We explore Hillsborough County’s transportation challenges and some possible solutions. Attempts to pass a sales tax for transportation in Hillsborough County failed in November. It would have helped pay for a transit system that advocates say is woefully underfunded and put money into roadway maintenance and improvement projects.

We check back in on hurricane recovery in our region. WUSF’s Cathy Carter has been reporting on how Manatee and Sarasota County residents are regrouping after Ian. Later in the show, we’ll hear more about how North Port is cleaning up -- and the slow process of rebuilding damaged homes and businesses -- from communications director Jason Bartolone.

We explore inflation and its impact on food insecurity and the Tampa Bay region's economy, particularly around the holidays. Nearly one million residents are food insecure -- that is, they have trouble getting enough food to eat -- and about 1.75 million are struggling financially, according to Feeding Tampa Bay.

We talk about what the midterm elections mean for both parties, for how the state is governed and Florida’s role on the national political stage.

We talk with former St. Petersburg congressman David Jolly about bipartisanship in a polarized political landscape. The former U.S. representative from Tampa Bay left the Republican party and registered as NPA or no party affiliation four years ago. He's since advocated for more options for voters whose priorities don't align with those of the two major parties.

We talk with political reporters, to answer your questions about the upcoming election. The general election is two weeks away and this election season, WUSF Public Media has been doing things a bit differently from other news media — focusing on the issues rather than talking points, and listening to you.

We check in with a growing part of the electorate — young voters — three weeks out from election day. As part of WUSF’s Democracy 2022 coverage, we held a listening session a couple weeks back, where we asked you to share your thoughts on the election, the democratic process, and how it’s reported by the media. We invited some of the participants in that listening session to talk with us on Florida Matters. We also get an update on the continuing road to recovery in Charlotte County after Hurricane Ian.

We talk with local election officials about voting in next month’s elections. Misinformation, disinformation and the aftermath of Hurricane Ian may complicate the process for voters. But Brian Corley, supervisor of elections in Pasco County, and Hillsborough County counterpart Craig Latimer say they are confident their systems will prevail.

We hear from survivors of Hurricane Ian across Central and Southwest Florida and discuss the challenges of rebuilding going forward. WUSF reporters spoke with residents and business owners from Myakka City to Bonita Springs about the storm.

We highlight a new oral history project about how the COVID-19 pandemic affected Black and Brown Floridians in the greater Tampa Bay region. We'll feature two interviews from the Florida Humanities-funded project and hear from one of its producers.

We highlight WUSF's recent series focusing on the challenges Black Americans face as they try to maintain their mental health.

We look at how workers and businesses in the greater Tampa Bay region are evolving away from the physical office space. For a lot of people, March 2020 was a crash course in remote work. More than two years later, the question of what the new normal looks like still hasn't been answered.

We look at the impact Governor Ron DeSantis has had on the state’s non-partisan elections. DeSantis endorsed many school board candidates across the state. Some are also aligned with Moms for Liberty, a conservative group advocating for parental involvement in schools. In Sarasota County, three candidates -- backed by both the governor and Moms for Liberty -- won their August elections.

We talk with a University of South Florida anthropologist and author about her recently-published book, “We Carry Their Bones.” In 2012, a team of researchers lead by Erin Kimmerle uncovered the graves of young boys buried at the notorious Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys.

Primary elections are just a week away so we discuss the issues and candidates on the ballot. Although Governor Ron DeSantis has no primary opponent, he still has an influence on races across the state.

We discuss the challenges students and teachers face as a new school year begins. Schools in most counties in the greater Tampa Bay region open on Wednesday. And school districts are facing teacher shortages, with some missing hundreds.

We talk with local author and historian Gary Mormino about his latest book on the Sunshine State's influence during the early 21st century.

We dive into where abortion now stands in Florida -- a month since the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

We discuss Florida's literary scene and get summer reading recommendations from a local book critic and independent bookstore owner.

We hear from local food entrepreneurs who started their small businesses. Host Matthew Peddie talks with Zach Correa of lemonGRAFT, Sam Meyers of Tampa Bay Rum Company and Shayla Daniels of Chez Shay’s Sweets.

We explore suggestions for local summer "staycations" with Tampa-based author and journalist Kristen Hare. Since 2014, she's written the "100 Things to do in Tampa Bay Before You Die" series.

We get an update on water quality in the Tampa Bay region from WUSF reporter Steve Newborn. He's reported on incidents like last year's toxic wastewater spill from the former Piney Point phosphate plant threatened the region's estuaries and marine life.

We talk with St. Petersburg mayor Ken Welch about his priorities for his first term. We visited Welch at his office in City Hall for a conversation about the Tropicana redevelopment, affordable housing, transportation and other challenges facing the city.

We hear from Tampa Bay regional residents about what needs to change to stem the tide of gun violence. Later in the show — with the special session on property insurance in the rear view mirror — can homeowners expect some relief from skyrocketing premiums?

We talk with Kerry Sheridan and Bailey LeFever, the reporters behind a series of audio postcards featuring the voices of Tampa Bay area teachers. Over the course of the show, you’ll also hear three of the postcards they produced on topics such as teacher morale and parental involvement.

Hurricane season starts next week and we learn about what to expect this season — and how to get ready. Forecasters are expecting another busier than average storm season, with as many as nine hurricanes.

The state’s property insurance market is in big trouble. Homeowners are paying more for less coverage as insurance companies shed customers. Some companies have gone under. Lawmakers return to Tallahassee next week for a special session to deal with the crisis.

We talk with Health News Florida reporter Stephanie Colombini about her reporting on Florida’s “No Patient Left Alone” act. The new law lets family members visit patients in health care facilities — even during an emergency like a pandemic.

We discuss the leadership style of Governor Ron DeSantis, leading up to the November mid-term elections. His priorities during the latest legislative session have put him at the leading edge of the country’s “culture war.”

We recap the recent special session to redraw the state’s congressional boundaries. Lawmakers voted largely along party lines to approve maps proposed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The controversial maps are expected to reduce Black Congressional representation in the state — especially with the elimination of North Florida’s District 5, a majority-minority district - and give an advantage to Republican candidates.

We explore climate change's impact in the Tampa Bay region and how some cities are planning to adapt. Sea-level rise threatens the more than three million people who live in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater metro areas — and the nearly five million in the entire region.

We take a walking tour of a Tampa Bay History Center exhibit highlighting the Cuba-Tampa connection. Called Cuban Pathways, it explores a relationship that started almost 500 years before South Florida's better known tie to the island.

We talk with members of two Sarasota County political clubs wanting to change how Democrats and Republicans converse. The Longboat Key Democrats and the Republican Club of Longboat Key have been meeting for over a year to discuss their personal beliefs -- even if they agree to disagree. They call the exercise "Miracle on the Key."

We continue our look at housing affordability. As the region sees explosive growth, residents are dealing with soaring rents. Others are finding it difficult to buy a home. We’ll hear from Tampa Bay residents sharing their experiences in a tough rental market.

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2022-03-08/ukrainians-across-tampa-bay-talk-about-the-impact-of-the-russian-invasion-on-their-lives

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2022-03-01/bradenton-restauranteur-says-supply-chain-problems-and-worker-shortages-havent-stopped-him-yet

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/florida-matters/2022-02-22/hillsborough-county-officials-revive-the-rays-ybor-city-stadium-idea

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2022-02-15/tampa-bay-lawmakers-express-frustration-with-state-politics-during-the-2022-legislative-session

We check in on the Florida Legislature as lawmakers reach the midway mark of the 60-day session in Tallahassee. Among the issues being considered this year, redistricting, abortion, education, voting and pre-emption are the most contentious.

An update on Florida's Stand Your Ground law as the trial of Curtis Reeves starts on February 7. Reeves attempted to use the law as a defense after a 2014 shooting in a Pasco County movie theater left a man dead. But a judge ruled against his request for immunity.

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2022-01-25/rising-housing-costs-are-prompting-protests-and-possible-solution-from-lawmakers-across-tampa-bay

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2022-01-18/racism-study-authors-talk-highlighting-the-past-and-making-suggestions-for-the-future

We recap and break down Gov. Ron DeSantis's State of the State address earlier on Tuesday. His speech marks the beginning of this year's 60-day Florida Legislative session. Host Steve Newborn talks with longtime political jounalist William March about the governor's overall message, his priorities going into the session and his ambitions for re-election later this year.

