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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“Our residents need to start looking at future risk… start thinking about what happens when sea level rise starts combining with rainier days and stronger storms,” said Cara Wood Serra of the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council. -
The Florida Public Service Commission, which oversees Tampa Electric, approved rate increases, higher profits, and a new fracked gas plant for MacDill Air Force Base. -
As sea level rise pushes more water ashore, and as warming temperatures create more rain, we explore the idea of how schools might adapt to the new climate reality. -
One Florida physician says climate change needs to be part of the medical school curriculum in the U.S. -
Warren, who was suspended by Gov. Ron DeSantis, lost a contentious race for state attorney to his appointed successor, Suzy Lopez. -
"All of those people came together because they knew how important it was to get the kids back on the island and back in their school. So, I just feel really, really grateful,” said Principal Katie Fradley. -
She said a large number of Hispanic and Latino people applied for assistance in Plant City, including many migrant workers. She offers tips to anyone who is seeking federal aid. -
Helene brought up to 18 feet of waves at the mouth of Tampa Bay, less than 10 miles from the shoreline. The storm surge also overtopped the Gulf-side seawall by up to 2 feet and bayside seawall by over 4 feet. -
No solo estarán disponibles los mismos créditos fiscales durante la próxima década mas o menos, sino que Florida comenzará a distribuir reembolsos de energía doméstica a partir de un fondo de $346 millones de la Ley de Reducción de la Inflación que el gobernador Ron DeSantis aceptó recientemente. -
Suzy Macke says restoring power after Hurricanes Helene and Milton has been the most challenging work scenario. She also started a private Facebook group for women in the industry to have a safe space to speak freely.
