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.

Author

WUSF Public Media

Episodes

A conversation with USF's new president, and a look at kitchen-table economics 25.02.2026 48:42

So what goes on during the workday of a university president during his second week on campus? Moez Limayem is here to talk about the challenges ahead. 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...

Fresh approach to hunger, urchin care for reefs, growth reality check, prison to prevention 24.02.2026 48:44

From expanding fresh food access and restoring reef ecosystems to measuring regional growth and mentoring youth, "Florida Matters Live & Local" explores solutions shaping Tampa Bay’s future. 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://w...

Swiftie Lit 101, Tampa Bay eyes on Iran, Black History Month reprises 23.02.2026 48:43

From "Folklore" to "Tortured Poets," USF students can take a classical look at Taylor Swift's lyrics. "Florida Matters Live & Local" signs up for a closer look. 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...

Tigers in their town, fair days in Hardee, sweet strawberries 19.02.2026 48:52

Florida hosts 15 baseball teams for spring training, but no town has been "all in" and for so long as Lakeland, where the Detroit Tigers have stuck around since 1934. 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 Instagr...

'Ought to be' an e-bike law, down on the freezing farm, an NFL journey goes full circle 18.02.2026 48:40

The death of a classmate in an e-bike accident leads teens to help draft a bill on helmet safety with a state representative. Plus, how growers dealt with the recent cold and a new career for a former Baltimore Raven. 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 med...

Protecting our wildways, Capital earmarking, online threats, punky-glory in Gainesville 17.02.2026 48:36

Polk County recently rejected a planned truck refueling stop near a key wildlife corridor crossing over Interstate 4. It's a pretty big deal for animal and environmental advocates. 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.co...

Counties coping with potential cuts, grading Florida's gun laws, in a shriveled state 16.02.2026 48:43

With the elimination of property taxes still on tap in Tallahassee, a study shows billions of dollars in potential losses, with some counties standing to lose more than others. 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/WU...

Sarasota's Super conductor, saving the Everglades, measles go viral, adore ♥️ explore 12.02.2026 48:37

The Sarasota Orchestra’s music director had the time of his life during Bad Bunny's Spanish-language Super Bowl halftime, plus segments on Everglades preservation, measles and Valentine’s Day fun. 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:/...

New College, Phillippi Creek, 2 launch stories, campus hunger, raptor rescues 12.02.2026 48:47

A couple of college challenges are in the spotlight. We get an update on the New College-USF controversy and learn about the growing concern of student food insecurity. 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 Insta...

A look at the Gas Plant District's past and future, student walkouts, trail praisers 10.02.2026 48:42

It’s hard to have a conversation about what a place can be without talking about the way it was. Such is the case with the current Tropicana Field site. 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/wu...

English-only testing, touching base in Tally, a Was pause, shaping Tampa’s Black story 09.02.2026 48:43

Will the state's English-only driver's tests make roads safer? We look into the rule change on "Florida Matters Live & Local." 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...

Death penalty in focus, 'granny flats,' Bad Bunny's halftime, Super Bowl yummies 05.02.2026 48:30

We're a month into the 2026, and Florida is continuing its accelerated schedule lethal injections for condemned prisoners, carrying forward a record pace from the previous year. Three death warrants are signed after a record-breaking 19 in 2025. Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.org Website: https://www.wusf.org Sign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletter Follow us on s...

Welcoming Mayor Castor, cold hands and green thumbs, Tampa Bay's 'Timeline' 04.02.2026 48:39

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor sits down for a wide-ranging conversation, tackling everything from the Rays stadium talks and public safety to immigration, transportation, and the city’s future. 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 Insta...

The smoking alarm, cleaning up beads, Ybor City safety, capybaras and friends 03.02.2026 48:40

From Florida’s failing tobacco policies to giant rodents munching lettuce, we cover the state’s public health challenges, community cleanups, street safety, and a cafe that's more about animal education than lattes. 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...

Shooting for the moon, inside lawmaking, an app for that, sweet tradition 02.02.2026 48:44

You may not have noticed, but NASA is about to launch a crewed mission to the moon. Let's catch up on the latest Artemis mission, which could lift off as soon as this weekend. 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/WUS...

Charters and closures, both sides of the tax, glacial recognition, Tampa's gold star 29.01.2026 48:21

Pinellas County is making big moves to close and merge under-enrolled campuses as charter schools seek space in public schools through the state’s Schools of Hope program. Families and educators are weighing the benefits of expanded school choice against the disruption caused by closures and consolidations. We start the show by unpacking what’s at stake. Also in the news: property taxes. Should la...

Understanding grief attacks, looking up at heroes, Ybor safety, Black romance on silver screens 28.01.2026 48:38

It's more than just depression. It's exponential bereavement that can feel like panic attack, bringing deep sadness and a feeling of losing control. Let's learn about grief attacks. 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.c...

Twin Cities' toll on Floridians, and a treasured tradition 27.01.2026 48:36

On "Florida Matters Live & Local," we discuss how immigration raids in Minneapolis have captured national attention — stirring questions and fears around the country — including the Tampa Bay area. 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: ht...

Drilling instruction, a Capitol update, novels from the sin bin, kicking ice in Tampa 26.01.2026 48:38

Florida leaders from both parties are urging President Trump to keep the offshore drilling moratorium in place, warning of risks to the Gulf’s environment, wildlife and coastal communities. 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...

Rough seas for port proposal? Plus, avoiding immigration scams and a long to-do list 22.01.2026 48:38

An idea for a cruise terminal near the Skyway is drawing early resistance as environmental groups question whether the promised benefits outweigh the risks to one of Tampa Bay’s most fragile coastal areas. 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...

Sarasota schools, immigration and fear; Hillsborough College will play ball with Rays 21.01.2026 48:42

Immigration enforcement and education collided this week in Sarasota, where a narrow school board vote drew hours of public testimony and intense debate. 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://w...

Renner makes his case, fallout of data dousing, digging in the past, a teacher to remember 20.01.2026 48:52

Former House Speaker Paul Renner is running for the Republican nomination to be Florida's governor. He talks about his plans with "Florida Matters Live & Local" host Matthew Peddie. 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...

On MLK Day: Reflecting on Black pioneers who carried the dream 19.01.2026 47:59

"Florida Matters Live & Local" spends the hour looking at the lives and legacies of lawmakers John Lewis and Arthenia Joyner, author Zora Neale Hurston, and the enduring words of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. 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:...

The Rays and Tampa, Plant City's No. 1 advocate, fair sharing, celebrating MLK 15.01.2026 48:34

It's no secret that the Tampa Bay Rays have been searching for a new home since the former ownership walked away from a St. Petersburg redevelopment deal. It's also no secret the new owners have had their eyes on moving to Tampa. 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 o...

Keeping St. Armands above water, another view on State of the State, art without a home 14.01.2026 48:50

Sarasota has the money to improve coastal flooding protection. However, the funding comes with questions about what improvements can be made and will they solve the problem as sea levels rise. 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...