Shows
Florida MattersFrom politics to weird noises, WUSF reporters review the year in newsFrom back to back hurricanes to the twists and turns of the US presidential election, there’s been a lot to keep up with in 2024.
Reporters in the WUSF newsroom who covered the issues that had the biggest impact on the greater Tampa Bay region join Florida Matters to share their insights.
Steve Newborn covers politics and the environment, Nancy Guan focuses on immigration and education, Stephanie Colombini covers health care and Sky Lebron covers transportation among other things.
Highlights include stories about polarizing constitutional amendments on recreational marijuana and abortion access, immigration issues, the high cost of groceries and ho...
2024-12-2535 minFlorida MattersFrom politics to weird noises, WUSF reporters review the year in newsFrom back to back hurricanes to the twists and turns of the US presidential election, there’s been a lot to keep up with in 2024.
Reporters in the WUSF newsroom who covered the issues that had the biggest impact on the greater Tampa Bay region join Florida Matters to share their insights.
Steve Newborn covers politics and the environment, Nancy Guan focuses on immigration and education, Stephanie Colombini covers health care and Sky Lebron covers transportation among other things.
Highlights include stories about polarizing constitutional amendments on recreational marijuana and abortion access, immigration issues, the high cost of groceries and ho...
2024-12-2535 min
The Florida RoundupFlorida and California: What the two can learn from each other post-electionThis week on The Florida Roundup, we broke down which proposed constitutional amendments passed and which fell short with Central Florida Public Media’s Joe Byrnes and WUSF’s Stephanie Colombini (1:00). Then, we simulcasted with our colleagues at KQED’s Forum for a conversation about how Florida and California are positioned as political opposites and how our states might actually have a lot in common (19:28).
2024-11-0849 minFlorida MattersFlorida Matters election night 2024On election night 2025, Florida Matters heard from reporters at WUSF and partner stations at watch parties in the Tampa Bay region as results came in.
Political journalist William March shared insights on the races that were set to have the biggest impact on the balance of power in federal and state government. And the proposed constitutional amendments - on recreational marijuana, abortion access and more.
And listeners called in to share their experience of the election, from voting to the issues that were top of mind as they cast their votes.
Guests on this episode include:
Political journalist William March
...
2024-11-0659 minFlorida MattersFlorida Matters election night 2024On election night 2025, Florida Matters heard from reporters at WUSF and partner stations at watch parties in the Tampa Bay region as results came in.
Political journalist William March shared insights on the races that were set to have the biggest impact on the balance of power in federal and state government. And the proposed constitutional amendments - on recreational marijuana, abortion access and more.
And listeners called in to share their experience of the election, from voting to the issues that were top of mind as they cast their votes.
Guests on this episode include:
Political journalist William March
...
2024-11-0659 minThe Florida RoundupThe Fight over Amendment 4, early voting and NPAs, PolitiFact checks claims, weekly news briefingThis week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke with WUSF’s Stephanie Colombini about the legal wrangling over Amendment 4 (08:09) and then we heard from former Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court Charles Wells (12:00). We also talked about voter turnout and how to appeal to non-party voters first with DNC Chair Jaime Harrison (19:14) and later the Chair for the Republican Party of Florida Evan Power (26:30). Next, we turned to Samantha Putterman with PolitiFact to check some recent claims around Amendment 4 (31:59). Plus, we took a closer look at Amendments 3, 5, and 2 (37:14) and heard about a unique job posting in one Florida town (47:24).
2024-10-2649 minFlorida MattersTaking stock of the damage after Hurricane MiltonPeople had barely even begun picking up their lives after Hurricane Helene two weeks ago when Milton hit the Gulf Coast.
A day after Hurricane Milton slammed into the Gulf Coast, Florida Matters heard from people across the greater Tampa Bay region about the storm's impact and the recovery ahead.
Milton made landfall Wednesday night as a Category 3 hurricane near Siesta Key, just south of Sarasota, with dangerous storm surge, damaging wind and flooding rain. Millions across the state were still without power as first responders continued to rescue people stranded by floodwaters and assess the damage.
For many, Hurricane...
2024-10-111h 44Florida MattersTaking stock of the damage after Hurricane MiltonPeople had barely even begun picking up their lives after Hurricane Helene two weeks ago when Milton hit the Gulf Coast.
A day after Hurricane Milton slammed into the Gulf Coast, Florida Matters heard from people across the greater Tampa Bay region about the storm's impact and the recovery ahead.
Milton made landfall Wednesday night as a Category 3 hurricane near Siesta Key, just south of Sarasota, with dangerous storm surge, damaging wind and flooding rain. Millions across the state were still without power as first responders continued to rescue people stranded by floodwaters and assess the damage.
For many, Hurricane...
2024-10-111h 44Florida MattersTampa Bay takes stock after Hurricane HeleneAcross the greater Tampa Bay region, people are taking stock of the destruction left behind by Hurricane Helene. Storm surge of eight feet and more in some places flooded homes and businesses. Tens of thousands of homes and buildings are damaged- some completely destroyed. Some beachside towns look like a war zone after a wall of water bulldozed sand through the streets. And as of Monday, 11 people were confirmed to have died in our community.
On this episode hear what recovery looks like as people pick up the pieces after this monstrous storm. And - the voices of people who...
2024-10-0228 minFlorida MattersTampa Bay takes stock after Hurricane HeleneAcross the greater Tampa Bay region, people are taking stock of the destruction left behind by Hurricane Helene. Storm surge of eight feet and more in some places flooded homes and businesses. Tens of thousands of homes and buildings are damaged- some completely destroyed. Some beachside towns look like a war zone after a wall of water bulldozed sand through the streets. And as of Monday, 11 people were confirmed to have died in our community.
On this episode hear what recovery looks like as people pick up the pieces after this monstrous storm. And - the voices of people who...
2024-10-0228 minThe Florida RoundupHurricane Helene, PolitiFact claims check, weekly briefing.This week on The Florida Roundup, we checked in with reporters and officials across the state to begin assessing the impact of Hurricane Helene. First, we heard from Lynn Hatter, news director for WFSU in Tallahassee (02:56), then we spoke with Megan Borowski, meteorologist for Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (07:07). Afterwards, we heard from Stephanie Colombini with WUSF in Tampa (09:17) and Craig Fugate, former director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (19:56). Next, we turned to Áine Pennello with WUFT in Gainesville (25:44) and later, WUSF’s news director Mary Shedden (33:07). We also checked in with our partner PolitiFact for a claims check abo...
2024-09-2749 min
Respecting ReligionConscience protections in SCOTUS abortion casesHow do religion and religious freedom arguments interact with cases about abortion access? The legal landscape here is beyond complex, and in this episode, Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman look at how conscience protections were discussed in two recent Supreme Court cases about abortion. There is a deepening religion and policy conversation in our country, and they discuss how that conversation is reflected in these oral arguments – from Church Amendments to the doctrine of preemption. SHOW NOTES Segment 1 (starting at 00:38): U.S. Food and Drug Administration v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine Amanda and Ho...
2024-05-0940 minFlorida MattersHow the Florida Supreme Court's decisions on abortion and marijuana will affect health care and politicsThe Florida Supreme Court released opinions on two proposed constitutional amendments Monday afternoon. One would enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution, and the other would legalize recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older.
At the same time, the court released a ruling on a challenge to Florida’s 15-week abortion ban. The court upheld the 15-week ban, which in turn means a more restrictive six-week ban will soon take effect.
Stetson University College of Law professor Louis Virelli spoke to Florida Matters about the legal context of the court's decisions. Also joining the program to discuss the impact of these co...
2024-04-0328 minFlorida MattersHow the Florida Supreme Court's decisions on abortion and marijuana will affect health care and politicsThe Florida Supreme Court released opinions on two proposed constitutional amendments Monday afternoon. One would enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution, and the other would legalize recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older.
At the same time, the court released a ruling on a challenge to Florida’s 15-week abortion ban. The court upheld the 15-week ban, which in turn means a more restrictive six-week ban will soon take effect.
Stetson University College of Law professor Louis Virelli spoke to Florida Matters about the legal context of the court's decisions. Also joining the program to discuss the impact of these co...
2024-04-0328 minFlorida MattersCombating the surge in youth gun violence in FloridaA shooting in Ybor City the weekend before Halloween killed two people: 14-year-old Elijah Wilson and 20-year-old Harrison Boonstoppel, and injured 16 others.
So far, two people, a 22-year-old man and a 14-year-old boy, have each been charged with second degree murder. Police say the investigation is ongoing.
The charges against the 14-year-old highlight a grim fact in Florida: more kids are getting their hands on guns.
In a series airing on WUSF this week - Growing Up with Guns - Health News Florida’s Stephanie Colombini examines the consequences: from deaths and injuries to children, to the trauma of losing a...
2023-12-1339 minFlorida MattersCombating the surge in youth gun violence in FloridaA shooting in Ybor City the weekend before Halloween killed two people: 14-year-old Elijah Wilson and 20-year-old Harrison Boonstoppel, and injured 16 others.
So far, two people, a 22-year-old man and a 14-year-old boy, have each been charged with second degree murder. Police say the investigation is ongoing.
The charges against the 14-year-old highlight a grim fact in Florida: more kids are getting their hands on guns.
In a series airing on WUSF this week - Growing Up with Guns - Health News Florida’s Stephanie Colombini examines the consequences: from deaths and injuries to children, to the trauma of losing a...
2023-12-1339 min
Florida RoundupSports betting; Medicaid unwinding; Florida’s wildlifeThis week on The Florida Roundup, Seminole Hard Rock Casino has relaunched its sports betting app after a court fight over bringing sports betting to the state. We talk about the stakes with sports betting attorney Daniel Wallach, the head of No Casinos John Sowinski and Jessica Cattelino, author of “High Stakes: Florida Seminole Gaming and Sovereignty.” Plus, we look at how the Medicaid unwinding process is going with WMFE’s Joe Mario Pedersen and WUSF & Health News Florida’s Stephanie Colombini, and later KFF’s Jennifer Tolbert. And later, we catch up on some of the wildlife stories from across the
2023-11-1749 minFlorida MattersHow Medicaid unwinding affects the health care of Floridians, and how to navigate Medicare enrollmentIt’s open enrollment for Medicare. For people who are eligible for the federal health insurance program, picking a plan and making sure it’s affordable can be a challenge, especially paying for medication when you’re on a fixed income.
On this episode, we sit down with a volunteer who’s spent the last six years guiding people through the process of signing up for Medicare.
And we explore how Medicaid unwinding has dropped hundreds of thousands of Floridians from their health insurance.
Joining Florida Matters: Stephanie Colombini, who has been reporting on Medicaid unwinding for Health News Florida. And Fran...
2023-11-1527 minFlorida MattersHow Medicaid unwinding affects the health care of Floridians, and how to navigate Medicare enrollmentIt’s open enrollment for Medicare. For people who are eligible for the federal health insurance program, picking a plan and making sure it’s affordable can be a challenge, especially paying for medication when you’re on a fixed income.
On this episode, we sit down with a volunteer who’s spent the last six years guiding people through the process of signing up for Medicare.
And we explore how Medicaid unwinding has dropped hundreds of thousands of Floridians from their health insurance.
Joining Florida Matters: Stephanie Colombini, who has been reporting on Medicaid unwinding for Health News Florida. And Fran...
2023-11-1527 minFlorida MattersAssessing the impact of Hurricane Ian, one year later; Hernando County recovers from IdaliaFlorida Matters revisits parts of the greater Tampa Bay region that are still rebuilding one year after Hurricane Ian. WUSF journalists report on the lingering aftermath of Hurricane Ian, which made landfall on Sept. 28 last year, carving a destructive path through Southwest Florida and dumping flooding rain on a wide swath of the state.
Stephanie Colombini talks with health care advocates in Sarasota about Hurricane Ian’s impact and lessons for the future. Cathy Carter takes us inside the historic Venice Theater as the theater company works to restore the community landmark. And Kerry Sheridan explores what Ian revealed about co...
2023-09-2828 minFlorida MattersAssessing the impact of Hurricane Ian, one year later; Hernando County recovers from IdaliaFlorida Matters revisits parts of the greater Tampa Bay region that are still rebuilding one year after Hurricane Ian. WUSF journalists report on the lingering aftermath of Hurricane Ian, which made landfall on Sept. 28 last year, carving a destructive path through Southwest Florida and dumping flooding rain on a wide swath of the state.
