looks-at-tampa-bay-connection-to-9-11

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-08-31/florida-matters-talks-to-candidates-for-st-pete-mayor

Full story:   https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-08-24/census-shows-big-changes-in-floridas-population

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-08-17/desantis-enforces-executive-order-to-have-final-say-on-masks-but-some-local-officials-are-fighting-to-change-that

Full story:   https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-08-10/wusfs-the-zest-podcast-launches-its-fourth-season

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-08-03/floridas-covid-cases-rise-as-schools-reopen-for-a-new-year-its-become-a-cause-for-concern

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-07-27/with-steve-currall-out-whats-next-for-the-usf-presidency

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-07-20/after-making-few-changes-pasco-sheriff-continues-controversial-policing-tactics

On this week’s Florida Matters, we look at the ripple effect that the Champlain Towers South collapse is having across Florida. In the weeks since the tragedy, Florida's condominium buildings -- especially older ones -- have been under heightened scrutiny. All around the state – including here in Tampa Bay – officials and condo residents are raising concerns about building safety, timely inspectio...

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-06-22/algae-blooms-are-affecting-both-florida-coasts-beachgoers-manatees-are-paying-the-price