Florida Matters

When a disaster strikes, you can expect help from local and state governments, and from FEMA.But it may not be long before you find out those agencies can't do it all. And knowing who your neighbors are can make a big difference in how your community recovers. In this episode, you'll hear from community leaders, and from some of your neighbors across the Tampa Bay region, about the different ways people can help each other out before, during and after a hurricane.Panelists included Mary Burrell, the Whole Community Engagement Program Lead with Pinellas County Emergency Management; Thomas Mantz, the President and CEO of Feeding Tampa Bay; Charles Gallagher, an attorney with Gallagher & Associates in St. Petersburg; and Matt Thorn, who started the Relief Market and Grill out of his Shore Acres home after Hurricane Helene. The conversation was recorded in front of a live audience at the Palladium Side Door Cabaret in St. Petersburg. 

Hurricane season is always stressful. And it may weigh even heavier as you continue to recover from last year's storms.So how are you coping – and dealing with the unknowns as Hurricane Season arrives? We invited a couple of people who are experts in helping people get through crises. On this episode you'll hear from Clara Reynolds, the President and CEO of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, and Dr. Amber Mehmood a professor specializing in Global Disaster Management, Humanitarian Relief and Homeland Security at the University of South Florida College of Public Health.We also heard from people across the Tampa Bay region who had questions and stories to share about facing the stress of disaster recovery and dealing with the anxiety of hurricane season. Reynolds and Dr. Mehmood weigh in with their answers and insights. 

When Manatee County got rid of bus fares- ridership went up. And it's not the only place in Tampa Bay where more people started taking the bus after fares went away. Hillsborough County made its most popular bus route, from downtown Tampa to the University of South Florida, free for this year, and ridership is way up. On this episode of Florida Matters, Manatee County Transit Division Manager Kevin Hoyt explains why it makes sense to get more people on the bus, even when they're not collecting fare revenue. And, Streetsblog USA senior editor Kea Wilson talks about how other transit agencies around the US have adopted the fare-free model, and the arguments for and against removing the fare box.  Also, if you've driven the recently reopened Howard Frankland Bridge, you might have noticed it's built higher to withstand storm surge like Tampa Bay experienced during the last hurricane season. WUSF's Sky Lebron caught up with historian Rodney Kite Powell on top of the bridge, before it reopened to traffic. Hear how the original bridge, which opened in 1960, was built for a post-war population boom, much like the remodeled bridge is built to handle traffic for Tampa Bay's current population boom. And you'll get caught up on some of the latest transportation news from around the greater Tampa Bay region. Hear why the cross bay ferry is sailing for the last time, about efforts to ease traffic woes on the dreaded I-4 corridor, and how Tampa International Airport is dealing with animal problems. 

You know the Tampa Bay Rays. If you're a baseball fan, you follow the wins and losses. But if you're a taxpayer in St Petersburg or Pinellas County, the ongoing stadium saga may grab your attention.The city of St Petersburg is fixing the damaged roof of Tropicana Field. Across the Bay in Tampa - the team plays its home games at Steinbrenner FieldBut here's the question you - and a lot of your neighbors - really want answered once and for all: Will the team stick around long-term after the one-point-three billion dollar deal to redevelop the stadium collapsed? WUSF's Steve Newborn, and Tampa Bay Times reporter Colleen Wright stopped by Florida Matters to help get you caught up with the latest twists and turns with the Rays and why this story reverberates far beyond the Trop. “The [St. Petersburg] mayor [Ken Welch] won't work with this ownership group,” Wright added. “I know that that sentiment is the same, also at the county level, they feel the same way, and they also feel like, if the Rays couldn't make it work with 700 plus million dollars in public funding, would it ever work? I don't know.” Newborn said negotiations on a new stadium go back decades. “This was pitched by Mayor Welch as a way to right what he views as an historical wrong. He had relatives who grew up in that old Gas Plant neighborhood which was bulldozed back in the 1980s to build this [Stadium], you know, which was by no means a sure thing. It was kind of ‘build it and they will come', right?” “So all this was seen as basically spurring a development that would create new taxes in the area around the stadium, right, that would make it profitable.”

When Uber arrived in Tampa Bay ten years ago, it was a gamechanger. The rideshare app disrupted the taxi industry and offered people a way to make extra money on their own schedule. It hasn't all been smooth driving since then. Last year, Uber and Lyft drivers in Tampa joined a nationwide strike, calling for higher wages. Joining Florida Matters for a conversation about what it's like to drive for Uber, and how it fits into the wider gig economy in Tampa Bay are Jonathan Rigsby, author of 'Drive: Scraping By in Uber's America, One Ride at a Time'; Dragana Mrvos, assistant professor of Political Science and International Studies at the University of Tampa; and Ashley Girbal Kritzer, business reporter with the Tampa Bay Business Journal. You'll also hear from Javi Correoso, Uber's Head of Federal Affairs and U.S. Policy for the South region, who discusses Uber's impact on moving people around Tampa Bay and addresses some of the concerns brought up by drivers who use the platform.A more in-depth conversation with Correoso is available as a bonus Florida Matters podcast. Correoso talks about how Tampa Bay has been a model for how Uber integrates with mass transit systems around the US, the future of robotaxis and more. 

