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
A former Tampa Bay-area columnist reflects on life experiences in his new book
We talk with former Tampa Bay Times columnist Bill Maxwell about his new book of selected columns, "Maximum Vantage" and his life as a journalist and teacher…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters recaps the 2023 State of the State address
DeSantis’s State of the State address kicks off the legislative session. It's an opportunity to lay out his legislative priorities for the next 60 days. With a…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters explores the top issues ahead of the 2023 legislative session
The legislative session starts March 7 so we’re discussing changes that could be made to Florida laws and how it could affect you. Host Matthew Peddie talks…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters examines state lawmakers' efforts to challenge DEI school policies
We discuss diversity and inclusion in Florida schools following controversial decisions made by state leaders. In recent months, the Republican-led legislature…
- Florida Matters
Tampa mayor Jane Castor talks re-election campaign, the city's current and future challenges
We’re talking with Tampa Mayor Jane Castor about challenges facing the city, and the issues she thinks are important for Tampa — improving mass transit…
- Florida Matters
The Zest host shares highlights from season 7 of the podcast
We preview season seven of the Zest -- WUSF’s podcast celebrating the intersection of food and Florida. In this season, host Dalia Colon delves into the…
- Florida Matters
How the Tropicana Field redevelopment could reshape St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch has picked the developer he wants to reimagine the Tropicana Field site. The big reveal came at the end of the mayor’s State of…
- Florida Matters
After TBARTA dissolution, regional transit remains an obstacle for county officials to solve
We explore what went wrong with Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority (TBARTA) - and what happens next. Tampa Bay’s regional transit authority is going…
- Florida Matters
As Tampa experiences its hottest year, sustainability expert says he’s preparing Tampa for a warmer future
We’re talking about extreme heat and the impact of hotter days on the residents of Tampa Bay as a result of a warming climate. According to a recent report…
- Florida Matters
Extremism in Florida on the rise since Jan. 6 attack, civil rights organizations say
We’re talking about right wing conservatism in Florida and extremist groups, two years after the January 6th uprising at the US Capitol.
- Florida Matters
We break down impact of new legislation on Florida’s property insurance issues
A big question for Florida homeowners is how insurance reforms pushed through by lawmakers late last year will affect them. Host Matthew Peddie talks with…
- Florida Matters
A former congressman shares his thoughts on Florida’s divided political environment
We talk with former St. Petersburg congressman David Jolly about bipartisanship in a polarized political landscape. The former U.S. representative from Tampa…
- Florida Matters
Two weeks before election, we break down the most important issues to you
We talk with political reporters, to answer your questions about the upcoming election. The general election is two weeks away and this election season, WUSF…
- Florida Matters
Young voters say their trust in political systems is gone but they’ll still vote next month
We check in with a growing part of the electorate — young voters — three weeks out from election day. As part of WUSF’s Democracy 2022 coverage, we held a…
- Florida Matters
After a contentious 2020 election season, local elections officials gear up for November elections
We talk with local election officials about voting in next month’s elections. Misinformation, disinformation and the aftermath of Hurricane Ian may complicate…
- Florida Matters
Southwest Florida residents reflect on Hurricane Ian’s life-changing impact
We hear from survivors of Hurricane Ian across Central and Southwest Florida and discuss the challenges of rebuilding going forward. WUSF reporters spoke with…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters features postcards from WUSF's COVID Conversations series
We highlight a new oral history project about how the COVID-19 pandemic affected Black and Brown Floridians in the greater Tampa Bay region. We'll feature two…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters highlights new WUSF series on mental health issues
We highlight WUSF's recent series focusing on the challenges Black Americans face as they try to maintain their mental health.
- Florida Matters
Over two years into a pandemic, Tampa Bay businesses are looking at hybrid and remote work
We look at how workers and businesses in the greater Tampa Bay region are evolving away from the physical office space. For a lot of people, March 2020 was a…
- Florida Matters
After the August primaries, Sarasota’s non-partisan school board sees shift to conservative majority
We look at the impact Governor Ron DeSantis has had on the state’s non-partisan elections. DeSantis endorsed many school board candidates across the state…
- Florida Matters
USF anthropologist recounts her time unearthing bodies at the Dozier School for Boys
We talk with a University of South Florida anthropologist and author about her recently-published book, “We Carry Their Bones.” In 2012, a team of researchers…
- Florida Matters
Ahead of elections later this month, Florida Matters looks into the important races and the issues
Primary elections are just a week away so we discuss the issues and candidates on the ballot. Although Governor Ron DeSantis has no primary opponent, he still…
- Florida Matters
Educators voice their concerns and hopes ahead of a new school year
We discuss the challenges students and teachers face as a new school year begins. Schools in most counties in the greater Tampa Bay region open on Wednesday…
- Florida Matters
In his latest book, historian Gary Mormino documents Florida during the 2000s
We talk with local author and historian Gary Mormino about his latest book on the Sunshine State's influence during the early 21st century.
- Florida Matters
After a month after overturning Roe V Wade, Florida faces uncertain future on abortion
We dive into where abortion now stands in Florida -- a month since the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters explores the Sunshine State's literary scene
We discuss Florida's literary scene and get summer reading recommendations from a local book critic and independent bookstore owner.
- Florida Matters
Three Tampa Bay food entrepreneurs share their experiences with starting small businesses
We hear from local food entrepreneurs who started their small businesses. Host Matthew Peddie talks with Zach Correa of lemonGRAFT, Sam Meyers of Tampa Bay Rum…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters explores Tampa Bay 'staycation' options
We explore suggestions for local summer "staycations" with Tampa-based author and journalist Kristen Hare. Since 2014, she's written the "100 Things to do in…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters gets an update on the region’s water quality
We get an update on water quality in the Tampa Bay region from WUSF reporter Steve Newborn. He's reported on incidents like last year's toxic wastewater spill…
- Florida Matters
St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch discusses first term goals
We talk with St. Petersburg mayor Ken Welch about his priorities for his first term. We visited Welch at his office in City Hall for a conversation about the…
- Florida Matters
Tampa Bay area law enforcement and residents weigh the future of Florida’s gun laws
We hear from Tampa Bay regional residents about what needs to change to stem the tide of gun violence. Later in the show — with the special session on property…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters highlights a recent WUSF series featuring Tampa Bay area teachers
We talk with Kerry Sheridan and Bailey LeFever, the reporters behind a series of audio postcards featuring the voices of Tampa Bay area teachers. Over the…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters gets a refresher on hurricane preparedness
Hurricane season starts next week and we learn about what to expect this season — and how to get ready. Forecasters are expecting another busier than average…
- Florida Matters
State lawmakers hold second special session to work on Florida’s property insurance troubles
The state’s property insurance market is in big trouble. Homeowners are paying more for less coverage as insurance companies shed customers. Some companies…
- Florida Matters
New Florida law allows families back into assisted living facilities, even during a health emergency
We talk with Health News Florida reporter Stephanie Colombini about her reporting on Florida’s “No Patient Left Alone” act. The new law lets family members…
- Florida Matters
After a slew of controversial new laws, we look at DeSantis’ approach to leadership
We discuss the leadership style of Governor Ron DeSantis, leading up to the November mid-term elections. His priorities during the latest legislative session…
- Florida Matters
We break down what Florida’s new congressional map means for voters
We recap the recent special session to redraw the state’s congressional boundaries. Lawmakers voted largely along party lines to approve maps proposed by Gov…
- Florida Matters
Recent report details climate change's imminent impact to Tampa Bay, says the cost of doing nothing is dire
We explore climate change's impact in the Tampa Bay region and how some cities are planning to adapt. Sea-level rise threatens the more than three million…
- Florida Matters
