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
Bridges, buses and ferries: getting around Tampa Bay
When Manatee County got rid of bus fares- ridership went up. And it’s not the only place in Tampa Bay where more people started taking the bus after fares went…
- Florida Matters
Fixing the Trop's roof and figuring out the future of the Rays
You know the Tampa Bay Rays. If you’re a baseball fan, you follow the wins and losses. But if you’re a taxpayer in St Petersburg or Pinellas County, the…
- Florida Matters
Uber and Tampa Bay: a conversation with Javi Correoso
When Uber arrived in Tampa Bay ten years ago, it was a game changer for transit, disrupting the taxi industry and opening up the gig economy. Uber says it has…
- Florida Matters
Uber and the Tampa Bay gig economy
When Uber arrived in Tampa Bay ten years ago, it was a gamechanger. The rideshare app disrupted the taxi industry and offered people a way to make extra money…
- Florida Matters
Taxes, school start times & the state bird: Florida's legislative session hits the halfway mark
At the start of the session, you heard from WUSF’s ‘Your Florida’ team. Reporters Meghan Bowman and Douglas Soule are keeping tabs on the legislature up in…
- Florida Matters
Trackside or courtside- how sports fans help power Tampa Bay's economy
Tampa Bay is a pro sports town. You’ve got the Lightning for Hockey, Buccaneers for Football, and the Rays for baseball. That attracts folks for hundreds of…
- Florida Matters
Watching like a hawk: A look at the lore of birdwatching
Birding- or bird watching- is booming. The US Fish and Wildlife service estimates there are 96 million birders in the United States. That’s one in three adults…
- Florida Matters
Some people in Tampa Bay are still dealing with flood impacts from Milton. Here's how they're coping
If you experienced Hurricane Milton- or Helene or Debby- it’s something you don’t want to relive. But for some people in Tampa Bay- they’re still dealing with…
- Florida Matters
Months after Milton, some Tampa Bay residents are still dealing with flooding; how oyster shells are helping a bird sanctuary in Hillsborough Bay
For many Floridians, getting ready for hurricane season means things like dusting off the emergency supply kit, checking flashlight batteries and making sure…
- Florida Matters
Florida Noir and the makings of a shady crime story
People come to Florida in droves for the beaches and warm weather. But the sunshine state also attracts its fair share of shady characters, in real life and in…
- Florida Matters
Breaking down DeSantis' annual address on the 'free state of Florida'
On this episode of "Florida Matters," we discuss Gov. Ron DeSantis' State of the State address to the Legislature. Topics he covered during the half-house…
- Florida Matters
How Tampa became a Spring Training destination
It’s Spring Training time, and for the next two months, fans of the Yankees, Blue Jays, Orioles and other Grapefruit league teams get to experience a slightly…
- Florida Matters
Making sense of immigration policy and executive power in President Trump's second term
In his first month back in the White House, President Trump has moved quickly to roll out restrictions on immigration, and stop Diversity, Equity and Inclusion…
- Florida Matters
The Chitlin Circuit and its impact on pop music
If you watched the Grammys this year, you probably caught Beyonce’s acceptance speech, when, at long last she landed the album of the year. Beyonce said she…
- Florida Matters
Connecting with Black businesses in Tampa Bay
On this episode of Florida Matters, you’ll hear about an effort to connect people with Black businesses throughout Tampa Bay. Among the flurry of executive…
- Florida Matters
Meeting the need for doctors in the Tampa Bay region
The need for doctors across Florida is growing along with the state’s population. One sign of the growing need: Sarasota Memorial Hospital recently opened a…
- Florida Matters
Immigration, state politics and Trump's second term
Immigrants in the Tampa Bay region who are here without legal documentation are waiting anxiously to see what President Trump’s vow to carry out mass…
- Florida Matters
MLK Day and volunteerism in Tampa Bay, and how to do Dry January
Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established as a federal holiday and a national day of service more than 40 years ago. Ernest Hooper and Briana Mays with United…
- Florida Matters
WUSF reporters reflect on a life-changing hurricane season
Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton upended peoples lives across the greater Tampa Bay region, and WUSF reporters were there to report on the storms as they…
- Florida Matters
From politics to weird noises, WUSF reporters review the year in news
From back to back hurricanes to the twists and turns of the US presidential election, there’s been a lot to keep up with in 2024. Reporters in the WUSF…
- Florida Matters
When Hurricane Milton destroyed the Trop's roof, it triggered a cascade of problems for the Rays' plans for a new stadium
Just a few short months ago the Tampa Bay Rays appeared to be in striking distance of getting a brand new ballpark in St. Petersburg- on the Tropicana Field…
- Florida Matters
St. Petersburg couple on a mission to visit every state park in Florida
You might remember when state parks hit the headlines last summer. Florida’s department of environmental protection proposed major developments at nine state…
- Florida Matters
How one Tampa Bay non-profit is approaching the holiday season and hurricane recovery
As you look ahead to Thanksgiving, you’re probably thinking about the logistics of the get-together: travel, food preparation or navigating conversations with…
- Florida Matters
Explaining the connection between homeowners' insurance and climate change in Florida
affordable houses in short supply and lots of competition. But if you do own a home in the Tampa Bay region, you might be facing another challenge: getting…
- Florida Matters
How Tampa Bay is recovering from Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton
Like a lot of your friends and neighbors across the greater Tampa Bay region- you’re probably looking forward to putting the 2024 Hurricane season in the rear…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters election night 2024
On election night 2025, Florida Matters heard from reporters at WUSF and partner stations at watch parties in the Tampa Bay region as results came in…
- Florida Matters
Why the economy is a top issue for voters in 2024, and how elections offices guard against cyberattacks
The economy is a leading topic mentioned by voters this year. A poll from the Pew Research Center published in September revealed eight in ten registered…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters podcast extra: flooding issues persist in Hernando County, two weeks after Milton
Hurricane Milton made landfall nearly two weeks ago- and for some- the disaster isn’t over. Flooding is still causing big problems after the storm dumped more…
- Florida Matters
Coping with flooding after Hurricane Milton, dealing with election misinformation
As the presidential election heads into its final weeks, you’re probably seeing a torrent of campaign ads, memes and political headlines on your social media…
- Florida Matters
Recovering from Milton: getting schools back online, voting after a hurricane and building resilience
It’s been nearly a week since Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key and ripped through the Tampa Bay region and across Central Florida. Just as people…
- Florida Matters
Taking stock of the damage after Hurricane Milton
People had barely even begun picking up their lives after Hurricane Helene two weeks ago when Milton hit the Gulf Coast. A day after Hurricane Milton slammed…
- Florida Matters
How America's broken immigration system impacts Florida
People have strong opinions about immigration, and during this presidential election campaign, anxieties over America’s broken immigration system- and hopes…
- Florida Matters
Tampa Bay takes stock after Hurricane Helene
Across the greater Tampa Bay region, people are taking stock of the destruction left behind by Hurricane Helene. Storm surge of eight feet and more in some…
- Florida Matters
How young voters are navigating the 2024 election and how the media covers politics
It’s election season. And if you’re a new voter, it may be intimidating trying to decipher the flood of campaign ads, figure out your ballot or even know who…
- Florida Matters
Dalia Colon talks fresh new season of 'The Zest'
In this episode of Florida Matters, you’ll get a taste of what’s on offer from the host of the Zest Podcast, Dalia Colon. Season 10 of The Zest includes vegan…
- Florida Matters
How your vote will help decide the future of marijuana in Florida- plus: understanding political ads
In the upcoming general election, Florida voters will get a chance to decide whether they want to approve the use of marijuana for recreational purposes…
- Florida Matters
Homeowners vs. Investors: who walks away with the home?
