Florida Matters

Will the state's English-only driver's tests make roads safer? We look into the rule change on "Florida Matters Live & Local." Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.org Website: https://www.wusf.org Sign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletter Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

We're a month into the 2026, and Florida is continuing its accelerated schedule lethal injections for condemned prisoners, carrying forward a record pace from the previous year. Three death warrants are signed after a record-breaking 19 in 2025. Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.org Website: https://www.wusf.org Sign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletter Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor sits down for a wide-ranging conversation, tackling everything from the Rays stadium talks and public safety to immigration, transportation, and the city’s future. Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.org Website: https://www.wusf.org Sign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletter Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

From Florida’s failing tobacco policies to giant rodents munching lettuce, we cover the state’s public health challenges, community cleanups, street safety, and a cafe that's more about animal education than lattes. Call: 813-755-6562 Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.org Website: https://www.wusf.org Sign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletter Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

You may not have noticed, but NASA is about to launch a crewed mission to the moon. Let's catch up on the latest Artemis mission, which could lift off as soon as this weekend. Call: 813-755-6562 Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.org Website: https://www.wusf.org Sign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletter Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

Pinellas County is making big moves to close and merge under-enrolled campuses as charter schools seek space in public schools through the state’s Schools of Hope program. Families and educators are weighing the benefits of expanded school choice against the disruption caused by closures and consolidations. We start the show by unpacking what’s at stake. Also in the news: property taxes. Should lawmakers reduce or phase them out? A pair of lawmakers take calls from listeners and explore the trade-offs between tax relief and maintaining quality of life. And what’s going on with this chilly weather? And what’s with all this talk about snow in the Tampa Bay area this weekend. We turn to someone who knows. Finally, Tampa will soon shine on the global stage as native sled hockey player Declan Farmer heads to Milan with his sights set on a fourth Winter Paralympics gold medal.

It's more than just depression. It's exponential bereavement that can feel like panic attack, bringing deep sadness and a feeling of losing control. Let's learn about grief attacks. Call: 813-755-6562 Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.org Website: https://www.wusf.org Sign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletter Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

On "Florida Matters Live & Local," we discuss how immigration raids in Minneapolis have captured national attention — stirring questions and fears around the country — including the Tampa Bay area. Call: 813-755-6562 Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.org Website: https://www.wusf.org Sign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletter Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

Florida leaders from both parties are urging President Trump to keep the offshore drilling moratorium in place, warning of risks to the Gulf’s environment, wildlife and coastal communities. Call: 813-755-6562 Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.org Website: https://www.wusf.org Sign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletter Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

An idea for a cruise terminal near the Skyway is drawing early resistance as environmental groups question whether the promised benefits outweigh the risks to one of Tampa Bay’s most fragile coastal areas. Call: 813-755-6562 Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.org Website: https://www.wusf.org Sign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletter Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

Immigration enforcement and education collided this week in Sarasota, where a narrow school board vote drew hours of public testimony and intense debate. Call: 813-755-6562 Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.org Website: https://www.wusf.org Sign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletter Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

Former House Speaker Paul Renner is running for the Republican nomination to be Florida's governor. He talks about his plans with "Florida Matters Live & Local" host Matthew Peddie. Call: 813-755-6562 Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.org Website: https://www.wusf.org Sign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletter Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

"Florida Matters Live & Local" spends the hour looking at the lives and legacies of lawmakers John Lewis and Arthenia Joyner, author Zora Neale Hurston, and the enduring words of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Call: 813-755-6562 Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.org Website: https://www.wusf.org Sign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletter Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

It's no secret that the Tampa Bay Rays have been searching for a new home since the former ownership walked away from a St. Petersburg redevelopment deal. It's also no secret the new owners have had their eyes on moving to Tampa. Call: 813-755-6562 Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.org Website: https://www.wusf.org Sign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletter Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

Sarasota has the money to improve coastal flooding protection. However, the funding comes with questions about what improvements can be made and will they solve the problem as sea levels rise. Call: 813-755-6562 Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.org Website: https://www.wusf.org Sign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletter Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

The conversation features insights from longtime local political journalist William March, PolitiFact Florida government reporter Sam Putterman and WUSF politics/environment reporter Steve Newborn. Call: 813-755-6562 Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.org Website: https://www.wusf.org Sign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletter Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

A high-stakes debate in Congress will likely determine whether Affordable Care Act premiums stay affordable. Will there be a resolution before this year's final enrollment deadline on Thursday? Call: 813-755-6562 Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.org Website: https://www.wusf.org Sign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletter Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

We learn plenty from Tampa International Airport CEO Michael Stephens during a special interview on "Florida Matters Live & Local." Also, a bit of local history you may not know about. Call: 813-755-6562 Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.org Website: https://www.wusf.org Sign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletter Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

From a decades-old environmental clash to a centennial art celebration, a quirky state bird debate and a frosty escape, "Florida Matters Live & Local" guests touch on our state's history, culture and more. Call: 813-755-6562 Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.org Website: https://www.wusf.org Sign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletter Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

"Florida Matters Live & Local" guest host Cathy Carter dives into topics that highlight the challenges and the creativity that define our state. From endangered animals and living legends of literature to monumental public art and feats of human resilience, there’s plenty to explore. Call: 813-755-6562 Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.org Website: https://www.wusf.org Sign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletter Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg