Florida Matters

Florida Matters tackles tough issues, highlights little-known stories from our part of the world, and provides a greater perspective of what it means to live in the Sunshine State. Join us Monday through Thursday from noon-1pm EST as we journey across the state to explore the issues important to Floridians and cover the challenges facing our community and our state.Latest on deadly Ybor City crash, Florida's family caregivers, and a little sports talk - https://www.wusf.org/podcast/florida-matters/2025-11-13/latest-on-deadly-ybor-city-crash-floridas-family-caregivers-sports-talkCall: 813-755-6562Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.orgWebsite: https://www.wusf.orgSign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletterFollow us on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

Florida Matters tackles tough issues, highlights little-known stories from our part of the world, and provides a greater perspective of what it means to live in the Sunshine State. Join us Monday through Thursday from noon-1pm EST as we journey across the state to explore the issues important to Floridians and cover the challenges facing our community and our state.Call: 813-755-6562Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.orgWebsite: https://www.wusf.orgSign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletterFollow us on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

Florida Matters tackles tough issues, highlights little-known stories from our part of the world, and provides a greater perspective of what it means to live in the Sunshine State. Join us Monday through Thursday from noon-1pm EST as we journey across the state to explore the issues important to Floridians and cover the challenges facing our community and our state.Call: 813-755-6562Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.orgWebsite: https://www.wusf.orgSign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletterFollow us on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

Florida Matters tackles tough issues, highlights little-known stories from our part of the world, and provides a greater perspective of what it means to live in the Sunshine State. Join us Monday through Thursday from noon-1pm EST as we journey across the state to explore the issues important to Floridians and cover the challenges facing our community and our state.Call: 813-755-6562Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.orgWebsite: https://www.wusf.orgSign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletterFollow us on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

Florida Matters tackles tough issues, highlights little-known stories from our part of the world, and provides a greater perspective of what it means to live in the Sunshine State. Join us Monday through Thursday from noon-1pm EST as we journey across the state to explore the issues important to Floridians and cover the challenges facing our community and our state.Call: 813-755-6562Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.orgWebsite: https://www.wusf.orgSign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletterFollow us on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

Florida Matters tackles tough issues, highlights little-known stories from our part of the world, and provides a greater perspective of what it means to live in the Sunshine State. Join us Monday through Thursday from noon-1pm EST as we journey across the state to explore the issues important to Floridians and cover the challenges facing our community and our state.Call: 813-755-6562Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.orgWebsite: https://www.wusf.orgSign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletterFollow us on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

Florida Matters tackles tough issues, highlights little-known stories from our part of the world, and provides a greater perspective of what it means to live in the Sunshine State. Join us Monday through Thursday from noon-1pm EST as we journey across the state to explore the issues important to Floridians and cover the challenges facing our community and our state.Call: 813-755-6562Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.orgWebsite: https://www.wusf.orgSign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletterFollow us on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

Florida Matters tackles tough issues, highlights little-known stories from our part of the world, and provides a greater perspective of what it means to live in the Sunshine State. Join us Monday through Thursday from noon-1pm EST as we journey across the state to explore the issues important to Floridians and cover the challenges facing our community and our state.Call: 813-755-6562Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.orgWebsite: https://www.wusf.orgSign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletterFollow us on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

Florida Matters tackles tough issues, highlights little-known stories from our part of the world, and provides a greater perspective of what it means to live in the Sunshine State. Join us Monday through Thursday from noon-1pm EST as we journey across the state to explore the issues important to Floridians and cover the challenges facing our community and our state.Call: 813-755-6562Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.orgWebsite: https://www.wusf.orgSign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletterFollow us on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

Florida Matters tackles tough issues, highlights little-known stories from our part of the world, and provides a greater perspective of what it means to live in the Sunshine State. Join us Monday through Thursday from noon-1pm EST as we journey across the state to explore the issues important to Floridians and cover the challenges facing our community and our state.Call: 813-755-6562Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.orgWebsite: https://www.wusf.orgSign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletterFollow us on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

