Florida Matters

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...