Host Matthew Peddie is back in the anchor chair after some holiday time away.
He starts with the Everglades, where “Alligator Alcatraz” has reignited a decades-old environmental fight and a federal law born out of an earlier battle to protect the River of Grass.
From there, we shift to the arts, exploring how Florida helped shape the work of one of the world’s most influential contemporary artists.
And we wrap things up with two debates that feel uniquely Floridian: One over which bird best represents the state and another over how snow can exist here at all.
Yes, snow. How cool.
Defending the Everglades - again!
(0:00) Our Meghan Bowman discusses her special project on “Alligator Alcatraz” and the Everglades. She walks us through how her reporting uncovered echoes of a decades-old environmental battle that helped shape federal law. She also explains why that history matters right now.
GUEST:
- Meghan Bowman, Your Florida multimedia reporter for WUSF
Rauschenberg at 100
(12:02) There’s a major new exhibition marking the centenary of artist Robert Rauschenberg that places Florida at the center of his legacy. The show’s curator shares how a teenage fan letter led to a lifelong connection with Rauschenberg and shaped the show. We also explore how the artist’s years on Captiva Island influenced the work on display.
GUEST:
- Jade Dellinger, director of exhibitions and collections at Florida Southwestern State College in Fort Myers
One for the bird lovers
(21:04) The flamingo, scrub jay or mockingbird? Lawmakers again debate which bird deserves to represent our state. The president of the Tampa Audubon Society breaks down these contenders and the politics behind them. And why does the debate keep resurfacing — and does it matter?
GUEST:
- Ann Paul, president of Tampa Audubon Society and Florida Ornithological Society
The only snow in town
(36:10) Believe it or not, there’s snow just north of Tampa. Snowcat Ridge creates a wintry escape, even with the air conditioner running. What will visitors to the outdoor park experience — and why don’t these frosty flakes melt?
GUEST:
- Tad Kledzik, Snowcat Ridge general manager