Florida Matters tackles tough issues, highlights little-known stories from our part of the world, and provides a greater perspective of what it means to live in the Sunshine State. Join us Monday through Thursday from noon-1pm EST as we journey across the state to explore the issues important to Floridians and cover the challenges facing our community and our state.Call: 813-755-6562Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.orgWebsite: https://www.wusf.orgSign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletterFollow us on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

Florida Matters tackles tough issues, highlights little-known stories from our part of the world, and provides a greater perspective of what it means to live in the Sunshine State. Join us Monday through Thursday from noon-1pm EST as we journey across the state to explore the issues important to Floridians and cover the challenges facing our community and our state.Call: 813-755-6562Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.orgWebsite: https://www.wusf.orgSign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletterFollow us on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

Florida Matters tackles tough issues, highlights little-known stories from our part of the world, and provides a greater perspective of what it means to live in the Sunshine State. Join us Monday through Thursday from noon-1pm EST as we journey across the state to explore the issues important to Floridians and cover the challenges facing our community and our state.Call: 813-755-6562Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.orgWebsite: https://www.wusf.orgSign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletterFollow us on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

Florida Matters tackles tough issues, highlights little-known stories from our part of the world, and provides a greater perspective of what it means to live in the Sunshine State. Join us Monday through Thursday from noon-1pm EST as we journey across the state to explore the issues important to Floridians and cover the challenges facing our community and our state.Call: 813-755-6562Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.orgWebsite: https://www.wusf.orgSign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletterFollow us on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

Florida Matters tackles tough issues, highlights little-known stories from our part of the world, and provides a greater perspective of what it means to live in the Sunshine State. Join us Monday through Thursday from noon-1pm EST as we journey across the state to explore the issues important to Floridians and cover the challenges facing our community and our state.Call: 813-755-6562Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.orgWebsite: https://www.wusf.orgSign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletterFollow us on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

Florida Matters tackles tough issues, highlights little-known stories from our part of the world, and provides a greater perspective of what it means to live in the Sunshine State. Join us Monday through Thursday from noon-1pm EST as we journey across the state to explore the issues important to Floridians and cover the challenges facing our community and our state.Call: 813-755-6562Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.orgWebsite: https://www.wusf.orgSign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletterFollow us on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

Florida Matters tackles tough issues, highlights little-known stories from our part of the world, and provides a greater perspective of what it means to live in the Sunshine State. Join us Monday through Thursday from noon-1pm EST as we journey across the state to explore the issues important to Floridians and cover the challenges facing our community and our state.Call: 813-755-6562Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.orgWebsite: https://www.wusf.orgSign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletterFollow us on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

Florida Matters tackles tough issues, highlights little-known stories from our part of the world, and provides a greater perspective of what it means to live in the Sunshine State. Join us Monday through Thursday from noon-1pm EST as we journey across the state to explore the issues important to Floridians and cover the challenges facing our community and our state.Call: 813-755-6562Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.orgWebsite: https://www.wusf.orgSign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletterFollow us on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

Florida Matters tackles tough issues, highlights little-known stories from our part of the world, and provides a greater perspective of what it means to live in the Sunshine State. Join us Monday through Thursday from noon-1pm EST as we journey across the state to explore the issues important to Floridians and cover the challenges facing our community and our state.Call: 813-755-6562Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.orgWebsite: https://www.wusf.orgSign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletterFollow us on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

Florida Matters tackles tough issues, highlights little-known stories from our part of the world, and provides a greater perspective of what it means to live in the Sunshine State. Join us Monday through Thursday from noon-1pm EST as we journey across the state to explore the issues important to Floridians and cover the challenges facing our community and our state.Call: 813-755-6562Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.orgWebsite: https://www.wusf.orgSign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletterFollow us on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