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2022-01-04/florida-matters-explores-the-most-important-issues-before-floridas-2022-legislative-session

We examine local, state and Congressional redistricting as Florida lawmakers prepare for their once-in-a decade responsibility of drafting electoral maps. The process will be an important part of the legislative session that starts next month, especially because Florida gained one new congressional district due to population growth.

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-12-07/months-after-the-major-piney-point-spill-the-phosphate-industrys-impact-stills-looms-large

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-11-30/we-highlight-the-latest-unequal-shots-story-on-african-americans-and-mental-health-during-the-pandemic

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-11-23/the-tampa-bay-region-is-becoming-a-major-destination-for-technology-companies

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-11-16/as-mental-health-effects-of-the-pandemic-linger-a-local-211-center-still-sees-high-call-volumes

We have a wide ranging conversation with outgoing St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman about his time in office as he wraps up leading Florida's fifth largest city. Kriseman and host Steve Newborn discuss what's next for Kriseman, what he think his legacy will be and the accomplishments he wasn't able to achieve during his tenure.

This week, we take a deeper look at food insecurity - and the growing demand for help in the greater Tampa Bay region. Host Steve Newborn talks with Thomas Mantz, president and CEO of Feeding Tampa Bay, one of the largest food banks in the region. It provided more than 95 million meals to residents in 10 West Central Florida counties last year. Later on in the show, Steve talks with Dr. Catherine Campbell, a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences professor who specializes in community food systems.

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-10-19/angry-parents-derail-sarasota-school-board-meetings-two-board-members-tell-us-whats-next

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-10-12/at-forum-st-pete-mayoral-candidates-share-their-plans-for-the-city

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-10-05/fema-flood-insurance-program-new-rating-system-florida-home-premiums-set-to-rise

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-09-28/florida-matters-looks-at-tampas-hispanic-food-history

Full story:  https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-09-21/new-wusf-series-focuses-on-inequities-in-vaccine-access-and-information

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-09-14/tampa-bay-based-project-continues-the-work-of-highlighting-unearthed-cemeteries

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-09-07/ahead-of-20th-anniversary-florida-matters-looks-at-tampa-bay-connection-to-9-11

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-08-31/florida-matters-talks-to-candidates-for-st-pete-mayor

Full story:  https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-08-24/census-shows-big-changes-in-floridas-population

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-08-17/desantis-enforces-executive-order-to-have-final-say-on-masks-but-some-local-officials-are-fighting-to-change-that

Full story:  https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-08-10/wusfs-the-zest-podcast-launches-its-fourth-season

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-08-03/floridas-covid-cases-rise-as-schools-reopen-for-a-new-year-its-become-a-cause-for-concern

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-07-27/with-steve-currall-out-whats-next-for-the-usf-presidency

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-07-20/after-making-few-changes-pasco-sheriff-continues-controversial-policing-tactics

On this week’s Florida Matters, we look at the ripple effect that the Champlain Towers South collapse is having across Florida.In the weeks since the tragedy, Florida's condominium buildings -- especially older ones -- have been under heightened scrutiny.All around the state – including here in Tampa Bay – officials and condo residents are raising concerns about building safety, timely inspections and the responsibility of condo associations.Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-07-13/surfside-building-collapse-highlights-gaps-in-florida-building-code-and-condo-associations

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-06-22/algae-blooms-are-affecting-both-florida-coasts-beachgoers-manatees-are-paying-the-price

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-06-15/florida-matters-reflects-on-lgbtq-life-in-florida

Full story:  https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-06-08/the-rays-future-in-tampa-bay-remains-murky-after-recent-drama-among-st-petersburg-officials

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-06-01/a-year-ago-protests-about-george-floyd-erupted-on-tampa-bays-streets

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-05-25/new-gaming-deal-may-expand-gambling-in-florida-but-first-it-heads-to-federal-officials-for-approval

Full  story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-05-19/what-might-this-years-hurricane-season-look-like

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-05-11/as-vaccinations-start-to-lag-vaccine-education-and-incentives-ramp-up

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-05-04/we-recap-floridas-2021-legislative-session

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-04-27/florida-matters-hears-three-floridians-perspectives-on-the-derek-chauvin-verdict

Full story:  https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-04-20/florida-panther-featured-in-national-geographics-april-issue

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-04-13/as-piney-points-future-becomes-clearer-florida-matters-looks-at-its-potential-long-term-impacts

Full story:  https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-04-06/halfway-through-the-2021-legislative-session-whats-the-status-of-bills-in-progress

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-03-30/st-petersburg-community-leaders-share-optimism-and-concern-for-tropicana-field-sites-future

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-03-23/with-hillsboroughs-1-cent-tax-ruled-unconstitutional-how-does-that-affect-the-countys-transportation-issues

Link to the story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-03-16/one-year-later-floridians-take-stock-of-whats-still-uncertain

The Gulf of Mexico is the lifeblood of Florida’s west coast: beaches, fishing, shipping, cruises. Our first guest calls it the hardest working body of water in the world...and it’s one that’s constantly under threat: from red tide, overfishing, pollution, hurricanes, and oil spills. The Biden Administration has promised a new focus on confronting climate change and protecting the environment: what does that mean for the Gulf?

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2020-12-09/long-faced-with-sub-standard-conditions-farm-workers-deal-with-added-challenges-during-a-pandemic

Link: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-03-02/gov-desantis-deepens-divisions-looks-to-re-election-in-state-of-the-state-address

The pandemic has been hard on everyone. But for children, it’s catastrophic. This week, we talk about Class of COVID-19, a recently launched project looking into the pandemic’s effect on disadvantaged children in Florida's education system. Reporters at public radio stations across Florida wrote stories for the project including WUSF's Kerry Sheridan. Host Bradley George talks with her about how she reported her story on Hillsborough County's migrant education program. Also joining the conversation is Jessica Bakeman, a reporter and project editor at WLRN Miami.

Link to the full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-02-16/tampa-native-marty-baron-retires-after-storied-career-in-journalism

Link to the full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-02-02/health-news-florida-series-explores-use-of-the-baker-act-on-children

Link to the story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-01-26/what-could-a-scaled-back-super-bowl-look-like-for-tampa-bay

Link: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-01-12/after-a-socially-distant-year-the-zest-podcast-returns-with-a-greater-focus-on-florida-food-history

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2021-01-05/what-will-florida-politics-look-like-in-2021

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2020-12-22/heres-what-its-like-to-run-a-clinical-trial-during-a-pandemic

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2020-12-15/calls-to-tampa-bays-211-center-are-increasing-during-the-holiday-season

Full story:  https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2020-12-01/florida-may-see-fewer-snowbirds-this-winter-what-does-that-mean-for-the-tampa-bay-businesses-they-frequent

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2020-11-24/with-covid-cases-surging-do-we-gather-virtually-or-in-person-this-thanksgiving

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2020-11-17/in-the-quest-to-re-engage-voters-florida-democrats-have-a-long-road-ahead

Full web story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2020-11-10/i-4-corridor-voters-give-their-post-election-reactions

Full story:  https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2020-10-27/florida-matters-hears-from-a-first-time-voter-gets-an-update-on-early-voting 

Full story:  https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2020-10-21/covid-19-survivors-tell-their-stories-urge-the-public-take-the-virus-seriously 

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2020-10-14/small-businesses-are-still-adapting-to-reopening 

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2020-10-06/voting-by-mail-a-popular-option-ahead-of-novembers-election 

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2020-09-30/for-novembers-election-pinellas-county-is-one-of-the-largest-swing-counties-at-play 

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/2020-09-23/much-like-in-2016-disinformation-is-a-concern-for-the-upcoming-election

Full story:  https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2020-09-16/tampa-bays-small-music-venues-struggle-with-no-end-in-sight

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2020-09-02/with-eviction-relief-extended-the-future-is-again-on-hold-for-renters-and-landlords

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2020-08-26/uncertainty-remains-as-k-12-schools-and-colleges-open-for-class

Full story: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/show/florida-matters/2020-08-18/florida-faces-census-challenges-ahead-of-september-deadline

Brancaccio, a longtime public media journalist, has been with Marketplace since it was created in 1989 by American Public Media. As host of the Marketplace Morning Report, he’s heard every weekday morning on WUSF 89.7.

Host Bradley George spoke with Alsace Walentine, co-owner of Tombolo Books in St. Petersburg and Eileen Rodriguez of the Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of South Florida.