When Uber arrived in Tampa Bay ten years ago, it was a game changer for transit, disrupting the taxi industry and opening up the gig economy. Uber says it has more than 8 million drivers and couriers worldwide using the app each month. And it's been reported that Uber commands about three quarters of the ride share business in the US. Javi Correoso is the director of public affairs for Uber's South region. He tells Florida Matters Uber doesn't discuss market share. But he says Tampa Bay has been good for the company. Correoso also talks about how Tampa Bay has been a model for Uber's integration with mass transit systems around the country. And he addresses concerns raised by drivers on the app, like pay and safety, and how robotaxis could affect the rideshare business. 

At the start of the session, you heard from WUSF's ‘Your Florida' team. Reporters Meghan Bowman and Douglas Soule are keeping tabs on the legislature up in Tallahassee and talking with you and your neighbors across Tampa Bay about issues that you think are important. On this episode you'll hear from Douglas and Meghan about how the session is going. Lawmakers are debating things like loosening gun legislation and proposed changes to the constitutional amendment process. Meanwhile, a legislators have reversed a law passed a couple years ago that would have mandated later start times for middle and high school students. There's also tug of war over taxes in the Florida legislature. Lawmakers and the governor want to cut taxes in this already low-tax state. But they disagree over what taxes to cut. And you'll hear the latest on whether Florida will get a new state bird. 

Tampa Bay is a pro sports town. You've got the Lightning for Hockey, Buccaneers for Football, and the Rays for baseball. That attracts folks for hundreds of games in the area this year.But there's another huge presence: the numbers are in for the first IndyCar Series broadcast of the season for the audience that watched Alex Palou and Josef Newgarden battle  on the streets of St. Petersburg's waterfront.  1.4 million viewers watched, a steep increase from last year's race.And if you were anywhere near downtown St. Pete at the start of March, you probably heard it, as the streets alongside the marina were transformed into a racetrack for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.  For this episode, Florida Matters takes you to the Grand Prix, where motor racing fans talk about what keeps them coming back. And you'll hear what drivers like Hailie Deegan and Lochie Hughes think about racing in St. Pete. And- we talk with Chris Steinocher, President and CEO at St Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Tampa Bay Sports Commission's Claire Lessinger, Executive Director of the Tampa Bay Local Organizing Committee hosting the Women's Final Four. They share insights into what it takes to bring marquee events to Tampa Bay, and how they help power the area's economy. 

Birding- or bird watching- is booming. The US Fish and Wildlife service estimates there are 96 million birders in the United States. That's one in three adults in this country. And even if you aren't one of them- you may just be birdwatching by default. On this episode, Florida Matters executive producer Gracyn Doctor takes you on a bird walk at Lettuce Lake. And you'll hear about the appeal of birdwatching- and why young people in particular are flocking to the hobby. Joining the conversation- Ann Paul,  President of the Tampa Audubon and Florida Ornithological Society; Kara Cook, Suncoast Rooftop Biologist with Audubon Florida; and WUSF's Kerry Sheridan. Sheridan has reported on efforts by birders in Sarasota to protect a popular birdwatching site from development, and on young Floridians taking up birdwatching. Cook and Paul also share tips on what you need to get started on birdwatching and how to get involved in monitoring bird populations and conservation efforts. 

If you experienced Hurricane Milton- or Helene or Debby- it's something you don't want to relive. But for some people in Tampa Bay- they're still dealing with flooding from last year's storms. WUSF's Sky Lebron visited people in Pasco and Polk County who whose homes were flooded during last year's hurricane season. Some are living in RVs because floodwaters left their homes uninhabitable. Others are still unable to get into their houses because the water never went down. Lebron talked with Florida Matters about how they are coping and why it's been so hard for them to get help. 

For many Floridians, getting ready for hurricane season means things like dusting off the emergency supply kit, checking flashlight batteries and making sure you know where your important documents are stashed. But for some Tampa Bay residents who lived through the 2024 hurricane season- they're still dealing with flooding from Hurricane Milton- and worried about what the next season may bring. WUSF's Sky Lebron explains how people in Polk and Pasco Counties are trying to put their lives back together without electricity, running water, and homes ruined by floodwaters. And you may know that oyster beds can help protect shorelines from the impact of powerful storms. WUSF's Steve Newborn takes us on a tour of an artificial island in Hillsborough Bay, where oysters help protect an important bird nesting site. 