Florida Matters tackles tough issues, highlights little-known stories from our part of the world, and provides a greater perspective of what it means to live in the Sunshine State. Join us Monday through Thursday from noon-1pm EST as we journey across the state to explore the issues important to Floridians and cover the challenges facing our community and our state.Call: 813-755-6562Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.orgWebsite: https://www.wusf.orgSign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletterFollow us on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

Florida Matters tackles tough issues, highlights little-known stories from our part of the world, and provides a greater perspective of what it means to live in the Sunshine State. Join us Monday through Thursday from noon-1pm EST as we journey across the state to explore the issues important to Floridians and cover the challenges facing our community and our state.Call: 813-755-6562Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.orgWebsite: https://www.wusf.orgSign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletterFollow us on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

Florida Matters tackles tough issues, highlights little-known stories from our part of the world, and provides a greater perspective of what it means to live in the Sunshine State. Join us Monday through Thursday from noon-1pm EST as we journey across the state to explore the issues important to Floridians and cover the challenges facing our community and our state.Call: 813-755-6562Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.orgWebsite: https://www.wusf.orgSign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletterFollow us on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

Florida Matters tackles tough issues, highlights little-known stories from our part of the world, and provides a greater perspective of what it means to live in the Sunshine State. Join us Monday through Thursday from noon-1pm EST as we journey across the state to explore the issues important to Floridians and cover the challenges facing our community and our state.Call: 813-755-6562Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.orgWebsite: https://www.wusf.orgSign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletterFollow us on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

Florida Matters tackles tough issues, highlights little-known stories from our part of the world, and provides a greater perspective of what it means to live in the Sunshine State. Join us Monday through Thursday from noon-1pm EST as we journey across the state to explore the issues important to Floridians and cover the challenges facing our community and our state.Call: 813-755-6562Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.orgWebsite: https://www.wusf.orgSign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletterFollow us on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

Coming up on Florida Matters- education, politics and how the top academic jobs in the sunshine state get chosen. Listen live on 89.7, wusf.org, or watch the show on YouTube. Call in with your questions at (813) 755-6562 or email us at FloridaMatters@wusf.org.Call: 813-755-6562Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.orgWebsite: https://www.wusf.orgSign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletterFollow us on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

Florida Matters tackles tough issues, highlights little-known stories from our part of the world, and provides a greater perspective of what it means to live in the Sunshine State. Join us Monday through Thursday from noon-1pm EST as we journey across the state to explore the issues important to Floridians and cover the challenges facing our community and our state.Call: 813-755-6562Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.orgWebsite: https://www.wusf.orgSign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletterFollow us on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

The Tampa Bay Rays are being sold.  Major League Baseball approved the deal- worth a reported one point seven billion dollars- last week.  The Rays will be back in a patched-up Tropicana Field next season. But a permanent home for the team is still undecided.  Ahead on Florida Matters, Live and Local- what's next for the Tampa Bay Rays? And– pro wrestling has been a staple of American pop culture for decades… and a lot of its stars have come from Tampa Bay. You'll also meet two pro-wrestlers and hear how they got their start… and why wrestling has deep roots in our region. 

If you've ever received a speeding ticket, it was probably issued by a state trooper, a police officer, or the city or county where you were snapped speeding.But have you ever gotten one from a Homeowners Association?ALSO READ: HOA or Big Brother? Suncoast neighborhoods use controversial technology to fine speedersJosh Salman of the non-profit newsroom Suncoast Searchlight talks about how some neighborhood associations in Sarasota are issuing their own speeding citations, and why that's raising concerns about privacy.Also in this episode Developers and environmental groups aren't always on the same page in Florida.We'll talk with Tampa Bay Times reporter Jack Prator. He tells the story of how a company accused of destroying a local wetland asked conservation advocates to help make its case. And remember the ocean heatwave that devastated Florida's coral reefs a couple of years ago? Scientists have been working to rescue the corals and rebuild the reefs.You'll hear from Keri O'Neil, director and senior scientist of the Florida Aquarium's coral conservation program. O'Neil's on the front lines of coral restoration, and she talks about the threat to Florida corals and what gives her hope for the future.

