Beyond the News WFLA Interviews
Interviews conducted by the WFLA Radio newsroom in Tampa Florida, with local and national newsmakers. Be sure to follow us!
Episodes
April 25, 2024 • 4 mins
Saturday, April 27th is National Drug Takeback Day, with hundreds of law enforcement agencies across the nation collecting old prescription meds as part of Operation Medicine Cabinet. In Clearwater, they're offering to collect old drugs AND shred old documents, to keep them away from identity thieves. We speak with Clearwater police spokesman Rob Shaw.
Mark as Played
April 24, 2024 • 8 mins
Newsradio WFLA's Read Shepherd talks to Greg Deese, F-DOT Regional Engineer, about the impending opening of the Gateway Expressway, which will connect I-275, US 19, and the approach to the Bayside Bridge. The toll road is set to open to drivers on Friday, April 26.
Mark as Played
April 24, 2024 • 10 mins
Every year, the American Lung Association ranks metro areas across the nation for air quality in terms of ozone and particle pollution. Most of Florida gets good marks, but some areas have issues, particularly Tampa Bay and South Florida. We speak with Ashley Lyerly with the ALA.
Mark as Played
April 19, 2024 • 9 mins
Newsradio WFLA's Read Shepherd talks to St. Petersburg Fire Rescue Captain Garth Swingle about a May 11 event in which local and elected officials--along with the media--can get a first-hand look at what Fire Rescue crews and how they do it. The "Fire Ops 101" program will also give participants a chance to expeience hands-on firefighting and rescue operations. The event is scheduled for May 11 at the Clearwater Fire & Rescue...
Mark as Played
April 18, 2024 • 8 mins
Dickey Betts, legendary guitarist and singer best known for his work with the Allman Brothers, has died at age 80 at his home in Osprey, near Sarasota. Betts was born in Florida and grew up in the Bradenton area. We speak with musician Damon Fowler, who toured with the Dickey Betts Band in 2018, about Betts and his legacy.
Mark as Played
April 17, 2024 • 8 mins
Former Florida governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham has died at age 87. One of his major initiatives involved manatee protection and conservation. We speak with Patrick Rose, executive director of the Save the Manatee Club, which was co-founded by Graham and singer Jimmy Buffett, who died last September.
Mark as Played
April 10, 2024 • 6 mins
Bat maternity season begins Tuesday (April 16th), which means some restrictions in the way you can deal with bats that get into your house or business property. We speak with Jayne Johnston, a senior wildlife biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, about how to deal with bats during bat baby time.
Mark as Played
April 10, 2024 • 5 mins
Hillsborough County is updating its vulnerability assessment for the first time since 2020. They hope to get information on challenges facing neighborhoods and areas within the county to help residents stay safe and deal with potential impacts of flooding and other climate-related issues. The county is holding a public meeting April 16th that can also be accessed virtually. We speak with Hazard Mitigation, Resiliency and Sustainabi...
Mark as Played
April 9, 2024 • 5 mins
A private nonprofit that describes itself as the eyes and ears of the Florida taxpayer takes a look at the proposed deal to build a new ballpark for the Tampa Bay Rays and redevelop the Gas Plant, and offers some suggestions. We speak with Bob Nave, senior VP of research at Florida Taxwatch.
Mark as Played
April 5, 2024 • 4 mins
The solar eclipse is Monday, April 8. It's not total in any part of Florida but the Tampa-Hillsborough library system is holding watch parties nonetheless. We speak with the system's Cheryl Wolfe.
Mark as Played
April 3, 2024 • 7 mins
A new hurricane forecast coming out, from a Sarasota-based climate group. The Climate Adaptation Center will focus its outlook on Florida's west coast. We speak with Center CEO Bob Bunting
Mark as Played
March 26, 2024 • 7 mins
Newsradio WFLA's Read Shepherd talks with Elliott Falcione, the Executive Director of the Bradenton Convention and Visitors Bureau about the expansion of the Gulf Islands Ferry from Bradenton to Anna Maria Island
Mark as Played
March 26, 2024 • 8 mins
Newsradio WFLA's Read Shepherd talks to Vietnam Veteran Col. (ret.) Rolfe Arnyhm about this week's "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans and War Dogs" remembrance event. Col. Arnhym will be the keynote speaker at the event---at Veterans Memorial Park on US 301 in Tampa.
Mark as Played
March 22, 2024 • 4 mins
St. Petersburg - Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is holding a job fair Tuesday (26th). The airport has a number of employers on-site using the fair, including the U.S. Coast Guard, the TSA, concessionaires, vendors and general aviation suppliers. We speak with the airport's Michele Routh about the fair and available jobs.
Mark as Played
March 21, 2024 • 7 mins
A Venice-based charity that supports Christian missions in Haiti is able to fly supplies into the country again, after a three-week hiatus forced by violence around Port-au-Prince. Agape Flights has received clearance from Haitian aviation authorities to enter and leave the country. It's working through a backlog as it flies in and out twice a week. We speak with the organization's Tim Kenny.
Mark as Played
March 20, 2024 • 9 mins
Local food is fastest and freshest, but red tape in federal school lunch programs has sometimes forced schools to source out-of-state. After years of building relationships with Florida farmers and processors, the Hillsborough School District is serving its students an All-Florida lunch on Thursday, March 21st. We speak with Shani Hall, the district's Director of Nutrition Services.
Mark as Played
March 14, 2024 • 5 mins
St. Patrick's Day is Sunday and many people will be going out to celebrate over the weekend. We talk with Mark Jenkins of AAA Auto Club Group about their Tow-2-Go service and other ways to avoid driving under the influence, getting a ticket or an accident this weekend.
Mark as Played
March 14, 2024 • 4 mins
Tampa dyes the Hillsborough River green on St. Patrick's Day. This year the city does it one day early, on Saturday (16), as part of an Irish-themed festival that includes Irish music, dance, food and a parade by the Rough Riders. We speak with Rachel Radawec of the Tampa Downtown Partnership.
Mark as Played
March 13, 2024 • 5 mins
Sarasota police bring animal abuse and cruelty charges against the owner of a dog grooming franchise on South Tamiami Trail. We speak with Police public information officer Cynthia McLsughlin.
Mark as Played
March 7, 2024 • 5 mins
The Firestone Grand Prix returns to St. Petersburg Friday through Sunday (8-10). So do thousands of fans. We speak with Visit St. Pete - Clearwater CEO Brian Lowack about the economic impact.
Mark as Played
Popular Podcasts
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations.
Anna Sale explores the big questions and hard choices that are often left out of polite conversation.
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people.
A straightforward look at the day's top news in 20 minutes. Powered by ABC News. Hosted by Brad Mielke.