Florida Matters

WUSF
  • 3.8 (13)
  • News
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. 8h ago

    What comes with Iran-U.S. peace? Dad's day grief. Knowing sickle cell. Good day, Sunshine City

    The U.S. and Iran are set to formally sign a deal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. But there are questions about details and what comes next. "Let the oil flow." With that, President Donald Trump announced the U.S. and Iran are set to formally sign a deal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. But there are questions about details and what comes next. Our expert has answers. Also, Father’s Day is a celebration for lots of families, but it can also be a time of grief for some. We talk about navigating loss during holidays. Afterward, with World Sickle Cell Day coming up, a doctor discusses awareness and treatment innovations. Finally, meet the lads keeping the spirit of Beatlemania alive in Tampa Bay. Peace deal questions remain(0:00) The U.S. and Iran are moving toward an agreement after months of conflict. The deal could change the future of the Middle East — if it lasts. We unpack the risks and the road ahead with a USF foreign policy expert. GUEST: Arman Mahmoudian, USF Global and National Security InstituteWhen Father’s Day hurts(12:02) Father’s Day can be a celebration, but like all holidays, it can also bring painful reminders of loss. A grief expert joins the show to talk about navigating complicated emotions. We also learn about a new support resource. GUEST: Jason Cooper, national spiritual services lead for Vitas HealthcareSickle cell awareness matters(20:49) Sickle cell anemia, a genetic hemoglobin disease, affects thousands of families and can bring pain and challenges that aren’t always visible. A specialist helps us explore misconceptions patients face and treatment advances. GUEST: Dr. Ali Sanati-Mehrezi, USF Health pediatric hematologist-oncologistA long and winding road(35:56) The Penny Lane Beatles Museum is moving from its Dunedin home into a bigger space in downtown St. Petersburg. Exhibits include instruments, clothing and other artifacts tied to the Fab Four. We explore why the Liverpool lads still strike a chord all these years later. GUESTS: Craig Bachner, Penny Lane Beatles Museum executive director Harlan Brown, Penny Lane Beatles Museum senior docent

    48 min

  2. 1d ago

    When AI gets it wrong, a new ID debate, the Latino vote equation, politics of a ‘Wimpy Kid’

    He was at his Fort Myers home when a fast-food security camera in Jacksonville Beach snapped a picture of a criminal suspect. An artificial intelligence tool used by police agencies somehow identified him as the perpetrator, and he was arrested. Technology got it wrong, but it wasn't alone. Afterward, Latino voters are seen as the key to winning elections in Florida, but are candidates really paying attention to their concerns? Then, how will an important change in driver’s licenses affect you? And a well-known children’s author is helping a local candidate for office. Rage against the machine(0:00) A Fort Myers man was hundreds of miles away from where a crime was committed, but an AI facial recognition match sent him to jail anyway. Now, he’s suing. His ACLU attorney discusses the lawsuit, which challenges a Pinellas County-operated system used by law enforcement statewide. GUEST: Nathan Wessler, deputy director of the ACLU’s Speech, Privacy and Technology ProjectThese face cards are marked(11:38) A new Florida law will add citizenship and immigration information to driver’s licenses and state IDs. Lawmakers say the change is about election confidence, but opponents question the necessity and impact. A local tax collector and an immigrant rights advocate discuss what residents might expect. GUESTS: Thomas Kennedy, policy adviser with the Florida Immigrant Coalition Mike Fasano, Pasco County tax collector A powerful political force(20:40) Latino voters helped reshape Florida politics in 2024, but experts say campaigns still struggle to understand the community’s diversity. We discuss the issues driving Latino voters and how their influence could shape future elections. GUESTS: Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, academic executive and former U.S. representative Eduardo Gamarra, Florida International University political science professor Jeff Kinney/Brandt Robinson for Congress Not flying under the radar(35:44) The creator of “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” is stepping into the political arena. (Wait, isn’t this a form of the dreaded “cheese touch”?) Seriously, Jeff Kinney has teamed up with a Pinellas County history teacher running for Congress for an event focused on civic engagement. The goal: get younger voters involved in democracy before it feels like middle school math. GUESTS: Brandt Robinson, educator and congressional candidate Jeff Kinney, children’s book author

    48 min

  3. 2d ago

    Speaking up for homeless, Juneteenth arts, buzz words on skeeters, Kiwi’s big adventure