Host Bradley George talks with WUSF news director Mary Shedden, WUSF political reporter Steve Newborn and WMFE reporter Abe Aboraya about what they learned in the process.

Host Mark Schreiner spoke with Dave Meltzer, editor of the Wrestling Observer newsletter and Jody Simon, a former pro wrestler and son of wrestling legend Boris Malenko.

Canter Brown details Plant's friendship with fellow Florida pioneer Henry Flagler, and why he felt compelled to build a railroad in the late 19th Century from St. Augustine to the backwater hamlet of Tampa.

Author Marcia Jo Zerivitz told Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham that many early settlers in Florida came from Europe, where their religion prohibited them from owning land.

The tale of how the panther was led back on the road to recovery has several twists and turns, including a "happy ending" that has taken 20 years to materialize. The story is told by environmental reporter Craig Pittman in his new book, "Cat Tale: The Wild, Weird Battle To Save The Florida Panther." He talks about the book with WUSF's Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham.

Our nation's democratic elections are being threatened like never before. Florida Matters this week takes a look at how our ballots are being protected - both nationally and around the state. 

Gov. Ron DeSantis discussed some of the “bold” steps the state took in 2019 around such areas as education, the environment, health care and public safety, and stressed that “we have much more to do.”This show features highlights from the Governor's annual speech, as well as the Democratic Party response.

Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham spoke with longtime political journalist William March and Lynn Hatter, news director at WFSU, a Florida Public Media partner station, to preview the upcoming session.Hatter told Sussingham that the issue of raising teacher pay is one of the most crucial facing legislators. “Governor Ron DeSantis wants a pretty hefty teacher pay raise. He wants to boost salaries to about $47,500,”Hatter said. “To tell you how big that is here in the Panhandle: Gaston County has one of the lowest starting salaries at around $33,000. So you're talking about a lot of money.”“In addition to that, he also wants another $300 million for a bonus program. You're talking when all of this is said and done, about a billion-dollar boost into K-12.”In addition to teacher pay, other issues topping the legislature’s agenda include education spending, abortions, gun-carry laws and prison reform.Sussingham asked March to discuss a few of the issues with Florida’s prison system, including State Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, pushing hard for criminal justice reform. ”Well, what's happened is that the Secretary of the Department of Corrections recently made a report to the legislature to the effect that the state's prison system essentially is in crisis because of low pay staff turnover,” March said, ”the kind of budgetary problems that have resulted in thousands and thousands of brand new and experienced guards on duty. Staying being forced to work 12-hour shifts mandatory overtime.”March added that Brandes fears that these issues could “lead to major violence within the Florida prisons.” 

We look back at the state of bees, the role of invasive species, endangered sea turtles and efforts to save Florida Coral Reefs.We start our final look back at 2019 with Dr. Jamie Ellis, a professor of entomology and director of honey bee research at the University of Florida.We talk with Ellis about how honey bee populations are faring, and why beekeepers are having to work harder to maintain healthy colonies.We started this conversation with Jamie about the controversy of pesticides.We moved our look back from bees to love bugs, and termites. We learned from Phil Koehler, endowed professor at the University of Florida who specializes in urban entomology, and Steve Puhs, service coordinator with the pest control company Truly Nolen's Port Richey office. We opened our discussion with Phil and love bugs.Florida Matters reporter Cathy Carter talks with Melissa Bernard, senior biologist with Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium and its Sea Turtle Conservation and Research program, about the habitats of sea turtles.We know Florida is the home to more than 500 kinds of invasive species, but what happens once these animals we call 'invasive' have been here long enough to adapt? Todd Campbell, associate professor of biology at the University of Tampa, and John Humphrey, wildlife biologist with the USDA Natural Wildlife research center's Florida Field Station in Gainesville, answers our questions.  To wrap up, we talk about Florida's coral reefs. We talked with Erin Muller, science director of the Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research at Mote Marine, and Keri O'Neil, senior coral scientist at the Florida Aquarium who's also known as the "coral whisperer." O'Neil explains exactly how coral forms. 

There were so many great stories we feature on Florida Matters it was hard to choose which ones to highlight in our year in review.  Our Host, Robin Sussingham talked with then newly elected Tampa Mayor, Jane Castor. Mayor Castor served on Tampa's police force for 31 years, and became the first female police chief in 2009. In 2019 Tampa voters chose her to to become their mayor in a run-off election against the late David Straz. In our conversation with Mayor, she talks about the issues facing Tampa.Back in March we learned about the eve changing seafood industry in Florida. We sat down with Ed Chiles the son of the late Governor, Lawton Chiles. Ed owns several seafood restaurants in the area and is the founder of the Gulf Shellfish Institute in Manatee County. Ed talked about the water quality surrounding Tampa Bay and the ideal conditions for raising clams.It was the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon lading this past July. We had a chance to talk with Robert Stone, the writer, producer, and director of a 6 hour documentary, "Chasing the Moon," which aired on PBS.  The documentary chronicled America's space race leading up to the first Lunar Landing and beyond.Citrus has shaped our states identity for 100 years. But it has been a tough ten years with freezes, hurricanes, developmental pressure and greening. We caught up with Mike Sparks the CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual and Kevin Bouffard, a senior reporter at the Ledger. In this segment, Kevin talks about the Citrus Research and Filed Trials better know as CRAFT.Lastly, we listen to former Senator Bill Nelson. In a rear appearance, Nelson recently spoke at Southeastern University in Lakeland. Where he was presented with an award for his long public service by the American Center for Political Leadership. 

Red-nosed reindeer cookiesWe start by hearing from Dalia Colon, the producer of our Zest podcast. She takes us into her home as her family prepares, bakes and delivers their traditional reindeer cookies.Fishing With DadFlorida Matters host Robin Sussingham shares her day fishing with her father. His smoked mullet is a favorite among their friends and family.Remembering "Tia Pepy"As soon as we started talking in the newsroom about traditions and holidays, the first thing our Morning Edition host, Jessica Meszaros, thought of was her Aunt "Tia Pepy's" rice pudding.Jessica says she thought of her aunt "immediately because ever since I was growing up, she would come around on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, and she would have a Tupperware for us and she does that for everyone."A Pagan CelebrationWUSF multimedia reporter Daylina Miller celebrates a pagan yule log tradition. Daylina teaches us about the pagan tradition, which celebrates the winter solstice and why some have moved from buring the yule log to baking one.  YuleThe ancient season of Yule is a time of both reflection and celebration, a time to connect in a relational way with one’s own inner wisdom and with the people that surround them.Many different cultures from the Nordic Vikings to the Celtic Druids, Egyptians to the Hopi ritualized this sacred time to promote spiritual unity and attunement.Yule is when we celebrate the turning of the wheel of the year. It is when the dark half of the year relinquishes to the light half. Starting the morning after the winter solstice at sunrise, the sun climbs just a little higher and stays a little longer in the sky each day. Known as Solstice Night, or the longest night of the year, much celebration was to be had as the ancestors awaited the rebirth of the oak King, the Sun King, the Giver of life that warmed the frozen Earth and made her to bear forth from seeds protected through the fall and winter in her womb.Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love. -- Hamilton Wright MabieBorscht, Their WayKerry Sheridan spent a day with her 96-year-old grandmother, Olga Smith, recreating a traditional favorite soup made by their Ukrainian ancestors. They traveled from the butcher shop to the kitchen and down memory lane, as they cooked up some homemade Borscht with a personal twist.

Host Robin Sussingham has a one-on-one conversation with Rex Jensen, president and CEO of Schroeder -Manatee Ranch.Jensen discusses the patience, planning and strategy it took to develop and finance the top-ranked multi-generational community in the nation, according to one study."If you want look at the success in Lakewood Ranch, that lies in how it has been financed.  We have weathered a lot of economic storms over the 2 1/2 decades" Jensen said.  