People come to Florida in droves for the beaches and warm weather. But the sunshine state also attracts its fair share of shady characters, in real life and in fiction.There's even a genre of crime fiction set in the Sunshine State – Florida Noir.And even if you haven't read them, you've probably heard of homegrown practitioners of Florida Noir like Carl Hiassen, the late Tampa resident, Tim Dorsey or Randy Wayne White.On this episode of Florida Matters, we speak to three people with different perspectives on Florida Noir:Colette Bancroft is the recently retired book editor at the Tampa Bay Times. For years, she led the Times' annual “Festival of Reading.” She's also the editor of Tampa Bay Noir, a collection of short stories that reveal the dark side of sunny Tampa Bay.John Brandon is the author of five novels. He grew up in Tampa Bay, and his latest, Penalties of June, is set in Tampa.And Andrew F. Gulli is the editor of “The Strand Magazine” - a quarterly magazine dedicated to short fiction. A recent edition featured a previously unpublished story by famed Florida crime writer John D. MacDonald.

On this episode of "Florida Matters," we discuss Gov. Ron DeSantis' State of the State address to the Legislature. Topics he covered during the half-house speech included immigration, gun laws, education and property taxes.Florida's 2025 legislative session is underway. Top issues Floridians can expect to hear lawmakers debate over the next two months include immigration, gun laws, housing and insurance.Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis began the session with his annual speech laying out his vision for the state. The Democrat rebuttal came from House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell of Tampa and Senate Minority leader Jason Pizzo of Hollywood.In this episode, we break down the governor's speech with veteran political journalist William March and Meghan Bowman, who is part of WUSF's Your Florida government reporting team.You'll also hear the voices of some of the Floridians who have been reaching out to WUSF to share what they think lawmakers should address. 

It's Spring Training time, and for the next two months, fans of the Yankees, Blue Jays, Orioles and other Grapefruit league teams get to experience a slightly more relaxed brand of baseball before the regular season starts.Florida Matters takes you on a tour of Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, the Spring Training base for the Baltimore Orioles. The team's Senior VP of Communications, Jennifer Grondahl, explains some of the traditions the Orioles bring to the Tampa Bay region, including their newest mascot, Mr. Splash. You'll also meet a trio of siblings reconnecting at Spring Training over their love of baseball. And hear from baseball man Rick Vaughn. He led public relations for two major league teams for decades: the Tampa Bay Rays and the Baltimore Orioles. And he's the author of two books about the history of baseball in the Tampa Bay region: 100 Years of Baseball on St. Petersburg's Waterfront: how the game helped shape a city, and Tampa Spring Training Tales: Major League Memories.  

In his first month back in the White House, President Trump has moved quickly to roll out restrictions on immigration, and stop Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives. And he's turned to a key ally from the 2024 election campaign- billionaire Elon Musk- to slash jobs and federal spending. There's an avalanche of news out of Washington, and you may be struggling to keep up and figure out how it might affect you and your neighbors across the Tampa Bay region.On this episode of Florida Matters, you'll hear from two people who have been paying close attention to US foreign and domestic policy for years.Frank Langfitt spent nearly two decades as a foreign correspondent, reporting from China, the UK and Ukraine to name just a few places. Now he's back in the US as NPR's roving national correspondent. Langfitt sat down with Florida Matters to talk about what it's like to come back and report on a United States that feels like a very different country.And Jeh Johnson was the US Department of Homeland Security secretary during President Obama's second term. He's keenly aware of the challenge of securing the country's borders, and he shares some insights about this new administration's approach to immigration.

If you watched the Grammys this year, you probably caught Beyonce's acceptance speech, when, at long last she landed the album of the year. Beyonce said she hoped to keep pushing forward and opening doors. And her album- Cowboy Carter, which won the Grammy for best country album- is also a door to the past. The album tour- Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin Circuit tour- evokes the network of clubs and venues that Black musicians and performers toured during segregation last Century. And the Chitlin Circuit is referenced in one of the tracks on the album: Ya Ya Beyonce's not the only artist to cast back to the Chitlin Circuit. Kendrick Lamar, who netted an armful of Grammys this year, refers to the circuit in ‘Reincarnated' Musicians who honed their craft on the circuit include Louis Armstrong, Ray Charles and Little Richard They're just some of the artists who performed on the Chitlin Circuit. And on this episode of Florida Matters, you'll hear how the circuit shaped the sound of jazz, blues, soul, rock n roll- the foundations of American popular music. One of the guests you'll hear from- Dr Michelle Scott, professor of History at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County- will be part of an upcoming discussion presented by WUSF and Arts Axis Florida- about the Chitlin Circuit's impact in Tampa. Also joining the discussion: Dr Nashid Madyun, executive director Florida Humanities.

On this episode of Florida Matters, you'll hear about an effort to connect people with Black businesses throughout Tampa Bay. Among the flurry of executive orders President Trump signed in his first days back in the oval office: rolling back Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives in the federal government. It's a tactic Floridians are familiar with. Governor Ron DeSantis waged a ‘war on woke' over the past couple of years, targeting DEI efforts in schools and workplaces. But now big businesses are scaling back their DEI programs. That has prompted a backlash against those businesses. The battle over DEI and the ripple effects on shoppers and businesses comes as Black History Month gets underway. Nicole Payne, President of the Hillsborough County Black Chamber of Commerce, joined Florida Matters to explain how her organization works to strengthen Black-owned businesses in the region, and some of the hurdles they face. And Hillary Van Dyke talks about working to connect people with Black-owned businesses with the online directory she co-founded: the Green Book of Tampa Bay.

The need for doctors across Florida is growing along with the state's population. One sign of the growing need: Sarasota Memorial Hospital recently opened a new, expanded Emergency Department in Venice. By 2035 Florida could be short of 18,000 physicians. And it's not just doctors: the state is also facing a shortage of nearly 60 thousand nurses. Acadia Jacob, advocacy director at Florida Voices for Health and Jeff Johnson, state director for AARP Florida, joined Florida Matters to talk about who's affected by the shortage of medical professionals. You'll also hear about efforts to train a new generation of doctors from Dr. Gaelle Laurore-Fray, Executive Vice President of Medicine & Medical Education with Tampa Family Health Centers.

Immigrants in the Tampa Bay region who are here without legal documentation are waiting anxiously to see what President Trump's vow to carry out mass deportations means for them. WUSF's Nancy Guan joins Florida Matters to discuss her reporting on the potential impact of tough new immigration policy on immigrants, Florida's economy and more. And Jason Delgado, Florida Capitol correspondent for Bay News 9 and My News 13, joins Florida Matters to discuss the state immigration policy and the relationship between state lawmakers, DeSantis and Trump.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established as a federal holiday and a national day of service more than 40 years ago. Ernest Hooper and Briana Mays with United Way Suncoast stop by to talk with Florida Matters about the opportunities for service and the need for volunteers in the Tampa Bay region. Plus, some of you may be trying Dry January: abstaining from alcohol for a month after what may have been a round of boozy holiday parties at the end of the year. Later in the show, you'll hear a conversation with Caitlyn and Mike Smith, co-owners of Herban Flow non alcoholic and functional beverage store in St. Petersburg, and Matt Veronesi, bar manager at Willa's in Tampa about how bars, restaurants and bottle stores are adapting to customers looking for non-alcoholic cocktails and other drinks.

Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton upended peoples lives across the greater Tampa Bay region, and WUSF reporters were there to report on the storms as they happened, and the recovery as people rebuild their homes, businesses and get their lives back on track. Three reporters from the WUSF news team join Florida Matters for a look back at their reporting on the hurricane season. You'll hear Kerry Sheridan's insights on how Sarasota and Manatee Counties were impacted by back to back storms. And Gabriella Paul who talked with people who rode out the storms in Pasco County, and rode along with emergency workers as they scrambled to help people in the days and weeks after the storms had passed. Other highlights include the saga of a missing owl that brought the community together, and stories of how people are getting back to work after back to back hurricanes. Meszaros, Sheridan and Paul also reflect on some of the stories that made the biggest impact in 2024.

From back to back hurricanes to the twists and turns of the US presidential election, there's been a lot to keep up with in 2024. Reporters in the WUSF newsroom who covered the issues that had the biggest impact on the greater Tampa Bay region join Florida Matters to share their insights. Steve Newborn covers politics and the environment, Nancy Guan focuses on immigration and education, Stephanie Colombini covers health care and Sky Lebron covers transportation among other things. Highlights include stories about polarizing constitutional amendments on recreational marijuana and abortion access, immigration issues, the high cost of groceries and housing, campus protests, and a widely criticized plan to put amenities like pickleball and golf courses in state parks. Reporters also covered some lighter stories including a quest to find the source of mysterious sounds in Tampa Bay, which some speculate was caused by fish mating.

Just a few short months ago the Tampa Bay Rays appeared to be in striking distance of getting a brand new ballpark in St. Petersburg- on the Tropicana Field site. Then, in October, Hurricane Milton roared into town, tearing the roof off Tropicana Field. This was no leaking roof: the storm destroyed the massive fabric top of the stadium. That led to a cascade of new problems for the talks already 18 years old. The city council needs to address repairs to the existing stadium. And newly elected Pinellas County Commissioners less friendly to the stadium deal were sworn in And delays caused by the hurricane are threatening to drive up the cost of the $1.3 billion dollar project. So are the hopes of the Rays- and St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch- for a new stadium in tatters like the roof of the beloved Trop? Colleen Wright who covers St. Pete for the Tampa Bay Times joins Florida Matters to bring you up to speed-- and to help explain what the community could expect.

