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
Jews Play Important Part In Florida's Story
Author Marcia Jo Zerivitz told Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham that many early settlers in Florida came from Europe, where their religion prohibited them…
- Florida Matters
'Cat Tale' Tells The 'Wild, Weird Battle To Save The Florida Panther'
The tale of how the panther was led back on the road to recovery has several twists and turns, including a "happy ending" that has taken 20 years to…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters: Election Security Improving From 2016
Our nation's democratic elections are being threatened like never before. Florida Matters this week takes a look at how our ballots are being protected - both…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters: DeSantis Shuns Controversy In State Of The State Address
Gov. Ron DeSantis discussed some of the “bold” steps the state took in 2019 around such areas as education, the environment, health care and public safety, and…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters: Reporter Round table
Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham spoke with longtime political journalist William March and Lynn Hatter, news director at WFSU, a Florida Public Media…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters 2019 In Review: Honey Bees, Coral Reefs, And The Environment
We look back at the state of bees, the role of invasive species, endangered sea turtles and efforts to save Florida Coral Reefs. We start our final look back…
- Florida Matters
Florida Matters Takes A Look At 2019
There were so many great stories we feature on Florida Matters it was hard to choose which ones to highlight in our year in review. Our Host, Robin Sussingham…
- Florida Matters
On Tia Pepy's Rice Pudding, Reindeer Cookies, And Other WUSF Family Holiday Traditions
Red-nosed reindeer cookies We start by hearing from Dalia Colon, the producer of our Zest podcast. She takes us into her home as her family prepares, bakes and…
- Florida Matters
Lakewood Ranch Weathers Economic Storms
Host Robin Sussingham has a one-on-one conversation with Rex Jensen, president and CEO of Schroeder -Manatee Ranch. Jensen discusses the patience, planning and…
- Florida Matters
A Little Thanksgiving Zest
We speak with historian Rodney Kite-Powell of the Tampa Bay History Center who explains that the first Thanksgiving feast took place here in Florida not in…
- Florida Matters
Despite Long Lines Theme Parks Are A Big Attraction
Guests include: Gabrielle Russon, Tourism Reporter with the Orlando Sentinel. Amanda Norcross, Senior editor of Trip Advisors' Family site…
- Florida Matters
Get A Taste Of Florida's Wine Industry
This program originally aired August 6, 2019. How can this hot, humid, fungus-friendly state support successful wine production? And how does the reputation of…
- Florida Matters
Senator Bill Nelson, "This Is Not The First Time That Lies Have Been Used In American Politics."
In a conversation with the ACPL director, former Congressman Dennis Ross and with former State Senator Rick Dantzler, former Senator Bill Nelson spoke candidly…
- Florida Matters
Vaccination Is Key To Preventing Hepatitis A
This week on Florida Matters we discuss the concerns of more than 28 hundred cases of hepatitis A being diagnosed in Florida so far this year, it has become…
- Florida Matters
Rural Areas Continue Planning For Future Growth
Mass transit in Tampa Bay's densely populated big cities grabs the headlines. But there's a case to be made that transportation has even more of an impact on…
- Florida Matters
Transportation Issues In Tampa Bay's Growing Cities
With the population in the Tampa Bay area growing so has the traffic. Transportation leaders have proposed many ideas about how to help people get around…
- Florida Matters
How Tampa And Orlando Airports Are Changing To Make Travel More Convenient
Projects are underway in Tampa and Orlando to reduce traffic congestion at airports, security screenings are becoming more high-tech, and Tampa even has a new…
- Florida Matters
The Buzz On Florida's Honey Bees
Florida is one of the top states in the country in honey production, with some of the finest quality honey you can find. It's also an important wintering…
- Florida Matters
"One Small Step" To Reduce Toxic Talk
Over the next few weeks, WUSF will be sharing stories produced for One Small Step, the latest project from StoryCorps. Each segment features two strangers…
- Florida Matters
Saving Florida's Coral Reefs
Florida's coral reefs are in trouble. Scientists say they've been declining for decades. But researchers have very recently come up with some exciting results…
- Florida Matters
Florida Seafood Past and Present
Historians and local old-timers say that once, Tampa Bay was overflowing with delicious oysters. And that some rivers, like the Manatee River, were once so…
- Florida Matters
How Strong Are Our Sewage Systems?
