Florida Matters
-
Disaster in Haiti
Estimates put the number of dead in the tens of thousands as recovery continues from a devastating earthquake in Haiti. The quake is being felt well beyond Haiti's borders, including in Florida, which is home to more than 200,000 Haitians. We'll meet a few of the thousands of local Haitians who have family and friends on the island. Plus, we'll talk about the country's future — and how that future will impact Florida and the U.S.
-
Listening to Our Past
Meet a man who joined the circus as a teen, another who was part of Tampa's first day of integrated dining in the 1960s, and a woman whose family went to meetings and picnics in Ybor City supporting the Spanish Republic during that country's civil war. This week on Florida Matters, we're marking the StoryCorps National Day of Listening by visiting with the past through excerpts of oral histories from the Bay area. Plus, we'll talk about why these recordings — and the ones you make with your...
-
The Push for Drilling - Part 2
Last week, we focused on oil and natural gas drilling off Florida's Gulf Coast. We wrap up that conversation by looking in more detail at the potential for new jobs and royalty payments to the state if the moratorium on drilling in state waters is ended. And we talk about the politics of drilling in Florida since this issue is expected to feature prominently in the spring legislative session in Tallahassee.
-
The Push for Drilling - Part 1
The debate over allowing oil and natural gas drilling as close as a few miles from Florida's Gulf coast has heated up in recent weeks and figures to be a key issue during the spring legislative session. On this week's show, we'll hear why environmentalists and some residents worry drilling could ruin our tourism economy and why the industry thinks it's important to open the Gulf for more oil exploration.
-
Facing the Mortgage Crisis - Reprise
The number of foreclosures in Florida has quadrupled since 2006. In Bradenton and Sarasota alone, foreclosures rose 600 percent between 2006 and 2008. In this edition of Florida Matters, we're examining the impact of foreclosure on our community. We answer listener-submitted questions about mortgage problems and connect you with resources to help if you're facing the prospect of losing your home.
-
St. Petersburg Mayor's Race
In the beginning, 10 St. Petersburg residents were vying to be the city's next mayor. Now, that list has only two names on it. The winner will inherit a list of unresolved issues, like deciding the future of downtown — including BayWalk and the Pier — and whether to build a new baseball stadium. We'll meet the candidates and find out what they think, this week.
-
The Impact of Sept. 11
The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, are imprinted on the nation's collective psyche, influencing everything from the nation's foreign policy and how we travel by air to where our military forces are deployed and how we train first responders. We note the anniversary of the attacks, focusing on how the events of that day changed life — and lives — in the Bay area.
-
Crime and Recession
Conventional wisdom says crime rises when the economy goes bad; studies say that has been true during every recession since the 1950s. With the country facing what many consider to be the deepest recession in 70 years, that could mean a spike in criminal activity. In this edition of Florida Matters we'll learn more about why crime jumps in a bad economy, and see how that's really playing out in the Tampa Bay area.
-
Finding Work
Florida Matters is focusing on the economy and helping you find resources to face your economic issues. In this edition: jobs. We'll meet a few Bay area residents doing whatever they can to find a steady paycheck. A job counselor tells us what life is like on the other side of the desk. And a career coach explains how to snag work even when no one's hiring.
-
Art as a Career
For many artists, their creations are a hobby, a passion, an outlet. Some artists make a go of it as professionals, depending on their creativity to provide an income. But is there demand for art in this sour economy? And how do you take that leap to turn art-making into a career? Listen and learn how artists are making that happen, and explore the market for their work.
-
Seminole Gaming Negotiations
This spring, lawmakers agreed to give the Seminole Tribe exclusive rights to some card games in exchange for millions of dollars in revenue sharing for the state budget. Negotiations are underway to finalize the details, including how much money the state gets. We have an update on a new gambling compact with the Seminoles, and how the deal will impact pari-mutuels in the Bay area.
-
Fighting Invasive Species
Burmese pythons are getting plenty of attention lately. Congress is considering a federal ban on importing the snakes and moving them across state lines, and there has been talk of hunting the snakes down. Florida has many non-native plants, pests and animals that aren't as threatening to humans but still cause harm. Learn about some of those species and efforts to limit their impact.
