WUSF Public Media

Florida Matters

News EN ↓ 587 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.

Be sure to visit the podcast's website and support the creator: wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu

Author

WUSF Public Media

Episodes

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...

Instant analysis of Gov. DeSantis' State of the State address 13.01.2026 48:48

The conversation features insights from longtime local political journalist William March, PolitiFact Florida government reporter Sam Putterman and WUSF politics/environment reporter Steve Newborn. 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:...

ACA clock is ticking, drop in international students, USF athletics success 12.01.2026 52:06

A high-stakes debate in Congress will likely determine whether Affordable Care Act premiums stay affordable. Will there be a resolution before this year's final enrollment deadline on Thursday? 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://ww...

Sky's the limit for airport boss, recalling Tampa lunch counter sit-ins, musicians band together 08.01.2026 48:35

We learn plenty from Tampa International Airport CEO Michael Stephens during a special interview on "Florida Matters Live & Local." Also, a bit of local history you may not know about. 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.fac...

Behind our Everglades report, Rauschenberg’s Florida, bird's-eye views, snow and tell 07.01.2026 49:14

From a decades-old environmental clash to a centennial art celebration, a quirky state bird debate and a frosty escape, "Florida Matters Live & Local" guests touch on our state's history, culture and more. 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: Face...

Protecting endangered wildlife, a literary legacy, sculpture culture, surviving in sync 07.01.2026 49:16

"Florida Matters Live & Local" guest host Cathy Carter dives into topics that highlight the challenges and the creativity that define our state. From endangered animals and living legends of literature to monumental public art and feats of human resilience, there’s plenty to explore. Call: 813-755-6562 Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.org Website: https://www.wusf.org Sign up for our daily newslet...

Freedom and stability are within Venezuelans' grip, SOS for RSV, a memoir of survival 05.01.2026 48:33

Freedoms, fevers and family secrets lead "Florida Matters Live & Local" into the new year, with discussions on Venezuela, children's health and a revealing family memoir. 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...

Florida Matters Live & Local - December 23, 2025 23.12.2025 48:27

Florida Matters tackles tough issues, highlights little-known stories from our part of the world, and provides a greater perspective of what it means to live in the Sunshine State. Join us Monday through Thursday from noon-1pm EST as we journey across the state to explore the issues important to Floridians and cover the challenges facing our community and our state. Call: 813-755-6562 Message: Flo...

Florida Matters Live & Local - December 22, 2025 22.12.2025 48:34

When no fare is OK, hidden holiday hazards, loan 'pros' and cons, getting ready to slay 18.12.2025 48:20

An interesting mix of convos on "Florida Matters Live & Local." We roam from free rides and student loan changes to safety tips and a local queen hitting the national stage. 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/W...

Tracing tax money, a new history 'major,' hot lit, cat lovers unite, giving 2 hoots and more 17.12.2025 48:40

Learn more about an investigation into Medicaid money used by the DeSantis administration to fight a pair of amendments. Also, meet the new history center CEO and pick up some giving inspiration. 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://...

Digging into the drilling dilemma, books get an afterlife, Harlem Globetrotting, Tampa bowl talk 16.12.2025 48:39

From debates on energy and environmental risks to rescued books, basketball legends, and college football thrills, "Florida Matters Live & Local" celebrates curiosity, community and local stories. 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: htt...

USF's new president, local reaction to Australia terror, state park devotees, urban farms 15.12.2025 48:29

Sky Lebron is the guest host on "Live & Local," with segments on USF's new man in charge, faith congregations' reaction to violence, a couple who loves Florida's parks and front-lawn food production. 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:...