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
Giving Tuesday encore: Doctor shortages, a chronicler of racial injustice, booze without the buzz
During WUSF’s holiday fundraising drive, we’re asking for your support to keep our newsroom strong. In the meantime, "Live and Local" revisits some of the best…
- Florida Matters
Holiday hunger, sea cow survival, bipartisan dinner tables, a December to remember
On "Live and Local," we cover families facing food insecurity, endangered manatees, navigating tricky holiday conversations and exploring festive local events…
- Florida Matters
ACA on edge, the Trop's looking up, kicking the color barrier, holiday shopping ideas
Millions of Floridians are watching their health insurance costs as federal subsidies for the Affordable Care Act are set to expire. From emergency room…
- Florida Matters
Treading water restrictions, a changing neighborhood, amendment 'toke' 2, steamy lit
It’s dry time in Florida, so local governments and residents are being asked to tighten the taps and focus on outdoor watering habits. A representative from…
- Florida Matters
Charter chatter, Operation Pedro Pan, FAFSA loans and moans, and go take a hike
From schools to student aid, historic escapes to outdoor adventures, this "Florida Matters Live & Local" runs the gamut of the serious and the surprising…
- Florida Matters
Electric bills got you wired? Plus, tax talk, SNAP decisions, and only in Florida ... man!
From skyrocketing utility bills to debates over property taxes and SNAP benefits — and, of course, the wildest Florida Man stories — Floridians are feeling the…
- Florida Matters
Where hurricane wind won't win, Lunch Pal mentors, voting rights, and a course of history
On "Florida Matters: Live & Local," we highlight courage and community — strengthening young minds, fighting for felons' rights, a historically Black golf…
- Florida Matters
Loving or leaving Florida? A sky-high solution to traffic jams. Air travel took off in Tampa Bay
On "Florida Matters: Live & Local," we explore why some Floridians are thinking of bolting while others stay put, how air taxis could lift commuters and the…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters Live & Local - November 13, 2025
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…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters Live & Local - November 12, 2025
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…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters Live & Local - November 11, 2025
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…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters Live & Local - November 10, 2025
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…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters Live & Local - November 6, 2025
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…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters Live & Local - November 5, 2025
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…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters Live & Local - November 4, 2025
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…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters Live & Local - November 3, 2025
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…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters Live & Local - October 30, 2025
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…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters Live & Local - October 29, 2025
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…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters Live & Local - October 28, 2025
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…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters Live & Local - October 27, 2025
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…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters Live & Local - October 23, 2025
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…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters Live & Local - October 22, 2025
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…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters Live & Local - October 21, 2025
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…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters Live & Local - October 20, 2025
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…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters Live & Local - October 16, 2025
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…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters Live & Local - October 15, 2025
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…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters Live & Local - October 14, 2025
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…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters Live & Local - October 13, 2025
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…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters Live & Local - October 9, 2025
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…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters Live & Local - October 8, 2025
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…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters Live & Local - October 7, 2025
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…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters Live & Local - October 6, 2025
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…
- Florida Matters
Why Is My Power Bill So High? / Diplomas for Disabled Students - Florida Matters Live & Local
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…
- Florida Matters
Florida Executions / Tampa Cigar Industry - Florida Matters Live & Local
Coming up on Florida Matters- education, politics and how the top academic jobs in the sunshine state get chosen. Listen live on 89.7, wusf.org, or watch the…
- Florida Matters
Hurricane Conversation - A Look Back and to the Future - Florida Matters Live & Local - 9/30/25
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…