-
Mass Transit: The Next 40 Years
For years, the talk in Florida has been about mass transit. Here in the Bay area, a relatively new planning agency is taking a regional approach to transportation planning and has unveiled a 40-year master plan. Light rail, expanded bus routes, dedicated lanes — it's all in there. TBARTA officials join us to answer the questions you've submitted about the plan.
-
Defending Freedom
Florida Matters introduces you to some local members of the military who reflect with us about what the Fourth of July holiday means to them and why they chose to serve in the armed forces.
-
The Impact of Bullying
After a group of middle school students were charged by police with sexually assaulting one of their peers, many parents started to wonder: how bad is bullying in our schools? We look at what's going on in schools and why doctors now consider bullying a health issue. And we consider whether there are links between the schoolyard bully and the adult who bullies co-workers.
-
Deciding How Water?s Used
A bill waiting for the governor's signature would give water-permit approval authority to water management district directors instead of appointed boards. It's part of an unrelated bill allowing more Florida-friendly landscaping and was added at the last minute. Florida Matters explores why some people say the change is a bad idea while others say it's not really a change at all.
-
Spurring Economic Growth
A new law significantly changes how the state handles growth. Business groups and developers say relaxing some of the requirements for new construction will jumpstart work and boost the state's economy, while some local governments and environmentalists argue the changes will lead to clogged roads and unchecked development. This edition of Florida Matters examines what a new era in growth regulation could mean for the Sunshine State.
-
Attracting Visitors
The economic recession is keeping many would-be travelers at home — or at least making them more careful about spending their travel dollars. Across Florida, that's leading to amped-up marketing in hopes of drawing people here. Florida Matters surveys the tourism industry to find out what those businesses are expecting for the summer and where they are directing their efforts.
-
Preparing for Hurricanes 2009
As another hurricane season begins, officials don't want residents to be complacent after a few quiet seasons. It only takes one storm to ruin your summer, they say, pointing to the likes of Andrew and Katrina. In this edition of Florida Matters, we'll meet Florida's new emergency manager, debunk some hurricane preparation myths, and check on Galveston, Texas, where they weathered last year's biggest storm.
-
Legislative Session Analysis
Lawmakers used federal stimulus money and a variety of increased fees to support a $66.5 billion spending plan for next year. But they failed to pass any significant tax reforms, despite much talk of a system that is too dependent on sales tax to fund state government. In this edition of Florida Matters, we look back at the annual legislative session and talk about what was done and what was left unfinished.
-
Catching Criminals
An often-cited statistic among law enforcement professionals goes something like this: 6 percent of people commit 60 percent of the crime. We'll learn about efforts by one local sheriff's office to catch that 60 percent. Plus, white-collar and financial crimes have been all over the news. We'll look at how investigators are going after the culprits, this week on Florida Matters.
-
Training for Diversity
If you have not sat through one, you have heard about them: diversity training (or sometimes, sensitivity training). Corporations, nonprofits and educational institutions all offer the classes. But do the sessions foster greater understanding among people of different cultural backgrounds? Learn about why organizations offer this training and how well it works on this edition of Florida Matters.
-
Weathering the Current Drought
After three years of below-average rainfall, the rivers are low and the reservoir is empty. Water managers and local governments have imposed the tightest water-use restrictions ever. But out West, communities have been dealing with drought for decades. What can we learn from them? We'll talk about some of the best ways those areas are planning for — and withstanding — drought conditions.
-
Art as Career
For many artists, their creations are a hobby, a passion, an outlet. Some artists make a go of it as professionals, depending on their creativity to provide an income. But is there demand for art in this sour economy? And how do you take that leap to turn art-making into a career? Learn how artists are making that happen, and explore the market for their work
-
Renewable Power
Florida officials want more renewable energy. A bill in the Legislature would mandate that power companies get 20 percent of their energy from renewable sources like wind, solar, bio-mass and nuclear power. But it's still uncertain if the measure will pass, and if it does, what the resulting system will look like. Learn about the proposal as well as developments in Florida's solar industry.
-
Preserving Historic Places
Occasionally, we hear about a building under dispute because it has historic value to some people but another group of people wants to tear it down. The Belleview Biltmore and Sarasota's Riverview High School are two recent examples — one was saved, the other will soon be gone. But the question remains: why does historic preservation matter? Join us to explore that question on Florida Matters.
