Shows / Florida Matters
Florida Matters
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.
Episodes
- Florida Matters
Manatee County at the crossroads of Florida's affordability, growth and development woes
"Florida Matters Live & Local" recently recorded in front of an audience at the Manatee Performing Arts Center in Bradenton to dig into issues affecting the…
- Florida Matters
Spanning music genres – and Tampa Bay – to celebrate Public Radio Music Day
Some special guests join the program for a celebration of Public Radio Music Day. We hear some live performances in bluegrass, classical, a fusion of jazz and…
- Florida Matters
Census changes could leave some communities invisible, and a bookmobile of Epstein files
Proposed changes to the 2030 census could eliminate questions about race and ethnicity. How could this affect important decisions like federal housing…
- Florida Matters
Are Florida’s local governments losing autonomy? Also, Halloween sweets talk
For decades, cities and counties in Florida have been able to enact laws to manage their communities as they see fit. Recently, however, the Legislature has…
- Florida Matters
How the World Series-bound Tampa Bay Rays play ball on and off the field
The Tampa Bay Rays begin play in the World Series on Friday. Before the first pitch, here’s a closer look at their yearlong renaissance on and off the field…
- Florida Matters
Angie Nixon makes her case for a U.S. Senate seat, and remembering the late Joe Redner
State Rep. Angie Nixon is running for U.S. Senate and pulling enthusiastic crowds as she campaigns. Still, it’s a tough battle for Nixon as a Democrat from the…
- Florida Matters
Why the Seminole Tribe and DraftKings are at odds, and the psychology of a good scare
In a lawsuit, the Seminole Tribe is accusing DraftKings of operating in violation of the Tribe’s longstanding gambling compact with the state. The app…
- Florida Matters
Florida's Black vote is more complex than polls show, and roller coaster safety
Byron Donalds could be the first Black governor of Florida, but polls are showing that may not matter to most Black voters when they fill in their ballots…
- Florida Matters
Factors that affect a food pantry's goal, and businesses opposing the SoHo flood project
What are the challenges to running a food bank, particularly when there are high fuel prices and high grocery prices to contend with? The shelves of a local…
- Florida Matters
What nonprofits are thinking about Amendment 3, and a new film finds Florida's underbelly
How do nonprofits like United Way Suncoast benefit from the property tax system as it exists now? What happens to them if voters pass the controversial measure…
- Florida Matters
Explaining the Hope Florida expunge ruling, and caregiving without losing yourself
Last week, a state appellate court ordered that a recently leaked grand jury report on Hope Florida be expunged. Does it all go away with no repercussions? We…
- Florida Matters
Foreclosure pressures grow on homeowners, and the big debate over four vaccines
For some people, the math of a mortgage doesn’t add up the way it used to. We were curious about the financial pressures homeowners are currently facing in…
- Florida Matters
A historical motto or painful reminder on driver's licenses? Also, razing Tampa's past
The state’s driver’s licenses now feature an orange, a manatee and a phrase from the 1845 Florida flag. Why are these words getting pushback? Then, closer…
- Florida Matters
SNAP changes and the impact of food banks, plus a media merger with warning flags
People who rely on SNAP are getting a small cost-of-living adjustment, but there are changes to eligibility which could make it more challenging for SNAP…
- Florida Matters
Hubbard's Marina fills us in on the Cross-Bay Ferry's progress, and cop Flock abuse
A new cross-bay ferry service between Tampa and St. Petersburg will launch soon. Will you be riding? And we’ll learn more about a Flock investigation that led…
- Florida Matters
Trop site's future awaits winner of St. Petersburg's mayoral race, and Brightline’s bankruptcy
In a few weeks, St. Petersburg will decide whether to keep Mayor Ken Welch in office or replace him with former Gov. Charlie Crist. Among the challenges of the…
- Florida Matters
In search of accountability in the Hope Florida saga, and SpaceX launches
A grand jury investigation into Hope Florida and a $10 million Medicaid misappropriation left Floridians with plenty of questions. Many remained unanswered…
- Florida Matters
Insight from the WUSF reporters behind ‘The Cost of Power’ series, and taking charge of AI
If you compare your electric bill from last month with, say, one from a couple of years ago, you’d probably see a jump. A three-part WUSF investigation digs…
- Florida Matters
Kathy Castor converses on costs of housing, and how student-athletes can play it safe
There can be a lot of pressure on high school and college athletes. How do they focus on sports and academics while maintaining physical and mental health?…
- Florida Matters
The debate over debates in Florida elections, and learning campaign finance loopholes