Leaky pipes, broken water mains, sewage spills. Tampa Bay's storm water infrastructure is aging, and it will be very expensive to fix it. Host Robin Sussingham…
- Florida Matters
A Taste Of Florida's Wine Industry
It might be one of the state's best kept secrets, but Florida wine making is a billion dollar industry! There are dozens of wineries across the state…
- Florida Matters
Clearing Up The CBD Confusion
You see it being sold everywhere now. You saw it everywhere even before it became legal on July 1st. Is it regulated? Is it safe? What does it do? If you're…
- Florida Matters
Sea Turtles Make A Comeback
They've had to battle shark attacks, pollution, massive beach developments and confusing light sources -- but sea turtles are bouncing back. According to the…
- Florida Matters
"Chasing The Moon": A Conversation With Filmmaker Robert Stone
July 20th marks the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, one of the most significant achievements in U.S. history. To mark the event, PBS stations…
- Florida Matters
What To Read This Summer
Summer is the time when we dream we'll have the leisure to sit down with a good book, or several. Maybe you want to use that time to read the Russian novel you…
- Florida Matters
USF President Judy Genshaft Retires
After 19 years as President of the University of South Florida, Judy Genshaft is stepping down at the end of this month. This week on Florida Matters we talk…
- Florida Matters
The Keto Diet Is Super Hot Right Now
Look up "keto cookbooks" and you find a plethora of options: Quick and Easy Ketogenic Cooking, Southern Keto, Ketogenic Cleanse, Keto Comfort Foods… It’s fair…
- Florida Matters
Podcasts 101
Whether you’re interested in politics, music, crime, technology or just about anything, there is likely a podcast for you. But while millions of people enjoy…
- Florida Matters
The Bugs Are Out In Force
Lovebugs, termites, mosquitoes, cockroaches – there is no doubt that Florida is home to many insects, and they seem to thrive in the state's hot, humid…
- Florida Matters
A Conversation With Jack E. Davis, Author Of "The Gulf"
This week on Florida Matters, host Robin Sussingham talks with Jack E. Davis, whose book The Gulf: The Making of An American Sea won the 2018 Pulitzer Prize…
- Florida Matters
Florida Citrus At A Crossroads
Citrus has shaped the state's identity for a hundred years. But it's been a rough ten years, with freezes, hurricanes, development pressure...and worst of all…
- Florida Matters
Introducing Tampa's New Mayor, Jane Castor
Jane Castor is in her first weeks as the new mayor of Tampa. Her position as the first gay mayor in the Southeast didn't come up much during the campaign, but…
- Florida Matters
That's A Wrap! The 2019 Legislative Session
The 2019 state legislative session ended Saturday. The budget includes hundreds of millions of dollars for Everglades and freshwater springs restoration, and…
- Florida Matters
Zoning and Property Rights: Tampa Bay's Balancing Act
With Florida’s population on the rise, we're taking a look at how we’re adapting. "Zoning" may sound mundane but in reality, it's anything but! Zoning and…
- Florida Matters
Tampa As An International Dining Destination
These are exciting times for eating out in Tampa Bay. Our cuisine is getting better and more varied and starting to draw national attention. Florida Matters…
- Florida Matters
The Scientific Frontline Against Florida's Invasive Species
Florida is home to more than 500 invasive species. Not all of these plants and animals are big and scary like pythons, but they can still harm the state’s…
- Florida Matters
The Battle To Be Mayor Of Tampa
A new mayor of Tampa will be elected on April 23rd. The two remaining candidates, Jane Castor and David Straz, debated at the WEDU PBS studio, and we're…
- Florida Matters
Can Alternative Housing Reduce The Affordability Problem?