You might remember when state parks hit the headlines last summer. Florida's department of environmental protection proposed major developments at nine state parks- including lodges, pickleball courts and a golf course. But they dropped those plans after widespread protests. You're about to meet a St. Petersburg couple on a mission to visit all 175 state parks. And you'll hear what makes these places so special and why people want to protect them. In the months after March 2020 as the world grappled with the unknown of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wilma Norton and Peter Couture decided to start visiting state parks. And as you'll hear on this episode of Florida Matters, they have a whole new appreciation for Florida since they embarked on their adventure.

As you look ahead to Thanksgiving, you're probably thinking about the logistics of the get-together: travel, food preparation or navigating conversations with your extended family. And you may also be thinking of your neighbors and how you can step up for those who need a helping hand this time of year. Jennifer Yeagley, with the St. Pete Free Clinic, calls it a “beautifully busy time” as the spirit of giving rolls out. And this year the holidays are going to be even busier as people get their lives back on track after Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton. Yeagley talk with Florida Matters about what the free clinic provides for vulnerable people in the community- from health check-ups to groceries- and how the hurricane season has already driven up demand for those services.

affordable houses in short supply and lots of competition. But if you do own a home in the Tampa Bay region, you might be facing another challenge: getting insurance. WUSF's Jessica Meszaros has been reporting on what the homeowner's insurance crisis looks and feels like in Tampa Bay, and her reporting is featured on WWNO's ‘Sea Change' podcast. Meszaros' podcast ‘The Stormy Insurance Crisis in the Sunshine State' dropped back in August, before Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton. Those back to back storms brought the insurance crisis into focus, as the region recovers. Meszaros joins Florida Matters why Florida is the “origin story” of the collapsing home insurance market, and how sketchy companies and climate change are fueling the crisis.

Like a lot of your friends and neighbors across the greater Tampa Bay region- you're probably looking forward to putting the 2024 Hurricane season in the rear view mirror. The season's not quite over- yet. But if your home or business was damaged by Hurricane Milton- or Helene or Debby- it may take some time to get your life back in order. Joining Florida Matters to take calls from listeners around the greater Tampa Bay region this episode are: Brady Penn, external affairs officer with FEMA; Charles Gallagher, attorney with Gallagher and associates in St. Petersburg; Clara Reynolds, President and CEO of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.

On election night 2025, Florida Matters heard from reporters at WUSF and partner stations at watch parties in the Tampa Bay region as results came in. Political journalist William March shared insights on the races that were set to have the biggest impact on the balance of power in federal and state government. And the proposed constitutional amendments - on recreational marijuana, abortion access and more. And listeners called in to share their experience of the election, from voting to the issues that were top of mind as they cast their votes. Guests on this episode include: Political journalist William March WUSF reporters Nancy Guan, Steve Newborn and Stephanie Colombini WLRN reporters Verónica Zaragovia and Wilkine Brutus

The economy is a leading topic mentioned by voters this year. A poll from the Pew Research Center published in September revealed eight in ten registered voters said the economy will be very important to their vote in the presidential election. People who responded to an unscientific WUSF survey said they have concerns about property and auto insurance. Income inequality, the cost of housing, inflation and the national debt are among the other economic issues that you say you're worried about. And basic needs - like the cost of food - are important for voters of all ages. On this episode of Florida Matters, you'll hear from WUSF's Steve Newborn about the economic concerns of senior citizens and students across the greater Tampa Bay region as they think about how they'll vote. And Michael Snipes, an associate professor of instruction in economics at the University of South Florida, explains the relationship between the election and the economy when it comes to issues like inflation, the cost of housing and homeowners insurance, and policy proposals like eliminating tax on tips. And, with the presidential election just days away, a lot of people are worried about election integrity. Marion County elections supervisor Wesley Wilcox talks about how you can be sure your vote will be counted, and what's being done to prevent cyberattacks on elections offices.

Hurricane Milton made landfall nearly two weeks ago- and for some- the disaster isn't over. Flooding is still causing big problems after the storm dumped more than a foot of rain in some parts of the greater Tampa Bay area. in Hernando County the Withlacoochee river is just starting to go down, but it's going to take some time for flood waters to recede. Hernando County emergency manager David DeCarlo explains how people near the Withlacoochee river are dealing with the floodwaters, and what the county is doing to help.