We speak with historian Rodney Kite-Powell of the Tampa Bay History Center who explains that the first Thanksgiving feast took place here in Florida not in Plymouth Massachusetts.Dan Bavaro the owner of Bavaro's Pizza talks with Dalia Colon, our Zest producer and tells us how he and his family went from New Jersey to Florida and started his Neapolitan-style business of pizza.Emmanuel Roux a long time restaurateur, developed a once vacant lot into an urban oasis. The St. Petersburg Ecovillage is now a community garden with a mission to reconnect people with nature. Emmanuel talks with Dalia Colon about how he uses food to educate the public about nutrition.We also spoke with Ed Chiles, the owner of the Sandbar on Anna Maria Island, about local sustainable food sourcing.Owner Andrew Tambuzzo of the Tambuzzo Sausage Company in Tampa starts a new chapter in what has been a very old tradition in Ybor City. Andrew tells us about the butchery and the changes in business and neighborhood.Lastly, we talked with the creator of #SupperSunday. Isabel Laessig completes our discussion with how her virtual dinner parties help inspire family meals. 

Guests include:Gabrielle Russon, Tourism Reporter with the Orlando Sentinel.Amanda Norcross, Senior editor of Trip Advisors' Family site FamilyVacationCritic.comWith Disney experiencing its own struggles with long lines and rising ticket prices.  They discuss how the theme parks are trying to help minimize the long lines by adjusting ticket prices to the demand of the park goer.Gabrielle Russon tells us about the programs Disney has implemented to increase workers satisfaction including pay increases, being one of the only theme parks in Florida to unionize its workers,  as well as tuition payments to staff membersAmanda Norcross teaches us how to get the most of our money by planning theme park vacations around the ages of your children.

This program originally aired August 6, 2019.How can this hot, humid, fungus-friendly state support successful wine production? And how does the reputation of Florida wines stand up to wines grown elsewhere like California or New York?We talk about whether Florida’s wine industry is economically viable on this week’s Florida Matters.

In a conversation with the ACPL director, former Congressman Dennis Ross and with former State Senator Rick Dantzler, former Senator Bill Nelson spoke candidly about his political and civic life,  and the changes he’s seen in his long life in public service. 

This week on Florida Matters we discuss the concerns of more than 28 hundred cases of hepatitis A being diagnosed in Florida so far this year, it has become one of the worst outbreaks of the liver disease in the country. We talk about how some counties in Florida have managed to keep their numbers from growing.  We also learn why vaccinations and even something as simple as washing your hands are key to prevention. Our guests include: Julio Ochoa, editor of Health News Florida at WUSF. Jill Roberts, assistant professor at USF College of Public health. Florida Matters airs on WUSF 89.7 Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday at 7:30 a.m.  It's also on Classical WSMR 89.1 and 103.9 on Mondays at 10 p.m.

Mass transit in Tampa Bay's densely populated big cities grabs the headlines. But there's a case to be made that transportation has even more of an impact on people living in rural areas.This week on Florida Matters, Ron Pianta, planning and zoning director for Hernando County -- along with Dave Hutchinson, MPO executive director of Manatee and Sarasota -- joins Tom Phillips, executive director of the Citrus Connection in Polk County, to talk about the issues and solutions in our rural areas.Florida Matters airs on WUSF 89.7 Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday at 7:30 a.m.  It's also on Classical WSMR 89.1 and 103.9 on Mondays at 10 p.m. 

With the population in the Tampa Bay area growing so has the traffic. Transportation leaders have proposed many ideas about how to help people get around faster in the region, but residents are waiting on results. This week on Florida Matters we discuss urban transportation issues including funding problems, pedestrian safety and proposed Bus Rapid Transit systems.   Our guests this week: David Gwynn, District Seven Secretary of Transportation Graham Brink, a business reporter at the Tampa Bay Times. Robert Bertini, Executive Director  Center for Urban Transportation Research

Projects are underway in Tampa and Orlando to reduce traffic congestion at airports, security screenings are becoming more high-tech, and Tampa even has a new policy that lets people hang out in airside terminals without a boarding pass.Our guests are Al Illustrato, Executive Vice President at Tampa International Airport, and Bill Brooks, Southeast Aviation Leader at HNTB Corporation, an infrastructure design firm that's involved with construction of a new terminal at Orlando International Airport.

Florida is one of the top states in the country in honey production, with some of the finest quality honey you can find. It's also an important wintering ground for commercial beekeepers up north, with their "snow bees." In a special reporting collaboration between WUSF News and The Zest Podcast, we're taking a closer look at honey bees over the next several weeks. You can find photos and videos at WUSF.org/honeybees. This week on Florida Matters, host Robin Sussingham speaks to Dr. Jamie Ellis, Professor of Entomology and director of honey bee research  at the University of Florida. Dr. Ellis and his team conduct research projects in the fields of honey bee husbandry, conservation and ecology, and integrated crop pollination. He also created UF's Master Beekeeper Program.

Over the next few weeks, WUSF will be sharing stories produced for One Small Step, the latest project from StoryCorps. Each segment features two strangers, with differing political beliefs, sitting down together and having a conversation. The idea is to take "one small step" toward getting people to emphasize with one another and to bring down the cultural temperature. This week on Florida Matters we give you a behind-the-scenes look at how the project came together.

Florida's coral reefs are in trouble. Scientists say they've been declining for decades. But researchers have very recently come up with some exciting results that they say show promise in restoring these beautiful and important marine communities. On this week's show, host Robin Sussingham speaks with Erinn Muller, Science Director of the Mote Marine Laboratory's Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research and Restoration; Keri O’Neil, senior coral scientist at the Florida Aquarium; and Roger Germann, CEO of the Florida Aquarium.

Historians and local old-timers say that once, Tampa Bay was overflowing with delicious oysters. And that some rivers, like the Manatee River, were once so full of mullet that they roiled the water and their noise would keep nearby residents awake at night. We're talking about seafood this week on Florida Matters.

Leaky pipes, broken water mains, sewage spills. Tampa Bay's storm water infrastructure is aging, and it will be very expensive to fix it. Host Robin Sussingham discusses the state of our sewage system with Josh Salman, investigative reporter for Gatehouse Media based at the Sarasota Herald Tribune; and Claude Tankersley, public works administrator for the city of St. Petersburg.

It might be one of the state's best kept secrets, but Florida wine making is a billion dollar industry! There are dozens of wineries across the state, employing nearly a hundred thousand people, with university research departments dedicated to viticulture. How can this hot, humid , fungus-friendly state support successful wine production? Host Robin Sussingham talks to Vince Shook, president of Florida Orange Groves Winery;  Chuck Hollweg, non-commercial hobbyist grape grower and wine maker; and Gina Birch, host of Grape Minds podcast from WGCU in Fort Myers.

You see it being sold everywhere now. You saw it everywhere even before it became legal on July 1st.  Is it regulated? Is it safe? What does it do? If you're confused about CBD oil, you're not alone.  Today on Florida Matters, we're going to try to get some clarity, with our guests: Pediatrician David Berger, owner of Wholistic Pediatrics & Family Care, and Jonathan Solomon, President of Proleve, a local company that produces lab-tested CBD.

They've had to battle shark attacks, pollution, massive beach developments and confusing light sources -- but sea turtles are bouncing back. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, green sea turtle nests, which numbered less than 300 in 1989, were up to 39,000 in 2017! Other populations have experienced similar success. We're talking to two people who have been closely involved in the effort to protect sea turtles: Joe Widlansky, also known as Turtle Joe, is Vice President of Operations for the nonprofit Sea Turtle Trackers; Ari Fustukjian is Senior Staff Veterinarian for The Florida Aquarium.    

July 20th marks the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, one of the most significant achievements in U.S. history. To mark the event, PBS stations will be airing a six-hour documentary "Chasing the Moon," which chronicles America's space race leading up to the first lunar landing and beyond. Host Robin Sussingham sits down with filmmaker Robert Stone who wrote, directed and produced "Chasing the Moon."

Summer is the time when we dream we'll have the leisure to sit down with a good book, or several. Maybe you want to use that time to read the Russian novel you never got to in college, or maybe it's a light-hearted romance that you can page through at the beach. This week on Florida Matters, we're getting recommendations for summer reads from a local expert, Tampa Bay Times Book Editor Colette Bancroft.

After 19 years as President of the University of South Florida, Judy Genshaft is stepping down at the end of this month. This week on Florida Matters we talk about the highs and lows of her tenure, with WUSF assistant news directors Mark Schreiner and Steve Newborn. 