It's been pretty hot this summer. If you live in Florida- that's not news. But you might not know just how dangerous the heat can be for you and your neighbors here in Tampa Bay. On this episode of Florida Matters, we talk about how the heat can be more than just uncomfortable if you're pregnant.It can cause major health problems for the pregnant person and the baby.WUSF's Jessica Meszaros explains what she learned about pregnancy and heat. And why these problems are only likely to get worse. Also on the show: we know how expensive it can be to get housing in Tampa Bay. You'll hear from Bradenton area business owner John Horne of Oyster's Rock Hospitality and Mark Vengroff, CEO and Managing Partner of One Stop Housing about a solution to the problem: building workforce housing. And Dalia Colon, host of WUSF's The Zest, joins us to talk about the new season of the podcast- plus food tips for hurricane season. 

New rules for people applying to get their learners' permit in Florida aim to make it safer for teen drivers. WUSF's Meghan Bowman and Pasco County tax collector Mike Fasano join Florida Matters to explain.Have you ever wondered what it takes for a dog to become a service animal? Meet dog trainer Katie Baker with Dogs Inc. of Bradenton and her service dog in training, Star.And the guy behind Tampa International Airport's wildly popular social media feed is C.J. Johnson. His cheeky Instagram posts are often funny- but there's more to them than just entertainment.

Amid the country's strict immigration policies, stories are emerging from people placed in federal detention and those no longer in U.S.Some have been deported and some are leaving voluntarily.WUSF's Nancy Guan joins "Florida Matters" to share her reporting about two people whose lives in the Tampa Bay region have been turned upside down.Also, roadways across the state are looking a bit less colorful. Cities and counties are being told by state and federal leaders to remove rainbow crosswalks and other types of street art.St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch said he doesn't like it, but the city will comply.Byron Green-Calisch, president of St. Pete Pride, explains how the city's LGBTQ+ community is reacting to the removal of the iconic rainbow crosswalk at Central Avenue and 25th Street.

Public health experts are worried about the dip in childhood vaccinations. In Sarasota County, the vaccination rate has slid to about 80% for kindergartners. That's a lower rate than neighboring counties — and the statewide immunization rate.On this episode of Florida Matters, we talk about what's behind vaccine hesitancy in Sarasota County with WUSF's Kerry Sheridan. Plus, it's peak rainy season — meaning mosquitoes are out in full force. You'll hear from Gabriella Henderson, Community Relations Coordinator with Hillsborough County mosquito management, about how the county is working to control these tiny but dangerous critters.

Inflation has cooled off a bit this year, and prices aren't going through the roof like they were last year and the year before. But they're still creeping up. Add cuts to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, and some families in the Tampa Bay region are worried they'll go hungry.Taylour Grant, a single mom from Tampa, joins us to talk about how SNAP benefits help her buy groceries for her four kids. And WUSF's Gabriella Paul talks about the wider impact of cuts to those benefits.And, if your kids are in school, you might have had the conversation about whether to pack a lunch or let them have school lunch. We chat about healthy school lunch options with Dr. David Berger, a pediatrician with Wholistic Pediatrics and Family Care in Tampa.

It's hard to believe, but school is back in session. If you're a parent, that means you're already dealing with that early morning dash to school and also coping with the chaos in the car line. On Florida Matters we got a peek inside the backpack as another school year is underway in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Polk counties. School administrators are breathing a sigh of relief as millions of dollars in frozen federal grant money have been released. But there's still uncertainty. We spoke with Hillsborough County Public Schools' Deputy Superintendent for Academics and Transformation, Shay McRae, who discussed coping with uncertainty and finding enough bus drivers and teachers. We also got some overall context about vacancies and the school districts from Tampa Bay Times education reporter Jeff Solochek. And finally, we were joined by Shanta Teller-Montes, who is a math teacher in Lutz. 