As the presidential election heads into its final weeks, you're probably seeing a torrent of campaign ads, memes and political headlines on your social media. There's a lot of misinformation swirling around online too And after back to back hurricanes, misinformation is also spinning up around natural disasters- from how storms are formed to disaster recovery. When your social media feed is jammed with images and headlines about political candidates and storm victims- how can you tell what's real and what's fake? In about 10 minutes you'll hear from Alex Mehadevan, director of Mediawise at Poynter. He'll share tips on the impact of misinformation- and how to spot it. But first- Hurricane Milton made landfall nearly two weeks ago- and for some- the disaster isn't over. Flooding is still causing big problems after the storm dumped more than a foot of rain in some parts of the greater Tampa Bay area. Hernando County Emergency Manager David DeCarlo joins Florida Matters to explain how people are coping with the ongoing flooding

It's been nearly a week since Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key and ripped through the Tampa Bay region and across Central Florida. Just as people were beginning to pick up their lives after Hurricane Helene. And for many of you it's been a tough stretch- dealing with damage to your homes, flooding, boil water notices and power outages- and the frantic search for gas. But life is starting to return to some semblance of normal after back to back hurricanes. And that includes getting back to school. On this episode of Florida Matters you'll hear from Tampa Bay Times education reporter Jeff Solochek on how schools were preparing to reopen across the region. Also, Hillsborough County elections supervisors Craig Latimer shares tips on voting in the aftermath of a disaster. And FAU urban design professor John Renne talks about how communities can rebuild to be more resilient.

People had barely even begun picking up their lives after Hurricane Helene two weeks ago when Milton hit the Gulf Coast. A day after Hurricane Milton slammed into the Gulf Coast, Florida Matters heard from people across the greater Tampa Bay region about the storm's impact and the recovery ahead. Milton made landfall Wednesday night as a Category 3 hurricane near Siesta Key, just south of Sarasota, with dangerous storm surge, damaging wind and flooding rain. Millions across the state were still without power as first responders continued to rescue people stranded by floodwaters and assess the damage. For many, Hurricane Milton is a life-changing event, and Florida Matters opened the phones to hear people share their experiences of the storm and ask questions about what's next for recovery and restoration from our panel of reporters and expert guests. Among the voices you'll hear are WUSF reporters Stephanie Colombini, Kerry Sheridan, and Gabriella Paul, former FEMA director Craig Fugate, chair of the University of South Florida's Psychology Department, Dr. Judith Bryant, Axios senior climate change reporter Andrew Freedman, University of South Florida College of Public Health instructor in Global Disaster Management, Humanitarian Relief and Homeland Security Elizabeth Dunn, former state senator Jeff Brandes, and Pinellas County Public Information Manager David Connor.

People have strong opinions about immigration, and during this presidential election campaign, anxieties over America's broken immigration system- and hopes the election might bring change- are top of mind for many voters. Some of you have told WUSF you're worried about border security. Others are concerned about the rise in xenophobic rhetoric directed at immigrants. Immigration law is complex. And so is the way the immigration system works- and doesn't work. And it's not just immigrant communities who are affected. Joining Florida Matters to share their stories about how the immigration system impacts their lives and businesses are Diego Dulanto-Falcon, a DACA recipient and Masters student at the University of South Florida, Elizabeth Arranda, Professor of Sociology & Director of USF's Immigrant Well-Being Research Center and Gary Wishnatzki, a 3rd generation berry farmer and owner of Wish Farms in Hillsborough County. You'll also hear from WUSF's Nancy Guan who has been reporting on immigration in the greater Tampa Bay region. And an update from WUSF's Octavio Jones on the impact of Hurricane Helene on Hernando Beach and Aripeka, two weeks after the powerful hurricane brought storm surge to Florida's gulf coast.

Across the greater Tampa Bay region, people are taking stock of the destruction left behind by Hurricane Helene. Storm surge of eight feet and more in some places flooded homes and businesses. Tens of thousands of homes and buildings are damaged- some completely destroyed. Some beachside towns look like a war zone after a wall of water bulldozed sand through the streets. And as of Monday, 11 people were confirmed to have died in our community. On this episode hear what recovery looks like as people pick up the pieces after this monstrous storm. And - the voices of people who experienced the fear and confusion of last Thursday night, and shared moments of camaraderie as the water rose higher and higher. WUSF's Stephanie Colombini, Gabriella Paul and Jessica Meszaros join Florida Matters to share their reporting from Hurricane Helene and its aftermath

It's election season. And if you're a new voter, it may be intimidating trying to decipher the flood of campaign ads, figure out your ballot or even know who it is you are being asked to vote for. Two people paying close attention to elections are Tara Newsom and Alex Mahadevan. They sat down with WUSF's elections podcast: Our Changing State, Vote 2024 to talk about how young voters are navigating the election and how the media covers politics. Alex Mahadevan is the director of Mediawise at Poynter, which aims to empower people with media literacy skills to identify misinformation. As media organizations shrink and trust in the media slips, Mahadevan says people are turning away from legacy media organizations for their political news and information. “They're going to like an influencer on Tiktok who agrees with, like, how they feel about the world, and they're going to media platforms that kind of match their information consumption habits,” says Mahadevan. And Newsom, who is a professor of government and civic learning at St. Petersburg College has been talking with students about issues they think are important. “In this election they recognize that democracy, their reproductive freedoms, climate change, foreign policy's all on the ballot,” says Newsom.