Look up "keto cookbooks" and you find a plethora of options: Quick and Easy Ketogenic Cooking, Southern Keto, Ketogenic Cleanse, Keto Comfort Foods… It’s fair to say this is a diet craze. But does it really work? This week on Florida Matters we talk with nutrition experts about the keto diet and how it can affect your health, from weight loss to possibly treating cancer. Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham talks to guests Dom D’Agostino, widely-known keto expert and Associate Professor of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology at the University of South Florida; Angela Poff, Research Associate with USF’s Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology; and Jenna Bell, Registered Dietitian, triathlete and Senior Vice President at Pollock Communications

Whether you’re interested in politics, music, crime, technology or just about anything, there is likely a podcast for you. But while millions of people enjoy listening to podcasts every day, others still don’t understand this relatively new form of media. This week on Florida Matters: Podcasting 101. Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham talks to Kenny Malone of the Planet Money podcast; and Dalia Colón, producer of WUSF's The Zest podcast.

Lovebugs, termites, mosquitoes, cockroaches – there is no doubt that Florida is home to many insects, and they seem to thrive in the state's hot, humid conditions.You can’t avoid them, so this week on Florida Matters we’re talking about how to deal with them. Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham sits down with Steve Fuhs, service coordinator with the pest control company Truly Nolen's Port Richey Service Office; and Phil Koehler, endowed professor at the University of Florida who specializes in urban entomology.

This week on Florida Matters, host Robin Sussingham talks with Jack E. Davis, whose book The Gulf: The Making of An American Sea won the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for History, about how the environmental history of the Gulf of Mexico shaped the lives of the people along its shores.

Citrus has shaped the state's identity for a hundred years. But it's been a rough ten years, with freezes, hurricanes, development pressure...and worst of all, the disease Huanglongbing, otherwise known as citrus greening. And when the industry needs help the most, Tallahassee doesn't seem to be that interested. There's nobody with a powerful political position right now that has a citrus background. And legislators just cut the budget to the Florida Citrus Commission by about 80 percent. Citrus is at a crossroads. Host Robin Sussingham talks to Kevin Bouffard, senior reporter at The Ledger; Mike Sparks,  CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual; and Shannon Shepp, executive director of the Florida Department of Citrus.

Jane Castor is in her first weeks as the new mayor of Tampa. Her position as the first gay mayor in the Southeast didn't come up much during the campaign, but she made national news the day after her victory. Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham asks Castor about whether she considers herself a role model - and why she likes certain breeds of chihuahuas and schnauzers - but is not so crazy about cats.

The 2019 state legislative session ended Saturday. The budget includes hundreds of millions of dollars for Everglades and freshwater springs restoration, and for affordable housing; a large increase in education funding; and help for the hurricane-ravaged panhandle. Governor Ron DeSantis says, "We have put people over politics." There was still quite a lot of political theater to be found, though. Host Robin Sussingham talks to political reporter Janelle Irwin of Florida Politics; and columnist Steve Bousquet of the Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel.

With Florida’s population on the rise, we're taking a look at how we’re adapting. "Zoning" may sound mundane but in reality, it's anything but! Zoning and building regulations affect us intimately -- because they hit us where we live. Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham sits down with Peter Belmont, Vice President of Preserve the ‘Burg, the non-profit that promotes historic preservation in St. Petersburg; Tyler Hudson, a land use and real estate attorney, and a member of the Urban Land Institute who served as the Chairman of All for Transportation, the referendum to raise the  sales tax in order to fund county transportation; and Evangeline "Van"  Linkous, Assistant Professor of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of South Florida.

These are exciting times for eating out in Tampa Bay. Our cuisine is getting better and more varied and starting to draw national attention. Florida Matters hosted a taping in front of a live audience earlier this year at the St. Petersburg Conference on World Affairs at USF St. Petersburg. The topic: Tampa Bay as an international dining destination. Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham sat down with Laura Reiley, former restaurant critic with the Tampa Bay Times, who recently started a new position with the Washington Post; Janet Keeler, journalism instructor at USF St. Petersburg and former Tampa Bay Times food editor; and Emmanuel Roux, owner of Gateau O'Chocolat Bakery and the 15th Street Agri-hood/Eco Village, an organic, educational farm in downtown St. Petersburg. Roux has owned several restaurants in the Tampa Bay Area over the years.

Florida is home to more than 500 invasive species. Not all of these plants and animals are big and scary like pythons, but they can still harm the state’s native wildlife, and a lot of time and money is spent fighting them. Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham spoke with John Humphrey, wildlife biologist with the USDA Natural Wildlife Research Center’s Florida Field Station in Gainesville; and Todd Campbell, Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Tampa, about their efforts to combat these non-native species.

A new mayor of Tampa will be elected on April 23rd. The two remaining candidates, Jane Castor and David Straz, debated at the WEDU PBS studio, and we're bringing that debate to you. Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham also spoke with WUSF reporter Steve Newborn, who's been following the contentious race.

Alternative kinds of housing like shipping containers or tiny houses are quickly growing in popularity. We discuss whether they could help relieve some of the pressure from the affordable housing crunch. WUSF's Robin Sussingham speaks with Robert Cox, CEO of Sundog Structures; Mickey Jacob, an architect and Chairman of the Tampa Downtown Partnership; and Elizabeth Strom, an Associate Professor at USF's School of Public Affairs.

Florida’s legislative session has been underway for almost a month and there have already been some big changes. We talk with reporters about key issues lawmakers are considering and how their actions could affect our lives on this week’s Florida Matters. Host Robin Sussingham talks to William March, a veteran political writer and analyst; and Zac Anderson, the political editor of the Sarasota Herald Tribune.

Historians and local old-timers say that once, Tampa Bay was overflowing with delicious oysters. And that some rivers, like the Manatee River, were once so full of mullet that they roiled the water and their noise would keep nearby residents awake at night. We're talking about seafood this week on Florida Matters.Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham talks with food historian Gary Mormino and restaurant owner Ed Chiles about changes in the state's seafood industry.

Tourism is a vital industry for our state, and Florida Matters is taking a look at how businesses fared in the wake of red tide, what's new with our theme parks, and where tourism is heading after another record-breaking year. Host Robin Sussingham spoke to Erin Duggan of Visit Sarasota County; reporter Veronica Brezina of the Tampa Bay Business Journal; and Alan Fyall, Visit Orlando Endowed Chair of Tourism Marketing and Graduate Programs’ Director at the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis kicked off the 2019 legislative session with his first State of the State address. He asked lawmakers to "be bold" as they address issues like education, the environment and health care. We hear highlights from his speech and the Democratic response, which was delivered by Senate Minority Leader Audrey Gibson.

Florida ranks third in the nation for the number of calls placed to the national human trafficking hotline. The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a summit on the topic during a luncheon for local business owners. The panel was moderated by Dottie Groover-Skipper, who fights human trafficking with the Salvation Army's Florida division. The panel also included Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister; Assistant Statewide Prosecutor with the Florida Attorney General's Office Julie Sercus; Dr. Dion Samerson, Medical Director for St. Joseph's Hospital's Emergency Department; and Elizabeth Melendez-Fisher, CEO and Co-Founder of Saleh Freedom, a Sarasota-based nonprofit that helps sex trafficking victims.

These are very exciting times for eating out in the Tampa Bay area! Our cuisine is getting better and more varied, and it's starting to draw national attention. Host Robin Sussingham recently moderated a panel on international dining at the St. Petersburg Conference on World Affairs, held at USF St. Pete,  where she was joined by Laura Reiley, restaurant critic for the Tampa Bay Times; Janet Keeler, who teaches journalism at USF St. Pete and is the former food editor at the Tampa Bay Times;  and Emmanuel Roux, who has owned several restaurants in St. Petersburg and now owns Gateau O Chocolat, a  flourless chocolate cake bakery. Roux also runs the 15th St Agrihood, an organic educational farm in downtown St. Petersburg.

This week's Florida Matters highlights some of the places and events that make Plant City special, like the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center, which houses more than 120,000 images and countless other items that capture the town's legacy.

Growth is no stranger to Florida. We’ve been a magnet for migrants, immigrants and sun-seekers for hundreds of years. But will too much growth crowd out what people come here for to begin with? This week on Florida Matters we talk about balancing development with protecting our state’s environment and quality of life.

The annual Gasparilla celebration is one of Tampa Bay's biggest social events, drawing in hundreds of thousands of people to live the pirate life. The tradition has also played an important role in Tampa's high society. Host Robin Sussingham sits down with historian Rodney Kite-Powell of the Tampa Bay History Center, and Don Barnes, Executive Officer of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla.

