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
What are the challenges to running a food bank, particularly when there are high fuel prices and high grocery prices to contend with? The shelves of a local pantry ran dry multiple times last month.
Then, why is a group of businesses suing the city of Tampa over a stormwater project?
We also chat with the publisher of Tampa Bay Forward magazine, now in its 20th year celebrating the achievements of Black changemakers.
Finally, how do y...
How do nonprofits like United Way Suncoast benefit from the property tax system as it exists now? What happens to them if voters pass the controversial measure next month?
Then, we talk with the filmmakers behind "Jit," a Florida-centric horror-mystery flick.
And speaking of horror mysteries, we get to the bottom of a crazy Waymo ride in Tampa.
And speaking of rides, a chef is on a 700-mile bicycling mission to get healthier meals to ...
Last week, a state appellate court ordered that a recently leaked grand jury report on Hope Florida be expunged. Does it all go away with no repercussions?
We also speak to a local author about her experience as a caregiver for a mom with dementia and a parent to a son with autism.
The show also features work from two WUSF staffers who were honored in Creative Loafing’s recent “Best of the Bay” contest.
Plus, a museu...
For some people, the math of a mortgage doesn’t add up the way it used to. We were curious about the financial pressures homeowners are currently facing in Florida.
Then, we talk about last week’s public hearing on the state health department’s plan to remove certain immunization requirements for school children.
Follow us on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF
Instagram: https://www.instagra...
The state’s driver’s licenses now feature an orange, a manatee and a phrase from the 1845 Florida flag. Why are these words getting pushback?
Then, closer looks at school bus safety after a deadly rollover crash in Polk County, and a new report that says ICE is wasting taxpayer money.
Finally, a century-old building on Tampa’s Davis Islands could face the wrecking ball. The building holds a lot of history.
Follow us ...
People who rely on SNAP are getting a small cost-of-living adjustment, but there are changes to eligibility which could make it more challenging for SNAP recipients. In turn, local food banks are feeling the pressure of increased demand.
Then, what happens when giant media companies combine? What will it mean for your cable bill? Your news services? Your entertainment choices? We’ll talk about the Paramount-Warner deal and the...
A new cross-bay ferry service between Tampa and St. Petersburg will launch soon. Will you be riding? And we’ll learn more about a Flock investigation that led to the resignation and arrest of two Pinellas County deputies.
Follow us on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3
In a few weeks, St. Petersburg will decide whether to keep Mayor Ken Welch in office or replace him with former Gov. Charlie Crist. Among the challenges of the next term: the redevelopment of the Tropicana Field site after the Tampa Bay Rays jump to Tampa.
How will the departure affect the city? What impact will it have on tourism and business? And how will the transformation of what is known as the Historic Gas Plant District shape...
A grand jury investigation into Hope Florida and a $10 million Medicaid misappropriation left Floridians with plenty of questions. Many remained unanswered. One of the reporters who broke the story does his best.
Also, the latest space news, including a SpaceX rocket carrying NASA astronauts to the International Space Station.
For closers, a playwright discusses a new work from the Sarasota Jewish Theatre.
Follow us on social media:
If you compare your electric bill from last month with, say, one from a couple of years ago, you’d probably see a jump. A three-part WUSF investigation digs into why, and we’re talking to the reporters who put it together.
Afterward, do you trust AI to get things right? Plus, Sarasota Orchestra's music director explains what's on tap for this season's schedule.
Follow us on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook....
There can be a lot of pressure on high school and college athletes. How do they focus on sports and academics while maintaining physical and mental health?
Also, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor joins the show to talk about housing costs and mortgage rates.
Then, do short-term rentals need more regulations? And a local time capsule provides a glimpse of Tampa from 60 years ago.
Follow us on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WU...
Even in this era of media saturation, a debate can make or break a campaign. But for the first time in 50 years, there may be no such meeting involving the leading candidate for Florida governor.
Afterward, a veteran political reporter talks about a court ruling that has opened the door to unlimited spending on Florida campaign advertisements.
Then, we hear from a Tampa physician who recently returned from the Democratic Republic of ...
We learn more about a Tampa Bay Times investigation that found a "side door" in the foster care system that can leave parents struggling to reunite with their children.
Also, have you seen billboards floating off the beach? We get into that, fall hunting season, and a musician and bandleader bringing his ensemble to the region.
Follow us on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF
Instagram: https://www.instagram.c...
In just over a month, voters go to the polls. There are lots of races on the ballot, from governor to Senate to Legislature and more.
One thing all Florida voters will get to decide: whether to reduce property taxes. On this episode, we examine the possible effect on fire rescue services and community planning.
Also, why is Hillsborough County the epicenter of Florida’s dengue outbreak?
Follow us on social media:
Facebook: ht...
Follow us on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3
Biking and walking advocates in Tampa are gathering this weekend to spread the word about going car-free. And before L.A. became America’s movie-making hub, our state was "Hollywood East."
Plus, updates on two local neighborhoods: St. Pet...
Pinellas County schools face declining enrollment. And like other districts facing dwindling rolls, Pinellas may have to close a number of campuses and merge others.
District officials have difficult choices confronting them amid concerns for students, staff and teachers.
Plus, an update on a case involving Florida wildlife officials’ surveillance of activists and a conversation with the outgoing president of The Ringling Museu...
As our staff focuses on WUSF’s annual fall pledge drive this week, “Florida Matters Live & Local” is presenting some of our favorite interviews from the past few months. Interested in donating? Click here. And thank you for listening.
Follow us on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZIt...
As our staff focuses on WUSF’s annual fall pledge drive this week, “Florida Matters Live & Local” is presenting some of our favorite interviews from the past few months. Interested in donating? Click here. And thank you for listening.
Follow us on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZIt...
As our staff focuses on WUSF’s annual fall pledge drive this week, “Florida Matters Live & Local” is presenting some of our favorite interviews from the past few months. Interested in donating? Click here. And thank you for listening.
Follow us on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZIt...
As our staff focuses on WUSF’s annual fall pledge drive this week, “Florida Matters Live & Local” is presenting some of our favorite interviews from the past few months. Interested in donating? Click here. And thank you for listening.
Follow us on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZIt...
Popular Podcasts
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.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by Audiochuck Media Company.