In this episode of Florida Matters, you'll get a taste of what's on offer from the host of the Zest Podcast, Dalia Colon. Season 10 of The Zest includes vegan fare for theme park buffs, what basketball pros eat when they're on the road, and even some kitchen hacks. If you're a foodie, you're probably already streaming the new season of The Zest, WUSF's podcast celebrating the intersection of food and Florida. Host Dalia Colon travels around Tampa Bay telling the stories of its unique residents. This season, she's talking hot sauce, kitchen hacks and gadgets, and coffee that uplifts the people.

In the upcoming general election, Florida voters will get a chance to decide whether they want to approve the use of marijuana for recreational purposes. Matthew Peddie, host of "Florida Matters" and the podcast "Our Changing State," speaks with WUSF reporter Sky Lebron about what Amendment 3 means. And- it takes a savvy voter to separate fact from fiction when it comes to making sense of political advertisements. Alex Mahadevan, the director of MediaWise — the Poynter Institute's digital media literacy project — explains what voters need to know to make informed decisions.

WUSF's Gabriella Paul has been talking to renters, homeowners and investigators to find out what's been going on with the housing market. She says investors are changing the market by adding competition on houses deemed affordable. Paul joins Florida Matters along with Kristin Washington, a Tampa realtor, to explain the impact of large and small investors on the housing market. Plus- Alex Mehadevan, director of Mediawise at Poynter talks about deep fakes and their influence on politics and the 2024 election.

Florida's Department of Environmental Protection revealed plans to build golf courses, pickleball courts and lodges on some state parks- and people aren't happy about it. Now the group backing the golf course proposal has pulled out. The uproar over the development proposal shows just how strongly Floridians feel about their state parks. Coming up, you'll hear what makes these wild places so special, and why people want to protect them. You'll meet Wilma Norton and Peter Couture, a St. Petersburg couple on a mission to visit all 175 state parks. And, what the primary election revealed about voter turnout and what it means for your ballot in November. You'll hear from WUSF's Kerry Sheridan and Steve Newborn as they discuss highlights from the election, school board politics and more.

You may know Titus O'Neil as a star of WWE. You may have even seen the viral moment when he tripped on his way into a wrestling match and slid under the ring. But in the greater Tampa Bay region, O'Neil is known best as Thaddeus Bullard, and how he gives back to the community through the Bullard Family Foundation. Every year the foundation holds a ‘Back to School Bash'. Organizers said they gave away 30-thousand backpacks full of school supplies to families during the event last month at Raymond James Stadium. His philanthropy led to being honored earlier this year with a Kente Community Award from the University of South Florida. But his path to fame and fortune wasn't an easy one. He wrote about his upbringing to a single mother who struggled to put food on the table in his book ‘There's No Such Thing as a Bad Kid.” Hear how he overcame those challenges and went on to play football at the University of Florida before later jumping into pro wrestling.

Abortion is a polarizing issue. But whatever your opinion, if you're a Floridian voting this November, you'll have a say in whether the right to an abortion is written into the state constitution. Like voters in 11 other states this fall, Floridians will have the chance to vote on abortion access - in this case through a constitutional amendment. But since May, Floridians seeking an abortion have faced an added hurdle as have medical practices and groups that support people who are seeking abortions Today, the procedure is banned beyond the sixth week of pregnancy with some rare exceptions. That's after the Florida Legislature replaced a 15 week ban that had been in place since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade in 2022. Florida Matters created space for conversations on both sides of this controversial issue. In a special program recorded live at at WUSF in Tampa, you'll hear the background to the proposed amendment and how it could roll back Florida's current ban on abortions. During the conversation you'll hear from Kathryn Varn, Tampa Bay Reporter with Axios; Bree Wallace, Director of Case Management, Tampa Bay Abortion Fund; John Stemberger, President & Senior Counsel, Liberty Counsel Action; and Louis Virelli, Lawyer & Constitutional Law Professor, Stetson University College of Law.

Debby dumped 12 inches of rain in some parts of Tampa Bay on her way through the area over the weekend. Cities are starting to assess the damage. And the Tampa Bay Rays are finally getting a new stadium, and then some, after the St. Petersburg City Council greenlighted the plan. Hear from WUSF's Kerry Sheridan about Debby's Impact on Sarasota. And Tampa Bay Times reporter Colleen Wright, who covers St. Petersburg, explains how the stadium deal got approved despite opposition from some residents, and what comes next.

One of the hot button issues this presidential election is reproductive rights. Floridians registered to vote have a say on whether the state enshrines abortion rights in its constitution. Debbie Mucarsel Powell, one of the Democrats running for U.S. Senate, tells Florida Matters why she believes it could help her. Plus, you'll learn where Incumbent Senator Rick Scott stands on the issue. And- WUSF's Steve Newborn explains what races he's watching in the upcoming primary election on August 20th.