People often own the manufactured home they live in, but rent the land it sits on. And the rent is going up. On this episode, you'll hear from people explaining how they're struggling to keep pace with rising rent. Their stories are part of a special reporting project from WUSF called Not So Forever Home. The Pulitzer's Center for local reporting supported it.You'll also hear from WUSF reporters Octavio Jones and Gabriella Paul. Jones spent the last year talking with people in mobile home communities about their plight, and Paul explains how one more door to home ownership is being squeezed shut. 

On this episode you'll hear from caregivers and advocates about how they face this challenge. Our guests are Rachel Piltch-Loeb, author of The Millennial Caregiver: Caring for Loved Ones in the Busiest Years of Your Life. Viviam Sifontes, research educator at Moffit Cancer Center Lauren Klinger, a Wesley Chapel resident and writer. She's been a caregiver and is author of the “Learn from My Mistakes” Substack. Thanks to our partners in developing this show - Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa and the Alzheimer's Association, Florida region. This Caregiving project was funded by a grant from WETA and Vu Haus. It's part of a new documentary and national engagement campaign on the state and stakes of providing care in America. A feature-length documentary and accompanying short films are available on PBS.org and at Well Beings. 

When hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton menaced Tampa Bay last summer, you may have been glued to your radio for updates.The National Weather Service is a lifeline, not just during hurricanes, but whenever there's severe weather.Now, hundreds of staff have left the agency in the last six months.Could that affect the agency's work?You'll hear from meteorologist Brian LaMarre, who led the forecasting office for the greater Tampa Bay region before taking early retirement in April.Also on "Florida Matters" this week:What does a summer without Major League Baseball mean for St Petersburg's economy and identity?WUSF's Lily Belchertalked with business owners in St. Pete and Tampa to see how the Rays' move across the bay is affecting them.And Chris Steinocher with the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce explains how businesses around Tropicana Field are struggling without the home game crowds.Plus, how do you demolish a bridge?WUSF's Sky Lebron gets an update on the fate of the old Howard Frankland bridge.

Tampa federal prosecutor Michael Gordon was fired last month.  There are questions about why he was fired, and concerns about what happens now to the case he was leading, involving  fraud and  Clearwater businessman Leo Govoni. Govoni's accused of stealing millions of dollars of medical trust fund money. Tampa Bay Times reporter Christopher O'Donnell has been covering the Leo Govoni case extensively. He shares the reaction from people who've watched money for their disabled loved ones vanish.Deadly floods swept through an area of Central Texas known as flash flood alley over the July 4th holiday weekend. Rolling hills, limestone rock formations and winding rivers make the area prone to flash floods during rainstorms.  The stories of terrified campers trying to evacuate in the dark may be eerily familiar to people in Tampa Bay who experienced last year's hurricanes. But what about the flash flood risk here? We ask  Florida Public Radio Emergency Network meteorologist Megan Borowski  what causes flash floods and what you should do to protect yourself when there's a flood risk. Fifty years ago, Jaws burst onto movie screens, and cinema has never been the same. It may be a great thriller, but half a century later, shark scientists are still pushing back against the myth of the rogue shark. Meet Florida Aquarium animal care specialist Eric Hovland. He's been swimming with-  and studying-  sharks for years- and still has more to learn. 

Florida's legislative session went way longer than planned, as lawmakers and Gov. Ron DeSantis argued over proposed tax cuts.DeSantis signed the budget — more than $115 billion — and a slate of new laws took effect on July 1.State government reporters Meghan Bowman and Douglas Soule with the "Your Florida" team discuss what got vetoed, what survived and what it means for Tampa Bay.