A new Tampa Bay History Center exhibit explores Tampa's ties to Cuba
We take a walking tour of a Tampa Bay History Center exhibit highlighting the Cuba-Tampa connection. Called Cuban Pathways, it explores a relationship that…
- Florida Matters
Longboat Key's Democrat and Republican clubs want to change the conversation around politics
We talk with members of two Sarasota County political clubs wanting to change how Democrats and Republicans converse. The Longboat Key Democrats and the…
- Florida Matters
Tampa Bay residents share experiences of finding new homes in a pricey market
We continue our look at housing affordability. As the region sees explosive growth, residents are dealing with soaring rents. Others are finding it difficult…
- Florida Matters
Ukrainians across Tampa Bay talk about the impact of the Russian invasion on their lives
Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2022-03-08/ukrainians-across-tampa-bay-talk-about-the-impact-of-the-russian-invasion-on-their-liv…
- Florida Matters
Bradenton restauranteur says supply chain problems and worker shortages haven't stopped him yet
Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2022-03-01/bradenton-restauranteur-says-supply-chain-problems-and-worker-shortages-havent-stopped…
- Florida Matters
Hillsborough County officials revive the Rays’ Ybor City stadium idea
Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/florida-matters/2022-02-22/hillsborough-county-officials-revive-the-rays-ybor-city-stadium-idea
- Florida Matters
Tampa Bay lawmakers express frustration with state politics during the 2022 legislative session
Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2022-02-15/tampa-bay-lawmakers-express-frustration-with-state-politics-during-the-2022-legislativ…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters breaks down the midway point of Florida's 2022 legislative session
We check in on the Florida Legislature as lawmakers reach the midway mark of the 60-day session in Tallahassee. Among the issues being considered this year…
- Florida Matters
As the Curtis Reeves trial nears, Florida Matters explores Florida's Stand Your Ground law
An update on Florida's Stand Your Ground law as the trial of Curtis Reeves starts on February 7. Reeves attempted to use the law as a defense after a 2014…
- Florida Matters
Rising housing costs are prompting protests and possible solution from lawmakers across Tampa Bay
Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2022-01-25/rising-housing-costs-are-prompting-protests-and-possible-solution-from-lawmakers-acros…
- Florida Matters
Racism study authors talk highlighting the past and making suggestions for the future
Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2022-01-18/racism-study-authors-talk-highlighting-the-past-and-making-suggestions-for-the-future
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters recaps the 2022 State of the State address
We recap and break down Gov. Ron DeSantis's State of the State address earlier on Tuesday. His speech marks the beginning of this year's 60-day Florida…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters explores the most important issues before Florida’s 2022 legislative session
Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2022-01-04/florida-matters-explores-the-most-important-issues-before-floridas-2022-legislative-se…
- Florida Matters
We look at the impact of redistricting before Florida lawmakers meet next month
We examine local, state and Congressional redistricting as Florida lawmakers prepare for their once-in-a decade responsibility of drafting electoral maps. The…
- Florida Matters
Months after the major Piney Point spill, the phosphate industry's impact stills looms large
Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-12-07/months-after-the-major-piney-point-spill-the-phosphate-industrys-impact-stills-looms-l…
- Florida Matters
We highlight the latest Unequal Shots story on African Americans and mental health during the pandemic
Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-11-30/we-highlight-the-latest-unequal-shots-story-on-african-americans-and-mental-health-dur…
- Florida Matters
The Tampa Bay region is becoming a major destination for technology companies
Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-11-23/the-tampa-bay-region-is-becoming-a-major-destination-for-technology-companies
- Florida Matters
As mental health effects of the pandemic linger, a local 211 center still sees high call volumes
Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-11-16/as-mental-health-effects-of-the-pandemic-linger-a-local-211-center-still-sees-high-cal…
- Florida Matters
With a new mayor decided for St. Pete, Rick Kriseman reflects on eight years in office
We have a wide ranging conversation with outgoing St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman about his time in office as he wraps up leading Florida's fifth largest…
- Florida Matters
Food Insecurity Is Still An Issue in Tampa Bay, Even As The Pandemic Seems to Wane
This week, we take a deeper look at food insecurity - and the growing demand for help in the greater Tampa Bay region. Host Steve Newborn talks with Thomas…