Jamal would sleep outside some nights when his mother would lock him out of the house. Other nights he would go from couch to couch at friends' houses. That's until he found help with a Tampa non-profit run called Starting Right, Now. You'll hear how Jamal coped without a place to call home. And how Starting Right Now founder Vicki Sokolik dedicated her life to helping kids like Jamal, who are separated from their families by abuse or neglect but outside the foster care system. They're a uniquely vulnerable group of the nation's growing number of people who are unhoused. This episode first aired in March 2024.

School board elections have been nonpartisan in Florida since 2000. That's because voters here approved a constitutional amendment on the issue back in 1998. But now there's a proposal to make school board races partisan again: a constitutional amendment to reverse the one decided 25 years ago. Floridians will get to vote on Amendment 1 in November. One reason may be that in the past four years, school board meetings have gotten a lot more polarized. And these county level government agencies are getting a lot more attention from the Republican Party and the Democratic Party. Three people paying close attention to local school boards and this amendment are Tampa Bay Times education reporter Jeff Solochek, Republican political strategist Rod Thomson, who also chairs the Communications Committee with the Sarasota County Republican Party, and Damaris Allen, the executive director of Families for Strong Public Schools. They discussed the arguments for and against partisan school board elections with Florida Matters and took questions from an audience of Tampa Bay area residents at the WUSF performance studio in Tampa.

The arts are vital in Florida. You've heard what cuts to arts funding means for hundreds of theaters, museums and arts groups - and the economies they help support. Arts and humanities also help Floridians make sense of this state. On this episode of Florida Matters, you'll hear from someone whose mission is to promote and share the history, culture and stories of the sunshine state. Nashid Madyun, the executive director of Florida Humanities, first talked with Florida Matters last December. Madyun and Jackie Levine, executive editor of 'Once Upon a Time in Florida', a collection of essays about Florida, dig into the stereotypes that are wrong, and explain how the humanities can help you get to grips with this vast, complex state. Later in the show: voters go to the polls in November to pick the next president- and a whole lot more. Over the next few months on Florida Matters, you're going to hear from experts on things like how to register to vote, how to read election ads and other issues to help you navigate the election. Election supervisor Craig Latimer and Florida Matters executive producer Gracyn Doctor chat about what a brand new arrival to the state needs to know before heading to the voting booth.

Summer break is in full swing with a way to go until school starts up again. This is the time kids can lose a lot of the academic gains they've made during the school year. Nicole Brown, vice president of community impact for United Way Suncoast, joins Florida Matters to discuss programs to help stop the "summer slide". And, with the last two Scripps National Spelling Bee champions hailing from the Tampa Bay region, we talk with spelling bee coach Scott Remer about what it takes to succeed in the pressure cooker environment of competitive spelling.

Arts organizations around Florida are scrambling to make up budget shortfalls after Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed $32 million in cultural and museum grants. The cuts will have an impact on hundreds of theatres, museums, performance groups and other arts organizations large and small. The vetoes are part of nearly $1 billion that DeSantis trimmed from the state budget, which is now a whopping $116.5 billion. “We're making big investments in our future while spending less of our taxpayer's money to maintain our state's strong financial standing and robust economy," DeSantis wrote in a letter to Secretary of State Cord Byrd listing the line-item vetoes. To talk more about the role of arts organizations in the Tampa Bay economy and how they will navigate the next year without those state grants, we spoke with David Jenkins, Producing Artistic Director at Jobsite Theater at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa, Mary Bensel, Executive Director at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in the city of Sarasota, Brian Hersh, CEO of the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota and Jennifer Jones, President and CEO, Florida Cultural Alliance.

It's pride month - and Juneteenth is just around the corner. Pride celebrations take on added significance for LGBTQ+ Floridians who have been the focus of restrictive new laws in recent years. And for Black and LGBTQ + residents, June takes on extra significance. On this episode of Florida Matters, we speak with leaders in the greater Tampa Bay region's Black LGBTQIA community about representation and the importance of both Pride and Juneteenth. Joining the show: Darius Lightsey, the secretary of St. Pete Pride. He's the organizer of Shades of Pride, a two day Juneteenth LGBTQ+ art and music fest. And Tamara Leigh, the editor of Blaque Out, an online publication that celebrates, showcases and educates around Black queer culture, and the founder of Tampa Bay Black Lesbians - a social media community.

On this episode of Florida Matters, we talk with two people involved in the Sunshine Skyway Bridge documentary, including one of the divers who helped recover the victims. The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, after it was hit by a cargo ship, has rekindled interest in the Sunshine Skyway bridge disaster that happened 44 years ago. A documentary screening this month in Tampa and St. Petersburg tells the story of that bridge collapse, and its aftermath, through the eyes of people who witnessed it. Matt Cohen, the marketing director for the Skyway Bridge Disaster documentary, and Robert Raiola a retired Florida Department of Transportation diver who assisted in the recovery efforts after the Skyway bridge crash, join Florida Matters to talk about the documentary and lessons learned from the disaster