Florida Matters
Florida Matters
WUSF Public Media
Your spot for real, daily conversations. Where neighbors become storytellers, newsmakers explain why and how changes happen and where locals — natives to the area and newcomers — discover and delight in the community they share.
Kids left in limbo by closing of juvenile justice facility, and following political money
The Hillsborough County Juvenile Detention Center closed at the end of August. It was located on land where the Tampa Bay Rays are planning to build a stadium. Turns out those actions are related. The sudden shutdown has reportedly left judges, lawyers and officials confused about where to house the youths who were placed there. Then, we try to pack in a lot of info about PACs — Political action committees, which funnel the big money in political races at all levels. Finally, we learn how prison culinary programs can change the lives of inmates. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3
Sep 10
48 min
25 years later: How 9/11 changed the country, the skies and the future
Friday marks 25 years since 9/11. It was a watershed moment for the U.S. and the world. It changed how we approached the world, flying, security, patriotism and society in general. Journalists, an aviation executive, a robotics rescue expert, a college professor — and several deeply affected callers — share their experiences from the day and describe what has changed for them since. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3
Sep 9
47 min
As cyclosporiasis wanes, does lettuce still make you nervous? And where are the hurricanes?
If the summer had you second-guessing your salad, you’re not alone. Cyclosporiasis, a nasty stomach bug caused by a microscopic parasite, spread across several states, sickening more than 1,100 people and killing two. The outbreak was linked to iceberg lettuce grown at a Mexican farm. It appears the outbreak’s settling down. So, what should you know about leafy greens? How safe are they to eat? And how did the Cyclospora parasite get into the food supply in the first place? Also, we're hitting the peak of hurricane season. But it's been very tranquil in Florida. And, customers at a family St. Petersburg bodega come in search of Cuban sandwiches, conversation and community. They’re described in a local author's "love letter" to her parents. Then we check back in with a popular Lakeland bakery featured on The Zest podcast in 2019. A lot has changed since before COVID-19. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3
Sep 8
48 min
The Clancy trial and understanding postpartum psychosis, plus inside the art of cosplay
The Lindsay Clancy case in Massachusetts has sparked conversations about perinatal mood disorders. Many of us are trying to learn more about postpartum psychosis. A local expert is here to oblige. Also, a report reveals the Pinellas County Jail detained people in ICE custody longer than federal guidelines permit. Finally, some cool spots to look for in your neighborhoods and Tampa Bay Comic Con is more than just costumes. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3
Sep 3
48 min
Why cats are crowding shelters, and when environmental worry overwhelms
Animal shelters in Tampa Bay have too many pets and not enough space. What’s leading to the overcapacity — especially for cats? And what can be done to reduce the number of stray and abandoned animals? Also, eco anxiety is a “chronic fear of environmental doom.” And it can be bad for your health — and the environment. Do you have it? We also revisit a report from WUSF's Jessica Meszaros about how climate change is taught in Florida schools. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3
Sep 2
47 min
The Rays’ next steps, Hope Florida’s money trail, and an alternate Haslam’s plan
After years of proposals, political fights and false starts, the Rays finally have approvals for a new stadium. Now what? Plus, a grand jury report reveals a "doozy" of a situation involving millions of dollars and the Hope Florida charity. And what happened to plans for a concert in support of a closed bookstore in St. Petersburg? Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3
Sep 1
48 min
Flock critics share their concerns, and earthquake help for Colombia and Venezuela
The backlash is growing against Flock automatic license plate readers. Pasco and Manatee are the latest counties to ban or pledge to remove the cameras. Law enforcement leaders say ALPRs can be used to fight crime and find missing people, but opponents point the potential for abuse of privacy and mass surveillance. Also, we’ve got an up on local relief efforts after the recent earthquakes in Colombia and Venezuela. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3
Aug 31
48 min
Wanted: a new generation of truck drivers. And every generation gets an ‘Odyssey’
Ever look at a big rig and think, “That sure looks fun”? We meet a newly graduated driver from a local trucker school and hear why America needs more licensed operators. Also, did you watch Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster treatment of “The Odyssey”? We wonder why the source material is still so inspiring and polarizing. And, a new musical looks at Homer’s epic poem with fresh eyes. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3
Aug 27
48 min
Florida’s shadowy immigration database, and remembering the Buffalo Soldiers
State and local police have been collecting information about people they suspect of being in the country without legal documentation – and filing it in a database. President Trump wants to change the childhood immunization schedule. Florida pediatricians aren’t happy with his executive order. We also learn about a Tampa connection to the Buffalo Soldiers, the first all-Black regular U.S. Army regiments established by Congress in 1866. In between, we take a dip in Florida’s waterways with WUSF’s environmental reporters. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3
Aug 26
48 min
A county rethinks park funding, the appeal of going old-school, the latest on sloth deaths
Pinellas had recommended cutting funding for Weedon Island and Shell Key, state-owned preserves that the county leases and operates. But there has been a reprieve. Ever want to ditch your music streaming service for a turntable and needle? Do you reach for a film camera to capture a moment? Also, some insight on the Orlando sloth deaths that resulted in no criminal charges. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3
Aug 25
48 min
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