Even in this era of media saturation, a debate can make or break a campaign. But for the first time in 50 years, there may be no such meeting involving the…
- Florida Matters
Parents trapped in a temporary foster care 'side door,' and Florida hunting prep
We learn more about a Tampa Bay Times investigation that found a "side door" in the foster care system that can leave parents struggling to reunite with their…
- Florida Matters
Poring over the Amendment 3 property tax measure, and a dengue update
In just over a month, voters go to the polls. There are lots of races on the ballot, from governor to Senate to Legislature and more. One thing all Florida…
- Florida Matters
A good day to walk or bike (and not drive), and Florida’s fascinating role in film
Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ YouTube…
- Florida Matters
Pinellas County School District weighs closures and mergers, more on FWC surveillance
Pinellas County schools face declining enrollment. And like other districts facing dwindling rolls, Pinellas may have to close a number of campuses and merge…
- Florida Matters
Fired over a social media post, and a local club owner’s fight over concert fees
As our staff focuses on WUSF’s annual fall pledge drive this week, “Florida Matters Live & Local” is presenting some of our favorite interviews from the past…
- Florida Matters
Hospital association CEO ties property taxes to healthcare, and PlayStation's disc-continuation
As our staff focuses on WUSF’s annual fall pledge drive this week, “Florida Matters Live & Local” is presenting some of our favorite interviews from the past…
- Florida Matters
What is a love bug? Here’s an expert with many flying facts to give
As our staff focuses on WUSF’s annual fall pledge drive this week, “Florida Matters Live & Local” is presenting some of our favorite interviews from the past…
- Florida Matters
A collective sign from teachers unions, homes built with 3D printing, winning by the sword
As our staff focuses on WUSF’s annual fall pledge drive this week, “Florida Matters Live & Local” is presenting some of our favorite interviews from the past…
- Florida Matters
Kids left in limbo by closing of juvenile justice facility, and following political money
The Hillsborough County Juvenile Detention Center closed at the end of August. It was located on land where the Tampa Bay Rays are planning to build a stadium…
- Florida Matters
25 years later: How 9/11 changed the country, the skies and the future
Friday marks 25 years since 9/11. It was a watershed moment for the U.S. and the world. It changed how we approached the world, flying, security, patriotism…
- Florida Matters
As cyclosporiasis wanes, does lettuce still make you nervous? And where are the hurricanes?
If the summer had you second-guessing your salad, you’re not alone. Cyclosporiasis, a nasty stomach bug caused by a microscopic parasite, spread across several…
- Florida Matters
The Clancy trial and understanding postpartum psychosis, plus inside the art of cosplay
The Lindsay Clancy case in Massachusetts has sparked conversations about perinatal mood disorders. Many of us are trying to learn more about postpartum…
- Florida Matters
Why cats are crowding shelters, and when environmental worry overwhelms
Animal shelters in Tampa Bay have too many pets and not enough space. What’s leading to the overcapacity — especially for cats? And what can be done to reduce…
- Florida Matters
The Rays’ next steps, Hope Florida’s money trail, and an alternate Haslam’s plan
After years of proposals, political fights and false starts, the Rays finally have approvals for a new stadium. Now what? Plus, a grand jury report reveals a…
- Florida Matters
Flock critics share their concerns, and earthquake help for Colombia and Venezuela
The backlash is growing against Flock automatic license plate readers. Pasco and Manatee are the latest counties to ban or pledge to remove the cameras. Law…
- Florida Matters
Wanted: a new generation of truck drivers. And every generation gets an ‘Odyssey’
Ever look at a big rig and think, “That sure looks fun”? We meet a newly graduated driver from a local trucker school and hear why America needs more licensed…
- Florida Matters
Florida’s shadowy immigration database, and remembering the Buffalo Soldiers
State and local police have been collecting information about people they suspect of being in the country without legal documentation – and filing it in a…
- Florida Matters
A county rethinks park funding, the appeal of going old-school, the latest on sloth deaths
Pinellas had recommended cutting funding for Weedon Island and Shell Key, state-owned preserves that the county leases and operates. But there has been a…
- Florida Matters
A school board’s partisan pendulum swings, and multitasking food trucks
Sarasota County voters have reshaped a school board that became a flashpoint for Florida’s culture wars. Our guest panel looks at what comes next. Then, meet…
- Florida Matters
Scrubbing climate science from textbooks, and Tampa Theatre turns back the clock
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law two years ago removing references to “climate change” from Florida statutes and redirected energy policy away from…