Florida’s new Governor Ron DeSantis has wasted no time in putting his stamp on the state.This week on Florida Matters we take a look at some of his actions so far, and talk with journalists William March and Zac Anderson about other political happenings like the upcoming mayoral race in Tampa.

Look up "keto cookbooks" and you find a plethora of options: Quick and Easy Ketogenic Cooking, Southern Keto, Ketogenic Cleanse, Keto Comfort Foods… It’s fair to say this is a diet craze. But does it really work? This week on Florida Matters we talk with nutrition experts about the keto diet and how it can affect your health, from weight loss to possibly treating cancer. Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham talks to guests Dom D’Agostino, widely-known keto expert and Associate Professor of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology at the University of South Florida; Angela Poff, Research Associate with USF’s Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology; and Jenna Bell, Registered Dietitian, triathlete and Senior Vice President at Pollock Communications

Happy 2019! As WUSF prepares to bring you the news you rely on this year, we’re looking back at some of the station's big moments in 2018 through the lens of Florida Matters.

Much has happened in our state this year. We elected a new Governor, U.S. Senator and a number of other political positions. We lost 17 lives in a mass shooting that led to new laws on school safety. This week on Florida Matters we revisit some of the major events and news stories that affected Tampa Bay and our state in 2018.

Alternative kinds of housing like shipping containers or tiny houses are quickly growing in popularity. We discuss whether they could help relieve some of the pressure from the affordable housing crunch. WUSF's Robin Sussingham speaks with Robert Cox, CEO of Sundog Structures; Mickey Jacob, an architect and Chairman of the Tampa Downtown Partnership; and Elizabeth Strom, an Associate Professor at USF's School of Public Affairs.

Last year, our series, "Telling Tampa Bay Stories," took us to Tampa's Progress Village. This year, the focus is Plant City -- a Hillsborough County community where agriculture and development, history and progress all meet.

Retail is changing and there will be winners and losers. Florida Matters Host Robin Sussingham talks to the Tampa Bay Business Journal's Ashley  Gurbal Kritzer; David Ortinau, a Marketing Professor at USF's  Muma College of Business; and Paul Rutledge, First Vice President, retail brokerage in CBRE’s Tampa office about the secrets to retail success. And why do the big drug stores always want to be right next to each other? Support for Florida Matters More comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can not afford. Join National Foundation for Transplants, an organization providing financial relief to transplant patients for more than 35 years. Visit transplants.org to learn more.  

Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham recently moderated a community discussion about veteran entrepreneurs with professionals who've been working on training and educating former soldiers on skills they need, not only to integrate back into society, but to take on the risks and rewards of being an entrepreneur. The panel took place in front of a live audience at USF St. Petersburg, and we also took some questions from the audience. In this podcast, you'll hear about American Freedom Distillery and from one of its founders, former Green Beret Scott Neil.   Support for Florida Matters More comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can not afford. Join National Foundation for Transplants, an organization providing financial relief to transplant patients for more than 35 years. Visit transplants.org to learn more.

The 2018 midterm election was supposed to be over last night, but this is Florida, so of course it looks like there will be at least one recount, and maybe several. Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham talks to WUSF's Mark Schreiner, Stephanie Colombini, and Roberto Roldan about winners, losers, taxes and gambling, among other topics.   Support for Florida Matters More comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can not afford. Join National Foundation for Transplants, an organization providing financial relief to transplant patients for more than 35 years. Visit transplants.org to learn more.

Florida Matters Host Robin Sussingham sits down with long time political journalist and analyst William March to talk about the political zeitgeist, whether polls can be trusted, and whether the issue of gun control is working for the Democrats. Support for Florida Matters More comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can not afford. Join National Foundation for Transplants, an organization providing financial relief to transplant patients for more than 35 years. Visit transplants.org to learn more.

Florida cancelled its tax credits for film makers in 2016 -- and now industry observers say some big productions are moving to places like Georgia, which are still giving out large financial incentives. But several studies have come out saying state support for the film industry might not be worth the money -- including one from Florida's Office of Economic and Demographic Research, which showed a return on investment of just 18 cents per dollar spent. We're continuing our conversation with Sarasota Herald Tribune reporter Jimmy Geurts; Tyler Martinolich, Hillsborough County Film Commissioner; and Tony Stopperan, a filmmaker  based in Sarasota, Florida.Support for Florida Matters More comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can not afford. Join National Foundation for Transplants, an organization providing financial relief to transplant patients for more than 35 years. Visit transplants.org to learn more.

Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham sits down with Lillian Dunlap, the executive director of Your Real Stories and creator of Story Days in Tampa Bay. The annual storytelling festival has just finished up, and Robin asks Lillian what she hopes listeners will come away with.Support for Florida Matters More comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can not afford. Join National Foundation for Transplants, an organization providing financial relief to transplant patients for more than 35 years. Visit transplants.org to learn more.

Hurricane Michael disrupted our plans for Florida Matters this week...so we're rebroadcasting a great one! On this week's podcast, we talk about what makes a craft beer special. Does it matter if it's been acquired by a big corporation? What is a "hoppy" taste? And we taste the hugely popular Cigar City Jai Alai IPA. Host Robin Sussingham sits down with Neil Callaghan, Brand Ambassador for Cigar City Brewing, and a certified beer judge;  Sean Nordquist, Executive Director of the Florida Brewers Guild; Danie Dahm, co-owner of Mastry’s Brewery in St. Pete Beach; and Florida Matters Producer Stephanie Colombini. Support for Florida Matters More comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can not afford. Join National Foundation for Transplants, an organization providing financial relief to transplant patients for more than 35 year. Visit transplants.org to learn more.

Forty-nine people died in the Pulse nightclub mass shooting in Orlando in 2016, but new information indicates that 16 of those victims may have been able to survive their injuries -- if they'd been treated sooner. Robin Sussingham talks to John Montes, an Emergency Services Specialist with the National Fire Protection Association about the NFPA's new standards for first responders.   Support for Florida Matters More comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can not afford. Join National Foundation for Transplants, an organization providing financial relief to transplant patients for more than 35 years. Visit transplants.org to learn more.

(Originally broadcast 5/15/18) Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham speaks to Kim Rivers, CEO of Trulieve; Daniel Elias, president of Pharmacology University, a medical marijuana education program; and Darrin Potter, Chief Horticulture Officer at GrowHealthy in Lake Wales. GrowHealthy and Trulieve are licensed medical marijuana treatment centers and are authorized to cultivate, process and dispense medical marijuana in Florida. They tell us that you're going to need very deep pockets to get started in the medical cannabis biz in Florida.Support for Florida Matters More comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can not afford. Join the National Foundation for Transplants, an organization providing financial relief to transplant patients for more than 35 years. Visit transplants.org to learn more.

Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico a year ago this month, and on WUSF's Florida Matters we're hearing the stories of people who fled to the Tampa area when they had to evacuate. On today's podcast, a conversation with WUSF reporter Roberto Roldan. Support for Florida Matters MORE comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can not afford. Join National Foundation for Transplants, an organization providing financial relief to transplant patients for more than 35 years. Visit transplants.org to learn more.

Robin Sussingham had a chance to speak with Jordan Peterson before his appearance at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg this weekend, catching up with him while he was in Miami for a book tour event there. Jordan Peterson is a clinical psychologist and a Professor at the University of Toronto. He's the author of the bestseller 12 rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos, which carries a message of personal responsibility and the path toward finding a meaningful life.  He's also a YouTube star and has a very popular podcast.

WUSF's expert on all things relating to USF, Mark Schreiner, joins Robin Sussingham to talk about his series on entrepreneurs with ties to the University of South Florida. Plus, USF President Judy Genshaft has announced her retirement, and Mark discusses her role in lifting the reputation and quality of the University.   Support for Florida Matters More comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can not afford. Join National Foundation for Transplants, an organization providing financial relief to transplant patients for more than 35 years. Visit transplants.org to learn more.

It was an exciting state primary election with some unexpected results, and we break it down with Zac Anderson, editor of the Sarasota Herald Tribune, and William March, longtime political analyst and journalist. Progressives got what they've long wished for in Andrew Gillum, the Democratic nominee for Governor, and set up what Zac says will be an interesting "political science experiment" going forward.   Support for Florida Matters More comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they cannot afford. Join National Foundation for Transplants, an organization providing financial relief to transplant patients for more than 35 years. Visit transplants.org to learn more.

Florida's primary election was full of surprises. WUSF reporters Steve Newborn, Mark Schreiner and Roberto Roldan have been following the races and were out covering campaign events on primary night. They sit down with host Robin Sussingham to talk about the evening's upsets and drama. Support for Florida Matters More comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can't afford. You can join the National Foundation for Transplant's "Operation Second Chance" at transplants.org to learn how to help give someone a second chance at life.

Five candidates (three Democrats and two Republicans) for Florida's Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services sit down with WLRN Public Media in Miami, and the editorial page editors of the Miami Herald, the South Florida Sun Sentinel and the Palm Beach Post. They give their views on restoring voting rights to felons, and on how to enforce the "Do Not Call" list. The Ag Commissioner is a cabinet-level post in Florida.   Support for Florida Matters More comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can't afford. You can join the National Foundation for Transplant's "Operation Second Chance" at transplants.org to learn how to help give someone a second chance at life.

This week on Florida Matters, we're spotlighting some special news reports and features that won awards in 2017. On this podcast, a conversation with WUSF reporter and assistant news director Mark Schreiner and WUSF reporter and Florida Matters producer Stephanie Colombini. In other news, Mark puts on his sports reporter cap, and tells us that the day is approaching when the USF Women's Basketball team will defeat the University of Connecticut.   Support for Florida Matters More comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can't afford. You can join the National Foundation for Transplant's "Operation Second Chance" -- at transplants.org to learn how to help give someone a second chance at life.

(Originally broadcast 5/15/18) Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham speaks to Kim Rivers, CEO of Trulieve; Daniel Elias, president of Pharmacology University, a medical marijuana education program; and Darrin Potter, Chief Horticulture Officer at GrowHealthy in Lake Wales. GrowHealthy and Trulieve are licensed medical marijuana treatment centers and are authorized to cultivate, process and dispense medical marijuana in Florida. They tell us that you're going to need very deep pockets to get started in the medical cannabis biz in Florida.   Support for the Florida Matters More podcast comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can't afford. You can join the National Foundation for Transplant's "Operation Second Chance" at transplant.org to learn how to help give someone a second chance at life.

We're only weeks away from Florida's primary election, and while the gap between the two Republican candidates for Governor seems to be widening, the five Democratic candidates are in a real horse race for the nomination. Host Robin Sussingham talks to reporter Steve Contorno of the Tampa Bay Times and Janelle Irwin of the Tampa Bay Business Journal about why this might be the right moment politically for the Tampa Bay area to acquire money for transit. Support for the Florida Matters More podcast comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can't afford. You can join the National Foundation for Transplant's "Operation Second Chance" at transplants.org to learn how to help give someone a second chance at life.

On this week's podcast, we talk about what makes a craft beer special. Does it matter if it's been acquired by a big corporation? What is a "hoppy" taste? And we taste the hugely popular Cigar City Jai Alai IPA. Host Robin Sussingham sits down with Neil Callaghan, Brand Ambassador for Cigar City Brewing, and a certified beer judge;  Sean Nordquist, Executive Director of the Florida Brewers Guild; Danie Dahm, co-owner of Mastry’s Brewery in St. Pete Beach; and Florida Matters Producer Stephanie Colombini. Support for the Florida Matters More podcast comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can't afford. You can join the National Foundation for Transplant's "Operation Second Chance" at transplants.org to learn how to help give someone a second chance at life.

Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham talks to WUSF reporters Daylina Miller and Cathy Carter, and Florida Matters Producer Stephanie Colombini about their visits to area museums. Daylina talks about her interview with Clyde Butcher; Cathy gets the inside scoop behind Herb Snitzer's jazz icons; and Stephanie finds that glass art seems to be coming into its own.   Support for Florida Matters More comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can't afford. You can join the National Foundation for Transplant's "Operation Second Chance" at transplants.org to learn how to help give someone a second chance at life.

So many complaints about the Tampa Bay area come back to transit. What's it like to be responsible for transportation planning (when everyone who drives considers himself an expert?) Host Robin Sussingham sits down with Christine Acosta, Executive Director of Walk Bike Tampa (an advocacy and education  non profit organization); Beth Alden, Director of Hillsborough’s Metropolitan Planning Organization; and Whit Blanton, Executive Director of Forward Pinellas, which is that county's transportation planning agency.   Support for Florida Matters More comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can't afford. You can join the National Foundation for Transplant's "Operation Second Chance" at transplants.org to learn how to help give someone a second chance at life.

For today's podcast, Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham is letting you in on the tour she took through the William Dean Chocolates kitchen. It's like a real-life trip with Willy Wonka through the Chocolate Factory. Is it possible to sample a little too much chocolate? We'll find out.Support for Florida Matters More comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can't afford. You can join the National Foundation for Transplant's "Operation Second Chance" at transplants.org to learn how to help give someone a second chance at life.

After the Parkland school shooting last February, a new Florida law requires public schools to put armed guards on every campus. Host Robin Sussingham talks about the practical ramifications of that with Superintendent Kurt Browning of Pasco County; Superintendent Jacqueline Byrd of Polk County; and Bridget Ziegler, chairwoman of the Sarasota County School Board. Support for Florida Matters More comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can't afford. You can join the National Foundation for Transplant's "Operation Second Chance" -- at transplants.org to learn how to help give someone a second chance at life. And we're also grateful for the support of the Florida Department of Health! If you or a loved one need information about medical marijuana, the Florida Department of Health provides resources on qualifying medical conditions, physicians and approved treatment centers at flhealth.gov/OMMU.

Host Robin Sussingham talks to political reporter and Tampa Bay Times correspondent William March and WUSF News Director Mary Shedden about the goings on in Florida's political scene. There's enough controversy to keep it interesting. Comparisons to an episode of "Survivor" are made.   Support for Florida Matters More comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can't afford. You can join the National Foundation for Transplant's "Operation Second Chance" -- at transplants.org to learn how to help give someone a second chance at life. And we're also grateful for the support of the Florida Department of Health! If you or a loved one need information about medical marijuana, the Florida Department of Health provides resources on qualifying medical conditions, physicians and approved treatment centers at flhealth.gov/OMMU.

Parkland, Florida, high school student and mass shooting survivor Leonor Muñoz records a riveting audio diary for this week’s Florida Matters. Host Robin Sussingham sits down with reporters from Miami’s public radio station WLRN to talk about Leonor’s experience, and how they’re covering the aftermath of the massacre.   Support for Florida Matters More comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can’t afford. You can join the National Foundation for Transplant’s “Operation Second Chance” at transplants.org to learn how to help give someone a second chance at life. If you or a loved one need information about medical marijuana, the Florida Department of Health provides resources on qualifying medical conditions, physicians and approved treatment centers at flhealth.gov/OMMU.

Robin Sussingham sits down with Jeff Huffman, meteorologist with the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network, to talk about how much he hates -- really hates -- to be asked about the seasonal hurricane forecast. It's irrelevant! And not very accurate! Plus, how to lower your anxiety level as a hurricane approaches. Florida Matters More is supported by the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can't afford. You can join the National Foundation for Transplant's "Operation Second Chance" at transplants.org to learn how to help give someone a second chance at life. Support also comes from the Florida Department of Health. If you or a loved one need information about medical marijuana, the Florida Department of Health provides resources on qualifying medical conditions, physicians and approved treatment centers at flhealth.gov/OMMU.

In this podcast, WUSF's Robin Sussingham, Stephanie Colombini and Julio Ochoa break down the recent Florida Matters Town Hall that was recorded in front of a live audience (but what audience isn't live?) in St. Petersburg. The topic was healthcare for the uninsured, and it came about after a series of stories that Julio produced on the free clinics around the Tampa Bay area. We discuss the common perception that people without insurance use the emergency room a lot, and that's driving up the cost of care. But is that really the case?     Florida Matters More is supported by the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can't afford. You can join the National Foundation for Transplant's "Operation Second Chance" at transplants.org to learn how to help give someone a second chance at life.  

Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham talks politics and more with Adam Smith, Political Editor of the Tampa Bay Times; Janelle Irwin, reporter for the Tampa Bay Business Journal; and Julio Ochoa, editor of WUSF's Health News Florida.

Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham speaks to Kim Rivers, CEO of Trulieve; Daniel Elias, president of Pharmacology University, a medical marijuana education program; and Darrin Potter, Chief Horticulture Officer at GrowHealthy in Lake Wales. GrowHealthy and Trulieve are licensed medical marijuana treatment centers and are authorized to cultivate, process and dispense medical marijuana in Florida. They tell us that you're going to need very deep pockets to get started in the medical cannabis biz in Florida.

