Lily Belcher
WUSF Rush Family Radio News internAt 16 years old, I was walking into businesses and getting interviews. My dad was still driving me places, my phone cover was pink and sparkly and I had entirely no idea what I was doing, but it was something that came naturally to me.
I fell in love with talking to people and hearing their stories. Turning those conversations into words was an easy way to turn my love of storytelling into a career.
I am double majoring in mass communications and professional and technical communications at the University of South Florida.
I was also the managing editor for The Oracle, the university’s student newspaper on the Tampa campus.
As a WUSF intern, I reported on community stories in the Tampa Bay region and am now helping produce segments for Florida Matters Live and Local.
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From schools to student aid, historic escapes to outdoor adventures, this "Florida Matters Live & Local" runs the gamut of the serious and the surprising. -
From skyrocketing utility bills to debates over property taxes and SNAP benefits — and, of course, the wildest Florida Man stories — Floridians are feeling the squeeze, the stakes and the strange. -
On "Florida Matters: Live & Local," we highlight courage and community — strengthening young minds, fighting for felons' rights, a historically Black golf course and houses built to beat a Category 5 hurricane. -
On "Florida Matters: Live & Local," we explore why some Floridians are thinking of bolting while others stay put, how air taxis could lift commuters and the region's original aviation innovation. -
On "Florida Matters: Live & Local," we dive into the aftermath of the weekend's Ybor City tragedy, hear from caregivers from across the state, and catch up on the Bolts, Bucs and Bulls. -
On "Florida Matters: Live & Local," we break down soaring health care costs, dive into the legend of Florida Man, and celebrate art rising from the sands of Siesta Key. -
On "Florida Matters: Live and Local," we celebrate Veterans Day with discussions on the contributions of vets and the programs that support them. -
On "Florida Matters: Live and Local," we dive into a possible change in Florida politics, the fight against lung cancer, jobs AI can’t take, and stories of Jamaicans survival a hurricane. -
"Live and Local" digs into local change, pride and spirited competition. Included are discussions on the stalled USF presidential approval and neighborhoods preserving their heritage. -
From mental health shortages and dangerous streets to murky springs and colorful murals, "Live and Local" discussions span crises, solutions and creativity.