Stephanie Colombini talks with health care advocates in Sarasota about Hurricane Ian’s impact and lessons for the future. Cathy Carter takes us inside the historic Venice Theater as the theater company works to restore the community landmark. And Kerry Sheridan explores what Ian revealed about co...
2023-09-2828 minFlorida MattersNew Florida law allows families back into assisted living facilities, even during a health emergencyWe 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.
2022-05-1128 minFlorida MattersNew Florida law allows families back into assisted living facilities, even during a health emergencyWe 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.
2022-05-1128 minFlorida MattersElection HangoverThe 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 t...
2018-11-0718 minFlorida MattersElection HangoverThe 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 t...
2018-11-0718 minFlorida MattersRebroadcast: Tampa Bay's Craft Beer PhenomenonHurricane 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...
2018-10-1025 minFlorida MattersRebroadcast: Tampa Bay's Craft Beer PhenomenonHurricane 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...
2018-10-1025 minFlorida MattersAward-Winning Radio StoriesThis 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. Y...
2018-08-1419 minFlorida MattersAward-Winning Radio StoriesThis 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. Y...
2018-08-1419 minFlorida MattersTampa Bay's Craft Beer PhenomenonOn 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 Tr...
2018-07-2425 minFlorida MattersTampa Bay's Craft Beer PhenomenonOn 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 Tr...
2018-07-2425 minFlorida MattersPhotography, Glass And Other Tampa Bay Art FormsFlorida 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.o...
2018-07-1720 minFlorida MattersPhotography, Glass And Other Tampa Bay Art FormsFlorida 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.o...
2018-07-1720 minFlorida MattersRebroadcast: Healthcare for the UninsuredIn 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?
Fl...
2018-05-2918 minFlorida MattersRebroadcast: Healthcare for the UninsuredIn 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?
Fl...
2018-05-2918 minFlorida MattersJuicing Pot And Racing GreyhoundsFollowing 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.
2018-04-2515 minFlorida MattersJuicing Pot And Racing GreyhoundsFollowing 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.
2018-04-2515 minFlorida MattersTampa Bay's Local Music SceneFlorida 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?
2018-03-2114 minFlorida MattersTampa Bay's Local Music SceneFlorida 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?
2018-03-2114 minFlorida MattersSt. Petersburg As International Arts MeccaOn 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.
2018-02-2817 minFlorida MattersSt. Petersburg As International Arts MeccaOn 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.
2018-02-2817 minFlorida MattersFebruary Reporters RoundtableAfter 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?
2018-02-2015 minFlorida MattersFebruary Reporters RoundtableAfter 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?
2018-02-2015 minFlorida MattersHealthcare For The UninsuredIn 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?
2018-02-0718 minFlorida MattersHealthcare For The UninsuredIn 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?
2018-02-0718 minFlorida MattersJanuary Reporters' RoundtableThe 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.
2018-01-2417 minFlorida MattersJanuary Reporters' RoundtableThe 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.
2018-01-2417 minFlorida MattersHockey and Pirates Hit TampaWUSF 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.
2018-01-1815 minFlorida MattersHockey and Pirates Hit TampaWUSF 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.
2018-01-1815 minFlorida MattersGovernor Rick Scott's State of the State AddressWe'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.
2018-01-1015 minFlorida MattersGovernor Rick Scott's State of the State AddressWe'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.
2018-01-1015 minFlorida MattersTampa Bay's Ethnic NewspapersWUSF 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?
2018-01-0420 minFlorida MattersTampa Bay's Ethnic NewspapersWUSF 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?
2018-01-0420 minFlorida MattersDecember Reporters RoundtableFlorida 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.
2017-12-2818 minFlorida MattersDecember Reporters RoundtableFlorida 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.
2017-12-2818 minFlorida MattersTelling Tampa Bay Stories: Part TwoUniversity 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.
2017-12-2120 minFlorida MattersTelling Tampa Bay Stories: Part TwoUniversity 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.
2017-12-2120 minFlorida MattersTelling Tampa Bay StoriesProgress 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 t...
2017-12-1416 minFlorida MattersTelling Tampa Bay StoriesProgress 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 t...
2017-12-1416 minFlorida MattersTampa Bay's Local Music SceneFlorida 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?
2017-12-1114 minFlorida MattersTampa Bay's Local Music SceneFlorida 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?
2017-12-1114 min