Alternative kinds of housing like shipping containers or tiny houses are quickly growing in popularity. We discuss whether they could help relieve some of the…
- Florida Matters
Florida Legislative Update
Florida’s legislative session has been underway for almost a month and there have already been some big changes. We talk with reporters about key issues…
- Florida Matters
Florida Seafood Past and Present
Historians and local old-timers say that once, Tampa Bay was overflowing with delicious oysters. And that some rivers, like the Manatee River, were once so…
- Florida Matters
The Latest In Florida Tourism
Tourism is a vital industry for our state, and Florida Matters is taking a look at how businesses fared in the wake of red tide, what's new with our theme…
- Florida Matters
State Of The State 2019
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis kicked off the 2019 legislative session with his first State of the State address. He asked lawmakers to "be bold" as they address…
- Florida Matters
Human Trafficking Summit
Florida ranks third in the nation for the number of calls placed to the national human trafficking hotline. The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce recently…
- Florida Matters
International Dining
These are very exciting times for eating out in the Tampa Bay area! Our cuisine is getting better and more varied, and it's starting to draw national…
- Florida Matters
Telling Tampa Bay Stories: Plant City
This week's Florida Matters highlights some of the places and events that make Plant City special, like the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center, which…
- Florida Matters
Growth In Florida And How To Manage It
Growth is no stranger to Florida. We’ve been a magnet for migrants, immigrants and sun-seekers for hundreds of years. But will too much growth crowd out what…
- Florida Matters
The History of Gasparilla and Its 'Mystic' Pirates
The annual Gasparilla celebration is one of Tampa Bay's biggest social events, drawing in hundreds of thousands of people to live the pirate life. The…
- Florida Matters
Governor DeSantis Hits The Ground Running
Florida’s new Governor Ron DeSantis has wasted no time in putting his stamp on the state.This week on Florida Matters we take a look at some of his actions so…
- Florida Matters
The Keto Diet Is Super Hot Right Now
Look up "keto cookbooks" and you find a plethora of options: Quick and Easy Ketogenic Cooking, Southern Keto, Ketogenic Cleanse, Keto Comfort Foods… It’s fair…
- Florida Matters
The Best Of WUSF In 2018
Happy 2019! As WUSF prepares to bring you the news you rely on this year, we’re looking back at some of the station's big moments in 2018 through the lens of…
- Florida Matters
Tampa Bay's Top New Stories Of 2018
Much has happened in our state this year. We elected a new Governor, U.S. Senator and a number of other political positions. We lost 17 lives in a mass…
- Florida Matters
Can Alternative Housing Reduce The Affordability Problem?
Alternative kinds of housing like shipping containers or tiny houses are quickly growing in popularity. We discuss whether they could help relieve some of the…
- Florida Matters
Telling Tampa Bay Stories: Plant City
Last year, our series, "Telling Tampa Bay Stories," took us to Tampa's Progress Village. This year, the focus is Plant City -- a Hillsborough County community…
- Florida Matters
How Retail Is Changing (Rebroadcast)
Retail is changing and there will be winners and losers. Florida Matters Host Robin Sussingham talks to the Tampa Bay Business Journal's Ashley Gurbal Kritzer…
- Florida Matters
Veteran Entrepreneurs
Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham recently moderated a community discussion about veteran entrepreneurs with professionals who've been working on training…
- Florida Matters
Election Hangover
The 2018 midterm election was supposed to be over last night, but this is Florida, so of course it looks like there will be at least one recount, and maybe…
- Florida Matters
Here Come The Midterms!
Florida Matters Host Robin Sussingham sits down with long time political journalist and analyst William March to talk about the political zeitgeist, whether…
- Florida Matters
Florida's Film Industry
Florida cancelled its tax credits for film makers in 2016 -- and now industry observers say some big productions are moving to places like Georgia, which are…