On this episode of "Florida Matters," you'll learn about The Chitlin Circuit, how it shaped the sound of jazz, blues, and rock, and how it paved the way for the music industry we see today.We revisit a conversation brought to you last February about the network of clubs that Black performers toured in the segregated South. Coming up- you'll hear how the artists who performed on the circuit shaped the sound of blues, rock n roll, jazz and pop that came after. And how contemporary artists are paying homage to those performers. 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,  evoked the network of clubs and venues that Black musicians and performers toured during segregation last Century. And she references the circuit in the track Ya Ya.Joining the conversation on Florida Matters: Dr Michelle Scott,  professor of History at University of Maryland Baltimore County, and Dr Nashid Madyun, executive director Florida Humanities.Scott was also part of a panel discussion presented by WUSF and Arts Axis Florida earlier this year about  the Chitlin Circuit in Tampa.If you want to learn more about this chapter in Tampa's history- check out jazz on arts axis florida. There's a video of the panel moderated by NPR TV critic Eric Deggans which also included pioneering attorney, civil rights activist and former State Senator Arthenia Joyner. It's a fascinating conversation. And you'll find performances, oral histories, photos and much more. 

Tampa Bay has a world renowned arts scene. Chances are you've caught an exhibition at the Dali museum in St. Petersburg- or taken in some of the dazzling, larger than life art at the SHINE mural festival. But did you know Tampa is also the birthplace of death metal? On this episode you'll hear from WUSF reporters who've been spotlighting the arts and culture of Tampa Bay. If you feel like there's something missing from your morning routine, Lily Belcher has a story about a cafe where you can watch kittens rough and tumble as you sip your cappuccino.Walk around the streets of St. Petersburg- and you'll see murals- lots of them. Visit St. Pete Clearwater says  more than 600 adorn walls throughout the city. A new gallery exhibition mashes up murals with another icon of the city's arts scene: the  museum devoted to surrealist artist Salvador Dali.  Sue Giles Wantuck shares details about the ‘Outside In' exhibit, and why mural artists are happy to pour hours and hours into creating enormous, complex works of art, even when they know their art won't last forever. And Daylina Miller breaks down Tampa's unique connection with extreme metal. They explain why the original site of Morrisound Recording was honored with a historic marker, and why metalheads right here in theplace it all began are some of the nicest people you'll meet, even if the music's a bit aggressive. 

When you hear the term ‘romance novel', does it conjure up images of Fabio's flying hair- or maybe some bodice ripping? You can still find that between the covers of a romance novel, but there's so much more. You're  just as likely to read about a baseball diamond as a bodice in the new universe of romance fiction. One thing these novels all have in common?  Two people making a connection. On this episode, local novelist Alicia Thompson, author of novels like ‘With Love from Cold World', ‘The Art of Catching Feelings,' ‘Love in a time of Serial Killers and others, and Steamy Lit bookstore owner and convention founder Melissa Saavedra talk about the growing audience for Romance fiction, breaking stereotypes and what keeps readers hooked on the genre. 

There's a lot more mystery and magic to this state than "Florida Man" headlines suggest. Take a drive around the Tampa Bay area and you may wonder about the story behind the UFO perched atop a strip club, Weeki Wachee's mermaid show or Tampa's obsession with pirates.Gabrielle Calise, a culture writer who reports on offbeat Florida, nostalgia and music for the Tampa Bay Times, is an expert guide to all things wild and wonderful about the state.Calise is the editor of “Florida, a Hyper-local Guide to the Flora, Fauna and Fantasy of the Most Far-out State in America," and she joins "Florida Matters" to share some of the stories behind the spectacle.Gasparilla, the festival built around the mythical pirate Jose Gaspar, dates back to 1904 and is now part of the city's DNA.“Being the mayor of Tampa means that you're gonna participate and have to fight a bunch of pirates and give up the key to the city. No other place really has a tradition quite like that,” Calise said.Other highlights from Calise's conversation on "Florida Matters" include tips on where to spot manatees around Tampa Bay and where to see a mermaid show (Weeki Wachee), of course).There's also insights into Tampa's take on a Cuban sandwich and Floridians' attitudes to hurricane prep.