- Florida Matters
WWE Titus O'Neil / The Rays / Remote Work
The Tampa Bay Rays are being sold. Major League Baseball approved the deal- worth a reported one point seven billion dollars- last week. The Rays will be back…
- Florida Matters
The future of Florida's coral reefs and more
If you’ve ever received a speeding ticket, it was probably issued by a state trooper, a police officer, or the city or county where you were snapped speeding…
- Florida Matters
A closer look at the health risks of extreme heat
It’s been pretty hot this summer. If you live in Florida- that’s not news. But you might not know just how dangerous the heat can be for you and your neighbors…
- Florida Matters
Learning to Drive; training service dogs & Tampa International Airport's popular social media feed
New rules for people applying to get their learners' permit in Florida aim to make it safer for teen drivers. WUSF’s Meghan Bowman and Pasco County tax…
- Florida Matters
How immigration policies are playing out for families in the Tampa Bay region
Amid the country's strict immigration policies, stories are emerging from people placed in federal detention and those no longer in U.S. Some have been…
- Florida Matters
Why childhood vaccination rates are dipping in Sarasota County
Public health experts are worried about the dip in childhood vaccinations. In Sarasota County, the vaccination rate has slid to about 80% for kindergartners…
- Florida Matters
Rising grocery prices and looming SNAP cuts squeeze Tampa families
Inflation has cooled off a bit this year, and prices aren’t going through the roof like they were last year and the year before. But they’re still creeping up…
- Florida Matters
School's back across the Tampa Bay region: what to know
It's hard to believe, but school is back in session. If you're a parent, that means you're already dealing with that early morning dash to school and also…
- Florida Matters
in 'Not So Forever Home,' WUSF reporters explain how mobile home owners are being priced out by rising lot rents
People often own the manufactured home they live in, but rent the land it sits on. And the rent is going up. On this episode, you'll hear from people…
- Florida Matters
Caregiving for millennials
On this episode you’ll hear from caregivers and advocates about how they face this challenge. Our guests are Rachel Piltch-Loeb, author of The Millennial…
- Florida Matters
How staffing changes at the National Weather Service affect local forecasting offices
When hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton menaced Tampa Bay last summer, you may have been glued to your radio for updates. The National Weather Service is a…
- Florida Matters
Medical Trust-fund fraud victims seek reassurance after prosecutor's firing
Tampa federal prosecutor Michael Gordon was fired last month. There are questions about why he was fired, and concerns about what happens now to the case he…
- Florida Matters
How Floridians feel about the state budget and what it means for Tampa Bay
Florida’s legislative session went way longer than planned, as lawmakers and Gov. Ron DeSantis argued over proposed tax cuts. DeSantis signed the budget — more…
- Florida Matters
How the Chitlin Circuit influenced American pop music
On this episode of "Florida Matters," you’ll learn about The Chitlin Circuit, how it shaped the sound of jazz, blues, and rock, and how it paved the way for…
- Florida Matters
Finding the joy in Tampa Bay's arts and culture scene
Tampa Bay has a world renowned arts scene. Chances are you’ve caught an exhibition at the Dali museum in St. Petersburg- or taken in some of the dazzling…
- Florida Matters
The steamy world of Romance Novels
When you hear the term ‘romance novel', does it conjure up images of Fabio’s flying hair- or maybe some bodice ripping? You can still find that between the…
- Florida Matters
Off the beaten path in Florida with Gabrielle Calise
There’s a lot more mystery and magic to this state than "Florida Man" headlines suggest. Take a drive around the Tampa Bay area and you may wonder about the…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters Podcast Extra: remembering Gwen Henderson
The Tampa City Council announced Tuesday morning that Henderson died at her home of natural causes overnight. Henderson was an educator and bookstore owner…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters podcast extra: highlights from our series on hurricane recovery and resilience
In the lead up to the start of hurricane season, Florida Matters took a closer look at stories of recovery- from homeowners, business leaders and community…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters Podcast Extra: Tampa Bay's David Jolly sets his sights on the governor's mansion
David Jolly represented Florida's 13th congressional district, in Pinellas County, from 2014 to 2017. He left the Republican party in 2018 and has spent the…
- Florida Matters
Why some police departments have stopped using a particular model of handgun
There’s a certain model of handgun that’s popular with gun owners across the country. It’s popular with law enforcement too. But recently, some agencies-…
- Florida Matters
How Tampa Bay businesses are recovering from 2024 hurricanes, preparing for this year
On "Florida Matters," we discuss hurricane recovery for Tampa Bay area businesses following the 2024 storms. We also look into how business owners can prepare…
- Florida Matters
Across Tampa Bay, homeowners and local government leaders grapple with hurricane flood risk
If your home flooded during hurricane season last year, you may still be recovering from the damage. A lot of neighborhoods flooded as a series of storms…
- Florida Matters
How community resilience can help with hurricane recovery
When a disaster strikes, you can expect help from local and state governments, and from FEMA. But it may not be long before you find out those agencies can’t…
- Florida Matters
Hurricanes and mental health: dealing with the stress of hurricane season anxiety and storm recovery
Hurricane season is always stressful. And it may weigh even heavier as you continue to recover from last year’s storms. So how are you coping – and dealing…