-
Stopping Hospital Infections
Once you're admitted to the hospital, you're already sick. But while some patients are trying to heal, they get an infection and get worse instead. The Centers for Disease Control reports that 1.7 million people develop these healthcare-associated infections; about 99,000 people die from them. Learn how Florida hospitals are fighting to stop people from getting sicker once they are admitted.
-
Transportation
Florida Matters examines how we get around in the Bay area, from how we plan our roads to the proposals for new systems of mass transit. Learn about plans for a light rail system connecting Tampa International Airport with other parts of the city and a new regional effort to create an area-wide master plan for transit. Also, two communities share their experiences with light, heavy and commuter rail systems as part of an overall transportation scheme. We look at how they planned those...
-
Best of 2009
Get caught up on the shows you might have missed so far this year. We talk about how venture capitalists fund innovative ideas in Florida, get a better understanding of what "green" means in our world today and we look at ways high school students are preparing for their lives after graduation.
-
Trade with Cuba
President Obama has signed a bill to fund the federal government through September. Tucked into the bill are provisions to loosen travel restrictions to Cuba for people with family on the island, and the administration has hinted there might be changes in US policy toward Cuba coming. Florida Matters examines what that could mean for Tampa, the closest shipping port to the island nation.
-
Legislative Preview
The 2009 Florida Legislature is in session and at the top of the agenda — not surprisingly — is the state's budget. Some projections put the gap between revenue and expenses at $6 billion next year. Two lawmakers tell how they're hoping to plug that hole.
-
Career Education
The traditional path of high school to college to career is not always the best path for all students. Florida Matters explores some of the ways educators are working to get their students prepared for careers, not just prepared for graduation. Plus, we talk to those often left out of the education conversation: students. We'll find out what they think about public education in Florida.
-
Civic Engagement
At every level, our democracy is built on the input of citizens in the governing process. Civic engagement can mean being part of that process. It can be speaking out about issues that affect you. And it can be social groups organized around community service or issues. Florida Matters examines how people become engaged citizens and the role the media plays in encouraging or informing that involvement.
-
Defining 'Green'
Florida Matters examines what the ubiquitous phrase "going green" really means and explores the ways YOU might be trying to do your part.
-
Living in a Recession
Florida Matters examines the Sunshine State's cycles of economic boom-and-bust.
-
Funding Innovation
Florida Matters introduces you to some of the people offering venture capital, and you'll meet the CEO of a company that's using it.
-
Special Session Recap
Florida Matters looks back at the special session to fix a budget shortfall as well as ahead to the prospect of dealing with an even bigger budget hole next year.
-
A Super Bowl?s Impact
The Tampa Bay area is set to host our fourth Super Bowl in just a few weeks. We've spent lots of time and money getting ready to host one of the biggest sporting events of the year — plus all the other events and parties that come with it. But once the final play is over and the NFL has left town, what do we get out of having the game here? Listen and learn as Florida Matters examines the lasting benefits of hosting football's biggest bowl.
-
Reducing Reliance on Citizens Property
Florida Matters breaks down some proposed new changes to the state's property insurance landscape and examines the so-called "take-out" companies.
-
Looking Ahead to 2009
We'll take some time as a new year begins to revisit a couple of shows from the past year, but with a twist: we've selected two shows that are likely to be part of the community discussion through 2009. First, we'll hear about the gambling compact Gov. Charlie Crist signed with the Seminole Tribe of Florida, which was thrown out by the state Supreme Court last year because Crist failed to get the Legislature's approval. A special legislative committee has been assembled by House speaker Ray...
-
Best of 2008
In the waning days of 2008, we'll consider two of our favorite shows from the past year. First, we'll revisit our conversation about the changing landscape of newspaper journalism in the Bay area and in the nation. Since we first aired this program, more layoffs have been announced throughout the industry and papers have discontinued home delivery several days a week or even stopped printing a daily paper altogether in favor of a Web-only product. So we'll listen back to our conversation...
-
Giving in a Troubled Economy
This time of year is often referred to as a season of giving. And with growing unemployment and a shrinking economy, the demands for services from many nonprofits are rising. So is charitable giving meeting those demands? And what's happening with other nonprofits — like arts organizations — who depend on people's financial generosity? Florida Matters explores how giving is stacking up as the end of 2008 approaches.
-
The Plunging Housing Market
Florida Matters tries to pin down the elusive housing market and give us a sense of where we are - and where we're going.
