Florida Matters
by WUSF Public Media
Latest episode
Steven Van Zandt’s music-education program helps teach kids about…
Steven Van Zandt’s music-education program helps teach kids about…
About this podcast
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
The newest 50 of 592 episodes
- Steven Van Zandt’s music-education program helps teach kids about the Holocaust · 48 minFor decades, Steven Van Zandt has wowed audiences with his performances. You may know him from playing guitar and singing with Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band or portraying…
- Workers’ comp denied after classroom mold sickens teachers. Plus, Veterans Day reflections · 48 minBardmoor Elementary School in Seminole has been dealing with mold, forcing students in at least four classes to change rooms. Parents were notified days later. Also, an ongoing…
- A ‘big hairy mess’? Amendment 3’s passage and options for lost local funding · 48 minFlorida homeowners are in line for a property tax break after voters approved Amendment 3 with 62% support. But the measure could leave local governments scrambling to replace…
- What USF’s rise in academics and research means for enrollment, and diving with a purpose · 48 minUSF is becoming increasingly competitive. The university is among the top research schools in the country and a member of the American Association of Universities, along with…
- Florida’s political landscape is still red, but the nation’s changes are out of the blue · 48 minA blue wave swept Democrats back into power on Capitol Hill during Tuesday’s midterms. But in Florida’s statewide races, the wave stopped just short of purple. The dust has…
- Growth and affordability in Manatee County, and defining democratic socialism · 49 minAffordability and growth are going to have an impact on your life — no matter where in Florida you call home. On this episode, the program focuses on Manatee County, where a…
- Manatee County at the crossroads of Florida's affordability, growth and development woes · 52 min"Florida Matters Live & Local" recently recorded in front of an audience at the Manatee Performing Arts Center in Bradenton to dig into issues affecting the state, like…
- Spanning music genres – and Tampa Bay – to celebrate Public Radio Music Day · 48 minSome special guests join the program for a celebration of Public Radio Music Day. We hear some live performances in bluegrass, classical, a fusion of jazz and hip-hop. And will…
- Census changes could leave some communities invisible, and a bookmobile of Epstein files · 48 minProposed changes to the 2030 census could eliminate questions about race and ethnicity. How could this affect important decisions like federal housing resources? Also, there is…
- Are Florida’s local governments losing autonomy? Also, Halloween sweets talk · 48 minFor decades, cities and counties in Florida have been able to enact laws to manage their communities as they see fit. Recently, however, the Legislature has passed rules to usurp…
- How the World Series-bound Tampa Bay Rays play ball on and off the field · 49 minThe Tampa Bay Rays begin play in the World Series on Friday. Before the first pitch, here’s a closer look at their yearlong renaissance on and off the field. Follow us on social…
- Angie Nixon makes her case for a U.S. Senate seat, and remembering the late Joe Redner · 48 minState Rep. Angie Nixon is running for U.S. Senate and pulling enthusiastic crowds as she campaigns. Still, it’s a tough battle for Nixon as a Democrat from the left wing of her…
- Why the Seminole Tribe and DraftKings are at odds, and the psychology of a good scare · 49 minIn a lawsuit, the Seminole Tribe is accusing DraftKings of operating in violation of the Tribe’s longstanding gambling compact with the state. The app disagrees. We’re wagering…
- Florida's Black vote is more complex than polls show, and roller coaster safety · 47 minByron Donalds could be the first Black governor of Florida, but polls are showing that may not matter to most Black voters when they fill in their ballots. Then, we look back at…
- Factors that affect a food pantry's goal, and businesses opposing the SoHo flood project · 48 minWhat 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…
- What nonprofits are thinking about Amendment 3, and a new film finds Florida's underbelly · 49 minHow 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…
- Explaining the Hope Florida expunge ruling, and caregiving without losing yourself · 48 minLast 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…
- Foreclosure pressures grow on homeowners, and the big debate over four vaccines · 49 minFor 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…
- A historical motto or painful reminder on driver's licenses? Also, razing Tampa's past · 49 minThe 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…
- SNAP changes and the impact of food banks, plus a media merger with warning flags · 48 minPeople 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…
- Hubbard's Marina fills us in on the Cross-Bay Ferry's progress, and cop Flock abuse · 49 minA 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…
- Trop site's future awaits winner of St. Petersburg's mayoral race, and Brightline’s bankruptcy · 48 minIn 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…
- In search of accountability in the Hope Florida saga, and SpaceX launches · 46 minA 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…
- Insight from the WUSF reporters behind ‘The Cost of Power’ series, and taking charge of AI · 47 minIf 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…
- Kathy Castor converses on costs of housing, and how student-athletes can play it safe · 48 minThere 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…
