Advertise on podcast: Beyond the News WFLA Interviews

As Florida faces one of its worst wildfire seasons in years, a new study released at the American Association for Cancer Research annual meeting in San Diego, matches cancer rates in more than 90 thousand people over a decade to areas dealing with wildfire smoke. It finds the risk of certain cancers, including colorectal, more than doubled and risks of lung cancer nearly doubled. We speak with Matthew Schabath PhD, who leads the Cancer Epidemiology Program at Tampa's Moffitt Cancer Center, on how the researchers came up with those findings and how to apply them in your life.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tampa International Airport is redoing its ticketing area for the first time since the 1970s. Read Shepherd speaks with the airport's Josh Gillin.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The only festival celebrating the loquat tree in the entire nation takes place Saturday (April 11th) in New Port Richey in Pasco County. Florida is one of the few U.S. locations where loquat trees grow successfully. But it's not run as a huge business like the harvesting of oranges or other citrus fruits. In fact, much of the fruit for the festival comes from trees in people's backyards. We speak with Dell Dechant and Amanda Zborek from Farmnet, a group that promotes local food production.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of Tampa's iconic downtown buildings is under new ownership. Tampa's Rivergate Tower (jokingly nicknamed the Beer Can building) is known for its cylinder shape and its Fibonacci spaced windows and tiles, among other things. We speak with Grant Werbeck, Chief Operating Officer of Ally Capital Group and part of the new team, about what's ahead for the downtown landmark.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clearwater Beach hosts the annual Sugar Sand Festival beginning Friday (March 27th) and running through Sunday, April 12th at Pier 60. Eighteen artists from around the world will create sand sculptures in a 24,000 square foot enclosures. We speak with the Festival's Chief Operating Officer, Charissa Shatanoff, about this year's event.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legoland Florida has rolled out its new LEGO Galaxy and its new ride, the Galacticoaster. We speak with Legoland Ambassador Julie Estrada and Merlin's project director Tom Storer.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tampa dyes the Hillsborough River green again Saturday (14th), as part of a daylong celebration of St. Patrick's Day. There's also a parade, Irish music, Irish dancing, kid-friendly features, and Irish beer. for the grownups. We speak with Ivy Lupco of the Tampa Downtown Partnership about the River O' Green Festival.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Small Business Administration is offering loans for economic damage suffered as a result of recent freezes and frosts that hit much of Florida earlier this year. The low-interest loans are not available for crop losses (except for aquaculture). But the loans can cover other losses such as lost sales or payroll. We speak with Sharon Dooley, a Public Affairs Specialist with the SBA, about what's covered and how to apply.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The U.S.-Israeli joint military operation against Iran has left Americans stranded in various locations across the Middle East that are targets or potential targets. A Tampa-based nonprofit funded by private donations is moving to assist those who say they need to get out. We speak again with Bryan Stern, an Army and Navy veteran with Special Operations experience, founder and chairman of Grey Bull Rescue.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newsradio WFLA's Read Shepherd talks to Tampa attorney Ashley Harris about an important deadline for any homeowner who has recently discovered damage caused by Hurricane Milton. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newsradio WFLA's Read Shepherd talks to Anna Maria mayor Mark Short about the reconstruction of the city pier, which was destroyed by Hurricane Irma in 2017, and then again by Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Florida Strawberry Festival opens Thursday (February 26th) for an 11-day run in Plant City. The event draws hundreds of thousands each year for live entertainment, including top musical acts, and of course for every possible way to serve strawberries. We speak with festival president Kyle Robinson.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A cold front has brought very low humidity to much of Florida and heightened the wildfire risk. We speak with Hillsborough County fire marshall Tammy Zurla.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The third annual Florida Man Games take place Saturday (21st) at Freedom Factory, the racetrack owned by driver and YouTuber Cleetus McFarland near Bradenton. Events include the Evading Arrest Obstacle Games, the Grocery Aisle Brawl, and Taser Tag. We speak with founder and organizer, Pete Melfi. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A couple of weeks ago, much of Florida saw its coldest weather in many years, with teens in North Florida and 20s in Central Florida even before wind chills. Now many homeowners have fruit trees, hedges and tropicals with freeze damage. We speak with Sally Scalera, an extension agent with the University of Florida's Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences, on how to help your garden bounce back. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.