Florida Matters

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...

Friday is Juneteenth. It marks the day enslaved people in Texas learned they were free. It became a federal holiday in 2021. On “Florida Matters Live & Local,” we talk with people from across Tampa Bay’s Black community about the legacy of celebration — and what freedom means to them. We start with Florida’s emancipation story and how it fits into the broader history of emancipation. You’ll al...

The U.S. and Iran are set to formally sign a deal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. But there are questions about details and what comes next. "Let the oil flow." With that, President Donald Trump announced the U.S. and Iran are set to formally sign a deal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. But there are questions about details and what comes next. Our expert has answers...

He was at his Fort Myers home when a fast-food security camera in Jacksonville Beach snapped a picture of a criminal suspect. An artificial intelligence tool used by police agencies somehow identified him as the perpetrator, and he was arrested. Technology got it wrong, but it wasn't alone. Afterward, Latino voters are seen as the key to winning elections in Florida, but are candidates really payi...

Recently, a woman sleeping in an alley was struck by a garbage truck and killed. The tragedy has raised the ire of homeless advocates against the state’s ban on public camping. Is the law necessary or simply driving our most vulnerable into dark, dangerous places? Then, we talk about the role of the arts in commemorating Juneteenth. And, summer mosquito season is near — with our blood on the menu....

Can it possibly be a decade since the horrific Pulse shooting in Orlando? On "Florida Matters Live & Local," hear reflections from a clubgoer who was there the night 49 people were killed and a journalist who covered the aftermath. Plus, a look at the challenges for some just to feed their families over the summer. Website: https://www.wusf.org Sign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wus...

For the second time “teen takeover” in the Tampa Bay region has ended in arrests. A Polk County teen is facing an attempted murder charge after an incident at Clearwater Beach just over a week ago. Could social media be the key to keeping teens out of trouble? We also talk with the local architect undertaking the renovation project for the Jackson House in downtown Tampa. Also, does Hillsborough C...

We’re still reacting to the shock of a Florida earthquake. And we get into youth camps on Day 2 of our summer prep segments. Speaking of sun and fun, it’s time for reminders on avoiding flesh-eating bacteria. Then, hear about an epic water survival story that is the subject of a new book. Also, St. Pete Pride is recognized as the largest Pride celebration in the Southeast, but for how much longer?...

Orlando will mark a somber milestone this week: 10 years since a gunman murdered 49 people at the Pulse nightclub. At the time, it was the worst mass shooting in modern American history. This tragedy and others raise discussions about preventing gun violence. A related topic: Off-campus housing raises safety concerns after two incidents near USF. Then, we talk this week about summer activities, an...

Florida voters will decide this November whether to dramatically expand exemptions and cap property tax increases. But more money in homeowners’ pockets could mean less for local governments. “Florida Matters Live & Local” examines the details. Then, World Cup fans are descending on the U.S. from all corners of the globe to celebrate the beautiful game. We talk about the Florida connections —...

A little outdoorsy talk on " Florida Matters Live & Local." Amid the rise of pickleball, the USTA says there aren't enough public tennis courts in the state. Can communities find the room and investment for both? Also, why do hikers love Florida? Let us count the ways with two trail experts. Plus, we explore a growing movement to save coastal areas called "living shorelines," and give the back...

A federal jury found Ticketmaster and Live Nation were acting as a monopoly. What does this mean for concertgoers and smaller venues in the area? On "Florida Matters Live & Local," an outspoken club owner who trekked to Washington, D.C., to share his views with lawmakers talks about the challenges. Plus, for one Tampa resident, the war with Iran is not distant news but a personal reality. His...

The budget may finally be complete, but lawmakers are back at the state Capitol this week for a special session on cutting property taxes. "Florida Matters Live & Local" takes a look at the governor's plan. Also, have you ever worried that something you posted online could affect your job? Should public employees be held to a different standard? We talk to a civil liberties attorney about a re...

Our series of hurricane prep programs covers legal questions and important home documents. How do you pick up the pieces after the storm is gone? Then, why was a local emergency manager put on leave? Tampa’s firefighters and police battle it out for charity. And pickleball for beginners. Website: https://www.wusf.org Sign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletter Foll...