Florida Matters is WUSF's weekly current affairs show that explores the events, ideas, politics and issues that matter to Floridians.
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Each week, The Florida Roundup brings us up to speed on all things Florida- be it politics, the environment, the economy, culture and more. Join host Tom Hudson for lively discussion with newsmakers, journalists and you! Email the program [email protected]
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Classical WSMR, 89.1 and 103.9, based in west central Florida, features the finest performances of classical music, 24 hours a day, with special features and live performances by internationally acclaimed musicians. The station is also available online at www.wsmr.org and on HD radio on WUSF 89.72.
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Live from Zoo Miami: Housing affordability, government spending and invasive species
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53:10This week on The Florida Roundup, we went to Zoo Miami for a special show with a live studio audience. First, we spoke with Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava about Florida’s condo crisis, local government spending and immigration (01:20). Then, we were joined by Dr. Frank Ridgley, the head of the Conservation and Research Department at Z…
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Connecting with Black businesses in Tampa Bay
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27:59On 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 …
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Florida’s Immigration Bill, federal spending freeze, school start times and Dreamers’ in-state tuition
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53:12This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke about a new immigration bill passed by the Florida legislature with its sponsor, Sen. Joe Gruters (01:24). Then, we heard from U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost about a slew of executive orders this week from the Trump administration (11:52). And later, we talked about a state mandate to push back school start times…
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Meeting the need for doctors in the Tampa Bay region
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28:00The 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.Acad…
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Snowfall in Florida, special legislative session ahead, Trump and the Christian Right, struggling citrus crops and looming seaweed
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53:12This week on The Florida Roundup, we checked in with meteorologist Megan Borowski to talk about the record-breaking snowfall in the Panhandle (07:00). Then, POLITICO’s Gary Fineout joined us for a preview of next week’s special legislative session and special elections (12:55). And later, NPR’s Sarah McCammon joined us to talk about how the Evangel…
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Immigration, state politics and Trump's second term
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28:00Immigrants 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 Jaso…
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DeSantis’ push on immigration, Marco Rubio as secretary of state and fact checking Biden's promises
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52:24This week on The Florida Roundup, we discussed Gov. DeSantis’ immigration policy proposals for a special session and the role local police will have with Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey (02:52). Then, we spoke with POLITICO’s Nahal Toosi about what to expect if Marco Rubio is confirmed as Secretary of State (24:54). Plus, we checked in with Polit…
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MLK Day and volunteerism in Tampa Bay, and how to do Dry January
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28:00Martin 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: abstaini…
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Florida’s laws for kids and social media, fact-checking and media literacy, weekly news briefing
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53:13This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke with Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Howard Hepburn about how students and teachers are adapting to new cell phone restrictions in school (02:20). Then, we spoke with Rep. Toby Overdorf who is one of the sponsors of a new law that bans children 14 and under from accessing social media platform…
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Three perspectives on Florida’s economy and reputation
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53:09This week on The Florida Roundup, we bring you three interviews: first, we spoke with Catherine Wood, founder and CEO of ARK Investment, about what attracted her to St. Petersburg (01:33). Then, we’ll speak with John Bartleman, president & CEO of TradeStation, which is based in South Florida (19:36). Plus, author Malcolm Gladwell talks about what m…
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WUSF reporters reflect on a life-changing hurricane season
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33:23Hurricanes 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 rep…
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This week on an encore edition of The Florida Roundup, we featured two reports from the podcast Sea Change, from WWNO/WRKF in Louisiana. First, WLRN's Jenny Staletovich explored how hotter ocean temperatures are affecting a prized and celebrated fish in Florida – the mahi (00:27). Then, WUSF's Jessica Meszaroes looked at the rising cost of climate …
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From politics to weird noises, WUSF reporters review the year in news
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35:20From 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…
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Statewide year in review, from Barabicu to BBQ, only-in-Florida food stories
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53:09This week on The Florida Roundup, we bring you some of the biggest stories from around the state with reporters from Florida Public Radio member stations (00:22). Plus, we learn about how Spanish settlers in Florida influenced America’s barbecue craze (20:15). And later, we bring you a collection of Florida-only food stories (37:32).…
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When Hurricane Milton destroyed the Trop's roof, it triggered a cascade of problems for the Rays' plans for a new stadium
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28:00Just 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…
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Countdown for condos, decisions await DeSantis, Florida’s illegal casinos and weekly news briefing
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53:09This week on The Florida Roundup, we talked about the looming deadline for condo owners and associations to meet new regulations that were enacted following the 2021 Surfside condominium collapse. First, we heard from Sen. Jennifer Bradley (02:00) and then Tara Stone, CEO of Stone Building Solutions (11:19). Then, we spoke with Politico’s Gary Fine…
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St. Petersburg couple on a mission to visit every state park in Florida
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19:00You 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…
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2025 Medicare enrollment, Sunshine State politics go to Washington, PolitiFact and weekly news briefing
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53:11This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke about some of the biggest changes coming to Medicare in 2025 with Dr. Meena Seshamani, director of the federal Center for Medicare (00:23). Then, we navigated enrollment questions with Jim Tolbert, SHINE Medicare counselor (09:56). And later, as President-elect Trump makes more Florida-based cabinet nomina…
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Climate change in Florida: Shrinking mahi population, home insurance crisis
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53:08This week on The Florida Roundup, we featured two reports from the podcast Sea Change, from WWNO/WRKF in Louisiana. First, WLRN's Jenny Staletovich explored how hotter ocean temperatures are affecting a prized and celebrated fish in Florida – the mahi (00:27). Then, WUSF's Jessica Meszaroes looked at the rising cost of climate risk on Florida's hom…
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How one Tampa Bay non-profit is approaching the holiday season and hurricane recovery
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28:00As 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 Clin…
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FEMA disaster response, tuning out of politics and Florida's new leadership
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53:11This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke with U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor about FEMA’s response to hurricanes Helene and Milton (01:27). We asked Kelly McBride, NPR Public Editor and Chair of Ethics and Leadership at The Poynter Institute, about how Americans are consuming political news (14:27) and then spoke with Sen. Shevrin Jones about how the Flo…
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Explaining the connection between homeowners' insurance and climate change in Florida
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28:00affordable 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. Me…
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Florida's outsized role in national politics and how snowbirds are handling more storms
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53:11Just over a week after winning a second term, President-elect Donald Trump is moving swiftly to nominate key cabinet positions. He’s named his campaign manager Susie Wiles as his chief of staff. (00:40). And snowbirds have sought refuge in Florida for decades. But could back-to-back hurricanes and the prospect of more extreme weather chill their en…
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How Tampa Bay is recovering from Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton
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52:34Like 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 F…
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Florida and California: What the two can learn from each other post-election
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53:11This week on The Florida Roundup, we broke down which proposed constitutional amendments passed and which fell short with Central Florida Public Media’s Joe Byrnes and WUSF’s Stephanie Colombini (1:00). Then, we simulcasted with our colleagues at KQED’s Forum for a conversation about how Florida and California are positioned as political opposites …
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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 amend…
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Election anxiety, Florida's shifted politics and increased health risks after hurricanes
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53:24This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke about election anxiety and how to lower the temperature of political rhetoric with former U.S. Reps Carlos Curbelo and Stephanie Murphy (02:15). Then, we heard about how Florida moved away from being a swing state with the New York Times’ Patricia Mazzei (20:24). And later, we checked in with Samantha Putt…
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Why the economy is a top issue for voters in 2024, and how elections offices guard against cyberattacks
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28:00The 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 insur…
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The Fight over Amendment 4, early voting and NPAs, PolitiFact checks claims, weekly news briefing
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53:12This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke with WUSF’s Stephanie Colombini about the legal wrangling over Amendment 4 (08:09) and then we heard from former Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court Charles Wells (12:00). We also talked about voter turnout and how to appeal to non-party voters first with DNC Chair Jaime Harrison (19:14) and later t…
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Florida Matters podcast extra: flooding issues persist in Hernando County, two weeks after Milton
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16:06Hurricane 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 r…
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Coping with flooding after Hurricane Milton, dealing with election misinformation
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27:56As 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 disast…
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Filing insurance claims and voting after back-to-back hurricanes
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49:52The tab for Hurricanes Helene and Milton will be in the billions of dollars. Some will be covered by insurance. And some won’t. The storms are just the latest reminders of the high cost of insurance. We speak with Michael Yaworsky, Florida Office of Insurance Regulation Commissioner (2:36). Plus, early voting starts in just days. What you need to k…