    Recently, a woman sleeping in an alley was struck by a garbage truck and killed. The tragedy has raised the ire of homeless advocates against the state’s ban on public camping. Is the law necessary or simply driving our most vulnerable into dark, dangerous places? Then, we talk about the role of the arts in commemorating Juneteenth. And, summer mosquito season is near — with our blood on the menu. Tragedy renews homeless debate(0:00) The recent death of a woman killed by a St. Petersburg garbage truck has renewed the debate over homelessness and Florida’s public camping ban. Advocates for the unhoused say the case underscores concerns that enforcement without enough shelter beds can increase risks for people living outside. GUESTS: Jackie Azis, Southern Poverty Law Center Jesse Rabinowitz, National Homeless Law Center 'A melting pot experience’(12:02) As Juneteenth approaches, the Straz Center is hosting its annual commemoration in Tampa. The Arts Legacy Remix showcases the region’s cultural diversity and preserves musical traditions through performance. We learn the origins and meaning of the celebration and get a preview of the event. GUEST: Frederick Johnson, visual artist, musician and artist in residence at the Straz CenterBeware of these June bugs(21:02) Mosquito control officials say summer rains will accelerate populations, raising concerns about disease transmission and prevention efforts. At the same time, researchers are evaluating a proposal to release sterilized mosquitoes for population control alongside traditional spraying. Experts say management will hinge on balancing innovation, public trust and stable local funding. GUESTS: Adriane Rogers, Pasco County Mosquito Control District Chris Meindl, USF geography professor Looking past Flori-duh(36:08) New Zealand’s ambassador to the U.S. says diplomats need to get beyond stereotypes and see conditions on the ground. So, he’s been on a fact-finding tour that recently took him to the Tampa Bay area for a clearer view of Florida’s economy and culture. He says maintaining affordability and access for American consumers is key to the countries’ relationship. GUEST: Chris Seed, New Zealand ambassador to the U.S.

    49 min

  4. 6d ago

    The night Orlando cried, surviving summer hunger, easy being green, Tampa's renaissance menus

    Can it possibly be a decade since the horrific Pulse shooting in Orlando? On "Florida Matters Live & Local," hear reflections from a clubgoer who was there the night 49 people were killed and a journalist who covered the aftermath. Plus, a look at the challenges for some just to feed their families over the summer. Website: 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/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3

    49 min

  5. Jun 10

    Read 'em and reap, a different kind of 'takeover,' judged past its prime, a preservation reservation

    For the second time “teen takeover” in the Tampa Bay region has ended in arrests. A Polk County teen is facing an attempted murder charge after an incident at Clearwater Beach just over a week ago. Could social media be the key to keeping teens out of trouble? We also talk with the local architect undertaking the renovation project for the Jackson House in downtown Tampa. Also, does Hillsborough County need a new courthouse annex? And what does your book stack look like this summer? Website: 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/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3

    49 min

  6. Jun 9

    Floridians get a fair shake, St. Pete Pride, Vibrio facts, summer camps, story of survival

    We’re still reacting to the shock of a Florida earthquake. And we get into youth camps on Day 2 of our summer prep segments. Speaking of sun and fun, it’s time for reminders on avoiding flesh-eating bacteria. Then, hear about an epic water survival story that is the subject of a new book. Also, St. Pete Pride is recognized as the largest Pride celebration in the Southeast, but for how much longer? In January, a new law takes effect that could change the event. Website: 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/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3

    49 min

  7. Jun 8

    College students confront gun violence and housing fears, staycations, WWI fiction

    Orlando will mark a somber milestone this week: 10 years since a gunman murdered 49 people at the Pulse nightclub. At the time, it was the worst mass shooting in modern American history. This tragedy and others raise discussions about preventing gun violence. A related topic: Off-campus housing raises safety concerns after two incidents near USF. Then, we talk this week about summer activities, and the conversation kicks off with staycations. Finally, a local author discusses his latest war story. Website: 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/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3

    49 min

  8. Jun 4

    Big bet on tax relief, a bigger fish to spy, goal diggin’ in Florida, opera-tunity knocks

    Florida voters will decide this November whether to dramatically expand exemptions and cap property tax increases. But more money in homeowners’ pockets could mean less for local governments. “Florida Matters Live & Local” examines the details. Then, World Cup fans are descending on the U.S. from all corners of the globe to celebrate the beautiful game. We talk about the Florida connections — from players to matches to fans. Plus, we try to catch up with roaming whale shark and meet one of the stars of St. Pete Opera’s “La Boheme” production. Website: 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/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3

    48 min
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3.8
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Channel
    WUSF
  • Creator
    WUSF Public Media
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    511
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021 Florida Matters
  • Show Website
    Florida Matters

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