He'll tell you himself: the most dangerous place in Polk County is to get between Sheriff Grady Judd and a TV camera. Polk County Sheriff Judd is never at a loss for words or opinions on criminal behavior, and he's played a big role in the response to the school shooting in Parkland. Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham talks to the Sheriff about juvenile justice and more.

On this week's acronym-rich podcast,  we're talking about the future of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in Tampa Bay with Dennis Hinebaugh,  the program director for transit research at CUTR, The Center for Urban Transportation Research, and the Director of CUTR's National Bus Rapid Transit Institute (NBRTI); Brad Miller, the CEO of the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA); and  Sharon Calvert,  co-founder of the Hillsborough County tea party and a longtime critic of expensive transit projects. Dennis tells Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham that BRT is not the consolation prize for a failed push for light rail in the area, but a real transit solution.  

Following our Florida Matters reporters roundtable for April, host Robin Sussingham picks up the conversation with a discussion on changes in Cuba; the new museum of western and wildlife art in St. Pete; a ban on greyhound racing; and how to juice a marijuana plant. She's joined by longtime political writer William March, Justine Griffin of the Tampa Bay Times, and Florida Matters Producer Stephanie Colombini.

Sandhill cranes, Pileated Woodpeckers, egrets and pelicans -- Florida  is an embarrassment of riches when it comes to birds. Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham talks to Ann Paul, Tampa Bay area Regional Coordinator for Audubon's Florida Coastal Islands Sanctuaries; Mary Keith, president of the Tampa Audubon Society; and  Dave Goodwin, former president of the Florida Ornithological Society, about Florida's birds -- their success stories and their perils.

Retail is changing and there will be winners and losers. Florida Matters Host Robin Sussingham talks to the Tampa Bay Business Journal's Ashley  Gurbal Kritzer; David Ortinau, a Marketing Professor at USF's  Muma College of Business; and Paul Rutledge, First Vice President, retail brokerage in CBRE’s Tampa office about the secrets to retail success. And why do the big drug stores always want to be right next to each other?

Mallory Lykes Dimmit, Carlton Ward, Jr., and Joe Guthrie are getting ready to set off once again into the wilds of Florida as members of the Florida Wildlife Corridor expedition team. In this podcast, they speak with Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham and WUSF's assistant news director Steve Newborn about the problems that I-4 presents to wildlife trying to make its way across the state. Also, how can you hike for a thousand miles and still gain weight?

Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham talks to Steve Bousquet, Tallahassee bureau chief for the Tampa Bay Times, and Zac Anderson, political editor of the Sarasota Herald Tribune, about what changed -- and what didn't -- as a result of this year's legislative session. Bousquet says the new law that  generated the most passionate debate gives private school vouchers to kids who have been bullied so they can leave their public schools.

Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham talks to producer Stephanie Colombini and reporter Daylina Miller about their experiences with live music around Tampa Bay. Stephanie says she's hardly missed a beat since moving from New York City; and Daylina tells us about why she loves death metal. Did you know that Tampa is the center of the world for death metal music?

This week's Florida Matters features highlights from a recent town hall meeting in Tampa about school safety. The discussion took place in the wake of the school shootings at the high school in Parkland, and focused mainly on violence and gun control.  But one entrepreneur on the panel had a fascinating view on innovations in school safety. On today's podcast, we hear from Pat Bhava,  the creator of the app PikMyKid, which uses technology to streamline the process of the school car line.  

This week on Florida Matters, we're talking about the fact that every public high school student in Florida must take an online class in order to graduate, but some students and parents say it's not a good fit for everyone. Should an online class really be mandatory?  We continue the conversation on the podcast, with Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham talking to the President and CEO of Florida Virtual School,  Dr. Jodi Marshall; Joanne Glenn, principal of Pasco County's eSchool; Carol Crawford, director of Club Z! In Home Tutoring Services; and Adam LeMee, Physics Teach-In-Residence for the University of Central Florida.

On this week's podcast, we carry forward the conversation started at the St. Petersburg Conference on World Affairs about the connection between  international tourism and arts and culture in St. Petersburg. We hear about the Tampa airport's importance to the effort, and WUSF News Director Mary Shedden talks to Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham and producer Stephanie Colombini about the three new museums coming on line in St. Petersburg. Also, the meaning of "City of Green Benches" is explained.

After the horrific shooting at the Parkland high school, Florida Democrats have made gun control their political rallying cry. What will the fallout be --  in our schools and in our politics? Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham talks to WUSF's Steve Newborn, Zac Anderson of the Sarasota Herald Tribune, and Florida Matters producer Stephanie Colombini. Plus, can the upset win by a Democrat in a Sarasota House Seat be seen as a bellwether?

In this podcast, WUSF's Robin Sussingham, Stephanie Colombini and Julio Ochoa break down the recent Florida Matters Town Hall that was recorded in front of a live audience (but what audience isn't live?) in St. Petersburg. The topic was healthcare for the uninsured, and it came about after a series of stories that Julio produced on the free clinics around the Tampa Bay area. We discuss the common perception that people without insurance use the emergency room a lot, and that's driving up the cost of care. But is that really the case?

Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham sits down with St. Petersburg, Florida, Mayor Rick Kriseman, who's starting his second term. Mayor Kriseman worries about the "crazy stuff" going on in the Florida House, whether cities like his may lose their home rule authority to the state, and the possibility of taking a ferry to work.

The state's lawmakers are hard at work in Tallahassee. What are their priorities, and how will those affect you? On the podcast with Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham are producer Stephanie Colombini, Zac Anderson, political editor of the Sarasota Herald Tribune, and William March, longtime reporter on Florida Politics.

WUSF reporter Bobbie O'Brien knows her ice hockey, and she joins Robin Sussingham and Stephanie Colombini of Florida Matters for this week's podcast. Bobbie has looked into whether Tampa has truly become a hockey town, and gives us her findings. Plus, the gross things drunk people do during the Gasparilla festival will probably not surprise you.

We've got the highly-regarded political analyst Susan MacManus in the studio with us to unpack Governor Rick Scott's last State of the State address. MacManus also answers the question of why Florida's national elections are so closely divided between Republicans and Democrats, while our state representatives are overwhelmingly Republican. With WUSF's Florida Matters co-host Robin Sussingham and producer Stephanie Colombini.

WUSF Public Media's Robin Sussingham, host of Florida Matters, along with Florida Matters producer Stephanie Colombini and WUSF News Director Mary Shedden discuss the historic community newspapers that report on ethnic audiences, like La Gaceta -- the tri-lingual paper that's approaching a century of publication in Tampa, and The Weekly Challenger, which has been serving the black community in St. Petersburg for 50 years. These papers have survived in proximity to larger, more mainstream newspapers, because they knew their audience and covered stories that other publications did not. But can they remain profitable in the age of the internet?

Florida Matters Host Robin Sussingham is joined by Zac Anderson, political editor of the Sarasota Herald Tribune; Steve Newborn, WUSF reporter and assistant news director; and Florida Matters producer Stephanie Colombini. They discuss the most interesting political figures of 2017 and the most under-reported stories of the year, and they argue about whether mass transit is a boondoggle or not.

University of South Florida journalism instructor Jeanette Abrahamsen joins Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham and producer Stephanie Colombini to talk about the making of Telling Tampa Bay Stories. Jeanette and Stephanie spoke to longtime residents of Progress Village, Tampa's first affordable housing suburb for black residents, who described fond memories of growing up in the tightly-knit community, but worried about recent growth and  demographic changes.

Progress Village was Tampa's first affordable housing suburb, and this week on Florida Matters we'll learn about its story and hear from residents who share their memories of growing up there. On this podcast, Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham talks to WUSF News Director Mary Shedden and to Florida Matters Producer Stephanie Colombini about the people who agreed to tell their stories. We hear more about the pioneering families of Tampa's Progress Village, and why the sense of community was so strong in that neighborhood. We ask whether the Progress Village elders have a lesson for us in how to build the bonds of community.

Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham talks to producer Stephanie Colombini and reporter Daylina Miller about their experiences with live music around Tampa Bay. Stephanie says she's hardly missed a beat since moving from New York City; and Daylina tells us about why she loves death metal. Did you know that Tampa is the center of the world for death metal music?