-
Florida's Healthcare in '09
Some estimates say 20 percent of Floridians have no health insurance. The rising cost of healthcare - and the number of uninsured - are issues that were at the forefront of the presidential campaign and a focus of Gov. Charlie Crist's 2008 legislative agenda. As a result, a new program in Florida is slated to begin in January that would cover residents who've been without insurance for six months and another initiative would create a virtual marketplace for employers shopping for health...
-
Holiday Retail Outlook
Florida Matters examines how things look in Florida's retail economy this holiday season and talks about how consumers are changing their behavior in these uncertain times.
-
Challenges of Coastal Living
Scientists, academics, city managers and officials from around the globe gathered this week in St. Pete Beach for the first-ever Coastal Cities Summit, an effort to explore the challenges facing cities along the world's coasts and share information internationally. Organizers are hoping the event will be the first of many such summits and have developed a statement of principles signed at the end of the four-day meeting. Summit organizers and attendees join us to talk about why we need a...
-
Tourism Checkup
Tourism plays a large role in Florida's economy. The state House Committee on Tourism and Trade reported in 2007 that tourism generated $4 billion in sales tax revenue and employed nearly 1 million people. However, airlines are cutting back on flights and people are watching their pennies while the economy retrenches. What impact will these factors have on Florida's travel and tourism industry?
-
Election 2008
The long contest for president is over and the 111th Congress is nearly set. In Florida, the next state Legislature is decided and voters have amended the state's constitution several more times. Now attention turns to moving our communities, our state and our nation forward. We take some time this week on Florida Matters to visit again with two names you'll remember from their reports as delegates to the Republican and Democratic National Conventions. And we'll get some analysis about what...
-
Renewing ELAPP
Near the bottom of an already long ballot, voters in Hillsborough County will be asked to consider a local referendum to extend the county's Environmental Land Acquisition and Protection Program. In place since 1987, the program has purchased 44,000 acres of environmentally sensitive land. Voters approved an initial $20 million program, then expanded that to $100 million a few years later. ELAPP sunsets in 2011 so the renewal on the November 4 ballot calls for $200 million more to be spent...
-
The Amendments 2008
Florida Matters examines the amendment proposals voters will be deciding in this election.
-
Is Florida Ready for Another Election
Recent elections in Florida have been noteworthy for controversy. Elections officials have concerns for the 2008 ballot as well. Part of the problem is a new law commonly called "no match, no vote." Secretary of State Kurt Browning began enforcing the law in September after a court challenge failed. It requires matching information from newly registered voters to the state's driver's license database and to the federal Social Security database. If the information fails to match, voters have...
-
Surviving the Economic Uncertainty
Florida Matters revisits portions of two shows we produced earlier this year that ring more true now than ever. You'll hear how three area managers operate during a budget crisis. Plus, our discussion on reinventing yourself in a tough economy is revisited. It's advice for both managers and workers, on Florida Matters.
-
Market Turmoil Hits Home
This week on Florida Matters, we talk about the ripple effects the Tampa Bay area is experiencing because of the financial crisis.
-
The Hispanic Vote
As the presidential election nears, both campaigns are targeting Hispanics - in Florida and around the country. The Pew Hispanic Center reports that Hispanic voters have been shifting their support toward Democrats during the last two years, a reversal of the trend toward the GOP in the earlier part of the decade. Florida Matters brings together Republican and Democratic Hispanics to talk about the Hispanic vote in Florida: what's important to those voters and how to reach out to them.
-
Fall Arts Preview
Listen and learn what a few Tampa Bay area arts organizations have planned for the 2008-2009 season. Local ars directors reveal how they approach each year and what influences performance selection in this look at the thinking behind the art.
-
Lowering the Drinking Age
Florida Matters examines issues surrounding college students and their drinking habits. A group of college and university presidents are calling for a national discussion about underage drinking. They say the current minimum drinking age of 21 is not working and are concerned about students' binge drinking. Groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving have expressed opposition to lowering the drinking age.
-
Understanding Diabetes
Florida Matters examines the dramatic rise in the number of people afflicted with diabetes and the associated consequences.
-
Planning More Nuclear Power
Florida Matters examines the renewed efforts to develop more nuclear power in the Sunshine State as well as the arguments against that approach to meeting energy needs.
-
Brain Drain
Higher education in Florida has been hit by budget cuts and one result has been the loss of experienced professors. Florida Matters examines the impact of this brain drain on the state's universities and colleges.