The Tampa City Council announced Tuesday morning that Henderson died at her home of natural causes overnight. Henderson was an educator and bookstore owner. And in this episode, we're revisiting Florida Matters host Matthew Peddie's conversation with Henderson last year at Black English, the store in Tampa Heights that she ran with her daughter, Ariel. When they sat down to chat, the bookstore had been open for just a few months. And Henderson was not even a year into her role as a councilwoman. They talked about her entry to politics after a long career as an educator, and pushing back with her bookstore as the state of Florida changed its Black History curriculum and pulled books from library shelves and school classrooms. 

In the lead up to the start of hurricane season, Florida Matters took a closer look at stories of recovery- from homeowners, business leaders and community members. In this episode you'll hear highlights from the series: how businesses are rebuilding and how local governments are trying to prevent the  flooding that swamped neighborhoods across our region last year. You'll also hear tips on managing your mental health and dealing with the anxiety that comes with natural disasters. And community leaders and  some of your neighbors from around Tampa Bay share their insights about building community resilience before, during and after a storm. 

David Jolly represented Florida's 13th congressional district, in Pinellas County, from 2014 to 2017. He left the Republican party in 2018 and has spent the past few years advocating for more options for voters dissatisfied with the major political parties. In April, he registered as a Democrat.Jolly was born in Dunedin and grew up in Dade City. His father was a Baptist preacher. He represented Florida's 13th congressional district, in Pinellas County, from 2014 to 2017. Jolly tells Florida Matters host Matthew Peddie that his party affiliation has changed- and so have his politics- including his views on abortion. When he ran for congress in 2014, he was pro life. Now, he wants to see abortion rights returned to what they were before the US Supreme Court overturned Roe V. Wade in 2022. He says Florida is facing an affordability crisis and he thinks voters will be looking for a change when they head to the ballot box in 2026. 

There's a certain model of handgun that's popular with gun owners across the country. It's popular with  law enforcement too. But recently, some  agencies- including right here in Tampa Bay- opted to remove the Sig Sauer P320 from their arsenals because of safety concerns. On this episode you'll hear from a journalist who's been covering this issue for The Trace and Mother Jones. Ava Sasani explains why some police departments and sheriff's offices don't want officers using this gun- and why these weapons are being sold back to the general public. But first - an update on state politics. You remember back at the start of May, lawmakers were supposed to wrap up their two month lawmaking stint by passing a budget. Only- they didn't. WUSF's Douglas Soule, part of the 'Your Florida' team reporting on how state government affects you, joins Florida Matters to walk us through what lawmakers need to do to pass a budget- and what could happen if they can't reach an agreement by the end of June.

On "Florida Matters," we discuss hurricane recovery for Tampa Bay area businesses following the 2024 storms. We also look into how business owners can prepare and find relief this year.Building a business can be hard work. And for business owners across the Tampa Bay region, there's been an added disruption — hurricanes.Hurricanes Milton and Helene caused tens of millions of dollars in damage to Pinellas County businesses. And that number grows exponentially when you look around the rest of the region.Pinellas beaches are open for business, but hotel rooms are still closed along the beaches as some hotels await repairs. Even businesses that weren't physically damaged were still impacted.On this episode of Florida Matters, you'll hear from two people who are in the thick of helping businesses rebuild after last year's storms while also preparing for this year's storm season.Charlie Justice is the CEO of the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce. And Jennifer Biles is a business consultant with the Small Business Development Center at the University of South Florida.They talk about what hurricane recovery has looked like for impacted businesses and how business owners can prepare and find relief this year.Click here to find out how you can find assistance for your business.

If your home flooded during hurricane season last year, you may still be recovering from the damage. A lot of neighborhoods flooded as a series of storms impacted the Tampa Bay region- Hurricane Debby, then Helene and soon after that- Milton. And it wasn't just places on the coast. Inland neighborhoods flooded too. So- with hurricane season almost here- what are local governments doing to prevent more flooding? And how are people rebuilding? WUSF journalists Jessica Meszaros, Kerry Sheridan and Steve Newborn join Florida Matters to discuss their reporting on the ongoing recovery from flooding in communities across the greater Tampa Bay region. 

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.