- Florida Matters
Breaking down primary night's winners and losers, and Hillsborough schools get an A
Primary night 2026 is in the past. Florida voters picked the major party’s candidates for governor, U.S. Senate and state Agriculture Commissioner. There's…
- Florida Matters
Class acts: Rethinking school success for teens under stress, and a head start in hospitality
Teens have a lot on their plates these days: studying for tests, navigating social media, after-school jobs, juggling schoolwork with sports practices. With…
- Florida Matters
Vindman challenges political headwinds, and USF nursing school's major expansion
Midterm elections can be tough for the party in power. In Florida, however, Democrats running for statewide office face uphill battles in a GOP-dominated…
- Florida Matters
Spotting Big Tech and AI in local politics. Also, a college turns trash into treasure
Attack ads have always been part of politics. But with artificial intelligence, a new front has opened in the battle for votes. On top of that, Silicon Valley…
- Florida Matters
Why the 'Flock Blocker' opposes these cameras, and an iconic game room pulls the plug
What in the heck is a Flock camera? Depending on whom you ask, it’s a crime-fighting tool or a symbol of creepy surveillance. Meet “Flock Blocker,” who…
- Florida Matters
A new identity for a longtime Tampa shopping mecca, and get ready for 813 Day
Big changes are finally coming to Tampa’s WestShore Plaza. A new owner has bought the mall with plans to redevelop it into a mixed-use space. Then, early…
- Florida Matters
Building a ballpark while solving an infrastructure dilemma, and Florida oranges show some juice
It’s difficult to escape talk about public dollars going toward a proposed Tampa Bay Rays stadium in Tampa. City councilman Bill Carlson says he has a…
- Florida Matters
Breaking down what’s new for the school year, and improv takes center stage in Ybor
The school year starts next week. And with it come changes related to school lunches, screen time, teacher shortages and more. Plus, the moon got a new beauty…
- Florida Matters
Challenges facing Florida’s corrections system: At the top and inside the walls
We spend the hour talking about Florida’s Department of Corrections, beginning with Ricky Dixon, who recently retired as secretary after a 30-year prison…
- Florida Matters
New guidance on kids and psychotropics, and a red flag over FWC surveillance
Florida health officials are urging doctors to reconsider prescribing psychotropic meds for kids. Could this affect how they're treated for mental health…
- Florida Matters
Police chases: Finding a balance between speed and safety. Also, assembling a voter guide
When should police pursue a fleeing vehicle? When should they call it off? We talk to an expert in law enforcement training after the recent death of a teen…
- Florida Matters
How 3D printing is revolutionizing home construction, and Tampa's luxury boom
A 3D printer can spit out almost anything these days. But how about a house? A local startup and real estate brokerage are partnering to use the technology to…
- Florida Matters
Daylight saving time all the time? Plus, a youngster who has a way with swords
Lawmakers want to make daylight saving time permanent. That means an extra hour of daylight year-round. That also means dark mornings in the winter when…
- Florida Matters
How the Fishback decision affects the governor’s race, and school supplies’ skyrocketing costs
Republican gubernatorial candidate James Fishback will remain on the ballot after a judge ruled in his favor in a state residency challenge by opponent Lt…
- Florida Matters
Charlie Crist makes his case for St. Petersburg, and two Florida executions in one day
Another candidate hoping to lead St. Petersburg’s city hall joins the show. You’ve likely heard of this one: 70-year-old politician Charlie Crist. The former…
- Florida Matters
Encore: Want to bike from Tampa Bay to Titusville? A 250-trail is nearly complete
This week, “Florida Matters Live & Local” has been revisiting some of our best conversations from the year. On this episode, we learn about the Coast-to-Coast…
- Florida Matters
Encore: A guide to the weird, wild and obscure parts of Tampa
This week, “Florida Matters Live & Local” is revisiting some of our best conversations from the year. Are there really entrances below Ybor City? A Museum of…
- Florida Matters
Encore: Life after prison, and the cost of mass incarceration
This week, “Florida Matters Live & Local” is revisiting some of our best conversations from the year. Adjusting to life out of prison can be challenging for…
- Florida Matters
Seeking Arcadia answers, making every splash safer, green burials, heads of the class
Residents in Arcadia woke to reports that ICE agents were headed into their neighborhood. Our immigration reporter explains what happened, what authorities…
- Florida Matters
Groveland Four restitution, Stop WOKE stalled, girls that wanna rock, the art of anonymity
In July 1949, four young African Americans — Ernest Thomas, Charles Greenlee, Samuel Shepherd, and Walter Irvin — were falsely accused of raping a white…