Florida Matters

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.