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Recovering from Milton: getting schools back online, voting after a hurricane and building resilience
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27:58It’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…
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Taking stock of the damage after Hurricane Milton
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1:44:39People 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 h…
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Hurricane Milton, PolitiFact checks claims, diary of an evacuee
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53:02This week on The Florida Roundup, we look at the widespread damage and the loss of life from Hurricane Milton. First, we checked in with NPR’s Greg Allen from Clearwater (02:18), then we heard from WUSF’s Kerry Sheridan about the impact in Sarasota (08:47) before turning to CFPM’s Molly Duerig to look at flooding in Central Florida (10:58). Later, …
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How America's broken immigration system impacts Florida
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57:00People 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 dir…
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Hurricane Helene recovery, how to cast your ballot and this week's dock workers strike
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53:12This week on The Florida Roundup, we look at recovery efforts a week after Hurricane Helene's landfall. First, we spoke to Florida Rep. Christine Hunschofsky (3:10), then we spoke with David Jolly, former Republican representative who penned a recent op-ed (10:42). Next we turned to Miami-Dade County Supervisor of Elections, Christina White, to dis…
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Tampa Bay takes stock after Hurricane Helene
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28:00Across 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 sa…
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Hurricane Helene, PolitiFact claims check, weekly briefing.
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53:09This week on The Florida Roundup, we checked in with reporters and officials across the state to begin assessing the impact of Hurricane Helene. First, we heard from Lynn Hatter, news director for WFSU in Tallahassee (02:56), then we spoke with Megan Borowski, meteorologist for Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (07:07). Afterwards, we heard fr…
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How young voters are navigating the 2024 election and how the media covers politics
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28:00It’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 2…
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State investigates Trump assassination attempt, mosquito control, PolitiFact checks claims, environmental news
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53:14This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke with Politico’s Kimberly Leonard about the state’s probe into the apparent assination attempt on former President Trump (01:14). We looked at mosquito control efforts in Lee County (09:11) and spoke with Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory’s Nathan Burkett-Cadena about the public health risk mosquitoes p…
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Dalia Colon talks fresh new season of 'The Zest'
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28:00In 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, WUS…
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The condo crisis, EVs and charging, abortion ballot initiative fact-checks, deaths in jail and hurricanes update
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53:13This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke with Rep. Vicki Lopez about possible tweaks to new condo reform laws (06:55) Then, Miami Herald reporter Ashley Miznazi joined us to talk about the growing need for EV fast charging stations across the state (20:03). And later Samantha Putterman with our partner PolitiFact joined us to review some recent c…
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How your vote will help decide the future of marijuana in Florida- plus: understanding political ads
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18:00In 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 …
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Homeowners vs. Investors: who walks away with the home?
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28:00WUSF’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 in…
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DEP worker dismissed over leaked parks plan, political polling, swing voters, fact-checks and a weekly briefing.
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53:14This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke with the Tampa Bay Times environmental reporter who broke the story about FL DEP’s controversial state park plans (01:25). Then, we asked two polling experts for advice on how to interpret opinion polls going into the 2024 election (07:24) and then heard from two former Florida congress members about how t…
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State drops controversial parks plan, Florida jobs outlook and weekly briefing
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53:09This week on The Florida Roundup, we talked about a proposal to add new development to several state parks with WLRN environmental editor Jenny Staletovich and WUSF reporter Steve Newborn (00:10). Then, we spoke with Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su about the jobs outlook for Florida ahead of Labor Day Weekend (20:35) and later, we cover a s…
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One couple's quest to visit all 175 Florida State Parks. Plus- what the primary election results mean for November
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28:00Florida'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,…
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Partisan school board races, DNC fact-check and environmental news
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53:07This week on The Florida Roundup, we checked in with Politico’s Andrew Atterbury to talk about the primary results in this week’s school board races (00:08). Then, we spoke with Rep. Spencer Roach (20:00) about the proposed amendment he sponsored that asks Florida voters to decide whether to make school board elections partisan. Plus, we checked so…
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Thaddeus Bullard uses his pro wrestling fame to give back to his community
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28:00You 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 …
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