WUSF’s Gabriella Paul has been talking to renters, homeowners and investigators to find out what’s been going on with the housing market. She says investors…
- Florida Matters
One couple's quest to visit all 175 Florida State Parks. Plus- what the primary election results mean for November
Florida's Department of Environmental Protection revealed plans to build golf courses, pickleball courts and lodges on some state parks- and people aren't…
- Florida Matters
Thaddeus Bullard uses his pro wrestling fame to give back to his community
You may know Titus O’Neil as a star of WWE. You may have even seen the viral moment when he tripped on his way into a wrestling match and slid under the ring…
- Florida Matters
How your vote could help decide abortion access in Florida
Abortion is a polarizing issue. But whatever your opinion, if you’re a Floridian voting this November, you’ll have a say in whether the right to an abortion is…
- Florida Matters
Tampa Bay cleans up after Hurricane Debby & an update on the Rays stadium plans
Debby dumped 12 inches of rain in some parts of Tampa Bay on her way through the area over the weekend. Cities are starting to assess the damage. And the Tampa…
- Florida Matters
A look at congressional races ahead of the primary election
One of the hot button issues this presidential election is reproductive rights. Floridians registered to vote have a say on whether the state enshrines…
- Florida Matters
Kids who are alone, without a place to call home, find help with a Tampa non-profit
Jamal would sleep outside some nights when his mother would lock him out of the house. Other nights he would go from couch to couch at friends' houses. That's…
- Florida Matters
The case for and against partisan school board elections
School board elections have been nonpartisan in Florida since 2000. That’s because voters here approved a constitutional amendment on the issue back in 1998…
- Florida Matters
How the Florida Humanities helps tell the story of Florida. Plus: tips for new voters
The arts are vital in Florida. You’ve heard what cuts to arts funding means for hundreds of theaters, museums and arts groups - and the economies they help…
- Florida Matters
Summer learning programs and competitive spelling in Tampa Bay
Summer break is in full swing with a way to go until school starts up again. This is the time kids can lose a lot of the academic gains they’ve made during the…
- Florida Matters
Arts organizations contemplate show cancellations and staff cuts after state budget vetoes
Arts organizations around Florida are scrambling to make up budget shortfalls after Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed $32 million in cultural and museum grants. The…
- Florida Matters
Black Tampa Bay LGBTQ+ leaders discuss Juneteenth and Pride
It’s pride month - and Juneteenth is just around the corner. Pride celebrations take on added significance for LGBTQ+ Floridians who have been the focus of…
- Florida Matters
Remembering the Skyway Bridge Disaster: A look at what happened 44 years ago
On this episode of Florida Matters, we talk with two people involved in the Sunshine Skyway Bridge documentary, including one of the divers who helped recover…
- Florida Matters
Two Florida researchers discuss the health impact of vaping
On this episode of Florida Matters we talk with two experts about the health impacts of vaping- both on adults and youth. We discuss the role of e-cigarettes…
- Florida Matters
In search of the Beloved Community: Remembering Congressman John Lewis
In this episode of Florida Matters, we speak to Florida historian Raymond Arsenault about his biography of the late Congressman John Lewis. Lewis spent a…
- Florida Matters
Preparing for the 2024 hurricane season
Forecasters are predicting an extremely active hurricane season, with 23 named storms and 11 hurricanes, including five major hurricanes. We talk with Megan…
- Florida Matters
Lack of regulations for outdoor workers leads to hazardous work environments
When extreme weather hits Florida, the destruction can be immense. Hurricane Idalia caused $3.6 million in damage when it barreled into the Big Bend last year…
- Florida Matters
Pro-Palestinian protests and the history of protests at USF
This week, we speak to WUSF reporters about their experience covering the pro-Palestinian protests on the USF campus, along with two local historians who talk…
- Florida Matters
Bob Graham's legacy of environmental protection
In this episode, we’re talking about Bob Graham’s environmental legacy - including his efforts to protect wild places like the Everglades and other waterways -…
- Florida Matters
Weed the people: recreational marijuana on the ballot in November
This November, Floridians will vote yes or no on allowing adults 21 and older to use recreational marijuana.On this episode of Florida Matters, we discuss how…
- Florida Matters
An update from teachers on classrooms since 2022 education laws rolled out
Teachers have been navigating challenging and confusing times since education laws rolled out in 2022. In this episode, we get an update on what their…
- Florida Matters
Thaddeus Bullard uses his pro wrestling fame to give back to his community
People know Titus O’Neil as a star of WWE. But before he was a pro wrestler and Global Ambassador for WWE, Titus O’Neil was Thaddeus Bullard. He began his…
- Florida Matters
How the Florida Supreme Court's decisions on abortion and marijuana will affect health care and politics
The Florida Supreme Court released opinions on two proposed constitutional amendments Monday afternoon. One would enshrine abortion rights in the state…
- Florida Matters
Key decisions on a new Rays stadium are still to come
The issue of a new ballpark for the Tampa Bay Rays been debated for decades. And in the next few months, make-or-break decisions will be made on the…