Florida Matters Live & Local
Monday through Thursday from noon-1 p.m.
Your spot for real, daily conversations. Where neighbors become storytellers, newsmakers explain why and how changes happen and where locals — natives to the area and newcomers — discover and delight in the community they share.
Connecting our region. One conversation at a time.
Most Recent Episodes
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State Rep. Dotie Joseph says she didn’t have a run for governor on her bingo card. Yet, here she is in a crowded field vying against David Jolly for the Democratic nomination.
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It’s time for the Florida Python Challenge, when novices and pros traipse the Everglades to hunt for the invasive species. Last year's winner talks about what goes on during the event.
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Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed $810 million from the state budget. A large portion of that involved water infrastructure and flood mitigation. How will that decision affect residents?
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Public transportation is a big problem in the area, but the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority is trying to make it a little easier to get across the bay – especially if you need to catch a flight in Tampa.
Previous Episodes
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As prices rise, the math of living just isn’t adding up for many Florida families. Now comes word of a connection between housing costs and foster children being kept from their parents.
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The United States is about to turn 250. For many Florida families, it means food, fun and fireworks. For others, it can be time to reflect on history — where we were and where we are going.
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Florida has embraced the Trump administration’s aggressive stance on immigration enforcement. But what happens when residents push back and ask local elected leaders to take a stand against it?
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A divided Supreme Court relies on the 14th Amendment in rejecting President Donald Trump’s executive order. What's the fallout? Legal and immigration experts join the show.
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There are a few new laws going into effect on Wednesday. Well, more than a few. There are 140. Also, Gov. Ron DeSantis was in Tampa to sign the budget for the coming year.
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Ye is bringing his tour to Raymond James Stadium this weekend despite a push by Sen. Rick Scott to cancel over the performer's antisemitic statements. We delve into the controversy.
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Shaded seats sound great, but how much public money should be spent on renovating the Bucs' facility? And, how can Tampa and Hillsborough afford that project while helping build a baseball “Forever Home.”
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Social Security reserves could run short by the 2030s if Congress doesn’t act, according to a report from the program’s trustees. Whom might this shortage affect, and what benefits could be cut?
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Through the eyes of a dog, coming fuel circle, VA under strain, grill rides, tagging rays and sharksDogs Inc. has a program for the public to get a better understanding of guide dogs. Then, is the latest drop in gas prices helping your budget? Also, a look at burnout and staffing shortages at the VA.
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Friday marks the day enslaved people in Texas learned they were free. Hear from people from across Tampa Bay’s Black community about what freedom means to them.
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The U.S. and Iran are set to formally sign a deal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. But there are questions about details and what comes next.
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An artificial intelligence tool used by police agencies identified an innocent man as a suspect. We delve into what can go wrong when police technology gets it wrong.

