Jessica Meszaros
Reporter/HostI’ve been a voice on public radio stations across Florida since 2012, working for stations in Miami, Fort Myers and now Tampa.
My main role for WUSF is to report on climate change and the environment, while taking part in NPR’s High-Impact Climate Change Team. I’m also a participant of the Florida Climate Change Reporting Network.
I enjoy giving the audience an immersive sensory experience by using active sounds and descriptive writing.
Over the years, my work has been recognized by the Radio Television Digital News Association, Sunshine State Awards, Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists, Public Media Journalists Association, Green Eyeshade Awards, and Climate Adaptation Center.
I’ve also been a recipient of a few fellowships: Natl. Science, Health, Environment Reporting Fellow; RTDNA N.S. Bienstock Fellow; and Kopenhaver Center Fellow.
Some of my hobbies, like camping, hiking and kayaking, have coincided with my beat to continue giving me a fresh take of the human experience within the natural world.
Born and raised in South Florida, I’m a second-generation immigrant. My mom and dad both escaped communist countries — Cuba and what was then known as Czechoslovakia, respectively. I feel that my family’s unique background gives me a deeper understanding of the complexities each person brings to a story.
If you have a story idea about the environment or sustainability, you can contact me at jmmeszaros@wusf.org.
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After last year’s storms, local governments and the state could end up changing their land development codes to make sure structures are safer and more resilient, an expert says. -
Residents of the barrier island can voluntarily raise their whole property, including garages, driveways, and seawalls, using fill dirt when elevating their homes away from rising seas. -
WUSF wants to hear about your experience either as a parent, teacher, student, or textbook author. -
While a Florida lawmaker says "we need to embrace the technology while also ensuring safety,” one clean energy advocate disagrees with tacking on fees to EVs drivers. -
The American Lung Association is concerned about the funding cuts being made at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which has been their source for this report for 20-plus years. -
The strawberry breeds called Florida Brilliance and Sweet Sensation had less damage from chilli thrips and higher yields than five other varieties over a few growing seasons. -
Growers may also lose some chemicals popularly used to fight against fungal diseases through proposed federal regulation changes. -
The "coral defenders" are made of plastic called PHA. Similar to a potato starch, it naturally breaks down when exposed, especially to salt water. -
Warm temperatures, low winds, less Saharan dust and mid-level moisture will all help to form more storms, scientists at the Climate Adaptation Center said. -
Pam Beitlich describes the women who founded Sarasota's first hospital 100 years ago, plus stories of women rising up in a male-dominated workplace.