- The debate over debates in Florida elections, and learning campaign finance loopholes · 49 minEven 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…
- Parents trapped in a temporary foster care 'side door,' and Florida hunting prep · 48 minWe 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…
- Poring over the Amendment 3 property tax measure, and a dengue update · 49 minIn 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…
- A good day to walk or bike (and not drive), and Florida’s fascinating role in film · 48 minFollow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ YouTube…
- Pinellas County School District weighs closures and mergers, more on FWC surveillance · 48 minPinellas 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…
- Fired over a social media post, and a local club owner’s fight over concert fees · 37 minAs 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…
- Hospital association CEO ties property taxes to healthcare, and PlayStation's disc-continuation · 38 minAs 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…
- What is a love bug? Here’s an expert with many flying facts to give · 37 minAs 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…
- A collective sign from teachers unions, homes built with 3D printing, winning by the sword · 37 minAs 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…
- Kids left in limbo by closing of juvenile justice facility, and following political money · 48 minThe Hillsborough County Juvenile Detention Center closed at the end of August. It was located on land where the Tampa Bay Rays are planning to build a stadium. Turns out those…
- 25 years later: How 9/11 changed the country, the skies and the future · 48 minFriday marks 25 years since 9/11. It was a watershed moment for the U.S. and the world. It changed how we approached the world, flying, security, patriotism and society in…
- As cyclosporiasis wanes, does lettuce still make you nervous? And where are the hurricanes? · 49 minIf the summer had you second-guessing your salad, you’re not alone. Cyclosporiasis, a nasty stomach bug caused by a microscopic parasite, spread across several states, sickening…
- The Clancy trial and understanding postpartum psychosis, plus inside the art of cosplay · 49 minThe Lindsay Clancy case in Massachusetts has sparked conversations about perinatal mood disorders. Many of us are trying to learn more about postpartum psychosis. A local expert…
- Why cats are crowding shelters, and when environmental worry overwhelms · 48 minAnimal shelters in Tampa Bay have too many pets and not enough space. What’s leading to the overcapacity — especially for cats? And what can be done to reduce the number of stray…
- The Rays’ next steps, Hope Florida’s money trail, and an alternate Haslam’s plan · 48 minAfter years of proposals, political fights and false starts, the Rays finally have approvals for a new stadium. Now what? Plus, a grand jury report reveals a "doozy" of a…
- Flock critics share their concerns, and earthquake help for Colombia and Venezuela · 48 minThe backlash is growing against Flock automatic license plate readers. Pasco and Manatee are the latest counties to ban or pledge to remove the cameras. Law enforcement leaders…
- Wanted: a new generation of truck drivers. And every generation gets an ‘Odyssey’ · 49 minEver look at a big rig and think, “That sure looks fun”? We meet a newly graduated driver from a local trucker school and hear why America needs more licensed operators. Also…
- Florida’s shadowy immigration database, and remembering the Buffalo Soldiers · 49 minState and local police have been collecting information about people they suspect of being in the country without legal documentation – and filing it in a database. President…
- A county rethinks park funding, the appeal of going old-school, the latest on sloth deaths · 48 minPinellas had recommended cutting funding for Weedon Island and Shell Key, state-owned preserves that the county leases and operates. But there has been a reprieve. Ever want to…
- A school board’s partisan pendulum swings, and multitasking food trucks · 49 minSarasota County voters have reshaped a school board that became a flashpoint for Florida’s culture wars. Our guest panel looks at what comes next. Then, meet the owner of a food…
- Scrubbing climate science from textbooks, and Tampa Theatre turns back the clock · 48 minGov. Ron DeSantis signed a law two years ago removing references to “climate change” from Florida statutes and redirected energy policy away from climate-friendly solutions. But…
- Breaking down primary night's winners and losers, and Hillsborough schools get an A · 48 minPrimary night 2026 is in the past. Florida voters picked the major party’s candidates for governor, U.S. Senate and state Agriculture Commissioner. There's also St. Petersburg’s…
- Class acts: Rethinking school success for teens under stress, and a head start in hospitality · 48 minTeens have a lot on their plates these days: studying for tests, navigating social media, after-school jobs, juggling schoolwork with sports practices. With all this pressure…
- Vindman challenges political headwinds, and USF nursing school's major expansion · 48 minMidterm elections can be tough for the party in power. In Florida, however, Democrats running for statewide office face uphill battles in a GOP-dominated state. Alexander…
- Spotting Big Tech and AI in local politics. Also, a college turns trash into treasure · 48 minAttack ads have always been part of politics. But with artificial intelligence, a new front has opened in the battle for votes. On top of that, Silicon Valley is pouring…
