Matthew Peddie
Host, Florida Matters Live & LocalI am the host of WUSF's Florida Matters Live & Local, where I get to indulge my curiosity in people and explore the endlessly fascinating stories that connect this community.
I’m originally from New Zealand, but I’ve lived in Florida for more than a decade. Among my first assignments as a radio reporter in the Sunshine state were covering the retirement of the iconic space shuttles and the dawn of the new commercial space race. I’ve also reported on Central Florida’s booming economy and its flip side: the affordable housing and homelessness crisis, and I’ve covered hurricanes and closely watched presidential elections.
Before WUSF I spent 10 years at WMFE in Orlando, where my roles included transportation reporter, acting news director and hosting the public affairs show Intersection. Working as a journalist in Florida has honed my skills as a host and developed my appreciation for the power of public radio to help illuminate complex issues. Prior to moving to the US I worked as a radio reporter in New Zealand, and my journalism career has taken me as far south as Scott Base, Antarctica.
Outside of work I enjoy sketching, street hockey, watching cricket and exploring Florida’s great outdoors with my family.
Contact Matthew at 813-974-8680, on X @matthew_peddie or by email at mpeddie@wusf.org
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Sailor Geek has been creating and wearing cosplays for more than 20 years. This Saturday, they’re hosting the cosplay competition at Tampa Bay Comic Con. Here’s how to get tickets. -
The Lindsay Clancy case in Massachusetts has sparked conversations about perinatal mood disorders. Many of us are trying to learn more about postpartum psychosis. A local expert is here to oblige. -
Animal shelters in Tampa Bay have too many pets and not enough space. What’s leading to the overcapacity — especially for cats? -
Felipe "Fil” Bergson wants the beloved bookstore to reopen and has been trying to get the attention of the owners for months. Planning an unsanctioned concert on Haslam's property made it happen. -
After years of proposals, political fights and false starts, the Rays finally have approvals for a new stadium. Now what? And what happened to plans for a pop-up concert in support of a closed bookstore? -
They're used by law enforcement agencies, private companies and municipalities and are being installed in Florida and across the country at a rapid pace. -
The backlash is growing against Flock automatic license plate readers. Our panel of experts expresses concerns about the technology. -
The converted short school bus decorated in ice-cream balls is more than a business with sweet treats. Owner Emily Grace developed it as a hands-on vocational training ground for adults with special needs. -
Ever look at a big rig and think, “That sure looks fun”? We meet a newly graduated driver from a local trucker school and hear why America needs more licensed operators. -
The Buffalo Soldiers, the first all-Black regular U.S. Army regiments established by Congress in 1866, camped out in Tampa prior to their deployment to Cuba during the Spanish-American War.
