Advertise on podcast: Florida Matters

USF is becoming increasingly competitive. The university is among the top research schools in the country and a member of the American Association of Universities, along with being a top 50 public university. Then, the show graduates to the arts. First, we brush up on the annual SHINE mural festival, which kicks off in St. Petersburg this weekend. Then, we dive into a powerful new book, “Ocean of Bones,” about the quest to find a sunken slave ship near the Florida Keys and trace the survivors. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3

A blue wave swept Democrats back into power on Capitol Hill during Tuesday’s midterms. But in Florida’s statewide races, the wave stopped just short of purple. The dust has barely settled, but we’ll try to unpack what just happened. After politics, we talk tougher laws for drivers who flee law enforcement, a year after four people were run down in Ybor City by a man who was in a high-speed chase with troopers. Finally, there’s a Pulitzer-winning play about a movie theater — and it’s being staged inside a movie theater. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3

Affordability and growth are going to have an impact on your life — no matter where in Florida you call home. On this episode, the program focuses on Manatee County, where a growing population and changing demographics are making it less affordable. How are residents and leaders responding? And we’ll also get you ready for Tuesday's midterms, including an update on early voting numbers and a look at how the order of candidates on the ballot can affect the results. Then, a closer look at the Democratic Socialists and why their message is striking a chord with some voters. Finally, a mental health expert discusses how to manage election anxiety. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3

"Florida Matters Live & Local" recently recorded in front of an audience at the Manatee Performing Arts Center in Bradenton to dig into issues affecting the state, like affordability, growth and development. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3

Some special guests join the program for a celebration of Public Radio Music Day. We hear some live performances in bluegrass, classical, a fusion of jazz and hip-hop. And will hook up with our sister station Classical WSMR in Sarasota. Public Radio Music Day is organized by the NoncomMusic Alliance – spreading the word about the role non-commercial stations play in the music industry. This year’s theme is “sounds like home” reflecting how Americans feel about their local public radio music stations. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3

Proposed changes to the 2030 census could eliminate questions about race and ethnicity. How could this affect important decisions like federal housing resources? Also, there is a bookmobile in town displaying millions of investigative files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Thieves have stolen supplies from Metropolitan Ministries, leaving the nonprofit scrambling. How can the community help? From ads during live games to bets placed with a few taps on a phone, sports gambling has become part of the viewing experience for many fans. What are the risks? Finally, there is an ancient Celtic festival happening soon involving the Bay area pagan community. We learn about Samhain. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3

For decades, cities and counties in Florida have been able to enact laws to manage their communities as they see fit. Recently, however, the Legislature has passed rules to usurp some local decisions. Also, a pediatric endocrinologist talks about healthy Halloween candy guidelines for kids. Then, talking baseball — specifically, what the Rays need to do to get back into the World Series. And finally, is seafood in Florida too expensive? Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3

The Tampa Bay Rays begin play in the World Series on Friday. Before the first pitch, here’s a closer look at their yearlong renaissance on and off the field. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3

State Rep. Angie Nixon is running for U.S. Senate and pulling enthusiastic crowds as she campaigns. Still, it’s a tough battle for Nixon as a Democrat from the left wing of her party in a deep red state. On this show, we talk with Nixon about why she’s running and what she’s hearing from voters. Other topics: What do you need to know for Medicare’s open enrollment period? And why will Canada prescription drugs get more expensive for Americans in a few months? Finally, we recall the life of Joe Redner, one of Tampa Bay’s most recognizable — and at times controversial — businessmen. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3

In a lawsuit, the Seminole Tribe is accusing DraftKings of operating in violation of the Tribe’s longstanding gambling compact with the state. The app disagrees. We’re wagering you’ll learn a lot from this segment. Speaking of high stakes, there’s a lot of political cash changing hands amid the data center boom. Who are the beneficiaries? Finally, as Halloween nears, horror looks you right between the eyes — and we think that’s fun! But why? Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3

Byron Donalds could be the first Black governor of Florida, but polls are showing that may not matter to most Black voters when they fill in their ballots. Then, we look back at the appearance of Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., in Tampa over the weekend to stump for state Rep. Angie Nixon, who is running for Senate. Finally, are roller coasters safe? We discuss following the death of a rider in Georgia. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3

What are the challenges to running a food bank, particularly when there are high fuel prices and high grocery prices to contend with? The shelves of a local pantry ran dry multiple times last month. Then, why is a group of businesses suing the city of Tampa over a stormwater project? We also chat with the publisher of Tampa Bay Forward magazine, now in its 20th year celebrating the achievements of Black changemakers. Finally, how do you bring a classic Stephen King psychological horror to the stage? Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3

How do nonprofits like United Way Suncoast benefit from the property tax system as it exists now? What happens to them if voters pass the controversial measure next month? Then, we talk with the filmmakers behind "Jit," a Florida-centric horror-mystery flick. And speaking of horror mysteries, we get to the bottom of a crazy Waymo ride in Tampa. And speaking of rides, a chef is on a 700-mile bicycling mission to get healthier meals to schoolchildren. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3

Last week, a state appellate court ordered that a recently leaked grand jury report on Hope Florida be expunged. Does it all go away with no repercussions? We also speak to a local author about her experience as a caregiver for a mom with dementia and a parent to a son with autism. The show also features work from two WUSF staffers who were honored in Creative Loafing’s recent “Best of the Bay” contest. Plus, a museum dedicated to The Beatles reopens this week in a new location in downtown St. Petersburg. We replay a conversation we had in June. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3

For some people, the math of a mortgage doesn’t add up the way it used to. We were curious about the financial pressures homeowners are currently facing in Florida. Then, we talk about last week’s public hearing on the state health department’s plan to remove certain immunization requirements for school children. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3