-
Drilling in the Gulf
Florida Matters examines the issues and concerns surrounding renewed efforts to expand drilling for oil in the Gulf of Mexico.
-
Coping with Infertility
Florida Matters examines treatment options for infertility and the issues involved in making treatment decisions.
-
The Everglades Without U.S. Sugar
Florida Matters examines how the imminent departure of U.S. Sugar from the Everglades will affect one of the state's most valued natural resources.
-
Connecting Business and the Arts
Florida Matters explores how new links may be forged between business and the arts in the Tampa Bay area.
-
Targeting High Tech
Florida Matters travels to USF's Polytechnic campus in Lakeland where technological research and development is the new focus.
-
Reinventing Yourself
Florida Matters explores the opportunities and challenges for workers who face a career change - whether by choice or from employer cutbacks.
-
Summer Diversions
The high cost of travel doesn't have to mean a boring vacation. Whether your preference is for Sunshine State excursions, summer movies or light reading in the hammock, Florida Matters has some tips on how to spend your summer downtime.
-
Today's Drug Testing - Reprise
Florida law requires public high schools to test for anabolic steroids. Some schools report a drop in non-steroid drug use since implementing random testing. But some people question the effectiveness of such programs as preventive measures. First broadcast March 14, 2008.
-
The Future of Water
Drought, development and carelessness have combined to threaten Florida's water supply. Listen and learn as Florida Matters examines where the flow of this natural resource is headed and what's being done to avoid a potential water crisis.
-
Living With Autism
Listen and learn as Florida Matters examines new legislation to try to help families with treating autism and how some parents are helping others understand the disorder.
-
The Changing Face of Journalism
Shrinking newspapers, layoffs and new technological challenges have become the new reality that journalists have to deal with. Listen and learn as Florida Matters examines how newspaper journalists are faring in the new age of mass communictions.
-
Hurricanes 2008
This week Florida Matters considers the upcoming hurricane season and how local communities are, and perhaps are not, preparing for this year's round of foul weather.
-
Arts and the Environment
Listen and learn as Florida Matters explores how the stories of Florida are told through art and literature.
-
Mass Transit
Florida Matters examines the latest efforts to improve mass transit in the Tampa Bay area and what is likely to happen next to keep local residents moving.
-
Sarasota Growth Referendum
Sarasota County voters will decide a major growth issue on May 6. A ballot proposal would make it harder to develop rural areas of the county. Hear what a developer, a community activist, a neighborhood association representive and a former Sarasota mayor have to say about it.
-
Preventing Suicide
Florida Matters talks with a woman on the frint line of suicide prevention and a man whose family was forever changed when his oldest son took his own life.
-
Mentally Incompetent Inmates 2 - Reprise
By many accounts, Florida's mental health system is broken. At ne point, Florida's former DCF Secretary faced jail time because of the backlog of incompetent jail inmates awaiting treatment. Listen and learn as Florida Matters takes another look at mentally incompetent inmates. First aired March 7, 2008.
-
Today's Drug Testing - Part 2
The discussion continues about the state of Florida's pilot program requiring random drug testing of high school athletes.
-
Today's Drug Testing
Florida law requires public high schools to test student athletes for anabolic steroids. A report from the Florida High School Athletic Association is due out this summer. Some schools report a drop in non-steroid drug use since implementing random testing. But some people question the effectiveness of such programs as preventive measures.
-
Mentally Incompetent Inmates Part 2
By many accounts, Florida's mental health system is broken. At one point, Florida's former DCF Secretary faced jail time because of the backlog of incompetent jail inmates awaiting treatment. Listen and learn as Florida Matters takes another look at mentally incompetent inmates.
-
Foster Care
Florida Matters examines the state's foster care system which has been plagued with problems and what is being done to improve it.
-
Budget Cuts
The economy will always have its ups and downs, but it's the down cycles that worry employers and employees the most. Listen to Florida Matters and learn as three Tampa Bay area managers reveal how they operate during times of tight budgets.
-
Cenrury Commission
Florida Matters examines a new report from the Century Commission. The Century Commission was created by state lawmakers to help plan Florida's growth.
Recommended Shows
No recommendations yet
PROGRAM INFORMATION
- Tampa, FL
- Politics, Community, Local News
- English
-
Visit the station website
Email the show
Update show info
