WUSF Public Media

Florida Matters

News EN ↓ 524 episodes

Your spot for real, daily conversations. Where neighbors become storytellers, newsmakers explain why and how changes happen and where locals — natives to the area and newcomers — discover and delight in the community they share.

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WUSF Public Media

Episodes

Coastal port loophole? Plus, how are you fueling? Drawing a strait line, and heading for third 13.04.2026 48:35

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 social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg Environmental advocates celebrated a win in Manatee Co...

Raising awareness of local news, the Beatles' real nowhere man 09.04.2026 48:29

It’s Local News Day, which highlights the work journalists do to keep their communities informed. On “Florida Matters Live & Local,” we sit down with Tampa Bay area newsroom leaders about the challenges facing community journalism. Then, we learn about a missing Beatle. Call: 813-755-6562 Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.org Website: https://www.wusf.org Sign up for our daily newsletter: https://w...

An (endangered) species argument, CAIR-FL pushes back, moon beaming, sold on ChatGTP 08.04.2026 47:08

Floridians love their coastlines, but a federal move to weaken endangered species protections in the Gulf is sparking legal action and heated debate over energy security. We’ll break down what’s behind the lawsuit and what it could mean for marine wildlife. Also on the show: a new domestic terrorism law, NASA’s Artemis II mission and a homeowner who used ChatGPT to sell his house. Call: 813-755-65...

Bondi’s sudden exit, bookworms crawling, TPS and caretaking, a Frosted Flakes bass, chef's kiss 07.04.2026 48:41

Pam Bondi was praised publicly, then fired weeks later. We unpack what led to her departure as attorney general, her record in Florida and how the Epstein case shadowed her time leading the Justice Department. Then, we share some great recent reporting from the WUSF staff. Call: 813-755-6562 Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.org Website: https://www.wusf.org Sign up for our daily newsletter: https://ww...

Taxis over Tampa, Florida voting changes, dangers of hot cars, playing ball indoors again 06.04.2026 48:47

Gridlock between St. Petersburg and Tampa could soon have a high-tech alternative. When will that eVTOL arrive? Plus, what listeners think about Florida’s SAVE law, the tragedy of kids left in cars and the Trop knocks are back. 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...

Inside the MacDill scare, nesting their case, spare the timeshares, Gasparilla gets a drums up 02.04.2026 48:41

An improvised explosive device found near Tampa’s MacDill Air Force Base has triggered a complex investigation. We hear what’s new. Then, more on a landowners’ lawsuit involving the Florida bird, some timeshare clarity and the return of the Gasparilla Music Festival. Call: 813-755-6562 Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.org Website: https://www.wusf.org Sign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf...

Legal experts review Supreme Court arguments on birthright citizenship 01.04.2026 58:34

On a special edition of "Florida Matters Live & Local," the focus is squarely on one of the most consequential legal questions facing the country: birthright citizenship. 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 social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF...

Are you ready to rocket? Plus, a lawsuit for the birds, Zested interest, strange Florida fiction 31.03.2026 48:41

By Wednesday night, astronauts may be trucking to the moon for the first time in 53 years. On “Florida Matters Live & Local,” we get the latest on the Artemis II mission. Plus, the Florida scrub jay faces a legal challenge, and we chat with The Zest’s Dalia Colón. Call: 813-755-6562 Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.org Website: https://www.wusf.org Sign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wus...

Fighting for street-legal art, blue-night specials, a low-water mark, recipes lost and found 30.03.2026 48:43

Florida muralists are challenging the state over removed sidewalk artwork. Ideas to survive the drought. A culinary anthropologist's hobby. And a new social media segment on politics. 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 social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook...

Birth plan on trial, tariffs on tap, SRQ flies through shutdown, Century Club equestrian 26.03.2026 48:35

A woman says her own birth plan was overridden when a hospital sought legal intervention. The case was argued before a judge over Zoom – while she was in labor. 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 social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: ht...

HIV patients get temporary relief, school vaccines and protests, New College film, Betty Castor 25.03.2026 48:42

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a measure to keep funding going for lifesaving medication. But the coverage runs out in July. Hence, the legal back-and-forth over the AIDS Drug Assistance Program continues. 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 social media: Facebook: http...

Work to do in Tally, Tampa's gold medalist, questioning St. Pete's boom, Pilates pop-ups 24.03.2026 49:13

Despite passing a slate of high-profile bills, Florida lawmakers couldn’t resolve some of their biggest disagreements. Where do things stand and what’s up with special sessions planned for next month? "Florida Matters Live & Local" knows who to ask. This segment mentions suicide around the 46-minute mark. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, call or text 988 or...

