Florida Matters

Whether you’re a longtime Floridian or a newbie to this godforsaken hurricane business, preparing for storm season can be quite intimidating. What do you store in a survival kit? How can you protect your home? When should you evacuate? We rein in a panel of pros with those answers and more. After that discussion, we talk about a new app for those suffering from a painful illness that is often misd...

Forecasters are expecting eight to 14 storms this hurricane season, which starts Monday and runs through November. And while last year was relatively quiet, you may still be recovering from Helene, Milton and Debby if you were here for 2024. On “Florida Matters Live & Local,” we talk about why forecasters are calling for fewer storms than average and what you should pay attention to. Website:...

Simple questions: What is a love bug? And why do they give their lives for a little smooch with our car grilles? We have someone on “Florida Matters: Live & Local” with the facts. Website: https://www.wusf.org Sign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletter Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfp...

Another candidate vying to be St. Petersburg's mayor is in the studio. Meet Jim Large, a longtime fire chief who says he's a public servant, not a politician. He fills us in on his vision for the city and why he's the most qualified for the job. Plus, a new housing development in Pasco County is creating a neighborhood designed for adults with mental illness. And, we investigate how St. Petersburg...

There’s plenty of support in high places for the plan to build a Tampa Bay Rays baseball stadium with up to $976 million in public dollars. Among the proponents are Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, Hillsborough County Commission Chair Ken Hagan and Gov. Ron DeSantis. There's also an assortment of boards and organizations, multiple chambers of commerce, Hillsborough College, the Westshore Alliance, the Pol...

Thousands of Black cemeteries have been destroyed, built over or fallen into disrepair. Hear about a movement to protect them that started at USF. Plus, an update on the Legislature’s budget sessions, examining state records over police conduct and an artist’s collaborative exhibit. Website: https://www.wusf.org Sign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletter Follow us...

Four South Florida men have been convicted in the 2021 assassination plot targeting Haitian President Jovenel Moïse. But there are lingering questions over what really happened in the months leading up to the killing. Website: https://www.wusf.org Sign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletter Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagra...

Public sector unions in Florida say they are under threat by a new law requiring at least 50% participation in certification and recertification votes. Two teachers' union leaders are on "Florida Matters Live & Local" with reactions. Plus, will a plan to extend the Tampa streetcar line help local transit? And how has rebranding changed Scouting? Website: https://www.wusf.org Sign up for our da...

In her final State of the City last week, Mayor Jane Castor highlighted investments made on her watch. “Live & Local” takes a closer look at what was said (infrastructure) and what was left out (stadiums). Plus, a sports psychologist on athletes' mental health and a quick dip under the sea. Website: https://www.wusf.org Sign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newslett...

A hantavirus has captured the world’s attention, especially here in Florida, where the cruise industry has a big footprint. We’ll talk about how dangerous this disease really is and how cruise companies deal with outbreaks. Plus, a dive team has located an interesting piece of Tampa history on the Atlantic floor that dates to World War I. Also, we'll catch up on this week's budget special session...

If you booked a flight in the last couple of months, you likely felt a few amps of sticker shock. As we know, fuel prices are flying, bumping up airfares. And now comes the sudden shuttering of Spirit airlines. If you’re flying this summer, what can you do to stay on budget? Also on tap, the dean of USF’s College of Marine Science updates us on Saturday’s devastating structure fire. Website: https...

The 2024 hurricanes may be a distant memory for some. For St. Petersburg resident Kevin Batdorf, the floods that drenched his Shore Acres neighborhood prompted him to run for mayor. He talks about the issues and how he would steer the city if elected. Also, an abandoned resort near Disney World became a refuge of sorts for people who lost homes and jobs. And we meet a blues artist who’s performed...

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? Plus, Temple Terrace’s newly discovered breathing risk, the story of a Tampa soccer great and a plan to resurrect Haslem’s bookstore. Website: https://www.wusf.org Sign up for our daily newsletter:...

A vigil was held Friday for Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy — USF doctoral students who were murdered last month. We get an update on the investigation into their deaths and talk with an expert on grief. Then, are you planning to vote in Florida's upcoming elections? There are some changes you need to know. To close, we get in step with a guy spending his days on the edge — of the United States. Web...

Well, you can’t say “Florida Matters Live & Local” topics don’t offer something for everyone. On this program, we catch up on a school district making difficult financial decisions, an important legislative vote — and non-vote — along with some unknowns and … ahem … unmentionables. Website: https://www.wusf.org Sign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletter Follow...

Maria Scruggs is stepping into the race to lead St. Petersburg. She got on the ballot by petition, not by paying a filing fee. She talks about her campaign in studio. Also, an update on the Lightning playoffs, and the state attorney general’s expanding criminal investigation into artificial intelligence. Website: https://www.wusf.org Sign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcal...

We’re joined by state Sen. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, to talk about a new Florida law that allows development on agricultural land. Supporters say it opens up housing opportunities. Opponents worry it will lead to sprawl and take away growth management from local governments. We also delve into a report about the AI dollars supporting U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds campaign for governor. Website: https://...

Florida is one of the most expensive Southern states in which to live. But why? We’re looking into a recent report on affordability in Florida. Plus, the special session, kids and civics, and BTS. Website: https://www.wusf.org Sign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletter Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instag...

If you're looking for a reason to support WUSF, here's one. You help us produce “Florida Matters Live & Local,” which airs each Monday through Thursday at noon. The show, hosted by Mattew Peddie, tackles timely issues and community interests with newsmakers, elected leaders, locals and newcomers. This week, we’re focusing on WUSF’s Spring Fund Drive, so it’s a great time to flash back to some...

If you're looking for a reason to support WUSF, here's one. You help us produce “Florida Matters Live & Local,” which airs each Monday through Thursday at noon. The program, hosted by Matthew Peddie, tackles timely issues and community interests with newsmakers, elected leaders, locals and newcomers. This week, we’re focusing on WUSF’s Spring Fund Drive, so it’s a great time to flash back to s...

If you're looking for a reason to support WUSF, here's one. You help us produce “Florida Matters Live & Local,” which airs each Monday through Thursday at noon. The program, hosted by Matthew Peddie, tackles timely issues and community interests with newsmakers, elected leaders, locals and newcomers. This week, we’re focusing on WUSF’s Spring Fund Drive, so it’s a great time to flash back to s...

If you're looking for a reason to support WUSF, here's one. You help us produce “Florida Matters Live & Local,” which airs each Monday through Thursday at noon. The program, hosted by Mattew Peddie, tackles timely issues and community interests with newsmakers, elected leaders, locals and newcomers. This week, we’re focusing on WUSF’s Spring Fund Drive, so it’s a great time to flash back to so...

Next Wednesday is Earth Day. On “Live & Local,” we explore how the focus has shifted from education to action, and what meaningful change looks like. Plus, segments on paid family leave and the world of tattoo artists. Call: 813-755-6562 Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.org Website: https://www.wusf.org Sign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletter Follow us on socia...

Public safety, affordability and planning are among the issues front and center for St. Petersburg mayoral hopeful Brandi Gabbard. We sit down with the veteran city council member and talk about her vision for the city. Also, a closer look at the upcoming Legislature special session on redistricting and the safety of school business. Call: 813-755-6562 Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.org Website: htt...

Next week's new limits with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are meant to encourage healthier eating for those receiving benefits. But not all high-sugar items are excluded, raising eyebrows about consistency. An official with Feeding Tampa Bay walks us through the changes. Then, why are concerns about transparency, retaliation and leadership growing louder at the Tampa Police Departm...