Red-light cameras on trial, turning a new reef, sea for yourself, learning and living outdoors 23.03.2026 48:34

A judge recently found one red-light camera ticket unconstitutional. With dozens of intersections under electric eyes, broader impacts of the ruling remain unclear. 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 social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram...

Burdens of proof for voters, terror labels, power pole honor roll, a local centennial 19.03.2026 48:37

“Florida Matters Live & Local” takes a closer look at a pair of controversial bills heading to the governor’s desk. One covers voter ID and the other allows the state to label what groups are terrorist organizations. 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 social...

Travelers' turbulance, Rays the roof cost, Sun worshippers wanted 17.03.2026 47:57

Spring breakers are hitting the skies as fuel costs surge and economic uncertainty grows. Airline expert Darryl Jenkins warns he can’t confidently predict where fares are headed. 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 social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/...

Spicing up the mayor's race, sports engineering, Legislative lookback, a real piece of quirk 16.03.2026 48:41

East Tampa native Anthony Gilbert is best known online as a food influencer exploring hidden culinary spots. Now he’s bringing a full plate of ideas to local politics. We get a taste of his plans. Also on the show, why Florida Poly wants to get into college athletics, lawmakers are readying for overtime and a love letter to the state's underbelly. Call: 813-755-6562 Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.or...

Talking with Lt. Gov. Collins, Dalí news that will melt your clocks, Cocoa's Car-uso 12.03.2026 48:40

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins dials into “Florida Matters Live & Local” to talk about why he’s running for governor and review some of his legislative priorities. We’ll also hear an analysis of the crowded gubernatorial race, news from the Dalí Museum and an opera singer who sells Corvettes. Call: 813-755-6562 Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.org Website: https://www.wusf.org Sign up for our daily newslett...

AG candidate José Javier Rodríguez, ICE and H-1B visas, a World Cup love letter 11.03.2026 48:37

Former state lawmaker José Javier Rodríguez wants to be Florida’s Attorney General. He faces steep odds in a very red state. On “Florida Matters Live & Local,” he makes his pitch. Guests also discuss the latest on ICE arrests in Florida and the upcoming World Cup of soccer. Call: 813-755-6562 Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.org Website: https://www.wusf.org Sign up for our daily newsletter: https...

Playing us for fuel, chilly reaction to H-1B freeze, getting away Scot-free 10.03.2026 47:36

In just a week, gas prices have shot up to almost $4 for a gallon of regular unleaded. "Florida Matters Live & Local" takes a closer look at what’s driving up the cost of gas and how you are dealing with it. We also talk to a USF professor about the halt in H1-B visas at state schools and a Florida author reads from her latest Scottish Regency romances. Call: 813-755-6562 Message: FloridaMatte...

A Juul casket, Councilor Naya Young, educational mermaids, cram job at the Capitol 09.03.2026 48:47

Hillsborough schools are rolling out smart sensors that detect vape clouds, the Legislature's last week, meeting a Tampa City Council member and taking a dive at an aquarium in Lecanto. 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 social media: Facebook: https://www.facebo...

Jolt for Lakeland residents, bill deletion, response to Welch, risky med cuts, women take field 05.03.2026 48:44

Lakeland residents face higher electric bills, while a Senate bill transferring USF Sarasota-Manatee land to New College vanishes — leaving both energy costs and campus plans in uncertainty. 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 social media: Facebook: https://www.f...

St. Pete mayor looks ahead, nonprofits and citizenship checks, Jackson House rebirth 04.03.2026 48:30

Lessons in school change, Tampa's role in Iran, a new teen curfew, postpartum psychosis 03.03.2026 48:45

"Live & Local" jumps into four controversial issues: school closures in Pinellas, war planning at MacDill, the new teen curfew in Palmetto and treatment gaps for maternal mental health. 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 social media: Facebook: https://www.fa...

The Iran attack's many layers, fight for student journalists, Legislature at the stretch 02.03.2026 48:41

University of South Florida Middle East specialist Arman Mahmoudian weighs in on the bombings in Iran and retaliatory strikes. 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 social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublic...

Buildings with a pinkish hue, solving cold cases, a very fast learner 26.02.2026 48:42

"Florida Matters: Live & Local" brings you stories of art, justice and hometown pride this week. 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 social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ YouTube: https://ww...